VOL. 4, NO. 2 / APRIL 19, 2012
E: ke U S IS ers Ma S I H mebuy T um e s N u I o ’s M es H
stak Children SWLA i M Five t the Guide to a y A Da comers New
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Volume 4 • Issue 2
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 Leslie Berman George Cline Dan Ellender Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Bruce Sweatt Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING sales@thejambalayanews.com
SALES ASSOCIATES Michele Clack Katy Corbello Faye Drake Karla Tullos GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews
contents
On Cover: Dr. Thomas Axelrad and Dr. Brett Cascio. Photo by Romero & Romero Photography.
April 19, 2012 • Volume 4 • Issue 2
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COVER STORY 19 Orthopaedic Specialists: Cutting Edge Medicine Close to Home
REGULARS 6 9 10 11 24
The Boiling Pot Adoption Corner The Dang Yankee Tips from Tip Sports Report
FEATURES 5 13 14 16
A Day at the Children’s Museum Five Mistakes Homebuyers Make Newcomers Speak! Newcomers’ Guide
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ENTERTAINMENT 23 26 29 32 36 38 39
Family Night at the Movies Red Hot Books Society Spice Jambalaya Jam Local Jam Eclectic Company Killin’ Time Crossword
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Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff. The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Copyright 2012 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.
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Volume 4 • Issue 2
APRIL 19, 2012
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A Note From Lauren Carnival Days
When I think back on my childhood, it’s comforting to know that some things have remained the same. And there’s one tradition that hasn’t changed in decades: With the advent of spring, the carnivals start coming to town—all over the country. Naturally, there have been changes. The rides I remember as a very small child, such as the Ferris Wheel and the merry-go-round, are still there, but they’ve been pimped out with flashing lights and electronic music. And there are all kinds of new rides and attractions, such as bungee jumping and rock climbing that were unheard of back in the day. And there have been a lot of fabulously unhealthy additions to carnival food throughout the years. Along with cotton candy and popcorn and hot dogs, we can now get fried anything on a stick, along with onion blossoms, corn dogs and sno-cones in 85 flavors. And they will deep-fry whatever they can get their hands on: Twinkies, candy bars, even sticks of butter. The possibilities are endless; so are the trips to the doctor. The first carnival I ever went to
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was held in the schoolyard at St. Lazarus School. I can’t imagine the grounds being big enough for that, but apparently, they were. I think I was around 4 years old and not even attending St. Lazarus yet. My cousin Karen took me along with her friends, and she made a big deal out of the event, going through my closet to pick out a sundress for me to wear. She was around 10 and I was so excited to be out with the “big girls.” My aunt Gloria was petrified of the “carnies.” One time, when a carnival came to town, there were some break-ins in the area. We weren’t affected, but in our family, all it takes is one person’s misfortune to get everyone hysterical. “Watch out for those show people!” she’d warn us. “They’re bad news!” They actually were pretty creepy, as I recall: Unkempt and unshaven, they generally had cigarettes dangling from their lips, along with homemade tattoos and missing teeth. They reeked of alcohol, which goes handhand with operating dangerous machinery. And let’s just say that most of them probably posed for a mug shot or two. But that’s what you
expected when you went to the carnival. My favorite scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is when Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie are sipping eggnog by the Christmas tree. Clark tries to make small talk with him, so he asks about Eddie’s oldest son. Eddie says he’s planning for his future. “College?” Clarke asks hopefully. “Carnival!” Eddie responds proudly. Phil and I crack up every time. The ride I enjoyed the most was the Tilt-a-Whirl. At this stage of my life, I’m sure I’d lose my lunch on the first whirl, but when I was a kid, I loved to be dizzy and tossed around. Karen was so proud of me for going on every ride. Her brother Richard, who was a year older than me, cried and wouldn’t go on anything. When I got a little older and was actually attending St. Lazarus, it was kind of strange to see the nuns at the carnival. I was so used to them watching us like hawks and whacking the boys on their heads with rulers that it was weird to watch them eating ice cream cones and laughing— and even going on some of the rides.
They were out of context; they belonged in front of the blackboard waving their rubber-tipped pointers and blowing on their pitch pipes in preparation for hymn singing, and fingering their beads. They weren’t supposed to have fun. Of course, the most wonderful thing about carnivals is that they meant warm weather. There were no carnivals in winter. Carnivals meant long summer days and nights; screaming until you were hoarse and not being told to be quiet; having your father win you a stuffed animal; slurping on slush (that’s what we called sno-cones); laughing at our grotesque shapes in the fun house mirrors. It meant just being a kid. And I guess that’s why I still have such a soft spot for them. Anything seen through the eyes of a child is magnified; when we get older, we sadly lose that perception. But parents can relive that joy when they take their own kids to the carnival. Make new memories, but always remember.
– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN
Volume 4 • Issue 2
By Bruce Sweatt Bruce Sweatt is a McNeese student majoring in education. As part of the curriculum for his Education 204 class with professor Gwen Duhon, Sweatt was required to visit the Children’s Museum in downtown Lake Charles, and present a term paper of his observations. Here are some excerpts: Except for a few colorfully painted suns with smiling faces and letters in crayon font, the Children’s Museum is housed in an unassuming, dusky brick building. The small amount of sidewalk space in front belies the fact of just how spacious the museum actually is. An entire new world is behind the two heavy front doors. Three stories high, it offers an array of learning stations, play and adventure for young children. From the grocery store to the firehouse to virtual canoeing to the news anchor desk, there is an abundant opportunity to learn. Located downtown and hidden among today’s road construction, the Children’s Museum offers something for young children, parents, and teachers. The Brenda H. Hunter Head Start childcare organization was visiting the museum during my time of observation. Founded in the early 1960s, head start programs were originally designed as a summer school program, but have since expanded in nature. They’ve been redesigned, reauthorized, and have grown in numbers to help low-income children develop the educational and social
Volume 4 • Issue 2
skills necessary to begin their educational careers. The Head Start class was accompanied by a dozen or so parents and grandparents. The entire quartet of participants—students, teachers, parents and grandparents—benefited from their day at the museum. The children were introduced to careers and knowledge that many would find limited or even foreign to them in their everyday surroundings. In the firehouse, children donned rubber boots and a fireman’s hat and coat, and were able to slide down the firemen’s pole, usually with the aid of an adult. While a news anchor desk with a virtual TV screen provided them with the opportunity to broadcast themselves as KPLC-TV news anchors, a microscope allowed them to peer into a fascinating new world of biology, specimens, and scientists. Some children teamed up to crab with magnets from the make-believe pier. Others led by assuming the role of the shrimp boat captain, while their classmates-turned-shipmates cast a net to catch crabs. The children learned about force and momentum as they pushed balls
down a looping slide and ramp in an attempt to be the first to land the balls in buckets. Some experimented with magnetic fields and magnetized bolts, screws, and washers. The visiting adults seemed to enjoy their time as well, interacting with their children in this fun, yet educational environment, explaining the purposes of the various learning stations. Parents also reversed roles, letting their children do the grocery shopping in the museum’s food store; helping them check out at the register, pay for their items, and, more often than not, return for more items. That day, the adults were given the opportunity to be a part of their children’s learning, role-playing, and dreaming; this encourages them to play a more active role in their children’s education. The teachers I observed gained valuable experience. For some, it may have been the first time they had to manage a class in what was essentially a three-storied playground. In a classroom setting, control can be an afterthought. Not so at the Children’s Museum.
The experience offered the teachers a challenge not normally experienced in a conventional classroom. The constant clatter of young voices and the learning stations probably tested their patience and, undoubtedly by the end of the day, their love for teaching. Final Thoughts The Children’s Museum encourages the learning of science and social skills, and introduces occupational fields seldom promoted in lowincome families and communities. Additionally, it allows teachers to form a bond between both the student and the parent outside of a typical classroom environment. Although a subtle lesson, it, nonetheless, can lead to a lifelong team of support in a child’s education. When both the parent and teacher take an active and encouraging role, the child comes out the winner. In addition to my own childhood experiences, these reasons further embellish my desire to be a mentor and a teacher to children coming from a similar educationally challenged environment. TJN
APRIL 19, 2012
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The
Boiling
P l
Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com
FUSILIER NAMED TO BOARD OF SWLA ALLIANCE FOUNDATION John W. Fusilier, CEO of First National Bank DeRidder since 2004, has been named to the board of the Southwest Louisiana Alliance Foundation. Fusilier is also a member of the Beauregard Vernon Sunrise Rotary Club. The goal of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance is to strengthen economic ties within the five-parish area of Southwest Louisiana, made up of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis parishes.
John W. Fusilier
From left to right: Steve Kuypers, Delta Downs Vice President and General Manager; John F. DeRosier, Calcasieu Parish District Attorney and Keith Wimberly, Chairman, Wishing Well Foundation of SWLA.
DELTA DOWNS DONATES TO WISHING WELL FOUNDATION Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel has made a $10,000 contribution to the Wishing Well Foundation of SWLA, in sponsorship of its 17th Annual Golf Tournament. The Wishing Well Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to local children ages 4-15 with life-threatening illnesses. To date, the foundation has fulfilled more than 100 wishes, including trips to Disney World, NASCAR races, Houston Rockets’ basketball games, ski trips, and much more. The Annual Wishing Well Golf Tournament is the foundation’s major fund-raising project each year. It will be held this summer at Gray Plantation. Contact Keith Wimberly at 310-4663 if you know of a child that would qualify for a wish, or if you would like to participate in the tournament. PETER ANGELOPOULOS, MD, JOINS HEART AND VASCULAR CENTER Lake Charles Memorial Health System welcomes cardiologist Peter Angelopoulos, MD, FACC, to Heart & Vascular Center. Dr. Angelopoulos completed his internal medicine residency at the Jamaica Hospital in Jamaica, New York, followed by a cardiovascular fellowship at Manhattan Veterans Hospital through New York University and an interventional cardiology fellowship at NYU Medical Center. He is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology through the American Board of Internal Medicine/Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Angelopoulos will see patients at Heart & Vascular Center’s Lake Charles and Sulphur locations. For more information or to make an appointment, please Dr. Peter Angelopoulos call (337) 49-HEART (494-3278). PAGE 6
APRIL 19, 2012
Anna Catherine Viator, annual events manager; Kay C. Barnett, CFRE, exec. director of development; Keith W. Henson, L’Auberge VP and GM; and Sister Ann Margaret Savant, board of directors and hospital admitting representative.
L’AUBERGE DONATES TO RUN WITH THE NUNS Keith W. Henson, VP/GM of L’Auberge Casino Resort presented an $11,125 check as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2012 Run with the Nuns Motorcycle Ride and Charity Event to the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Foundation. Assistance with organizing the event was provided by the Blue Knights LA VIII Chapter. Proceeds benefitted wellness and diagnostic services at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. ACCESS OF LOUISIANA APPROVED FOR COMMUNITY CHARTER Access of Louisiana Federal Credit Union has been granted a Community Charter for Calcasieu Parish. Approved by the National Credit Union Administration, the Community Charter allows the credit union to offer membership to individuals who live, work, worship or attend school in Calcasieu Parish, along with businesses and other legal entities. “Our new charter not only opens up new member potential, but it affords us the opportunity to increase branch accessibility, expand our products, and develop new services,” Volume 4 • Issue 2
explained Kathy Bourgeois, CEO/president. Access of Louisiana Federal Credit Union is a full service, member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with locations in Westlake, Lake Charles and Sulphur. More information is available online at www.access.coop.
