The Jambalaya News - Vol. 4 No. 11

VOL. 4, NO. 11 / AUGUST 23, 2012

New Charter Public Schools in SWLA! • Healthcare Update Meet Lilly Guilbeau, CF Activist

PAGE 2

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

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

NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

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

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

contents

On Cover: Doctors Matt and Michelle Traylor.

Photo by Romero and Romero Photography

August 23, 2012 • Volume 4 • Issue 11

18

COVER STORY 18 Southside Animal Hospital: Raising the Bar(k) on Veterinary Care

REGULARS 7 11 12 13 28

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

FEATURES 5 Meet Lilly Guilbeau 14 Charter Schools: A Positive Alternative to Public Education 17 Bayou Biz: Geaux Green Solar Panels 23 West Nile Virus: What You Should Know 24 Fad Diets: A Big Fat Lie 26 Over the Counter Meds

14

23

ENTERTAINMENT 30 32 33 34 37 40 42

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

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.

26 17

5

We accept credit cards!

Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 3

A Note From Phil My Boy Bear It was the Spring of 1990 and I was enjoying my new home in Providence, Rhode Island. I came home late one night to find my house had been broken into. That next morning I decided to get a dog…a dog with a mean bark. I went to the shelter and turned my back. I waited to hear the bark I was looking for and then I turned around. “I’ll take that one!” I said. I never could have imagined how he would change my life.

I named him “Bear.” He was about three years old. He listened well and we bonded immediately.

Everyone thought he was a German Shepherd/Australian Sheep Dog mix.

It didn’t matter to me. He barked and kept the bad guys from coming over.

He became my best friend.

Bear was my first dog. I guess we were meant to be together because someone else had chosen him, but never came back. I made a bed for him on the floor next to mine and he slept next to me every night.

Before he went to sleep, he would rub his head against my hand as if to say ‘Thank you for bringing me home.” When I got up, he got up.

When I went to bed, he went to bed.

PAGE 4

AUGUST 23, 2012

What I remember most about my boy was how much he used to love to chase the birds at the ocean down in Newport. I would sit on a towel on the beach and watch him run. He was so fast, and I would tell him so every time he came back to see if I nodded in approval for him to run again. When he got tired, we would nap together in the back of my station wagon. I would have my arm around him and the back door open to enjoy the fresh air. As people walked by I could hear them say, “Look how wonderful. The two of them napping together.”

In the winter, I would put on my heavy boots and walk with Bear down to the park at the end of our street. Sometimes, I could barely see him because of all the snow. He loved it when I would throw snowballs at him, and he would try to catch them in his mouth and eat them. There was a wooded section where we would run together as fast as we could to see who could get there first. He would always pass me and win. I would then hide behind a tree and watch as he looked around a few minutes trying to find me. I would laugh and give myself away

and then start running again—and the chase began anew.

Bear was up for anything. If I wanted to play, he wanted to play. If it was time for me to go to bed, he wanted to go to bed.

It was just my boy and I for nine years. Then I met Lauren. I talked to him about her and asked him if he thought she would make a good mom for him. I’ll never forget the first time he saw her. He ran to her and lay down by her side, kissing her face and wagging his tail. He approved of my choice. She was the one he wanted for me.

Bear even helped me pick up the roses I bought the weekend I asked Lauren to marry me. He sat in the car and waited until I brought them in from the florist. “These are for Lauren,” I told him as I placed them on the seat.

He looked at them, and then back at me. He seemed to be smiling.

After we got married, Bear decided it was time for Lauren and I to have our own adventure together. His neuropathy got worse and after awhile, he couldn’t use his back legs. He taught me how quality of life was much more important than quantity of life.

On August 16, 2000, I said my last

good night to my best friend. It was the hardest thing I have ever done.

On this 12-year anniversary of your death, I want to tell you that a day doesn’t go by when I have not thought of you, Bear. Never could I have imagined how you could have changed my life so much and taught me how to appreciate all animals.

I love you my boy, my best friend, and miss you so much.

See you again when it’s time.

– Phil de Albuquerque TJN

Bear and Phil

Volume 4 • Issue 11

At just 11 years old, Lilly Guilbeau has become quite the activist. In the two-and-a-half years since the death of her father, Brian Guilbeau, from cystic fibrosis, Lilly has dedicated herself to raising funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in his name. Recently, she had the opportunity to take the cause all the way to Capitol Hill.

Lilly recently represented the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Baton Rouge Chapter as a teen advocate for Teen Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. June 27-29. When she was first asked to serve as a Teen Advocate, Lilly said she felt honored.

“I knew it was important,” she said.

“I was happy and proud and knew my dad would be proud of me.”

The age range for the Foundation’s Teen Advocacy program is 12-17. However, when selecting a teen to represent the Baton Rouge Chapter, there was really only one choice, according to Erin Achberger, executive director of the chapter.

“Lilly has an amazing desire to help others that is not commonly seen in someone her age,” Achberger said. “We are so proud of the work Lilly has done over the years for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her passion to find a cure will inspire others young and old to follow her lead.”

Being the youngest of 50 teens from around the country was a

Lilly with her fellow Teen Advocate, Savannah Ellis.

Volume 4 • Issue 11

little overwhelming at first. “On our first night, when we were going down to the reception, I got nervous,” Lilly said. “But when I got there, I started talking with the other advocates, and they were so nice. I had fun.”

At that opening reception, all of the teens were given the microphone to introduce themselves and share their connection to CF. “I got to tell them about my dad,” she said. “I was happy to tell them about him.”

After the initial meet-and-greet and some icebreakers, it was time to get some rest before the big day on Capitol Hill. The following morning, the teens and their parents/chaperones met for breakfast and a training session. All Capitol Hill meet-

Lilly sharing photos of her late father, Brian Guilbeau, with Senator Mary Landrieu.

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 5

ings were set up by the Foundation for the advocates. The training included what to expect during the meetings, how to share stories about their loved one with CF and how to share information about the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Lilly got to meet another Louisiana teen advocate, Savannah Ellis, 17, who was representing the New Orleans chapter. Savannah lost her cousin to CF. “She her and cousin were raised like a brother and sister,” Lilly said. “They were really close. I loved meeting Savannah. She was so nice. I really admire her.”

Lilly and Savannah were assigned to meet with members of Congress and Senators from Louisiana and Mississippi for a full day of meetings.

“We did a lot of walking,” Lilly said. “It was a busy day. A lot of the members of Congress were busy, and we had to meet with their assistants. But, we did get to meet with two of them in person, Congressman Jeff Landry and Senator Mary Landrieu. They rushed back to their offices to meet with us.”

During all of their meetings, the two Louisiana advocates would explain what cystic fibrosis is, talk about their loved ones and share why it is so important to support the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“I showed them pictures of my dad and talked about how special he was,” Lilly said. “I told them I wasn’t going to stop until we find a cure. Senator Landrieu gave me a hug and kissed my cheek.”

A long, hot day of multiple meetings and sharing stories of her dad isn’t the only thing that made this Teen Advocacy Day so memorable. The day

just so happened to fall on the day that the Supreme Court was ruling on Obamacare.

“It was crazy. We saw people protesting and lots of news cameras from all over the place. I never thought I would see anything like that,” she said.

After the day of meetings, the teens and their families enjoyed a group dinner, sharing their stories of the day. Then they enjoyed a fun game show that was filled with music, dancing and lots of laughter.

Lilly and her mother Cassondra Guilbeau stayed in D.C. for a few days after Teen Advocacy Day to experience the nation’s capitol. They toured the Capitol and Library of Congress, visited several museums and Ford’s Theatre as well as several monuments. “I would say my favorites were the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and seeing all the museums,” she said.

When looking back on her experience, Lilly said she wouldn’t trade it. “I enjoyed the experience and all the people I got to meet. I feel good knowing that we are going to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

But, Lilly isn’t waiting until next year’s Teen Advocacy Day to continue her work for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She is currently raising funds for the Calcasieu Great Strides Walk, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, which will be held Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. at Veteran’s Park in Lake Charles. Lilly will present the Brian Guilbeau Breath of Life Award, named for her father, to a local CF activist at the walk. She is also helping to coordinate the second annual Candyland Fashion Show and Auction benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, set for Nov. 4. TJN

Lilly with Congressman John Fleming of Minden, LA, and a member of the Congressional Cystic Fibrosis Caucus.

2770 Third Avenue, Suite 125 • Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone (337) 494-AMRI Located in the Medical Office Building on the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital campus.

PAGE 6

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

The

Boiling

P l

Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

AVON KNOWLTON RECEIVES CCE DESIGNATION The American Chamber of Commerce Executives has designated Avon H. Knowlton, IOM, as a Certified Chamber Executive. Knowlton is the director of member and investor services of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance/Chamber SWLA. The CCE is the only national certification for chamber professionals. Knowlton was one of 12 chamber executives in the nation who earned the CCE designation this year and one of two active chamber executives in Louisiana to hold the designation. Since the program was initiated more than 40 years ago, only about 520 individuals have earned this highest designation in the profession.

First Federal Bank supports the Family & Youth Festival 2012 with a donation of $5,000. Pictured are Leslie Harless of First Federal Bank and Festival Chair Judi Taylor with Merchants & Farmer’s Bank.

FIRST FEDERAL BANK SUPPORTS FAMILY AND YOUTH FESTIVAL First Federal Bank donated $5,000 to the Family & Youth Festival 2012.

The festival will take place on Sat., Aug. 25 at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $2 for children and $3 for adults. Family & Youth Festival is a fun event promoting family life and family values in a safe and exciting environment. Families can enjoy games, craftmaking, food, and live music at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tickets are available from Family & Youth at 220 Louie Street, Lake Charles, by calling 436-9533, or at the door the day of the event. The festival is an alcohol free event.

PAULA RAMSEY GRADUATES FROM IOM Paula Ramsey, VP of chamber operations at the Chamber SWLA has graduated from Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and has received the recognition of IOM. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country.

Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Volume 4 • Issue 11

Paula Ramsey

DR. DAVID HEINEN JOINS CHRISTUS ST. PATRICK MEDICAL GROUP CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group welcomes David Heinen, MD, a board certified family medicine physician. A 1997 graduate of McNeese State University, Dr. Heinen received his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten in 2002. He then completed both his internship and residency in family practice at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Dr. Heinen is accepting new patients at the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group Prien Lake Medical Clinic. To schedule a consultation, call (337) 478-5085.

Avon Knowlton

Dr. David Heinen

SENATOR LANDRIEU HONORS JUDGE GUY BRADBERRY Judge Guy Bradberry has been selected as a 2012 Angel in Adoption for his exceptional advocacy for adoption and foster care issues. He was selected by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Issues and will be honored by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu D-LA in Washington D.C. at an awards gala on Sept. 12. Since 2003, Judge Bradberry has presided over the 14th Judicial District Family and Juvenile Court, Division C. He was nominated for the award because of his considerable experience in family and juvenile justice matters, and for his dedicated efforts to enrich the lives of foster children and orphans in Louisiana. Previous Angels in Adoption recipients include former First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Bruce Willis and Alonzo Mourning.

CITY OF LC RECEIVES AWARD The City of Lake Charles was presented the Community Achievement Award in the “Community Development Category for Municipalities with AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 7

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

“I’ve often been asked what the meaning of the Red Bird is on the Salon Evans logo”, says Tasha EvansDubus, owner of Salon Evans.

“My mother, Rosa Buxton, died in 1996 of breast cancer. Soon after, I started noticing Red Birds and Cardinals all around me. I didn’t think anything about it until 12 years later when I decided to open Salon Evans. As my friend and I were brainstorming for a logo, the Red Bird started to appear and I knew then that’s what my logo would be.

People say the red bird is good luck and the presence of God. It gives me great comfort knowing that I have the Red Bird to look after me, my staff and every person that walks into Salon Evans!”

As a master stylist/colorist, Tasha has gone to great lengths to learn about “beauty”. She said a good cut is the basis of good hair. Beautiful hair has movement and shine, and begs to be touched.

