VOL. 4, NO. 14 / OCTOBER 4, 2012
ALSO: • Women’s Health Issue • HeART of SWLA • Sabine River Mystery
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OCTOBER 4, 2012
Volume 4 • Issue 14
GENERAL 715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque
contents
October 4, 2012 • Volume 4 • Issue 14
COVER STORY 24
The 2000 Health Foundation’s Annual Platinum and Pearls Gala
publisher@thejambalayanews.com
NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com
CONTRIBUTORS Rhonda Babin Christine Bergeron Leslie Berman George Cline Angie Kay Dilmore Dan Ellender Monica Hebert Stanley Kordisch, MD Mike Louviere 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
REGULARS 7 10 11 13 30
The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee Tips from Tip Adoption Corner Sports Report
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FEATURES 5 12 14 16 18 20 21 22
Charlene LeMaire: Near-fatal Accident Changed her Life Sabine River Mystery The Personality of Your Health Image Guided Biopsy Lymphoma Is Difficult to Detect Calcasieu Community Clinic Prevent Cancer with Pap Test Smoking and Your Health
ENTERTAINMENT 32 34 35 36 38 41 44 46 47
Red Hot Books Funbolaya Family Night at the Movies HeArt of SWLA Society Spice Jambalaya Jam Local Jam Eclectic Company Killin’ Time Crossword
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Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff. The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Copyright 2012 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.
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Volume 4 • Issue 14
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A Note From Lauren Disco Fever
The other night, Phil and I attended Latin Night, a biweekly event hosted by our good friends Jay and Maria Cotto. They alternate every other Saturday between Pujo St. Café and Happy Hippy Pizza. Dance lessons begin at 8:30 p.m. and last for an hour, with Jay instructing the basics of salsa, merengue, cha-cha, and the bachata. At 9:30, the dancing begins—and it goes on until 2 a.m. For the $5 admission fee, you can’t beat it. It attracts a diverse crowd of people of all ages who just want to dance and have fun. It’s the kind of place where a person can come alone and still find someone to dance with. And the music is fantastic. We sat down after awhile and I spent some time watching the couples on the dance floor, moving to the pulsing beat. Latin dance is very sexy, and it’s a couples’ dance. Let’s face it, you’re not going to find someone doing the salsa without a partner unless a bottle of tequila is involved. As the lights reflected off the silver disco ball over the dance floor, I noticed a woman wearing white harem pants and platform shoes—a very popular style back in the 70’s. Her clothes and the music and the dancing suddenly transported me back to the most
amazing time I have ever had in my life before Mardi Gras: The Disco Scene of the 1970s. If you didn’t experience it, you missed something. Timing is everything. When disco happened, I was ready for it. I had just broken up with my high school sweetheart, dropped out of college and had a decent job. I was young and ready to party. And Boston was the place to do it—a big city filled with kids from all over the world who came there to study and spend Daddy’s money. And then there were us native Bostonians who mixed and mingled with them. The disco scene was amazing. There were black clubs and Latin clubs, gay clubs and straight clubs. And every club had their special night. On Mondays, we all went to Jacob’s Ladder on Route 1A in Revere. We partied outside by the swimming pool in the summer. I never recall anyone falling in, despite all the drinking and shenanigans going on around it—and all of the women teetering on platform shoes. Since the club was in Revere, just about everyone in there was Italian. It was also casual: Lots of gold chains and jeans and tight shirts—on both the guys and the girls. My cousin Joe met his first wife there. Tuesday night belonged to The Fan Club, which was in the basement of an old hotel in Boston’s Theater District.
They served great food, the music was unique and the waiters would usually put on a show on the stage by the dance floor. A Theater District club means that you dressed more cuttingedge. And the private parties were fabulous. I went to a fundraiser there and the special guests were Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden. Jason’s in the Back Bay attracted an older, more conservative crowd: dentists and stockbrokers in three-piece suits hovering around the ladies like vultures. Standard disco music. A good restaurant on the lower level. Owned by a goofy-looking guy named Jason Kravitz, it seemed to be full of goofy-looking guys. For young single women, a club is only as good as the guys who frequent it—so Jason’s was never our favorite place. No, that honor was reserved for Whimsey’s. Just a few minutes’ walk from Jason’s, it was a huge venue with room after room after room, pool tables, a huge dance floor, a fabulous DJ named John Luongo—even a small record store (that’s right—vinyl. We’re talking a long time ago). My friend Mary and I would go every weekend. We knew all the bouncers and bartenders who would let us in for free and give us all the drinks we wanted. It was our place.
Remember how Tony Manero walks into his disco with his friends in Saturday Night Fever? That was us. All of our friends were there. No guys could mess with us because the bouncers would protect us. It was one big, flashy party, and it was our party. Our clothes were a big deal. We would buy our disco dresses at Filene’s Basement. They would cost around $9.99 and were made of a nylon blend called qiana. I wish I had saved some of those dresses, although they certainly would never fit me now. The material was soft and swirly and was perfect for twirling around on the dance floor to that fabulous music; music that I still can’t get enough of. When I hear those old songs, they bring me back to a time when I was so young that the world hadn’t really touched me yet. I had no idea who I was or what I was going to be. I lived for the moment; the next song, the next dance, the next party. Total escapism, but no one was harmed (well, I may have broken a few hearts—but that’s life). It was a fragile world that did not last long, which makes it all the more special. La Vie En Rose. Gone, but never to be forgotten.
– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN
Phil can be found all over SWLA and right now, he’s getting ready for Halloween! On his way to go trick or treating, he’s hiding somewhere in The Jam. When you find the Cartoon Phil, call 436-7800 ext. 110 and leave your full name, phone number and tell us where Phil is. ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE FOUR TICKETS TO THE LOST HOLLOWS, SWLA’S NEWEST HAUNTED ATTRACTION, AND ANOTHER LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE FOUR TICKETS TO THE 13TH GATE BATON ROUGE, ONE OF THE TOP RATED HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS IN THE COUNTRY!
WINNERS WILL BE DRAWN WED., OCT 17, 2012 PAGE 4
OCTOBER 4, 2012
Volume 4 • Issue 14
By Rhonda Babin
The accident
My respiratory therapist showed overwhelming compassion throughout those first 2 weeks of broken "everything!" He gave me the encouragement I needed!
If you have ever been a part of the healthcare industry, you know that it takes a lot of different components to make things happen. Charlene “Shorts” LeMaire understands this completely. She has worked in a hospital setting since 1982. Employed as a buyer in the purchasing department for Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and presently for Owens & Minor, a medical surgical distribution company, LeMaire makes certain that all types of supplies are available for patient care. LeMaire suddenly became one of those patients two years ago, becoming the recipient of care from numerous departments of Memorial Hospital that used those supplies that she had purchased. September 16, 2010 started out as a regular day for LeMaire. That morning, she was commuting to her Lake Charles office from her home in Sulphur—the same path she had traveled every workday for over 25 years. As she crossed an overpass on Interstate 10, she came upon a stalled 18wheeler. She began to brake, and recalled seeing red lights on each side of her head, glass flying everywhere—and then hearing the deafening sound of a crash. She had collided with the underside of the 18-wheeler. Those red lights were its taillights. As her car rammed underneath the big truck, the roof of her vehicle was ripped away except for a small piece of visor that held a guardian angel clip. She was having trouble breathing because she was pinned in the vehicle, and she struggled to stay conscious. “I wanted to be awake to tell emergency
Volume 4 • Issue 14
personnel to bring me to my home away from home and my work family,” she said. “Anyone who knows me will tell you, I pretty much like to run the show.” The satellite radio continued to play Me and My God by Josh Turner as LeMaire’s brain began to process what was happening. She could tell the front of the car was crushed, but the steering wheel had remained intact. The driver’s seat had, in her own words, “miraculously released and gently fallen back.” As she realized the seriousness of her situation, she felt a sudden stillness as she listened to the words of the song. “How is that for God wrapping His arms around you?” LeMaire asked. She once again heard the sound of breaking glass, followed by the voice of a young man asking her if she wanted to pray with him until help arrived. Jacob McInnis crawled into the car using the space where the back windshield had been. LeMaire recalls telling him over and over that she was a Catholic, and with his hand on her shoulder, they said The Lord’s Prayer until help arrived. Paramedics transferred LeMaire to Memorial Hospital, where she was met by her biological and work families. That included nurse Denise Collette, her friend
A mother's love heals all! My angel on earth! (Notice the bumble bee, my reassurance from day 1 that everything was gonna Bee just fine and I still have her!)
OCTOBER 4, 2012
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and co-worker of 20 years. LeMaire had always joked, “If I am ever brought to ER, call Denise and she will take over.” On the day she was brought to ER, LeMaire remembers looking up from the stretcher, scared to death, and seeing Denise looking back at her in a way that was reassuring and positive. “Once I was surrounded by my hospital family, I knew I was going to be okay,” she recalled. Her injuries were devastating: her back and neck were broken, along with her sternum, ribs, nose, and several facial bones. “It hit home that I shouldn’t have survived and, at best odds, should have been crippled,” she said. “I know that the whole day was choreographed with a sense of purpose. I knew just how much I mattered to God.” Two surgeries followed, as did a two-week hospital stay. Co-workers checked on her progress constantly, leading Chief Operating Officer Tim Coffey to issue a memorandum assuring everyone that LeMaire was being well cared for—and that she needed rest and that her department needed a break from the continuing calls inquiring about her. Unbelievably, she could stand and take a few steps within the last week of her hospital stay—one week after
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her accident. She amazed everyone. After her hospital stay, LeMaire embarked on the next part of her recovery journey that included extensive outpatient rehabilitation. “It was hard work, but I received great rewards,” she said. LeMaire’s family are of paramount importance in her life, and they were by her side during her ordeal. “One of the hardest parts of my recovery was being totally dependent on someone else for simple daily things, like getting out of bed, getting dressed, and so on,” LeMaire said. She credits her family with doing the little things that made her feel better. When she was first home, a young greatnephew wanted to lay by “Nanny Shorts,” but was afraid to be to close to her because she was “broken.” He lay by her and patted her arm until he fell asleep. “My nieces and nephews were one of the greatest reasons for going above and beyond throughout my therapy,” the proud aunt said. In rehab for five and a half months, LeMaire’s steps and endurance increased literally every day of her therapy. She walked and drove totally on her own after five months of outpatient therapy. “I didn’t drive for five months,” she said. Was she afraid?
“Apprehensive might be a better my heart and soul into the most preword, but not for long. I simply am a cious relationships of my life,” she said. believer in the fact that it was part of “Without Sept. 16, 2010, I may never the plan.” have had the chance. Thank God!” “‘Believe’ became my favorite word When asked to sum up what her during my recovery,” LeMaire remem- accident and recovery taught her, bered. “I believe we all have a purpose LeMaire says, “Always live life as if in life and mine hasn’t been fulfilled today were your last. Never leave a yet. I believe that because I survived. I kind word unspoken. And, never ever was determined to fully recover.” give up. If you can believe it, then you And she has. “I consider myself to can achieve it!” TJN be fully recovered by the miracle of God,” LeMaire said. There are no linger- My 1st day back at work 3/1/11 YEAH! ing repercussions. No medications. She does experience what she calls her “weather indicators”— occasional slight stiffness in her joints. Because of her experience as a patient, LeMaire realizes the value that each job plays in helping someone recover. Whether it’s a smile in the hallway when a patient passes or the skilled hands of a surgeon, it takes an entire team to heal a patient. “Physically, I have noticed that I take better care of myself. Mentally, I take the time to Be Still, to cherish each day, seize the opportunities of life, stop worrying and invest all of Some of LCMH's finest.
Volume 4 • Issue 14
The
Boiling
P l
Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Dr. Brett Cascio (right), medical director of sports medicine at Memorial presents a $5,000 check to Washington-Marion Head Coach Freddie Harrison and players Leon Guillory #58 and Devin Alford #1. Memorial Sports Medicine trainer Roderick Joseph is pictured in the middle. Geno Iafrate, Pinnacle; Gray Stream and Kerry Anderson, Pinnacle.