From left: Firestone Polymers representatives Gene Lavengco, plant manager; Bill Dutridge, controller; Neal Coddington, engineering manager and Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, dean of the college. McNeese Photo
FIRESTONE DONATES TO MCNEESE FOUNDATION Firestone Polymers LLC donated $7,500 to the McNeese Foundation for the McNeese State University College of Engineering and Engineering Technology’s engineering endowment campaign.
Beauregard, Allen, Cameron and Jeff Davis parishes. The newly elected officers are: Greg Webb, chair; Vic Stelly, vice chair; Dan Donald, secretary; Jonald Walker, treasurer; Lehrue Stevens M.D, member at large; and Philip Earhart, past chair. Serving as directors are: Susan Blake, Mark Boniol, E.F. Hunter, Mary Shaddock Jones, Brent Lumpkin, Jon Manns, Reed Mendelson, Rick Richard, Tom Shearman, Judge Gene Thibodeaux, and Mary Leach Werner. Lisa Verrette serves as president/CEO of the foundation. For more information about the Community Foundation, visit their website at www.foundationswla.org or call (337) 491-6688. LAKESIDE BANK MOVES TO NEW HOME Lakeside Bank has moved into its new, permanent home located at 4735 Nelson Road. Since opening late in the summer of 2010 in a temporary building while construction of the 6,000-square-foot main building was underway, the bank has reported triple and quadruple percentage growth in the key areas for financial strength and stability. Several experienced bankers in the area have joined the management team at Lakeside in recent months and plans to open additional area branches are underway. Lakeside is the only new bank to open in the country in the past two years, with the exception of three specifically organized to acquire failing banks. For more information about Lakeside and its services, call 474-3766 or visit www.lakesidebanking.com.
Ashley E. Hebert
Left to right: Chris Meaux, Swashbucklers; Ethel Precht and Danielle Simon, US Agencies Insurance.
SWASHBUCKLERS HONOR ETHEL PRECHT The Louisiana Swashbucklers and several of their corporate partners including US Agencies Insurance and Domino’s Pizza honored Ethel Precht in their annual “Pink Game” held March 24 for her work in the fight against breast cancer. In addition to honoring her organization, the Swashbucklers, US Agencies, and Domino’s raised money to benefit the organization to help in their fight against cancer. Corporate partner US Agencies donated $1 for every policy written in February. Domino’s Pizza had a fundraiser on March 20 and donated a portion of pizza sales that day to the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. The Swashbucklers raised money through the sale of their annual First Mate calendar and the sale of pink footballs. In all, these three partners presented Ms. Precht with checks in excess of $7,000 to benefit her organization’s cause. DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN DEROSIER ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS DA John DeRosier promoted Assistant DA David Kimball to Chief Felony Prosecutor and Assistant DA Marcus Myers to Misdemeanor Section Chief. David Kimball graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 1976 with a degree. in history and earned his law degree from LSU School of Law in December 1980. Marcus Myers graduated from Louisiana State University in May 2005 with a degree in political science and earned his law degree from Southern University Law Center in May 2009. He began working for the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s office as an investigator in August 2009. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SWLA HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana recently held its annual meeting and is pleased to announce its board of directors and officers for fiscal year 2012. Based in Lake Charles, the Foundation serves Calcasieu, Volume 4 • Issue 2
Brooke A. Patin
Anne Cobb
MCNEESE STUDENTS, STAFF MEMBER WIN ADDYS Two McNeese State University students and a staff member received several awards at the recent 2012 ADDY Awards program sponsored by the Lake Charles chapter of the American Advertising Federation. Ashley E. Hebert, Ville Platte visual arts senior, won both a silver and a bronze ADDY. Hebert is the spring Nowell A. Daste Scholarship recipient. Brooke A. Patin, Vinton visual arts junior, was awarded two bronze ADDYs. Anne Cobb, graphic designer in the McNeese Office of Public Relations, won a gold, silver and bronze ADDY.
Left to right: Mayor Randy Roach; Ronald Lovett, R & R Construction; Calcasieu Parish DA John DeRosier; Lisa Verrette, president and CEO, Community Foundation of SWLA; and Col. James A. Jackson.
R & R CONSTRUCTION DONATES TO FOURNET MEMORIAL At the April 10 Lake Charles City Council Agenda Meeting, R & R Construction presented a check for $20,000 to the Mayor’s Committee for the First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet Memorial and the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. The funds will be used in support of a project to erect a statue of First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet for Veterans Memorial Park. Fournet, a native of Lake Charles, was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously in April of 1970, for his selfless act of sacrifice in May of 1968 during the Vietnam War. The Medal of Honor is presented by the President of the United States in the name of Congress and is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon any American of the U. S. Armed Forces. APRIL 19, 2012
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LAKE CHARLES COMPETING FOR CLEANEST CITY CONTEST District judging for the Cleanest City Contest was held on March 29, with the city scoring enough points to compete at the state level. The state judging will take place on May 4, and all citizens of the city are asked to keep their yards mowed and litter free, and to dispose of cigarette butts in appropriate containers. Both the Lake Charles Garden Club and Diggers and Weeders Garden Club sponsor the city. The cleanest city contest began nationally in 1958 as a project of The National Federation of Garden Clubs, with Louisiana one of the first states to join the competition. Lake Charles has not competed every year; last year was the first since Hurricane Rita. WOUND HEALING CENTER AT WCCH RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION National Healing Corporation, the nation’s largest provider of managed and outsourced wound healing centers, has recognized the Wound Healing Center at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital with its Front Runner Award. The center was recognized for maximizing its resources to meet the growing needs of its community. It offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds that have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. The Wound Healing Center at WCCH is located at 701 Cypress Street in Sulphur. For more information, call (337) 528-4708.
Left to right: Candice Pauley, community relations coordinator; Keith W. Henson, L’Auberge VP and GM; and Christina Duhon, office manager.
PINNACLE DONATES TO SWLAC The Pinnacle Entertainment Foundation, funded by the parent company of L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, donated $5,000 as the presenting sponsor of the Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council’s Dining Out for Life. Thurs., April 26 is the 3rd Annual Dining Out for Life; local restaurants will donate a percentage of their proceeds on that day to SLAC. For a complete list of participating restaurants or to sign up to volunteer, log onto www.diningoutforlife.com/swla. INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE AT LCMH Lake Charles Memorial Psychiatric Services now has an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that is tailored to patients who have emotional and mental issues. Said Cantu, MD is the attending psychiatrist. This program combines psychotherapy and medication management. Licensed professionals under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist, provide interventions tailored to each client’s needs with group, individual and family therapy. An IOP is three to four days a week Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. The program provides full transportation and a light breakfast snack and lunch. For more information, contact (337) 477-9024. CITGO E-RECYCLE DAY A SUCCESS CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex partnered with Waste Management, The City of Lake Charles, Keep Calcasieu Beautiful, McNeese State University and Team Green, to host E-Recycle Day, Sat., March 24, at the McNeese Cowboy Stadium parking lot. The event allowed community members the opportunity to recycle their unwanted electronics or “E-waste,” including computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones and other electronic devices. More than 500 vehicles lined up to drop off E-waste at the stadium parking lot. Ten full roll-off boxes of E-waste, two 18 wheeler of TVs, 268 light bulbs, 15 lbs. of mercury and 75 lbs. of batteries were collected, as well as various other items. TJN PAGE 8
APRIL 19, 2012
Volume 4 • Issue 2
Memorial Hospital to Provide Sports Physicals Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Sports Medicine will provide sports physicals for fall and spring sports to high school athletes on Sat., May 12, at the Memorial LSUHSC Family Medicine Center at 1525 Oak Park Blvd. Student athletes will have their blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, upper and lower extremities, and flexibility checked by a volunteer army of nurses, nursing students, athletic trainers, and student athletic trainers prior to their physical examinations, which will be conducted by Memorial physician specialists and resident physicians,
Meet Eeyore! “My name does not fit my personality. They called me Eeyore the first day because I looked sad and nervous with my head down, but once I got to feel love and safety in my foster home, my name should be ‘Mr. Happy Pants!!’” Eeyore thinks that everyone is his friend and that all dogs are great chums. He lights up when you want to play or give him some attention. If a happy, sweet, eager-to-please, handsome 1-year-old dog is what you would like, then Eeyore is the dog for you. He is in a foster home and loves to play with the other dogs there. He has the coolest “lean” build with long legs, and would be a fabulous running partner....and his personality is affable, affectionate, and smart. Call Kerry at
(337) 764-7381 if you would like more information about Eeyore, or you can email us at fourpawssociety@aol.com with questions. An adoption application can be found online at www.4PawsSocietyInc.com under the “Forms” tab and can be 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.
TJN
who are also volunteering their time for the event. Teams from Cameron, Calcasieu and Beauregard parishes have designated appointments to ensure the accuracy and timely completion of the exams. Athletes must complete a medical history form prior to arrival. They can obtain the forms from their coaches and extras will be on hand the day of the physicals. To defray the cost of supplies for the physical, there is a $5 fee per athlete examined. For more information, call Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Sports Medicine at (337) 494-4790. TJN
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Volume 4 • Issue 2
APRIL 19, 2012
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Dang Yankee The
By Mike McHugh
Vegging Out: The Sequel There’s one thing I know for sure about gardening in Louisiana—don’t use water that you’ve used to boil crawfish on your tomato plants. I’ve always known this, or at least I believe I did. Crawfish water has lots of salt in it; you’d do better giving your garden a steady diet of margaritas. That goes for roses and geraniums as well as tomatoes, but unfortunately, it doesn’t hold true for Bubbagrass. That’s the name I use for that pervasive weed that rises up out of the drainage ditch, the one so tall and thick that it
could eat an LSU lineman for breakfast. You can’t get anything that would kill that stuff without arousing the attention of Homeland Security. So then, why would I ever suggest to my wife that she pour the vile red liquid into her freshly planted vegetable garden? I have wrestled with this question for over a week now, and I think that I’ve finally figured it out. In short, the devil made me do it. It was about a month ago when she attended a garden show. She
came home all glassy-eyed, having succumbed to the spell of the Giant Hogweed. I could hear her chanting to no one in particular. “I must have a vegetable garden…I must have a vegetable garden.” At first, I thought I was in the clear. The yard was so wet from the spring rains that I doubted even rice could grow there. But then, miraculously, the sun came out for two straight weeks, and suddenly I could navigate my property without a pirogue. No longer did I have an excuse. I was about to become a gentleman farmer. (Okay, the gentleman part might be a stretch.) It’s scary to think about. The Giant Hogweed not only controls my wife; it also holds sway over the weather. It’s out to get me. It’s revenge over the intense chemical warfare I’ve waged on the battleground that is my lawn. It ruined a perfectly beautiful Saturday afternoon, one tailor-made for watching some Texas Hold-‘em on the big screen with a six-pack at my side, the sun peeking through the window and tickling my cheek. That would have been just enough
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dissolve any guilt of wasting a perfectly fine day indoors. But it was not to be. My wife and the Hogweed would not allow me that luxury. Instead, my fate was to slave away the balmy afternoon with hammer, saw and shovel; piecing together a raised bed with scrap lumber and filling it with soil for the benefit of the Hogweed’s minions. I worked like a dog, oblivious to the beckoning of ESPN and the tall cool ones in the fridge. I, too, had fallen under a spell. At first, I wondered if the Hogweed had claimed me as well. But then, while taking a quick pant between shovels, I ventured a glance towards the pool, and right then I knew the force that controlled me. It was something more powerful than the strongest electromagnet. It is called marriage. There I saw her, lounging in the floating recliner that I’d bought her last Christmas. The foam is so light that it floats several inches above the water. She had an apple martini in one hand and a paperback in the other. But her eyes were not on that book; they were glancing toward me, and they were accompanied by that familiar, authoritative smile. And to think that the money that lounge cost me would have bought a fine set of mud flaps for my F-150 pickup. You know the ones—fine rubber, complete with the outline of a sexy babe. That’s the power of marriage. There ain’t no psychic Hogweed that could ever make me go for those mud flaps over her pool lounge. But still, it seems, the married man possesses deep within himself an innate force that strikes back when his manliness is threatened. And this, I think, is what took control when I suggested that she douse her precious seedlings with the poisonous brine. Deep down, I always knew she was gullible. I knew that from the day she agreed to marry me. That’s my theory, anyway. My wife’s take on it is different—something or other about the beer talking. Well, she can believe what she wants to believe. I still like to think there was a higher power at work. I’m counting on it working again. I’m dying to see what it’s going to do now that she suddenly has this new plan to double the garden’s size. Anybody want to trade some mud flaps for a pool lounge? TJN
www.shaklee.net/patsnc PAGE 10
APRIL 19, 2012
Volume 4 • Issue 2
By George “Tip” Cline
over the course of my life that it makes me realize that if you really like a certain restaurant, patronize it as best you can, because as you can see, it may not last. SUPERMARKET ROUNDUP Our shopping comparison is for Wed., April 11, 2012 at Albertsons, Country Club Road; Kroger, McNeese Street; Market Basket, Lake Street and Walmart, Nelson Road. The prices reported here are the posted price on the shelf where the product was placed for sale.