Hair cutting is not a matter of simple geometry – your haircut has to fit your lifestyle according to Tasha. She and her team of stylists keep current on all the red carpet looks. She said it’s vital in her industry to do so.

The salon offers Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatments and professional make-up lessons. Your hair is an expression of you. Don’t trust your next cut or color to just anyone! Call or stop by for a complete list of services.

Call (337) 477-6868 to schedule your appointment with one of the 10 friendly stylists today!

Population 25,001 and Over” for its Citywide City Parks Improvement Program. It was awarded at the Louisiana Municipal Association’s 75th Annual Convention banquet held recently at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The LMA’s annual awards program, conducted for the 44th consecutive year, recognizes municipalities for outstanding achievement in basic services, community development, and economic development. Within these categories, awards are presented in four population subcategories.

Business partners John McMillian and Melisa Nelson McMillian receiving the award from Jim Giffin, CEO of Southwest Louisiana Credit Union and Small Business Committee Chair for the SWLA Chamber.

ALLSTATE MCMILLIAN AGENCIES VOTED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2012 McMillian Agencies Allstate was voted Small Business of the Year 2012 by the SWLA Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for community involvement and superior customer service, the staff at McMillian Agencies focuses on educating clients to best provide for their insurance and retirement needs.

To schedule your appointment, call (337) 474-4939 or stop by 3600 Common St. in Lake Charles.

KMI NAMES MARKETING COORDINATOR Knight Media Printing is pleased to announce the addition of Amanda Stephens to its staff as marketing coordinator. In her new position, Stephens will be responsible for public relations, social media and graphic design, as well as ensuring superior customer service for new and existing clients. A Louisiana native, Stephens graduated from the Art Institute of Houston in 2004 and worked in the graphic and sign industry in Texas. Stephens can be reached at astephens@kmimedia.com or by calling (337) 478-8350.

Amanda Stephens

WCCH DEDICATES SURGERY DEPARTMENT A special ceremony was held recently at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital to honor the lifelong service of two local general surgeons, A. Kent Seale, MD, and Walter P. Ledet, Jr., MD. Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan provided each of the surgeons with a key to the City of Sulphur. Following comments from their friends and colleagues, the A. Kent Seale, Walter P. Ledet, Jr., Surgery Department plaque commemorating the ceremony, along with photos of the surgeons, was unveiled. The surgery department that bears their names includes five surgical suites, a post anesthesia recovery area, two special procedure suites and an accompanying day surgery department.

NEW ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY JOINS COX COX FILO, ET AL Cox Cox, Filo Camel & Wilson, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Somer Brown as a new associate attorney with the firm. Brown was born and raised in Lake Charles. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, summa cum laude, from McNeese State University in 2001 then attended law school at PAGE 8

AUGUST 23, 2012

Somer Brown Volume 4 • Issue 11

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, earning her juris doctorate, magna cum laude, in 2004. She began her law practice in Houston, where she successfully handled oil and gas disputes. Brown’s practice focuses on employee and union side labor and employment disputes, as well as personal injury. She is a member of the Louisiana and Texas Bars, the Federal Fifth Circuit Bar, the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, and the Junior League of Lake Charles.

Pictured from left to right: Franyora Clophus, Women’s Commission finance director; Debbie Boudreaux, Women’s Commission VP/fall conference chair; Steve Kuypers, Delta Downs VP/GM; Debra Lastrapes, Women’s Commission president and Nora Popillion, Delta Downs entertainment and public relations manager.

DELTA DOWNS DONATES WOMEN’S COMMISSION OF SWLA Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel has made a $2,500 contribution to the Women’s Commission of SWLA in sponsorship of its 2012 Women’s Conference. The Women’s Commission is a non-profit organization that promotes diversity, fellowship and camaraderie as an opportunity to unite women in service to the community. The 2012 Women’s Conference, featuring keynote speaker Joan Lunden, will be held on Thurs., Oct. 18, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. For more information, visit www.womenscommissionswla.com.

Pictured from left to right: Maria Alcantara Faul, Family Foundation accepts an endowment from Melissa Portie, Cameron LNG

CAMERON LNG DONATES TO COX COUNSELING CENTER The Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana accepted a $5,000 endowment from Cameron LNG to benefit the grief counseling services of the Shannon Cox Counseling Center. The center provides a wide range of constructive and life-changing services in the form of counseling, consultation and education to benefit children and families in Southwest Louisiana. Recognizing a vital need in the community, the center recently started offering grief counseling services for children who have lost a significant person in their lives. For more information call 436-9533 or log on to www.fyca.org.

SHADDOCK APPOINTED FINANCIAL REP BY NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL Stephanie Shaddock has been appointed financial representative by Northwestern Mutual in Lake Charles and will be associated with Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 9

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network of Lake Charles. As a financial representative, Shaddock joins a network of specialists offering insurance and investments, and provided expert guidance and innovative solutions for a variety of financial needs. Shaddock is a native of Lake Charles and received her bachelors and masters degrees from LSU. EDWARDS JOINS JENNINGS AMERICAN LEGION HOSPITAL Richard Edwards III, MD, family medicine physician has joined the medical staff of Jennings American Legion Hospital. A graduate of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Dr. Edwards completed his family practice internship at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital/LSU Health Sciences Center Family Medicine Residency Program.

His office, Edwards Family Medicine, is located at 1636 Elton Road, Suite 204. Appointments for all ages are currently being scheduled. Call (337) 824-7833.

Dr. Richard Edwards III

MCNEESE HUMAN RESOURCE STUDENT CHAPTER HONORED The McNeese State University student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management has been named one of the Top 10 Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for 2011-2012. This is the second consecutive year that the McNeese chapter has received this honor. This award recognizes SHRM student chapters whose programs, activities and levels of participation during the academic year distinguish them from more than 475 student chapters. Among the top 10 university chapters were the University of Tennessee and Rutgers University, as well as two other Louisiana chapters— Louisiana State University of Shreveport and Nicholls State University—the first time ever that three TOP 10 chapters have been from one state. The chapter also received its second Superior Merit Award for excellence and achievement. TJN

PAGE 10

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

By George “Tip” Cline

ADOPT A PET TODAY! The State of Louisiana has followed Calcasieu Parish in prohibiting the roadside sale of pets.

This is a step in the right direction to discourage rogue breeders from passing on animals of poor health from questionable backgrounds. There are ample sources of domesticated pets available, so we do not need to promote the indiscriminate propagation of these animals that in so many cases brings more problems than benefits.

If you must have a purebred animal, then go to a reputable, established breeder that can prove bloodlines that will assure a healthy and well-cared-for addition to your family.

We have had a rescue dog for a number of years. She is not a purebred and there are no papers other than health records from the good veterinarian utilized by the rescue folks. She had been spayed, thereby removing any possibility of increasing the animal population, which we certainly don’t need, and was also micro-chipped and vaccinated. If you’re considering adding some additional love to your home, there are many opportunities to select just the right addition from the many organizations in our area that deal with rescued animals and exhibit real concern for their proper care.

Calcasieu Animal Control is also an excellent source for finding a healthy, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and licensed new member of your family. In Volume 4 • Issue 11

baked potatoes and a lettuce wedge salad. The prices posted here were taken on Wed., Aug. 15, 2012 and reflect the posted prices on the shelf where the products were placed for sale. The stores we checked this time are Albertsons, Ryan St.; Market Basket, Ryan Street, Kroger-McNeese St.; and Walmart, Nelson Road.

Ribeye Steak, boneless per pound: Albertsons $11.98 (USDA Choice), Market Basket $8.99, Kroger $13.49, Walmart

$9.98 (USDA Choice).

Mushrooms, fresh white, 8ounce package: Albertsons, $2.39; Market Basket, $1.59; Kroger, $2 and Walmart, $1.78.

Russet potatoes, per pound: Albertsons, $.99; Market Basket, $.99; Kroger, $.99 and Walmart, $.88.

Iceberg Lettuce, per head: Albertsons, $1.69; Market Basket, $1.19; Kroger, $1.45 and Walmart, $1.28. TJN

addition, there are many adoption events provided by the various rescue groups that are normally well publicized and held at different locations around the area.

I know the right pet is available for just about anyone through one of these organizations. Remember, however, that adopting a pet is an obligation on your part. YOU are responsible for its health and wellbeing, so take it seriously. In turn, you will be rewarded by receiving far more than you give.

FOOD PRICE INCREASES Be prepared for a huge round of price increases with the drought rampaging through the Midwestern grain belt. Cattle are being forced to market due to lack of grass and other forages, continuing what has been a long-term decline in beef cow numbers, and the corn harvest is projected to be at a 17-year low. The farming areas of the country that are not effected by drought conditions will prosper, but cattle, hog, milk and poultry producers will be paying dearly for feed, which will affect us when we purchase these products. The law of supply and demand will boldly illustrate itself in the foreseeable future. The utilization of corn to make ethanol only takes more of the crop from food production. With global warming, these conditions do not lend itself to any quick correction.

SUPERMARKET ROUND UP As I promised in my last column, our food price survey is for a favorite “guy” meal: a ribeye steak, fresh mushrooms to sauté, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 11

Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

Crawling for the Cause I recently had the pleasure of attending the first ever Fat Tuesday Pub Crawl, a benefit for the Mardi Gras Museum of Southwest Louisiana. The museum’s traditional sources of funding, much of it from government grants, have been drying up of late, and so they had to find new ways to raise funds for important upgrades, including new background music. After all, it’s getting harder and harder to find equipment that will spin records at 78 rpm. I, for one, don’t understand how the Feds can give priority to propping up a big money center

PAGE 12

AUGUST 23, 2012

bank over a room full of Mardi Gras costumes, but that’s just me.

And so, somebody at the museum came up with the brilliant idea of having a pub crawl. I’ll say one thing; it sure does beat a bake sale, and it’s just another example of why I so love Mardi Gras.

I can’t remember having ever been on a pub crawl (although that doesn’t exclude the possibility), and so I was looking forward to a good, long night of carousing the streets of Lake Charles on my hands and knees. But that was not to be, as I arrived at the starting point to see

two large Mardi Gras floats, there for the express purpose of ushering us from stop to stop. There was a generator behind one large enough to light up Cowboy Stadium, along with a massive sound system that pulsed out dance music intense enough to make an arthritic yak get up on his rear hooves and do the Watusi.

The floats carried us to each of five local watering holes. Door prizes were awarded at each stop. I won a pair of genuine Frosty Factory beer koozies to add to my collection, which, during my tenure as a Louisiana resident, has grown to occupy three-quarters of our kitchen cabinet space. (Speaking of which, my wife should really stop complaining about having to go into the attic to retrieve a casserole dish. Doesn’t she understand priorities?)

We were all issued tickets to be redeemed at each stop for a featured drink. The one at Micci’s was called the “Loose Goose” and judging from the condition of our group as we reboarded our floats, it lived up to its name. Folks loosened up quite considerably as the night wore on, so much so that by the time we rolled out of the parking lot of our third

stop at Darrell’s, we had the floats shaking to where the U.S Geological Survey detected measurable seismic activity in the area.

Not to take anything away from the other ports of call, but I’d have to say that Darrell’s was my favorite stop of the evening. There was a lot to like about it, not the least of which was the official Darrell’s Beer Pong Team T-shirt that I won. On the back is the team slogan, which I will not quote in a respectable publication such as this one. But the best thing about it was the spread of famous Darrell’s Special Po’ Boys that we washed down with our margaritas.

The sound of our collective arteries crinkling nearly muted the dance music as the floats rolled out of there and on to the next stop at OB’s.

It was there that my friend Margie won the big prize—a Mardi Gras wreath that was easily big enough to serve as a spare tire on a monster truck and would need a good sized railroad spike to hang.

OB’s special drink was called the “Razzamatazz.” I don’t know what was in it, but it seemed to have served its purpose, judging from the ladies’ moves during the Biker Girl Dance Competition. I don’t know what motivated them more, the Razzamatazzes or the possibility of winning a biker girl outfit that, if worn while riding an actual motorcycle, would surely cause a multivehicle pileup that would tie up traffic on I-10 worse than the bridge project did.

