The Jambalaya News - Vol. 4 No. 19

VOL. 4, NO. 19 / DECEMBER 13, 2012

ALSO: • Settlement of BP Oil Spill Damages • A Calcasieu Christmas in the 19th Century • Emmons Fireplaces and More, Inc.

PAGE 2

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

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

NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

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

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

contents COVER STORY 33 Spreading Christmas Cheer!

The Salvation Army and Abraham’s Tent

REGULARS 8 12 14 16 20 40

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

33

FEATURES 5

Settlement of BP Oil Spill Damages 18 Bayou Biz: Emmons Fireplaces and More, Inc. 22 A Calcasieu Christmas in the 19th Century 24 Holiday Planning for Pets

5

ENTERTAINMENT 42 44 46 49 53 56 58 59

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

22 18

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.

December 13, 2012 • Volume 4 • Issue 19

24

20 We accept credit cards!

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 3

A Note From Lauren The Christmas Spirit Long, long ago, in a cold Northern clime, I was hired by the Jordan Marsh Company to sell perfume during the Christmas season.

Jordan Marsh was a department store that, like just about everything in Boston, had been in existence over a hundred years before I came along to squirt perfume on unsuspecting shoppers. It was actually the first “departmentalized store” in the country. Of course, like so many institutions from our past, it no longer exists, having been bought out by Macy’s as it teetered on the brink of bankruptcy in the 1990s.

But when I was working there, the store was in its heyday. And it was in the same building that Eben Dyer Jordan and Benjamin L. Marsh bought in 1861 for their new business. Except they were no longer selling bonnets and hoop skirts.

Working in a huge store in a huge city during the holidays is looking for trouble to begin with. Put that store in Boston, Home of the Rude, and, well, I guess I had a death wish.

No one is ever in a good mood in Boston. Except maybe when the Red Sox defeat the Yankees. Add cold, snow, crowds, and long lines to the overall bad mood, and you can just imagine what you get.

PAGE 4

DECEMBER 13, 2012

But the rude crowd got it back in spades with a few salespeople who didn’t mess around.

I was assigned to work with Rosemary, a stalwart veteran of the Jordan Marsh Wars. Rosemary was always angry about something. Mostly it was her life. She was middle-aged and lived with her sister and her family. She didn’t like them, but didn’t want to live alone. She’d been married once, for about five minutes, and that was enough for her. I was never afraid of Rosemary. For some reason, we clicked.

I loved watching her go off about something, so if things were relatively quiet, I would attempt to liven things up by either asking, “So, how’s your sister?” or “Tell me again why you got divorced?”

Both questions would always elicit a tirade, and then she’d vent her frustration on the next unsuspecting customer who came up to the counter looking for a bottle of L’Air du Temps.

My cousin Richard would stop in to visit me occasionally. Rosemary insisted that whenever he showed up, it would end up raining or snowing that day. We were all required to work one night a week until 9 p.m., and if Richard showed up on Rosemary’s late day, she’d start yelling at him to leave because he was going to “make it storm” and her sister would have to go out in bad

weather to pick her up and they’d get in a fight. So Richard would leave, and it would start to snow and she’d curse him under her breath for the rest of the day.

Across from us were Trudy and Lillian. I called them the Head Hunters.

They would pounce on innocent shoppers and before they knew it, they’d be leaving the store with a shopping bag full of perfume gift sets and their credit cards maxed out. Soon, everyone in the Cosmetics Department was calling them that, except for Rosemary, who always got confused and would say, “What do you call them again? The Man-Eaters?” I guess it was the same thing.

The women were a tag team. Lillian was older than God and had a hooked nose and looked like a battle-axe. Trudy was younger and a little friendlier but just as deadly. Their counter was their domain, and they didn’t want anyone messing with it. And they’d pick fights with all the other salespeople. One day, I was told to help them, but when Lillian starting slamming boxes around and carrying on, that quickly came to an end, much to my relief. I’m sure Lillian died at that counter with someone’s credit card in her hand, ringing up one last sale.

Cosmetics was right by the front door on Washington St.—the main point of entry for anyone coming into the store. Vagrants, shoplifters, crazies,

come on in and make yourself at home.

One time, a disheveled guy grabbed an oversized bottle of cologne off the counter and started drinking it. He didn’t realize that it was a decoration and was only filled with colored water, instead of the alcohol that he craved.

Store detectives would run by us at top speed, chasing shoplifters desperate to get out the front door before they got caught. One time, someone was apprehended in front of us and his head was slammed on the counter while he was being handcuffed. Bottles of perfume went crashing down. Thank God it wasn’t the Head Hunters’ counter.

Mind you, all of this would be going on with the sound of carols in the background and Christmas lights twinkling.

And this, dear readers, is why I am always a tad less enthused about the holiday season than the rest of you. Back then, I dealt with a lot of people who were naughty and not very nice. Hopefully, Santa straightened them all out.

We’re giving our hardworking staff a few weeks off to enjoy the holidays with their families. Our next issue will be out on Jan. 10. See you then—and Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you!

– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 19

By Pat Fox

The scene that still haunts the people of Louisiana.

Two and a half years ago, the lives and the livelihood of thousands of Louisiana residents were forever changed.

Swiss-based Transocean Ltd. owned the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig. British Petroleum was the operator of the Mancondo well, which exploded on April 20, 2010, killing 11 workers, injuring many others and creating the worst U.S. offshore oil spill in history.

The well spewed 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico for 87 days straight. The torrent of oil fouled the shorelines of four Gulf Coast states and eclipsed the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in severity. The gravity of the horrifying facts about the Gulf oil spill, and the effect it still has on this area, weighs heavy on the hearts and minds of the people and businesses of Louisiana.

BILLIONS TO BE PAID OUT Billions of dollars will be paid out

Volume 4 • Issue 19

along the Gulf Coast to those affected by the 2010 BP/Deepwater Horizon disaster. People and businesses in Southwest Louisiana will be awarded some of that money, according to local attorney Matt Lundy, who has helped move the disaster’s aftermath toward settlement.

Matt Lundy is with Lundy, Lundy, Soileau and South, LLP in Lake Charles; they are at the forefront of the BP oil spill litigation. Lundy is one of 19 members of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for the consolidated litigation, appointed because of his environmental and maritime experience. He is the lone representative on the committee from Southwest Louisiana.

Using a settlement process whose pages fill a notebook over half a foot thick, Lundy and his colleagues hope to pave the way for money to be distributed to businesses that saw economic losses and to people who suffered medical issues.

“We’ve recently started this process in the Lake Charles area,” Lundy said. “The plaintiffs’ steering committee is trying to get the word out across the Gulf Coast States.”

RESOLUTION The resolution began by U.S. District Court Judge Carl Barbier of New Orleans consolidating all of the BP spill cases into multi-district litigation. The purpose for doing this was to avoid a flood of crisscrossed efforts from all directions, such as the same depositions being taken over and over, for case after case.

What will this streamlined effort address?

“Potentially hundreds of thousands of cases,” said Lundy. The amount of money that will be paid out across the Gulf Coast is not capped. (An exception is the seafood industry program, which does have a cap.) The total payout may be about $8 billion, but Lundy thinks it could

Matt Lundy, Attorney Lundy, Lundy, Soileau and South, LLP

run higher. In Southwest Louisiana, “it could mean hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said.

THE ECONOMIC AND PROPERTY DAMAGES SETTLEMENT Included in the economic and property damages settlement are people and businesses who live, work, or own/lease property in the Gulf Coast Area, (the entire states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the four southeastern counties of Texas that lie on the water, along with the panhandle and the west coast of Florida), and the adjacent Gulf Waters.

WHAT DOES THE SETTLEMENT COVER? This settlement generally covers the six following types of claims: 1. Any individual or business that asserts it had an economic loss; 2. Waterfront property on the beachfront or wetlands areas; 3. Loss of Value to anyone that

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 5

sold a Gulf Coast waterfront residence during May 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010; 4. Loss of Subsistence Use; 5. Vessels of Opportunity Charter Claims; and 6. Seafood Harvesting Losses The economic and property damages settlement resolves the economic loss and property damage claims, taking into account both past loss of income and future loss of income.

Others could receive money if they experienced loss under the following categories: • Individual Periodic Vendor or Festival Vendor Economic Loss; • Start-up Business Economic Loss; • Failed Business Economic Loss; • Coastal Real Property Damage; • Wetlands Real Property Damage; • Vessel Physical Damage; • Camp Owners; Department and/or Clothing Stores.

If this isn’t enough to boggle your mind, consider the provisions hashed out for the settlements. There is a zone that sweeps from Galveston to the Florida Keys that defines the affected area. Within that zone are four layers that assign values to the overall span — highest at the coast, and stepping down as the three other bands move inland. As an example, in

Southwest Louisiana, Cameron Parish is in the worst zone and Interstate 10 is one of the other dividing lines.

There are two paths of settlement: one for medical issues and one for economic losses. Most cases are on the economic side, but some claimants will be part of both paths.

BUSINESS/ECONOMIC LOSSES MUST BE DOCUMENTED. The economic settlements may apply to “potentially every business in the state of Louisiana,” Lundy said.

All of Louisiana, in fact, falls within one of those layers of affected areas.

The current settlement process is a change from the initial post-spill efforts by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, which was widely criticized for inconsistent awards of payments.

“They were making subjective determinations of whether individuals and businesses were affected. The GCCF didn’t understand our culture, our way of life, our way of doing things,” Lundy said, “I’ll give you an example. I know of one shrimper who didn’t get paid—but his deckhands were.”

The new process, which Lundy’s committee helped create, “has transparency, and objectivity, and court oversight, and it needed that,” he said.

“It’s an objective settlement with objective formulas.”

So who’s eligible? “It’s any business that is not excluded from the settlement,” Lundy said. The no-pay list is narrow: the excluded parties are the banking and finance industry; casinos, except for bingo and video poker in small outlets; oil and gas companies; and the insurance industry. All other businesses are eligible.

REVENUE IS THE BENCHMARK A business must show a decline in its total revenue in the spill’s aftermath, specifically, any consecutive three-month period between May and December 2010, and then an upswing in revenue the following year. The rules get more involved as you move inland.

For example, for a business located in Zone A, Cameron, a dip in revenue will be presumed to have been caused by the spill, but a tourism-dependentbased business in Lake Charles would follow a different formula for calculating losses.

Lundy pointed out that a base loss in revenue does not mean a dollarfor-dollar payout. Instead, a formula is applied to that base loss to determine what would be paid out.

Some businesses could actually get

Exceptional Therapy and Rehabilitation Services...

• • • • • • •

PAGE 6

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Lymphedema Treatment Urinary Incontinence Breast Cancer Rehab Orthopedics Dry Needling Kinesio Taping Pregnancy/Post Partum Pain

• Pelvic Pain • Pre and Post Surgical Rehab • Sports Rehab • Balance and Vestibular Rehab • Massage

more than their base loss. Multipliers are applied to most businesses.

“Generally speaking, the closer to the Gulf, the higher the multiplier,” Lundy said.

THE MULTIPLIERS An imaginary example may be the best way to explain the workings of one of the several multipliers at work: A tourism-related business in Hackberry, Zone B, suffers a base loss of $10,000 because of the spill.

Hackberry is in Cameron Parish, which lies in the hardest-hit layer of the affected area. For this reason, the multiplier is 2.0, which calculates to $20,000. Add the $10,000 base loss, and that means the payout to the business would be $30,000.

While these are just examples, there are specific rules and requirements involved in securing a settlement. More is required than a quick scan of a profit-and-loss statement. BP/Deepwater was an extraordinary situation and so is the process for restoration.

MEDICAL CLAIMS? A parallel process is underway for people with medical claims. The medical side has four facets: • Specific physical injury, such as upfront money for exposed cleanup workers and residents along the beaches.

• A periodic medical consultation program, which offers an ongoing battery of tests for certain resident and cleanup workers.

• Provisions for people who may have medical conditions that manifest later.

• The Gulf Coast Region Outreach Program, funded by $105 million in grant money to help areas across the Gulf that are traditionally underserved, including Cameron Parish.

CLOSING COMMENTS In comparing this settlement to the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska in 1989, Lundy had this to say, “One of the things we were proud of was that the Exxon Valdez case was litigated for 18 years. We did it in two.”

The window for people and businesses to pursue their settlements is open until April 2014. Lundy thinks all the payouts can be completed by the same time.

Information on both the economic and medical settlements is available at www.bpmd12179.com, the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee’s website for litigants and attorneys and at www.deepwaterhorizonsettlements.c om, a court–authorized informational website. TJN Volume 4 • Issue 19

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 7

The

Boiling

P l

Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

LAKE CHARLES RECOGNIZED FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS GOALS The National League of Cities has recognized the City of Lake Charles for recent completion of key health and wellness goals for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties. LMCTC is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! initiative, which is dedicated to solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. Five medals were awarded to the City of Lake Charles for action taken to improve access to healthy affordable food and increase opportunities for physical activity. In addition, in September, the community received a three-year Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana matching grant for the Partnership for a Healthier Community, which will address the five goals of the Let’s Move! initiative.

CITGO Park, where 15 cooking teams competed for first, second and third place and raised $8,948. The Fire & Spice Chili Cook-Off was the final event for the CITGO/United Way 2012 Employee Giving Campaign. This campaign season, including proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off, CITGO and its employees raised a grand total of $593,527 for United Way. Teams represented at the Chili Cook-Off included local industry and businesses throughout SWLA. Brand Energy Solutions, LLC took first place, followed by Albermarle (second) and Sage Environmental Consulting (third), which also won for Best Costume. Praxair, Inc. won People’s Choice and Chemical Waste Management won Best Table Decoration.