ELIXIR OF THE GODS A friend of mine has a hobby of making cordials and other beverages of an adult nature. He has a wide following among a medieval recreation group that he and I have been members of for a number of years. His homemade meads and other delicious drinks gain him much respect for his good work. He not only graciously shares his beverages, but he also teaches others the secrets and techniques of this craft. One particular liqueur that gains him much fame is an old Polish and Lithuanian favorite that goes back to the 16th century, supposedly originally crafted by Benedictine monks. This elixir, known as Krupnik or Krupnikas, is a honey and vodka based drink that my friend concocts with over a dozen different spices for flavoring. Traditionally, the drink has been a wintertime beverage but it can be appreciated year round, much to the pleasure of everyone I know that has tasted it. Krupnik can be served warm or at room temperature. It is a favorite treat of mine and it is made commercially for sale—but, just not made by my friend. GOING DOWN RESTAURANT MEMORY LANE Walk with me down memory lane for just a moment. For about 25 years, I was a mechanical contractor in Lake Charles, specializing in restaurants, bars and institutional kitchens. (I still keep my license for sentimental reasons.) I have always had an affinity for restaurants and built our business around them. What made me think of this was when they tore down the “old” Taco Volume 4 • Issue 2
Coca Cola, 12-pack of 12-ounce cans: Albertsons $4.99; Kroger $4.99; Market Basket $4; Walmart $4.28. Limes, fresh per each: Albertsons $.25; Kroger $.25; Market Basket $.25; Walmart $.20 Sugar, granulated, 4-pound package: Albertsons $2.69; Kroger $2.29; Market Basket $2.55; Walmart $2.48. Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, per pound: Albertsons $1.98; Kroger $2.79; Market Basket $1.79; Walmart $1.97. TJN
Bell on Prien Lake and Kirkman. Heck, I remember when it was built. We performed a lot of business with all the area Taco Bells. The oldest Taco Bell was on Ryan St., where Chastain’s is now located. There are so many places that have come and gone that it spins the mind trying to remember what was where. Pat’s of Henderson was originally at the old Chennault Officers Club before they built their own spot, where it is now. That Chennault location became the Steak and Quail, which is now defunct. Many other locations have changed names, owners and type of restaurants. Our oldest chain restaurant was Burger Chef, located on Enterprise Blvd. It was started by P.J. O’Carroll in 1958 and functioned for many years until Hardee’s replaced the Burger Chefs. The oldest one here did not make the cut to Hardee’s standards and was a few different restaurants until Mazen took it over, making an old drive-up restaurant into one of the most desired spots in town. That building is no longer standing. Mazen eventually took over the building that was once the Chula Vista, then became Curtis’ Café Iguana, and had a few more incarnations until it became Mazen’s Mediterranean Restaurant. A number of chains have not fared very well in Lake Charles. El Chico lasted for a few years and was taken over by Casa Manana as Peppers— and is now history. Applebee’s didn’t survive Rita and is now Coyote Blues. Ruby Tuesdays didn’t last and is currently A-Mazen. The fine dining of Chez Oca, a long-time favorite, has been replaced by Le Truffe Sauvage. Frank and Emile’s became a number of restaurants, including the original Darrell’s location. Its last operation was Cedar’s, which is now closed. Seaport Seafood on Prewitt Street became Hemingway’s and has now turned into The Kitchen. There have been so many changes APRIL 19, 2012
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The Contraband Days Festival has a new look for its 55th anniversary in 2012. The festival underwent an extensive branding exercise last year to pinpoint the demographics and interests of target audiences to ensure the offerings and branding of the festival are communicating the spirit of the event effectively. In addition, several focus groups and interviews were held on the local level as part of the research. The research was conducted by the O’Carroll Group in Lake Charles involving telephone surveys, in-person interviews and a creative think tank to bring out findings and new ideas to propel the festival to the next level. Peter O’Carroll conducted the interviews and focus groups, and partnered with Saurage Research for telephone surveys in the five-parish area. “Our study showed what people like—and what they want—at Contraband Days,” O’Carroll said, “The Contraband Days board has responded with some great entertainment and an exciting new look for the 2012 festival.”
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One of the results was a slight name change. The festival will now be referred to as “Contraband Days, Louisiana Pirate Festival.” There will be more kid-friendly entertainment and a focus on families and the pirate element of the festival. The new logo and website design were created by Oran and Michelle Parker of Parker Brand Creative. Parker Brand researched depictions of Jean Lafitte and anything of historical interest to the legends of Jean Lafitte to produce the creative of the logo. “We are honored that Parker Brand was chosen to re-imagine and create the new Contraband Days logo,” Oran Parker said. “This is a 55-year-old event with legendary and historical roots. We knew that the new mark should reflect those beginnings and everything that Contraband Days is aspiring to be with its rebranding initiative. We feel strongly that the new logo system we’ve implemented honors everything that Contraband Days has been for 55 years, and has enough longevity to remain valid 55 years from now.” To view the new website and logo, visit www.contrabanddays.com. TJN
Volume 4 • Issue 2
Mistake Number One: Looking for a Better Deal Every market has its up and downs, but today’s market has homebuyers thinking there’s always a better deal just around the corner. While prices could drop further; even in the best of markets, you can’t predict what will happen tomorrow. Potential buyers need to be smart, do their homework and know the value of their chosen area. If you wait for a better deal, you could very well lose the house that was right for you and your family—and end up settling for a less-than-ideal home. Mistake Number Two: Love at First Sight While it’s easy to fall in love with a home, that’s a scary thing in real estate. It’s wise to look at no less than five properties before signing any contracts. Jumping on the first or second home that you see can result in buyer’s remorse, overpaying and the inability to sell at a reasonable price down the road because of the important details you overlooked in your excitement over the home. You have to do your due diligence—without the stars in your eyes! Mistake Number Three: Overpaying for ‘Perfection’ This leads us to the next mistake. The emotions that soar when that “perfect” home is found can become so high that buyers will overpay or overextend themselves financially to get it. And we all know that one man’s pleasure is another man’s poison. A perfect match for one person may be a complete disaster to everyone else. Unfortunately, buyers must take this into consideration from the Volume 4 • Issue 2
beginning—or they will lose money when the time comes to sell. Mistake Number Four: Thinking ‘Short Sale’ is a Deal In a short sale, the proceeds from selling the property fall short of the balance of debts secured by liens against the property. The property owner can’t afford to repay the liens’ full amounts, so the lien holders agree to release their lien on the real estate and accept less than the amount owed on the debt. Getting a home on a short sale may not necessarily be a good deal. Just because you buy something below market value doesn’t mean you’re not overpaying. Always keep the property’s historic price, current market conditions and the home’s features, as well as your own needs, in mind. Weighing all the factors isn’t easy. You can significantly decrease your chances of blundering by working with professionals who know the local market. Mistake Number Five: Lowballing All homebuyers want the lowest possible price, but there’s a big difference between firm negotiating and lowballing. Some buyers come in with unrealistic expectations about what a property should go for. If you make a very low offer, you run the risk of being rejected, dragging the process on and alienating the sellers. This is especially prevalent among cash buyers, who don’t need to borrow money, and know that they can get away with more. But it’s advisable to make a realistic bid not too far off from where you would ultimately like to end up. TJN APRIL 19, 2012
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e uquerqu b l A e d en By Laur
Christy Brasseaux, chief operating officer of LANtec of Louisiana, is a native of Westlake, but has resided in Lafayette since 1989. “When our business had the opportunity to expand into the Lake Charles market in 2009, I was very excited to bring our training services to local businesses and reconnect with old friends in the area,” she said. What does she love about SWLA? “The food and the friendly people, of course!” she said. She often treats her clients and staff to business lunches from Tony’s Pizza, Darrell’s, and PeauxBoy’s Deli. “The lake, the river, and the historic Civic Center seawall make for picturesque sunsets and great memories,” she added. “The revitalization of the downtown landscape is also making notable progress.”