Following OB’s, it was back onto the floats for the long ride down Ryan Street and on to the final stop at Yesterday’s. By the end of it, I was pretty much razzamatazzed out.

That’s typical for someone like me, who hasn’t seen a clock strike midnight since I watched the first moon landing on live TV from the Arizona desert.

Still, the ride back was quite enjoyable, as the revelers by then had reached the epitome of revelousness. The monster sound system and its mobile generator, which likely had its own nuclear reactor, made certain that nobody who lived on Ryan Street was going to get any sleep until this thing was over.

Municipal transit authorities across the nation can learn something from all of this. All they need to do is replace all of the buses with Mardi Gras floats, and they will have no problem enticing people to use public transportation. TJN Volume 4 • Issue 11

Meet Freckles!

How cute is Freckles? He’s as sweet and cuddly as he looks, too!

Freckles is a 13-pound, one-yearold Chihuahua mix who was found wandering without a collar.

It’s hard to believe that no one stepped up to claim this playful, loveable little guy! He gets along well with other animals, including his feline friends. Like so many others, he only needs a caring human to help him start over and make his new life happy and complete. Freckles will be a great companion inside and enjoys a romp in the park, too. Please consider him for a place in your home and heart. If you have any questions, please call LAPAW at (337) 4787294 for his foster’s contact info.

TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 13

By Angie Kay Dilmore

Where should we send our kids to school? Parents of school-age children might ponder this question. The answer is often limited to public school, private school, or homeschooling. But here in Southwest Louisiana, parents now have another option: charter schools.

The first charter school in our area, Lake Charles Charter Academy (LCCA), opened its doors in August 2011. During their first year, classes were held in a temporary building on Power Center Drive. This school year, they’ve moved into a brand-new, $9.5 million facility, also located on Power Centre Drive near Ward Three Recreation Park.

The community showed so much interest in this first school that the Academy’s board of directors determined the need for a second area charter called Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy (SWLCA). This school is located in the same temporary facility used by LCCA last year, while their permanent campus is being built on the corner of Nelson and Ham Reid Roads.

PAGE 14

AUGUST 23, 2012

Both schools are tuition-free public charters and are members of Charter Schools USA (CSUSA), based in Fort Lauderdale. CSUSA is one of the largest providers of education management services in the nation. Both LCCA and SWLCA are governed by the same local board of directors and operate with the same mission and educational philosophy.

According to Board President Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux, JD, “Both charter schools intend to provide topnotch quality education using an instructional model called The Student Information System that has a proven record of success in the states of Florida and Georgia. Charter Schools USA is the only charter school management company that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Thus, when our schools open, they are immediately accredited.”

When plans for LCCA were first revealed, the community showed great support. Approximately 1,700 students applied for 640 slots.

Because of the high number of appli-

cants, a lottery system was utilized.

Students not chosen were given the opportunity to be on a wait list. The board’s decision to open a second charter one year later stemmed from this overwhelming interest.

These charter schools teach a student more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. In addition to academics, they focus on building moral and ethical character and the importance of community.

CSUSA believes that a charter school should be an integral part of its surrounding community. They capitalize on the assets and resources of the local community by integrating community organizations, businesses, and individuals into the children’s education. This program is called the Community of Character framework.

Through this program, students participate in and are exposed to community service projects, local businesses and how they operate, area media outlets, the arts and cultural organizations.

Charter schools provide students with the tools and skills required to

foster superior levels of achievement through a high quality, challenging, unique and individualized curriculum. This year, the schools will implement two new programs to help the children with character development: “The Leader in Me” and “Rachel’s Challenge.”

As of this school year, LCCA has been designated as a Cambridge Program school. “We are the first Cambridge school in Louisiana,” says Dr. Pam Quebodeaux, principal of both LCCA and SWLCA. “Cambridge is a national curriculum that begins with students as young as five years old. The program provides a framework for our teachers to accelerate learning for students who can work independently and strive to be competitive with children throughout the world.”

About 25 percent of LCCA students currently participate in this program. Ultimately, the board plans to institute the program school-wide. In the high school setting, through the Cambridge Program, children have the opportunity to earn dual credit, and

Volume 4 • Issue 11

could potentially graduate from high school with a two-year college degree.

In some ways, charter schools are similar to traditional public schools.

They both offer foreign languages, art and music education, and other enrichment courses. Both require students to wear uniforms. But in other respects, the two school systems are very different.

Local area businessman Mark Boniol serves on the board of directors for these two schools, and says several things differentiate the charter schools from traditional public education: As members of CSUSA, these charter schools must demonstrate success or they will lose their charters. Together, they employ approximately 90 teachers who are paid salaries competitive with the Calcasieu Parish teachers, and are given opportunities for performance incentive bonuses at the end of the school year. All Academy teachers are required to be certified. And there is no teacher union or tenure. “Because we give them such a good working environment, our teachers don’t see the need to be in a union,” says Boniol. “They are at-will employees, and they must perform.”

CSUSA recognizes the importance of parental involvement. Studies show that students have a higher level of

Volume 4 • Issue 11

success if their parents are involved in their education. Parents of children in the charter schools are required to volunteer 20 hours each year, or 30 hours for two or more children enrolled.

School board members are not elected to office. They are members of the community who volunteer their time and are not paid to be on the board. This eliminates any political issues.

There are economic differences.

Charter schools have a much lower overhead than the traditional school systems. Boniol says their business model is more efficient than other models. Local traditional models have been operating under deficits, closing schools, and laying off teachers, whereas the charter schools have been running a budget surplus. They take that extra money and put it back into the classrooms, give employee bonuses and additional performance-based bonuses. The classrooms are fully funded. Parents are not asked to donate supplies.

Boniol says there are several misconceptions regarding charter schools.

Some people feel that the charter school system is a minority program. “It is not,” he said. “We have an open enrollment. Anyone is welcome to register.

Another myth is that we only admit the best and brightest, eliminating the

under-performers. The truth is we take any child. The lottery is random.”

No taxpayer dollars were used to build or operate these schools.

Property taxes were not raised to fund them. According to Thibodeaux, “We build schools with tax-exempt bonds.

These bonds are purchased by institutional investors such as Chase Bank.

This year, we sold $15.5 million dollars of bonds. The investors were so convinced of our potential for success that they purchased these bonds without hesitation.”

Lake Charles Charter Academy is limited to students in Calcasieu Parish, while Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy accepts students from the five-parish region. Future plans include a high school for the fall of 2014.

Morale at these schools from the students, parents and teachers is extremely high. “It’s exciting to walk in and see children excited about their school,” Boniol says. “It’s exciting to see parents plugged in, an integral part of their children’s education. It’s exciting to see the teachers doing what they’ve been trained to do.”

For more information on either school, visit http://www.lakecharlescharter.org/ and http://swlouisianacharter.org/.

TJN

Pictured L-R on previous page Board Members: Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux, J.D., President; Charles A. Honore, VicePresident; Clyde W. Mitchell, Secretary-Treasurer; Dr. Aneeta Afzal; Patricia Kelty; Drew Ranier, J.D.; and Mark Boniol.

Pictured above: Dr. Pam Quebodeaux, SWLCA & LCCA Principal

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 15

At Ken Conner’s “We are Service Driven!!!”

Affordable Elegance ribbon cutting ceremony.

• Even treadwear that lasts.

• All-season traction with comfort and tread life.

18570r14 - Starting at

$

8988

80,000 Mile Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

KEN CONNER’S SERVICE TIRE & AUTO 3740 Hwy 27 S., Sulphur • (337) 558-7937 (1.5 Miles South of I-10)

1324 Country Club Rd. • (337) 477-9397 Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm Sat 7:30am-1pm

Mayor Randy Roach, Phil de Albuquerque and Denise Miller.

Ribbon Cutting at Denise Miller’s

Affordable Elegance Photos by Johnny Owens, Cajun Pirate Photography A heavy downpour did not keep supporters away as Denise Miller, her staff and friends celebrated Affordable Elegance’s ribbon cutting recently. Members of the Chamber Southwest and Mayor Randy Roach were on hand for the ceremony, welcoming the new business into the community.

Affordable Elegance specializes in unique furniture, home décor and accessories. Miller also

PAGE 16

AUGUST 23, 2012

does in-home consultations, and will work with you to make sure your interior space is exactly what you want.

From bedroom to dining room to bathroom to patio, Affordable Elegance has it all.

Visit Denise and her staff at 925 Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles.

Hours are Mon-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Closed Sundays. For more information, call (337)-377-6616. TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 11

Bayou

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Do you see red when you get your monthly Entergy bill? Want to do something about it? Then Geaux Green! Harness the power of the sun by installing solar panels on your roof. You won’t believe the difference it will make on your future bills.

Geaux Green of SWLA LLC is a local company that has everything you need to make the transition.

Brothers Jacque and Leo Bourgeois IV are partners in Geaux Green, and Jacque also owns Jacque Bourgeois Electric LLC. Most solar panels are made of crystalline silicon (monocrystalline or polycrystalline). Monocrystalline silicon is expensive to manufacture but the most efficient. It makes up about 35 percent of the world’s PV (photovoltaic) production. Polycrystalline silicon is cheaper to manufacture, but less efficient, and makes up about 45 percent of the world’s PV production.

“We use both types of panels because every system is different,” Jacque explained. “Sometimes you can go with the cheaper of the two and still reach your goal of having a Volume 4 • Issue 11

Biz

Geaux Green of SWLA, LLC

$0 Entergy bill.”

The panels are mounted on your roof with a system called Quick Mount. “This is a piece of all-aluminum flashing that has stainless steal fasteners that are screwed into the rafters of your roof,” he said.

“This mounting system is 100 percent waterproof.”

Once the panels are mounted, energy from the sun is converted to your household voltage and is either consumed or credited back to your Entergy account. Entergy keeps track of what is produced and consumed through a “net meter.”

There is an 80 percent tax rebate available for each system installed.

Fifty percent comes from the state and 30 percent comes from the Federal Government.

To get the 80 percent tax rebate, a certified installer has to install the system. “That way, the government knows the system was installed properly and is actually going to produce energy,” Jacque said. “A ‘do-it-yourself ’-type system may not be of the same quality as the components we use. With the roof penetrations, you want to make sure it is done properly with the right material.”

Lower your Entergy Bill with Solar Panels

Since it’s getting close to the end of the year, customers can call anytime.

“We do work by appointment because we have to do a site analysis,” he explained. “This consists of measuring your roof, doing a shading analysis, and figuring the best location for the solar panels. Solar panels can face every direction but north.”

Jacque said that during these hot summer months, Entergy bills can be pretty outrageous—and solar panels will offset the cost.

“We have one customer whose Entergy bill, before we installed his PV system, was $250 per month. He has not had an Entergy bill over $15 since we completed it. His return of investment is 3.5 to 4 years,” he said.

“Leo and I started Geaux Green of SWLA LLC to help customers with their high Entergy bills and to help our community,” Jacque said. “We

love our business because we love helping people.”

Installing solar panels means a reduced Entergy bill—or none at all.

It’s a solid investment, and helps out the environment because it reduces the need to burn fossil fuels. That means a correlating drop in air pollution and greenhouse gases. And because they don’t have many moving parts, they’re quieter, too. It’s also a great investment for someone looking to retire in the next couple of years, since one less bill is welcome on a fixed income.

“There is no Entergy bill too large or small we can’t work with,” Jacque said. “Give us a call with any questions or concerns you may have.”

For more information contact Jacque Bourgeois or Leo Bourgeois IV at (337) 274-8318. TJN

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 17

Photo by Romero and Romero Photography

Doctors Matt and Michelle Traylor.

By Angie Kay Dilmore

On an ordinary day at Southside Animal Hospital on West Prien Lake Road, veterinary technician Alex Hebert greets clients and answers the phone with Rudy, a friendly canine boarding at the clinic, on his lap.

