The Jambalaya News - Vol. 4 No. 8 by The Jambalaya News

VOL. 4, NO. 8 / JULY 12, 2012

The Healing Gardens, Inc. • What’s Cookin’ at Isle of Capri? The HeArt of SWLA • Welcome to Jeff Davis Parish

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Volume 4 • Issue 8

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

NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Rhonda Babin Leslie Berman George Cline Angie Kay Dilmore James Doyle Dan Ellender Monica Hebert Cynthia Hoffpauir Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING sales@thejambalayanews.com

SALES ASSOCIATES Michele Clack Katy Corbello Faye Drake GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews

contents

On Cover: Dr. Peter Angelopoulos, Dr. Fernando Ruiz, Dr. Christopher Thompson, Dr. John Winterton, Dr. Kevin Young, Dr. Steven Howe and Dr. J. King White. Photo by www.monsoursphotography.com

July 12, 2012 • Volume 4 • Issue 8

COVER STORY 16 Lake Charles Memorial Hospital: Mending Hearts, Saving Lives

REGULARS 7 9 10 11 12 20

The Boiling Pot Adoption Corner The Dang Yankee Tips from Tip What’s Cookin’ Sports Report

FEATURES 5 The Healing Gardens 14 Hot Clothes, Cool Accessories 15 Welcome to Jeff Davis Parish

ENTERTAINMENT 22 24 25 26 27 30 32 34 35

Red Hot Books Funbolaya Family Night at the Movies HeART of SWLA 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.

We accept credit cards! Volume 4 • Issue 8

JULY 12, 2012

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A Note From Lauren Cousins I was an only child, which I just couldn’t stand. I couldn’t get away with anything. There was no one else to blame things on. I felt as if I lived under a microscope. Everything I did was magnified, because it was Just Me. Some kids like being the focus of all that attention. I didn’t. But my mother never failed to point out that my cousins Karen and Richard lived on the first floor, and I was never really alone, because I had them. Although it wasn’t the same as having my very own siblings, she was right. We were closer than most cousins because we lived in the same house and saw each other all the time, day in and day out. We were all born within a few days of each other so we all shared the same birthday cake. You can’t get much closer than that. Richard was a year older than me, and Karen was six years older. So, she was always in charge. She babysat us, took us out for ice cream, brought me to Elvis movies and carnivals with her friends, picked out my clothes. In the summer, she conducted “classes” in the shed under the porch for all of the neighborhood kids. She named it the “Belucci School” after a friend of her father—just because she liked the

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name. She hung up a map of the world, and using a long stick, she’d point to each of the continents as we would sing out “Africa!” “Asia!” “Australia!” and so on, to a tune that she taught us. She took her teaching seriously. Karen made Richard and me do strange things. There was a song out in the early 60’s called “Baby Elephant Walk.” We’d go into Richard’s bedroom, and she’d close the door and shut the lights. Then, she’d put the 45 on her little portable record player and make us walk around like elephants. Seriously. We had to stoop over and sway as we walked, dangling our arms with our hands clasped to represent the trunk, going around and around in a circle until we got dizzy and sometimes fell over. Good times. Karen had a little covered basket on her desk. I remembered it contained, among other things, her retainer and a transistor radio. According to her, it also contained a little monster called the “Gullah Man.” I think she made that up to keep us from snooping in her basket. One day, she informed us that Gullah was going to talk to us. She instructed us to go in her bedroom and open the basket, and supposedly, we heard “Gullaaaaah!” coming from the basket in an eerie

whisper. We screamed and ran out the door. We never quite figured out how she did that because she wasn’t in the room, so for quite awhile, we believed in Gullah. Karen and her friends had crushes on certain boys at school. There was one guy named Stevie Suozzo whom Karen just swooned over. He had slicked-back blonde hair and was a sharp dresser. Karen would tell me what he said in class, what he was wearing that day, and so on. To me, he was a celebrity, like Elvis or Fabian. One day, we were all piled into my aunt’s bright yellow 1954 Chevy BelAir—huge and old and totally uncool. We stopped at a red light and there was Stevie on the corner, hanging with all of his sharp buddies. They took one look at the monstrosity we were in and cracked up laughing. Karen shrieked and ducked under the seat, but it was too late. Her Life Was Ruined. When she went to high school, Karen started wearing makeup and setting her naturally curly hair with Campbell Soup cans to straighten it. She also wore “falls,” which were hairpieces that you could secure to the back of your head to add length and volume. I remember borrowing it a few times, once for a sixth-grade

dance. She wore false eyelashes (everyone did at that time) and Yardley’s Oh! de London perfume and Slicker lipstick. It was all fabulous. Even though she was so much older than me, Karen always included me in her life. I knew all of her friends, from grade school through college. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding in 1974. I’m the godmother to her only child. When I turned 18, Karen and her friends took me to a club in Boston called the Mad Hatter where I had my first legal drink—a whiskey sour. Karen has lived in Arizona for years now, but I’ve gone out often to visit. When she became ill at one point, I flew out to be with her. She was my maid of honor when I got married. We’re in contact all the time. And I was thrilled that she and her husband could meet us in Mexico a few weeks ago and enjoy the company of our Buccaneer friends, who immediately took them in and made them feel like family. Perhaps I never had a sister, but I have a cousin who is worth more than a hundred sisters. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 8

By Rhonda Babin

Sweet Potato Slips

The Charleston Farmers Market has a new vendor. On a recent Saturday morning, a downtown residential couple and their dog, a mom and daughter from Jennings, a health-conscious young man, and a teenager were just a few of the many folks who visited Healing Gardens, Inc.’s booth. The booth volunteers educated visitors about growing adaptable gardens and their importance to urban areas. They sold blueberry bushes and sweet potato slips to help fund their projects, and gave Lake Area residents an introduction to the importance of gardening and the role it can play in healing body, mind, and spirit. One of those volunteer workers is Golden Tradewell. Born in Westlake, she grew up gardening alongside her father, William. From him, she learned how to plant seeds, use cuttings from plants, and grow nutritional vegetables. She grew up to become a wife, registered nurse, and then became a single mother, continuing to garden as a hobby. That hobby became a passion. She now has a greenhouse, citrus trees, and a vegetable garden for both enjoyment and sustenance. Last year, while organizing her greenhouse, Tradewell broke her ankle. She found her disability an obstacle as her garden continued to grow rapidly. Luckily, her co-worker Marge Michel came over every two days to keep the plants watered. “I was blessed to have someone that could help me,” Tradewell said. “I cannot thank Marge enough for the work she did so my garden would live. Even

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though I was in physical pain, I could continue to find peace and solitude among the growing vegetables. And I wanted others to experience the therapeutic properties I found right in front of me every day.” Tradewell took some classes and did some research, which led her to Russ Adams, chairperson of the Lake Area Beautification Committee. He helped bring her desire to start a community garden to the residents of Chateau Du Lac, the low-income elderly/disabled housing project downtown. The garden would help the residents grow their own food while participating in a healthy activity. Twenty eager residents helped make the garden a reality. “Gardening is so important to our culture,” Tradewell explained. “This was a way to help these people recover some of the pride they felt when they had gardens of their own before illness, hurricanes, and economic situations had them relocate to the high-rise.” The garden took shape in wooden boxes designed to contain the plants in a dedicated gardening area. Even those who didn’t help with the garden were enthusiastic. Many residents simply enjoyed watching it grow. The first year, the garden produced okra, eggplant, green beans, and tomatoes. The high-rise gardeners have

Barbara Larocca and Sue Abshire

Golden Tradewell teaching Beau Moreau

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already requested their fall garden to include strawberries, carrots, potatoes and mustard greens. A garden that comes together and produces food in an area that the USDA labels a “food desert” is particularly satisfying. A food desert is an area in which residents live further than one mile from a grocery store with fresh produce. Such is the case for the Chateau du Lac residents. The small successes of the Mill Street garden fueled Tradewell’s desire to bring her passion to more people. “There is a special connection between people and plants, between people and gardening pursuits, and between people and natural surroundings,” she explained. “I experienced the therapeutic effects of the gardening process personally, and then I witnessed building a community garden that helped heal people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” This motivated Tradewell to do more. She took several online courses in grant writing, growing plants for fun and profit and how to form a non-profit. And she contacted two friends, Sue Abshire and Ann LeBlanc, who shared her enthusiasm for the project. They incorporated and a new Lake Area non-profit was born: Healing Gardens, Inc.

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Abshire and Tradewell met in junior high school. Graduation took them in different directions, but they re-connected last year, resuming the friendship where it left off. Abshire and her husband Larry, a Navy veteran, would like to enable military veterans to garden. They realize that many may be confined to wheelchairs and will need raised beds. LeBlanc met Tradewell while they were both pursuing graduate degrees from Loyola University’s Institute of Ministry. Another volunteer, Barbara LaRocca, took Tradewell under her wing when they both worked at a local emergency room. They became reacquainted on Facebook. Once Tradewell told LaRocca about Healing Gardens, she and her husband became board members. Healing Gardens aims to help veterans, the elderly, low-income individuals and families, and the mentally and physically disabled connect to nature through gardening. The organization is raising funds by selling plants at the Charleston Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and at the monthly American Legion Flea Market. There is much to be done. Selling plants, building container gardens, and educating the public about the organization are just three of the

major undertakings of this group. Donations are sought to buy seeds, lumber and supplies. “There are so many ways that people can help,” Tradewell said. “Just stop by and see us or send us an email.” Local resident Beau Moreau stopped by the Healing Gardens booth on a recent Saturday morning, where Tradewell taught him how to plant a sweet potato slip in a mesh bag. As she told him how to care for his new plant and to harvest his sweet potatoes, he became interested in learning more. “I didn’t know you could grow a garden in a mesh shopping bag,” he said. Tradewell’s goal was to demonstrate how gardening can be adaptable to any situation. She said that not only do you have to be creative with containers and space when making gardens, but you also have to adapt garden tools for someone with arthritis or who has limited ability due to a stroke. While Tradewell was educating a Lake Area resident about his vegetable plant, Abshire and Leblanc were informing others about the Sunshine Blue and Pink Lemonade blueberry bushes that are

being sold to raise funds. The plants are $10 each and come with instructions—along with a lot of hope to bring healing gardens to local residents who are in need of them. Area sites have been scoped out for future gardens. A garden for several families in an area is more productive; however, if there is a need, Healing Gardens will help individuals establish container gardens. For more information on Healing Gardens, Inc., send an email to healing-gardens@hotmail.com or call (337) 660-1312. TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 8

The

Boiling

P l

Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

Unit (OCD-DRU) funded the purchase through Calcasieu Parish’s $14.8 million in disaster recovery allocated by the state OCD-DRU. The total cost of the truck was $267,100. The allotment is part of a Community Development Block Grant given to the State for damages inflicted by hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Eric Zartler, Senior Sales Manager/Athletics of the CVB with Gumbeaux Gator.