PINNACLE/L’AUBERGE DONATE TO NHMSC Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. and L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles announced an $80,000 donation to the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center via the Pinnacle Entertainment Foundation. The center will offer interactive and immersive learning experiences to explore the science and impacts of hurricanes. Pinnacle’s donation will fund the work of McNeese State University’s Burton School of Education to create and promote programs and lesson plans to school systems and educators across the country. The NHMSC is expected to attract 220,000 visitors to SWLA each year and have a $55-million total annual economic impact. ISLE OF CAPRI CASINO HOTEL CONTRIBUTES $15,000 TO CANDLES AND COCKTAILS The Isle of Capri Casino Hotel contributed $15,000 to the American Cancer Society’s event, Candles and Cocktails, as the presenting sponsor. The event was hosted by the Isle on August 11, and over 250 guests attended. Candles and Cocktails is a birthday celebration with elegant dining, live entertainment and a night of fund-raising to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Thanks to supporters like the Isle of Capri, the American Cancer Society has provided over 5,000 services to more than 1,000 patients and families in SWLA this year alone. For cancer information, or to learn how you can create more birthdays, call (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org. Volume 4 • Issue 14
FOUNDATION FOR FAIRPLAY DONATES TO WASHINGTON-MARION HIGH SCHOOL The Foundation for Fairplay Fund (F3) recently donated $5,000 to Washington-Marion High School. The money went to the purchase of 20 new Riddell® Revolution® Speed Helmets, offering the latest technology in football safety. Helmets are a huge expense for local football programs and schools are required to replace them after 10 years. F3 was established by The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital in order to provide a more level playing field in the areas of preventable injury needs. The fund will assist schools in acquiring equipment such as quality football helmets, training room equipment needed for the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries and creating safe physical fitness surroundings. PROFESSOR ALLURED RECEIVES ATLAS GRANT Dr. Janet Allured, professor of history at McNeese State University, has received an ATLAS (Awards to Louisiana Artists and Scholars) grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents’ Support Fund Research and Development program to write a monograph on the modern women’s movement in Louisiana. Allured’s proposal, “The Women’s Rights Movement in Louisiana, 1960-1985,” was tied for first place with two other university proposals in being ranked No. 1 for funding among the 20 proposals selected for this year’s ATLAS grants. The $25,490 grant – the first ATLAS
Dr. Janet Allured
OCTOBER 4, 2012
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grant received by a McNeese faculty member - will allow Allured a semester’s leave to write her book. Allured is also director of women’s studies at McNeese. BARNHART NAMED ASSISTANT BRANCH MANAGER AT CITY SAVINGS City Savings Bank announced the appointment of Kelley Barnhart as lending officer and assistant branch manager of the new Lake Street branch in Lake Charles. Barnhart brings more than 28 years of banking experience to her new position with City Savings Bank. She most recently worked as branch manager at Cameron State Bank. Barnhart, a Lake Charles native, attended McNeese State University and has completed graduate coursework in banking at the American Institute of Banking. For more information on City Savings Bank, visit www.citysavingsbank.com. Kelley Barnhart
and training materials. PPG Industries is contributing $10,000 and Lonza is contributing $3,000 to cover annual training, software and web service licenses, and the school’s annual membership renewal in the program. This is a five-year partnership that will serve every student from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Left to right: Maxine Dion, Laurie Mayeaux, Pat David, CEO Bryan S. Bateman, Scott Rider, Kevin Gobert, CQO Kathy Armentor and Latania Ramirez. Kneeling from left to right: Keith Guillory, Daphne Marti, Deidre Bath and Christina Kratz.
Pictured (L to R) Maria Faul, Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana; Sam Hebert, Hebert Financial Group; Randy Robb, Foundation Trustee.
FAMILY FOUNDATION RECEIVES GRANT The Family Foundation of SWLA, the endowment arm of Family and Youth Counseling Agency, received a $15,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life. The grant to The Family Foundation was made possible through the support of the Sam Hebert of the Sam Hebert Financial Group, also an agent with New York Life. The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations, which address the needs of the community and are supported by New York Life agents and employees. Two hundred and eight grants totaling nearly $2.5 million have been awarded since the program’s inception in 2008.
WCH LISTED IN 2012 BEST PLACES TO WORK IN HEALTHCARE Modern Healthcare recently announced its fifth annual list of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare and Women & Children’s Hospital (WCH) has been named one of the top 100 healthcare employers across the nation. To celebrate the award, the hospital treated staff to a free pancake breakfast, hosted an ice cream social and distributed a Best Places to Work T-shirt to all staff and volunteers. Three-hundred and forty healthcare companies participated in this year’s healthcare workplace program. WCH and the 99 other finalists from companies across the country will find out their ranking order at a special gala in Nashville on Oct. 9.
Nancy Kelley, Alliance Workforce & Talent director; Principle Terry Collins; Mark Kern, Lonza plant manager and Ann Barilleaux, Alliance Foundation development director.
CITGO EMPLOYEES DONATE UNIFORMS FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS CITGO Lake Charles employees donated more than 500 school uniforms and raised $2,000 to purchase school supply items for CITGO Partner in Education schools and Care Help of Sulphur in July. The CITGO School Uniform Drive, took place at the Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex, May 23 to June 15, where employees donated new and gently used items including shirts, shoes, pants, shorts, belts and much more. The uniforms were given to CITGO Partner in Education schools including Calcasieu Parish Alternative Site, E.K. Key Elementary E.K. Key Elementary School Principal Melanie School, Sulphur High 9th Kellogg with CITGO employees Sheila Trahan, Bonnie Gilley, Sally Bertrand, Sheryl Wagnon Grade Campus, Sulphur and Mark Lavergne. High School and Care Help of Sulphur.
LEADER IN ME FUNDED AT HENNING ELEMENTARY The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance Foundation is pleased to announce a partnership to fund The Leader in Me process at W. T. Henning Elementary in Sulphur. This partnership is composed of the I Am a Leader Foundation providing $48,800 in grant funding for training
HIMEL NAMED FINANCE DIRECTOR OF UNITED WAY OF SWLA Denise Durel, president & CEO, United Way of Southwest Louisiana, has announced the appointment of Melonie Himel of Sulphur as director of finance and administration. Himel holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Centenary College of Louisiana. She has previous experience in bank-
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Volume 4 • Issue 14
ing, public accounting, governmental accounting, corporate accounting and non-profit management. CSE CREDIT UNION RECEIVES 5-STAR RATING CSE Federal Credit Union has been given a 5-Star Rating from BauerFinancial, Inc. for the 75th consecutive quarter. For more than 18 years, CSE FCU has excelled in areas of capital, asset quality and profitability. CSE has also earned the distinction of being an “Exceptional Performance Credit Union,” after the 10th consecutive year of receiving this 5-Star Rating. BauerFinancial, Inc. is a rating and research firm that reports and analyzes the performance of both banks and credit unions in the United States. For more information regarding CSE Federal Credit Union, call (800) 625-5747. WCCH LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION PROGRAM West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is the first hospital in the area to implement an online childbirth education course for expecting mothers and fathers. The new program is an extension of the traditional, in-class program and is a comprehensive tool useful for individuals with time constraints, scheduling conflicts, or for those that are on bed rest. For more information on the new program, or to enroll, call (337) 527-4361.
In Harmony with Nature & Good Health
We believe that nature holds the answers to a long, healthy, and productive life, and we harness the power of nature in every exclusive formula to help make you healthier. That means no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives - and only the best natural ingredients you know you can trust.
(337) 824-6765 • (337) 230-3598 Pat Landreneau, Nutrition Consultant Lake Charles & Jennings
Join Us and Buy at Wholesale.
www.shaklee.net/patsnc
Food and Wine Tasting benefiting Harbor Foundation FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 6:00–10:00pm BrickHouse Catering & Events Silent Auction and Live Music from The Providers $35 in advance and $45 at the door.
Order tickets online by visiting harborfoundation.com and clicking the donate button. For more information, please contact Amy Carpenter at 337-532-2096 or ACarpenter@harborhospice.com.
From left, Dr. Chip LeMieux, head of the Harold and Pearl Dripps Department of Agricultural Sciences; Dr. Ron Darbeau, head of the chemistry department; Mike Thomas, vice president of Sasol U.S. Operations and Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, engineering and engineering technology dean. McNEESE PHOTO
SASOL DONATES TO MCNEESE FOUNDATION Sasol North America, Inc. recently donated $15,000 through the McNeese Foundation to be divided among the McNeese State University College of Engineering and Engineering Technology and the departments of chemistry and agricultural sciences for the funding of faculty research and equipment. TJN
925 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles, LA • (337) 377-6616 Volume 4 • Issue 14
OCTOBER 4, 2012
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Dang Yankee The
By Mike McHugh
A Hellthier Yankee As part of my campaign to get organized, I finally buckled down and cleaned out my email inbox at work. I started by sorting the messages from earliest to latest, and, while going through the items with “Y2K” in the subject line, I was gladdened by the fact that I’ve only had e-mail for about 15years. Determined as I was, I got through them all. One of the more recent messages was a bulletin advertising a health seminar for all employees. This came as quite a coincidence. I’d been thinking about doing something to improve my physical fitness, in much
the same way that I’d been thinking about calling my mother for the first time since before email (especially given that she doesn’t have email). I don’t know what prompted it; maybe it was the way I was starting to feel winded after reaching for the chocolate chip cookies that my wife keeps hidden on the top shelf of the pantry. So I signed up. A nutritionist from my company’s health insurance provider conducted the seminar. It was a ten-week course, making me think that boy, fitness has to be an awfully complicated subject. I mean, Mel Brooks once covered the entire
FRONT ROW: Jennifer Benoit (15 years), Rebecca LeBleu (4 years), Carmel Fazzio (4 years), Jo Ann McDaniel Niles, Administrator (16 years), Jessica Wilson (4 years), Yvonne Mullen (9 years), Sandra Lapoint (4 years), Aimee Smith (1 year), Nadine Rayon (6 years), Bridget LeBleu (1 year), Annie Rowley (16 years), Martha Trahan (2 years), Mr. Jackie Trahan (3 years), and Andrea Celestine (1 year). PAGE 10
OCTOBER 4, 2012
history of the world in a film that ran only 90 minutes. But no, the nutritionist assured us at the first session that keeping fit is really quite simple. All you need to do is eat right and get regular exercise. That, I soon discovered, is easier said than done. Let’s first talk about this eating right thing. It is perhaps the most important factor regarding your physical well-being. Having an improper diet will cause lots of bad things to build up in your blood stream, causing it to eventually develop a consistency akin to road tar. Your heart, fine creation that it is, is not made to pump this stuff, much as a garbage disposal is not made to grind up bottle caps. (I know; my wife once tried this.) Because it is so important, one of the first things that we did as part of the seminar was to have our blood tested to determine our levels of HDL, LDL, triglycerides, triceratops, and all of the other things that that only a Ph.D. biochemist knows the true meaning of, and which are critical to keep in proper balance. Fortunately, my triceratops were in fine shape, and I was eager to
learn how to keep them that way. This leads us to the topic of reading food package labels. The nutritionist informed us that there are all sorts of bad things that the bad old food companies stick in their products, and these should be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, the government requires the food companies to list all ingredients on their packaging. To help us in deciphering these labels, the nutritionist brought in several grocery store items and passed them around, explaining which ones were good and which were essentially canned heart attacks. Most of the ingredients had more letters than the last name of a Lithuanian basketball player. The only label I could make sense of was on a can of almonds, which, surprisingly, listed “almonds” as the sole ingredient. “That one is probably okay,” the nutritionist commented as she noticed me studying it. “But what about these others?” I asked. “I can’t read these labels any more than I can the maintenance manual for a nuclear submarine. Do you have any helpful hints about other things to look for on food packaging that might be simpler to interpret?” “Of course,” she answered. “I would avoid anything that has the words ‘Little Debbie’. ” Now that I can handle. Finally, we come to the subject of exercise, another important element for good health. Apparently, regular exercise has the effect of flushing a lot of those bad actors out of your system. It also keeps your heart working so that it will stay in top condition, unlike the hedge trimmers that have sat in my shed untouched for the past five years. There are many forms of appropriate exercise, such as bicycling, jogging, and aerobics; and some that are not, including any of the events in the Beer Olympics from back in my fraternity days. The secret is to find one that you will enjoy doing so you will stick with it. Since my wife does all of the food shopping, I brought the seminar materials home to her so that she would be well informed on her trips to the grocery store. After reading through it, she reasoned that we would be safe as long as she stuck to foods that contained only ingredients that she could pronounce. Which is why we’re having almonds for dinner tonight, and tomorrow, too, for that matter. TJN Volume 4 • Issue 14
By George “Tip” Cline
READ THE FINE PRINT One of our readers approached me the other day to inform me of a very questionable solicitation for a product that was designed to appear to be a reward from his credit card company. It was an offer for a product at no cost other than a modest shipping and handling charge. Upon further review, the fine print revealed that this reward opportunity would enroll him in a program that puts a monthly charge on his credit card. It is shameful that companies try to trick customers into purchasing products and services rather than being upfront on what they are offering. Open, honest and straightforward business practices always make for the most satisfied customers. Treat a customer fairly and you will have a long-term relationship; rip off a customer and it’s a one time deal. Apparently, many companies believe in getting all you can from a one-time deal—so stay alert and read the fine print. THE 100-OUNCE BEER TUBE Sharing a pitcher of beer with friends is a time-honored practice. On a recent trip, I stopped for lunch at Cecil’s Cajun Café in DeRidder and discovered the Beer Tube. I’m sure that the 100-ounce Beer Tube has been around for awhile, but I lead a sheltered life. The base of the ones I saw is configured like a football helmet. The tubes are placed at your table with a replaceable graduated cylinder that you can revolve with a spigot at the bottom. The cylinder’s markVolume 4 • Issue 14
we are. We are moving in a dangerous direction. Fortunately, we have not digressed to the point of having the size of our cold drinks regulated for us here. If the do-gooders would only offer advice and not try to control us, there would be no problem. It is the nature of the human species to aid their fellow humans, but that help should be offered, not demanded or imposed. Do we really need the Nanny State?