In the treatment room, Dr. Michelle attends to a tiny five-week-old gray kitten that struggles to live.

While the kitten mews weakly, Michelle coaxes him to eat with a slurry-filled syringe and rubs salve onto his infected eyes. Noel, the office cat, observes from her perch on the ultrasound cart. Across the hall, Dr. Matt gently examines a Schnauzer named Miley while asking the dog’s owner about Miley’s symptoms. Back behind the x-ray room and laundry, Tucker, a Boxer mix who suffers with severe hip PAGE 18

AUGUST 23, 2012

dysplasia, guards a group of kenneled felines. If it all seems like one big happy family at this local veterinary clinic, indeed it is. Doctors Matt and Michelle Traylor are husband and wife.

Both Matt and Michelle grew up around animals and have always loved their four-legged friends, but neither of them knew they wanted to be veterinarians until well into their college education.

“I always knew that I wanted to do something with animals,” Michelle said. “My mom and grandmother had a lot of poodles when I was growing up.

I don’t know that I thought I could become a vet when I was little. It was like a dream. In college, I didn’t start off wanting to be one. I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but didn’t realize until my

Dr. Michelle Traylor investigating a microscopic slide in the Southside Pharmaceutical Laboratory.

Photo by EXACTA Marketing & Media Volume 4 • Issue 11

Left: Dr. Matt Traylor performs an examination of a cat with the help of vet assistant Brooke Guidry.

Right: No, this dog isn’t trying to look cool, the glasses are special eye protection that must be worn when receiving/performing laser treatment. Dr. Michelle Traylor and vet assistant Alex Hebert are shown here performing a laser treatment on a dog.

Above photos by Romero and Romero Photography sophomore year that I wanted to become a vet.”

Matt was raised in Haynesville, a small rural town in northern Louisiana. “We always had animals – horses, mules, cattle, dogs and cats,” he recalled. “I grew up taking care of them. I didn’t decide what I wanted to do until after all four years of undergrad work.”

It may have taken them a while to figure out their career path, but now, these two doctors love their work and can’t imagine doing anything else.

Their love of animals is apparent in their home life, as well. In addition to their children, Reed, seven, and Reagan, four, their family also includes three dogs named Jake, Mason, and George; two cats, Spencer and Emma; and a goat called Daisy. Reed and Reagan also love animals and often join their parents at the clinic.

WORKING WITH A SPOUSE What’s it like working with a spouse, sharing an office, and striving for a mutual goal?

Being married to a business partner has both advantages and disadvantages. Michelle is grateful that she and her husband work so well together. “Sometimes we get on each other’s nerves, but we are so much alike, in the things that we want out of life, in our beliefs, in the way that we care for our patients . . . we can get along here and not fight. The best thing is that we get along.”

Volume 4 • Issue 11

She added that the arrangement is especially advantageous for their clientele. “Our clients have two vets at their disposal all the time,” she said.

“If you visit another practice and they have two or three doctors on staff, you might see a different one each time, which is okay, but they aren’t going to communicate as much as Matt and I will.”

Michelle pointed out that their work doesn’t just stay in the office.

“It goes home with us. We talk about cases all the time. If a client comes in and sees Matt, I’m going to know everything about that patient, too, because we talk so much about it.”

Matt said they feel it’s very important to have consistency when dealing with pet owners. “We want to know our clients and have a relationship with them,” he said.

The only real disadvantage for a husband and wife vet team is when they go on vacation. For those times, they hire a relief veterinarian to fill in while they are away.

The Traylors met in veterinary school at Louisiana State University.

Michelle, a Lake Charles native, was in her second year and Matt was a year ahead of her. They married just before Michelle graduated and worked together in a practice near Baton Rouge for a few years. After spending some time in north Louisiana, they decided to return to Lake Charles in 2008. They practiced together at a local veterinary office

for several years, but in their hearts, they wanted to start their own practice. In October 2011, their dream came true when they opened the doors of Southside Animal Hospital.

DREAM COME TRUE Michelle and Matt are excited about celebrating the hospital’s upcoming one-year anniversary. “We love working for ourselves,” Michelle said. “Having our own business enables us to interact with our patients and clients in the way that we want to.”

One reason the Traylors wanted to open their own practice is because they feel strongly about the importance of taking time with each patient and pet owner, getting to know them, thoroughly answering questions, and going above and beyond industry standards of veterinary care.

While most veterinarians allow 15 minutes per patient visit, the Traylors schedule a full 30 minutes with each one.

“That gives the client plenty of time to ask questions and for us to explain things and go over details such as post-op instructions,” Matt explained.

The Traylors place a high priority on education. “We try to educate the owners on whatever might be going on with their pet,” Michelle said. “We give them all the options regarding treatment. We make suggestions and give our recommendations on testing and treatments, then let them make a decision.”

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 19

Matt indicated that the full-sized televisions in each exam room are used to show their clients photos and videos on pet health issues and various diseases. The plan is to educate them on the importance of preventive health maintenance in order to avoid bigger problems in the future. The pet owners appreciate the extra time and care given by these dedicated doctors.

Though only open for less than one year, the Traylors’ business is growing steadily.

As Dr. Matt examined Miley, her owner commented, “They’re very good here. I drive all the way over from Sulphur.”

SOUTHSIDE’S SERVICES In addition to their focus on education, Southside Animal Hospital offers many other services to help pets live healthy lives.

Preventative and Wellness Exams Regular wellness exams are important for a pet’s good health.

During a wellness visit, either Matt or Michelle will ask questions about your pet’s behavior, appetite, exercise habits, and regular activities at home.

They may do routine diagnostic testing or give vaccinations. This is a per-

PAGE 20

AUGUST 23, 2012

fect time to ask any questions you may have concerning your pet.

Wellness visits often prevent future illnesses or health problems.

“Good pet care is relatively easy,” Michelle said. “Give your dog or cat good healthy pet food and access to clean water, provide shelter, and control pests – namely fleas, ticks, and heartworm.” She also highly recommends getting pets spayed or neutered and keeping up to date on vaccinations.

Dental Care The Traylors feel that thorough dental care is key for keeping pets healthy. “A lot of people don’t realize that pets get periodontal disease,” Matt said. “Animals don’t get cavities like humans. Tartar builds up on the sides of their teeth. The tartar is full of bacteria, and it lodges in between the teeth and gums and causes bone loss and gum disease. With our dental procedures, it’s more than a simple cleaning…” “It’s a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment,” Michelle said, finishing Matt’s sentence. “We emphasize and promote good dental health for our patients.”

Instead of simply looking into an animal’s mouth, the Traylor’s offer full

Doctors Michelle and Matt Traylor perform a dental exam on a cat.

Dr. Michelle Traylor goes through the explanation of an x-ray with a patient.

Photos by Romero and Romero Photography

Volume 4 • Issue 11

Photo by EXACTA Marketing & Media

Doctors Matt and Michelle Traylor exam a small kitten.

mouth X-rays, which provide a more complete picture of a pet’s oral health.

They also show you how to care for your pet’s teeth at home.

Blood Testing Through quick and easy blood testing, the doctors can determine many different aspects of your pet’s health. Heartworm is a huge problem for dogs. Cats need to be tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodefiency Virus. These tests are usually completed while you wait.

Radiology X-rays can be used to evaluate almost any organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs, as well as the bones. Because the level of radiation exposure needed to perform x-rays is very low, it can be used even in pregnant females and very young pets.

Ultrasound Ultrasonography is a type of diagnostic technique that uses high frequency sound waves to produce an image. It allows the doctors to see an animal’s internal organs, but, unlike x-rays, does not use radiation.

Ultrasonography is a painless way to diagnose and evaluate many common diseases.

Surgery Southside Animal Hospital offers a wide range of surgical services, from routine to complex. They focus on patient safety and pain management, and employ the most current surgical practices. When your pet is ready to go home, you will receive complete post-op and medication instructions.

Laser Therapy Laser therapy is a drug-free treatment modality that speeds healing of post-op incisions, wounds, abrasions, bite injuries, dermatitis, burns, infections, and chronic conditions such as arthritis. “Instead of giving an animal an anti-inflammatory pill, the laser light penetrates into the tissues and stimulates the cells, increasing blood flow and energy production in those cells, which releases endorphins in the body,” Matt said. “It’s like getting a massage.”

Microchipping This simple device that is as tiny as a grain of rice and inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades, could save your pet's life. “If your pet gets lost or separated from you for some reason, and ends up in an animal control shelter or vet's office, we can scan the pet to look for a chip to reunite them with their owner,” Michelle said.

Limited Boarding Southside Animal Hospital is not a boarding facility, but does offer boarding to their clients if there is room available.

ATTACHED TO THEIR PATIENTS Part of getting to know their patients well implies that these caring veterinarians also become attached to the animals. Michelle recalled one case she will never forget.

“A young, otherwise healthy dog was brought in because he had suddenly gotten sick,” she said. “I discovered he’d eaten a rock and it was lodged in his intestine. What should have been a simple procedure proved to be a bit more challenging. We sur-

925 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles, LA • (337) 377-6616 Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 21

gically removed the rock, but after seeing no improvement, I did more detective work and I found another problem the rock had caused. After treating the second issue, administering several days of syringe-feeding and around-the-clock monitoring, the dog made a full recovery. I will always remember that patient and still see him today.” Success stories such as this one make being a busy veterinarian rewarding and worthwhile.

The doctors primarily care for cats and dogs, but they will also see exotic pets such as birds and reptiles.

They have many resources to assist them in helping any animal, and they can also make referrals to specialists, if necessary.

In addition to excellent care, the best service these doctors offer is their time and commitment to their patients.

“We find ourselves up here late in the evening, early in the morning, making sure that everybody’s okay and everything is being taken care of like it should,” Matt said. If you call the office during off-hours, the message on the answering machine gives Matt’s cell phone number. He’ll talk to you on the phone and if necessary, drive into the office to see your pet.

Essentially, the Traylors are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Whenever your baby is sick, the person who knows your pet best is the one you’ll want to see,” Matt said.

And that little gray kitten that is failing to thrive? He’ll go home with Matt and Michelle over the weekend so they can give him around-theclock care.

To learn more about Southside Animal Hospital or to make an appointment, call (337) 564-6502 or check out their website at www.SouthsideLakeCharles.com.

They are located at 1709 West Prien Lake Rd. Suite A, Lake Charles and are open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Sat., 8 a.m. – noon.

TJN

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

PAGE 22

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness contracted by a bite from an infected mosquito. So far, there have been 53 reported cases in Louisiana, resulting in two deaths.

There are a lot of misconceptions about WNV. The following information from the Centers for Disease Control will help.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WNV? • Serious Symptoms in a Few People.

About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

• Milder Symptoms in Some People.

Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.

Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.

• No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about four out of five) who are

infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.

HOW DOES WEST NILE VIRUS SPREAD? • Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.

• Transfusions, Transplants, and Motherto-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.

• Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

HOW SOON DO INFECTED PEOPLE GET SICK? People typically develop symptoms between three and 14 days after the infected mosquito bites them.

HOW IS WNV INFECTION TREATED? There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE WNV? Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and you do not necessarily need to

Volume 4 • Issue 11

seek medical attention for this infection, though you may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV. WHAT IS THE RISK OF GETTING SICK FROM WNV? • People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

• Being outside means you’re at risk. The more time you’re outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.

• Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.

PREGNANCY AND NURSING DO NOT INCREASE RISK OF BECOMING INFECTED WITH WNV. The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through breast milk is still being evaluated. Talk with your care provider if you have concerns.

PREVENTION The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.

• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in birdbaths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used. TJN AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 23

Fad diets are making Americans fat and poor. People in the U.S. spend $40 billion a year on weight-loss programs and products, while a recent Gallup-Healthways Well-Being index shows that 63 percent of adults in the U.S. were either overweight or obese.

Virtually every adult woman has been on a diet at some point in her life. Because women are usually the ones who take the lead for meal planning at home, their approach to food affects the whole family.