CVB NAMED MEMBER OF THE YEAR The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was recently named Member of the Year by the National Association of Sports Commissions at their 2012 conference held in Hartford, Conn. The criteria for consideration included the quality of sporting events held in the destination, benefits to the community as well as recommendations and testimonials by members of the community or organizations who are impacted by sporting events. This marks the first time that the bureau has been given this award by NASC. Last year, the bureau won an award for excellence in communications for campaign concepts and marketing materials. For more details on the sports market in Southwest Louisiana, check out www.visitlakecharles.org/sports. BUFORD RECEIVES WCCH SAFETY AWARD West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently named Riki Buford, food service aide, as the recent recipient of its safety award, which honors employees for their promotion of safety and safety awareness in and around the hospital. It is distributed to those employees that demonstrate extraordinary awareness and action in minimizing potential safety risks. Riki Buford DEQUINCY RECEIVES NEW FIRE TRUCK THANKS TO DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDS The City of DeQuincy received a new fire truck at a recent ceremony. The Louisiana Office of Community Development’s Disaster Recovery Volume 4 • Issue 8

ASSISTANT DA TO ATTEND JAG OFFICER COURSE Assistant District Attorney Danielle Mayer, a First Lieutenant in the Louisiana National Guard, will attend the JAG Officer Basic Course in Charlottesville, VA at the UVA Law School starting in July. The program is approximately 12 weeks and consists of two phases. The first phase is a demanding combination of field and classroom training on military skills and leadership. The second phase focuses on preparing the officers to assume the duties as a military attorney. Mayer has been in the Louisiana National Guard since 2008. She enlisted after her first year of law school at LSU and attended 24 weeks of military police training at Fort Leonard Wood. In 2011, she graduated with honors from Officer Candidate School. She received her JAG commission this spring and will return to the LA Guard Trial Defense Services Division at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, after training. Mayer has been an assistant district attorney since March 2011, and is currently assigned to the Misdemeanor Division.

Left to right: Kerry Andersen, director of Media Relations and Community Affairs for Pinnacle; Ethel Precht, founder; and Geno M. Iafrate, executive VP of Regional Operations for Pinnacle.

PINNACLE DONATES TO ETHEL PRECHT FOUNDATION The Pinnacle Entertainment Foundation, operated by the parent company of L’Auberge Casino Resort, recently donated $5,000 in support of the JULY 12, 2012

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Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Foundation, which offers direct support to Southwest Louisiana women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. This year’s walkathon is scheduled for October 20, 2012 in Lake Charles. L’Auberge team members have participated in the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk since 2005.

LOCAL RADIOLOGIST ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE RSL Adam Olsan, MD of Radiology Associates of Southwest Louisiana was recently elected president of the Radiological Society of Louisiana, the state chapter of the American College of Radiology. The ACR is a national professional organization serving radiologists, oncologists and physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services. Dr. Olsan is the medical director of Advanced MRI in Lake Charles. RASBERRY NAMED LCMH SPORTS MEDICINE DIRECTOR Jamey Rasberry has been named director of Sports Medicine for Lake Charles Memorial Hospital (LCMH). A graduate of McNeese State University, Rasberry is a licensed athletic trainer. Rasberry first came to LCMH in 2001 and then again in 2007, where he has worked for the LCMH sports medicine and outpatient rehab programs. He was named the Lake Charles Memorial Outpatient Rehab Team Player of the Year in 2001. Rasberry has experience working with athletes both at the high school and collegiate level. He will be responsible for the athletic trainers at the 22 area high schools. For more Jamey Rasberry information about LCMH Sports Medicine, call (337) 494-4790. LYNN JONES NAMED PRESIDENT OF LA CLERKS OF COURT ASSOCIATION Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court Lynn Jones was recently sworn in as president of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association during its annual state convention in Bossier City. Jones is the first Clerk from Calcasieu Parish ever to hold this position. Jones has served in numerous capacities on the State Association Board for seven of the eight years he has been Calcasieu Clerk of Court Lynn Jones and in office. As president, he will Calcasieu District Attorney John DeRosier be responsible for many aspects of the association, including oversight of association staff, various committees, projects and legislative initiatives. Jones will also head the Association Board of Directors and the Clerks Retirement and Relief Fund, a multi-million dollar entity. SCHLAMP RECEIVES AWARD FROM AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION Kevin Schlamp, MD, family medicine physician, recently received the Physician’s Recognition Award with Commendation from the American Medical Association. The award recognizes a physician’s personal commitment to career-long professional development. Dr. Schlamp has been in private practice for 18 years in Sulphur and is a member of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s medical staff. To schedule an appointment, call Schlamp Family Medical at (337) 527-6385.

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CALCASIEU PARISH LAUNCHES CALCASIEU EAGLE APP The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury announced the public launch of the Calcasieu EagleApp Civic Reporter. EagleApp creates a convenient way for the public to report problem issues in Calcasieu Parish to the Police Jury by using their smart phones. The new app is free and is available on iPhone, Android, and Windows-based phones. The “Calcasieu Eagle App” is a result of a collaborative effort between the Calcasieu Police Jury and a mobile civic engagement platform, CitySourced. The mobile app allows the public to utilize their smartphones to report local concerns such as litter, abandoned vehicles, lost animals, building code enforcements and a variety of other issues. For more information, please go to: cppj.net/eagleapp.

Left to right: Marianne White, Rotary scholarship chair, McNeese President Dr. Philip Williams and Patricia Philmon, president of the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club. McNeese Photo

GREATER LC ROTARY CLUB DONATES TO MCNEESE The Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club recently donated $15,000 from the proceeds of its annual auction to McNeese State University for the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Scholarship Fund, which was established with the McNeese Foundation in 1992. To date, the club has donated almost $450,000 for the endowed scholarship.

Left to right: Shawn Broderick, Veterans Memorial Park Commission; Lisa Verrette, Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana; LT James Steward, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office; CSM Bobby Moore, U.S. Army (Ret.), Million Air Lake Charles; and Mayor Randy Roach.

Dr. Kevin Schlamp

MILLION AIR LC DONATES TO FOURNET MEMORIAL Million Air Lake Charles recently donated $5,000 to the First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. The donation 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. Volume 4 • Issue 8

DA DEROSIER ELECTED PRESIDENT OF LA DA ASSOCIATION District Attorney John DeRosier was recently elected president of the Louisiana District Attorneys’ Association. District Attorney DeRosier will proudly serve with two of his employees. Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Clay Guillory was elected president of the Assistant District Attorneys’ Board of Directors and Megan Dougherty was elected president of the District Attorney Investigators’ Board of Directors. The mission of the Louisiana District Attorneys’ Association is to improve Louisiana’s justice system and the office of the District Attorney by enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of Louisiana’s District Attorneys and their staffs through education, legislative involvement, liaison, and information sharing. SWLA HS SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES HONORED The SWLA High School Sports Hall of Fame honored five local high school students at its “Wall of Honor” dedication ceremony recently in the Prien Lake Mall. Inductees are Gavin Cecchini of A.M. Barbe High School, Jodi Chatters of St. Louis Catholic High School, Sara Corbello of A.M. Barbe High School, Chance Cronce of Singer High School and Marcie Michalko of Lacassine High School. LOCAL F&I MANAGER FEATURED IN FORD CREDIT INSIDE FINANCIAL Ryan Boyd, finance and Insurance manager for Bolton Ford of Lake Charles, has been featured in a recent issue of Ford Credit Inside Financial. Named as class valedictorian, Boyd was among the first dealer F&I managers in the nation to complete the Ford Financial Services Training, a course launched by Ford Motor Credit Company to enhance training for finance and insurance professionals. TJN

Ryan Boyd

Meet Bopp! Bopp, if given the chance, will “bop” his way into your heart! He is a two-year-old, 50-pound lab mix with lots of playful energy. He’s best suited to a home with a large fenced yard and room to run and play fetch with his favorite human. He will adapt to a smaller yard with a truly loving, active family that will take him for regular walks. In spite of his size he does enjoy a welcoming lap, too. He’s a good “couch companion,” loves children and other dogs and has not shown aggression to cats. He’s eager to please and is hoping to find his forever family. If you have some time to invest in a loving companion, you must meet Bopp! He’s eager to learn some tricks to Volume 4 • Issue 8

Most supplements are synthetic formulations created in a pharmaceutical lab!!! Synthetics can be toxic and can actually damage your health!!! There are vast differences between natural (plant sourced) and synthetic (chemical based) supplements, and they have a totally opposite affect upon your health.

brighten your days. If you would like to know more about Bopp or any of the other dogs and cats available thru LAPAW Rescue, please visit our website at www.lapaw.org. LAPAW Rescue is at PetSmart on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. If you wish to meet a particular animal, please email lapaw@bellsouth.net in advance so we can make sure that animal is on site. Hurry, Bopp is waiting to melt your heart.