There is no shopping comparison for this issue, being out of town at deadline time. As I try to give the most recent prices that are currently available, I apologize to those of you who look forward to that portion of the column. The wonderful feedback that we receive is most gratifying and makes the effort worthwhile. I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to make comments. There will be a new shopping comparison next time. TJN
ing shows you’re getting full measure. What a clever, fun idea—and the pricing was more than competitive with the 64-ounce pitcher. ART ASSOCIATES GALLERY Founded in October of 1957, Art Associates of Lake Charles has been in the forefront promoting all forms of artistic expression. The Art Associates Gallery is located on the second floor of Central School, the headquarters for the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Those of you that participated in Gallery Promenade on Sept. 28 had the opportunity to visit the gallery of the oldest art organization in Lake Charles, with the work of Kevin Leveque on exhibit. The gallery is open daily Mon.- Fri. until 5 p.m. There is no admission fee and they would appreciate your participation. BE YOURSELF! We’d better treasure and protect our lifestyles as we now know them. Changes are inevitable, but hanging on to the good stuff, like a lot of our heritage, can be easily washed away by the good intentions of other people. Not to say that everything from our culture and history is golden—far from it—but many things that make us what we are in our South Louisiana environment merits retaining. Studies recommending what we should eat and drink, how we should think, etc., can be beneficial—but often, there is no regard for the human condition. Our liberties are under assault in the name of science, health and safety. We lose our individuality by becoming an automaton, by disregarding the likes and desires that make us who OCTOBER 4, 2012
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By Mike Louviere A married woman who’s been left alone while her husband is away on a business trip, or for some other reason, is not out of the ordinary. Even though she is alone, there are many ways to communicate. Nearly all homes have a telephone, and a large majority of homes have computers, whose users are on a social network, such as Facebook and Twitter. The ability to instant message gives the home-alone lady the ability to “talk” to someone as though they were face to face even though they may be thousands of miles apart. The same ability is available for her to stay in contact with her husband. In the mid 19th century, however, this technology was not available. A lady left alone on a remote island led to one of the strangest mysteries to occur on the Sabine River. Two German immigrants, Augustus and Sophie Pavell, had moved to Orange, Texas looking to build a new life. “Gus,” as Augustus became known, had noticed that boatmen coming into and leaving Orange had to pass a small island. Often, the boats would tie up to the island waiting out bad weather on nearby Sabine Lake, or to wait for dock space at the sawmill when they were coming to Orange to load cargo. Gus decided that he and Sophie would move to the island and build a store to sell supplies to the boat-
men that used the island. By 1854, Gus had not only built the store, but had also built a cotton warehouse and would often buy cotton from the boatmen and ship it to Galveston himself. He would frequently sail to Galveston with his cotton cargo and buy supplies for the store.
one that Sophie met when Gus was gone was a stranger. When she had business at the store or the warehouse she had company, but at night, she was totally alone on the remote, dark island. At times, boats would tie up overnight, but the boatmen stayed on their boats and left her alone. At sun-
Map of Pavell Island area. Straight cuts were made to facilitate navigation. The Intercoastal Waterway was a 20th Century project. Sophie would be left alone on what had become known as “Pavell’s Island.” Her only neighbors were George and Augusta Block who lived at Black’s Bayou, which fed into the Sabine River several miles from the island, and Solomon and Martha Sparks, who lived about a mile upstream the river from the island. Nearly every-
down, she might see a boat and its crew, but at sunrise they would leave and she would be alone once again, until the next boat showed up. By 1860, the business had prospered, with its value growing to $10,000. Sophie was ably handling the business while Gus was gone to Galveston, making several trips a year.
One day, when Gus returned from a trip to Orange to buy cowhides, Sophie told Gus that she was going to have a baby. Delighted, he suggested that they sell out and move to Galveston, but Sophie would not agree. She was happy on the island and wanted to stay. She told Gus to continue to make his trips; she would continue to run the business and be fine. Later that year, when Gus returned from a trip to Galveston, Sophie met him on the dock and told him that the baby had been stillborn. She took Gus to a high point on the island and showed him where she had buried the baby. She had decorated the small grave with flowers and had also placed a small brass urn as a flower vase. Gus ordered a tombstone from Galveston, which was placed on the grave. By 1861, the Civil War had caused river trade to virtually cease due to the union blockade at Sabine Pass. Gus was over 40 years old and did not enlist, but with his knowledge of the waterways, he became a successful blockade-runner. Gus would sail to Galveston, travel to Houston and return to Orange by train, often gone for long periods of time. Passersby would see Sophie tending the small grave on the island. She would tell the occasional visitor how lonely she was with Gus gone, but she understood the need for him to
Pavell Island as seen from the Sabine River today. PAGE 12
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travel. And she would continue to gather flowers and spend time at the grave reflecting on her life. After the war, Sophie finally agreed to move to Galveston. Gus had made a lot of gold from his blockade running, and they could open a mercantile business there. For the first time, Sophie could have a social life, including attending the church and theater. Their timing could not have been better. On September 13, 1865, the Great Hurricane destroyed the city of Orange and their business on Pavell’s Island. A few months after the storm, their old neighbor Solomon Sparks visited the island with the intention of buying it and moving his shingle mill there. As he explored the area, he went to the high point and came upon the excavated grave where the baby had been buried. He found that what was supposed to have been the brass urn was in fact a twofoot section of a two-inch diameter brass pipe. It appeared to have been sawn from a bedpost. Sparks could see the tarnished markings from the years it had been buried
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upright in the ground. By the grave was the small tombstone Gus had bought and installed. In the bottom of the grave he could see the markings where the casket had been. He also found a $20 gold piece. After he returned home, Sparks began to wonder why, if Sophie had exhumed the skeleton of her baby and taken it to Galveston, she would have left the tombstone. Why would she have not taken it to the new grave? He was puzzled. Had she really given birth to a stillborn baby? Or, had she used the story as an elaborate ruse to cover the existence of a “bank” that no one would think to look for? Was it possible that Sophie, appearing to care for her baby’s grave, was actually making a “deposit” in her “bank?” As she placed flowers in the brass urn, was she also dropping gold coins in an otherwise empty coffin? Did Gus know about the ruse? No one will ever know. It is just one of the mysteries of the Sabine River—and possibly the way a woman of that time coped with being left alone. TJN
Meet Sam! Are you looking for a running buddy? Or maybe a guy to just hang out with? Sam loves to be outside and would be happy to have a big, fenced yard with a dog house to call his own. A large acreage would be even better! He is one of our few dogs who prefers to live outside, as long as his person spends time with him. His only vice is stalking cats, so, his must be a no-cat zone. He has also been known to chase chickens so there should be no livestock in this boy’s future. Sam is about three years old, is a Border Collie mix and weighs around 50 pounds. He’s incredibly smart, and would love to attend obedience training as he already “sits” on
command. He loves the attention of his person and is very affectionate and protective. He has not had the opportunity to be around children, so is not kid-tested. To arrange a meeting with Sam, call (337) 478-7294 or email lapaw@bellsouth.net and his foster will respond ASAP. Vet check and home visit required prior to adoption. LAPAW does pet meet and greets most Saturdays at PetSmart, so please let us know if you would like to meet Sam so we can make sure that he is on site. Hurry, Sam is waiting! TJN
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Are you a yeller? A percolator of ideas? A wallflower—or perhaps a people magnet? Personality affects the way people react and respond to all kinds of situations. It also affects their approach to health. For example, a diabetic needs to check their sugar levels regularly, diligently take medication, and watch what they eat. “A meticulous personality will likely take this challenge and manage their health very well. Someone more laid-back may not be as attentive and have more physical problems,” said Marne Devillier, MD, family medicine physician with Maplewood Family Medicine Clinic and member of the medical staff of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. While everyone is unique, the majority of personality traits can be combined into these areas: EXTROVERT VS. INTROVERT People who enjoy being in large groups and the center of attention are extroverts. They gain energy from being with others and typically say whatever they are feeling. Usually looking at the broad picture, rather than fine details, they tend to brush aside health warning signs until they become too big to ignore. “If they do see their doctor, it’s typically not for a checkup, it’s for something like the flu, a backache, or pulled muscle,” Dr. Devillier said. “Getting regular screenings, such as a cholesterol check, seldom enters their mind. They may think about it and say they’ll get to that one day. In some cases, a heart attack, or other significant health event, is their first wake-up call that they need to pay attention to their health.” Extroverts are good about making time to exercise, as long as it’s with a friend or in a group, because the social setting appeals to them. “While this investment in their health is great, it doesn’t completely off-set their tendency to ignore health screenings, elevated cholesterol or poor health habits. Overall, though, extroverts tend to be healthy. Their strong social connections are great for reducing stress caused by their busy schedules,” Dr. Devillier continued. Because of an introvert’s tendency to PAGE 14
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keep their emotions to themselves, they may have more trouble with health problems like arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and headaches. “They internalize their feelings rather than share them,” he said. “Often, this erodes the immune system and triggers the production of stress-related hormones.” Introverts do well with routines, so regular check-ups fit them nicely. They thrive on researching topics of interest, so they’re usually up-to-date with the latest information on any health concern they’re facing and are diligent in managing it. OPTIMISTIC VS. PESSIMISTIC The heart of an optimist is generally stronger than that of a pessimist. Out of 97,000 women of postmenopausal age, those who scored higher for optimism had a nine percent lower risk for developing heart disease and a 14 percent lower risk of dying from all causes than women who scored lowest for optimism. Women with a high degree of hostility and cynicism were 16 percent more likely to die than their more optimistic counterparts. This study was conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative, a U.S. governmentfunded study. All of the women were free from heart disease at the beginning of the study. Pessimists may see these results and feel even more hopeless. “In cases like this, it’s important to point out that everyone has challenges in life, even optimists,” Dr. Devillier said. “It’s how we deal with them that makes the difference.” Attitude has an impact when it comes to heart disease. “A person’s outlook and how they handle challenges play a significant role in their predisposition to heart disease,” she said.
PERFECTIONIST VS. EASY GOING The way a perfectionist strives to do their best in all aspects of life may lead some to think it’s the most healthy of personalities, but in some cases, it can backfire. On the positive side, they tend to set high standards for themselves and work hard to achieve their goals; conversely, the high amount of pressure they put on themselves could lead to physical problems. A group of Canadian psychology professors studied the lifespan of 450 adults aged 65 and older with no reported chronic diseases for six years. Those with high perfectionism scores had a 51 percent increased risk of death compared to those with more laid-back scores. The psychologists reasoned that if perfectionism showed this associated risk of death in a healthy population, it might have an even greater impact on those with a chronic disease, which would put their bodies under even more stress. Those with a more laid-back personality take an easy approach to life. They don’t usually get angry, hold grudges, or plot revenge; but their lassaiz-faire attitude could put them in harm’s way if they think health concerns could never
happen to them. She pointed out that lifestyle choices have the most impact on health, so the laid-back types should pay attention to their habits. “Genetics makes up a small portion of health risks; the larger piece of the pie comes from behaviors such as exercise, nutrition, coping with stress levels, and not smoking,” Dr. Devillier explained. In the end, an optimistic, easygoing extrovert may fare well when it comes to their health, but if that’s not you, don’t force the issue. Personalities are pretty much ingrained from the get-go. Dr. Devillier’s best advice is to recognize the strengths and weaknesses within your personality type and strike a balance in your approach to health.
TJN
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Join the American Cancer Society and “Make Strides Against Breast Cancer” on Sat., Oct. 6 at Heritage Square in Sulphur. The 5k walk is a fundraising event to unite survivors and caregivers in the SWLA community and around the world. The American Cancer Society is helping people stay well and get well by finding cures and fighting back against breast cancer. Register as an individual or a team for Making Strides by visiting MakingStridesSWLA.org or calling 433-5817. The event is sponsored by Tarver Ford and First Federal Bank of Louisiana. TJN
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering 20 percent off digital screening mammograms during October. This discount is applied to hospital charges and does not include radiologists’ fees, which are billed separately. Appointments are available Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Thursdays until 7 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 527-4256. October is dedicated to creating awareness about breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, current research strongly supports mammography even more so than in the past. “It can detect lumps that are missed through self breast exams and even clinical exams,” said Betty Adams, BSRT (R) (M), mammography coordinator with WCCH. “If women age 50 and older would get regular mammograms, the mortality rate could decrease by 30 percent.” TJN
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Our 6000sq ft addition will provide individuals with (Skilled, SNF, Rehab to home) services. During this transformation we will continue to provide a high level of rehabilitation services. Please contact our friendly staff for any questions about our long term and Skilled Services.