There are fad diets based on blood type, there’s the raw food diet, and even a diet plan based on personality type. You can find diets based on peanut butter, cabbage soup, and even a breathing diet with claims of weight loss by increasing the amount of oxygen to boost metabolism.

“These diets aren’t working,” said Suzy Trahan, registered dietitian, ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist, ACE certified personal trainer and wellness director of

Dynamic Dimensions fitness centers of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “As I counsel people about nutrition, I see their struggles, disappointments and frustration. They deny themselves the foods they like, and may lose weight, but it’s a short-term fix because they haven’t established a long-term eating plan. A few years later, they’ve gained the weight back. They’re tired of the cycle.”

It’s easy to be lured into a quick fix. Fad diets provide structure and fast results. These days, the amount of nutrition information available is overwhelming and people don’t know who or what to believe.

“We need to remember that the word diet is a noun. It refers to the foods a person eats,” explained Trahan. “We have taken that word and turned it into a verb, and changed its meaning to an activity involving the restriction of food to achieve weight loss. A healthy diet involves a variety of foods and the intuition to know when to eat and when to stop.

We have to change our thinking and our approach to food.”

Southwest Louisiana Imaging is the only facility in the area now performing MRI Guided Breast Biopsy procedures.

Utilizing new technology of DynaCAD for Breast along with 3T MRI, we are continuing our commitment to convenient quality care for women.

PAGE 24

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

Trahan said a healthy lifestyle is more about building a relationship with food rather than a restrictive diet. “There aren’t foods that are off-limits. You don’t have to completely eliminate a food from your diet, unless you’re allergic to it, or there is a medical need. It’s all about moderation.”

The key to healthy eating is to listen to your body. It will signal when it needs more food based on activity level.

“I would love for someone to follow me around for a day to see how much I actually exercise and the food choices I make!” Trahan said.

“No day looks exactly the same.”

She offered these tips for a healthy approach to food: • Eat when you’re hungry.

Children do this instinctively, but over time, they are trained to eat only at a mealtime so the clock begins to rule their eating habits, instead of their body. It’s easy to fall into the trap of eating during stressful or emotional times. Check with yourself on a regular basis to be sure that you’re eating because you’re hungry.

• Listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. It’s easy to eat because others are eating or to be polite and finish everything on your plate, but the healthiest thing to do is to stop eating when you’re full. Avoid mindless eating.

• Take a reasonable portion.

It’s not only the type of food eaten, but also the amount. Between the 1970s and the 1990s, super sizing food became the norm. Eating a regular portion will give you enough energy to keep you going until the next meal.

• Enjoy your food. Slow down, don’t eat too fast, and savor each bite. “If you’re indulging in a piece of cake, enjoy it! Let it be the treat it’s meant to be; but let it be a treat, not an everyday occurrence,” Trahan said.

She said a healthy eating plan should be a lifetime goal, not a short-term objective. Achieving a healthy weight is based on eating the right foods, the right portions, being active and listening to your body. Become an intuitive eater!

TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 25

Our medicine cabinets contain a growing choice of nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat an expanding range of ailments.

OTC medicines often do more than relieve aches, pains and itches. Some can prevent diseases like tooth decay, cure diseases like athlete’s foot and, with a doctor’s guidance, help manage recurring conditions like vaginal yeast infection, migraine and minor arthritis pain.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines whether medicines are prescription or nonprescription. The term prescription (Rx) refers to medicines that are safe and effective when used under a doctor’s care. Nonprescription or OTC drugs are medicines FDA decides are safe and effective for use without a doctor’s prescription.

FDA also has the authority to decide when a prescription drug is safe enough to be sold directly to con-

PAGE 26

AUGUST 23, 2012

sumers over the counter. The regulatory process allowing Americans to take a more active role in their health care is known as Rx-to-OTC switch. As a result, more than 700 products sold over the counter today use ingredients or dosage strengths available only by prescription 30 years ago.

Increased access to OTC medicines is especially important for our maturing population. Two out of three older Americans rate their health as excellent to good, but four out of five report at least one chronic condition.

Fact is, today’s OTC medicines offer greater opportunity to treat more of the aches and illnesses most likely to appear in our later years.

The best way to become better informed—for young and old alike— is to read and understand the information on OTC labels. Next to the medicine itself, label comprehension is the most important part of self-care

with OTC medicines. The following information from the FDA and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) will help us take advantage of self-care opportunities.

OTC KNOW-HOW: IT’S ON THE LABEL You wouldn’t ignore your doctor’s instructions for using a prescription drug; so don’t ignore the label when taking an OTC medicine. Here’s what to look for: • Product name • “Active Ingredients”: therapeutic substances in medicine • “Purpose”: product category (such as antihistamine, antacid, or cough suppressant) • “Uses”: symptoms or diseases the product will treat or prevent • “Warnings”: when not to use the product, when to stop taking it, when to see a doctor, and possible side effects

Volume 4 • Issue 11

• “Directions”: how much to take, how to take it, and how long to take it • “Other information”: such as storage information • “Inactive substances”: such as binders, colors, or flavoring Always remember to look for the statement describing the tamper-evident feature(s) before you buy the product and when you use it.

When it comes to medicines, more does not necessarily mean better. You should never misuse OTC medicines by taking them longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. Symptoms that persist are a clear signal it’s time to see a doctor.

Be sure to read the label each time you purchase a product. Just because two or more products are from the same brand family doesn’t mean they are meant to treat the same conditions or contain the same ingredients.

And, if you read the label and still have questions, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: A WORD TO THE WISE Although mild and relatively uncommon, interactions involving OTC drugs can produce unwanted results or make medicines less effective. It’s especially important to know about drug interactions if you’re taking Rx and OTC drugs at the same time.

Some drugs can also interact with foods and beverages, as well as with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.

Here are a few drug interaction cautions for some common OTC ingredients: • Avoid alcohol if you are taking antihistamines, cough-cold products with the ingredient dextromethorphan, or drugs that treat sleeplessness.

• Do not use drugs that treat sleeplessness if you are taking prescription sedatives or tranquilizers.

• Check with your doctor before taking products containing aspirin if you’re taking a prescription blood thinner or if you have diabetes or gout.

• Do not use laxatives when you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

• Unless directed by a doctor, do not use a nasal decongestant if you are taking a prescription drug for high blood pressure or depression, or if you have heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, or prostate problems.

This is not a complete list. Read the label! Drug labels change as new information becomes available.

TIME FOR A MEDICINE CABINET CHECKUP? • Be sure to look through your medicine supply at least once a year.

Volume 4 • Issue 11

• Always store medicines in a cool, dry place or as stated on the label.

• Throw away any medicines that are past the expiration date.

• To make sure no one takes the wrong medicine, keep all medicines in their original containers.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING Drugs can pass from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. A safe amount of medicine for the mother may be too much for the unborn baby. If you’re pregnant, always talk with your doctor before taking any drugs, Rx or OTC. Although most drugs pass into breast milk in concentrations too low to have any unwanted effects on the baby, breast-feeding mothers still need to be careful. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine while breast-feeding.

They can tell you how to adjust the timing and dosing of most medicines so the baby is exposed to the lowest amount possible, or whether the drugs should be avoided altogether.

KIDS AREN’T JUST SMALL ADULTS OTC drugs rarely come in onesize-fits-all. Here are some tips about giving OTC medicines to children: • Children aren’t just small adults, so don’t estimate the dose based on their size.

• Read the label. Follow all directions.

• Follow any age limits on the label.

• Some OTC products come in different strengths. Be aware!

• Know the difference between TBSP. (tablespoon) and TSP. (teaspoon). They are very different doses.

• Be careful about converting dose instructions. If the label says two teaspoons, it’s best to use a measuring spoon or a dosing cup marked in teaspoons, not a common kitchen spoon.

• Don’t play doctor. Don’t double the dose just because your child seems sicker than last time.

• Before you give your child two medicines at the same time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Never let children take medicine by themselves.

• Never call medicine candy to get your kids to take it. If they come across the medicine on their own, they’re likely to remember that you called it candy.

Source: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association

TJN

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 27

ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B

Honey Badger Deserves One Last Shot For now, it seems, the BOLO on the Honey Badger at McNeese State is looking more like a snipe hunt.

You may have heard, but it’s been mentioned in passing that LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, the aforementioned Honey Badger, has been

PAGE 28

AUGUST 23, 2012

permanently dismissed from the Tigers football team following what has vaguely been described as a “violation of team rules.”

Since then, Mathieu has made at least one fevered, middle-of-thenight visit to Cowboy Stadium and, according to Twitter, has been reported until very recently to have enrolled in classes at McNeese for the fall semester.

Of course, Twitter also reported Mathieu at the Circle K on McNeese Street and at Yesterday’s that very same night.

Twitter is, of course, always correct and factual. That is to say that nothing could be further from the truth. So don’t be expecting to see him taking Dr. Turner’s terrorism class at McNeese this semester, at least not yet. The truth is Mathieu is laying low, probably back home in New Orleans, trying to figure out the best way to clean up the mess he has made with his life.

Mathieu and his family have apparently been having some second thoughts after his Friday night courtship of McNeese State and has been considering the possibility of returning to LSU as a student in the

hopes of changing LSU coach Les Miles’ mind about that whole “permanently dismissed” thing.

Miles, for his part, hasn’t budged from that position though he did say a curious thing the following Wednesday. Miles said of Mathieu, “He deserves every opportunity.”

Evidently, that applies everywhere except at LSU. What’s funny is that, discounting some late-breaking rumormongering about more serious shenanigans, it seems that this whole saga was started because Mathieu, who by most accounts is a genuinely good guy, just happens to smoke grass (natural and artificial, it seems) as well as play on it.

Volume 4 • Issue 11

coaching staff is tough, but experiIn the grand scheme of things, enced in handling high-profile and, boy, have college football fans seen some blood-curdling stuff from transfers with behavioral problems said scheme this year, Mathieu com- (see: Jackson, Janzen). The school itself offers a solid academic propeting in the Puff, Puff and Pass gram and fan support for a Honey contest doesn’t seem so bad.

Badger in blue and gold is through It’s nothing compared to the the roof. All plusses for Mathieu.

Jordan Jefferson saga from last year.

McNeese is already trending everyJefferson, a legitimately terrible where on the Interwebs right now, human being to say nothing of his marketing they couldn’t buy for a quarterbacking “skills,” was merely million dollars. And, speaking of suspended for allegedly curbstomping a member of the military outside money, imagine the ticket sales with a Honey Badger in The Hole. a Baton Rouge bar. Then, once the But it’s all going to be up to the felony charge was reduced to a misBadger himself. Word is he doesn’t demeanor, Miles not only let him like anywhere that isn’t LSU right back on the team, but also installed now. He feels ashamed, he feels him as LSU’s human self-destruct hurt, and at this moment he feels button midway through the season. like nothing is as good as being on Jefferson, of course, thanked the sidelines at Tiger Stadium.

Miles and his staff for their blind He’s got to get over all of that devotion by throwing them all under the nearest 18-wheeler, blam- because it’s not going to happen.

Whether it’s at McNeese or Nicholls ing them for his own shortcomings.

State or wherever, Mathieu needs to Karma, however, has introduced understand that he has the chance to itself to Jefferson in the form of a do the one thing he so desperately fourth-string quarterbacking job wants to do this year; he has the with Montreal in the Canadian Football League. One step lower and chance to play football and it’s a chance I want to see him take. he’s calling the plays in the Intense Mathieu has to get his head straight Football League. and realize that he has an opportuniSeriously, though, this whole Honey Badger hubbub is ridiculous. ty to prove LSU wrong, to prove that he can stay off the wacky weed and Tyrann Mathieu, who has not been accused much less convicted of a stay focused on football and school.

In short: the Honey Badger has crime, is being victimized by the hypocrisy of Les Miles, Joe Alleva and to give a … the entire LSU athletic department POSTSCRIPT and it makes absolutely no sense.