TJN

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

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

Join Us and Buy at Wholesale.

www.shaklee.net/patsnc JULY 12, 2012

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Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

There Goes The Sun One thing that has always amazed me about the people here in Louisiana is how they can come up with such inventive reasons to party throughout the year. They go from Christmas and New Year’s right into Mardi Gras, then into nutria molting season, and so on right into the following Christmas. I used to think that Louisianans were the cleverest partiers on the planet. Then I visited Key West. The people of Key West are an easygoing sort. You can tell that just by reading the local newspaper. I

picked up a copy when I was there one day last week. It was a day that produced such newsworthy items as a landmark Supreme Court decision and the results of the first-ever democratic election in Egypt, but neither of these stories made the front page of The Key West Citizen. Instead, they ran a piece about a man who was facing trial in a murder-for-hire case. He’d requested a postponement so that he could attend the city’s Ernest Hemmingway look-alike contest. Now that’s news for you. The judge didn’t bite. He might have

had a chance if the trial weren’t being held on the mainland. And so the Conchs, as the people of Key West are called, like to find simple answers to life’s challenges. And true to their nature, they’ve managed to come up with just one good reason to boogie down all year long. It’s one that’s valid day in and day out, without fail. And while it‘s true that Joanie Loves Chachi is gone forever from the airwaves, never to return, they’ve found an even better excuse. They celebrate the sunset. Every night for over 20 years, the city has staged a Sunset Celebration on Mallory Square at the west end of the island. They even go so far as to kick the cruise ships out of port so as not to block the view. These days, it’s mostly tourists who come down to Mallory Square to celebrate the sunset, as if sunset never occurs in places like Terre Haute, Indiana. Thus the Conchs, having this seeming monopoly on sunsets, have not missed the opportunity for profit. To this end, they entertain the tourists in the square by performing such acts as tightrope walking and

sword swallowing. The tourists, awed by these dazzling feats of human agility, react by gladly emptying their wallets. There must be a real shortage of sword-swallowing talent in Terre Haute, Indiana. One creative local entrepreneur even figured out a way to make a living by startling people. This is something that just anybody has done at one time or another, usually without even thinking about it. My wife does it to me on a routine basis, just about every time I sneak out into the garage to have a cigar. But this guy has turned startling people into an art form. He hides behind a couple of palm branches and jumps out at unsuspecting tourists as they walk by. Some people spend what it would cost to buy a fleet of Humvees and keep them gassed up to get a degree from Yale, and this guy figures out how to make a living doing something he already knows how to do instinctively. See what I mean about how these people like to keep things simple? I bet if we let the Conchs manage the Eurozone economy, they’d have it fixed in no time. Surely, France alone has enough tightrope walkers and acrobats to pull the continent out of recession. What Italy and Spain have to offer would just be lagniappe. (Editor’s note: Okay, Mike, I’ll keep that word in. Just don’t let it happen again.) Don’t get me wrong, here. I’m not saying that life in Key West is easy. If it were, the entire population of the world would be living there, and then, even the Chinese would have to put up with the likes of Geraldo on cable news. That would truly be Paradise Lost. No, to live in Key West is a challenge, one beyond the capability of mere mortals. Most locals have to work two and three jobs, most of the time dealing with tourists who don’t tip, or are from Terre Haute, or both, just to keep their heads above water. And that’s when there isn’t a hurricane passing across the island. So, if you’ve ever had the dream to leave it all behind and move to Key West, you should think twice. Then, you should go say those things to the boss that you’ve always been thinking, and join ranks with the gods. Believe me; your boss will understand when you come crawling back on your hands and knees.

TJN

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JULY 12, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 8

By George “Tip” Cline

THE ROUSES’ EXPERIENCE We recently traveled to Lafayette to attend the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Cajundome. We had tickets for the Sunday afternoon performance (which was a really great show). We drove over before noon and wound up at Rouses Market before the performance. I believe in supporting our local merchants, but every once in a while you find yourself out of town and opportunity arises. Rouses Market is a wonderful supermarket, located almost in front of the Cajundome. A large portion of the store is devoted to an eat-in area with tables and chairs. It features a functioning sushi station, a barbeque station, a deli, a large salad bar with three different hot soups, a hot food bar and more. The foods are weighed at any of the stations where you can also buy a drink cup that you fill from a variety of self-serve machines at the condiment/drink bar. In addition to the items you can eat in the store, there are hot boiled shrimp and crabs as well as a variety of fresh, oven-ready foods to take home to prepare later. The stuffed acorn squash in the deli area really caught my eye. We purchased some stuffed mushrooms, really spicy hogshead cheese made by Rouses and a few other specialty items, while our friends purchased some baby artichokes, sliced prosciutto and other goodies which filled up the ice chest I had conveniently brought along. Oh, they will dry age beef loins for you in a special glass-sided cooler standing in the middle of the store, not far from some of the USDA Prime meat in the display case. They will hold the dry aging meat for several weeks for their customers. Their liquor selection is amazing and you can purchase Volume 4 • Issue 8

SUPERMARKET ROUNDUP In this issue, we’re comparing backyard barbeque favorites at our house. The prices were gathered on July 3, 2012, reflecting the prices posted on the shelf that day. The stores are: Albertsons, Country Club Road, Market Basket, Lake Street; Kroger, McNeese Street and Walmart, Nelson Road. Pork Baby Back Ribs, per pound: Albertsons $2.98; Market Basket $3.99; Kroger $5.99; Walmart $3.42. Sweet Corn, fresh, per ear: Albertsons, $.25; Market Basket, $.69; Kroger, $.34; Walmart, $.20.

Kraft Original Barbeque Sauce, 17.5-ounce bottle: Albertsons, $.99; Market Basket, $.89; Kroger, $.89; Walmart, $1.00. Budweiser Beer, 24-can case of 12-ounce cans: Albertsons $19.99, Market Basket $18.99, Kroger $20.39, Walmart $18.99. Note: There were still some bottles of Kraft Original Barbeque Sauce in the 18-ounce size in some locations. They are obviously changing over to a “more convenient” size. (Contact us for an ownership opportunity in that lovely bridge in Brooklyn.) TJN

any kind of alcohol after noon on Sunday, which was a delightful surprise for us. All in all, I found their prices are very comparable to our local stores. Now, making a trip to Lafayette just to go grocery shopping is not likely to happen, but if you find yourself there, and you appreciate good food, taking a few extra minutes to visit Rouses just might make you happy. And wouldn’t it be wonderful if one opened in the Lake Area? DIMINISHING SPECIALS In the last issue, we discussed the quiet dropping of familiar specials at our favorite places. Since then, readers have informed me of their own experiences with the diminishing of normal, everyday offerings in a less than an open way at places they frequent. Of course, the change is always in the businesses’ favor and you, the consumer, get it in the back or at least the wallet. We recently went to a place we patronize on a very regular basis and ordered a meal that I frequently enjoy. It comes with a side salad, which was always quite fresh, tasty and ample in portion. This time, I was presented with a small square bowl that held a lot less salad than before. My server informed me that was the new policy and he was sorry. My wife’s usual salad always had a cherry tomato or a slice of tomato with the lettuce mix, but instead, there were just chopped-up tomato particles in her little square bowl. A friend that patronizes his favorite place for the Sunday brunch informed me of how they have quietly removed the breakfast sausage that he always enjoyed and worse, their Mimosa cocktail was now being served in a glass that looked as if it needed to be refilled before he even took a swallow. It is never a good thing when an establishment that you have grown to enjoy and trust doesn’t keep the items and practices that earned your trust. Sadly, there are always those places that want to live on their past reputation and not on the present. JULY 12, 2012

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What’s Cookin’ Chef de Cuisine Neal Tenderholt

at Isle of Capri Casino PAGE 12

JULY 12, 2012

Isle of Capri Casino not only boasts over 1,250 exciting slot machines, over 48 table games and live poker 24 hours a day, but the all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets at Calypso’s can’t be beat. It features magnificent breakfast spreads, tender chicken and beef entrées, crisp salads and savory side dishes. There are so many options to choose from, but with one price, you can try as many as you’d like! Chef de Cuisine Neal Tenderholt sees to it that you are more than satisfied with the offerings of Calypso’s Buffet. Tenderholt has newly arrived at the Isle from Unlimited Chef Consulting in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was an executive chef. His passion is teaching others all about food.

Breakfast: Mon. – Fri.: 7 – 10:30 a.m., $7.99; Sat. & Sun. 7 – 11 a.m. $8.99. Lunch: Mon. – Fri.: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. • $10.99, Sat. & Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. • $10.99. Dinner Sun. – Thurs.: 4 – 9 p.m. • $16.99, Fri. & Sat: 4 – 11 p.m. • $27.99 (Dig into fabulous Canadian Crab Legs on Friday and Saturday nights!) Kids under 6 eat free, and there’s also special pricing for children 12 and under for lunch and dinner.

Volume 4 • Issue 8

REDFISH TOURNAMENT • Team Tournament

The following recipe looks absolutely delicious. There are lots of ingredients, but it seems relatively uncomplicated to make.

Roasted Pork Loin with Spring Raspberries and Chipotle Glaze and Orange Rice INGREDIENTS RASPBERRY CHIPOTLE GLAZE • 2 tablespoons peanut oil • ½ cup diced yellow onions • 1 tablespoon Chipotle peppers (chopped) • 2 pints fresh raspberries • ½ cup of raspberry vinegar • ½ cup of honey • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt ROASTED GARLIC PORK LOIN • 3 lbs. of pork loin • 8 cloves of garlic minced • 1 teaspoon minced rosemary (no stems) PREPARATION GLAZE In a medium saucepan, heat peanut oil, add diced yellow onions and sauté one minute. Add chipotle peppers and sauté for one minute. Add 1½ pints fresh raspberries, cook for 2 minutes. Add raspberry vinegar, honey and kosher salt. Cook for 2 minutes and keep warm on low heat. GARLIC ROASTED PORK LOIN Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place in large roasting pan over one burner on medium to high heat. Add enough peanut oil to cover bottom of pan. Season pork loin with salt and pepper. Combine garlic, rosemary and thyme. Add enough oil to make it spreadable and consistent. Roast until instant read thermometer

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• • • •

1 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme 1-teaspoon Kosher salt 1-teaspoon black pepper ½ bunch fresh parsley

ORANGE RICE • 4 cups water • 2 cups brown rice • 3 tablespoons butter • 1-teaspoon Kosher salt • ½ cup fresh orange juice • 6 green onions chopped • ½ yellow onion chopped • 2 oranges (segmented)

reads internally temperature at 140 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with foil. Keep warm for 10 minutes. ORANGE RICE Sauté yellow onions in butter for 2 minutes. Add brown rice and stir for 3 minutes. Add water, orange juice and half orange zest. Bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat. Cook to 40-45 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and cover.