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Abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous. A stereotactic biopsy is used to take samples from an abnormality that cannot be felt during a breast exam, but can be seen on a mammogram. “We take two-dimensional digital images of your breast from two different angles. The computer compares the data from each image and calculates the three-dimensional location coordinates for your breast abnormality,” said Dr. Richard Martinez, a radiologist with Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. “With such precise information to guide the biopsy needle, we can accurately take a sample of the abnormal area.” A stereotactic biopsy is a good alternative to a surgical biopsy. It can be done in a clinic or hospital. The equipment consists of a digital mammogram machine linked to a computer, and a needle guidance system. You will be awake during the procedure, but must remain very still, so your comfort is very important. The biopsy equipment at Memorial is configured with a special exam table that you can lie down on. You will be given a local anesthetic, so you should not feel anything other than some pressure. Compression is used to keep your breast still. Several pairs of images are
taken. Dr. Martinez then uses the image-guided needle to target the breast abnormality. More images are taken to confirm that the needle is in the right place. A tissue sample is then collected for examination by a pathologist. “The biopsy won’t leave any internal scars,” Dr. Martinez said. “At the end of the procedure, a tiny marker may be left at the biopsy site. This tag should not cause discomfort or harm; it will help us locate the biopsy site should we need to in the future.” The tissue samples are given to a pathologist, who will carefully examine them. A pathology report will be sent to your doctor, who will contact you about the results. Having a biopsy doesn’t mean that you have a malignancy. Four out of five biopsies come back negative for cancer, but doctors stress that early detection is the key to a successful treatment. “In the U.S., the five-year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 90 percent. This means that 90 out of every 100 women with breast cancer will survive for at least five years,” Dr. Martinez said. “Most will live a full life and never have a recurrence. Your chances of survival are better if the cancer is detected early, before it spreads to other parts of your body. In fact, when breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the five-year survival rate today is 99 percent.”
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The lymph node system plays an important role in the body’s ability to fight infection. Just as the air filter in a car cleans the air as it enters the engine, the body’s system of lymph nodes cleans fluids before they are allowed to enter the bloodstream. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body and contain immune cells to destroy germs and fight infection. When working properly, lymph nodes are a vital part of a healthy body to keep it free from disease; unfortunately, cancer can infiltrate the lymph node system. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymph nodes. Because the lymph system is a complex, connected system throughout the body, it could cause the cancer to spread quickly.
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The first symptom is often a swollen lymph node, which is also a symptom of the common cold or any type of infection. “It’s easy to brush it aside, thinking it’s not much to worry about,” said Mohammad Khan, M.D., Medical Oncologist with CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group “If a swollen lymph node persists, it’s best to get it checked out because any type of infection should be treated.” The usual locations for a swollen lymph node due to lymphoma are the neck, underarm or groin. Other symptoms include fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, and lethargy. These generic symptoms are one of the reasons lymphoma is difficult to detect.
Routine imaging tests, such as xrays, CT and MRI scans, as well as blood tests are used to make the diagnosis. “If the cancer cells are isolated to one or only a few lymph nodes, we can aggressively treat with either chemotherapy and/or radiation and hopefully stop the spread,” said Dr. Khan. “Knowing that the lymph system is meant to carry things from one area to another, and that lymphoma is difficult to discover because the symptoms are generic,
we are fortunate when we find the cancer cells isolated to a small number of lymph nodes.” When Dorothy Corrigan, 62, was diagnosed with lymphoma three years ago, she originally suspected she had gall bladder problems. “I’d had gallstones before, and I was experiencing similar pain, so I had an ultrasound and it showed a suspicious mass,” she said. Her doctor ordered more tests and gave her the diagnosis of stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma.
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As the director of surgical services at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, Corrigan has been in the surgical field for 47 years. In researching the treatment for lymphoma, she discovered there was a national treatment protocol for the disease, meaning regardless of where she went, she would receive treatment that was approved by the medical experts who formulated the guidelines. She decided to stay close to home and receive her treatment locally. “That was one of the best decisions I made,” she said. “Without the support of my family, friends and co-workers, I wouldn’t have made it. If I was having a difficult time with the chemo, I didn’t have to drive a couple of hours to see my doctor. When you’re battling cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy, making that drive repeatedly can wear you down. Staying close to home lessened the stress for me and that’s an important key in battling cancer.” Her chemotherapy was aggressive. She spent one week in the hospital every three weeks, receiving seven drugs intravenously. “My friends and co-workers quickly became like family to me,” she said.
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“If my family couldn’t be with me in the hospital, they would sit with me. They didn’t have to say anything. Just knowing that there is someone who cares about you does wonders for your healing ability in your body. There’s no way to repay them, but I will continue to pay it forward.” In Corrigan’s case, the cancer was found in lymph nodes near her abdomen. Because it was growing near her internal organs and not close to the skin surface, the lymph nodes closest to the skin were not swollen; the diagnosis came about because of the imaging scans. Today, Corrigan is in remission. She is aware that her particular type of cancer may return in some form in the future. She has talked about it with her oncologist. “I have a greater sense of control now,” she said. “If cancer returns, I have a plan and I have my treatment team.” She believes the lack of control is one of the hardest things to face when you have cancer. “Now, I live each day to the fullest. No one is guaranteed a tomorrow. I’ve faced what that feels like and I’m grateful for every day, no matter what it brings.”
15% Senior Discount All Doctors’ Prescriptions Accepted Experienced Professional Staff • Most Insurance Accepted
TJN
OCTOBER 4, 2012
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The Calcasieu Community Clinic, a free clinic for the lowincome, working uninsured, is pleased to announce an expansion of income eligibility for some of its services. Currently, eligible persons must be working at least 20 hours per week, have no health insurance and household income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines ($38,180 annually for a family of three). Under the new, expanded guidelines, uninsured working persons up to 250 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines ($47,725 for a household of three) will be eligible for all services offered through the clinic, except prescription medication from the clinic’s pharmacy. This means persons who meet all eligibility criteria and earn between 201-250 percent of Federal
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Poverty Guidelines can now receive free medical, diagnostic, lab services, dental and vision care free of charge through the CCC. The clinic’s pharmacy is dependent upon Patient Assistance Programs, which are governed by pharmaceutical company guidelines of 200 percent as its criteria so pharmacy services will not be available for those who fall into this income percentage. However, every effort will be made to prescribe generic, reasonably priced prescription medication, which can be purchased at the pharmacy of their choice. CCC is located in the nursing building at McNeese State University and has been providing free health care services for the lowincome, working uninsured residents of Southwest Louisiana since February 2001. In its 11 years of operation, the clinic has provided
over $4 million dollars in total medical services to the community. Every Thursday evening during clinic, volunteer physicians and nurses provide on-site health care while volunteer pharmacists staff the clinic pharmacy to dispense the medications prescribed. Patients are referred out for lab tests, mammograms, or specialized services not available at the clinic. This is all done at no charge to the patient. Once a person is established as a medical patient, they are eligible to receive dental and vision referrals to one of our satellite providers. The majority of the clinic’s patient population is female, with many of these women having never received mammogram services prior to their treatment at the clinic. The clinic now holds an OB/GYN clinic about every eight weeks and provides mammogram screenings to
patients over 40 and those at high risk for breast cancer. Other clinic expansions have included a weight management program in collaboration with the McNeese State University Nutrition student interns and a comprehensive diabetes management program. The CCC is financially dependent on the community it serves. It is housed at McNeese State University College of Nursing, with the university providing this facility, free of charge, since CCC’s inception in 2000. The local Medical Society has remained steadfast in their support, and in addition to private donations and grants, CCC is supported by The United Way of Southwest Louisiana. For more information on the Calcasieu Community Clinic, call 337-478-8650. TJN
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By Stanley Kordisch, MD
Busy women who typically put others’ needs before their own must remember that taking time to care for themselves is important to good health. Regular well-woman exams are a simple and effective way to start. The principal part of a wellwoman visit includes a routine breast and pelvic exam – which checks the uterus, ovaries and other organs to make sure they are healthy – and a Pap test, which screens for certain gynecological cancers. The Pap smear is the primary test for cervical cancer: once one of the most common causes of cancer death among women, today it is one of the easiest cancers to detect and prevent. WHAT IS THE PAP TEST? The Pap test is an effective tool in early detection of cervical cancer. Usually performed during a pelvic exam, the Pap test collects a few cells from the cervix for examination under a microscope. The test is painless, and takes only seconds to perform. Regular Pap smears monitor any tissue changes in the cervix and can help diagnose potential problems early, when they are most treatable. WHO NEEDS A PAP TEST? The Pap test is recommended for all women; however, industry guidelines regarding when to begin Pap tests and how frequently to receive the test have changed. Women are now advised to get their first Pap test Volume 4 • Issue 14
at age 21 (previously, the recommendation was to begin having the test tests three years after becoming sexually active, or at age 21, whichever came first). Once you’ve had your first Pap test, repeat Pap smears should follow these guidelines, issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): • Women ages 21 to 30 should have a Pap test once every two years unless they have had an abnormal Pap test or have other risk factors. • Women who have received the HPV vaccine should follow the same schedule and guidelines for Pap smears. • Women age 30 and older who have had three consecutive negative tests – and no abnormal history or risk factors – should have repeat Pap tests once every three years. • Women age 30 and older can also optionally be tested for cancer-causing types of HPV, at the same time as their Pap test. Because HPV diagnosed in women under age 30 is often cleared by the woman’s own immune system, routine HPV testing for younger women is not recommended. • Women with certain risk factors may need to be screened more frequently as recommended by their doctor. These risk factors include HIV; a weakened immune system due to cancer, organ transplant or other illness; exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth; or a history of moderate to severe dyspla-
If your a woman over 40, working at least 20 hours per week and without health insurance, you may qualify for a FREE MAMMOGRAM. FREE health care clinic for the low-income, working uninsured. Call for information
337-478-8650 or visit our web site at www.calcasieucommunityclinic.com
OCTOBER 4, 2012
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sia ( i.e., pre-cancerous cell growth on the cervix). • Women age 65 and up who have had no abnormal Pap smears for 10 years, and three or more negative results, consecutively, may stop getting Pap tests, with the permission of their doctor. Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed in women age 40 and older. It is important to continue getting a Pap test regularly – even if you think you are too old to have a child, or are not sexually active. Stanley Kordisch, M.D. is a board-certified gynecologist with Lake Area OB/GYN Associates located at 4150 Nelson Rd., Building G, Suite 6. For more information about Dr. Kordisch, visit www.LakeAreaPhysicians.com or call (337) 475-3747 for an appointment. Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and National Cancer Institute. This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.
TJN
By Christine Bergeron, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC The wide-ranging gender gap in smoking and the associated health consequences has narrowed significantly over time. Cigarette smoking was rare among women in the early 1900s and was viewed as defiant, artistic and eccentric. Prevalence rates for women increased during both World Wars, steadily rose through the 1960s, and began to decrease a decade later. But the latest statistics show the decline in women’s smoking prevalence in the United States has stalled during the
past seven years, and the health burden of cigarette smoking continues to be high. Smoking-related diseases will be responsible for nearly 174,000 deaths among women this year. According to a 2010 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in six American women aged 18 years or older smokes cigarettes. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known carcinogens and many
are poisonous. Consumer products contain several of the same chemicals but have warning labels. While the public is warned about the danger of poisons in certain products, no such warning exists for toxins found in tobacco smoke. LEADING THREATS TO WOMEN’S HEALTH The top five women’s health threats include: heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Precise studies with over 1,500 images Able to detect cancer not seen on mammograms Able to detect leaks and ruptures in breast implants Advanced MRI offers enhanced studies of the breast, which may help detect early stages of cancer or determine the extent of a known cancer.