This has been a fast-moving saga If Jordan Jefferson can (allegedly) hospitalize another man, get back on and, since this issue has gone to publication, Tyrann Mathieu has, the team a few weeks later with no other consequences, and then throw apparently, entered a rehab facility in Houston. Obviously, he will not it back in his benefactors’ faces after be playing football this year, the season’s end, then why can’t athough, kicking a player off the Mathieu get a similar deal?

The way I see it, Mathieu should team (and taking his scholarship away) for an addiction disorder at most get a six-week suspension during which time he must keep his rather than just suspending him for the year and letting him work his grades at or above a certain level way back next year is pretty low for and must submit to weekly drug LSU. We at “The Sports Report” testing. If he stays clean and makes the grades he gets to come back and wish Louisiana’s Honey Badger a speedy recovery. try to earn his starting job back.

But it ain’t up to me. Who knows? Maybe the whole Brandon Shoumaker is thing with Jefferson poia graduate of McNeese soned the well for everyState University and has one else. Zero tolerance covered sports for more and all. than a decade for various I, for one, think publications. Coaches or Mathieu deserves one last parents with story tips or shot. And I think comments may contact McNeese State would be Brandon at bshoumakan excellent venue for er@yahoo.com or send him. It’s a win-win for him a message on Twitter both sides. The Cowboys Brandon Shoumaker

Football Season Is Here!

Donn’t Don ’tt for orrget ggett ttoo p piic iick cckk-uuup p soom mee m Thib'ss SSalsa alsa fo al ffor or yyour our ta ou ttai ailgat ilga ggate ate p part artyy.. ar

Availa ila lable at Ma Market arke rke B Ba ask ske ets, tss, Brown' ts, Brow rown wn''s Grocery, and a nd A Alb lb bert ert e rtts tso on n'''ss on Cou n untry ntr try Club Club b Road d.. ct ProduIn l a c o A L eloped Dev Charles Lake

(@bshoumaker). TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 29

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Seeing ‘Red’ in Current Novels I noticed recently that there is a surfeit of novels with the word “red” in the title. Let’s look at three.

The Red Book by Deborah Copaken Kogan is about four women friends from the Harvard class of 1989 who gather for a reunion 20 years later. The book of the title is the update of entries written by the Harvard classmates every five years.

Conveniently, we’re quickly introduced to the characters by reading their entries in the 2009 book.

Most of the classmates grew up in privileged families — rich, “dismis-

PAGE 30

AUGUST 23, 2012

sive, entitled” — whose names were listed in the Social Register.

But one grew up poor and had to work cleaning dorms to pay for her tuition. One couple has lost money in a Ponzi scheme. A woman is desperate to have a child. Another is an Oscar-winning actress. There’s a widow who has just suffered the loss of her mother. At least one is dreaming of reconnecting with a former classmate on an intimate level.

They each look back over their sometimes-humdrum lives, finding

insights in each other: “Sometimes … it takes someone who knew you back when to illuminate the missing you here and now, a black light beamed over invisible ink, a fresh set of eyes that haven’t witnessed the decades of self-deception, a new set of ears that were not privy to the steady, insistent drumbeat: I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine.”

Of course, secrets come out and relationships change. They learn from each other: “If there’s anything worthwhile that you can take away from … my story it is that humans need love.

It’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity. And they’ll endure extraordinary circumstances in order to get it,” says one classmate. “If I’ve learned anything … it is this: I am stronger than I thought I was and weaker than I’d hoped to be, and in between those two extremes is a little thing called life,” says another.

I really enjoyed reading the yearbook entries, and some of the book was quite funny. But I didn’t take a shine to most of these characters, and I took offense at the rude vulgarities.

I think the book was supposed to show that love was OK, no matter what, but what it really showed was that adultery and betrayal were OK. This is a rejuvenated version of ground covered more delightfully by Mary McCarthy in The Group and Rona Jaffe in Class Reunion. Adult situations and language.

The Red Chamber by Pauline A. Chen is my kind of novel. It’s a big family saga that’s as familiar as soap opera but rises above it by featuring a

civil war and the family’s fall from high society to extreme poverty, with consequential character development.

Think Gone with the Wind in China, mixed with Downton Abbey, or Dallas with a bit of “Cinderella.”

The story begins in 1721. The mother of a 17-year-old girl has died, and the girl’s widowed father sends her to live with her rich uncle and his extended family, which has ties to the imperial throne. In their large mansion, the master-servant class system is in full force. In fact, servants have vital roles to play in moving the narrative along.

The plot is enriched by the complexity of relationships: the offspring of concubines are members of the family, but perhaps not of the same level as the legitimate children of wives, and half-brothers and -sisters are sometimes looked down upon — hence, jealousy.

The central love story is a basic girl-likes-boy, boy-likes-a-different-girl triangle, but with the added dynamic that their elders will decide who will marry whom — hence, frustration.

In the background, there are repeated threats of possible civil war over accession to the throne — hence, tension. And oh, yeah, there’s a murder.

In keeping with the time period, several characters have to endure the bizarre diagnoses of doctors, such as this: “I thought that the fire of the stomach was creating the problem with the spleen. Now it seems that the earth of the spleen was being subdued by the woody element of the liver.” (Does the new health care law cover this?)

Volume 4 • Issue 11

For our main character, there are “So many people, many of whom have never seen one another, bound together by the invisible, sticky filaments that form the social fabric of the Empire’s elite. She cannot move a muscle without feeling the pull of the tiny clinging threads.” I was completely drawn into the family’s dilemmas and found some real surprises at the end.

This book is a retelling (and simplification) of the Chinese literary classic Dreams of the Red Chamber

by Cao Xueqin, an epic of 2,500 pages. Author Chen has a doctorate in Chinese literature.

The Red House by Mark Haddon, takes place on the Welsh border during one week in the lives of a brother and sister and their families.

Angela is married to Dominic.

Her brother, Richard, has offered her and her family the opportunity to share the red house he’s rented for a holiday, so they can grieve the recent death of their mother. Naturally, in the close environment, family secrets and resentments come out.

Angela has lost her allure for Dominic: “She disgusted him now, the size and sag of her.” Their 16year-old daughter has found religion, their 17-year-old son has discovered lust, and Angela is being haunted by her stillborn child.

Richard has a new wife and 16year-old daughter, Melissa, but still has to deal with his ex-wife, “The Ginger Witch.”

Dominic is such a charmer; on hearing that Melissa, who half-heartedly ran away, has come back, “He felt a vague disappointment. If she’d been murdered they could all go home.”

What a guy.

I had a hard time getting into the book because there was nothing to grab hold of. It’s written in snippets of information, as if somebody’s operating a TV remote control and switching channels before you can understand what’s going on. It’s disjointed, sometimes from one sentence to the next. Even the dialogue is in italics, not quotation marks, printed the same way thoughts are indicated, as if it’s not real speech.

Yet, there’s no doubt the guy can write. There are moments that are downright poetic: “A brief Jacob’s ladder of sunlight, as if heaven were searching for raiders moving over the earth.” And “This was the future turning into the past. One thing becoming another thing. Like a flame on the end of a match. Wood turning into smoke. If only we could burn brighter. A barn roaring in the night.”

Adult situations and language.

Copyright © 2012 by Mary Louise Ruehr.

TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 11

FORET FLOORING

Full Service Flooring ~ Quality Installation

Hubert Foret

Cathy Morton

Come By and See Us For All Your Flooring Needs!

Hand-Scraped Wood • Laminate Vinyl • Ceramic • Carpet ALL IN STOCK NOW! FREE ESTIMATES

959 SAM HOUSTON JONES PARKWAY, LAKE CHARLES• 855-6511 MON.-FRI. 8AM TO 5PM • SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT

GREAT RATES!

Tables • Chairs Tablecloths • Lamp Posts Dance Floor • China Sets Delivery and Pick-up

932 Enterprise Blvd.

Lake Charles, LA

(337) 263.4736 Appointment Only AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 31

U A B A O F N LY YOUR FRIEND, YOUR PET - WORD SEARCH

R W

L

B

A

H

R

S

R

T

N

I

R

V

L

B M

E

O W

F

M

E

V W

E

L

E

E

T

N

H

E

H

Y

T

I

A

R

N

B

I

T

T

L

N

V

R

Y

S

A

I

P

R

E

P

T

U

E

H

E

A

N

I

M

A

L

S

H

E

L

T

E

R

R

I

O

H

T

A

D

E

T W

N

T

E

N

I

M

N

U

P

Y

I

S

N

L

Y

P

S

R

D

N

T

L

N

E

A

T

Y

N

E

Y

R W

B

N

A

D

P

T

V

N

L

S

E

N

I

P

A

O

A

R

R

E

S

B

U W

V

K

A

U

R

P

X

Y

I

A

S

U

S

R

O

P

Y

R

K M

F

U

A

A

I

Y

E

S

L

D

E

R

O

A

U

U

T

P

N

L

E

B

N

E

P

T

H

E

A

H

R

X

S

T

E

X

B

D

B

A

R

P

L

E

K

I

T

T

E

N

E

N

L

L W

Y

F

P

A

E

R

T

N

A

B

Animal Shelter Bark Best Friend Kennel Kitten

Leash Litter Box Love Loyalty Meow

Paws Puppy Purr Spay and Neuter Veterinarian

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.

PAGE 32

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

r m ende's Museu l l E an en

By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire

Hope Springs (MGM/Columbia 2012) Meet Kay. She’s looks a lot like Meryl Streep, but that can’t be her, can it? She’s in a nightgown and looks like your mother or grandmother in a nightgown, which is to say, old and tired. She has wrinkles around her neck and arms that seem chubby, just like Grandma’s. Meet Arnold, her husband. He’s a quiet accountant guy, probably in his late sixties, and looks just like Tommy Lee Jones. In fact, he is Tommy Lee Jones. Abrupt, well-dressed, businesslike. Wrinkled up face. Same Texas drawl. Yep. Tommy Lee. Look much closer, because Kay and Arnold just might be you and your spouse—now, or in a few years.

Volume 4 • Issue 11

Only Dr. Feld doesn’t have any guarantees for Kay. Or Arnold. Or us.

Hope Springs is a hilariously funny movie about marriage, with every scene perfectly underplayed by two skilled actors. The women in the audience laughed easily, because they identified with Kay and knew this was their movie. As a man, I certainly identified with Arnold, and it was painful to watch him bluster his way through his life, even though it was funny as it could be. His basic fear is that he might say something or do something in anger, knowing that hurtful words spoken can’t be taken back. Most men have been there.

The counseling takes place in a little Maine town, Hope Springs. All of the scenes are picturesque and worthy of a travelogue. My biggest compliment however, goes to the writers of the movie. Hope Springs is the first movie I’ve seen in years that shows us marriage is worth fighting for. Here we have a couple that, by all standards, should just get a divorce. But

every step of the way, they’re trying.

This is a real lesson that we all need to hear more often.

Be warned, though, that most of the humor and talk is more about sex than love, though PG enough for today’s middle schoolers for sure.

Dr. Feld: Arnold, have you tried taking Viagra?

Arnold: Hey, it works, OK? Dr. Feld: When’s the last time you two had sex?

Arnold: I don’t remember. It’s been— awhile.

Kay: It was four years and three months ago, when our daughter went off to college. We were in the kitchen.

Hope Springs is a fairly slow movie. It takes its time, but that becomes a plus when every eyebrow raise, every cold stare, every awkward smile is played for laughs. All in all, it’s a perfect date movie. Especially if you ever fantasized about Meryl Streep maybe the best actress in the world, eating a banana. TJN

They don’t talk, but they don’t fight, either. They don’t sleep in the same bed. In fact, they don’t even sleep in the same room. Arnold is resigned to this, but Kay has decided she wants more out of life. She wants her marriage back. Chick movie? Yep. Still, Meryl Streep is maybe the best actress in the world.