FISHING RODEO • Offshore Division • Bay & Surf Division • Junior Division

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 12:01am Fishing Begins 6am Redfish Challenge Competition Begins Noon Festival Grounds and Weigh Station Open 5pm Blessing of the Fleet, Jetty Pier Weigh Station Closes 7:30-9:30pm Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie Band 10-Midnight Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band 12:30am Festival Grounds Close SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 Fishing Competition Continues 6am 2nd Day of Redfish Challenge Begins Noon Festival Grounds and Weigh Station Open 3-5pm Teardrops Band 5pm Weigh Station Closes 5:30-7:30pm Steel Shot Band 8-9:30pm G.G. Shinn/T.K. Hulin & the Hot Damn Band 9:30pm Fireworks Display over the Gulf 10-Midnight Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin’ Cajuns 12:30am Festival Grounds Close SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 Final Day Of Fishing Competition 6am Final Day of Redfish Challenge Begins Noon Festival Grounds and Weigh Station Open 3pm Weigh Station Closes 4pm Fishing Awards Presented 4:30pm 9th Annual Cameron Fishing Festival Concludes This years festival is once again sponsored by the Cameron Lions Club and the Cameron Parish Tourist Bureau. The proceeds are used by the Cameron Lions Club to fund its Scholarship Program, the Lions Crippled Children Camp, Louisiana Eye Glass Foundation and several other charities.

Enjoy!

TJN

For any additional festival info call (337) 775-5316

JULY 12, 2012

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By Lauren de Albuquerque

Summer is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the heat, and I love summer clothes. Moving to Louisiana is a dream come true. Summer just goes on and on, and I think that 90 percent of my wardrobe consists of “cruise wear,” which never failed to make my former editor Lisa Yates chuckle when I’d stroll into the office, day after day, looking as if I were heading to my cabana by the pool. All I needed was an umbrella drink. For example, today I’m wearing a colorful print skirt from India with a black gauze top, black sandals and beads. Summer dressing is so much fun! And let’s not even get started on my husband’s extensive Hawaiian shirt collection. He gets very sad when it’s January and he can’t wear his fun tropical shirts. But let’s not even think about

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January. Right now, it’s summer, and there are lots of hot clothes and cool accessories to buy for your vacation. I think the hottest item out there is the Sun Lily Foldable Hat. The hats are pliable and wrinkle resistant and provide instant shade while maintaining their shape. “They’re inexpensive and very useful,” said Carla Henry of The Perfect Gift at 2712 Hodges St. in Lake Charles. The hat neatly packs away in a petite matching tote that doubles as a carryall to hold your camera, lipstick, etc., while you’re wearing your hat. It’s a cotton/nylon blend and comes in various colors. One size fits all. Go to the Perfect Gift and check them out—while they last! Metallic belts in gold, bronze and silver are really popular—for both daytime and evening. They look fabulous over a blouse with your jeans or leggings, and can add bling to a dress or skirt for nighttime events. From thin to wraparound to thick, it’s all up to you! I love the shoes that are out this season, because we can all find styles to make us happy. Wedges bring me back to my youth and are easy to walk in, compared to heels. But if big heels are what you’re after, they’re out there—in vivid colors and designs. Wear and enjoy! Of course, sandals and flipflops are here to stay. Flip-flops come flat, with arch support (which I need) and even with heels. And everyone loves “Switch Flops.” Buy your flipflops of choice (must

be Switch Flops brand), and then purchase various straps that are backed with Velcro to change your look every day! I just read an article that said the average woman packs 28 changes of clothes for a one-week vacation. Yikes! That means we’re changing our clothes four times a day. But I can see it happening. You’re at a resort and you need lounge wear, bathing suits, sundresses, shorts and tops—and don’t forget evening wear, and the various shoes and accessories to match all that. And because summer clothing is so light, you can pack so much more. Before you know it, half your closet is in your suitcase. It happens. I’m still unpacking from my Mexico trip, and we’ve been home a week. Summer fashion also costs less than winter clothing, so we can have more of it. All that wool and leather and cashmere and God-knows-what else is so expensive. I actually don’t even own a sweater anymore. I just layer in the winter, and wait impatiently for spring to arrive. If you want to save even more money on your hot-weather wardrobe, try going to a consignment shop. I just love used-clothing stores. It’s like going on a treasure hunt. You just never know what you may find. Check out Dazzle Up at 3206 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. Owner Joyce Leveque carries gently used sundresses, purses, shoes and belts, not to mention dazzling party dresses and formals for all shapes and sizes. Keep your eyes open for both designer and vintage clothing. What fun! TJN Volume 4 • Issue 8

By Cynthia Hoffpauir President, Jeff Davis Business Alliance

Jeff Davis Parish is a close-knit mix of families, young professionals and retirees. The parish combines the charm and comforts of smalltown communities with easy access to larger cities within 40 minutes driving distance. Although Jeff Davis Parish is rural, it offers a dining and shopping experience for every occasion. Whether you are in the mood for a casual lunch, a leisure dinner overlooking beautiful Lake Arthur, fast food, or want to prepare your own meal from a locally owned meat shop or fresh seafood market, we can accommodate your needs. Downtown main streets have specialty shops interspersed with banks, business offices and restaurants. From beautiful oak tree-lined neighborhoods to downtown apartment complexes, housing options are as

La Belle Femme Dress Shop, located in the heart of Jennings, is the place to find the perfect wedding gown, dresses for your bridesmaids, mother of the bride and beautiful dresses for prom and Mardi Gras! “We are often asked what La Belle Femme means,” said Linda. The answer is “Pretty Lady, and that means you!” La Belle Femme owner Linda LeBlanc dresses ladies from all over Southwest Louisiana, from beautiful brides to homecoming queens. Going to a Mardi Gras ball? Is your baby being christened? Is your

daughter entering a little girl pageant? You’ll find everything you need at La Belle Femme. “Our shop is different from all the others because we carry such a big selection of sizes – from 0 to Plus Sizes,” says Linda. While homecoming and prom are the busiest times of the year for the shop, the wedding business never lets up! There are wonderful styles to choose from. Some labels you’ll see at La Belle Femme include Allure, Private Label, Forever Yours, Davinci, Blush and Alexis. “We now offer tuxedo rental and limo service,” Linda said.

426 N. Main St., Jennings, LA • 337-824-7272 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-3pm

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varied as they are beautiful. Both longtime citizens and first-time visitors appreciate the blend of old historic buildings with the new. There are several economic drivers within the parish. Lacassine Industrial Park has a diversified economic base. With opportunities for employment, business expansions or new businesses, Jeff Davis Parish continues to prove itself as a strong economic leader in Southwest Louisiana. There has been a phenomenal evolution in the healthcare industry in Jeff Davis parish within the last 50 years. While the Jennings American Legion Hospital remains the center of the healthcare community with state-of-the-art equipment and services, there are many choices for everyone’s medical needs. Jeff Davis Parish is also one of five parishes in

W. H. Tupper operated his General Merchandise Store beginning in 1910 in a rural community just north of Jennings, La. When he closed the doors in 1949, the complete inventory remained on the shelves, undisturbed, until 1971 when it was carefully packed and warehoused. There it remained until his grandson Joe Tupper Jr., donated the store’s contents for the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum to the City of Jennings. This unique museum offers visitors a glimpse of nearly every facet of early twentieth century life in rural Louisiana. Experience a sim-

Louisiana chosen to locate a War Veterans Home to provide complete medical care to veterans. Sporting and leisure activities are available for both children and adults. Make your plans now to visit Jeff Davis Parish for all these exciting events this fall: Stearman Fly-In at the Jennings Airport grounds, Last Resort Car, Truck & Bike Show at the Louisiana Oil & Gas Park, Yellow Rails & Rice Festival, Jennings Alive open air market on Historic Downtown Main Street, “Holiday Magic” Christmas Open House, and “Festival of Christmas” in the Zigler Art Museum. These are just a few of the activities planned. For more information, call (337) 821-5521. We invite you to come visit or relocate your family or business to Jeff Davis Parish! TJN

pler time when townsfolk picked up their mail, bought groceries, shopped for notions and toys and caught up on the news – all at the same place, the Tupper General Merchandise Store. Museum Hours are Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on weekends and major holidays. Admission is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for students. The museum is located at 311 N. Main Street in Jennings. For more information call 337-8215532 or visit their website at www.tuppermuseum.com.

(337) 821-5532 • 311 N. Main St., Jennings, LA JULY 12, 2012

PAGE 15

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.com

Front row sitting L to R: Dr. Peter Angelopoulos and Dr. Fernando Ruiz. Second row L to R: Dr. Christopher Thompson and Dr. John Winterton. Back row L to R: Dr. Kevin Young, Dr. Steven Howe (sitting) and Dr. J. King White Lake Charles Memorial Hospital (LCMH) has always strived to provide state-of-the art-medical care to meet the needs of Southwest Louisiana residents. Throughout the last 60, years it has been mindful of those needs while keeping up to date with the tremendous medical advances over the last half century. In 1991, the need was for a heart program that brought with it well-trained physicians to provide top cardiology care. In August of that year, Dr. William R. Condos opened the Cardiovascular Institute of the South/Lake Charles. It would later become known as the Heart and Vascular Center (HVC). Dr. Condos retired in April 2012 after 21 years of providing interventional cardiology care. Revered, respected and loved by staff, patients and physicians alike, Dr. Condos’ contribution made the Memorial Medical Group cardiology program what it is today. HVC offers a comprehensive program of total heart care, from prevention to cardiac rehabilitation, and all the treatment options in between. It puts the most advanced cardiology technology, diagnostics and treatment in the hands of Lake Charles’ most experienced and reputable physicians to provide you PAGE 16

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with the best possible care. Together, the physicians of HVC bring a wealth of experience with a total of 124 years of cardiac expertise for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular problems. From the first symptom of heart distress all the way through to recovery, the doctors at HVC are strengthening the entire continuum of heart and vascular care at Memorial with advanced resources for lifesaving assessment and treatment. They are leading cardiac board certified specialists, recruited both locally and from around the country to treat the needs of the Lake Charles community.