Angie Manning, communications director, Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB and Bernard Beaco, board of directors, Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB

Left to right: Randy Robb—Chennault, Adley Cormier—Calcasieu Preservation Society, Nancy Moss—Calcasieu Preservation Society, Shanna Landry—LC/CVB, Buzzy Brunot, Tony Stelly—CPPJ, Sammie Faulk—Creole Nature Trail

ANGIE MANNING RECOGNIZED AS A TOP TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL Angie Manning, communications director for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, was recently recognized as a top travel professional under 40 by the Southeast Tourism Society. Young professionals from Virginia to California were chosen for the first class of “Forty for the Future: Travel’s Leading Talent.” Travel professionals who receive this award are younger than 40, and they represent businesses and organizations in 14 states. A panel of tenured professionals representing numerous components of the tourism industry evaluated the nominees.

CITGO CHILI COOK-OFF FOR UNITED WAY The Second Annual CITGO Fire & Spice Chili Cook-Off, benefiting United Way of Southwest Louisiana, took place earlier this month at PAGE 8

DECEMBER 13, 2012

GERSTNER MEMORIAL MARKER UNVEILED The Gerstner Memorial sign was unveiled recently at the northwest corner of Hwy 27 and Old Camp Road. The marker honors a military facility that was an important aspect of aviation history. The partners included the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, Chennault International Airport Authority and the Calcasieu Preservation Society. Additional partners include Adley Cormier who assisted with the historical aspect and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development who secured the location and installed the sign. One key player was Buzzy Brunot, whose dedication and passion for the project was a driving force in the installation.

Volume 4 • Issue 19

HOME HEALTH AGENCY OF WCCH RECOGNIZED The Home Health Agency of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has been named a 2012 Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Honors recipient, a prestigious award recognizing home health agencies that provide the best patient experience. This annual honor acknowledges the top 20 percent of agencies that continuously provide the highest level of satisfaction through their care as measured from the patient’s point of view. The Honors rankings were compiled from the HHCAHPS survey results of over 1,800 home health agencies from April 2011 to March 2012.

PINNACLE DONATES TO FAMILY AND YOUTH Family & Youth accepted a $15,000 donation from Pinnacle Entertainment Foundation to sponsor the Child Advocate Celebration for the next three years.

Child advocates in SWLA came together recently at L’Auberge Casino Resort for this event, which honors individuals and organizations that consistently advocate for the welfare and well-being of children and youth in SWLA. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ted and Trudy Mayeux were given the 2012 Pinnacle Light of Hope Award. For more information call 436-9533, visit www.fyca.org, or like Family & Youth on Facebook.

Pictured from left, front, are Coushatta associates Melody Tauzin and Paula Lafleur, and back, Cole LaFargue, Jeremy Poe, Marjorie Bernard, and Tina Dupont.

COUSHATTA RESORT ASSOCIATES CONTRIBUTE TO ASSIST AGENCY Coushatta Casino Resort is proud of four of its associates: Melody Tauzin, graphic art/advertising; Cole LaFargue, graphic art/advertising; Jeremy Poe, administrative offices; and Paula Lafleur, advertising; who generously donated time and materials to create works of art for a charity fundraiser sponsored by the ASSIST Agency. Artists were asked to embellish a wooden cutout of a fleur-de-lis. All were displayed at “Christmas in Crowley: A Holiday Affair” on Dec. 5 at Crowley City Hall. The fleurs-de-lis were available for purchase at that event, with the remainder to be auctioned on eBay® starting Dec. 9. Proceeds from the online art auction will benefit the ASSIST Agency, whose mission is to raise the standard of living and improve the quality of life for low-income individuals, families, and communities in Southwestern Louisiana. For information, call (337) 788-7550, ext. 138.

ICCS PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT After 12 years as the principal of Immaculate Conception Cathedral School, Dinah Bradford has announced her plan to retire at the end of the 20122013 school year. Under Bradford’s leadership, the cathedral school has not only grown significantly in enrollment but most recently completed construction of the St. Charles Annex which houses four classrooms, a state-of-the-art library, computer lab, and art lab as well as much needed restrooms. The Cathedral School’s students have also consistently scored among Volume 4 • Issue 19

LAKE CHARLES 3113 Ryan St, #1 (337) 491-0925

Dinah Bradford

4435 Nelson Rd. (337) 477-5014

SULPHUR 190 N. Cities Service Hwy. (337) 626-0925

www.ASTtanning.com DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 9

the highest in the Diocese on all standardized tests. Bradford stated that while change is often unsettling, the Cathedral School’s strong organizational structure, highly qualified and motivated faculty and staff, and solid foundation of families will assure its continued success.

Phillip Partin, left, receives a $100 gift card to the McNeese bookstore from McNeese President Dr. Philip Williams as the winner of this year’s President’s Holiday Card Contest at McNeese.

MCNEESE SOPHOMORE WINS HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST Phillip Partin, a Lake Charles sophomore management major at McNeese State University, has won the annual McNeese President’s Holiday Card Contest. Partin’s winning design appears on the front of McNeese’s official holiday card. He received a $100 McNeese bookstore gift card for his winning card design. His entry features an active background of McNeese colors, with playful swirls of blue and gold forming a Christmas tree along side the McNeese M. The contest was open to all students and entries were reviewed by a panel of judges selected by the Office of the President.

SWASHBUCKLERS HIRE ASHLEY JOHNSON The Louisiana Swashbucklers have hired Ashley Johnson as the new FirstMates Dance Team director/ choreographer. A current McNeese State Cowboy Senior Cowgirl Kicker, Johnson was in the Advanced Dance program and was an officer, teacher, choreographer, and performer on the award-winning Clear Creek Cavalier dance team as well as a member of the concert choir. Johnson has been teaching and choreographing in Louisiana and Texas for a number of Ashley Johnson years. She was aired on Americas Best Dance Crew in 2008 and has competed and performed across Texas, Florida, and California in singing and dancing competitions. FirstMate Dance Team tryouts are scheduled for Jan. 5, 2013. Interested parties should contact the Louisiana Swashbucklers at info@labucs.com. TJN

Boiling Pots & Burners Dukes Pecan Crackers (Lever Type) ◆ Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Assortment ◆ MC Ware Oval Roasters (Assorted Sizes) ◆ Red Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Ovens & Skillets ◆ ◆

Locally Owned & Operated Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:30am-4:30pm

PAGE 10

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 11

NEW

LOWER

AUTO INSUR ANCE

RATES

L! LL EL BE NGS B AVIN SA RING THE S

Meet Bubblegum!

Visit V isit a cconvenient onvenient location location below below for for more more informa informattion. ion.

Crowley: 753 Odd Crowley: Odd Fellows Fello e ws RRoad, oad, Crowley Crowley E unice: 1609 Highway Highway 190, Suite Suite D, D, Eunice Eunice Eunice: Shankland, Suitee B B,, JJennings Jennings: 115 E. Sha ankland, Suit ennings Lake L ak ke Charles: Charles: 3303 Ryan Ryan Street, Street, Lake Lake Charles Charles Lake Houston L ak ke Charles: Charles: 386 Sam Sam Houst on JJones ones Parkway, Parkway, Lake Laake Charles Charles Sulphur:: 2747 East Napoleon Street, Suitee B B,, Sulphur Sulphur N Street, Suit Sulph hur

800.958.8545 8 00 .958.8545 USAgencies.com U SAgencies.com *Claim based on down *Claim down pa payment yment and mon monthly thly pa payments yments for six-mon six-month th new bu business usiness policies financ financed ed bbyy LIFC LIFCO, O, LL LLC. C. PPremium remium amoun amountt det determined ermined using premiums premiums within w one standard standard deviation deviation of the written financee fees fees.. AActual premium aaverage verage for a sample of policies writt en between between -- and --. Includes Includes setup and financ ctual policy policy pr emium may may vary vary based on underwriting underwriting factors. facctors. Other rates rates and charges charges may may apply. apply.

PAGE 12

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Bubblegum is a beautiful pit bull girl, about a year old, 50 pounds, spayed, and learning obedience skills (she can even catch a treat in her mouth!).

This sweetheart was found extremely emaciated and covered in sores near Interstate 10 by a dog lover. Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue nursed her back to health—and isn’t she just gorgeous? Like any one-year-old pit bull, she loves to cuddle, watch TV and play on the iPad (wink, wink). She is great with other dogs and all humans, despite being neglected horribly by humans in her first six months of life. Why is she named Bubblegum?

While trying to keep her out of harms way, the only thing the Good Samaritan had in the vehicle to offer her was bubblegum. The sweet smell was enough to keep her off the road until a rescue volunteer could get there to assist. And she has lived up to the sweetness in her name. Now she just needs her forever home! If you are interested in adopting Bubblegum, please email Megan at meganLCPBR@yahoo.com. Hurry, Bubblegum is waiting! TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 19

While the holiday season brings us many wonderful things, it also brings on the cold and flu season. This spells disaster for blood banks, since more donors are sick and unable to give blood as they normally would.

In addition, people are either traveling or are so preoccupied with their holiday plans that many postpone giving blood. But that’s not the worst of it. Because of all the holiday traffic, there’s an increase in automobile accidents (who can forget the 117-car pileup in Southeastern Texas on Thanksgiving Day?). And hunting season brings hunting accidents. So, you can understand why there’s a serious shortage of blood at this time of year.

LifeShare Blood Centers is doing something about this.

The ‘Be a Holiday Hero’ Campaign The purpose of LifeShare’s “Be A Holiday Hero” campaign is to make the community aware of the importance of blood donations.

“If we could just get all blood donors to donate one more time per year, we would never see blood shortages,” says Erin Davison, Donor Appreciation Program committee chair. “During the holiday season, we struggle to have enough donors to keep the blood supply healthy and plentiful.”

LifeShare has created a new Donor Appreciation Card that will offer specials, discounts and upgrades by select local businesses.

“We want to show appreciation for our SWLA donors, who selflessly give the gift of life to

Volume 4 • Issue 19

those that need,” said Kristi Morris, Donor Resources Coordinator. “What better way to show them than by creating a program for locally owned businesses to give back to the community? We are hoping that by creating this program, we will create a partnership between LifeShare, donors, and locally owned businesses.”

Each blood donor will receive the card, which will be full of discounts from local merchants, who will place a poster at their places of business letting everyone know that they support LifeShare Blood Center’s volunteer blood donor program.

LifeShare will send out periodic post cards, e-mails and social media posts featuring their Donor Appreciation Card sponsors throughout the year.

LifeShare will use their data base of approximately 100,000 past donors to send out promotional material.

And, businesses will be featured as a sponsor with the companies’ logos at LifeShare Blood Center and all mobile blood drives.

“I think this is a great idea,” said Denise Miller of Affordable Elegance. “We’re giving back to people who are giving back, while driving traffic to our businesses.

It’s a win-win situation.”

“We are here to take care of our families, friends and neighbors,” Davison said. “We are your community blood center and our mission is to save lives.”

For more information on LifeShare Blood Centers, call Kristi Morris, Donor Resources Coordinator at (337) 436-4932 or email kristi.morris@lifeshare.org.

TJN

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 13

Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

Winter Wonderhouse It’s December, and Christmas season is now in full swing. If your house is not yet decked out for the holidays, it’s probably because your particular faith does not observe Christmas. You may, for instance, belong to a cult that worships bundles of sticks and mud. If so, I sincerely hope that your wife is not infected with the holiday decorating bug, as mine is.

To call it a bug is an understatement. It’s more like terminal-stage cancer, as evidenced by the amount of Christmas decorations that she

PAGE 14

DECEMBER 13, 2012

has stowed in our attic. Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, she sends me up the rickety pull-down stairs to fetch the several gargantuan bins that she keeps them in. But first, I must fend off the spiders that have taken up residence there over the previous year.

The exercise makes me feel like Indiana Jones, escaping with a sarcophagus from an ancient tomb, via a centuries-old wooden staircase that looks as if it would collapse if a sparrow perched on it, all the while being chased by a plague

of scarab beetles. And you think you have it rough on Black Friday fighting the bargain-hunters at Walmart.

Three of the boxes have my name on them. These are the Outside Decorations, for which I am personally responsible to adorn the house and the bushes and whatever else is in the yard, regardless of whether it moves, such as the live sheep for the Nativity set.

(These I also retrieve from the attic.) I’m not as efficient at my task as my wife is with the inside work.

In the time it takes me to wrap the first porch column with garland, she has every room in the house looking like the North Pole.

This includes the powder room, with its poinsettia-embroidered hand towels and Santa Claus soap dispenser. It is important to her that guests enjoy a full holiday festive experience while doing their personal business. The problem is that the items are strictly for decorative purposes and not for the actual washing and drying of hands.

Once the decorating is finished,

it would be nice if I could sit back, relax, and enjoy the ambience of our Yuletide paradise. Hibernating in the den until College Bowl season is over would be a good plan.

But no; instead, it’s time to haul the boxes, now filled with the everyday adornments that were displaced by the Christmas items, back up into the attic.

This is no small task. I mean, I swear we have tables in our house.

I know because I’m paying the furniture company at zero interest through 2016. However, I never actually see these so-called tables underneath all of the scented candles, art books, potpourri, and candy dishes—none of which ever contain actual candy, since, in our house, sugar is considered belonging to the same class of chemical compounds as Agent Orange.

After the boxes are nestled all snug in the attic, it’s then time for the obligatory Christmas Open House. The open house is a critical element of the whole decorating thing, as my wife wrestles with the age-old question: if you decorate

Volume 4 • Issue 19

your house for Christmas, and no one comes to see it, then do reindeer actually make the snow yellow? (Answer—not here in Louisiana they don’t.)

There is a brief reprieve after our close friends have all had the opportunity to enkindle their holiday spirits with a visit to the powder room. It lasts until early January, when it becomes time to once again pull down the attic stairs and repeat the whole process in reverse order. For me, playing

this whole thing backwards invokes more satanic images than any Ozzy Osbourne record ever did.