When Kay tells Arnold she wants to go to a marriage counselor, he’s upset. (I wish I could get upset like Tommy Lee Jones does it.) But Kay puts the pressure on her marriage partner of 31 years and he slowly becomes aware that she’s serious. The counselor Kay wants them to see is Dr. Bernie Feld, played completely deadpan straight by Steve Carell.

(How did he do that? Still, that goofy grin.) Arnold has no respect for the money grubbing doctor and tells him so. Arnold is angry. Why is he so angry? Because he’s married to Meryl Streep, that’s why. He knows that she’s going to win this one.

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 33

TOURNAMENT OF THE STARS BASKETBALL CLASSIC The 18th annual Tournament of the Stars Basketball Classic was held at the Lake Charles Civic Center to raise money for deserving high school students preparing for college. The event is one of the largest Pro-Am basketball tournaments in the South. Basketball players from across the country came to vie for the title of 2012 Champion. Among the athletes was former Washington – Marion basketball star Tena Matthews, whose lay-ups, steals, slams and dunks kept the crowd on their feet. Way to go, Stars!

Alex Stokes, Karlis Gardner, Creighton Guillory, Wilson Washington, Willie Royal and Carrington Guillory

Kandence and Kelsey Carter

Kaleb and Ryan Preatto

Tanya and Ron Shields

Barry and Derrius Taylor with Krystle Johnson

John Tousaint and Dianna Ross

Ciria and A’Mari Tousaint

HERO 2 BE HIRED JOB FAIR This job fair for veterans, active military members, guard and reserve members and military spouses was held at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall.

Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber Southwest SWLA Economic Development Alliance and other local partners, more than 40 employers participated in the event. There was a good-sized crowd of job seekers, including walk-ins, and everyone appreciated the upbeat, positive atmosphere. Hire a vet today!

SSGT. Lange, SGT. Chambers and SFC. Ortega PAGE 34

AUGUST 23, 2012

Linda Welsh and Lindsey Gregory Volume 4 • Issue 11

Frank White and Kim Machuca

Lee Granger and Jennifer Ediger

Petula Glaspie and Crystal Ortego

ARTS AND CRAB FEST Wow! Another sold-out Arts and Crabs Fest for the LC/SWLA CVB and the Arts and Humanities Council! Held in the Civic Center’s Exhibition Hall (the event outgrew the smaller room used last year), the event brought throngs of folks hungry for crab dishes provided by local restaurants and thirsty for Abita beer! Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience really stirred things up, and Lake Area artists displayed their talent, along with local vendors. I’ll bet next year will be even bigger. Great job!

Denise Fasske, Paula Gillard and Irene Howse

Cameo Collins, Karen Wright and Julie Schook

Peggy Griffith and Sharon Steinman

Rhonda Thompson and Jill Fox

Gennie Darbonne and Jennifer Linson

Barbara Hancock and Dianne Flatt

Samantha and Suzanne Schultz

Gisela Howard, Rosi Whaley and Kathy Gerdes

Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 35

KREWE DE KAROLINE POKER RUN This third annual poker run, held in memory of Carol Breaux, brought out a crowd that revved up their engines at Wayne and Layne’s, making stops throughout the day to Fred’s Lounge, Bourbonz, Mollie’s Lamplighter and Bob & Pete’s. There were BBQ plate lunches, live music from noon until, silent and live auctions, and more.

Proceeds went to West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center. A fun way to raise money for a great cause!

TJN Sarah Pharis, Tasha Sonnier, Debbie Broussard and Tina Messina

Yvonne Honore and Raye Simon

Don Brade with Debra and Mark Guidry

Easy Thibodeaux and Ronald Celestine

Trent Ingalles and Kirth Daigle

Calling all Musicians!

Lake Charles Community Band will resume rehearsals on Mon. Sept. 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the band hall at Lake Charles Boston High School on 7th St. just east of Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles.

Anyone who can play an instrument is invited to join. No auditions are required—just bring your instrument and show up. If you need an instrument, come to the rehearsal and we’ll see what can be done to assist you. Concerts are tentatively scheduled for late October and early December 2012.

All band musicians are volunteers from throughout Southwest PAGE 36

AUGUST 23, 2012

Louisiana and Texas.

LCCB receives grants from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, City of Lake Charles and Decentralized Arts Funding, with Conoco-Philips the summer concerts sponsor. You can become a sponsor at various levels: Whole notes ($500 or more), Half notes $200 – 499), Quarter notes ($100199), Eighth notes ($50-99) and Sixteenth notes (up to $49). For more information, contact Oliver “Jackson” Schrumpf at 302-4925 or oschrumpf@schrumpf-law.com.

TJN Volume 4 • Issue 11

LIQUID SOCIETY/PARTY BY THE POOL AUG. 23 Better than Ezra will rock your world on Thurs., Aug. 23 at L’Auberge Casino Resort—by the Pool! Tickets for Liquid Society are $10 at www.ticketmaster.com, 1-800745-3000, at L’Auberge through the Business Center or Legends at L’Auberge. Tickets may also be purchased the night of the show at Legends. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8:30 p.m. Must be 21 years old to enter. For details, visit www.ldlcasino.com.

Better than Ezra

FAMILY CONFERENCE AT ZION BAPTIST AUG. 25 Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church will present a Family Conference: “The Power of the Family—Getting in Divine Order” on Aug. 25 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The conference is a community event designed to provide answers, resources and guidance to families and communities. Tracks are available for adults, youth and children. Guest speakers include: Rev. Brandon W. Boutin, Craig Marks, Carla Clark, Martha Gray, Rev. Gerald Perkins, Brandon Perry and Nomica Guillory. Please call the church at 436-6627 to sign up. There is no registration fee.

IMAGINATION CELEBRATION FUNDRAISER AUG. 25 Join The Children’s Museum for a night of 1960s fun and Celebrity Karaoke featuring Matt Young, Gary Shannon, Jody Barrilleaux, Jason Barnes, and Ebony Durgan! Enjoy amazing food and sweets from the area’s best restaurants and rock the night away with music by the Boomerang Experience. The live and silent auctions will feature unique must-have items. This adults-only event will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call 433-9420 for ticket and sponsorship information.

WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES SEPT. 1 On Sept 1, men from all walks of life will walk one mile inside Prien Lake Mall in women’s high-heeled shoes to protest rape and sexual assault. Registration is at 8 a.m. with the march scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Men, women and children are invited to participate and preregistration is welcome. The registration fee is $20 per person, $15 for students, or $100 for a team with a maximum of six members. For additional information or to register, visit www.walkamileswla.org or call (337) 494-2187.

HEALTHY WOMAN ANNIVERSARY SEPT. 6 The Healthy Woman program sponsored by Women & Children’s Hospital will celebrate its second anniversary on Thurs., Sept. 6 at L’Auberge Casino Resort. It includes a women’s health expo from 4–6 p.m., followed by dinner and a one-woman show by comedian and motivational speaker, Kelly Swanson. The event is open to women ages 21 and up. Tickets are $20 per person, and sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for businesses that would like to participate with a booth at the event or sponsor a table of 8. For more information, visit www.women-childrens.com/healthywoman or call Nadia Nazeer at (337) 475-4064.

“RETROSPECTIVE” EXHIBIT OPENS SEPT 7 The City of Lake Charles will host “Retrospective” by Francis Pavy at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street.

Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 37

Francis Pavy

The nationally known artist will be on hand to meet and greet during the opening reception on Fri., Sept. 7 from 5:30-8 p.m.

The exhibition will hang through Nov. 10 and consists of work in a variety of mediums including oil paintings, prints, drawings and constructions starting from 1985 to the present. Historic City Hall is open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

MCNEESE PIANO FESTIVAL SEPT. 7-9 McNeese State University’s Department of Performing Arts will host a Piano Festival Sept. 7-9 that will feature piano recitals, master classes and lectures all in the Shearman Fine

Dr. Sergio Monteiro

Dr. Nelita True

Arts Theatre. All events are open to the public. Festival ticket costs are $30 for the general public, which includes access to all events; $15 for non-performing students, which includes access to all events; $10 for each pre-lecture and concert; and $5 for each master class. Sunday’s concert at 2 p.m. is free to the public. Guest artists include renowned pianists Dr. Nelita True, professor of music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., and Brazil native Dr. Sergio Monteiro, head of the piano program at Oklahoma City University’s Bass School of Music, as well as McNeese faculty Dr. Lina Morita, Dr. Christy VogtCorley and Dr. Bryan Proksch. For more information, contact Morita at 475-5022 or by email at lmorita@mcneese.edu.

LC LITTLE THEATRE’S ON WITH THE SHOW SEPT. 8-23 Over 65 musicals have played upon the many stages that LCLT has called home. They’ve sung about widows and orphans, kings and paupers, nuns and hoodlums, and the list goes on. Their season opens this year with a musical revue of some of their favorite songs and dances from their past. Directed by Randy Partin, performances will be held Sept. 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 9, 16, 23 at 2 p.m. at Lake Charles Little Theatre at 813 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles. Call 4337988 for ticket information.

TASTING ON THE TERRACE SEPT. 13 Sample more than 50 unique wines and beers on Thurs., Sept. 13 from 6-8:30 p.m. on the lush Event Center Terrace at

1 Daily Strip Pack 80 Bio-Optimized Nutrients

ENERGIZES IN 30 DAYS OR YOUR MONEY BACK!

In Harmony with Nature & Good Health

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

Join Us and Buy at Wholesale.

www.shaklee.net/patsnc PAGE 38

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

L’Auberge Casino Resort.

This fun and informative event will benefit the Family and Youth Council and will feature live music, art and experts from the vineyards. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase for a Private Chef’s Luncheon at Ember Grille & Wine Bar, a one-of-a-kind oil painting created live at the event by celebrated Lake Charles artist Candice Alexander, a L’Auberge Pool Party, wine and more! Limited event tickets are now available through Ticketmaster or the L’Auberge Business Center for $40.

Tickets will not be available at the door.

ST. THERESA’S BON TON FESTIVAL SEPT. 14-16 St. Theresa’s Bon Ton Festival is a family-friendly festival known for music, rides and good food. Enjoy bingo, live and silent auctions, a country store, sweet shop and garage sale. There will be a covered pavilion with plenty of room for dancing, eating and visiting. There is also a 5K run for kids! Event runs Fri. 5-10:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4822 Carlyss Dr., Sulphur. Free admission. For more information, call 583-4800 or email stheresa1@camtel.net.

MACIFEST SEPT. 22 MaciFest will be held on Sat., Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Coliseum at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 per person, and the cost for families will not exceed $40. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. American operatic tenor Paul Groves will perform, along with other local talent. Enjoy delicious food and drinks, rock-climbing walls, robo-surf, fun jumps, face painting, a pirate ship, a mechanical bull and an Adrenaline Rush Obstacle Course for kids and teens. For more information or to make a donation, contact Nikki Fontenot at (337) 802-7392 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/macifest.

SWLA HEALTH CENTER GALA SEPT. 23 The SWLA Center for Health Services will host its 10th Annual Gala & Roast, “Celebrating Community Bridge Builders” on Sun., Sept. 23.

The event will start at 6 p.m. in the ballroom of L’Auberge Casino Resort. This year’s honorees will be Healthcare 2000’s Lisa Sterling Walker, LC Memorial Hospital’s Larry Graham and Sheriff Tony Mancuso. Tickets are $50 per person, and sponsorships, donations and in-kind services are available at various levels. Proceeds will go to support patient education programs at the Health Center and student scholarships. To reserve tickets or tables, e-mail dross@swlahealth.org or call (337) 439-9983.