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Brasseaux is very impressed by the ease of getting around in Lake Charles compared to the traffic she’s accustomed to in Lafayette. “The loop was such a worthwhile investment in the city’s infrastructure,” she said. Rachel Claret is both a member of the Newcomers Club of the Lake Area and the owner of Jazzercise Moss Bluff. “This is my second time as a newcomer to the area,” she said. “I moved here in 1998, pregnant with my first child and stayed for six years. We moved away in 2004, then returned in 2010 with four children.” Claret’s husband is employed by ConocoPhillips. “The first time, I had never heard of Lake Charles; the second time, I was excited to be coming back,” she said. “When we moved here the first time, we found a home in Moss Bluff. I remember standing on the property looking back into the forest and saying to myself, ‘This will be a great place to raise kids!’” When they returned in 2010, they were given a number of options after returning from an overseas assignment. “We jumped at the chance to return,” she said. “This time, we decided to live in the South Lake Charles area in order to take advantage of the French Immersion Program at Prien Lake Elementary.” Claret said there’s lot to like about the area. “Three of my personal favorites are parades (especially, but not limited to Mardi
Volume 4 • Issue 2
Gras), the lakefront/Civic Center area and Sam Houston Jones State Park,” she said. “Even though I always donate my beads later, there is such a joyous camaraderie between parade participants and spectators. I LOVE the idea of ‘Throw me something, mister!’ Even better with young children, I love that all the events surrounding Mardi Gras are family-friendly.” The one thing that saddens her about Lake Charles is how the entire lake shore between the Veteran’s Memorial and the base of the I-210 bridge appears to have been ignored completely. “I used to rollerblade from the corner of Clarence and Lakeshore Drive all the way to the base of the bridge,” she said “Now, even though there is only one portion closed, the entire sidewalk along the beach is falling apart – even behind the Visitor’s Center - which is a crying shame!” The lack of sidewalks and safe street crossings south of town are also an issue. “Although we live only a short distance from my kids’ schools, they cannot walk because of safety issues,” she said. “I would like to see the city invest in crosswalks and timed lights at major intersections—especially Nelson Road.” Derek Bagley is an employee of Pinnacle Entertainment at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Originally from Magnolia Springs, Alabama, he and his wife lived in South Korea for a year, and knew that when they returned, they wanted to live somewhere along the
Gulf Coast. “We focused our search for jobs along the coast and fortunately, we both landed jobs in Lake Charles not long after coming home,” he said. Bagley was immediately impressed by the citizens of the Lake Area. “The people here are very friendly,” he said. “Most people I’ve met will go out of their way to help you. It takes Southern hospitality to a whole new level. And of course, [I love] the food. We don’t have this distinctive food culture in Alabama.” When his parents came to visit, he took them through the historic districts, down the Creole Nature Trail and to the local seafood and Cajun restaurants. “Now, every time I visit them, they ask me to bring them some boudin!” he laughed. Bagley’s biggest complaint? “It’s a shame that a city of 70,000 – and a college town at that – only has one bookstore and zero music stores outside of Best Buy, Target and Walmart,” he said. TJN
Debra Haack moved to Southwest Louisiana in June 2009 and is now the president-elect of the Newcomers Club of the Lake Area. The Newcomers Club is a non-profit organization that joins new and established residents in activities and social events throughout the year. Its purpose is to help newcomers to the area and newcomers to life situations become established in the community and to share with them a bright future in the Lake Region. “First and foremost we are a social club, evidenced by our motto of ‘Fun and Friendship,’” she said. “Our regular events are spread throughout the month with at least one event a week, including Book Club, Bunko Groups, Coffee Club, Happy Hour, Lunch Bunch, Mom & Tot Playgroup, Movie Mavens, Opera Club, and a monthly luncheon at the Pioneer Club with a speaker of local interest.” Established in 1964, the Newcomers Club will be celebrating 50 years of service to its members and the community next year. Because the Club is a member of the Chamber Southwest Louisiana, individual Newcomers Club members enjoy the benefits of the Chamber SWLA Perks Program. The club can be reached at (337) 496-7490, through www.LakeCharlesNewcomers.org, or by mail at Newcomers Club of the Lake Area, P.O. Box 6674, Lake Charles, LA 70606-6674. TJN
Certified dietary manager and registered dietition Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services Physical, occupational and speech therapists Rehab gym with recumbent trainer Free housekeeping and laundry services • In-house salon Full time social worker • On-site cinema and chapel
Volume 4 • Issue 2
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It’s not easy moving to a new area. There are so many things to think about, and something’s bound to slip through the cracks. So, for those of you who’ve just arrived (and for the rest of you who sometimes misplace important contact info), here’s some information that you’ll need to keep on hand. UTILITIES Electricity • Cameron – (800) 368-3749 or (337) 775-5332 • Carlyss, Iowa, Jennings, Kinder, Lake Charles, Starks, Sulphur and Westlake – (800) 368-3749 www.entergy.com • DeRidder – (337) 824-7330 • Moss Bluff – (337) 855-6684
Kenny and Lucy Fuselier They’ve Been Under Foot Since 1988! Kenny Fuselier & Company has been locally owned and family operated by Kenny and Lucy Fuselier since 1988, offering a wide variety of flooring and window treatments. The company has continued to grow, and they pride themselves on having the most modern, up-to-date showroom in the area. Along with Kenny and Lucy’s more than 24 years experience, their staff is certainly the secret to their success. “Making our customers happy is the most important thing,” Kenny said. “My father Pete has close to 40 years experience in the business, and our salespeople Mike Blevins, Bud Granger and Alan Walker are knowledgeable and courteous.”
Kenny Fuselier & Company can help you take any room or space and create the look and atmosphere you’d like. They offer quality wood, ceramic and plank flooring, carpeting, marble, granite, and area rugs. “We are proud to offer Hunter Douglas blinds, shades and shutters, as well as Sunbrella canvas awnings, wallpaper and more,” Lucy said. “Our complaint ratio is next to nothing,” Kenny said. “That’s because we only use the best qualified installers!” When making a purchase as important as flooring, make sure you choose a company with experience that will be there after the sale!
Kenny Fuselier & Co. is located at 3019 Kirkman St in Lake Charles. Hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m.5 p.m. For more information, call (337) 478-6700, go to www.kennyfuselierflooring.com, or email Kenny@kffloors.com
3019 Kirkman St • Lake Charles • (337) 478-6700 PAGE 16
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Gas • Carlyss – (337) 625-4171 • Cameron – (337) 775-5049 • DeRidder – (318) 335-1606 • Jennings – (337) 824-1623 • Kinder – (337) 738-2585 • Lake Charles – (337) 477-1307 • Moss Bluff – (337) 433-0691 • Starks – (337) 786-6251 • Sulphur – (337) 625-4171 • Westlake – (337) 433-0691 Water • Carlyss – (337) 583-2777 • DeQuincy – (337) 786-4426 • DeRidder – (337) 821-5523 • Iowa – (337) 582-3535 www.iowala.org • Kinder – (337) 824-4162 • Lake Charles – (337) 491-1307 • Moss Bluff – (337) 855-7250 • Sulphur – (337) 527-4500 www.Sulphur.org • Westlake – (337) 433-0691 www.cityofwestlake.com City of Lake Charles Water Bill Payments Several options are available for water bill payment:
• Online Credit/Debit Card Payment at www.cityoflakecharles.com • Mail your payment to P.O. Box 1727, Lake Charles, LA 70602. • Pay in person at the business office located at 326 Pujo St. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon.- Fri. • Pay through night deposit box located near the back doors of City Hall at 326 Pujo St. • Pay in person at local Kroger grocery stores. • Automatic bank draft. • Pay by phone at (877) 396-3915; a convenience fee will apply for this service. To Restore Service For Non-payment Service will be restored the next business day if payment is received by 2 p.m. If payment is received after 2 p.m., it will take two business days to restore service. Customers who wish same day service must pay an additional $60 fee. Payment must be made in the business office by cash, credit/debit card or money order only—NO CHECKS. Telephone • AT&T Lake Charles, Iowa, Westlake, Carlyss and Sulphur Residential: (800) 288-2020 Business: (866) 620-6000 www.att.com • Cameron Telephone Co. Carlyss – (337) 583-2111 www.camtel.com Volume 4 • Issue 2
• CenturyLink Iowa Residential: (800) 201-4099 Business: (800) 201-4102 Cable Providers • Cameron Communications (800) 737-3900 • Carlyss Cablevision (337) 583-4973 • Suddenlink (Lake Charles) (337) 477-9674 • Suddenlink (Sulphur) (337) 527-6747 • Suddenlink (DeRidder) (337) 463-7728 AUTOMOBILE INFORMATION Office of Motor Vehicles 951 Main St., Lake Charles (225) 925-6146 www.omv.dps.state.la.us New residents must buy a Louisiana driver’s license after establishing residency in the state. If you have a valid license, you are not required to take a driving test; however, you must take the visual and other tests. Bring your out-of-state license with you to the OMV. Tags/Registration Vehicles should be registered within 30 days of residency and after you have received your LA driver’s license. After the vehicle is registered, it must be inspected annually at service stations and garages with the large orange sign indicating that it’s an “Official Louisiana Vehicle Inspection Station. For the nearest location, call (337) 491-2011. CITY STREET LIGHTS To report street light outage, call the Public Works Department Help Line at (337) 491-1220 or send an email to www.publicworks@cityoflc.us. Lights should be repaired within seven-10 working days. Entergy repairs all city street lights except for Volume 4 • Issue 2
the downtown ornamental lights and lights on the Enterprise and Shattuck Street Overpasses. Who trims tree limbs around street lights? If the tree is on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to have the tree trimmed. If the tree is located in the public rightof-way, the City will trim. Entergy does not trim tree limbs that interfere with street lights. Who trims limbs around electrical lines? Entergy will trim tree limbs that jeopardize service lines along the street. Entergy does not trim trees that jeopardize service lines from the street to a home. That is the homeowner’s responsibility. My street is dark. How do I get a street light installed? Subdivision developers install street lights at their expense. The City does not install street lights in subdivisions; however, street lights may be installed in older areas of town that are not part of a dedicated subdivision. The standard light spacing for street lights is currently 180-200 feet. Street lights are installed for the benefit of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Homeowners wanting security lights installed can contact Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY. The cost of the security light is the responsibility of the homeowner.
• Resort style pool and state-of-the-art fitness center • Luxurious floor plans with built-in bookshelves • Business center and clubhouse
SOLID WASTE
• Private patios and balconies
The Solid Waste Division of Public Works provides garbage and trash collection and wood waste processing services for the City of Lake Charles. Garbage and non-burnable items collected from residences are taken to the Jeff Davis Landfill or the Waste Management Transfer Station. Burnable items are incinerated at the Wood Waste Processing Facility.
• Near Prien Lake • 9 ft ceilings
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Solid Waste Division Responsibilities • Furnish once-a-week garbage container collection • Provide container maintenance and repair on all city supplied and owned containers with 24 hours of reported request. • Provide collection of trash and yard waste from residences a minimum of four times monthly. • Provide a citywide collection of white goods from residences when required. • Operate a wood waste processing facility for the general public. • Enforce the provisions of Chapter Nine of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Lake Charles. STREET & DRAINAGE If you have a complaint concerning drainage, call the Public Works Helpline at (337) 491-1220. AREA CHAMBERS Cameron Parish Chamber of Commerce 433 Marshall St. Cameron, LA 70631 (337) 775-5222
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DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce 400 Lake Charles Ave. DeQuincy, LA 70633 (337) 786-6451 Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce 111 N. Washington St. Deridder, LA 70634 (337) 463-5533 Jeff Davis Parish Business Alliance 246 N. Main St. Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 824-0933 Kinder Chamber of Commerce 414 North Ninth St. Kinder, LA 70648 (337) 738-5945 SWLA Economic Development Alliance 120 Pujo St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 433-3632 www.allianceswla.com West Calcasieu Association of Commerce 1906 Maplewood Dr. Sulphur, LA 70663 (337) 533-1040
TJN
Volume 4 • Issue 2
Back Row (standing): Dr. Nathan Cohen, Dr. Lawrence Weber & Dr. Dennis Walker Middle Row: Dr. Michael Lane & Dr. Brett Cascio Front Row (sitting): Dr. Thomas Axelrad & Dr. Scott Hofer We all feel the effects of moving into our middleaged years. It seems that at the age of 40, the body just doesn’t cooperate as much as it did in our 20s and 30s. Scars take longer to heal, kneecaps grind as we go up and down the stairs, and our shoulders ache after a day at work or play. However, there is relief from the pain. Orthopaedic Specialists and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital are bringing cutting edge medicine to those patients that have had a previous knee or shoulder arthroscopy and may be looking for that “next” treatment. Drs. Brett Cascio and Nathan Cohen Orthopaedic surgeons Brett Cascio, MD and Nathan Cohen, MD, board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, use an implant system that is designed specifically to treat these early-stage cartilage issues in the middle-aged and active baby boomers to get them back in the game. The Arthrosurface® system utilizes metal and polyethylene implants that are used in a similar way a dentist places a filling Volume 4 • Issue 2
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Top: Arthrosurface, Bottom: Total Shoulder Mini Stem
Dr. Cascio with patient James Gentry. into a tooth cavity. The implants are placed over the joint, resurfacing the area to alleviate pain. Filling in the cartilage defect with an anatomical implant may prevent the spread of damage, thereby preserving bone, soft tissues and cartilage. Dr. Cascio specializes in shoulder problems from Little Leaguers to geriatric patients. Along with Dr. Cohen, he was one of the first orthopaedic surgeons in North America to use the Arthrosurface system. “The Arthrosurface® procedures are designed for the younger people who need to return to work,” Dr. Cascio said. “They can’t work with a total shoulder replacement because it’s too delicate.” Dr. Nathan Cohen James Gentry is one of Dr. Cascio’s patients. An assistant fire chief for the Sulphur Fire Department, he recently underwent shoulder resurfacing surgery. Less than a week after the surgery, things started looking up. “When I got past the surgical pain, I could tell it was way better than it was,” Gentry said. “Before surgery, it hurt all the time. I couldn’t sleep. Now I’m ready to get back to work and help my fellow firefighters on the scene.” Since 2008, a similar system has been used on knee joints. Dr. Cohen was one of the first to get a look at the new procedure, and has been using it ever since. Before this procedure was available, there were fewer options for younger people who suffered from arthritis in their knee joints. The procedure gives one more alternative prior to a total or partial knee replacement. “The procedure is designed to be very bone and cartilage sparing, so it will not ‘burn a bridge’ should future surgery be required years later,” Dr. Cohen said. “The technique is straightforward, and allows the surgeon to map the patients’ anatomy during the procedure. Matching the implant to the patient, rather than the patient to the implant, results in an anatomic and inlay system which is crucial to the more active demands of the middle-aged patient.” A younger person who has a knee or shoulder replacement will most likely outlive the implant and have to have revision surgery, which is a much bigger undertaking. The Arthrosurface® system is installed arthroscopically, allowing the patient to heal faster and with less pain.