Largest bore opening in SWLA, can accommodate patients up to 440lbs
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 22
OCTOBER 4, 2012
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Tobacco use is the single most modifiable risk factor associated with heart disease and chronic lower respiratory disease. Heart disease has become the leading killer among women, and smoking greatly increases a woman’s risk of heart disease and stroke. The risk rises with the number of cigarettes smoked and the length of time a woman has been using tobacco products. Women have a 25 percent higher chance of cardiovascular disease compared to men. The chance for developing cardiovascular disease is increased among women smokers who use oral contraceptives and escalate in women over 35. Smoking damages the airways and small air sacs in the lungs, and the destruction can cause chronic coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and long-term lung disease. Smoking causes more than 75 percent of deaths due to chronic lower respiratory infections. Female smokers aged 35 and above are almost 13 times more likely to succumb to chronic respiratory disease than nonsmokers. OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS A wide range of menstrual and reproductive complications is associated with smoking. Premenstrual tension, severe menstrual pain, and irregular cycles are more common among smokers. Studies show smoking adversely impacts fertility; the prevalence of infertility is higher, and the time it takes to conceive is longer in smokers compared to nonsmokers. Women who smoke experience natural menopause at an earlier age compared to nonsmokers and may suffer from more frequent and severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. The risk for developing osteoporosis following menopause is higher among smokers. Smoking before and during pregnancy is the chief preventable cause of illness and death among mothers and infants. Smoking during pregnancy increases the possibility of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, sudden infant death, preterm birth, low birth weight and birth defects such as cleft lip or palate. Women who smoke during pregnancy expose their baby to harmful poisons such as Volume 4 • Issue 14
nicotine, carbon monoxide, lead and arsenic. These poisons prevent the baby from receiving a proper supply of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for growth and development. SUCCESS IN QUITTING Smoking is the single most modifiable behavior for increasing life expectancy and improving quality of life. The risk of heart disease is significantly lessened one to two years after quitting and the risk of stroke can return to that of a nonsmoker within two to five years. Many women are afraid to quit smoking for fear of gaining weight. Although weight gain can be a concern, it is important to remember that continuing to smoke poses a greater health risk. Maintaining a balanced diet and being physically active can help a woman stay within a healthy weight range after quitting. The decision to quit smoking is not a temporary condition, but a lifelong change. Quitting can be very difficult, but with the right support, a tobacco-free lifestyle is attainable. The chances of success are improved by planning ahead. Strategies for quitting include: defining goals, setting a quit date, creating a tobacco-free environment, keeping busy, learning new habits, getting support, talking to health care provider, considering pharmacotherapy, and rewarding achievement. Quit With Us, Louisiana provides comprehensive resource information and links to free tobacco cessation services statewide. For more information, visit www.QuitWithUsLA.org or call (800) QUIT-NOW. TJN
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Clifton and Vanessa Lewis, 2011 “Dancing with the Stars” Champions
By Angie Kay Dilmore Photos courtesy of The 2000 Health Foundation
Stephanie Morris and Lisa Walker PAGE 24
OCTOBER 4, 2012
Roger Porter and Melinda Lemke, 2011 Champion of the Dance Winners
Pull out your secret spyglasses and private detective decoder ring! You’ll need all your super-sleuthing skills for The 2000 Health Foundation’s 7th annual Platinum and Pearls fundraising gala: Celebrity Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. For the past six years, The 2000 Health Foundation has been entertaining their supporters with the elegant, action-packed “Dancing With the Stars” extravaganza. This year, they decided to add an intriguing twist. The Foundation will bring in Celebrity Mystery Theater, a company from Houston, to entertain their guests in the Grand Ballroom at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles on Sun., Nov. 11. A pregala party kicks off the evening at 5 p.m. followed by a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. Festivities continue with a silent auction and an interactive murder mystery dinner theater. Who knows whom you might see? Are Marilyn Monroe and Fran Drescher on the guest list? Sherlock Holmes, Austin Powers, and Columbo, maybe? Can you help these ace detectives solve the crime? This troupe of celebrity impersonators will engage the audience in an entertaining, fun-filled whodunit. While the Dancing With the Stars theme has been wildly popular, Founder Lisa Walker, board chairperson, says the foundation wanted to bring something fresh and new to the Gala. “We hadn’t really seen a whole lot of murder Volume 4 • Issue 14
We thank Million Air for their sponsorship
mystery events in our area,” she said. “Murder mystery theaters are interactive and involve the audience.” Dance lovers, don’t despair. A group dance featuring previous Gala “Stars” will be incorporated into the murder mystery show. The dance competition has been eliminated, but they’ve retained the popular People’s Choice Award. During the group dance, each of the six dance couples will be introduced and have a few minutes to shine under the spotlight. With a donation to the foundation, attendees have the opportunity to vote for their favorite couple. All guests are also eligible to win one of several exciting door prizes to be given away during the evening. But the event isn’t only about entertainment; it’s also about a very worthy cause: The 2000 Health Foundation and all of the many things it does to help others and benefit the community.
The 2000 Health Foundation Board Members
SIGNATURE FUNDRAISING EVENT The Platinum and Pearls Gala, with attendees bedecked in sophisticated ball gowns, stilettos, smart tuxedos and bow ties, is the signature fundraiser of The 2000 Health Foundation. It’s a wonderful, unforgettable event comprised of dinner, dancing, and now drama. Donations for this event fund the on going need for diabetes awareness and community education. “We offer healthcare education by means of community outreach,” Walker said. “As a result of our community education, we found that there was a tremendous need for diabetes community awareness and education. The statistics concerning diabetes and its effects were alarming. We found that a large population of citizens were either diagnosed or under-diagnosed with diabetes. Louisiana ranks number one in the country for deaths related to diabetes. We started The 2000 Health Foundation in response
Patricia and Jake Philmon, 2011 People Choice Award Winners Volume 4 • Issue 14
to a need in our community for diabetes awareness and education.” The goals of the foundation are to empower people with knowledge about the disease and strive for a healthier society. It is a local organization, but they partner with national groups such as the American Diabetes Association. The funds donated to this organization allow the foundation to sponsor diabetes health seminars, promote wellness, put a spotlight on selfmanagement of the disease, and offer diabetic supplies and equipment for those unable to afford the items. According to Stephanie Morris, executive director of the foundation and 2012 Gala chairperson, diabetes often goes hand in hand with kidney disease. The foundation also partners with the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana to promote community education, awareness, and prevention, recently sponsoring
an event where 225 people were screened for kidney disease. In addition, the foundation also provides hospice companion care and provides ten graduating high school seniors with nursing scholarships to any four-year college or university. The educational assistance is provided through a Partner in Education program that enhances the success of the students attending the school. The foundation was a former partner in education for the now-closed Sacred Heart Saint Katherine Drexel Catholic School. THE NEED IS GREAT Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes is considered a silent epidemic in this country, since many people who have the disease are unaware of their condition. Undiagnosed, it can lead to devastating complications including
Lisa and Dennis Verrette OCTOBER 4, 2012
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The 2011 “Dancing with the Stars” Judges
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE Oct. 9, 2012 EARLY VOTING BEGINS - Oct. 23, 2012 EARLY VOTING ENDS - Oct. 30, 2012 Phone: 337-474-1864 • Email: info@lwv-lc.org Website: www.lwv-lc.org
blindness, amputation, heart attack and stroke. Backing up those statistics is the most recent Louisiana Health Report Card issued by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, which reports that Louisiana has the highest death rate due to diabetes and terminal illnesses of all U.S. states. Louisiana also shares the nation’s nursing shortage. In a large part because of those findings, The 2000 Health Foundation has implemented various interventions with the primary goal of providing assistance and meeting those needs. THE DANCERS Seven dance couples are returning to the ballroom to participate in the murder mystery dinner theater. Popular dance team Roger Porter and Melinda Lemke won the People’s Choice Award in 2008 and first place in last year’s return couples’ competition. Local physician Dr. Adrienne Breaux returns to the stage with her dance partner, Josh Fontenot, along with Leslie Harless and Britt Fontenot, and Phil de Albuquerque
and Rebecca Breaux. Vanessa and Clifton Lewis are thrilled to be returning to the dance floor for their second year participating in the Platinum and Pearls Gala. This couple made their stage debut last year dancing the cha-cha and won the Dancing With the Stars competition! “Maybe the stress won’t be as high this year, without the competition,” Vanessa Lewis said. “I’m excited and ready to have fun and to be around all the great people I’ve met there. We participate because of what the Foundation represents and what they are trying to do. They’re raising money for diabetes, helping people who really need it. It’s a wonderful event, a great fundraiser.” Anthony and Cecile Bartie will return this year after dancing a merengue in 2009 to the song “Thriller,” as a tribute to Michael Jackson. “As dance participants, the Foundation made sure everyone had wonderful, professional instruction,” Cecile Bartie said. “It was rigorous, but a fun experience.” Anthony Bartie works in radio broadcasting with Townsquare Media and is active in community organizations.
Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, Dr. Alan and Bridget Hinton
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Jay and Maria Cotto have participated in the Gala event since its inception, but this will be their first time performing on the stage as well. This dance instructor team has always worked backstage behind the scene, helping the other dance contestants hone their movin’ and groovin’ skills. “I enjoy seeing the results of teaching someone to dance and seeing their progress,” Jay Cotto said. “Most of the people we teach go on to continue enjoying music and dance.” They participate in Platinum and Pearls because they feel it is a worthy event. “Anything that The 2000 Health Foundation needs, we are more than happy to oblige,” he said. Cotto works at Northrup Grumman as a flight technician and Maria owns a Curves fitness center. In addition to instructing dance for this event, they teach basic Latin dance steps every other weekend at Happy Hippie Pizza and Pujo Street Café. Veteran dance instructors Debbie Weeks and Steve Leblanc, who operate the Boogie Woogie Ballroom on West LaGrange St.,
Paula Doucet and Marty Briggs Dance Instructors Jay and Maria Cotto
spend many hours with the dance couples to make sure guests enjoy the most spectacular dance production possible. Be sure to vote for your favorite dance couple for the People’s Choice Award! SPECIAL RECOGNITION Every year, The 2000 Health Foundation honors people in our community who’ve made a difference. This year, Randy Robb and Dr. Susan Jones are the “Making a Difference” community service award winners. Robb, the executive director at Chennault International Airport, has been instrumental in the recent expansion at the busy airport, which has resulted in many new jobs in the lake area. Robb has served as a member of the board of directors for several area non-profits and is the former chair of the March of Dimes. Dr. Jones is a general practitioner and board-certified internist with her own practice in Lake Charles. “We chose Dr. Susan Jones and Randy Robb for The 2000 Health Foundation ‘Making a Difference’ Award because of their hard work
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and dedication toward enhancing and improving life in Southwest Louisiana,” Morris said. “Both of them have made exemplary strides in serving non-profits in their quest to give back and make a difference. They continue to work tirelessly throughout Southwest Louisiana providing and offering their skills and professionalism to better the lives of many in our area.” RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW! Reserve your seats now for the Platinum and Pearls Gala. You’re guaranteed a fabulous evening of fun and laughter, professional celebrity impersonators, an intriguing murder mystery, mouthwatering cuisine, and
dancers shimmying across the stage – all for a good cause. According to Lisa Walker, this year’s show promises to be an event you won’t want to miss! Platinum and Pearls Celebrity Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Gala will be held on Sun., Nov. 11, in the Grand Ballroom of the L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles. Tickets are $100 each. Black tie is requested; suit and cocktail attire optional. For information on purchasing tickets and table sponsorships, call (337) 5621140 or go to www.platinumandpearlsgala.com. TJN
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Volume 4 • Issue 14
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ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B
NFL Sent in the Clowns It’s over. At long last, it’s over. The National Football League has finally, after weeks of outrage and public embarrassment stemming from the use of replacement referees, ended its lockout of the officials union and agreed to a new eight-year labor deal.
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To paraphrase a quote from one of my all-time favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption: “All it takes really is pressure and time.” That and a mob of angry football fans. And, though it didn’t take a million years of mountain building, it probably seemed like that long to Green Bay Packers fans. To me, these last few weeks of pro football have felt like eons. It had already been a frustrating couple of weeks, football-wise, for me, and the scab refs’ torching of
Green Bay on Monday night was just about the last straw. I had the Packers defense in my fantasy league. Combine that with McNeese losing Malcolm Bronson and blowing the game with Southeastern and LSU barely scraping past the worst SEC West team this side of Oxford, I about threw up my hands in despair. That blown call just about drove me to write about competitive bingo this week. Anything other than football. As Morgan Freeman says in the movie, “In prison, a man will do most anything to keep his mind occupied.”
But it didn’t need to go down like this. There was no need for the NFL to embarrass itself by trotting out a bunch of high school and Lingerie League referees for seven weeks of preseason and regular season games. Why would the NFL do such a thing? Because the owners could, that’s why. Like a bunch of petty jailhouse guards, they threw the officials’ union into solitary confinement when what it was asking for was barely a drop in the bucket compared to the billions (capital “B”) in revenue generated by the NFL.