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ry system outside of the brain and heart. It is the most common disease of the arteries and usually affects blood flow to the legs and feet. It is caused by buildup of fat within the vessels, called atherosclerosis. When the muscles of your legs are working harder, such as during exercise or walking, the disease prevents them from getting enough blood and oxygen. Eventually, there may not be enough, even when the muscles are resting. “Many people seem to think that this is a normal part of aging, and that nothing can be done or that the only alternative is surgery,” Dr. Winterton said. “Today, however, surgery is only one of several effective treatments available for peripheral vascular disease.” Medicines and life-style changes are two options highly considered before surgery. Born in New Orleans, Dr. Winterton graduated from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He then completed medical school, his internship, residency and fellowship at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. In addition to his work with HVC, Dr. Winterton is on staff at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

Mason Sonnier with Dr. Christopher Thompson Christopher Thompson, MD

When Dr. Condos retired from HVC, he passed the torch as director of cardiology to his colleague, Dr. Christopher Thompson, a board certified cardiologist who has been in practice in Lake Charles since 1994. In addition to general cardiology, Dr. Thompson’s areas of expertise include cardiac catheterization, cardiac rehabilitation and interventional cardiology. Cardiac rehabilitation is just as important as any procedure needed to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and procedures such as stenting and angioplasty. “We usually provide education and counseling services to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including a heart attack,” Dr. Thompson said. “Your lifestyle plays a big role in the health of your heart and we try to prevent patients from having a repeat of those life-threatening diseases.” After graduating from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Thompson completed his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, his residency at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, and his cardiology fellowship at the University Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to being part of the team of cardiologists at the Heart & Vascular Center, Dr. Thompson also serves as director of Cardiology and Cardiac Catheterization at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. He has also worked as a clinical investigator in hypercholesterolemia trials, which deals with research into high cholesterol levels. Dr. Thompson is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

Dr. John Winterton with James Bergeron

Dr. Kevin Young Kevin Young, MD

Dr. Kevin Young is a board certified cardiologist, who specializes in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and pacemaker and defibrillator implantation and follow up. A Kentucky native, Dr. Young graduated in the top 10 percent of his medical school class from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. It was there that he also completed his internship and residency in internal medicine and fellowship in cardiovascular diseases. A pacemaker is a small device that’s placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses electrical pulses to treat arrhythmias—where the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. A defibrillator, slightly larger than a pacemaker, can help correct fast irregular heart rhythms that may lead to sudden death, usually by automatically delivering a small shock to the heart. “Modern pacemakers usually have multiple functions. The most basic form monitors the heart’s native electrical rhythm,” Dr. Young said. “When the pacemaker does not detect a heartbeat within a normal beat-to-beat time period, it will stimulate the heart with a short low voltage pulse. This sensing and stimulating activity continues on a beat by beat basis.” Pacemakers are inserted through a minimally invasive procedure and are checked out using a programmer during a follow up session. The battery life for today’s generation of pacemakers and defibrillators is generally between five and ten years. In addition to working with HVC, Dr. Young was previously on staff and on the board of trustees at the Welborn Clinic in Evansville, Indiana. He has volunteered his time and services at the Calcasieu Community Clinic in Lake Charles.

John Winterton, MD

Dr. John Winterton is a board certified cardiologist, who is also an expert in cardiac rehabilitation, peripheral vascular and cardiovascular diseases. Peripheral vascular disease refers to any disease or disorder of the circulatoVolume 4 • Issue 8

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Dr. Fernando Ruiz with Fern Foster Fernando Ruiz, MD

Dr. Ruiz is also a board certified cardiologist. In addition to handling all aspects of cardiac care, Dr. Ruiz specializes in both interventional cardiology and nuclear cardiology, which uses noninvasive techniques to assess myocardial blood flow, evaluate the pumping function of the heart, as well as visualize the size and location of a heart attack. “Nuclear cardiology tests safely take pictures of the heart,” Dr. Ruiz said. “A very small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein and is taken up by the heart. A specialized camera then takes pictures and video of the heart with rest, exercise, or medication-induced stress testing.” These cardiac images help to identify coronary heart disease, the severity of prior heart attacks, and the risk of future heart attacks. The highly accurate measurements of heart size and function and amount of heart muscle at risk of damage enable cardiologists to better prescribe treatment and select further testing.

Dr. J. King White (right) A native of Venezuela, Dr. Ruiz graduated from Central University of Venezuela and Luis Razetti School of Medicine in Caracas. He completed his internship and residency at Yale University School of Medicine – Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, Connecticut, followed by a cardiology fellowship at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, where he also served as an assistant professor of clinical medicine. Prior to relocating to Lake Charles, Dr. Ruiz completed an additional fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New

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Volume 4 • Issue 8

York, and developed expertise in coronary and peripheral interventions. Dr. Ruiz has presented his research at various national medical conferences and is a member of several professional medical societies, including the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians and the American Heart Association.

J. King White, MD

A native of Lake Charles, Dr. J. King White is a well-known name in Southwest Louisiana healthcare. He has treated patients in the Lake Area since 1988 and is board certified in cardiology. He joined HVC in February 2012 and is experienced in many facets of cardiovascular disease treatment including coronary and peripheral vascular disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, (which is a bulge in wall in the abdominal aorta), occurs mostly in people over the age of 65 and are more common among men and smokers. It can occur in any artery in the body, but it usually appears in the abdominal aorta, just below the kidneys. Fixing the problem usually requires a minimally invasive procedure. A stent graft is used to create new walls in the damaged blood vessel for the blood to flow through. “We administer local anesthesia and make two small puncture sites in the groins. We put half of the graft through one side and the other half of the graft through the other side and connect them once they are inside the aneurysm,” Dr. White said. “The blood flow is cut off to the aneurysm and over time the aneurysm will decrease in size.” As a notable figure in the world of cardiology, Dr. White has served as lead investigator in many research studies throughout his career. He also performed the first coronary artery stent in Southwest Louisiana, and pioneered the carotid artery stent, which unblocks narrowing of the carotid artery lumen to prevent a stroke. The procedure is widely used today. He regularly teaches courses which are attended by physicians from all over the world where they learn the latest techniques in peripheral vascular disease.

patients are awake during the procedure, requiring only a local anesthetic. Additionally, many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home within hours of the procedure. Dr. Angelopoulos is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and the Society for Vascular Medicine. He is a member of the Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition/Vascular Disease Foundation, serves as a permanent voting member of the PAD committee of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and is current Chairman of the Bylaws, Policies and Procedures committee of the Society for Vascular Medicine. In addition to his work at HVC, Dr. Angelopoulos is on staff at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, where he also performs coronary and peripheral interventions.

Dr. Steven Howe Steven Howe, MD

Diane Malbrew and Dr. Peter Angelopoulos Peter Angelopoulos, MD

Prior to joining the HVC staff in March 2012, Dr. Peter Angelopoulos had a private practice in Garden City, New York, where he specialized in coronary and peripheral interventions and educated medical residents and cardiology and interventional cardiology fellows. “Interventional cardiology deals specifically with the catheter-based treatment of heart diseases, most commonly heart attacks,” Dr. Angelopoulos says. “A catheter (hollow tube) is inserted into the femoral artery in the upper leg, and guided toward the heart or vascular area through the use of real-time X-ray.” Most interventional cardiology and endovascular procedures are considered to be minimally invasive because most puncture sites are approximately two millimeters. This leads to decreased pain, less risk of infection, avoidance of large scars and shorter postoperative recovery times. In many instances,

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As the board certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon with HVC, Dr. Steven Howe operates on the heart and diseases that occur in the organs inside the chest. In addition, he performs vascular surgery including endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, surgical repair of carotid blockages, as well as, blockages in the arteries of the legs. The most common procedure done by Dr. Howe is coronary artery bypass surgery. “During bypass surgery, blood vessels from the legs or the chest wall are grafted to the heart arteries to detour the blockage and improve blood flow to the heart muscle,” Dr. Howe said. He also replaces or repairs heart valves and treats disorders of the lungs including severe infections and lung cancer, and operates on certain selected cardiovascular abnormalities in newborns. Dr. Howe’s medical career has roots in the Navy. He served his country as a lieutenant in the US Navy Medical Corps as a surgeon in Guam and Spain. As a lieutenant commander, he was the surgeon on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, serving in the Persian Gulf from January to July of 2000. Before moving to the Lake Charles area in 2006, Dr. Howe served as chief resident of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at the University of California San Diego Children’s Hospital and Veteran’s Administration Hospital in San Diego. He was the cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon on staff at Saint Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Centralia, Illinois, and a consulting physician for Marion Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Marion, Illinois. HVC currently has five offices located in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Jennings, DeQuincy and DeRidder. To make an appointment at any of the Heart and Vascular Center locations, call (337) 49-HEART (494-3278). TJN

JULY 12, 2012

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ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B

A Small Step Toward Perfection The world of sports is a funny old place. In the world outside of sports, most people will tell you that you can try, but you can’t be perfect and mostly that’s true. You might try to compile a perfect driving record or strive for clean copy in your sports column, but, generally, you’re going

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to get pulled over and ticketed once in a while. You’re going to make a few typos in your column now and then. Nobody’s perfect. But the sports world is different. Perfection is not only possible in sports, but also perfectly attainable. In baseball, if a pitcher retires 27 batters without any of them reaching first base, he has attained perfection. In bowling, if a bowler makes 12 strikes in a row, she has attained perfection. I’m not saying it’s easy, it might take many years and many attempts to accomplish, but it can be done.