But for the time being, there is peace on this little parcel of Earth on the bayou. It’s a place that a couple of Yankees have learned to call home. And we’d both like to wish all you dear readers, from here to Yankee Land, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go out and feed the Nativity set.

TJN

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

“With three children I loved the convenient Saturday classes and the job they help me get.”

Christina R. - Fall 2010

Volume 4 • Issue 19

“I felt all the instructors cared about my career.

Very personable course.”

Hope H. - Spring 2010

“They truly help with job placement.

I had a job before I graduated.”

Kaylee M. - Spring 2010

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 15

By George “Tip” Cline

THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON Nothing makes the holidays seem warmer or dearer than the memorable tales of good people doing good things for others.

I recently learned of the generosity of one of those kind persons who aided some young folks in Merryville. The folks in charge at a Merryville school wanted to get their youngsters to our Children’s Museum here in Lake Charles, but did not have the funds for the field trip. One good person learned of this situation and came forward with a donation that took care of that need. There was a bit of funding left from an organization that this person was affiliated with that needed to be spent or it would be lost for the year. Thanks to these types of organizations, Santa Claus became a reality to some kids who might not have seen him.

In the vein of the season, I find that this year, the spirit of Christmas has blossomed a little more than I recall from the last few years. At a gas station where I pay at the pump, the receipt printer malfunctioned and did not provide my ticket. As I complained to myself about having lost the advantage of paying at the pump and having to go inside, a young man on the opposite side of the pump heard me and said he had to go inside for something anyway, and would get my receipt for me. I did not accept his friendly offer, but I did thank him for his kindness.

Recently, a very kind waiter at one of my favorite haunts offered me one of his section’s tables for our PAGE 16

DECEMBER 13, 2012

group while allowing our usual waiter take care of us as his section was full. These types of small gestures help make this time of the year just a little more special in an incalculable way—and make me want to be nicer, too.

REWARD CARD TIME It’s the time of the year that many restaurants issue some kind of “Reward Card” when you purchase their gift cards. These bonus cards can be a boon, if you understand the strings attached and can make them work for you.

Most of them can’t be used until after the first of the year and will expire by the end of February. This should not be a problem with a favorite location that you frequent often. However, if you forget that some only allow you to use just one bonus at a time, you could wind up losing your rewards. So it’s better to take advantage of these deals with your usual dining establishments— and know the rules to get your maximum advantage.

BATTERY COSTS NOT INCLUDED If you remember my column on the decline in reliability of appliances we purchase these days, we’ll have even disappointment in our future if some of my experienced lately are any measure.

The passenger compartment electrical system in my three-year old truck operates only when the planets align or receives a blessing from the exalted gods of transportation. The electric door locks don’t unlock automatically all the time. In the pursuit of saving on costs, the passenger door does not have a slot for a key to unlock that door, so you Volume 4 • Issue 19

have to go in the driver’s door and reach over to unlock the side door.

The rear windows don’t always operate from the driver’s arm control switches on a real regular basis.

And I have friends who’ve told me that the whole passenger side electrical system in their vehicles won’t operate at all.

I remember the batteries in the old rust buckets we drove in my teenage years (those magic years when you first got your hands on a car) seemed to last forever and

Volume 4 • Issue 19

never needed replacement.

Both my wife’s and my vehicles had batteries that only lasted about three years. Fortunately, her battery was still under manufacture’s warranty at the time, but mine missed by a few months. The cost of automotive batteries will shock you, I promise. For the price you pay out of your own pocket, there should be a multiple lifetime guarantee, labor included.

Changing a battery required more disassembly under the hood

than the average reasonable person would expect. Having a turn signal light go out is an occurrence that should not require a degree in engineering to overcome. We had one go out in my wife’s car and found out that it required removing the front tire, wheel well lining and some other manipulations—costing $150 to be able to again signal a right turn.

I mentioned this to a friend who informed me that someone he knows had the same turn signal

problem with another type of vehicle, and he thought the other guy was pulling his leg when he told him how much he had to pay. I assured him that it was not a joke.

As I am out of town as this goes to press, there will not be a shopping survey this issue, which shall continue in the New Year. I want to thank my faithful readers for their support and encouragement and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

TJN

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 17

Bayou

Biz

By Lauren de Albuquerque

I don’t know about you, but when I think of the holidays, I think of curling up in front of a cozy fireplace sipping eggnog and enjoying its warmth and ambience.

There’s no better time to get your fireplace cleaned and serviced—and there’s no one who can do it better than Mike Dugas, owner of Emmons Fireplaces and More, Inc. Dugas, a Lake Charles native, purchased this well-established business (since 1976) this past May. But he’s no stranger to this line of work.

Prior to Emmons, he owned Chimney Care of Lake Charles, which was established in 1996. “A college friend got me interested in the business of fireplaces when I was living in New Orleans,” he said.

After finishing school, he moved back to Lake Charles and bought an existing chimney sweep business. At the same time, he started in the real estate business working for a local broker. “I sold homes and invested in PAGE 18

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Emmons Fireplaces and More, Inc. Veteran-Owned Business Keeping SWLA Warm This Winter

rental properties while running the chimney sweep business on the side,” he said. “I have over 16 years of fireplace experience.”

But on September 11, 2001, all of our lives were changed forever.

“Proudly serving in the National Guard, it wasn’t long before I was called upon to fulfill duties that I had been trained for,” Dugas said. “I sold many of my properties and put the chimney sweep business on hold while deployed to Iraq with the 256th Infantry Brigade.”

Dugas returned to Lake Charles from Iraq in September of 2005, just in time to experience the damage of Hurricane Rita. Almost all of his client base was destroyed, but he picked up the pieces and rebuilt his chimney service from scratch in 2006.

“As the company regained momentum, I made the decision in 2009 to leave the real estate business,” he said.

It seems natural that Dugas would eventually transition to a larger business in his field. Emmons Fireplaces and More, Inc., was a family-owned company that had been around for

over 30 years, servicing Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas.

He admits it was scary at first. “I bought a fireplace business in the heat of May,” Dugas laughed. But, he said that as soon as he took over, contractors from all over began calling him. He’s been busy from day one.

“We’re a full-service business,” Dugas said. “We sell, install, service, and clean all types of fireplaces, fireplace inserts, pellet stoves and gas logs. We also sell wood pellets and cultured stone.”

In addition, they design and build beautiful outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. We are so fortunate to live in an area where we can enjoy the great outdoors all year long—so an outside fireplace is a great investment! And there are so many different sizes and styles to choose from.

When it comes to indoor heating, Dugas said that both gas and wood fireplaces are equally popular. “Its about fifty-fifty,” he said.

Pellet stoves are also popular. A pellet stove burns compressed wood or biomass pellets to create a source of heat. By slowly feeding fuel from a storage container into a burn-pot

area, they create a constant flame that requires little to no physical adjustments.

“We sell 40-pound bags of the pellets—they look like rabbit food,” Dugas said. “Pellet stoves are very efficient, and there are no worries that come with it. Good to know in this economy!

Emmons specializes in quality products such as Heatilator brand fireplaces. “It’s the number one brand on the market,” Dugas said.

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT FIRE GLASS? For a more contemporary look, customers may choose fire glass, which Emmons has. It’s a special kind of broken glass that can burn cleaner and more efficiently than conventional gas logs in your fireplace. It is tempered and filtered for long heat consumption and will not melt, degrade or emit toxic fumes. It can virtually last a lifetime.

The glass uses less gas and gives off much more heat. The glass gets hot and reflects the heat back into the room—so you are not just getting the heat from the flame. The same holds Volume 4 • Issue 19

Outdoor firepit true for fire pits. There’s no need to huddle close if the pit has fire glass.

Switch out that lava rock to glass and you’ll feel the difference! It comes in beautiful, decorative colors, too.

MAINTAIN YOUR CHIMNEYS Chimney maintenance is a big part of the business. Dugas stressed how important it is to service your chimneys.

“My business increased after Hurricane Sandy,” he said. “People watched the news and heard about houses burning down because the occupants used their fireplaces as a source of heat, and they hadn’t been cleaned properly. You don’t realize how dangerous it is.”

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that chimneys be inspected or cleaned once a year due to the dangers of creosote, which is a byproduct of fire. When wood is burned, smoke passes through the chimney where it cools down and solidifies. The risk of the creosote buildup catching fire increases every time the fireplace is used.

The primary purpose of sweeping the chimney is to remove as much of the flammable creosote as possible, minimizing the possibility of having a

The beauty of fire on glass dangerous chimney fire. Sweeping the chimney also removes dangerous deposits that could clog your flue, such as bird’s nests, leaves, cobwebs and other debris.

“Remember, preventive maintenance is the key to having piece of mind,” Dugas said.

And don’t worry about a messy house during this procedure. “We lay tarps down to protect your floor and hearth, and use a vacuum system to clean all the creosote and dust, “ he said. “We can clean your chimney and leave your house exactly the way it was when we got there—minus the creosote that was in your chimney.”

There are a lot of things Dugas loves about owning his own business.

“I love helping people. It’s the American dream,” he said. “Emmons has been in business for over 30 years, and we look forward to being around for another 30 years!”

Emmons Fireplaces and More, Inc., 9804 Hwy 171 North, Longville, LA 70652, (337)725-4321, emmonsfireplaces@gmail.com www.emmonsfireplaces.com.

Open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mon.- Fri. and 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Sat. 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.

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 19

What’s Cookin’ The Comfort of the Holidays at Le Café We already love Le Café. With its strong focus on comfort foods and its cozy environment, the holidays will be especially memorable.

Special holiday-inspired items have been carefully chosen to deliver magic to your taste buds no matter the time of day or night.

Wouldn’t you love to dig into a heaping plate of piping hot gingerbread pancakes?

No matter the season, the ever-popular gumbo is available year-round in Le Café.

Award winning? Yes, it won first place in both the 2005 and 2011 World Famous Cajun Extravaganza Gumbo Cook Off! If you would rather enjoy a cup outside, visit the Rink Grill at Wonderland on Ice while you watch the kids

skate. So you can indulge yourself both indoors and out.

Gumbo creator Chef Lyle Broussard has been with L’Auberge Casino Resort since its opening in 2005. Originally from Broussard, Louisiana, this talented chef was always in the kitchen with his Aunt Pearl, as his grandparents owned Louis’ Drive-In, a Lake Charles nightclub/restaurant that served seasonal and local game in their dishes. His culinary talents and love of home-cooked food has made Le Café a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Check out their holiday menu today!

The following gumbo recipe is the perfect thing for a cool night in Southwest Louisiana.

roussard Chef Lyle B PAGE 20

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Chef Lyle’s Gumbo INGREDIENTS • 1 pound Andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices • 4 skinned bone-in chicken breasts • Vegetable oil • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped • 2 celery ribs, sliced • 2 quarts hot water • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 bay leaves • 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 4 green onions, sliced • Filé powder (optional) Hot cooked rice Garnish: chopped green onions

PREPARATION Cook sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly, five minutes or until browned.

Drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in Dutch oven. Set sausage aside.

Cook chicken in reserved drippings in Dutch oven over medium heat five minutes or until browned. Remove to paper towels, reserving drippings in Dutch oven. Set chicken aside.

Add enough oil to drippings in Dutch oven to measure 1/2 cup. Add flour and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 20 to 25 minutes, or until roux is chocolate-colored.

Stir in onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook, stirring often, eight minutes or until tender. Gradually add two quarts hot water, and bring mixture to a boil; add chicken, garlic, and next five ingredients.

Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally for one hour. Remove chicken; let cool.

Add sausage to gumbo; cook 30 minutes. Stir in green onions; cook for 30 more minutes.

Bone chicken, and cut meat into strips; return chicken to gumbo, and simmer five minutes. Remove and discard bay leaves.

Remove gumbo from heat.

Sprinkle with filé powder, if desired. Serve over hot cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Enjoy!

We are a unique gift shop with candles, home decor, baby items and so much more.

Come experience some of my favorite things.

TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 21

By Mike Louviere

Nowadays, homes are strung with Christmas lights so numerous and bright that they can be seen from outer space. Christmas gifts are so high-tech that Jules Verne could not have imagined such things during his lifetime.

Things were so different in the old days.

In the late 1880s, Calcasieu Parish included the present day parishes of Allen, Beauregard, and Jeff Davis. The population of the parish was about 20,000 and Lake Charles only claimed a population of 3,400. “Town” was about a block or two from the lakefront and was

PAGE 22

DECEMBER 13, 2012

mostly centered on the two miles of Ryan Street.

White shell streets crossed Ryan at intervals and its homes ranged from simple cottages to elegant houses that gave the impression of wealth.

In the December 1889 American Press, A. Albert advertised that he had received a telegram that read: “You are hereby notified that I will make my headquarters for Holiday Goods at your store, (signed) Santa Claus.”

Sol Bloch, who owned the Times Bakery, sent word that he was prepared to fill orders for all kinds of holiday breads and cakes.

Louis Hirsch’s clothing store was

stocked with all types of hats and clothes, and with proper notice, customers could have clothing made to order.

Mrs. E. Leveque, located east of Hirsch’s store, had received “an entirely new stock of millinery goods.” She invited all the ladies of Lake Charles to visit her store and inspect everything.

Jos. Eckart’s Jewelry Store advertised that for every dollar spent on jewelry and holiday goods in his store, the customer would receive a ticket for a drawing for 20 prizes to be held on Jan. 1, 1890. A. Albert was also holding a contest of the

same manner for five prizes.