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The owners thought the officials—guys who sacrificed and worked other jobs in the offseason and worked their way up to becoming professional referees, guys with decades of experience—were replaceable with cheap knock-offs. They had their mouthpiece, commissioner Roger Goodell, claiming in an “apology” that the league “had to” put fans through the torment of replacement officiating. And they got what they paid for. You don’t think about the referees much when everything is going smoothly, and, even when they are throwing penalty flags, things are pretty much under control. But there are a thousand tiny details the referees are taking care of to keep 22 testosterone-fueled behemoths under some semblance of order and control. You don’t notice it, it’s not obvious, but it’s happening. It might be the back judge warning a defensive back to keep his hands to himself after a play lest he get a penalty flag or a head referee telling a furious head coach to watch what he says unless he wants an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Take all that away, and you’ve got chaos. You’ve got officials giving the San Francisco 49ers improper video challenges following timeouts. You’ve got officials counting off too much yardage, or not enough yardage, on penalties. You’ve got officials who don’t even know what teams are actually playing the games. And, of course, you’ve got officials calling obvious interceptions as touchdowns and giving teams victories they don’t deserve. It was untenable that this kind of foolishness continued, not to mention unsafe. Oakland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey ought to file a grievance with the players’ union after he was absolutely destroyed by an illegal hit from Pittsburgh safety Ryan Mundy on Sept. 23 that went unpenalized. The hit, which would have absolutely resulted in a penalty from an experienced officiating crew, knocked Heyward-Bey unconscious and left him with a neck injury. Amazingly, some folks are going to miss the replacement refs. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll, one of the slimiest slimeballs in the league and beneficiary of the scab refs’ screw-up against Green Bay, Volume 4 • Issue 14
went around the following day crowing about how the officials made a “good call,” obviously ignoring the fact that his receiver committed an egregious pass interference penalty to even get in position to make the non-catch. As for everyone else, they know the replacement officials were just doing their jobs the best they could. It just wasn’t good enough for the biggest stage in football. They will be welcomed back to the high school fields with open arms, I’m sure. And so, with the new agreement
in place, football fans, like poor Andy Dufresne in Shawshank, have escaped the tyranny of the NFL under rule of replacement referees. A final quote from Shawshank: “Andy crawled through five hundred yards of foulness I can’t even imagine…five hundred yards, that’s the length of five football fields, just shy of half a mile.” Congratulations, football fans. You made it. It was difficult, it stunk to high heaven, but you made it. Now enjoy the rest of the season.
Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than a decade for various publications. Coaches or par- Brandon Shoumaker ents with story tips or comments may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).
TJN
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By Mary Louise Ruehr
Adventure in the Realms of Fantasy Witches, fairies, elves, dragons — these are the residents of the realms of fantasy. They are also the inhabitants of some of the first fantasy stories: fairy tales. Chris Colfer (you may know him as Kurt Hummel on the TV show “Glee”) has created a kind of sequel to our old, familiar fairy tales in his novel, The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. Alex Bailey and her twin brother, Conner, are given a special book for their 12th birthday: the com-
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pendium of fairy tales their grandmother always read to them. The book becomes a portal for them to enter the fantasy kingdoms, where familiar characters reside. They encounter a wicked witch, trolls, Cinderella, Snow White, the dwarfs, and many more characters we’ve met before. To get back to their own world, the twins learn they will have to go
on a kind of scavenger hunt throughout the fairy tale kingdoms for items that will activate the Wishing Spell. But they are slowed by obstacles along the way, and they are being hunted by several different and dangerous foes. There’s adventure aplenty in these 438 pages, and much of Colfer’s narrative is funny, as in this bit of dialogue when the twins encounter unicorns: “Alex, be careful!” Conner said. “They could have rabies!” “Unicorns don’t have rabies, Conner!” Alex said. “You don’t know where those horns have been!” Conner called out. Adventure, battles, escapes, love stories, scary wolves, beautiful queens, an enchanted frog — this book is absolutely delightful. It’s so clever, too, to see how Colfer explains the origin of the magic mirror, the fate of the multiple Princes Charming, and the consequences of the acts of Goldilocks, Red Riding Hood and others. The book is good for almost any age, and it has a happy ending. What a surprise that this young actor can write so well! I loved this book! The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde is Book One of the Chronicles of Kazam. In the Ununited Kingdoms, 15-year-old orphan Jennifer Strange runs Kazam Mystical Arts Management,
housed in a ramshackle building filled with “wizidrical energy” and populated by such bizarre and magical entities as sorcerers, magic-carpet pilots, pre-cognitives, a Quarkbeast, and a Transient Moose. Kazam’s offices are a place “where unimaginable horrors share the day with moments of confusing perplexity and utter randomness. … Double weird with added weird.” Times have changed for the purveyors of magic, who no longer seem to get respect: “Once a wizard would have had the ear of a king; now we were rewiring houses and unblocking drains,” young Jennifer tells the reader. When one of Kazam’s seers predicts that the last of the dragons will soon be killed, the news is significant, because “By ancient decree, a dragon’s land belongs to whoever claimed it as soon as the dragon died, so there was always an unseemly rush for real estate that eclipsed a dragon’s death.” When word gets out that the dragon’s death is imminent, people rush to the Dragonlands to stake their claim as soon as the lizard breathes his last. Of course, our Jennifer discovers that she has a special role to play in this newsworthy event. Fans of the clever Fforde will find his unique brand of humor in force here — just look at some of the silly names he gives his characVolume 4 • Issue 14
ters: Yogi Baird, Colonel BaggsumGayme, Full Price (whose brother is Half Price), the Sisters Karamazov. It’s filled with merriment, and surprises galore. Finally, there is the wonderful Terry Brooks, one of the masters of the fantasy genre. He has begun a new series, The Dark Legacy of Shannara, and its first book is Wards of Faerie. Brooks returns us to the Four Lands of Shannara. Aphenglow Elessedil is an Elf, but she’s also a Druid, and the Elves consider her loyalty to the Druids as a betrayal. But because she is the granddaughter of the Elven ruler, she has been allowed to research the Elven histories. When she finds an astounding entry in a young girl’s diary about the missing magic Elfstones, she knows she must keep this dangerous knowledge secret from all but the Druids. But someone has been watching her — someone who will kill her to learn the secret. She flees to the Druid’s Keep in Paranor to tell the Druid Council of her discovery. Their leader decides they must embark on a journey to find the Elfstones. So the members of the council head out to each of the Four Lands to find brave, talented adventurers to aid them in their quest. But, the shade of Allanon warns, “Many of those who go with you will die.” Brooks fans will feel at home with the Ohmsfords and Elessedils, the troll guards and the Ellcrys. Readers will meet the fascinating pilot Bombax, identical twins Redden and Railing Ohmsford, a shape-shifter, and an evil Federation prime minister and his assassin sidekick. (The prime minister wants to end the use of magic and further the use of science. He also wants to raze Paranor, and he will stop at nothing to reach his goals.) As for the obstacles they encounter: Well, there’s a Mwellret, a lizard creature — you can’t look in its eyes or it will make you its slave. And Procks — living rocks that eat people. Flying biting insects. Spider Gnomes. And don’t get me started about the dragon. Be warned — Brooks has never held back from killing off his major characters! And if you can’t get enough, Book Two is scheduled to come out in the spring. Copyright © 2012 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN Volume 4 • Issue 14
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U A B A O F N LY DANCE DANCE DANCE! - WORD SEARCH
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Ballroom Cha Cha Choreography Competition Dance Hip Hop Jazz Performance Practice Quick Step Recital Salsa
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box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.
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r m ende's Museu l l E an en By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire
Trouble With the Curve (Warner Bros.) Maybe the big movie houses just can’t take chances anymore. In Trouble With the Curve, from Warner Brothers, we have a wonderful cast, an original story, and—a weak script. Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood) is an aging baseball scout for the Atlanta Braves. His estranged daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) is an aspiring lawyer moving up the ladder. Gus is definitely old school baseball. No computer analysis for him. He can tell if a potential batter is worth his time by listening to the sound of the bat on the ball. Good thing, too, because Gus is trying to
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perfectly cast as they travel through North Carolina following small high school teams. Then along comes Justin Timberlake. To say that Timberlake is poorly cast as the washed-out baseball player turned scout for the Red Sox would be off the mark. He is perfect as Johnny, the bright-eyed wannabee announcer for Red Sox games. The problem is that his part, as a love interest for Mickey, simply gets in the way of the drama going on. It seems like a subplot added on to lighten up a heavy subject. As Johnny travels and meets up with Mickey and Gus, he charmingly tries to charm the big city lawyer off her feet. Their romantic dance goes on in counterpoint to Gus’s continuing struggles, making the movie seem a little long. I don’t want to short change things: There are some great moments along with some very good laughs (okay, chuckles) as Gus scares the hell out of everyone with his crab-
by demeanor. And Trouble With the Curve offers a different view of baseball as we follow the behind-thescenes and on-the-road tasks that the scouts face. Meanwhile, back in Atlanta, the Braves’ manager struggles with what to do about Gus. It doesn’t help that he’s influenced by a scheming, snarky assistant who wants Gus out for good. Having an aging parent of my own, I saw a lot of real life in the family issues portrayed on the screen. It’s hard to be responsible for someone who brought you into the world. Thank goodness this one is all a movie. Clint Eastwood manages to hit all the high points with the low ones, making a well-rounded and likeable old ornery cuss. Trouble With the Curve is rated PG-13 for Gus’s foul language, but everything else is pretty tame. The story isn’t one for small children, but teenagers should handle it just fine. Eastwood fans will love it. Play ball! TJN
hide the fact that he’s going blind with macular degeneration. As Gus’s condition worsens, his old friend and boss Pete (John Goodman) calls daughter Mickey in to come out and help Gus. She ends up helping him scout out a promising high school player. The interplay between Mickey and her aging father forms the core of the movie action. Eastwood is brilliant playing the angry parent. His wild eyes that once conveyed a tough character now indicate that he may be a little crazy, but who isn’t once they reach 70? Amy Adams as Mickey (named after Gus’s favorite baseball player) is the perfect frustrated daughter. Her career has been her entire life, and we see it beginning to unravel as she realizes her estranged father is really needing her help. What we have working here is an extremely heavy and Oscar worthy portrayal of parental aging. What’s more, the two characters involved are
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Where Would We be Without a Dream? Can you imagine downtown Lake Charles growing into an arts and cultural hub of SWLA? I can. Can you imagine a good portion of the customers being tourists as well as area residents? I can. If you scoff and say that it’s just a dream, don’t forget the power of a dream! Under the guidance of Mayor Randy Roach and the leadership of Laurie Marinovich, director of Lake Charles Downtown Development Authority, the city by the lake could become the home of many artists, musicians and writers. Developers such as Rick Richard have made a solid commitment to the area’s growth and realize the value of developing this cultural hub with intentionality. The first step towards the dream is downtown’s beautiful new streetscape, which is near completion. Last year during the annual Spring Art Walk, a few thousand citizens strolled Ryan Street with ease, many seeing the new downtown for the first time. No doubt this contributed to the success of the event. The streetscape is akin to a prepared canvas waiting for the artist to create a new painting. Now, with the canvas of downtown prepared, it’s time for the developers to seek specialized retailers and galleries to complete the picture. Since 2007, when the state legislator passed a bill giving tax credits to cultural districts, 997 new business opened statewide, with 23 percent art/cultural businesses. Imagine that—cultural district businesses are increasing statewide. It’s time for Lake Charles to grab the golden ring.
By Monica Hebert
GREAT RATES!