Louisiana since 1980. He has been with Orthopaedic Specialists since the beginning, specializing in arthroscopic surgeries of the knee and for carpal tunnel. “You’re really looking at skill sets we’ve never had in Lake Charles before,” Dr. Walker said. “The team of surgeons we have at Orthopaedic Specialists are doing things we could only get done by sending patients to Baton Rouge or Houston. That is no longer the case.” All the physicians at Orthopaedic Specialists have had specific training and experience in areas of orthopaedic medicine.
Dr. Scott Hofer
Dr. Dennis Walker
Scott Hofer, DO, orthopaedic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, specializes in sports injuries of the foot and ankle. He completed a three-month subspecialty training in foot and ankle disorders at the Texas Orthopedic Hospital, and handles everything from fractures to ligament injuries. Some injuries may only require physical therapy, but fractures or ligament damage call for surgery. In one procedure, Dr. Hofer uses a patient’s platelets to help repair areas that are degenerative, such as with ligaments. The goal is to avoid surgery, if possible. “You’re trying to provide the area of the body Dr. Scott Hofer that’s injured with growth factors to help it repair itself,” Dr. Hofer said. “The idea is to stimulate a healing response.” When it comes to this type of procedure, ultrasound technology is first used to identify the injury. The needle is then introduced under the guidance of the ultrasound, helping to maximize precision. Ultrasound guidance can make it possible to inject structures that otherwise would not be attempted, and can also improve the effectiveness and safe-
Dr. Dennis Walker Along with Dr. Cascio and Dr. Cohen, Orthopaedic Specialists (a part of the Memorial Medical Group) is composed of a team of doctors that specializes in advanced cutting-edge medicine and rehabilitation—both surgical and non-surgical alike. Dennis Walker, MD, has been an orthopaedic surgeon in Southwest PAGE 20
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Volume 4 • Issue 2
ty of many injections by helping pinpoint the injured structure, as well as helping to steer clear of adjacent structures that should be avoided, such as nerves and blood vessels. Dr. Hofer also specializes in a variety of foot and ankle issues including Achilles and other tendon disorders; flat feet and bunion deformities; plantar fasciitis; fracture care; arthritis and ligament and cartilage injuries. He also treats injuries and disorders of the knee, shoulder and upper extremities.
Dr. Lawrence Weber Lawrence Weber, MD, PhD, board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, is the only orthopaedic surgeon in Southwest Louisiana who is fellowship trained in hand surgery. In addition to carpal tunnel work, he specializes in nerve injuries. These types of injuries in the upper arm and hand can be severely debilitating and result in weakness of wrist flexion, loss of hand intrinsic function and hand numbness. When these injuries are severe, surgery is necessary for functional recovery. “Nerve grafting is a type of surgery that is required when a nerve is cut during an accident and there is so much damage that there is not enough nerve to bridge the gap,” Dr. Weber said. “I’ll take a piece of nerve from another part of the body and graft it to the damaged nerve to restore function in the hand.” The transferred nerve provides a “supercharge” to the injured nerve. The procedure has been used to recover function in patients with otherwise irreparable nerve injuries. In addition, a hand therapist is available to rehab patients. Dr. Weber also specializes in elbow replacement surgery, a challenging and new procedure to the Lake Charles area.
Volume 4 • Issue 2
Elbow joints don’t tend to wear out in the same fashion as knees and shoulders, so candidates for an elbow replacement tend to be those suffering from either osteoarthritis; a genetic problem; post-traumatic arthritis (a result of an accident where the joint never healed correctly) or rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Specialized training is needed to perfect these types of procedures. Dr. Weber took part in two fellowships in shoulder, elbow and hand surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Health Care System in Philadelphia.
Dr. Thomas Axelrad
Dr. Lawrence Weber
Car accidents are a common cause of orthopedic trauma. People can also sustain trauma in slips, falls, sports and industrial accidents. As an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, Thomas Axelrad, MD, PhD, board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, works to repair everything from the simple to the complex fracture. He is the only fellowship trained orthopaedic trauma surgeon in Southwest Louisiana. His training and experience proves to be a critical asset to an area that has so much industry where accidents can happen. “In the specialized area in orthopaedic trauma, we focus on the healing of the fractured bones, as Dr. Thomas Axelrad well as restoring the anatomic alignment of the joints to allow for recovery and return to maximum function of the injured body part,” he said. Dr. Axelrad is experienced in osteomy, a surgical operation where a bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change its alignment. He also treats bone infections and nonunions. Nonunions happen when the bone does not heal prop-
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erly due to a lack of adequate stability and/or blood flow. Dr. Axelrad has published extensive research on bone healing, which he has presented at various medical assemblies around the country.
The Hip Center of Louisiana
“My focus is helping the patient become as functional and pain-free as possible,” Dr. Lane said. “In order to participate in and enjoy life as fully as possible, the rehabilitation that comes after surgery can be just as critical as the surgery itself.”
The Hip Center of Louisiana, under the direction of Drs. Cohen, Cascio and Axelrad, offers expertise to patients suffering from hip and groin pain. Historically, healthy, active adults with chronic hip or pelvic pain — who were not candidates for hip replacement surgery — had to simply endure their pain since no practical treatment options existed. Fortunately, the Hip Center of Louisiana has physicians who are pioneering arthroscopic and reconstructive procedures, making it much easier to treat hip injuries and other hip conditions with minimal recovery time. Dr. Axelrad performs direct anterior approach hip replacements, which, according to some studies, allow for a faster recovery. He is the only surgeon fellowship trained in performing this approach in Southwest Louisiana.
Dr. Michael Lane With all the services offered at Orthopaedic Specialists, none are more important than the rehabilitation services. Since 2003, Physiatrist Michael Lane, MD, has worked with patients post surgery. Physiatry, also called physical medicine and rehabilitation, is a branch of medicine that specializes in diagnosis, treatment and management of disease primarily using “physical” means, such as physical therapy and medications. Dr. Lane specializes in a wide variety of treatments for the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, bones and associated nerves, ligaments, tendons and other structures, along with musculoskeletal disorders that cause pain and difficulty functioning. Dr. Michael Lane
• Low Rent & Utility Allowance • 1 and 2 Bedrooms Available • Elevators • Handicap Accessible Units • Range & Refrigerator Included • Heat/Air Conditioning Units • Trash Chutes Each Floor • Ample Parking • Two Patio Areas • Recreation Room • Laundry Room • Resident Activities • HRTA - Tenants Association • Security • Public Transportation
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Sterile Processing Department Behind the success of these various procedures is the newly redesigned Sterile Processing Department at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. The most advanced sterilization equipment around is found here. In fact, hospitals around the country are modeling their sterile processing areas after Memorial’s layout and groundbreaking design. Specialized equipment resembling industrial dishwashers, large convection ovens and car wash apparatuses fill the expanded department to decontaminate, clean, sterilize, process and inspect thousands of medical instruments and surgical tools used daily throughout the hospital. “The Sterile Processing Department is little known to the general public, but in the health care industry, it is considered the spine of the hospital,” said Lynn Savoy, Sterile Processing Department manager. “Powerful washing and disinfection systems process high volumes of medical instruments quickly, efficiently and safely.” Memorial’s new state-of-the-art sterilization equipment offers a higher productivity level, optimizes water consumption and promotes environmental friendliness within the facility. It also enhances operator safety and helps reduce the risk of infection for both patients and staff members. According to Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Larry Graham, the $2 million project was heavily influenced by the hospital’s commitment to clinical quality. “The sterilization process ultimately affects patient outcomes,” he said. “There is no room for error. We want our patients to feel safe and secure knowing the very best technology is in place and it meets the highest standards for decontamination, cleaning and sterilization.” The Sterile Processing Department’s improvements are part of Memorial Hospital’s three-year, $7 million dollar surgery department upgrade. It is all part of the commitment to ensure quality, cutting-edge medicine close to home. “It’s very rewarding to help people,” Dr. Cascio said. “These are the kinds of surgeries and procedures that have to have a healthy and committed hospital in order to be able to provide this kind of service. It takes a lot of nurses, a lot of expensive equipment, and a lot of time—but we see it as a community service.” Orthopaedic Specialists is located on the third floor of the atrium at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital at 1717 Oak Park Boulevard. Call (337) 494-4900 or go to www.orthopaedicspecialistslc.com. TJN
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Volume 4 • Issue 2
r m ende's Museu l l E an en By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire
Mirror Mirror (Relativity Media, 2012) The story of Snow White is such a model of young-girl-meets-charmingprince that two versions of it are out this year. Mirror Mirror takes the approach of updating the old-fashioned story without losing the charm that kids have grown to love. A wicked Queen rules over the kingdom and at times uses evil sorcery to get her way. She has married the King and then enchanted him away, leaving Snow White, her stepdaughter, as her only threat. Now the Queen is older and poorer, having spent much of the King’s fortune on lavish parties. Snow White has grown into a beautiful young woman.
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Along comes a handsome prince through the forest, who gets robbed. Snow White, wandering along, finds him tied up and stripped to his long johns. He is presented to the wicked Queen, who decides to take him for her new husband. Her aim is to get his riches, making her again the wealthiest queen around. Unfortunately, he only has eyes for Snow White. This all sounds like the original fairy tale. But Mirror Mirror is very different. For starters, Julia Roberts plays the evil Queen as a vain older woman who thrives on jealousy and scheming. In my opinion, it’s the best role she’s had in years. The castle servants can’t stand her and play tricks behind her back. They also have nothing but love for Snow White, who is played by Lily Collins (The Blind Side) to the point of perfection. With major eyebrows and a winning smile, she manages to steal the hearts of every man and dwarf in the kingdom.