Other towns were also increasing their stock. In West Lake Charles (Westlake), A.J. Perkins’ store received a shipment of merchandise that included “a large assortment of nice Christmas goods, fancy crockery, and glassware.” Back then, supplies for most stores came from New Orleans.

The Dry Creek Headlight reported that Dry Creek merchant G. W. Heard had gone to New Orleans “to lay in his Christmas stock.

In the more rural areas of the Parish, Christmas spending was related to how well the crops had done. Since crops in the Barnes

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Creek area had done well in 1889, some of the farmers were preparing to “enjoy the fruits of their labors.”

Lumberman had also thrived, and both groups were planning to purchase gifts from the “old reliable Barnes Creek merchant,” J.J. Kingrey.

In Sugartown, the Ladies Aid Society of the local Baptist church held their Christmas Eve benefit. As in many other towns, the program included declamations, dialogues, and musical pieces. Donations for the needy included foodstuffs, good clothing and $65 cash. The benefit ended with the arrival of Santa Claus, who brought gifts for the children.

Of course, church attendance was a large part of Christmas in those days. The families would gather for the special programs or services at their place of worship and then enjoy the rest of the day with their extended family and friends.

Oberlin held a large educational meeting at their 1889 Christmas Eve celebration. People from the town and surrounding areas turned out to hear speeches and songs by a number of individuals and groups. By all reports, everyone in attendance was pleased.

A lot of new families from the

Volume 4 • Issue 19

north had moved into the Oberlin area and had decorated a large community Christmas tree. Some of the native Louisianans in the vicinity reportedly were there for the lighting of the tree “to see how the Yankees did it.”

Lake Arthur reported that they had “charming weather’ for the Christmas season in 1889. Although it had been settled and had a post office designation since before the Civil War, Lake Arthur had only been an established town for one year. But it looked as if its residents were set to celebrate a prosperous Christmas, since there were new people moving into town and there were plans for a new sawmill and shingle mill in the near future. In addition, the marshes were full of ducks, geese, and brant for the sportsmen. No doubt many of these birds would be on the table at Christmas.

With ample businesses in the Calcasieu area to buy gifts and seemingly enough money for the purchases, the next thoughts were of the holiday dinner. At most homes, the turkey would be at the center of the meal. Turkeys were in great demand and were being sent into the towns

from the surrounding areas. In one Lake Charles store, a 12-pound turkey sold for $1.50.

Dishes as varied as peas and carrots to oyster pies loaded the tables.

Families usually gathered at the homestead of the oldest family members, and each relative brought their favorite covered dishes. It was a time to eat, perhaps dance if there were musicians in the family, and always to visit with family members one did not see very often and catch up on all the gossip.

Josephine Moss remembered her Christmas visits to her grandmother, Mrs. Joseph M. Vincent of Hackberry.

“On Christmas Eve, the family went to midnight Mass at the little church in Hackberry,” she said. “Then, we would gather at Grandma Vincent’s home. Grandfather was no longer living.”

Grandma let everyone help make eggnog.

“First, she would give us all a spoon and a bowl of egg whites,” she explained. “Everyone had to beat his or her own egg whites. You can imagine the noise of all those spoons hitting the bowls. Grandma would go around and add her cream cus-

tard to each bowl. She would also add a bit of bourbon to the adult’s bowls, not for the children. The completed eggnog was so thick that we had to eat it with the spoon.”

Around the parish, gifts were opened on Christmas morning. The stockings hung for the children probably contained apples, oranges and an assortment of nuts. As simple as that seems in today’s world, children, especially rural children, often got only fruit for Christmas—and appreciated it.

Other presents might have ranged from a new pair of socks to a complete suit of clothes. There may or may not have been a toy—that would depend on the success of the crops for the rural children and how well business had done that year for the town children. And toys were usually limited to one truck for the boys and a new doll for the girls.

It was a far simpler life back then, where the priorities were hearth and home, belief in God, working hard, raising fine families and creating good food. And it all came together over the Christmas holidays—a time of love and rejoicing—which has not changed throughout the years. TJN

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 23

By Lauren de Albuquerque

The holiday season can be stressful and overwhelming. There’s so much going on that your four-legged friend can easily take a back seat in your life. But if you plan in advance, there’s no reason why you can’t have a pet-safe and enjoyable season.

The following tips will help: • Don’t neglect your best friend The holiday season brings distractions that can upset your pet’s routine.

Line up family members to help with litter box-changing, dog walking, etc., and stock up on pet food and litter so you don’t run out on Christmas Eve! • Don’t forget meds Make sure you mark on your calendar when to give your pet his heartworm, allergy pills—or anything else he’s tak-

ing. It’s easy to forget when your mind is preoccupied—and he can’t remind you!

• Schedule grooming appointments in advance Everyone wants their pet to look good for the holidays, so groomers are busier than usual. Make sure you book appointments as soon as you can. Otherwise, you’ll be giving Rover a bath yourself—and who has time for that?

• Keep your pet calm Some pets are the life of the party (our 15-year old Scottie is one of them) but others can be shy or skittish. So, if you’re entertaining, make sure you have a quiet space in your home away from the crowd so your buddy can relax. A comfy bed and soft music will help. Even better, you won’t have

109 W. LaGrange, Lake Charles (337) 477-6868 PAGE 24

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

to worry about him accidentally running outside with everyone coming and going, or bothering some of the guests (believe it or not, there are people out there who don’t like animals).

• Be proactive Busy-ness and preoccupation can equal carelessness. As a result, accidents can happen. Your pet could run out the door, or ingest something unhealthy. One Christmas Eve years ago at my mother’s, I found my new Scottie puppy Samba chewing on poinsettia petals. I thought they were poisonous and rushed to the phone to call my vet’s emergency line—only to be reassured that at the very most; Samba would have an upset tummy.

She didn’t even have that, luckily.

So, make sure you have your vet info handy, and that your pet is micro-chipped and wearing an updated pet ID with your cell phone number. This is critical if you are traveling with your pet for the holidays.

• Book a boarding facility now!

If you’re going out of town and plan on leaving your pet behind, call

Volume 4 • Issue 19

the boarding kennel or pet sitter immediately to make arrangements.

Hopefully, you can get a multiple pet discount if you have more than one pet. Also, confirm what the kennel needs from you—it may require updated vaccines before your pet can be boarded. If he’s on medication, give all that information to the kennel/sitter, along with special food, treats, etc.

If he has a favorite toy or blanket, pack that, too. If a sitter is coming to your home, make sure that you meet her beforehand, and that she has good references and is bonded.

• Plan your travel If you must fly with your pet (and really, with everything that can go wrong at this time of year, I don’t advise it), go to the airline’s website and also speak to a customer service representative to confirm what you’ve read online.

If your pet is flying in the cabin of a plane with you, check the dimensions of the seat to make sure his carrier can fit under it. Also, check with airline customer care the day before heading to the airport to confirm that

the plane model did not change and your carrier will still fit under the seat. And keep in mind that some airlines do not allow pets in the cabin, no matter how small he is.

It’s a lot riskier if he is traveling as baggage. For example, weather conditions can pose a significant threat.

They may be left in extreme cold or rain while handlers transport and load them into airplanes from the tarmac. There’s even the chance that the crate may get tipped, crushed or opened accidentally during loading and unloading. We’ve all heard the stories about pets that were either killed or never seen again when their kennels were damaged.

To minimize the amount of time your pet spends on the tarmac, try to book a nonstop flight. If you have to connect, make sure you have a long layover so that baggage handlers have the time to get your pet to the next plane make sure he’s okay. Airlines do advise that you avoid traveling with your pet during peak seasons, such as holidays and during extremely cold weather. So if

you’re flying to Colorado for Christmas, please leave him at home!

• Don’t bring your pet to a party… …unless you know for sure that he will be welcome. If your pet is not well-behaved, or your mother is allergic, don’t bring him to a family or friend’s home. Chances are, he’ll be much happier at home. TJN

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 25

With the current economic atmosphere, the Better Business Bureau warns that it is vital for consumers to know what their rights are on refunds and exchange policies before making holiday purchases. Carmen Million, BBB president, states that consumers are responsible to find out what their rights are before making any purchase. “The biggest mistake consumers can make is to assume that every store policy is the same,” Million said.

Every time a sale is made, there is an agreement between the buyer and seller. Generally, the buyer agrees to pay for the item, and the customer has a right to assume that the product is not defective and that it has not been misrepresented. A store is not obligated to accept items for refund, exchange, or credit except in cases where the item is defective or was misrepresented. Some stores have a “no return” or “final sale” policy, and in some states, stores are required by law to disclose clearly what their return policies are.

PAGE 26

DECEMBER 13, 2012

In the state of Louisiana, there is no law that requires a retailer to post their refund policy. However, once a policy has been posted, the company must comply with it.

Many stores have voluntarily set up policies to let you return articles purchased at their stores, especially during the holiday season. Exchanges, returns for credit, and refunds are services which some stores provide to encourage you to shop there. Return privileges vary from store to store, so you should be sure to ask about a store’s return policy before you make a purchase, especially a major one.

In an effort to provide customers with better service, stores have made it possible for some individuals to abuse the privilege extended to all.

When such people return items without good reason, they increase the cost of all items in the store to all customers and cause some stores to adopt less generous policies than they might otherwise.

The BBB offers the following tips on return privileges:

• Regardless of a store’s policy, if the goods you have purchased were misrepresented or are defective, you have every reason to expect the store to provide a suitable substitute or refund, or make proper repairs. The laws in all states require a store to make good in such cases.

• Keep in mind that, in many areas, health regulations forbid returns on such items as hats, bathing suits and other intimate apparel.

• Some stores may charge a restocking fee for returns.

• Keep the original packaging just in case it is required for return by the store to the manufacturer.

• Finally, always save your receipts.

Before making a purchase at any store, consider the following questions: • What is the store’s return policy?

• Will I be able to exchange the item for another like it?

• May I return the item and buy something different?

• Will the store give me my money back?

• Does the store require a receipt with every returned item?

• Is this a final sale item?

• If the product has a separate written warranty, does this warranty affect the means by which I return it?

TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 27

Gift cards may take the guess work out of gift giving, but you sure don’t want to leave the recipient feeling bamboozled.

Gift cards make excellent presents, especially during the holidays when you’re unsure of what to buy for a family member or friend. But like everything else, gift cards may have hidden fees and strings attached. Carmen Million, BBB President states, “It’s important to read the fine print before buying and giving gift cards.”

Both the United States and Canada have recently made changes in federal laws to improve consumers’ chances of getting full value out of the cards they buy and give. These rules generally apply to gift certificates, store gift cards and general use prepaid cards, which are often branded by payment networks such as Visa or MasterCard.

Here are some helpful tips from BBB regarding gift card purchases: • Buy from sources you know and trust. Avoid buying gift cards from online auction sites, because the cards may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudulently.

PAGE 28

DECEMBER 13, 2012

• Read the fine print before you buy. Is there a fee to buy the card? If you buy a card by phone or online, are there shipping and handling fees? If you don’t like the terms and conditions, buy elsewhere.

• See whether any fees will be deducted from the card after you purchase it.

• Inspect the card before you buy it. Verify that none of the protective stickers have been removed.

Make sure that the codes on the back of the card haven’t been scratched off to reveal a PIN number. Report any damaged cards to the store selling the cards.

• Give the recipient your original receipt so they can verify the card’s purchase in case it is lost or stolen.

• Consider the financial condition of the retailer or restaurant.

Despite ongoing issues with gift cards, sales of gift cards are still expected to increase this year.

According to a survey by Consumer Reports, 62 percent of consumers are planning to buy gift cards this holiday season. TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Have Your Gifts Wrapped for a Great Cause!

Young people from Family & Youth’s Leadership Center are wrapping gifts every Saturday leading up to Christmas from 2 to 4 p.m. at Affordable Elegance.

There is no charge, but donations will be greatly appreciated.

Affordable Elegance is located at 925 Enterprise in Lake Charles.

Bring in any gift, or purchase something special at Affordable Elegance, and have the outstanding youth in our community wrap your gift.

The Leadership Center for Youth, a program of Family & Youth, provides guidance, leadership development, career exploration and civic engagement opportunities to facilitate the youth’s success and involvement in the community.

Committed to shaping

today’s youth into strong leaders for tomorrow, The Leadership Center provides opportunities for positive youth development.

It is focused on providing youth with opportunities for leadership development, career exploration, civic engagement, and service learning.

For more information, call (337) 436-9533, visit http://www.fyca.org/, or like Family & Youth on Facebook.

TJN

Kathleen Reeves Brand Partner in the Lake Charles/Moss Bluff Area

Phone: (706) 318-0883

E-mail: kreeves.nerium.realresults@gmail.com

1601 Country Club Road, Lake Charles, LA

(337) 439-7778 www.swlaimaging.com Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 29

‘Open Art Splurgery’ In Harmony with Nature & Good Health

Wishing You a very Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Bernadette F. Navarre, Realtor ® 3221 Ryan St. Lake Charles (337) 478-8530 Ext. 120 CELL (337) 802-7410 FAX (337) 477-7217

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.

bnavarre@flavinrealty.com www.flavinrealty.com

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

Join Us and Buy at Wholesale.

www.shaklee.net/patsnc

PAGE 30

DECEMBER 13, 2012

“Open Art Splurgery” at Associated Louisiana Artists’ Gallery by the Lake and Creative Arts Center won’t cost shoppers an arm and a leg for Christmas gifts. The artists have outdone themselves in again producing work that is worth a splurge, but will leave a lot in the pocketbook.

The Creative Arts Center will be filled with the oil, watercolor, pastel, and acrylic paintings of local artists.

You’ll also find unique stocking stuffers at The Gift Shoppe in Gallery by the Lake. Located in the tax-free Cultural District downtown at 106 W. Pryce Street (formerly Lawrence) across from Sweet and Treats, the hours are noon to 5 p.m. daily except Sunday and Monday, and 10 to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The show began Dec. 4 and continues until Christmas.

TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 19

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office has implemented the Annual Robbery Prevention Mobilization (RPM) in an effort to deter crime and assist shoppers in the parking lot at the Prien Lake Mall during the holiday season. It began Nov. 23 and will continue through Dec. 26, seven days a week from noon until one hour past mall closing.

The deputies will be on marked ATV’s and patrol cars in the parking lot, and will be manning the CPSO Mobile Command Center located in the front parking lot of the mall on Prien Lake Road.

Deputies, who will be wearing orange Sheriff ’s Office traffic vests during the evening hours, will be available to assist shoppers with such things as helping them find their car, jump starting their car if the battery is dead, changing a flat, assisting employees and shoppers

by walking them to their car after dark, or any other assistance they can provide.

“The CPSO Robbery Prevention Mobilization has always been instrumental in, not only assisting shoppers with their problems and concerns, but keeping crime to a minimum at a time of year when it is usually on the rise,” says Sheriff Tony Mancuso. “We are very pleased to be able to offer this service to the public.”

CPSO deputies are working this special detail to provide assistance to the public during the busy holiday season. They are not hired by the mall; nor will they be doing security for the mall. However, the presence of law enforcement on the premises is expected to deter crime in the parking lot. This is the ninth year the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office has provided this service.

Deputies will also be conducting regular visits to all convenience stores in the parish during the holiday season to check with store clerks to see if they are experiencing any problems or if they have any special needs.

Also, deputies will be conducting these same checks with store clerks at businesses in the Southgate Shopping Center on Ryan Street, the Power Center on Highway 14, and the Target Shopping Center on Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. TJN

Dental Assistant: Starts Dec. 10 • 10 Weeks Physical Therapy Technician: Starts Jan. 7 • 8 Weeks Phlebotomy Technician: Starts Jan. 7 • 10 Weeks Medical Ins. & Coding Specialist: Starts Jan. 14 • 4 Weeks EKG Technician: Starts Mar. 4 • 4 Weeks Medical Office Assistant: Starts Feb. 11 • 8 Weeks "I chose Academy of Acadiana over the others because of their friendly, helpful staff, positive campus atmosphere, and full hands on experience. This school gave me the confidence and education I needed to achieve my goal of becoming a dental assistant." — Jessica Oldham Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 31

Artists Katherine Petty and M. Antoon Cormier

White Night on Black Friday It was an art opening party and a whole lot more at Stellar Beans Coffee House! The talented artists of Art du Lac, including Marilyn Cox, Johnny Segura, Jacqueline Segura, Meagan Green, Robin Nicole Jones, Monica Hebert, Rex Alexander, Lyd Farquhar, Julie Groth, Jennifer Robertson, Imogene Dewey, Theresa Dewey, Katherine Petty, Steve W., M. Antoon Cormier and Johnathan Nutt are exhibiting their works through the end of December. Since “White Night” was also a fundraiser for Art du Lac supporter and friend Paul Gonsoulin, who lost everything in a recent fire, there was a raffle of several fine pieces of artwork. In addition, there were prints and originals for purchase, wonderful jewelry by Tony Dupuis, wine and wassail and holiday treats to enjoy, and good music from Bob and Cline to put us all in the holiday mood. Congrats to Monica Hebert and Art du Lac for an event to remember! TJN

Private Rehab to Home Suites • Secured Alzheimer’s Unit • Respite Care Hospice Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy Medicare • Medicaid Certified • Featuring State of the Art Nautilus Equipment Especially Designed for Seniors

Artists and ADL Founders Marilyn Cox and Monica Hebert PAGE 32

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

By Angie Kay Dilmore Bell ringer Arnold Stevens

Silver bells . . . hear them ring. It’s Christmastime in Southwest Louisiana!

That sound of ringing bells next to those ubiquitous red kettles is as familiar to holiday shoppers as twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. The bell ringers remind us of the true spirit of the Christmas season; it’s a time to give and share, not only to those we love, but also to those in need.

And the need is great. Despite our growing local economy, the unemployment rate for Calcasieu Parish is currently around 6 percent and a significant portion of our workforce could be defined as “the working poor,” earning less than the poverty level. Many families barely earn enough to pay their bills, let alone buy their children some Christmas presents and a few extras for a special holiday dinner.

But, local charities such as the Salvation Army and Abraham’s Tent strive to fill those voids and meet the needs of the less fortunate during the holidays and throughout the year.

A Modern Day Charity with a Long-Standing History The Salvation Army is an international organization founded in 1865 by a minister named William Booth and his wife Catherine in London. The organization’s mission then was basically the same as it is now: to reach out to the poor and needy, and to help those with addictions such as alcohol and gambling. They currently operate in 125 countries.

Major David Craddock and his wife, Major Karen Craddock, direct the local Salvation Army church located on Legion Street. They pastor a small congregation, but their efforts have a positive impact on all of Southwest Louisiana.

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 33

The Angel Tree

The Salvation Army here in Lake Charles has once again partnered with KPLC-TV to sponsor the Community Christmas program.

They are collecting toys and non-perishable food items at many area locations to bless approximately 500 local families this holiday season. Over 1,100 children will find presents under the Christmas tree, thanks to the citizens who generously participate in this program.

Red Kettle Campaign The bell ringers are the face of the Salvation Army during the holiday season. Locally, you can find red kettles at 17 locations. The Salvation Army has several national partnerships with businesses such as WalMart, Hobby Lobby, Kroger’s, Walgreens, and department stores at the mall that allow them to ring at their stores. Craddock also works with local businesses, such as Market Basket.

“We try to choose areas that are high traffic, where people do a lot of shopping,” said Craddock. He added that they are in need of many bellringing volunteers. “We have service clubs, churches, businesses, individuals, and families who volunteer. But there are still many slots open between now and December 24. We require a minimum of a one-hour shift, but prefer at least two or three hours. Some families and organizations take an entire day.”

Interested volunteers can call the Salvation Army office at (337) 721-8068.

PAGE 34

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Angel Tree Program The Angel Tree Program has been a familiar part of the Salvation Army’s Christmas outreach since 1979. When families apply for aid from the Salvation Army, each child fills out a wish list. These lists are transferred to paper angels, which are hung on Christmas trees in stores, malls, and businesses. Patrons choose an angel, and then buy gifts for that specific child. It’s a wonderful way to brighten a needy child’s Christmas morning.

Locally, Angel Trees can be found at the Capital One Building, the food court at the mall, or the Salvation Army’s Family Thrift Store on Highway 14.

Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility The Salvation Army has a good reputation for being responsible with the donations they receive. They want donations to benefit the most needy.

In response to some donors’ concerns, Major Craddock added an eligibility component to the local aid application process this year.

“We want to be sure we are doing the best we can for the people we serve,” he said. “This year, we added the requirement that applicants either need to be in school, working, or take a budgeting class. The idea is that people are doing something to

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Volunteers serve lunch at Abraham’s Tent

improve their lot in life. We’re trying to help them break the cycle of dependence.” Craddock said he’s pleased that the budgeting class requirement has been so well received.

After the Holidays The red kettles raise money not only for Christmas season charity but also for Salvation Army programs all year long. They sponsor many community-based programs, such as the Bootstrap Program that helps homeless men or men in transition. Their

Volume 4 • Issue 19

lodge provides temporary shelter and meals, and offers a safe place to stay while they seek employment, save money, and get back on their feet, while classes teach them important life skills. Their goal is to break the cycle of homelessness and dependence.

The Salvation Army also promotes several character-building youth programs such as Venture Corps for boys and Sun Beams for girls, as well as after-school tutoring, drama, and music programs.

The Family Thrift Store on Highway 14 sells clothing, toys, housewares, and furniture. By donating items or shopping there, you can

support the Salvation Army’s many missions.

For David and Karen Craddock, the Salvation Army played a big role in their upbringing. “It’s been the church of our families for generations,” said David. “Our parents were Salvation Army officers. We come from ministry families. Karen and I chose to go into ministry ourselves.

We served in Canada for 20 years, then Texas and Alabama.” This is their third year in Lake Charles.

To help the Salvation Army, choose an angel from an Angel Tree, contribute food and toys to the Community Christmas program, and give generously when you pass by a red kettle (Be sure to wish the bell ringer a Merry Christmas, too!)

For more information, visit their headquarters at 3020 Legion Street or call (337) 721-8068.

Abraham’s Tent Feeds the Hungry Drive past Abraham’s Tent on Fruge Street around 11 a.m. and you’ll see men starting to mill around outside the building. The doors do not open until 11:30, but these men are hungry and want to be the first in line. Abraham’s Tent feeds a wholesome hot lunch to 100-150 people a day at their facility. They also send 100 meals to disabled and ill citizens at Chateau du Lac on Ryan Street.

Volunteers help serve the meal Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Executive Director Pearl Cole stands at the door, smiling and welcoming the hungry and greeting the regulars by name. Each day, Cole sees homeless men and women,

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 35

young children with desperate mothers, senior citizens and disabled individuals on fixed incomes. She welcomes the mentally ill, the transients, and the unemployed.

Abraham’s Tent is a non-profit organization that exists solely to provide food for the needy. It represents no religious group or political stance.

There are no questions asked about qualifications. “Hunger is the only requirement,” said Cole.

Born Out of Need In 1986, the unemployment rate in the Lake Charles area was an astonishing 21 percent. Ministers and churches were being hard hit by people looking for handouts of any sort.

They looked for sandwiches, canned

goods, anything that could be eaten.

The pastors in the area at that time had a club called Calcasieu Ministerial Association that met at Memorial Hospital once a month to discuss problems within the city.

At that time, the Catholic Church suggested forming a meal program that would be supported by the entire community, not just one denomination, with everyone contributing whatever they had available. They left it open to all the churches as to what they would do and how they would do it. Churches that had volunteer senior citizen groups might come in and work. Perhaps some could make monetary donations. Others could hold food drives.

Abraham’s Tent opened its doors in October 1986. The name originated with Rabbi Sherman Stein and is based on a story from Genesis, when Abraham welcomes three passing strangers to his tent and feeds them.

Cole has been with Abraham’s Tent since its

Roger Richard goes to Abraham’s Tent every day.

inception. She volunteered through her church during the first three years, and then was hired as the director in 1989.

“Even before Abraham’s Tent, I volunteered at my own church, Immaculate Heart on Opelousas Street,” Cole said. “I saw so many people knocking on the doors. The needy would come off the Interstate and look for the largest church. I saw the need.”

She takes pride in the work that she and only two other full-time employees accomplish—with the help of a bevy of volunteers. Each day, volunteers from civic organizations and church groups come to dole out the trays of food. After the meal, Cole

passes out bus tickets to each person who requests them – two tickets each—one for the ride home and the other to come back the next day.

“We wanted to make sure people were coming from all parts of town.

We want to serve all of Lake Charles.

But transportation can be an issue. So my board went to the city and they worked out a deal for reduced cost bus tokens,” said Cole.

Clothing is also available and free to those visiting Abraham’s Tent. Cole puts out a few tables and racks brim-

• Single Vision Glasses • Bi-Focal Glasses-ST28 Complete $35.95* Complete $49.95* -Frame and Lens -Select Group of Frames -Clear CR-39 Lens -Most Prescriptions

-Frame and Lens -Select Group of Frames -Clear CR-39 Lens -Most Prescriptions

• No Line Bi-Focal $84* -Frame and Lens -Select Group of Frames -Clear CR-39 Lens most no lines bi-focal -Most Prescriptions

PAGE 36

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

ming with donated items of apparel.

Coats are especially popular this time of year, most of which are donated by the local Kiwanis.

Funding a Food Program The United Way funds 40 percent of Cole’s budget. The remainder is donated by area churches, businesses, industries, civic organizations, fraternities, and individuals. Cole also relies on food donations, and she accepts both fresh food and non-perishables.

Some businesses get creative when hosting a food drive for Abraham’s Tent. In the past, McDonald’s restaurants have held “Cans for Coffee” food drives where patrons received a free McCafé coffee drink for every donated canned good item. In October, Gordon’s Drug Store was the site of the “Clean Out the Freezer and Pantry Day” to benefit Abraham’s Tent. This event, started by the late Dr. John Foret in 2001, is sponsored by the Foret family and the “Sportsmen for the Hungry.”

Friendly Family Atmosphere If someone has never visited Abraham’s Tent, they wouldn’t know what to expect. Some might be surprised to know it’s an orderly peaceful place to eat a meal. Cole encourages anyone who is in need to come have lunch with them anytime. “They’ll see that the atmosphere is geared towards families. It’s casual and down to earth,” she said.

Roger Richard goes to Abraham’s Tent every day. “It’s the only way I can live. I get one meal a day, and I get clothes here, too.” Richard lives nearby in a tent in the woods.

“I’m blessed,” said Kevin Trahan, a homeless man who has been going to Abraham’s Tent most every day for ten years. “God woke me up this morning.” Trahan is a home remodeler who especially enjoys doing sheet rock and flooring. He said the work is sporadic, and he is out of work more often than he is employed. He knows the people who eat at Abraham’s Tent well and considers them to be his family.

“There’s so much love in here,” he said, as he ate his lunch of fried chicken, broccoli cheese rice, salad, and bread.

Cole adds, “We treat people with dignity. People learn about us through word of mouth, especially the transients. They say, ‘Go to Abraham’s Tent and you’ll be treated well!’”

Cole currently does not need more volunteers, but there are other ways to help. “I’m always looking for food.

Food is a constant thing. Food donations help my budget tremendously.

Money also helps. I need to raise that 60 percent to meet my budget,” she explained. Cole especially loves to receive and serve fresh vegetables from the surplus of generous gardeners.