LAFAMILIA EXTRAVAGANZA OCT 5 The Third Annual LaFamilia Extravaganza: New York Vogue Experience is scheduled for Fri., Oct. 5 at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank. It will feature individual store-sponsored segments from Mimosa Boutique and Accessory Zone, with Signatures Salon and Estee Lauder providing hair and make-up. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Highlights of the event include a live New York-style fashion show, live DJ, VIP Lounge area, silent auction, and a $500 raffle shopping spree. All VIP guests will be granted access to the exclusive VIP lounge to socialize and network with some of our community’s most prominent members and enjoy specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and waiter service. VIP guests are also granted access to front row seating and valet parking. For more information, call Erica Brown (337) 3122906. Tickets are now available online at www.lafamiliaextravaganza.eventbrite.com. TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 11

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 39

Sponsored by

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

The

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22 • TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Paul Gonsoulin @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

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

• Troy Markes & No Idea @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Friends of Louisiana @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Better Than Ezra @ Liquid Society, L’Auberge Casino, 8:30 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dancer @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• HolleeStar @ Stellar Beans, 7 p.m.

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

• Scent of a Rodeo/Myope @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Bag of Donuts @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

• Tom Brandow @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Second Nature @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

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

• Tommy McClain @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• The Oak Ridge Boys @ Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 7 p.m.

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

• Lochness Mobsters/Vagabond Swing @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Uh-Nay-Us @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Geno Delfosse & French Rockin Boogie @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

• Kade Fontenot @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

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

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

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

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 • Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress @ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 27 • Open Mic Night @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 • Carl Richardson Trio @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

• Ryan Bunch @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29 • TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Kris Harper @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

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

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

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 • Jeff Thibodeaux & Friends @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• All American Rejects @ Liquid Society, L’Auberge Casino, 8:30 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 • Megan Brown & T’Monde @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• Dubtronic Crew/The Dubonauts @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

PAGE 40

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

• Stephen Hebert Band @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Horace Trahan & Ossun Express @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

• Goatwhore @ Twiggy’s, 8 p.m.

• Natalie Cole @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge Casino, 8:30 p.m.

• John Guidroz @ Micci’s Piano Bar, 9 p.m.

• Tom Brandow @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

• X-It 43 @ Linda’s Lounge, 9 p.m.

• T-Broussard & The Zydeco Steppers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• Go Granny Go/Lochness Mobsters @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Stacey Bearden @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

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

Volume 4 • Issue 11

• Kory Fontenot @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 • Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• Brian Racca @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Wendy Colonna/John Guidroz/ The Good Wood @ Luna Live, 9 p.m.

• Kade Fontenot @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

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

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

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

TJN

AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 41

Leslie B e four dec rman’s career in ades, an music folksing er, mus d includes stin spans ic teach ts as a booker, e c tival dir oncert promote r, coffeehouse r e notes w ctor, music jou , publicist, fesr r nalist, a it e r , a organiz ation pr rtist manager lbum , t e attorney s , and p ident, entertain rade r ment e Museum sident o f She pre of Southwest the Music fe L eclectic rs all things ouisiana. , and musicall GRAM y votes M Recordin Ys as a mem on the g Aca ber o reached at leslie@ demy. She c f the an leslieber man.co be m. g it n i . e o g d a l t ons e stil but ar ime we get aking our over the till t t , y n ever e touring to fans all ars, we’re s dio, e Alle e e n v e u y a g t o l s a u e s st We to the ys – D m Le ve on .” all the ge Bo or), Willia rban usic li And after is. We go in e all about d i m R k e n t . a ’r h e y S e t t r O ( t w b d g The coun fun doin e is what anged su day, nsall ichar 973. h v g y Joe Bo one) and R her since 1 evity, , ) d a havin rforming li ustry has c -1980s he at t e (l ari oge that long ber b t y ( l d e

r n r n p n a e i o e t e e f c i n m s’ bu Gold — have b roups of ves a num eir e mus ce the Boy usic and i hey’ve h l T g h ) e t r s s f s e m o m t th dt sin (ba any o vented the or the sake , The tially the way tha livered, an n m a t e s k n i f i m L t is de e ially ave re vers urren 9 albu espec out music challenge. do not leav his they h es to stay c Their 200 featured co e b n i e a e . e tion o meet th nk that w laughed rop of tim d new fans r example, ons John L ng. i n t a h t n o b t d r rise e like to old an re Back, fo and rock ic d Neil You d,” Ste en known e’re ye r n t W r n “ n A u u e s t a b W Boys gs by blue e Stripes, atural, y the co le nes un lats. “ that’s N rrel catch cal harmon f on hit ny sto ss rumble Cs and E-f ck of peop ’t a y s l o a B t n f W r o g O e e n o h k i o o a ’s t l v c e o t o b k , e b I a v d g l r c d r a s p e e e o n g ct ’re ive eI dee Hook 2011 album ld in the C chain (ch s low o re are a lar ghter – wh urrent If you ing long-l Boys at th nt on a y r e t o a v s n r c u e h to cou topp r yThei d by and e restaura g Christm aidge keep old da that t chart- the Oak R d, you can with count ude in fe ase ware y 16-year- es.” So they ebook and tor s m e a S l n o e o y c l r n i r p d p t c e t r m ac oun grou this week ow packe It may in few omo the u – like record sto through F glect tradi .

Old C store for in-store pr e, too), a e o a t n i n e v Capri -friendly sh y-pop hits r, “Elvira,” fid r i i y e h l e e u go f r out t , and som dge Boys her old cial m can b ut nev family and count MY winne med the “o ot rd Ri ith so ccounts, b tions. You their core and o e , w k c s d a e i g l r s a O n e M g e t n uy so ca ra gosp 982 GRA ey were n tional ing th Elvira” alo ul of new albums twitte print publi r music, bu ll likes to b ffir , l u i h a t 1 c t ( r N n i f “ y i i i gs ou ur nd the ed ntr tional oads of the lder and st d age, it’s d s usic C tic son rs of o repris es and a ha oard Cou . s l o n e n l t a b patrio ding singe ational M rters of our g a i t l s i w f e l b y r i h o o v a t o d ch is a N a fav is d Marts ha in he B wo mon n e t h u c t n b n n o e s a I i cial le m,’” by the ken suppo ers includ o t a aud al CDs. “ its. e Wal o b stayed op 40 for mazing for est fame w up T sic Anthe ey’re outsp new num It’s Good T ven th terban adm ys have t d a y e t a e h r y e s k t p a r c t a g h e a , e c pr se do yr s,” S e Bo and th ), and som ver’s “[Hey their May assThat’s ing 70 who , when the Music and cult to to rack CD on why th e Cracker taun r s o h s y g s h a r t a e u t a e troop of John De gain,” from in, a blueg t res spac at’s one r cords on guys p ed 30 years y of Coun wards and a grea of what y e l h r n cover ck Home A Home Aga so sports a T m a g v o e t t in l a achie ous Acad ssociation s. Well, I’m rs ’re no releas ig par Be] B elease Back bum that a of Many ’s er A egun bel. “They music a b ir custome ear c m b y , i u s 0 t o r l n t r 4 u a a h o e a e g M l w h a h k s e n l y i a ’s T e n r r t 2012 y-gospel ton’s “Co ind out w m r t w Bar ut they m old me. “ nce, so i r r Coun MY in fou at 70 is the igns of slo in f t ie count f Dolly Pa ey’ll even ething fro , s M h y t o g A r n rant, b o,” Sterban ke our aud u R e o o n m G m h ell y uys show scular e as .” i t d l ] e s cover .” Maybe t nd sing so stmas albu o y v h e t i e c l c e h r l has t fo mu s se g ture, mu ard s a i her t r n y e e r , i i r o h e h h l o Barre s, e t c n j o C i e v r o e o b n t e r C s a k t s ’s l e k [ r u o t l e c v m i a o a o g t a w l c e h s d r CD in ty be ne n ol ,t th ral th 0 stores, C idge Boys Natural naugh nreleased A’ Comin’ , and throats ca ube up an ra” and u t n a w n 0 o R 6 d u ly lvi en uT their mas Time’s .

With ds of Oak eir It’s On illboard r gold record. Yo t one of “E an. i e h a t l t h l s o t l e eB t n en Chri us this fa ll as o and a rec ee what I m one inter- - moved is what kep enter on th ere will be e w o t c h s h al way sion which front and , and why t s released you’ll lengthy p ’s bass voc d e r g o s t o a n c In a the band e s o l i l e e so Elv ard r ys r r o o m h f B t o i s r e t w g F char Oak Rid l. the view author of Stage, Rich e ges in re be th d n n a u l t n a s o a u e h ’s e f v c e t f i i r s e i g o h all the what : My L the st d ed if t Elvira , I learned e power an ing, on Apart from , I wonder erited the n rn h siness roup ho inh Sterba dge Boys t wheels tu sic bu e Boys – w y gospel g y e i u h R t m k s Oa eep idg d an mon that k erban Oak R from a har 1940s – ha the drive es a year. e reason St ng is e n d t i i n at bran in the la changes nder 150 d number o nuous tour aterid i m e starte s about the w selling u t h n w T o e c n e r f g i ei feelin of music no c rubric. mix in new l for th i gives y regularly nergy and till styles untry mus ourse, have e e s o f that th at puts new e said. “We always C o the e Boys, c pel and h e h os n the Th al. “T e] group,” the way w that’s ntry g pertoires. I d h u t w n [ o a o , C h o r t e s r in av de both ry pop re ars ol l we h ach ou t appro e give it al we’re 40 ye Coun y W h . e w v a n h o y reas the ke

s’ y o B idge R k a The Ord Sterban Richa s To Me Speak

The Oak Ridge Boys PAGE 42

AUGUST 23, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 11

past, they’ve gone over to the rock side, and with their 2012 release – the acoustic-focused bluegrasscountry-gospel album, Back Home Again on the Gaither Music Group label, produced by label mate Ben Isaacs of the Isaacs family gospel group – they’ve covered those genres and more.

Looking at the current country music scene, Sterban said that he’s an adamant supporter.

“First of all, for the most part, I like what is happening to country music,” he said. “When I see the

new artists who have come into our business, [I see that] the future of country music is in very good hands. The songwriters now are writing some of the best songs that I’ve ever heard. Today’s country music artists have raised the bar, made our industry bigger and better, and that means it becomes better for all of us.”

Which brings us to the music of the vocal quartet, the Oak Ridge Boys. Their backup band may change every now and again, but the players can all pick the hell out of

any musical style thrown at them. And over the years, as the Boys have tweaked their sound to stay current, the band has expanded to meet the challenge. All the music, though, comes down to the vocals.

Choosing the songs, and deciding on the arrangements, Sterban told me “is a very democratic process.

We all make the decisions and work together with whoever is producing to choose the songs. Duane Allen is really the song man in the group.

He spends lots of time listening to songs and talking to publishers and

songwriters to find the best new material to suit us. The final decision is between the four of us and our producer. And as far as the arrangements go, we don’t usually have to arrange the harmonies most of the time, because we know each other so well we almost fall into the arrangements naturally.”

That was true when they arranged the rock instrumentals of their cover of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” for four voices. You have to hear it to believe it.

TJN

Killin’ Time Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1.

5.

8.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

18.

20.

21.

23.

1.

2.

3.

4.

27.

30.

31.

32.

33.

35.

37.

39.

43.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

Barn topper Undergrad degs.

Gusted Assert Newt Verdi heroine Commend Less forgiving Sporty Studebaker Sparta's ancient rival Counselor Unlucky start for a teenager?

Statutes Maui neighbor Traveler's stop 1914 Belgian battle line Carve River Jordan lake Royal offspring Paroxysm Dalai Lama's countrymen Preside over "___ fair in love and war" Indochinese language Bad day for Caesar Views Tax form ID Filter

Volume 4 • Issue 11

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

17.

19.

22.

24.

25.

26.

28.

29.

31.

33.

34.

36.

37.

38.

40.

41.

42.

44.

Blankly Tel ___ Part of N.B. Gershwin biographer David Not pertinent to Away from the bow Tension Solo guy Scholarly people Biblical plot Conflicts "___ Now or Never" Jacques of "Mon Oncle" Coal strata "Morning ___ Broken" Unfit to eat Infrequency Network Smoothest Future doc's exam Paragons Kind of ticket Routine School grps.

Peeve Speaker of note German auto Pitch indicator ___ Pensacola (mil. center)

© Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 43