Just last month, the NCAA took a small step toward perfection. The NCAA recently approved a four-team playoff to determine the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) national champion, beginning in 2014, and thus replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) tyranny that will have ruled the lives of college football fans for 15 long years. I mean Kim-Jong II ruled North Korea for 17 years, but the BCS’s reign seems a lot longer and fraught with more hubris and casual cruelty to its subjects, am I right? Just kidding, folks.

Regardless, this is a great advancement in the history of bigtime college football. Folks, one day in 2014, we are going to decide a national champion the way every other sport in the universe does: on the field. No more calculating poll numbers, dividing by 2,875 and then multiplying by the square root of infinity. No more worshiping at the foot of Jeff Sagarin’s computer screen, wondering where the machine thinks LSU ranks against Alabama. All of that is over. We are going to put 11 guys on one side of the field, 11 guys on the other, and we’re going to play football. And we’re going to play football

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until one team has scored more points than the other three teams in the playoff field. There will be a champion, crowned based on how they played in two high-pressure, nationally televised games. It’s a pretty good system. But, again, it’s not perfect. There’s still plenty of room for whining, plenty of room for “why them and not us?” There are still selection committees to convene, strength of schedules to calculate, and teams to leave out. But I have a solution. It’s crazy but it is already being used elsewhere, has been for decades, and it works. My solution: If you’re worried about excluding teams from the playoff, then exclude no teams from the playoff. I propose a college football tournament spanning all four divisions of NCAA football (FBS, FCS, and Divisions II and III), with 256 teams playing for one trophy over the course of 11 weeks. It’s similar to the Football Association Cup in English soccer, which is, I think, the fairest tournament in the world. In England, all you have to do to get into the FA Cup is apply and be accepted (last year, 825 teams applied and 763 were approved; the 62 left out likely didn’t have a field to play on or couldn’t afford to travel or something). Once you’re in, you play until you lose. Teams at the bottom of the English football pyramid start the tournament and teams higher on the pyramid are added in successive rounds (Premier League teams are added in round nine). Eventually, two teams play for the cup. There are no seeds, no computer formulas. All of the teams go into a bingo-ball hopper and the machine spits out names. It’s brilliant, but can it work for college football in America? Yes, it can. Here’s my proposal: The top 256 college football teams in America make the tournament: all 120 from the FBS, all 94 playoff teams (that means no Ivy, Pioneer, or SWAC teams) from the FCS and the top 34 applicants (17 each) from Divisions II and III. Rounds 1-4 are qualifying rounds featuring games between FCS and D2/D3 teams beginning on the third Saturday in November. All of the teams go into the hopper and are randomly drawn together. McNeese State might be hosting Montana or traveling to Mount Union (Ohio). It’s the luck of the draw. Volume 4 • Issue 8

There will be eight teams left at the end of round 4. These eight teams are then added to the 120 FCS teams and, again, games are randomly selected and begin on the second Saturday in December. The field is the narrowed down to two teams that will play a championship game two Saturdays before the Super Bowl (if it were played this year, the game would fall on Jan. 26). I think this a great idea. No one is being excluded from the top two tiers of the NCAA. There are 11 weeks of postseason football the

NCAA can monetize however it wants. If the NCAA wants to call the games “bowls,” then, by all means, they can do so. But the sweetheart deals the bowls used to get will be gone. Fans will have football all the way up to the Super Bowl instead of weeks of sitting around waiting for the Poulan Weed Eater Bowl to kick off “bowl season.” It’s perfect. And while this kind of thing may not work in the outside world, this is sports. And in sports, we can attain perfection.

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

JULY 12, 2012

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By Mary Louise Ruehr

Kitties and Puppies and the People They Love I once knew a man who actually said that dogs and cats have no personality. Silly man. But those of us who know better can find pets with personality galore in these books. I loved the audiobook of A Dog’s Journey by W. Bruce Cameron so much that when I finished it, I immediately listened to the whole thing again. Then I ran out and got a copy of Cameron’s previous book, A Dog’s Purpose, to which Journey is the sequel. If a dog could talk, I would hope it would sound like this guy

(George K. Wilson for Macmillan Audio). The novel is presented from the point of view of the dog. The wonderful canine goes by several names because every time he dies, he comes back as another puppy, but with the same spirit and memories. Years may have gone by in “earth time,” but to the dog it’s an immediate return. In the first book, he comes back as Bailey, who is rescued by the mother of 8-year-old Ethan. The dog says he has discovered that “Loving and liv-

ing with the boy was my whole purpose in life.” He has also discovered that “As far as I had ever been able to tell, cats do not have a purpose.” In “Journey,” Ethan is now gone, but the dog comes back to be with Clarity, a child related to Ethan, and is surprised to find that “A dog can love more than one person.” As Clarity grows into a troubled teen, the dog loves and protects her. The dog grows old and dies, then comes back in other bodies, male or female, large or small, of different breeds. Both books are funny, heartwarming and sad, with some loving characters and some who are truly unsavory. Both show the darker nature of humans and the consequences of their foolish actions. Some of the dog’s statements are thoughtful: “Humans know everything. Not just how to take car rides or where to find bacon, but also when dogs are good or bad and where dogs should sleep and what toys they should play with.” And sometimes they made me laugh: “Horses are not reliable, like dogs. … Nobody ever fell off of a dog.” And at the park: “We were mostly by ourselves, except for a woman with a small black dog named Get-Back-Here-Milo.” PAGE 22

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The one that always got me was his simple statement of truth, “I was a good dog,” which was the best thing he could say about himself. A Dog’s Journey is simply wonderful. I cried like a baby every time the dog died and laughed out loud many times. And I could listen to it again now, just thinking about it. Ivan! A Pound Dog’s View on Life, Love, and Leashes by Tim McHugh is also written from the dog’s point of view. The author calls his work “creative nonfiction,” as he puts himself in the dog’s head and describes the world around him. Ivan is a pound puppy nobody wants because of his underbite, snaggletooth and one blind eye. But McHugh and his wife think he’s funny and lovable and take him home. They name him Ivan in homage to their love of Russian literature. Hence, the dog’s thoughts are those of an intellectual, who refers to Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, as well as the paintings of Waterhouse and the writings of Oscar Wilde, Emily Dickinson and others. He ponders the meaning of life, musing on the wisdom of philosophers and saints. “I saw myself as endowed with a free will and the ability to shape my Volume 4 • Issue 8

destiny through a series of personal choices,” says the dog. Ivan interacts with several other dogs and people and has to face death, including his own. Remember, that’s how most dog and cat stories end, with a pet farewell. Ivan’s a thoughtful dog readers will love. Kitty Cornered: How Frannie and Five Other Incorrigible Cats Seized Control of Our House and Made It Their Home by Bob Tarte tells the true adventures of Tarte and his wife,

Linda, and the menagerie living with them in their Michigan home. The couple has more than 50 pets, including geese, ducks, “rabbits, African grey parrots, parakeets, doves, hens, and cats, not to mention the orphan songbirds that Linda raised and released each summer.” These people, who apparently can’t say no, take in a whole bunch of stray or discarded cats, and Tarte writes of the interactions between humans and cats, cats and each other, and cats and other animals. He tells how they acquired their cats. In one case, a stray enters their backyard from the woods, and for him, it’s love at first sight. “In my scant few seconds observing her, I had identified a kindred spirit, a creature who in spite of her many strengths was apparently as anxiety laden as I was. She was a shadow afraid of a shadow.” Tarte makes it clear that every cat has a distinct personality. He and his cats deal with extra large litter boxes, Elizabethan cone-collars, trying to keep a bandage on a cat’s leg (I laughed out loud at this one), and myriad vet visits. He even tries “psychic” animal communication, with surprising results. Tarte’s cat adventures are heartwarming, light and humorous.

Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean by Jackson Galaxy with Joel Derfner is Galaxy’s memoir of his journey to become a cat behaviorist, a person who can truly interact with animals. The book contains some pretty raw language. But it also has some really useful information for cat owners. Galaxy had personal problems, including drug abuse, and couldn’t find work until he finally got a job at an animal shelter. It was a perfect fit. At the shelter he had to assist in euthanizing animals. Of course, he didn’t want to do that, but he understood the need: “A world where no-kill sanctuaries are the only models of sheltering animals was — and still is — a goal, not a reality. Somebody has to deal with the present victims of our throwaway society.” He felt bad for the cats because he recognized “a distinctly dogcentric culture” in the shelters. He read everything he could find about cats and observed them. “That was when I found a deeper level of cat recognition than I had ever seen in myself before,” he writes. He discovered through experience that relating to animals means “making it not about you, but about the cat.”