Abraham’s Tent is located at 2300 Fruge St. and offers free lunches Monday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information, call (337) 439-9330. TJN

GIVE A SLIMMING GIFT! Detoxifying Body Wraps New Clients – $50 Off First Wrap • FACE TAPING: 1 for $75 or 2 for $100 • AIRBRUSH TANNING: 3 for $95 • GLO MINERAL MAKE OVER: $25

Gift Certificates Available!

APPOINTMENTS ONLY (337) 562-9400 1602 W. McNeese St. Lake Charles, LA Phone orders accepted with credit card.

KPLC-TV and the Salvation Army’s Community Christmas and Angel Tree Programs Please participate in KPLC-TV and the Salvation Army’s Community Christmas and Angel Tree Programs, Dec. 1-16.

Food needed: • Cans of green beans, corn, etc.

• Cake mixes and cans of icing • Cornbread mixes • Pasta and stuffing mixes • Canned fruits, soups and other side dishes

Donation boxes are located at all area branches of Capital One Bank, Market Basket, Kroger and WalMart stores. Donations can also be dropped off at KPLC-TV and checks can be made out to and mailed to: KPLC’s Community Christmas 320 Division Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 TJN

Toys needed: • Dolls, Barbies • Art supplies, arts and crafts kits • Video games for all consoles • Sports equipment, basketballs, footballs, etc.

• Board games • MP3 players • Hair and makeup kits, nail polish and jewelry Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 37

PAGE 38

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 39

ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B

Terribleness

Well, just when you thought the Bowl Championship Series and the college football postseason couldn’t get any more terrible, it went and got more terrible…er.

There Oklahoma was, minding its own business while it won five of its last six games, when out of frickin’ nowhere comes Northern Illinois (of Michael “The Burner” Turner fame) of the Mid-American

PAGE 40

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Conference to take its at-large BCS bid. In fact, all the talk around the campfire was that Kent State, NIU’s MAC Championship opponent, would be the BCS-buster would they have won the game. NIU got the upset, the title, and the invite to Miami for the Orange Bowl.

And, so it goes with the BCS, all hell promptly broke loose.

NIU’s sneak attack on those poor, unsuspecting Sooners started a hurricane of kaka (if you will) among the rest of the bowl committees. Suddenly, Oklahoma needed a

bowl invite and the Cotton Bowl, which originally had LSU penciled in against Texas, moved to snap up the Sooners, who held a better record than the Longhorns. LSU got bumped to the Chicken Nugget Bowl against Clemson (arguably an entertaining matchup) and all kinds of other mess went down that should embarrass the Grand High Muckety-Mucks of college football something fierce.

All of this thanks to whoever thought NIU in the Orange Bowl is a good idea.

Yeah but, some might say, Northern Illinois won its conference

championship. And the Huskies’ quarterback (surely unbiased) said that they had a lot of wins and overcame adversity and stuff.

Well that’s great and all, but, realistically, does Northern Illinois deserve spot in a BCS game? No. Absolutely, positively no way. I mean who did they beat this year?

Sure, they’ve got 12 wins, but just one (against Kent State in the MidAmerican Conference championship) was ranked anywhere near the top 25 while three wins came against teams with 1-11 records. Two of those were MAC also-rans UMass and Akron while the third was a hor-

Volume 4 • Issue 19

rid Kansas team coached by human cholesterol blob Charlie Weis.

If you’re counting at home, that’s zero (0) quality wins. Maybe onehalf for Kent State. And don’t forget the Huskies’ loss to 4-8 Iowa to open the season.

At best, that should be worth a Five Dollar Pizza Bowl appearance against Western Kentucky or a trip to the GoDaddy.com Misogyny Bowl against Arkansas State.

Folks, a college football playoff cannot come soon enough.

Need any more proof? Take Louisiana Tech. Please.

The 9-3 Bulldogs, who led the nation in offense this season and nearly beat Darth Saban-conquerers Texas A&M, will be watching the bowls from the Ruston Johnny’s Pizza instead of actually playing in one.

Why? How do you explain why the nation’s best offense is sitting out the postseason when an embarrassment like Rice (which the Techsters dismantled 56-37 back in September) are going bowling? Well, to be sure, the folks who run the show up in Ruston are idiots. All of them. Athletic Director Bruce Van De Velde: idiot. Head Coach Sonny Dykes: idiot. Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau: idiot.

Apparently, Louisiana Tech was quickly invited to play in the Poulan Weed Whacker Independence Bowl against Louisiana-Monroe in what would surely be a huge draw for Shreveport and North Louisiana football fans. The powers-that-be at Tech, however, had other ideas.

Louisiana Tech doesn’t like ULM, you see. Thinks the Warhawks and their whole stinking school is beneath the pedestal that Tim Rattay built. And so, faced with the possibility of having to be on the same field as the Warhawks, Tech balked like a fifth-grade boy who doesn’t want cooties. “Can we have some more time?” Tech asked.

Then Northern Illinois dropped its 50-pound sack of dung all over college football and, in the ensuing frenzy, Louisiana Tech got snubbed.

The Techsters tried crawling back to the Indy Bowl folks, but, wisely, the Shreveport gang shut that stuff down quick.

Then Louisiana Tech’s “brain trust” decided to call up the Liberty Bowl and plead their case for a spot in Memphis. But, in one of the best cases of schadenfreude since Karl Rove on election night, the Liberty Volume 4 • Issue 19

Bowl chose 6-6 (!) Iowa State (!!) instead of the Bulldogs.

After that, Louisiana Tech had nowhere else to turn except the bar at Rabb’s steakhouse. Van De Velde came out soon after with a sob story blaming everyone from the Indy Bowl committee, Nebraska, the Liberty Bowl, the NCAA, and Georgia Tech (which, at 6-7, is bowling).

Unfortunately, he and his coworkers have only themselves and their hubris to blame for costing 32

seniors a chance at the postseason.

Of course, if the bowl system didn’t exist and a playoff were instituted in its place, we wouldn’t be having this conversation and Louisiana Tech would still be playing and no one would be tearing their hair out over Northern Illinois.

But, until such a day comes (and, it’s getting closer…there’s a modified, four-team playoff being instituted in 2014), don’t be surprised to see more terribleness coming from the college football postseason.

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

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 41

By Mary Louise Ruehr

A Literary Trip to Today's England Let’s take a literary trip to modern-day England and meet some of the town folk, who are drawn so realistically in these two books, you will think you know them.

The first book is really special: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. I fell in love with this novel when I opened it up and saw the promise in the illustrated map by Laura Hartman Maestro, and it never let me down.

Harold Fry is a gentle man. He and his wife, Maureen, both in their 60s, live in Kingsbridge on England’s south-

ern coast. One day, he receives a letter from his former co-worker, Queenie, who’s in a hospice in Berwick-uponTweed, more than 500 miles away at the very tip-top of the country. She is in the final stage of a terminal illness and “is writing to say goodbye.”

He hadn’t heard from Queenie in 20 years, but he writes back to her right away and goes out to mail his letter. And he just keeps walking. He gets it into his mind that if he tells her he’s coming to see her, she will wait for him; as long as he walks, she’ll stay alive. This time, he won’t let her down.

Harold is completely unprepared for an adventure. He has on terrible shoes and inadequate clothing. He doesn’t even have a toothbrush or his phone, since he was only intending to mail a letter. Yet he keeps walking.

His feet blister, his leg muscles scream, rain soaks his clothes. Yet he keeps walking.

And as he walks, he begins to really look at the world around him.

“England opened beneath his feet, and the feeling of freedom, of pushing into the unknown, was so exhilarating he had to smile. He was in a world by himself and nothing could get in the way or ask him to mow the lawn.”

As he walks, he is flooded with memories of his old friendship with Queenie, the slow degradation of the relationship with his wife, being rejected by his son and abandoned by his mother. He starts to look at life in a new way. “He was already different from the man who had set foot from Kingsbridge. … He was beginning again.”

He encounters characters — some eccentric, some greedy, some wonderfully warm and helpful. “He understood that in walking to atone for the mistakes he had made, it was also his journey to accept the strangeness of others. As a passerby, he was in a place where everything, not only the land, was open. People would feel free

PAGE 42

DECEMBER 13, 2012

to talk, and he was free to listen. To carry a little of them as he went.”

Meanwhile, at home, Maureen keeps son David’s room clean, waiting for him to come back. It’s what has occupied her mind since she and Harold have gradually drifted so far apart. But she starts to worry about Harold, realizes that she misses him, and remembers how much she once loved him. For Maureen, when they first met, “it was as if the world only put its lights on when Harold was near.”

And for Harold, even with their estrangement, he can’t imagine himself without Maureen. “To live without her would be like scooping out the vital parts of himself, and he would be no more than a fragile envelope of skin.” As he walks, he changes. As she waits for him at home, his wife changes.

The writing is lovely, as when, after the rain stops, Harold watches the clouds transform: “He couldn’t move. He wanted to witness every change. The light on the land was gold; even his skin was warm with it.

At his feet the earth creaked and whispered. The air smelled green and full of beginnings. A soft mist rose, like wisps of smoke.”

This is a story of transformation and redemption, and it’s a comment on our times. But it’s a love story, too.

It’s funny, it’s poignant, it’s emotional Volume 4 • Issue 19

without getting sentimental. The last scene with Queenie is so exquisite that I cried. As the hospice nurse says, “Maybe it’s what the world needs. A little less sense, and a little more faith.”

I absolutely love this book. Do not miss it.

Now, welcome to the village of Pagford, whose residents are mean, petty and spiteful. In The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling, one of the members of the Pagford Parish Council has died, and among the shocked residents of the village are several people who want to turn his death into an opportunity to run for his seat on the council.

I won’t bore you by listing the characters — there are scads of them (and it takes up quite a chunk of the 500-page book just introducing them all). Suffice it to say they are of all ages and classes. Major plot points focus on the teens as well as the grown-ups running for the council seat. Others focus on the romantic entanglements — although I would not call them love stories.

The teenagers are pretty disgusting: among them are bullies, liars and cyber-hackers. The adults are no better. Featured story lines involve politics, class warfare and poverty, but also rape, suicide, self-mutilation, prostitution, drug addiction, death, child abuse, betrayal and sex — lots of sex, which is often rather explicit.

Forget that this is the same author who wrote the Harry Potter books.

Those stories, even though they deal with “evil,” are uplifting and filled with hope, truth and friendship.

There is none of that here. And it’s certainly not for children.

I wouldn’t say it’s dreadful. It’s Rowling, so there are definite story arcs and beautifully intersecting plots, and the characters are all artfully interconnected. But there is no one to love.

I didn’t want to judge the book by the Potter standard. But frankly, if it hadn’t been Rowling’s, I would have stopped reading by about page 50. It offended me. I believe an artist must be responsible for her/his work, and it was she who chose to write children’s books. I’m not saying she shouldn’t write for adults. But the least she could have done is tone down the raunch factor.

If you like high literary quality, close-up studies of the human condition and excellent writing, and you thought the Harry Potter books were just too silly, try this one. It will probably win awards. But if you want a book to make you feel good, take a pass.

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

Copyright © 2012 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 43

U A B A O F N LY

HAPPY NEW YEAR! - WORD SEARCH

HAPPY

NEW

YEAR!

T O

Y M

K

J

U

H

T

I

M

I

F

T

T

L

R

C

I

P

A

R

T

Y

H

A

T

S

U

Y

O M M O W D

S

N O

I

T

I

D

A

R

T

N

S O

E

U

T

N

I

U

N

A

D

S

U

A

Y

A

A

K

T

S

N O

I

T

A

R

B

E

L

E

C

C

E

N

R N

E G O R

I

A

D

T

F

Y

R M O O

Y

K

L Q

E

B

A

S

I

T

I

O

A

S

E

T

T

D

A

Y

N N

E

H O S

I

E

S

T

S Q D

I

H H

I W A

U O G

S

T

S

E

N

A W N

A

I

U

R

E

R

T

L

N

Y

L

S

E M

I

I

E W A

S

E

L

Y G M

R N M

T

E

D

Celebration

Champagne

O

L

I

O O W H

A

F

Countdown

Father Time

Fireworks

O W Y

I

S

U H

T

T

K M G G N M

T

Holiday

January One

Midnight

N

T

C

I

E

V

E

S

R

A

E

Y W E

N

R

New Years Eve

Noisemakers

Party Hats

O R

Y

T

R O

I

O H

E

F

R

R

H

H

A

Resolutions

Times Square

Traditions

T

V

R N

C

R

H G

S

N

F G

L

R

C

E

E

Auld Lang Syne

T

P

A G

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAGE 44

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 45

Saturday, February 9, 2013 Strand Theatre, 423 N. Main St., Jennings, La Doors open @ 11 • Competition begins @ 11:30

2013 REGISTRATION

r m ende's Museu l l E an en

By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire

The Squeezebox Shootout is open to Cajun (single-row diatonic) accordion players of all ages and performance level.

There is no registration fee for the 2013 event.

TO REGISTER: Fill out the automated form at www.jeffdavis.org & email it to polly@cityofjennings.com or fax it to (337) 821-5545 or visit the W.H. Tupper Museum located at 311 N. Main St., Jennings and fill out a form. You must REGISTER in order to compete.

The deadline to enter is Tuesday, February 5, 3:00 p.m.

THERE ARE FOUR DIVISIONS: Youth Division: Age 13 and under • Junior Division: Age 14-20 Adult Division: Age 21 and older • Professional Division: All ages Cash Prizes & Trophies will be awarded.

General Admission $5.00, Under 12 FREE For more information call (337) 821-5532 or email: michelle@cityofjennings.com Proudly sponsored by the Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission, the City of Jennings and the Jennings Festival Association.