With well-thought-out characterizations, the dwarfs themselves sometimes steal the show. Their appearance is something of a surprise, and we’ll just say for now that they aren’t miners. The prince is something of a good-natured dolt. You may recognize him as Armie Hammer, who played the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network. But it’s clear from the beginning that women are the stars of this show, competing both for the kingdom and for the Prince’s love. In Mirror Mirror, the twist on the classic little girl’s story makes Snow White into something of a heroine. But there’s also plenty of swordplay and (with the dwarfs) some Three Stooges-type slapstick to interest young boys as well. Julia Roberts is outstanding and sometimes absolutely chilling as the Queen and her equally scary alter ego in the mirror. In one scene, she sits in a chair under a corpse-like trance as she manipulates puppets that become real life threats to Snow White. Adults will find the plot very simple and at times clumsy. The kids won’t mind at all. Acting and lavish sets carry the day with Nathan Lane(The Producers) as the Queen’s headman and Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings) as the King.
Very small children probably won’t appreciate the scary forest, the swordplay, or the dark puppets, but six years and older kids should love it all. Mirror Mirror starts out a little slow and stiff, some of the jokes aren’t sidesplitters, but so much attention is given to the characters that I believe it could become a classic in live action children’s films. Most thankfully, there are no 3D glasses to deal with. Just sparkling smiles and the deadly stare of Queen Julia. Very appropriately rated PG for very mild humor, Mirror Mirror is, in a word, charming. TJN
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ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B
Age is Only a Number Take it from recent experience, nothing makes you feel older than hurting yourself doing something simple, something most other younger people take for granted. After years away from competitive sports, I played my first two games in a local co-ed soccer league
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without incident. This involved sprinting, kicking, sprinting, heading, and more sprinting; after all of which, I felt more than fine. The night before game three, I pulled a quadriceps muscle kicking at a toy rubber ball in a friend’s backyard. I say “kicking at” because, once I injured the muscle and the liquid fire enveloped my upper leg, I missed the ball almost completely before crumpling in a heap. I must have looked like an idiot. I hear what you’re saying, that 30 isn’t exactly old. I agree with you. But, there comes a point in time when the body just can’t do things as
well as it once could, whether it’s multiplying fractions in your head or kicking a grocery-store rubber ball. This is especially true in sports, where much of the 30-and-over set are seen as over-the-hill. Terrell Davis, the Denver Broncos’ all-time leading rusher and a probable Hall of Fame inductee, retired at 29, for example. And I think that’s why, during my “rehab,” two recent stories stood out to me. The first one was the viral video of the elderly lady performing in a gymnastics competition in Germany. In the video, the gymnast, 86-year-
old Johanna Quaas, performs in the floor exercise competition with the grace and agility of a woman a quarter of her age. She does almost everything from jumping and tumbling to handstands. Of course, she’s not turning double back-handsprings into Arabians out there, but still. (In case you’re curious: http://youtu.be/W2bOED5LzZw.) And, honestly, if you’re watching the video from your cushy sofa or office chair, it is a 1-minute, 18-second video dedicated to making you feel horrible about yourself. It’s like, sure, eat another slice of pizza. But just think, Clint Eastwood
Volume 4 • Issue 2
is only 81 and he’s not out there standing on his head, is he? Kind of makes you want to run around the block a few times, doesn’t it? And then there’s pitcher Jamie Moyer. It was announced before the start of the 2012 Major League Baseball season that Moyer had earned a spot on the Colorado Rockies pitching rotation. Congratulations to him. He turns 50 years old in November. What’s more, if Moyer gets just one win this season (which would make career win 268) he becomes the oldest pitcher in MLB history to win a game. How old is Moyer? Moyer is so old he is only three degrees of separation from being teammates with Mickey Mantle (Moyer was teammates with Nolan Ryan, who was teammates with a guy named Tony Solaita on the 1978 California Angels, who was teammates with Mantle.) Incidentally, Ryan hung it up at age 46. He made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs on June 16, 1986, beating the Philadelphia Phillies and Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton (retired at 43) 7-5. This was before fellow Rockies starters Juan Nicasio and Jhoulys Chacin were born. The top movie the week of his debut was The Karate Kid: Part II and, if he went to the movies the weekend before his debut (June 16, 1986 was a Monday), he might have seen a little movie, just released into theaters, called Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It finished second to the Rodney Dangerfield classic Back to School that weekend. The top song on the Billboard charts on that date was the duet “On My Own” by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald. It’s actually kind of fitting that this song pops up. Moyer is literally on his own among active major leaguers. He is currently the oldest player in the league (Toronto’s Omar Visquel, at 45, is the next oldest) and the last time anyone his age or older suited up was in 1980, when 54-year-old Minnie Minoso got two, gimmicky at-bats for the Chicago White Sox. But it’s not only his age that sets Moyer apart from his colleagues, it’s his pitching style. Most scouts, if you ask them, are looking to find a certain stereotypical make-up from a pitcher. They are looking for someone about 6-foot-4, 220 pounds who can throw the ball in speeds ranging in the mid-to-upper 90s (miles per hour).
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Moyer stands 6 feet tall, weighs 185 pounds, and, on an extremely good day, might touch 85 mph on his fastball. And that’s the key to his longevity, competitively speaking. He is such a change of pace to the prototypical fireballers most batters face day-in and day-out that he almost can’t help but be successful. To sum up one story I read: he is intimidating because, to let him beat you, is to, in a way, emasculate you. You can’t hit an 80-mph fastball off a 50year-old man? What a wimp. It’s hard not to be impressed by
Moyer and Quaas. A 50-year-old man is out there making a lot of young, strong millionaires quake in their cleats in the on-deck circle. An 86year old woman is out there doing flawless handstands and cartwheels. I’ll be the first one to tell you that I couldn’t hit Moyer’s fastball, regardless of how “slow” it is, or stand on my head for any length of time. And I won’t be trying anytime soon. If I did, I’d likely end up hurting more than just my quad. As I found out, your dignity goes before most everything else.
Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than a decade for various publications. Coaches or par- Brandon Shoumaker ents with story tips or comments may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).
TJN
APRIL 19, 2012
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By Mary Louise Ruehr
Titanic: A Century Beneath the Waves A century ago, on April 15, 1912, the “unsinkable” White Star Liner Titanic, with 2,200 passengers and crew, struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean and sank in less than three hours, killing 1,512. To say that the world has remained interested in the story of the sunken ship is, of course, an understatement: We can’t get enough of it. And at the 100th anniversary of its sinking, publishers are marking the event with new publications, both fiction and fact. FICTION The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott is
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a novel about a young woman who’s lucky enough to meet her idol, survive the sinking of the Titanic, and find romance. In 1912, Tess Collins is a seamstress and aspiring dress designer in Europe, but she’s stuck in a menial, pay-nothing servant’s job. With no money, no future, and nothing to lose, she decides to head for America and begs her way onto the great ship Titanic as a servant. Talk about lucky — her new employer is Lady Lucile Duff Gordon, “the most famous designer in the world.” Once on board the ship, Tess is
able to show Lady Duff Gordon her talents as a seamstress. Tess also finds time to flirt with both a sailor and “a Chicago millionaire,” a mysterious man who’s on at least his second divorce. Just days into its maiden voyage, the ship sinks, and Tess and the Duff Gordons survive, but in different lifeboats. In fact, there’s quite a mystery over what exactly happened in Lifeboat No. 1, the Duff Gordons’ boat. Tess wonders: “Something had happened on that lifeboat, the shape and truth of which she might never know, and this made her uneasy.” Reporters pester Tess and her employers, vying for details from the survivors. Inquests follow, in both America and England, and the Duff Gordons’ lifeboat plays prominently in the questioning and the conflicting testimony. Meanwhile, Tess is getting a chance to become a dress designer, but she’s also losing her fascination, and her respect, for Lucile. “Sometimes the fabulous Lucile didn’t seem quite so fabulous anymore.” She finds herself torn between her friend and her employer, torn between two men, and torn between being married and having a career. (The Duff Gordons actually were on the Titanic, and the controversy about what happened in their lifeboat is real. The character of Tess is based on Lucile’s secretary.)
The House of Velvet and Glass by Katherine Howe is a story of spirituality, addictions and fate. It begins on the Titanic as Helen Allston and her daughter Eulah are returning to Boston after completing “the tour” of Paris. In first class, they are socializing with the Wideners, a wealthy couple whose son, Harry, finds himself attracted to Eulah. (The Wideners really were passengers on the Titanic.) Then we flash forward to the main timeline of the book, 1915 in Boston. On the anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking, Sibyl Allston, 27, attends a séance for relatives of Titanic victims who are hoping to receive a message from their lost loved ones. The reader can tell that the medium is using fraudulent machinations to make it appear that “spirits” are present, but Sibyl is convinced she receives a message from her late mother. When the medium offers her a scrying glass, Sibyl accepts it, and when she later sees visions in it, she believes she’s seeing the night of the Titanic’s sinking, and she becomes obsessed with trying to see more. Sybil’s irresponsible brother, Harlan, 21, returns home without explanation, and rumor has it that he is deep in debt, and she seeks help from the man she once loved. Like the events at the medium’s house, things are not what they seem. Volume 4 • Issue 2
authors write that “while this book is a testament to the people that lost their lives on the Titanic, it is also a tribute to great journalism.” Part of the tragedy involved the misinformation just after the Titanic collided with the iceberg, deceptive reports that “Every man, woman and child on the great liner is safe” and that the ship was being towed to Halifax. The book also includes fascinating trivia, such as the final “worth” of those on board. NONFICTION Titanic: The Unfolding Story was put together by Carol King and Richard Havers from actual news reports printed in the British newspaper The Daily Mirror. The book starts with the “birth of the big ships” at the beginning of the 20th century and the rivalry between companies for bigger and faster ships, then covers labor and coal strikes, the building of the Titanic, its maiden voyage, tragedy, aftermath and memorials. The 10 x 10.2-inch, 223-page coffee-table size book has many black and white archival photographs, contemporary personal accounts, and articles written by unnamed journalists. The
Ron Fogal Gen. Mgr.
Chris Best Ryan St. Mgr.
Chris Sanders Sulphur Mgr.
Titanic: Destination Disaster by John P. Eaton and Charles A. Haas has been updated in a third edition with a chapter devoted to new developments in artifact recovery expeditions. The book summarizes the entire story of the Titanic, from building to sinking to ocean exploration. The 223-page paperback is filled with drawings and photographs, including some in color. It discusses the fate of some of the passengers and provides such lists as food stocks on board (6,000 pounds of fresh butter, 40 tons of potatoes), tableware (2,000 salt shakers, 12,000 dinner plates, 100 grape scissors), and linen supplies (4,000 aprons, 800 eiderdown quilts). This 6.2 x 8.4-inch paperback reads like a narrative, and I found myself lost in it. Titanic: Triumph and Tragedy by John P. Eaton and Charles A. Haas has also been updated in a third edition. This is a very heavy 416-page, 9.1 x 12.2-inch coffee-table size book filled with black and white archival images of the ship, its rooms and furnishings, and the people on board. It also has a few color photos of the wreck that is buried 12,540 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, and of pieces salvaged from the wreck site. This book is sometimes referred to as the definitive work on the subject. I
must say, it seems pretty thorough. It discusses both the American and British investigations of the sinking. The inside front and back covers show a schematic of each level of the ship. The appendices comprise a complete passenger list, a cargo manifest (which includes ostrich feathers, gutta percha, calabashes, dragon’s blood, briar pipes), the ship’s wine list, the expenses of the American inquiry into the disaster, and all the films that have been made about the ship. Copyright © 2012 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN
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APRIL 19, 2012
Volume 4 • Issue 2
SWLA GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON Women from all walks of life gathered together at the L’Auberge Casino Resort with one common goal…to protect their heart! Heart health screenings and education were available, and auction donors and winners gave generously! Funds raised will be used locally to promote education and awareness regarding heart disease in women. Louisiana’s First Lady, Supriya Jindal, was a special guest and the keynote speaker was celebrity fitness expert Jennifer Galardi. Go Red!