Galaxy discusses cat behavioral problems and offers advice on environmental enrichment, clicker training, meeting a cat, introducing a new cat to cats established in the home, and much more. His helpful suggestions include the use of flower essences, acupuncture and the “Cat I Love You” blink. Copyright © 2012 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN

925 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles, LA • (337) 377-6616

20% OFF Total Purchase

Must present this coupon to receive offer. Coupon expires August 15, 2012. Volume 4 • Issue 8

JULY 12, 2012

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U A B A O F N LY CAMPING OUT! - WORD SEARCH

N M

R M

A W

L W

O M

N M

O W

Bears Bird Watching Cabin Campfire Camping

Canoe Fishing Forest Ranger Hiking Lake

Marshmallows National Park Pine Trees Tent Woods

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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JULY 12, 2012

Volume 4 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 8

r m ende's Museu l l E an en By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire

Brave (Disney, Pixar 2012) Brave is an animated film set in Scotland during a time of kings, queens, princesses and magic. Merida is a young tomboyish princess with red hair so long and curly it probably required its own animation crew. The girl also has three redheaded rugratsized brothers. Rounding out the royal family is King Fergus who is more barbarian than king, and a winsome but demanding Queen Elinor who is also Merida’s mother. Early in the movie, we witness an attack on Merida by a huge bear. King Fergus comes to her rescue but it

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ends up costing him a leg. Flash forward to years later, and Merida is a more womanish young lady but still enjoys riding out in the countryside shooting her bow and arrow (always at targets, never at any helpless wildlife). The only thing she doesn’t enjoy is her mother, who wants her to be a lady and princess. Some of us filmgoers were expecting Brave to be about the bravery of Merida, perhaps with her overcoming the bear in a show of archery courage. Sort of like a Hunger Games, cartoon-style. The plot is nowhere near this simple, although bravery does come into play. Amid scenery that sometimes almost seems photographic, we find that Merida does have obstacles ahead, but her challenge is much more difficult than defeating a wild animal. Because, for Merida to grow,

she has to come to grips with who she is and the world she lives in. Thankfully for us and the children in the audience, the story is superb. Early in the movie, we find out how much the kingdom depends on legend to understand its past. The king tells Merida how there were four princes, brothers, who almost destroyed the kingdom fighting amongst themselves. This legend is about to be replaced by another tale of legend: Merida’s tale. Along the way, we find that the three triplet brothers of Merida are almost infant geeks with the inventiveness of Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone. Their chief mischief seems to be stealing cakes and pies from the king’s cooks. They too become an important part of the story, even though they aren’t old enough to talk. Speaking of talking, if I have one complaint about this beautiful movie, it is the men. They’re all cast as physical brutes. Most of them don’t talk, they grunt. Brave may offer a fantastic and timely role model for girls (one mother I know told me her young daughter really needed to see this movie), but boys are going to be left to their weapons and toys in this one. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the violence in the movie will keep boys

enthralled. At times, the sound in the theater was just too loud for small children, and with the sight of an eight-foot tall bear with arrows stuck in its back while it attacks, Brave may be too much for your child. Likewise, there are a few Monty Python moments, which were really funny but inappropriate. At one point, an older barbarian moons one of his friends. Thank goodness he’s wearing a kilt and not leaning in our direction. Later, we get more of a Python Lumberjack scene, which helped give the movie its PG rating. To me, the real treat of Pixar’s production was the short cartoon that came before the movie started. La Luna is about a boy’s first trip in a boat at night, under the moon with his father and grandfather. Their short tale is magical. Walt Disney would have been delighted. Enjoy! TJN

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Why an arts column in SWLA? After all, this is the home of crawfish boils, tailgate parties and rodeos. But these events each have their own distinct “art.” There are crawfish outdoor flags, football team memorabilia rodeo banners, and so on. Artists are the creators of all those images. Consider this: Day in and day out, we use products with packaging or labels that are created by graphic

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JULY 12, 2012

By Monica Hebert

The Art of Lyd Farquhar

artists, and drive by business signs, road signs, and billboards designed by unknown creators. Every day, these talented people impact us all in some way.

We are also impacted by fine art. It surrounds us: the art in a doctor’s office, bank, or house of worship is conceived in the mind of an artist and brought to bear for the public’s pleasure. SWLA is home to a hundred or more fine artists. Who are these people, and where is the art? Yes, it’s time for a column on fine art, the artists and the business of art in SWLA. What is it about art that causes some to raise their eyebrows, and others to battle close friends at auction for the very same piece? Why do some people feel compelled to make fine art while others want to buy it and place it in their homes and offices? Personally, I am fascinated with the reasons people are drawn to art, whether it is appreciating it or making it. Being an artist myself, I find the answers to these questions intriguing and inspiring. In this column, it’s not likely art will be discussed from an academic perspective. Instead, I hope to explore the aforementioned questions with a keen interest upon the effects of art to our community and the artists among us, as I introduce the artists of SWLA. It is my pleasure to present Lyd Farquhar, who has developed a distinct style for conveying an emotion without alarming the viewer. Her colors are subtle interactions that come together to create a form, which is the vehicle of a particular emotion. As an abstract painter, Farquhar invites the viewer into another world, and provides a moment of awareness within the viewer’s mind: an “Aha!” moment generated by a painting. A connection is made. Visit with any artist for a moment and you will learn this is a top priority: to create a connection between the artist and the viewer. Farquhar told me that she desired to make beautiful things since was around six years old. But since she was in a household that simply did not allow her to pursue her desire, she put it all away. She basically stuffed her own sense of self away, just to get along with others. How many of us—artist and non-artist alike—did this? It’s no wonder her works have a deep emotional appeal as well as an aesthetic one. As she grows into herself, her art grows. And her connection with others grows as well. Originally from Philadelphia, Farquhar was not raised around fishing. She was unfamiliar with the gear, the fish, the boats—the whole

enchilada. Upon moving to SWLA with her husband, she found the fishing lures in his tackle box most alluring. The curious little things seem to call out to her with their bold colors. Perhaps they could be used as jewelry, she thought. Her musings over fishing lures have now turned into a new series of art. Working in oils on canvas, she has created several stunning images showing the beauty in a simple fishing lure. Choosing to use bright and vivid colors, she has created art that connects to Louisiana, in a unique and bold fashion. Her originals works and some prints will be presented during the Arts and Crabs Fest hosted by the Arts and Humanities Council on August 18 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Never one to sit around and wait for gallery opportunities, Farquhar has joined Art du Lac, a local group of professional artists whose primary mission is to host group shows and events. To learn more about Farquhar’s work, go to her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lyd.farquhar. To find out more about Art du Lac, go to www.facebook.com/pages/ArtduLac/241565112573664 or email artdulac1@gmail.com. For more information about the Arts and Crabs Fest, call (337) 4392787 or email projects@artsandhumanities. Another artist whose work is emerging is Erin Barker. A graduate of LSU with a Fine Art degree, Barker creates canvasses that portray gentle images of animals in nature. While creating art on a daily basis is her passion, she also makes time for young people with challenges. This summer, she will be teaching autistic children how to make art. Classes will be held July 23-July 26, from 9 a.m.-noon, and the group will have their own art show at Stellar Beans Coffee House. For details, email Barker at rekrabbit@gmail.com. There are many opportunities to enjoy fine art in Lake Charles: Gallery by the Lake at 106 W. Pryce St., Historic City Hall at 1911 Ryan St. and the Art Associates Gallery located in Central School Arts and Humanities Center at 809 Kirby St. Go often and enjoy the new exhibits; watch for openings in the “Jambalaya Jam” section of this publication. Take some time to soak in the creativity of our artists. Fine art has an allure that mystifies everyone; and yes—there are treasures to be found.

TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 8

RED, WHITE, BLUE AND YOU It was a patriotic night on the grounds of the Lake Charles Civic Center for the 19th annual Red, White, Blue and You July 4 celebration! It started off with a street parade followed by a sirring concert performed by the Lake Charles Community Band at the Amphitheater. The crowd enjoyed tasty food from local vendors, and the firework extravaganza lit up the lake. Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue!

April Hardy, Arianna Bradley, Glendaja Braxton and Devone and Glendale Rideau

Sharon, Alyson and Bailey Galicia

Mackenzie and Karen Collins

Misty and Tyson Stanz

Harley, Parker and Baylor Raggio

Gerard Keelan, Crystal Anderson and Kyntoria Jones

Amyriah and Janell Godette

SECOND ANNUAL BAYOU BASH The Prien Lake Mall was the place to be for the Bayou Bash, which celebrated local culture and cuisine at the Prien Lake Mall. This fun family event featured a guest appearance by R.J. and Jay Paul from the hit show Swamp People, lots of kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; zones, carnival rides, a Cajun cooking competition, and music from Horace Trahan, Ashes of Babylon and Damon Troy. A good time was had by all! Angel Jackson and Amari Espree Volume 4 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 8

Samantha Guerra, James Jordan and Juorlia Guerra JULY 12, 2012

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Allison Cursey and Cyndy Sterling

Alexa Guzman and Genesis Garces

David and Cori Alcantar with Gabriel McWane

2012 USSSA BASEBALL WORLD SERIES The Jam was at the opening ceremonies of the 2012 USSSA Baseball World Series that kicked off this week-long event hosted by Louisiana at Frasch Park’s beautiful facilities in Sulphur. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players, coaches and families. Batter up! Aubrey Hebert, Kenzie Salazar and Ally Blankenship

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Mike and Pam Fontenot with Anna and Allie Gunnells

Kollin and Amy Winebarger with John Dodson

Dorian Wilson and DJ Williams

Lydia Snopek, Carley Dawkins and Ansley Allen

Cody and Jamie Crader

Brooke Reed and Matt Guidry

Joshua and George Knapp

JULY 12, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 8

BAYOUCON GAMING CONVENTION SWLA’s annul anime, comics, sci-fi and gaming convention was held at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall. There were participating fan groups, artists, authors, a costume contest/masquerade ball, film festival, makeup prosthetic creation, tabletop gaming tournaments, and so much more! Attendees enjoyed the photo ops with special media guests J.G. Hertzler and Robert O’Reilly from the Star Trek franchise. May the Force Be With You! TJN Anna Mannin, Meagan Geeck, Johnathan Ruh, Drewux Blalock and Thomas Deville

Brimstone and Phi Remi

Brittney Cutrer and Jessica Higgins

Taylor, David and Ciera Bowie

Megan Mobley and Courtney Caruso

July 16-20: Jazz & Contemporary July 23-27: Hip Hop August 20-24 and 27-31: Ballet with Jeffrey Lyons of the San Francisco Ballet School Summer: 6 Week Beginner Pilates, Adult Ballet & Salsa lessons

Registration dates for the summer intensives and for the 2012 - 2013 year will be held July 12 & 14, July 10 and 12 from 3:30 - 6:30 and July 24 and 26 from 12:00 - 3:00. Registration forms can be found on our website: www.lakecharlesdanceacademy.com Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Adult Ballet, Piano and Guitar lessons Volume 4 • Issue 8