Life of Pi (20th Century Fox, 2012) Could you survive being stuck in the Pacific Ocean on a 20-foot lifeboat for a period of months?

This is what Life of Pi is about. I tell you this in case you think it’s a movie about mathematics or a cartoon character. In fact, the movie follows the book by Yann Martel, which came out in 2001. This time, we look through the eyes of director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).

Pi is actually Piscine Patel, an Indian man who relates his story to us.

His narrative begins with his childhood in India and follows him as he enters manhood. It’s an unbelievable story, but an inspiring one. In the words of Pi’s swim teacher, “It is a story that will make you believe in God.”

And that’s the thrust of the whole movie, but don’t expect a quick conversion scene. Because it turns out that young Pi is a Hindu. Also a Muslim.

Also a Catholic. Growing up in Pondicherry, a French province of India, he’s exposed to all three religions and finds God so wonderful that he doesn’t mind following all three.

Things go well with Pi’s childhood, until his family has to leave India and their zoo. Oh, did I mention that the family owns a zoo? Yep, with elephants, hippos, and even a fierce Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

Pi tells us how his family sets out on a freighter, with all the animals aboard. They are bound for America, where the animals will be sold. A storm sinks the ship and Pi finds himself stranded on a lifeboat. The adventures that follow take up most of the movie.

What happens? Without giving it away, I’ll say that Pi survives for over seven months on the ocean, in the

Rentals Also Available!

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

932 Enterprise Blvd.

Lake Charles, LA

(337) 263.4736 Appointment Only

PAGE 46

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

face of hunger, storms, sharks, and other dangers.

In the end, we are left with a story so incredible that hardly anyone can believe it. So Pi, agreeable man that he is, has no problem telling us briefly about an alternate version of his journey. This other version is quite believable, but filled with treachery and murder. Finally, Pi asks which of the stories we like better. Of course, we want to know which one is true.

Life of Pi is a beautiful movie, and chock full of wild animals. I understand that many of the scenes with animals are created with special effects. But you really can’t tell whether you’re seeing animatronics, puppets, computer graphics, or the real thing. At one point, Pi sleeps in a tree and lemmings proceed to crawl all over him. They seem real enough

to me. After a few incidents like this, you forget to question what you are watching. That’s fine with Pi. To him, it is all about the story.

Life of Pi is rated PG, and skirts scenes of mostly animal violence with skilled camera placement. At a critical point early in the movie, Pi’s father makes his son watch as Richard Parker, the tiger, attacks a live goat. He wants to teach Pi to never, ever, mess with a tiger. In the scene, young Pi sees the violence, but we only hear what is going on, while watching his reaction.

Small children will probably be bored with much of the movie, which is fairly slow and steady. But I think grade school kids and up will enjoy it.

Life of Pi is all set to become a classic family movie. Enjoy the show!

TJN

2770 Third Avenue, Suite 125, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Located in the Medical Office Building on the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital campus.

Phone (337) 494-AMRI Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

CATINA COUTURE OPEN HOUSE Catina Couture is the newest cool shop in the Cottage Shops District. They recently opened their doors to bring fun and fashion to Southwest Louisiana. There was a large turnout of Lake Area fashionistas as well as a generous show of support from the other Cottage Shops as they amped up the evening ambiance with a sparkle of Christmas lighting. The store offers clothing, accessories, unique gifts and décor at affordable prices. Congrats to owner Catina Coates!

Catherine Furs, Lilah Soileau, Katie Hebert and Amanda Unkel

Chuck and Jan Ehlers, Betsy Granger and John Watkins

Amy Dever and Jammi Racca

Khristina Hebert and Jennifer Watzlavik

Nancy Melton and Camelia Lemne

Miranda Partin, Susan Cart and Martina Partin

Vee McNabb and owner Catina Coats

IDA AND EM EXHIBIT The City of Lake Charles is host to the “Ida and Em Set the Stage” exhibition at Old City Hall that honors dance teacher and choreographer legend Ida Winter Clarke and costume and ballet set designer Emily Coleman. We were at the opening reception that celebrated the collaboration of these two women to bring ballet to Lake Charles. It was an amazing exhibition of costumes, clippings and memorabilia from days gone by. Guests were also treated to a lovely performance by students of Colleen Cannon Benoit’s Lake Charles Dance Academy. Bravo!

Colleen and Cecilia Benoit Volume 4 • Issue 19

Kate Wyman and Amy Honeycutt Sonnier DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 49

Oliver, Ben, Kai and Natalie Reinauer

Phil de Albuquerque and Seth Trahan

David Ouellette, Meagan Green and Denise Fasske

CHRISTMAS UNDER THE OAKS Santa and all of his helpers rang in Sulphur’s Christmas Under The Oaks festivities with a fabulous fun “Holiday House Preview Party” under the twinkling lights. Happy shoppers gathered for cocktails, live music and scrumptious food—which made shopping for that perfect gift so enjoyable! There were over 50 arts, crafts and specialty food item vendors at great prices--and what unique selections! All proceeds from Holiday House benefited the Brimstone Museum. Happy Holidays!

Karen Finchum, Penny Darbonne, Gloria Morgan and Karl Matte

PAGE 50

Karen and Les Farnum with Neida Kaye Loup

Tina Davis and Janie Fruge

Melanie McMullen and Patricia Prebula

Jan Scharrier, Mike Stine and Laura Pharr

Mindy Darby and Desiree Politz

Marietta House, Teresa Terrot, Nancy Bimle and Melissa House

Jody Carroll and Kim Dowers

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

INTERNATIONAL CLUB CHRISTMAS GALA It was a muy caliente night at the Lake Charles Civic Center—the site of the International Club of Southwest Louisiana’s Christmas Gala! Guests enjoyed a delicious Latin dinner buffet, spirited Latin moves by Jay and Maria Cotto, and a night of laughs from the hilarious comedian Shayla Rivera. All that was followed by the sizzling sounds of Angelucho’s Copacabana’s traditional Cuban music, where everyone got to showcase their dance moves. Hot! TJN Shakera McKenzie and Adrienne Young

Beth Zilbert, Henry Sirgo and Maria Robinson

Seated l-r: Whilhelmena Curley, RN Assessment Nurse; Lakoshia Alfred, LPN Charge Nurse; Suprena Buck, RN Director of Nursing; Kennetha Simien, RN Asst Director of Nursing; Kathleen Washington, RN Medicare Case Manager.

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Mary Cardenas and Carlos Chacin

Ernie and Phyllis Broussard

Poojan Pandya, April Altazan and Carolina Caballero

Standing l-r: Renea Tindel, Admissions Coordinator; Randy Stelly, Administrator; Misti LaPointe, Administrative Asst.; Kallie Hess, RN Treatment Nurse; Jewanda Nolden, LPN Assessment Nurse; Greta Tezeno, Medical Records; James Horn, Maintenance Director; Jean Lafleur, Social Services Director; Leisha Edward, Housekeeping Supervisor; Irene Young, Activity Director; Bonnie Darbonne, Accounts Manager.

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 51

PAGE 52

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

ITINERANT THEATRE’S READING SERIES DEC. 13 Itinerant Theatre kicks off its staged reading series “The Play’s the Thing” with the play Candida by George Bernard Shaw on Thurs., Dec 13 at 7 p.m.

Directed by Joy Pace and co-hosted by Attic Theatre of Children’s Theatre Company, it will be held in room 313 at Central School at 809 Kirby St., downtown Lake Charles.

Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door, by going to www.itineranttheatre.com or calling (337) 436-6275.

MASTERWORKS CHORALE’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT DEC. 13 AND 16 The Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale will present its annual Christmas Concert on Thurs., Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral located at 935 Bilbo Street in Lake Charles. The concert will be presented again on Sun, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Sulphur at 2700 Maplewood Drive. Tickets are available either by season pass or at the door. Ticket prices at the door are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Purchase tickets in advance by calling (337) 491-9348.

BARBERSHOP CHORUS AT WATER’S EDGE DEC. 14 The Harmony Exporters Barbershop Chorus will present its 2012 Christmas Show on Fri., Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Water’s Edge Church at 2760 Power Centre Parkway. It is a fun, family-oriented event with all of your Christmas favorites sung by the chorus and several quartets.

Dessert and coffee will be served, along with games, sing-a-longs, and door prizes. Cost is $12 for adults and $8 for students and children, including dessert. For tickets, call Jim Klepzig at (337) 274-4749.

LIVE NATIVITY AT NORTH ORANGE BAPTIST CHURCH DEC. 14-15 The entire family is invited to come out on Fri., Dec. 14 and Sat., Dec. 15 from 6-p.m. to North Orange Baptist Church to walk through a live nativity experience. Hear firsthand from the townspeople about the newborn King as you walk through the town that ends at a manger scene.

The reenactment is complete with animals, music, and structured facades. Finish up the evening

Volume 4 • Issue 19

with a cup of hot cocoa, cookies, and some Christmas carols. North Orange Baptist Church is located just one mile north of I-10 on 16th Street (Highway 87) and is free to the community. Make “Village of the Nativity” a meaningful part of your Christmas experience with your family this year.

More information is available at www.nobcfamily.com or (409) 883-5678.

SHOJI TABUCHI DEC. 15 The Lutcher Theater in Orange, Texas is the place to be for “A Christmas With Shoji Tabuchi,” on Sat. Dec. 15 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.

Branson’s Shoji returns to the Lutcher Theater holding the record for the most sold-out Lutcher performances!

Patrons can expect an evening that radiates with Shoji favorites, including Broadway, movies, classical, country, pop, rock and western music Tickets range from $20-$45 and are on sale now at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Theater Box Office at (409) 886-5535.

Shoji Tabuchi

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AT STARK MUSEUM DEC. 15 AND 18 The Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Texas, will host a Holiday Exhibit Celebration on Sat., Dec. 15, and Tues., Dec. 18, from 5- 8 p.m. each night. The event highlights the special exhibit “On the Wing: Birds in Books of Hours,” which features illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages. Local music groups will entertain guests and light refreshments will be served in the lobby. Admission to the event is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item. On Sat., Dec. 15, the Lone Star Pipe Band will perform traditional Celtic music on the highland bagpipes and drums. On Tues., Dec. 18, band students from Little CypressMauriceville High School will play holiday music. For more information call (409) 886-ARTS (2787) or visit www.starkmuseum.org.

GANGSTERS OF VIRTUE DEC. 16 The gospel stage play “Gangsters of Virtue” inspired by the book Gangsters of Virtue the Wise Sorrowful Hearts will be performed on Dec. 16, at Martin Luther King recreation center at 2009 Simmons Street

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 53

in Lake Charles. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door and are $20 per person and $5 for children 10 and younger. Event is hosted by Pastor Braylon Harris of Mount Olive Baptist Church and is a Lance Gardner production.

JAZZ IN THE ARTS DEC. 16 Jazz in the Arts will be held Sun., Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. at the Central School Ben Mount Theatre in downtown Lake Charles.

Enjoy saxophonist Mike Kittling and vocalist Verlin Chretien along with Dasia May and Reginald Larkins of Dancing Classrooms DC Dance Company. Silent Auction begins at 4 p.m.

All proceeds goes toward the Chester Daigle II Scholarship Fund and Jazz In The Arts foundation. Presale tickets are $10 and $12 at the door. For more information, call (337) 439-2787.

CELTIC MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY DEC. 19 The Calcasieu Parish Public Library will host two performances of Four Shillings Short on Wed., Dec. 19. At 10 a.m., the duo will perform at the Iowa Library, 107 E. 1st Street, 721-7101.

At 6 p.m., they can be seen at the Sulphur Regional Library, 1160 Cypress Street, 721-7141.

Four Shillings Short concert is an extraordinary experience. With an ever-increasing array of instruments, their music introduces audiences to traditional songs and instrumentals from Europe, Asia and the Americas. To learn more, visit www.fourshillingsshort.com.

LARRY THE CABLE GUY AT COUSHATTA DEC. 28 Acclaimed actor/comedian Larry the Cable Guy returns to The Pavilion at Coushatta on Fri., Dec. 28. With his signature catchphrase, “Git-R-Done,” Larry the Cable Guy is selling out theatres and arenas across the United States. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at Larry the Ticketmaster, and at Coushatta Box Office Cable Guy where Advantage Club members receive a $10 discount. Coushatta Casino Resort is located in Kinder on Highway 165 (I-10 exit 44). Call (800) 584-7263 for more information or visit coushattacasinoresort.com.

FUR AND WILDLIFE FESTIVAL PAGEANTS JAN. 4-5 On Fri., Jan. 4, the Little Mister, Little Miss, and the Miss Cameron Parish pageants and a talent show will be held at the Cameron Parish School Board Educational Conference Center, 512 Marshall Street, in Cameron. The pageants will continue on Sat., Dec. 5 with competitions for Baby, Tiny, Toddler and Petite Miss Cameron Parish, as well as the Deb, Teen and Junior Miss Cameron, and the Queen Fur Pageants. At 8 p.m. that

Schedule of Events JANUARY 11-12 – CAMERON, LA All events will take place on the fairgrounds located across the street from the Cameron Parish School Board, formerly Pat's Restuarant parking lot in Downtown Cameron unless otherwise stated. Ice chests will not be allowed on the fairgrounds. $5 per person, children 12 years old and under free PAGE 54

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Saturday, January 5, 2013 8:00pm-Midnight Queen’s Ball at the Cameron Multipurpose Building (behind Courthouse) Entertainment by Brad Sapier Friday, January 11, 2013 Noon: Gates open Trap Shooting Begins Carnival will open 6:30pm: Nik-L-Beer take the stage Saturday, January 12, 2013 7am: Gumbo Cook-Off Begins (only participants will be allowed on fairgrounds)

9:00am: Gates open Fairgrounds Open Carnival Open Trap Shooting Begins 10:00am: Muskrat and Nutria Skinning (Stage) Trap Setting (Stage) Oyster Shucking (Stage) Dog Trials on Henry Property 1:00pm: Parade Begins (will line up at Cameron Construction Yard east of Cameron) 3:00pm: Duck and Goose Calling Competition Winners of Gumbo Cook-Off Announced 3:00pm: Steel Shot takes the stage 7:00pm: Don Rich takes the stage

www.lafurandwildlifefestival.com Volume 4 • Issue 19

night, Brad Sapia and “Creole Soul” will take the stage at the Queens’s Ball, located in the Cameron Parish Multi-Purpose Facility, behind the Cameron Parish Courthouse. The public event will showcase festival and visiting royalty. Beverages and gumbo will be sold.