Erica McCreedy, executive director of the Arts and Humanities Council, thinks we are pointed in the right direction. “The downtown area is becoming more conducive to our arts and cultural scenes with commitment by local businesses, such as Stellar Beans and Luna Bar & Grill, to incorporate the arts into their day-to-day business,” she said. “This can be seen in regular live music and readings, and in local art hanging in lobbies. If this partnership between art and business continues to grow, we can expect to see downtown further flourish in tourism and economic activity.” Recently, the Cultural District celebrated the opening of a new art store and gallery downtown, which paves the way for other like-minded businesses to open shop. Next up should be a commercial fine art gallery. To my knowledge, my hometown has never had one. Every month, I write about one or two artists from SWLA and wonder how anyone will find them, see their work and hopefully make a purchase. It’s a question I’ve pondered since my return home two years ago. The answer is about to be revealed—I hope. There’s a new kid in town and its name is Art du Lac (ADL). A professional artist association, ADL formed a year ago and serves as an incubator and developer of local fine artists. The group expects to own and operate a full-time commercial gallery in downtown Lake Charles. Borrowing ideas and plans from the Torpedo Factory Art Center of Alexandria, VA, ADL intends to combine two needs—a fine art gallery and a working studio space—into one central location. I was recently asked Volume 4 • Issue 14
if I believe local residents are interested and would support a full-time commercial gallery. I replied with a resounding “Yes!” Recent industry booms have resulted in an increase in commercial home decoration retailers. These big box stores have inundated the region with a plethora of mass-produced, disposable art for the home. Many residents within the community have learned to accept this “couch art” as quality fine art, while those with the means habitually shop outside the region for high art. Without efforts to present works
made by local artist-residents, the culture of our region runs the risk of becoming homogenized into the likes of any other vanilla city in the United States. Probably a longer answer than my friend was seeking, but this is all valid reasoning supporting the intention of ADL Association to be a central component in the renaissance of downtown Lake Charles, by owning and operating a fine art gallery. With a well-formed and supported arts and cultural community, Lake Charles becomes a tourist destination and is poised to be the cultural hub of
SWLA, offering residents multiple artistic opportunities to celebrate their rich culture and enjoy a healthy tourism trade as a result of the investment. With imagination coupled with innovation and vision from city leaders, downtown Lake Charles is growing into its own; the dream is being realized. For more information about ADL, go to www.artdulac.org, email artdulac1@gmail.com, or call (337) 3027722. The group is seeking contributions as well as new artists to add to their roster. TJN
Physical Therapy Technician: Oct. 29, 8 weeks Medical Office Assistant: Nov. 19, 8 weeks EKG Technician: Dec. 3, 4 weeks
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MACIFEST Supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation gathered at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum for a day of family fun! There was live music, a mechanical bull, talent hour, rock climbing, robo surf and so many more activities. We enjoyed the special performances by local international opera star Paul Groves and Mirage. Proceeds from the Macifest will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Thanks to your support, some wonderful, special children’s wishes will come true!
Tanner Shaw with Carson and Carter Kramer
Maddie Tadlock, Abby Rowland, Chloe Camel and LuLu Rumsey
Evan Marque, Cameron Currie, Brennan Gover and Cade Bruney
Moli Gibson and Jamie Gilmore
Lauren Edwards, Megan Hookanson and Anna Queenan
Jessica Ardoin and Ana Kerwin
Danasha Goodly, Lauryn Bell and Abby Harmon
ART ON WHEELS Crowds of car enthusiasts rolled into Burton Coliseum for the 5th annual Art on Wheels event! More than 75 cars, trucks and bikes were on display, along with various other art mediums. Artists displayed custom leatherwork, ironwork, knife-making, tattooing and photography, and the Gumbo Cook-Off was yummy! Proceeds benefited Buddy Ball, St. Jude’s Children’s and Research Hospital and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. See you next year! Stephanie, Ava and Ella Stanley PAGE 38
OCTOBER 4, 2012
Abigail Fontenot and Crystal Flowers Volume 4 • Issue 14
Laroysa Latiner and Wesley Ryder
Waylon and Gale McGee
Bryson and Chad Ross
AFFORDABLE ELEGANCE GRAND OPENING Affordable Elegance, Lake Charles’ newest home décor and furniture store, held their grand opening recently, and what a grand time it was! Located at 925 Enterprise Boulevard in Lake Charles, Denise Miller and her staff were there to meet and greet and show off their spectacular wares. If you’re looking for unique, one-of-akind designs, pay them a visit. They do in-home consulting, too! Everything is elegant—and affordable! Lauren and Phil de Albuquerque with Denise Miller
Mary and Blake Adams
Rick and Carmen Sweeney
Tiffany Davis and Rebecca Breaux
Grace Smitherman and Wanda King
Abby Miller and Tina LeJeune
Al Ellender and Len Ford
Taylor Smith and Alisha Hoosier
Volume 4 • Issue 14
OCTOBER 4, 2012
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HANNAH PAULEY FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT The Hannah Pauley Foundation hosted its first golf tournament at The National Golf Club of Louisiana in Westlake to raise awareness for suicide prevention and bullying. Over 25 teams raised over $25,000 that will go to underprivileged families and children who need counseling. Proceeds will also benefit the Louisiana National Guard Wounded Veterans Association. It was a beautiful day to play golf for a good cause! TJN Christie and Len Pauley
Simon, Cora and Jennifer Busby
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OCTOBER 4, 2012
Bailey and Camille Dugas with Gabbi LaBouve
Parker Belaire, Martin Johnston and Devon Pauley
Debbie Gammage, Kasha Kile, Kayla Crittenden and Mia Canter
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with flour bombing, spot landing and more. For more information and a schedule of events, call the Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission office at (800) 264-5521 or go to www.jenningsstearmanflyin.com.
CLEOMA OCT. 4-6; MAGNOLIA SISTERS OCT. 6 Share a foot-tapping evening with Cleoma! Set in Crowley in the late 1930s, Cleoma, a feisty, rulebreaking Acadian woman made her living in the man’s world of Cajun music. Twice Grammy-nominated Louisiana musician Ann Savoy will read the script in authentic costume that she has designed, and will play tunes woven throughout the script. This production is its world premiere, and is the 13th monologue from playwright/director Carolyn Woosley’s 13-play cycle of Louisiana Women. Seating is limited in the intimate annex of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. Performances will held Oct. 4-6 at 7 p.m. Following the Oct. 4 premiere, there will be a Q & A with the performer and author. Following the Oct. 6 performance, the Grammynominated female troupe Magnolia Sisters will play two sets of a blend of musical genres. Admission is $10. For more information, call 436-6275 or email carolyn@itineranttheatre.com. STEARMAN FLY-IN OCT. 5-6 The 32nd annual End of the Season Stearman Fly-In takes to the air Fri. and Sat., Oct. 5-6 as more than 40 classically restored World War II Stearman airplanes converge at the Jennings Airport. There will be formation flying throughout the weekend, and the public will have the unique opportunity to learn more about the history of the classic open-cockpit planes. From 10 a.m.5 p.m. on Sat., the public is invited to tour the airplanes. Other activities include the Memorial E.J. Bowen “SpineTingling” Top Gun Contest
Stearman Fly-In Volume 4 • Issue 14
OCTOBER EVENTS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM • Oct. 5 and 19 – Finger Painting: Join us anytime between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the ArtSpace. • Oct. 12 – Play-dough: Join us anytime between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the ArtSpace. • Oct. 13 – Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show: Learn all about food chemistry with Sasol at 11 a.m.! What makes popcorn pop? Learn how butter and cheese are made, and extract iron from cereal using a magnet. The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street, downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. Call -433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org. ‘MOVIES UNDER THE STARS’ FALL SERIES • Oct. 5 – Puss in Boots: Before he met Shrek and the gang, Puss in Boots was quite a swashbuckling sword fighter all on his own. Watch all the felines swoon as this suave kitty teams up with Humpty Dumpty for an adventure of fairy tale proportions! • Oct. 12 – Some Like it Hot: Two down-on-their-luck musicians witness a mob hit and go undercover in a female band in this classic starring acting legends Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. • Oct. 19 – My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Greek meets non-Greek and falls head over heels into family mayhem! A love story that involves man, woman and relatives until death do us part. “Movies Under the Stars” is a free public event. Each movie begins at 6 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and food. Snacks can also be purchased on-site. Prien Lake Park is located at 3700 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. In the event of inclement weather, dates may be cancelled. For more information please call 721-3500. ACTS PRESENT 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL OCT. 5-7, 12-14 Artists Civic Theatre & Studio Lake Charles will present Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: The Musical as its opening production of the 47th season. The premiere will be on Fri., Oct. 5 at the 1 Reid Street Theatre. Additional evening performances will be held on Sat. Oct. 6, 12 and 13 and matinees on Sun. Oct 7 and 14. The opening performance will be a Gala Opening Night Celebration, benefiting the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter and featuring hors d’oeuvres with wine and champagne. A portion of the $35 ticket will be donated to the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter. During
OCTOBER 4, 2012
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the run of the show, ACTS will be accepting donations of women’s business attire to be used by shelter clients they prepare to reenter the job market. Tickets for the regular performances are $25 each. Reserved seating may be purchased online at www.actstheatre.com or at Lakeshore Medic Pharmacy, Moss Bluff Florist and Gift, Lake Charles Civic Center, or by calling (337) 433ACTS. THE LOST HOLLOWS OCT. 5-HALLOWEEN Come on out to the Lake Area’s newest haunted attraction! You can purchase your tickets at Spirit Halloween on Derek Drive anytime during the month of October. Your receipt for the ticket purchase will be exchanged for a wristband for entry on the night you choose to visit The Lost Hollows. Your trip begins in the parking lot of Spirit Halloween— next to Academy at 3413 Derek Drive—where you will board the conveyance to the trails. When you arrive at the reception area at the Hollows, you decide which of the trails you will enjoy — The Spooky Timbers for the young and the faint of heart or The Deadly Pines — where you will experience an amazing array of frightening scenes! Refreshments will be available. A limited number of private parties can be reserved. Only closed-toed shoes will be allowed on the trail. So, purchase your ticket, park at Spirit Halloween and take the short trip to terror! For more information, check out their Facebook page. LCMH 60TH ANNIVERSARY GALA OCT. 6 Lake Charles Memorial Health System will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a “Sensational 60th Celebration” at L’Auberge Casino Resort. The event will take place Sat., Oct. 6 in the grand ballroom from 7 p.m. to midnight. The event will feature music by Johnny Rivers, Chapter One and The 1944 Big Band. Proceeds will benefit The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. All gifts to The Foundation are tax-deductible. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased by calling 494-3226 or going to www.lcmh.com/gala.
Shangri La Orchid Festival
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OCTOBER 4, 2012
SHANGRI LA ORCHID FESTIVAL, OCT. 6-13 Celebrate the orchid at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, Texas, from Oct. 6 - 13. At Shangri La, there will be daily tours of the Exhibition Greenhouses, classes and presentations highlighting the orchid, and a variety of orchids will also be available for purchase at Shangri La’s Garden Store. In addition to the events at Shangri La, both the Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House are hosting activities related to orchids. For more information or to download a printable itinerary, visit www.shangrilagardens.org.
HOLY TRINITY PUMPKIN PATCH OCT. 7HALLOWEEN The Pumpkin Patch will be open until October 31, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. School classes, daycare facilities and grandparents can bring children to Pumpkin Patch Storytime, which is conducted by a former kindergarten teacher. There are two classes on ten different days. Storytime is a gift to the children of the area from the church. Call Frances Wynn at 5275179 to schedule a visit. Picnics can be held in the Pavilion if arrangements are made beforehand. Proceeds from the sale of pumpkins, gourds, and pumpkin bread fund Holy Trinity’s outreach projects. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 1700 Maplewood Drive in Sulphur. For more information, please contact Cyndi Khoury at 527-8787 or the church office at 625-4288. NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHTS PAST & PRESENT OCT. 9 The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will host author and Arizona State Professor Denise Bates, as well as a collection of Native American experts and leaders for a special presentation and panel discussion on “The Fight for Native American Rights, Past & Present.” Bates will discuss her new book, The Other Movement: Indian Rights and Civil Rights in the Deep South, and other topics of interest to Native American Tribes in the South. Her presentation will be followed by a panel discussion of Native American issues from the Civil Rights era to today. It will be held Tues., Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (lunch will be served) at the Coushatta Multipurpose Center, 1974 CC Bel Road in Elton. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information and to RSVP, call (337) 5841545 or e-mail jejohn@coushattatribela.org. ROCK THE DOCK OCT. 11 Come out to the first cocktail competition naming the best bartender in SWLA! The Gilded Bottle will be awarded to the bartender who makes the best rum cocktail. Event will be held at Lake Charles Civic Center Marina from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Sample the drinks and vote for your favorite drink or mixologist. Admission is free. Cocktail tasting arm band is $5. Call (337) 436-5508 for more information. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FASHION SHOW AND BALL OCT. 13 Quad Clothing Company and the American Cancer Society are teaming up to host the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show Oct..13 at the McNeese State University Parra Ballroom. This formal event begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. There will be food, fun, fashion, a silent auction, testimonies and so much more! The cost is $10 per person. For more information or to model for this event, please contact Indrea Gordon of Quad Clothing at 337-309-0945 or visit www.quadclothingcompany.com. CAL-CAM FAIR OCT. 17-21 The 89th annual Cal-Cam Fair in Sulphur is one of the few remaining “Old Time Country” fairs in the state. Check out the live entertainment, pageants, wildlife exhibits, livestock shows and the best food in Southwest Louisiana! Sponsored by the Cal-Cam Fair Association, all proceeds support the organization’s scholarship fund. Festival hours are 4 10 p.m. on Wed. and Thurs., 5 p.m. - midnight on Friday, 10 a.m. - midnight on Saturday and 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sunday. The annual Cal-Cam Fair Parade will be on Sat., Oct. 20, at 10 a.m. Lineup will be at W.W. Lewis Middle School, and the parade will roll down Cypress Street. The Cal-Cam Fair grounds are located at 923 Lewis Street, in Sulphur. No alcoholic bev-
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erages are allowed. For a schedule of events and live entertainment, contact the festival office at (337) 527-9371. WOMEN’S COMMISSION FALL CONFERENCE OCT. 18 The Women’s Commission of SWLA, Inc. invites you to mark your calendar for Thurs., Oct. 18 for its annual Fall Conference at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The MarketPlace offers selections from numerous local businesses and agencies that will provide a sampling of their services. Workshops offer fun, personal development, career planning, emotional and spiritual activities to build your personal values and self-esteem. Keynote speaker Joan Lunden will deliver a motivational and moving presentation during a wonderful luncheon, where the Jack V. Doland Citizen of the Year Award will be presented. For more information, contact the commission at info@womenscommissionswla.com and visit their website at www.womenscommissionswla.com. LA CHORAL FOUNDATION FALL CONCERT OCT. 19 AND 21 The Louisiana Choral Foundation’s fall concert, entitled “America’s Neighborhood,” will present works that are part of “who we are” as Americans using both classical and non-classical styles. The centerpiece of the concert is John Leavitt’s expansive Festival Mass, which blends exciting rhythms and contemporary harmonies with the traditional Christian order of worship. McNeese Choral Director, Dr. Darryl Jones, will conduct the Masterworks Chorale with Abbie Fletcher accompanying on piano. Performances are Fri., Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in downtown Lake Charles. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at the door. Season tickets are $36 for adults and $9 for students. Tickets may be purchased from Swicegood Music or by calling (337)491-9348. TREY KILLIAN MEMORIAL RUN NOV. 3 The Second Annual Trey Killian Memorial 5k will be held on Sat. Nov. 3 at Sulphur Heritage Pavilion. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. and the event begins at 8 a.m. Registration is $20 per person, and is available online at www.active.com, or by phone at (337) 853-9442. Email registration is also available at sandeek70663@yahoo.com. All proceeds from this event go to the Trey Killian Memorial Scholarship Fund. All persons registered by Oct. 22 are guaranteed an event Tshirt, and all participants will have chances to win door prizes. Trey Killian was killed in an alcohol-related accident in Sept. 2010, and this event is his family’s way of spreading awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as supporting the scholarship fund.