Kerin Spears, Laura Broussard and Deborah Pierce
Christine Bergeron and Stephanie Morris
April Joy Altazan and Nora Papillion
Billy and Carrie Navarre (heart disease survivor) with Dana Keel
Velika Hurst and Debra Lastrapes
Mary Leah Coco (heart disease survivor) with Heather Hendrix (heart defects survivor) Jennifer Galardi (keynote speaker) with Velika Hurst and Missy Amidon
CPSB VISUAL ARTS SPRING SHOW The opening reception of the Talented Visual Arts Show was held recently at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur. Now in its fourth year, we enjoyed impressive works of art from Calcasieu Parish students-ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors! Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan was there to acknowledge the efforts of these gifted students. Finger foods were catered by the Sulphur High School Pro-Start classes. Hats off to hard work, dedication and excellence…the reward is great! Bryce and Owen Conner Volume 4 • Issue 2
Samuel and Pat Robinson APRIL 19, 2012
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Jennifer and Braeden Prejean
Gage Benton and Logan Castille
Morgan, Julian, Sydney and Jack Peshoff
PALM SUNDAY WEEKEND IN MARGARET PLACE The 37th Annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes offered the opportunity for us to visit nine fabulous private residential homes in historic Margaret Place. Loved the vintage cars on display, along with the South Ryan Streetcar re-enactment for a trip down memory lane. To help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Margaret Place, a special brunch was prepared at 121 Artisans Bistro. A perfect way to kick off the spring season! Rowan and Ritter LeJeune
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Willie Mount, Mary Kay Hopkins and Jim Barnatt
Melinda Antoon and Adley Cormier
Sylvia Parsons and Sarah Whitlock
Mary Frohn and Myriam Hutchinson
Becky, Carol Jo and Sarah Schultz
Shane Colletta, Billy Brown and Robert Pitre
Pat Grice, Glenda Jardell and Grace Broussard
APRIL 19, 2012
Volume 4 • Issue 2
LAPAW PET RESCUE AT PETSMART Homeless, unwanted and abused animals were given a second chance at life recently! LaPaw Rescue group donated their time at PetSmart to place their four-legged friends in the homes that would best meet their needs. Pet adoption fees go toward the health check done by a local vet, all shots, and the spay or neuter of the animals. Judging by the smiles on these kids and their pets’ faces, this was a winwin situation for all!
TJN
Halle, Hannah and Holden Cates
Grace Sexton and Caleb Comeaux
Noah and Evan Farque
Ashley Welch and Katelyn Meche
Erin Acuff and Melinda Hutton
Spring into Le Marché and check out our: TOMS for all ages - tiny thru adult for guys and girls! Latest unique fashions to suit juniors thru ladies Miss Me • FEED Project by Lauren Bush And Much More
Volume 4 • Issue 2
APRIL 19, 2012
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YOM HASHOAH OBSERVANCE APRIL 19 A Yom Hashoah observance, “Remembering the Holocaust” will take place in two locations in Lake Charles on April 19. At the Central School Arts & Humanities Center, 809 Kirby St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be art displays, exhibits, and films. After the civic program, which is being held from noon to 1 p.m., the acclaimed movie Paper Clips written by Joe Fab, will be shown. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., there will be a candlelight vigil along the Lakefront Promenade, followed by a Remembrance Walk. The program will conclude at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call 491-1440. SPRINGFEST AND CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT APRIL 20-21 Hosted by the Niblett’s Bluff Park Authority, the event will be held on the park premises located at 3409 Niblett’s Bluff Road in Vinton. The reenactment is of the Battle at Fort Niblett. There will be food and craft booths, musical entertainment, and games and rides for children. Civil War soldiers will set up camp sites for several days in the park. The public is invited and admission is FREE. Call (337) 589-7117 or email niblettsbluffpark@bellsouth.net. WESTLAKE FAMILY FUN & FOOD FESTIVAL APRIL 20-22 Get ready for games, train rides and moon walks. And line up for gumbo, catfish, sausage on a stick, boudin, the famous Bosco burgers and more! There will also be musical entertainment all weekend. The event will be held on the grounds of the St. John Bosco Church in Westlake on Fri., April 20 from 5-9 p.m., Sat., April 21 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sun., April 22 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call (337) 439-6585 for more info. NAMI WALKS FOR THE MIND OF AMERICA APRIL 21 The 10th annual NAMI Walk helps to increase awareness while also raising funds for programs supporting the mentally ill. This is a 5K walk through the downtown and lakefront area. There will be educational booths, food, music, moonwalk and contests. Call (337) 433-0219 or visit www.nami.org/sites/namiswla.
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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. It will include a vendor fair, refreshments, massages, seminars, free beauty products, door prizes and more. Open to women of all ages, 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. ‘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. Registration on the day of the event is $30 and starts at 8:30 a.m. Refreshments will be provided to all participants at the finish line. All proceeds benefit the Coushatta Chairman’s Cup Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides support to local and state groups, organizations or individuals in need. BOOGIE ON THE BLOCK BBQ BASH! APRIL 21 Created by McNeese’s Marketing Innovations class, Boogie on the Block BBQ Bash! is a block party, art walk, silent auction, outdoor concert and barbeque cook-off with all proceeds benefiting the St. Nicholas Center downtown, which performs therapy and early intervention in the lives of children diagnosed with autism. Come down to the lakefront next to the Civic Center from 2-8 p.m. for live music by local bands and activities for kids as well as the finest barbeque in town. Admission is free. Call (337) 513-9052 for more information.
Volume 4 • Issue 2
‘SHAKE YOUR GROOVE THING’ APRIL 21 AAF-Lake Charles will be hosting “Shake Your Groove Thing” at the Isle of Capri, Sat., April 21, at 7 p.m. until midnight. Proceeds will be donated to the Autism Society, SWLA Chapter and the American Advertising Federation. Food, drinks, music, and fun for all will be the order of the evening. 70s attire is encouraged, and a silent auction with great prizes are up for grabs. Tickets are available now at $40 per person or $300 for a Circus tas table for ten. Order your tickets online at Incogni www.aaflakecharles.com 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. 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. INTRODUCTORY LECTURE OF NICHIREN BUDDHISM APRIL 22 The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) USA Acadian District will explore the history and philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism over the last 2,500 years
on April 22 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. at the Yoga Center of Lake Charles at 321 Broad St. Teachings and information of current events and activities of Nichiren Buddhism will be presented. SGI-USA is a lay-Buddhist organization based on the teachings and philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, which places the highest emphasis on the sanctity of life. The lecture is free. For more information, contact Lisa Lincoln at (337) 303-2680. BENEFIT DINNER FOR AUTISM SUPPORT ALLIANCE APRIL 22 Nicholas Hunter, chef and owner of Harlequin Steaks & Seafood, is hosting a benefit dinner for the Autism Support Alliance, a program of Family & Youth Counseling Agency on Sun., April 22 at 5:30 p.m. The event will include a wine tasting by The Wine Store, a silent auction and live entertainment. For tickets, call (337) 436-9533 or email roxanne@fyca.org. DUTCH TREAT COMMUNITY LUNCHEON APRIL 23 The Magnolia Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals would like to invite all office professionals, their bosses, friends and family to the 17th Annual Dutch Treat Community Luncheon on Mon., April 23 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Reeves Uptown Catering at 1639 Ryan Street, Lake Charles. Vendor expo starts at 10:30 p.m., and there will be entertainment and door prizes. The cost is $25 per person; vendor cost is $30 per table. To register, or for more information, go to http://iaap-magnolia.org or contact Mary Reeder at mreeder@iaap-magnolia.org or Sheryl Nixon at snixon@iaap-magnolia.org.
Regular Monthly Events: 1st Wed. Evening: Book Club - Bunko Groups 1st Thurs. Morning: Coffee Club 3rd Wed. Evening: Happy Hour 4th Tues. Lunch: Lunch Bunch 2nd Mon. at the Pioneer Club: Programs Last Sat. of Month: Movie Mavens Also Mom & Tot Playgroup and Opera Club
P.O. Box 6674 Lake Charles, LA 70606 (337) 496-7490
Luncheons • Book Club • Bunko • Playgroup Ladies Night Out • Opera Club • Movies
newcomersoflc@gmail.com www.lakecharlesnewcomers.org
Volume 4 • Issue 2
337-477-6765 921 Manuel Rd. Lake Charles
337-558-7491 109 HWY 108 Sulphur/Carlyss
APRIL 19, 2012
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Circus Incognitus with Jamie Adkins Sat., Apr. 21, 7:30 pm Rosa Hart Theatre Lake Charles Civic Center
“He Said – She Said” Blues of Peter Karp & Sue Foley Fri., Apr. 27, 7:30 pm F.G. Bulber Auditorium McNeese Campus
For information on 2012 events call (337) 475-5123 or visit www.banners.org Tickets available through membership, website and at the door.
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 lowincome 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. MOVIES UNDER THE STARS APRIL 27 Bring your picnic blanket and lawn chairs and watch as the quirky Pee-Wee Herman treks across the United States in search of his beloved bike and meets an eccentric gang of characters on his quest in Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. The movie starts at 7 p.m. at Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles. Admission is free! Call (337) 721-3500 or visit www.cppj.net. LES PETITES VOIX MAY 4 Les Petites Voix, the Louisiana Choral Foundation Community Children’s Choir, will perform their spring concert entitled “Celebrating our Youth!” on Fri., May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning at 1509 Enterprise Boulevard. The choir is under the direction of Peggy Lee Fletcher. An entertaining performance will showcase songs in several languages. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students, and may be purchased at Swicegood Music or by calling (337) 491-9348. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. THE FROG PRINCESS MAY 4-6 The Children’s Theatre, under the direction of Kerry Onxley, present The Frog Princess May 4-6. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. Group rates are also available. Performances will be held at Central School Theatre located in the Central School of the Arts & Humanities Center (809 Kirby Street) in downtown Lake Charles. To purchase tickets, contact the theatre at (337) 4337323 or visit online at www.childrenstheatre.cc. BIG LAKE TROUT-A-THON MAY 12 Bolton Ford and Lake Charles Tackle Danielle Slone is featured will host the first Big Lake Trout-a-Thon as the Queen in search of a on Sat., May 12 at Calcasieu Point royal couple to continue Landing in Lake Charles. Register at her reign in this hilarious either business location with an entry comedy The Frog Princess. fee of $100 per team (maximum of two people per team). Sponsored by O’Charley’s, the Big Lake Trout-a-Thon is a family-friendly event open to all ages. Music, food and drinks will be provided. Adult division is for ages 13 and up; youth division for kids 12 and under. Teams will weigh two best trout with added live-weight bonuses with a chance to win a 2012 Ford F-150 Super Crew XLT 4x4 for catching a Big Lake record trout. A first place cash prize of $3,000 with 20 places paid, and Shimano rod & reel combos will be awarded for each division. The official trout weigh-in will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please contact Jillian Thompson at 474.0070 or jthompson@boltonford.com. A BLACK TIE AFFAIR MAY 12 Tickets are now on sale for the annual fundraiser for the Calcasieu Medical Society Foundation. A Black Tie Affair will be held Sat., May 12,
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at L’Auberge Casino Resort. The event will kick off at 6 p.m. featuring live performances by the Victory Belles and the Kadillacs. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will be the featured guest speaker. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on trips, artwork, fine dining and other fun packages at the silent auction. For more information on purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, call (337) 478-3780 or visit www.ablacktieaffair.org. BELLATOR 69 MAY 18 The focus of the mixed martial arts world will be on the Bellator cage on Fri., May 18 as the long-awaited battle between No. 1 ranked women’s 115-pound fighter Megumi Fujii takes on No. 2 ranked Jessica Aguilar at Bellator 69 LIVE from L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles. The night will also feature the finals of the $100,000 Bellator Lightweight Tournament, as well as a Heavyweight Tournament qualifier as knockout specialist Ron Sparks takes on rising star Kevin Asplund. Tickets are now on sale from $40-$65 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the L’Auberge box office. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the first fight scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
GREAT RATES!