TWELFTH NIGHT JANUARY 6 Enjoy an enchanting evening at the Lake Charles Civic Center with the 2012 royal courts of more than 50 krewes making their last glittering promenade, ushering in the 2013 Mardi Gras season. There will be door prizes and music! Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children five and under are admitted for free. For more information, go to www.swlamardigras.com

FORET FLOORING

Full Service Flooring ~ Quality Installation

Hubert Foret

Cathy Morton

Come By and See Us For All Your Flooring Needs!

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

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

FUR AND WILDLIFE FESTIVAL JAN. 11-12 The gates to the Fairgrounds, located at 513 Marshall Street in Downtown Cameron, will open at noon on Fri., Jan. 11, with trapshooting, carnival rides and Nik-L-Beer on the big stage, beginning at 6:30 p.m.. The Gumbo Cook-Off kicks off at 7 a.m. Sat., prior to the gates opening at 9 a.m. The day’s activities include trap-shooting, muskrat and nutria skinning, trap-setting, oyster shucking and duck and goose-calling. Bands include Steel Shot at 3 p.m. and Don Rich at 7 p.m. The parade is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the staging area located just east of Cameron. For more information, visit www.lafurandwildlifefestival.com. TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 55

Sponsored by

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

The

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 • Various Artists @ International Family Day in the Park, Lock Park, 1 p.m.

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

• TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Black Tie Affair @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 • Mike Dolan @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

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

• Marty Monte Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 • Tom Brandow @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

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

• Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• LA Roxx @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Percy Sledge @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

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

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

PAGE 56

DECEMBER 13, 2012

• Gregg Martinez & Zydeco Flames @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 • Hundred Dollar Habit @ Stellar Beans, 11 a.m.

• Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• David Locklear @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• LA Roxx @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

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

• Ryan Harris & Killin Time Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Gregg Martinez & Zydeco Flames @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 • Willie Tee & Cypress/Lynn August @ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 • Pete Bergeron @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• X-It 43 @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 • Alex Rosell @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

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

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

• The Revivalists @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Johnny Guinn & Rue Louisiane @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Andy Frasco @ My Place Bar, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 • Deuce Jacko @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

• Jamie Berzas @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Lochness Mobsters/Bujie & The Highrise @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Chee-Weez @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

• Keith McCoy & CEO @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

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

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

Volume 4 • Issue 19

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Vagabond Swing @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

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

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

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

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 • TBA @ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dancer @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

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

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

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

• Herbie Stutes & Grand Shin @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 • Second Nature @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

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

• Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

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

• Bonjourneys @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

• Larry the Cable Guy @ The Pavilion, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 p.m.

• Dog Hill Stompers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Leon Chavis & The Zydeco Flames @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 • Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• Leroy Thomas & Zydeco Roadrunners @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

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

• Leon Chavis & The Zydeco Flames @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

• TBA @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Lil Wayne & Same Ol’ 2 Step @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 • Fortunate Youth @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Steel Shot @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

• DJ Adriana @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 9 p.m.

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

• War @ Delta Event Center, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Primetime Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. TJN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 • TK Hulin/Steve Adams & Smoke @ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 • Cory Landry @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

Volume 4 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 57

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. ge at a t s n lic ion o erversat ub, the Pub bar and p , n e a P t about hile Joe’s e’s intima achel ive, R er is C r g t h . t a n e i e o s Th nce spac by ask rogres ngs in hose m rma kicked off eral and p rsation ilia, w anukah so iano’s fano f c e C Ch and elic Tony tions of lib to a conve sus conser ” i r Robin easily fromsh to Jose F z Navidad, all n i e n fi d lv her de soon turne and libera h, seguiendo and Spans ifavorite “Feldi connectedhat a k e h glad v c u i i s n h s w a were n ad gre ma h s, an nations t L t y o s w e r C i o r p h t , n h t a t k C a n abou politics.

Yule , New ed tha tion under he tastic ERYONE brief expl informatio ed g y d r e r l e v e s V h w a i vat zaa nvers yM that E aterial wit t touch of n that avoid ous itting ackno Both ng their co achel adm change her ul Happ as, Kwan istmas c eir m st the righ y traditio a r h i i t to y, R hav am r u m to be a presidenc she’d have didate had Christ astern Chr ned from ourt day addedrejspect for esvs eand treaceless–and endledss g n a n m i c a n nk tical Ob E retur on the las oth- and preachine son of exc e Robin an opy en thi Republica ecific poli ilitary, e I b d Year, d n sp m ha he s ea oth Qa ons armer cl f th ick up a c ou d r y if t ed on in the OSSL vigati n this d b end o count hey touch ce – gays t for injure of The P r circumna shed into w enstein an a thing i on. At the st had to p n, which y n T d n a . e i e i o t u n e l r t u j s b r G eci won of impor al treatm ture wou can repeti show, we of the Sea tein.com. or Novemmonth, and pal Robin partner C n a s s f i l g n s i signa e d n ssues g o c medic l but it e e o s m e n o r i r h a S t g C e of ogr in i adequate rnees (“the in injury, bility bin CD r r my gram sing Port Jeff o p a r r O i . e t e B r w s h h s n a o H i w r h isa tu of t ing to sonal pro th Annual ickens dre ior re traumatic b swer on d nge of d on w sweetest s roduced by fantastic r n r i a f a D 7 e w n s e n 1 ca as p f th the her y arles xcha that an a ar is s ernd at One o y season w sucker for Bill Cosb k) Ch this w year to get seeming e eral to con onous r e d a Kirtla (New Yor tival. e c n b d a m a i h i l l t s e ta nu e s the ho was alway io segmen e Darndest lud- tak efits”), and ctics from ft, and from you’d Villag act-up Fe , along with ld join the ad I “ a e u d ben ns and t ressive le d right ( 2001. nkletter rad ids Say Th ur that inc up an three days visitors co a gingerbr and i o g o i K h L , f t t n l g positi by the pro l by the rig r progress w i r n a n o For fferings, e i e h A h t t i s s a m r i e p n l o h i a w f e t s t C er e iv sio al o artic nta” televi s, so I loved ng reciting t From Sain ight vat ative to lib ls would b and cautiou of music ie Walk,” p a “Dear Sa ce of The As e a i v t o g i r s N r r i w s n n e t e i k e o s a ” s o r .

V b l l h o i T he l ives for s s the opp Arm poem “A sion, “Th ongs “Co contest, o a perform ystal Bal g t s i k u n i o r n ed L Moore’s miliar ver ed with s kids th conservat r pacing i nhouse op, watch end the “C town trolli respo ei rs fa e h ke ’ h t e t r h h t s s i s t t t e a t p e h l a i k s w t r h g r r t r i C u u s n e o . s i o t h w w , e f ig ed t”) s, b as,” in rs and hroug tervie holas” , acker n “Th move ou’d expec out media hel explain lNutcr ve slowly t med revele strolled by rate Nic re Christm by and in ing cello o y b c f a t a e a R d . sh o l o wh ey talke Befo nd played boy play fricant facts g process art we dr king, costu to the Bal air in accu e te n i h r e s l T o a l A e v a r g r n a w y f p in ki tew sun y, the sm for pa n their wa st the frigid ing. Since ere ties to s fact-chec that Jon S ugh his the tw about their cheese, i l i d e b v n i o h h a n s y t i s ” u ho g (o seers d up aga racter clo rleans, w l Song ters talkin caroni and rigoro Tony told u erfect (alt not d e y e O h a l e t r s h d w p s a e c D e si td re and bun thentic rican ds: “I like m. rom N ast 30 deg derthe ws, an re to be fac rtainment ecause the f e u o l a n m m i o d A r n e f n an te su e s) b y foo ttes hes”) s as at l st flow ately u made s clearly en en as new ts would b holida e likes knis ated vigne and other a; had ju perature winappropri i i k d a t g a w s n m z h e o n i a m be pu ele sh but s ere are ani dma Mos and Kwan as the te r, we were casion. ed to d the anti- said that be m their rian d n n i n e h h , t a h c e e r T c n in G uka ongs su warm d for the o ming venu iday Victo pit freedo y then nces a Chan s ngs by l l r audie r him. Ton d a certain ard facts, painti Christmas, iar holiday s Sisters t, dresse their perfo d green ho k to the pu e t l w n all ov ight implie sibility tow o imagine At about rts of fami the Andre , Eartha Ki eliz hite a Cecilia too red Island t r t w on w , a y d h F d p a t “ n l e i ( o p irresp or’s license be proved d n gant r Robin and d and resto iliar but n me and Crosby w Judy Garla os Lobos ah”), a h , l o from e the aut ecessarily g.

Bing e Bells”), Sinatra, L , Chanuk finery beautiful o to sing fam ere We C s n l h e k g h O H n n “ T “ i h becau that can’t n f playwriti ony’s e a ( J ( c , r h “ ) r ( d” y, F e Midler of t ian Chu lish n a T o g s a e l g f t n D l r r o A e n E s e i a i t e t d t M n th igh ha ok the Dor d”), Bet ter Won p f W s “ o Chris ut songs i awaiian (“ h, Yoruba, ( y t oln (h ee e r g c a h a n t n n d p i i o , i s o r s e L i v t H i W s s s (“ or Na ur worn sailing”), ish, Swed d Ladino sh ho Gray is Arm Of co creenplay f tion list, go 00 i n s n LQ, w n Macy s, and Lou ”). a 5 s S n t S s i A-Wa aka”), Da Hebrew a diaeval Jew a n O w e P r om lia , im Drifte erful World y it for the utes, but th ic!” bril he Oscar n he claimed up to Kalik n, Spanish s”), the me ince 1492 by t y t a n l t e d l i a n n b p a n s a h n m o a o o t W few ed to Germ Kandelik preserved from Spai h ow) ’m di lmed . o I start ching for a tten that I ll, yes, it is g why, n long, but fi the whole e e t (“Och h language re expelled ada, the hi o f b a g o W s r w I d e . o r l f g e y d u m a t s e p wh uar more wo ’t see stoo , “You’ve f the roo ’s q t a Spani the Jews w d Torquem a h t t y d t o abou l asked if re. “I don holida he sai pped out sweet, bu O Family. , when Isabella an isition. t e e ly t erican number B s b m a m n H o d Rache in the futu laining tha u r e A h q n a e a Qu of the In nbe or it from eekend can Gospel i d ly u p r e e f x t t e s A e m , l l o fi st w r Tony aid mp alm t. Look f r s o i f c y priest anzaa – the ith both a ”) and the r n s i u o a i e o n it,” T Day-Lew Kw loved round out I went to h have a co ntain eard ted w l w elebra n The Mou I’d never h long to. o d o c T n d Danie s a d a Ma LQ at – w ell It O ga l S h t n e S i h s ” , O c e o P a t T the and R (“Go n “Odun Dound easy hner a f s b t u u u r K b o , Y before PAGE 58

DECEMBER 13, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 19

inhabited the Lincoln he’d written, and not seeing how he could reprise his performance, let alone be replaced by any other actor.

He brought the conversation around to a comparison between Lincoln and the 1850s, and the politics of present day: “It’s not just that the parties have switched places since the 1850s [editor’s note – Lincoln was a Republican].

What you give up is stability of the system. Each party has to agree to hold all the little parties within it. [Today] if you get rid of

the theocrats, the plutocrats, the racists,” Tony enumerated. “What’s left on the right?”

Surely a question to ponder in the New Year, after a nice, long hibernation. We’ll be seeing you in 2013, after Eastern Orthodox Christmas. Happy Yule, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year, and whatever other events you and yours may celebrate between now and then. Keep music, laughter and love in your minds and hearts, and to all of you, dear readers, a very merry good night! TJN

www.lwv-lc.org • email: info@lwv-lc.org • (337) 474-1864

Killin’ Time Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1.

5.

8.

12.

13.

14.

15.

17.

18.

20.

21.

22.

25.

26.

29.

33.

34.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

16.

19.

22.

23.

24.

25.

27.

28.

30.

31.

32.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

35.

36.

38.

40.

44.

45.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

1975 Wimbledon winner Airline to Amsterdam Cash dispensers Midday ___ de Cologne Pack tightly Soldiers' water flasks Vermin Point of view Good times Board game "My ___ are sealed" James Herriot, e.g Remove branches Higher degree students Fellow Fleming who created 007 Indian garment Printed greeting Perform slalom Asian republic Couple Festival Formerly Unreturnable serve iPod model Not so much "Brokeback Mountain" director Extremities

Volume 4 • Issue 19

Mandela's org.

TV melodrama Sharpen Assign responsibility Retains Narrow street Brawny Pungent Star of "Hairspray" Spouse Cell phone text Telepathy Ballerina's dress Propane or butane Debtor's note Clairvoyants Delivery vehicle Over (in poetry) Pressure meas.

Lass Extreme Foolish Buenos ___ Romp Folks Window glass Rate Morgan Freeman film, "___ Almighty" 43. Hourglass contents 44. Khmer Rouge tyrant, ___ Pot 46. Spanish article

© Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd DECEMBER 13, 2012

PAGE 59