TJN
Woofstock SWLA A dedicated group of volunteers from LAPAW Rescue has been tirelessly working for months to prepare for the second annual 1960s-inspired Woofstock SWLA. Everyone is invited to get involved in helping to alleviate the suffering of abandoned, unwanted, and neglected animals. The grounds of the Lake Charles Civic Center will be groovin’ on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. during this Volume 4 • Issue 14
“pawsome” event for the whole family! Dogs and their owners are encouraged to dress in the theme and compete in the “Hippest Couple” contest. Organizers expect hundreds of dogs and dog lovers to attend this free “street party” event that includes a Kids Zone, blessing of the animals, Domino’s pizza eating contest, Gaudee Maudee’s Dogs N Divas fashion show, a silent auction, pet health advice, training tips, and much more. Attendees will enjoy live music by Tassie Burnette and the Hundred Dollar Habit, C4
Come to Spirit for discount coupons and tickets to the 13th Gate in Baton Rouge, and The Lost Hollows in Lake Charles.
LAKE CHARLES 3413 Derek Drive, (next to Academy) ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
Baton Rouge 3651 Perkins Road
Lafayette 4525 Johnston St. (next to Gatti Town)
MUST PRESENT COUPON TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT Valid at participating SPIRIT locations.
Band and the Von Dukes. Woofstock SWLA will kick off at 10 a.m. with the “pawpular” Mutt Strutt. Your family can join in the Strutt for a $10 entry fee, or everyone from your office can come out for $25. Build a “Waggin’” Float from a child’s wagon to help show your support. The purpose of Woofstock is to raise money for local shelters and showcase their homeless animals for adoption. Claire Whitlock Skinner is the Woofstock SWLA founding director and a LAPAW board member. “The
support and generosity of the community made last year’s event a ‘woofing’ success in its first year, and each year we hope the event grows in size and number of attendees,” she said. Woofstock SWLA will help achieve the Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue goal of providing loving, forever homes to 600,000 animals across the country. Since 2005, Rally to Rescue and its ambassadors have successfully found homes for more than 500,000 homeless animals. For more information, go to www.woofstockswla.com. TJN OCTOBER 4, 2012
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Sponsored by
To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com
The
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 • TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Jerry Dee & Rocking Randy @ VFW Post 2130, 7 p.m. • Jacob Cooley @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m. • Soul Vacation @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Luke Wade & No Civilians @ The Porch, 8 p.m. • Gary Helms Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Khris Royal @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 • Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Johnny Guinn & Rue Louisiane @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Signals to Vega/Lightfield @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • Second Nature @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • John Guidroz @ Micci’s Piano Bar, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.
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OCTOBER 4, 2012
• LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 • Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Jen Kober @ Luna Live, 8 p.m. • In Liquid @ The Porch, 8 p.m. • Brandon Ledet & Creole Touch @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Tom Brandow @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • DJ Eric Scott @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 • TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Ryan Bunch @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m. • City Heat @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 • Homer LeJeune & Kajun Kings @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Blackbird @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • DJ Jose Mata @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 • Homer LeJeune & Kajun Kings @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Blackbird @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • DJ Jose Mata @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 • Mack Manuel & Lake Charles Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Large Marge/El Abuso @ Luna Live, 7 p.m. • Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Mickey Smith @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • Herbie Stutes & The Grand Shin @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • NuCorp @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • Karma @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • DJ Jose Mata @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m. • Marty Stuart @ Texas Longhorn Club, Vinton, 10:30 p.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 • Various Artists @ Crossroads Festival, The Pavilion, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, Noon • TBA @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Sugar Skull/Skyhog @ Twiggy’s, 7 p.m. • Brad Brinkley & Comfort Zone @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • Twangsters Union @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m. • NuCorp @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.
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• Karma @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • DJ Jose Mata @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 • Jerry Dee & Rocking Randy @ VFW Post 2130, 7 p.m. • TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • William Christian @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m. • Cold Sweat @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18 • T-Joe Romero @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Signals to Vega @ Luna Live, 8 p.m. • Marty Monte Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • DJ San-D @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.
Volume 4 • Issue 14
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 • Briggs Brown & Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Carlton Pride & Mighty Zion @ Luna Live, 8 p.m. • The Kadillacs @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Gregory J. Amani Smith @ Luna Live, 9 p.m. • Albert Simpson @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • Steel Shot @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • LA Roxx @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • DJ San-D @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.
TJN
OCTOBER 4, 2012
PAGE 45
Leslie B e four dec rman’s career in ades, an music folksing er, mus d includes stin spans ic teach ts as a booker, e c tival dir oncert promote r, coffeehouse r e notes w ctor, music jou , publicist, fesr r nalist, a it e r , a organiz ation pr rtist manager lbum , t e attorney s , and p ident, entertain rade r ment e Museum sident o f She pre of Southwest the Music fe L eclectic rs all things ouisiana. , and musicall GRAM y votes M Recordin Ys as a mem on the g Aca ber o reached at leslie@ demy. She c f the an leslieber man.co be m. a t a u t abo rts a ce conce ian Church se and twi ld farm r u ’s a LQ Unit om my ho erts at an o and one at . POSS e d c r h t n . mile f ed folk con rom home wn the roa tyear, o ay no more lf s o i d e e d h l n v i t n r le , atte a half m er mi ing at a co , ntally birthday. S y has swa d a e h t d t i o c u n s n o a m o n an de ab me m coi -deca y. 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In f setting u dule of up im that thi and y his storie more than and an 1960s ast Thing ar velous To vered by . t e o a i h n l h L ously g but a sc We will c unity of “The nd “The M tput was co s like Pete ul thoug ar track, he ding ovatio ple missed . n a i t o a n l u s e i P a i ” o t t p , y s r m r g o y e a a nothi folk events Folk Comm t seems the a t f n B an us Pe ng riti o m i , r w n o e m r g d e s a v n a f n h n o n e t d t lity i a Isla us, ic so of more hn De , Dolly Par a ice to t in actua ll have Too b v o J . r e e s , e r v s z n e o e u n i e i a e c l b o t g en doz , Joan Ba SSLQ ou don’t be sells is ng Island, she and I w vents goin elafon 2009, he w O B r P e y g r E h o e y r t e c H n a a L f i y I I T Se h h H n . . t e a F , o d w re ar y Tri fm way EO dea at th VOIC k music is nearest sto ion. It isn’t all only ce notice o and M e Kingston ent award bring out age to t r l n d c o u h l m a e F yo as dv s. ks c man nd a l o i u e t s and t e achievem ly he shou o v f d u o a r n g h i m u a er 50 s me or the e, just t may on aro w does folk moribund estion. lifetim MYs. Sure as und e was m s and ask f rge seller, i eslie assure lk, u w y o l q e M s H c e u A n h CD a la her ” (L ted to fo t GR neo that is t die k a u ’s c t W t a l i o . ? u r r e f s to I e h a t n t be sim tous? Aye, nres seem audithere. titled “folk mehow rel ut even tha the fa start time, 3-seat thea at had kept i f e n b o t 6 u o g h 2 .I At ubiq s artistic centages eadsectio lk rock is s it by me) e radio; in the onsidered w ? Certainly e s e r r u e t e e i o v o l f d i w p l atten wd? We c f publicity rage in th er that u can’t pro sider sate , 9 jazz, 8 ra Var t various s. Very fe one t e s c n o o o p o t v n r a n y o a d p a o r c k m att cip but wsp ts c Lac the Or c ock statio usic. Pan ls atte rger /parti d’s ne until i r away. the likely. ences lassic nove t a much la them reached us f Long Islan always on is is un M has 22 ne of folk m pon your . c u X f ers o mselves, b nce fiction Sirius y, but not o sic based u ence is folk hadn’t d section o y, and we’re ic we’ll like r e r u r n s u e t a e f u m o n d k e s r u e m u o t e p o o w for th tage of scie create and c w ur n ly y o , Ne s of when ctor it in e g p y e d o n p r n s w o u s o e o s e c c l l nl am per s are apt to amateur st will of re t for new we can fa ces, u hildren, Ha shall walk g n r e n e u r n o e o w d o s f o rea by, pre fell look ead ver, c I, alon their ncert g near Howe s and the D o months ed folk blish ovels. u p playin lanning. bly. The co y day, Rosh e dn tend ach p st tw l a ries an appro ring the la ve twice at social ing? Prob sh high ho ew Year, a i u m h i N T e Jew e Jewish us. D e L lady, h e of th th with t the ev ashanah, H
t s o M The t Thing Recen r Minds u On O
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OCTOBER 4, 2012
Volume 4 • Issue 14
Pull out your violin and join in from your seat in the audience with your local symphony orchestra playing Beethoven and you probably will not get an overly friendly reception; however, it is expected you will join in the chorus during a performance of folk music. Indeed, Pete Seeger has built a career around getting the audience to do most of the singing. A good part of the reason that folk music survives without attracting attention
would seem to be the extent to which the folk music community is one in which the line between performer and audience is very thin indeed. I would offer that folk music survives under the radar because it is folk music. That is the music that folk (it should be noted that “folk” here is an inclusive term embracing nearly everybody, although I’m not so sure about the 1 percent) sing for and with each other. TJN
According to a 2001 study of intentional animal abuse published by the Humane Society of the United States, 13 percent of these cases involved incidents of domestic violence, 7 percent coincided with child abuse and 1 percent with elder abuse.
Killin’ Time Crossword ACROSS
DOWN
1. 5. 8.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 16. 19. 22. 23. 24. 25. 27. 28. 30.
12. 13. 14. 15. 17. 18. 20. 21. 22. 25. 26. 29. 33. 34. 35. 36. 38. 40. 44. 45. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52.
Yemen port Cafe alternative "Mamma Mia" pop group First name in jeans Sprint Shiny on top? Attractive Burden Lack of thanks Afflict ___ care in the world Abrade Morning moisture Tank filler Abashment Greyhound, e.g. Order between "ready" and "fire" Mini-whirlpool Preserves, in a way Craze Apartment building Carol Surface finishes Concludes ___ kwon do Doll's cry Midterm, say Ancient Coin opening
Volume 4 • Issue 14
31. 32. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 46.
Mont Blanc, e.g. Sandwich shop All square Honeymoon falls Courtroom event Stalk Motors Circa Swathed Depressed Commercials ___ Lanka Drags Fly catcher Cousin of an ostrich Escapes Beaver's work Furthermore Hog haven Big name in mapmaking Italian rice dish Spiritualists Uneasy feeling Mended Colony member Scoop holder Repast Russian river Office message Harden Perched
© Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd OCTOBER 4, 2012
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