Tables • Chairs Tablecloths • Lamp Posts Dance Floor • China Sets Delivery and Pick-up
932 Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles, LA
(337) 263.4736 Appointment Only
TASTE OF LOUISIANA FESTIVAL MAY 26 The 2nd Annual Taste of Louisiana Festival will be held Sat. May 26 at The Lake Charles Civic Center Arcade Amphitheater. Enjoy culinary creations while listening to the sounds of Cajun, Zydeco, Country, Blues and New Orleans brass bands to experience the rhythm of Louisiana. There will be various history lessons at the Culture Corner, a free lesson and recipes at Chef’s Corner, and a barbecue rib cook-off. Visit the French Market to find one-of-a kind collectibles, arts and crafts, and authentic Louisiana items. For more information, visit www.thetasteoflouisiana.com.
TJN
Volume 4 • Issue 2
APRIL 19, 2012
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Sponsored by
To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com
The
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. • 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. • OddFellows @ Happy Hippie Pizza, 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.
SATURDAY, APRIL 21 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, 7 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. SUNDAY, APRIL 22 • Lil Abe Manuel & The Dew Knot Playboys @ Mary’s Lounge, 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Brandon Ledet & Creole Touch @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, APRIL 26 • T-Joe Romero @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Friends of Louisiana @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, 7 p.m. • Zydecane @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • DJ Sincere @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 27 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Dirty Play @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, 7 p.m. • Peter Karp/Sue Foley @ McNeese State University, 8 p.m. • T-Broussard & The Zydeco Steppers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • DJ Sincere @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, APRIL 28 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Dirty Play @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, 7 p.m. • Ty Phillips & Southwind @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • Stiff Necked Fools @ Luna Live, 10 p.m. • Bobcat/Lochness Mobsters/Go Granny Go @ Twiggy’s, 10 p.m. • DJ Sincere @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, APRIL 29 • Jason Stutes Band @ Mary’s Lounge, 5 p.m.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Johnny Guinn & Rue Louisiane @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, MAY 3 • 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. • Blackbird @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.
TJN
Volume 4 • Issue 2
APRIL 19, 2012
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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.
ame nes, c time with nd a c i r r a u re e h spend mo touring to h t d n o a g ions t , n s i n d ffi oduct aged, clu . u r n a p i e m , r e r s a s i u the eng f tho t, the rough sed most o otherwise night, I oissan h r t c u o t r s y s s fa (Ba ther I mi of town o lar Beans certainly break ruit. erings arly, and o h t Stel f a out me, g h l s s nd fre ost egu being before the in a long ti , its two a r h , s s o t t s e l n e e o It a the up m o), ev and s heard him is own club the-buildrs’ gro nize do to gasbord on ith, a e t i n r d W ha ’t ce he ran h a between ’ French recog l art smor oland Sm s ’t n y i n n b s a o e t d N d l a o I n Or ecte visu y Valerie Melinda s Noel w i a e b t ’s N s s e ju in f. lve heard ght l e , a r e ther urated b y e h s a a r r o r e w f e y d be rh le c s li s walls otographe dice Alexan artists ngs al r. I’d never a fan of hi ar hand. A i l h t e n i a t p , w a c t r u o i fine er and C lented lo . Check Qua but am n rm g hared k that ta , and fi nies and s and ns mi ceboo grass and h a r y e s a e r o c a i F e B C o v N h e , v o g of our ks grace th ns essive sang harm on the road the throu ulous blue again be a r o e d p w r B x t o e e r b wo to th over , they avels I got w ots, that fa ould once for a whose em, out. go, I fell in O’Flaherty a duo of their tr es from all e w o m o R i u t c i d a h s s , thi eir new ash Scen ey sister and t t too long ans Danny nd they storie in influenc Beans h ing, N t, and a , n d e e No h musici e r v l l e e old tim at Stellar pport of t a real pang u h . g p is map g the ngin yed t accen g u hen Ir l Nash pla ing and si themusical time durin soft Kerry ctly: playin oncert in s , and I had lized I’d be w m y e g c a o la n Some oke in his most perfe of night , Grounded when I re e else on and N harming, p rately, teasi t almost al t r is j us e c album ppointmen and nowhe n. old th got it down in the bayo rch with a were er and sepa ly in a swe t a o t u s n’t of dis iles away, ny time so much I togeth and us gen my SO where back all dark ch he darknes , m but do he w a e , o t 0 s c e . e s m t h e t 0 y s e n a d m v a 5 u a k e l , h o a t e o w g 1 ro “So t not ood ncil t - s d-worldly e no blue j – despite ilies erform nths a sters’ and st t. The pries arish Cou delier. l e l r e the si ld you mo nd Erin’s p d hour-and m r r o e a a I f f w f P I to ule r’s a There was kiddie ntingent o ere polit- new pries sed to the new chan the Ambe their sched overed the er co ra d po his ew e y d pro money fo w to consid e head of dc s hink t e of a large ages – ther dre referenjo overran n t e n a r a n g e e i th e n g s c g ey rai cil withdr returned, riest. ‘We resen s of many ouble ente ant other which lunchtime stic music eated with h p t n p d y e r u u ith ki gious and d my signific , clapping, he co ; when the ed the new ith, a-half ront of aco ithfully rec a very nic w T i g r l n f fa ss io water the duo fa others fo at is still . ical, re plenty. And me listenin t. quest ncil addre ng in good ings we w i h h s ) a t t e t c u e f i i t , s s r h t o i e a t e a h a l c c e r e c y a e r h ever (w e la he nd en the you are ad a g long with t ven that I’m re thr of us has dad a or Somew favorites p , but h a r I i e w r e d e o h i n t r kn nd we , none but th ging a und F lic for o a able, g is tou Tunes ither, sider. First our lives, a ent it EP, Bo ng in my i to miss th ould love t t and sin nderstand craic” (Gae or the a F i i ays r in t con ez” strum It’s u r of “the revolv was bound , which I w k, because s roul ”) and I alw an mus a chandelie kind of in s how to e p v c I e o i m l e , s e l t t l m u w t m ro me is me We grea r les bon seen now wha f us know t imporouse f e new ood ti an’t th hich I k s o laisse r “pass a g usic, by w and the not th about. I c k into the h ch you up “ don’t nd, none r. And mo really e u , i t m c l o s o a a e e e y c h i c b l c s e l n i m it u r to ic tel ho is. S e chande the chur h d until hear I of songs, t h the mus n if made emind me o ’t t h t e n s e a v y e r tc h play t aither, wha t.’” I laugh of how yet to lo wide variet kes that sti nce. But ev f r—so few. a d h c F n g , i e i t l h m o t e a a tan is more and jo d hav hand . rform at in a me in , pure tories r into a pe dge before e packed on th that puts r Beans, an w York eeds ach ached ntertainer es, s n e le th go om a ne Ne But ve Stella togeth d no know h jokes, in llar Beans, my st laherty’s a herever he , in my have done re lo t I r a a s e h i t F p h ’ c r n w S i g u er O hs mu you ic or I setting of t the e; but he’s pitch pers l count . The Smit g café cult e u p s t i m m i y s d . gin his od f in rne o th Irish t jammed e felt tha magical - and m to f brin ht int borho er bla hatev holistic for or guitar, neigh dous job o d I fall rig to Lake d but no would hav ening was regular vis w e n n o a ev jo a treme ad Street, a come hom Friends an you to erty-Nash o much of uch of an t there’s ces on ban duet, s I a i a ed n to Bro very time ehouse a l the Beans - O’Flah aherty’s to s to need m coming ou forma solo or in ngs I learn l e e t e h f , l F s g o O’ e ju place s. Part cof la Frasier with couc Char singin ing many s er camp Lake but if you’r ntion that suc, e o g m d t u r m l e o c , u Charl ffee shop a nging spot , and a it in ts sa on se son lm i a l u n t ’ I e c t d i s l o , h u u i , F c a n g s d o h a l Wi zine part , comfy intro -year com first brou nd then e as a c out the no hairs, maga y a 0 y k an air sink-into c books and drinks and of a 1 O’Flahert ert or two ollowing th (chec f c e f d y e o n n n f n o a f ry e co es the Dan Celtic c g libra l to th rrific , and essful wn festival lendin mention te . I’m partia c s lo not to light meal f u ll-b
, h a r r Bego llar It’s Ste
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“The Court of King Caractacus” for a sample), and some moving numbers that he’s picked up on his travels, including from his current work, Spirit of Freedom, with songs about the American Revolution. Watching O’Flaherty with Nash, I was transported back to late nights in the New York bar, The Lion’s Head, owned, for a time, by those international Irish stars, The Clancy Brothers, who
would on occasion turn up after a gig, and sitting around the big round oak table in back, sing slow sad songs learned at mother’s knee, and tell tall tales of Irish shlemiels and shelmazels (two forms of Yiddish losers), as they clanked pints of porter and toasted long-gone friends. That night, O’Flaherty and Nash were a two-man Clancy Brothers. I can’t possibly praise any performance more highly. TJN
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For membership information go to www.lwv-lc.org or call our message line at 337-474-1864.
Killin’ Time Crossword ACROSS
DOWN
1. 5. 8. 12. 13. 14.
1. "Yikes!" 2. Java neighbor 3. Diner orders 4. Ancient Arabic tribesman 5. Excerpts 6. Engine attachment 7. Yearbook 8. Quechuan people 9. Trapped 10. ___ the Red 11. Kemo ___ 16. Barcode 19. Wine choice 22. Navy noncom 23. Bow 24. Reported 25. Harvester ___ 27. Raggedy doll 28. Bake sale org. 30. Many a tournament 31. Sir Peter of "Spartacus" 32. Wool sources 37. Fields of work 38. Reminders 39. "___ was saying ..." 40. Nettles 41. Apple Inc. iPod 42. Repeated three times, a W.W.II film
15. 17. 18. 20. 21. 22. 25. 26. 29. 33. 34. 35. 36. 38. 40. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53.
Declines Chinese tea Frozen treats Ball Chat room chuckle Romance novelist Roberts Selflessness Baby's bed Vanishing act IV units Honker Chaplin prop Small batteries Hip-hop Proclamation Columbus Day mo. LAX setting Dame ___ Everage "Why should ___ you?" Spoil Minuscule Picnic hamperer Designate On bended ___ Spanish gold Director Preminger Lays down the lawn Anatomical duct Daze
Volume 4 • Issue 2
43. Damon of "Ocean's Thirteen" 44. Aleutian island 45. Writer Uris
© Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd APRIL 19, 2012
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