JULY 12, 2012

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USS ORLECK SUMMER LASER TAG NOW – AUG. 30 The USS Orleck Laser Tag is proud to announce its Summer 2012 Public Play schedule every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Players must be 10 years and older to participate, and players under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Games are $7 for each 12-minute game, $20 for a 3-game package or $25 for a 4-game package. Call (337) 274-4767 or visit www.orleck.org. MAYOR’S ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE PARK ADVENTURE DAY JULY 12 On Thur., July 12, the public is encouraged to come to the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum, 900 Lakeshore Dr., and participate in the Mayor’s Progressive Park Adventure Day from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event will kick off with an Olympic-like opening with the “lighting of the torch” and a torch run inside the Coliseum. Fun activities will include: three legged race, scooter racing, spacewalk, bowling, balloon darts, sack race, face painting, hot potato, basketball shootout, and so much more. The purpose of the event is to encourage family fitness activities that will help further a healthy lifestyle. All activities are free. For more information, call Helen Lewis-Dunn at 491-1280. UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The Children’s Museum is happy to announce the following activities are scheduled for the month of July. • July 12: Amazing Thursday – Lowe’s Workshop for Kids. Hammer and build different projects with Ms. Denise Jones from Lowe’s. Classes begin at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and are limited to 15 children. Don’t forget to bring your Lowe’s apron to add a patch, if you have one! • July 13: Fun Friday – Pasta Necklaces. New! Join us in the ArtSpace anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. for fun activities! • July 14: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show. Sasol’s Theresa Bell will perform experiments designed to show the cool things that can be done with pressure at 11 a.m. Demonstrations include inflating a balloon with lemon juice and baking soda, the balloon blow-up challenge and the hanging water experiment.

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• July 16: Creative Monday – Super Hero Mask. New! Paint your own mask! Classes start at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and are limited to 20 children. • July 17: Crafty Tuesday – Rain Sticks. Make your own rain stick with animal shape stickers. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 20 children. • July 18: Cool Wednesday – Popsicles. Take a break and enjoy a Popsicle at 11 a.m. – while quantities last! • July 19: Amazing Thursday – Story Time. Local author Tommie Townsley will read her book Adolpheaux the Adventurous Dolphin at 11 a.m. • July 20: Fun Friday – Paper Plate Fun (Snakes and Beach Balls). New! Join us in the ArtSpace anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. for fun activities! • July 23: Creative Monday – Lacing Bookmarks. New! Classes start at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and are limited to 20 children. • July 24: Crafty Tuesday – Giant Guitars. New! This is your chance to become a rock-and-roll musician by painting your own guitar! Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 20 children. • July 25: Cool Wednesday – Fudge Sundaes. Take a break and make a delicious sundae with your favorite toppings! 11 a.m. – while quantities last. • July 26: Amazing Thursday – Kids in the Garden with Greengate. Do you have a green thumb? Join Daniel Chimeno of Greengate and learn all about plants at 11 a.m. • July 27: Fun Friday – Finger Painting. Join us in the ArtSpace anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. for fun activities! • July 30: Creative Monday – Yarn Dolls. New! Learn how to make amazing yarn dolls. You can hang them anywhere, even on your backpack! Classes start at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and are limited to 20 children. • July 31: Crafty Tuesday – Painting Snakes. Paint wiggly snakes in bright colors. Classes start at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and are limited to 20 children. The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. Call (337) 433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org for a complete list of admission fees, memberships and birthday party information. LIQUID SOCIETY PARTY BY THE POOL JULY 12, 19, 26 The month of July will sizzle as Liquid Society continues at L’Auberge du Lac! July 12 brings Candlebox, followed by Theory of a Deadman (rock) on July 19 and Eve Six & DJ Pauly D (pop/punk) on July 26. Liquid Society features beer and drink specials served by the Ladies of L’Auberge. Doors open at 7 p.m. with live entertainment scheduled to begin each Thursday at 8:30 p.m.; Liquid Society ends at 11 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $10 per show at www.ticketmaster.com; at L’Auberge through the Business Center or Legends at L’Auberge; must be 21 to attend. Tickets may be pur-

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chased the night of the show at Legends. Please note that the event location is subject to change and/or cancellation due to inclement weather. THE WOUNDED WARRIOR AMPUTEE SOFTBALL GAMES JULY 13-14 A nationally recognized team comprised of amputee active duty military personnel and veterans will play against Olympic Gold medalist Jennie Finch and a team of all-stars July 13-14 in Sulphur. The tournament will be held at McMurry Park, with game events beginning each night at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at www.jenniefinchstore.com, at both locations of Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers, at Sulphur City Hall, and at the Diagnostic Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. All proceeds will go toward the purchase of WWAST team equipment, training and support. Sponsorships for the event are available and donations are also being accepted. For more information, call (337) 5274241. ARTISTS FAMILY DAY AT THE STARK MUSEUM OF ART JULY 14 The Stark Museum of Art invites families and visitors of all ages to Artists Family Day on Sat., July 14 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission to this event is free of charge and all ages are welcome. Artists Family Day will delight all by celebrating artists and their art-making processes. Visitors can create their own take-home art, make clay masterpieces and weave on a Navajo-style loom. For young visitors, there will be storytelling, and families can go on a scavenger hunt for prizes. Complimentary refreshments will be available. Located at 712 Green Avenue in Orange, Texas, the Stark Museum of Art is open to the public Tues.- Sat. from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call (409) 886-ARTS (2787) or visit www.starkmuseum.org. SUMMER POPS JULY 14 On July 14, the Symphony will open its 55th season with Summer Pops 2012, featuring “I Hear a Symphony” at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The show will feature the hits of Motown such as “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” “ABC,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” ”My Girl,” “Stop in the Name of Love,” and many more! The event will be held in the coliseum of the Lake Charles Civic Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30/person; $300/table of eight and $15 general admission risers. For more information, call (337) 433-1611. GRIDIRON JULY 21 The annual night of skits, songs and laughter, this local tradition and fundraiser pokes fun of local and state newsmakers. It will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $60 for individual tickets or $400 for tables of 8. Call (337) 5834766 or e-mail gridironshow@yahoo.com. To inquire about corporate sponsorship levels, call (337) 583-4766 or e-mail show@yahoo.com. CAJUN MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL JULY 21-22 Burton Coliseum will be jumping with lively Cajun sounds Sat. and Sun., July 21-22, for the 25th Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival, presented by the Lake Charles Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association. Savory Cajun specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, cracklins and more will be in the gumbo pot along with Cajun spices that have pleased taste buds for centuries. Other festival highlights include raffles, arts and crafts booths and games for kids. Raffle prizes include everything from an accordion to a live hog! The event will take place at Burton Coliseum, 7001 Gulf Hwy. Sat. 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per person, and free for children 12 and younger. No ice chests are allowed. MARSHLAND FESTIVAL JULY 27-28 The Marshland Festival originated to support the community, especially kids, through non-profit organizations. Music isn’t all that goes on during the festival; there will be a business expo, arts and crafts for sale, activities for the kids and more, including…food! Southwest Louisiana is known for flavorful fare and hot music, and this festival will give you a taste of both. Live music begins at 6 p.m. on Fri., July 27, ending at midnight. On Saturday, July 28, the

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music will begin at noon and go through the day, ending at midnight. The event will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center. For a complete schedule, visit www.marshlandfestival.com. DUTCH OVEN GATHERING JULY 28 The South West Chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society announces their monthly cook out. The monthly Dutch Oven Gathering will be held at Sam Houston Jones State Park on Sat., July 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and all are invited! The Le Chien Cookers will demonstrate the art of making ice cream in a Dutch Oven as well as other delicious items during this cookout. On the menu are Sassafras Iced Tea, cold salads, cold soups, watermelon and other good desserts. For more information, contact Dwayne or Randy at 302-5025 or 912-9394, visit www.ladutch.com or find them on Facebook at www.LeChienCookers.com. VOLUNTEER CENTER CASINO ROYALE FUNDRAISER JULY 28 The Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. invites the community to their second annual signature event, Casino Royale, set for Sat., July 28 from 7 – 11 p.m. at Reeves Uptown Catering in Lake Charles. Casino Royale features games like blackjack, roulette, poker and craps. Attendees are able to convert the value of the chips they earn from playing the casino games into a cash value towards the live auction. Dealers are happy to teach you how to play! Tickets are $50 per person and sponsorship levels run from $250 to $1,000. All proceeds benefit the Volunteer Center. Interested in sponsoring Casino Royale or purchasing tickets? Call Beverly McCormick at (337) 513-4616 or go to www.volunteercenterswla.org. PERCY SLEDGE AT TOURNAMENT OF THE STARS JULY 29 The Tournament of the Stars will host their annual scholarship fundraiser Sun., July 29, at the Lake Charles Civic Center beginning at 7 p.m. featuring guest artist Percy Sledge. Each year, the board of directors and staff of the Tournament of the Stars select individuals or companies that exemplify the courage, strength and resolve required to be more than just ordinary. This year’s honoree is Mrs. Pearl Cole, executive director of Abraham’s Tent, who has served the homeless and hungry for more than 23 years and embodies the spirit of hope. Tickets are $75 per person and include dinner. The money raised will go to Calcasieu Parish high school graduates pursuing their college degrees. For more information, call (337) 491-1466. Tickets can also be purchased at www.tournamentofstars.com. LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM AUG. 19 Savor this intimate evening with Lindsey Buckingham: one man and his arsenal of custom guitars. Earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Fleetwood Mac, winning countless awards, selling out venues around the world, and helping define the sound of rock for the last three decades, he is the predominant musical force behind such Mac albums as Rumours and the innovative Tusk, and has created a critically acclaimed body of solo work that yielded the hits, “Trouble,” “Go Insane,” and “Holiday Road.” Performance is at 8 p.m. Aug 19 at the Lutcher Theater in Orange, Texas. For more information, contact the Lutcher Theater box office at (409) 886-5535. Tickets will go on sale July 26. The Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts is located at 707 Main, Orange, Texas.

TJN

Lindsey Buckingham

JULY 12, 2012

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