VOL. 5, NO. 4 / MAY 16, 2013
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Volume 5 • Issue 4
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
GENERAL MANAGER Monica Hebert CONTRIBUTORS Rhonda Babin Christine Bergeron George Cline Dan Ellender Julie Fay Braylin Jenkins Mike Louviere Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos
contents COVER STORY 17 Lake Charles Memorial Breast Health Center
On Cover: left to right: Oncologist Dr. Michael Bergeron, surgeon Dr. Thomas Strong, radiation oncologist Dr. James Maze and radiologist Dr. Richard Martinez with breast cancer survivor Michelle Lee.
May 16, 2013 • Volume 5 • Issue 4
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REGULARS 8 The Dang Yankee 9 Tips from Tip 11 Adoption Corner 20 Sports Report
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FEATURES 5 The Sulphur Twirl Club 6 The DeRidder USO 12 Summer Fun 14 Women and Eating Disorders 16 Proud to be Tobacco Free 16 Eyeliner Safety
ADVERTISING sales@thejambalayanews.com
SALES ASSOCIATES Michele Clack Faye Drake Allen Garber GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Burn Rourk ART ASSISTANT Sarah Bercier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Danley Romero BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews 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 2013 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.
ENTERTAINMENT 10 Fish Tales 22 Red Hot Books 24 Lake City Beat 25 Acting Up! 26 Family Night at the Movies 27 Society Spice 30 Jambalaya Jam 32 Local Jam 34 Crossword 35 Funbolaya
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A Note From Lauren
The Fanny Pack is Back Like most men, fashion is not my husband’s strong suit. Not that he dressed badly when we met. But he was quick to tell me that he really had no sense of style, and his sisters would occasionally go shopping with him to “help” him out. I remember one day I complimented him on a shirt he was wearing, and he said proudly, “I picked it out myself!” So I knew what I was dealing with. He’s gotten much better since we’ve been together. He’s one of the rare men who actually enjoys shopping, even for clothes. But I still have to watch him. Once in awhile, I’ll have to march him back into the house and make him change. He always laughs, because he knows he got caught trying to get away with some fashion blunder. But there’s one fashion blunder
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that makes Phil proud: He’s decided to bring the fanny pack back. Yes, the fanny pack. Let’s face it, there’s nothing attractive about it. But Phil insists he’s tired of putting his keys and glasses and wallet and cell phone in his pockets, so he now has this ugly pouch around his waist most of the day. It’s bad enough that he wears one. But he makes things even worse by calling attention to it. He’ll actually brag about it, sometimes to relative strangers. “Isn’t this great?” he’ll say. “I don’t have to use my pockets
anymore!” People either smile sadly and change the subject, or say something derogatory about it. But he remains undeterred. It’s here to stay. Thankfully, he understands that the fanny pack is totally unacceptable on a night out. It must remain in the car. That’s where I come in. “Can you take these?” he asks as he holds up a ring of keys that weighs maybe 10 pounds. If it’s a formal event and I’m just carrying an evening purse, he’s out of luck. I keep telling him to leave all those keys at home and just take the car and house keys, but that never happens. I
think half of those keys belong to houses that we no longer own. I test him once in awhile. I’ll point to a key. “What’s this key for?” I ask him. “I don’t know,” he answers. End of test. The fanny pack is also good for carrying mints, business cards, candy bars and pens. Perhaps he could fit a kitten or two in there. Don’t think he won’t try someday. He’s always telling me that women are lucky because we have purses, and what are men supposed to do? Well, I look around me, and I don’t see any other men with this particular problem. No one else wearing fanny packs; no one else with excess stuff that is threatening to burst the seams of his pockets. It’s just him. I think if he could get away with carrying a purse, he would. That’s probably not far behind. Thank God we don’t live in France.
–Lauren de Albuquerque TJN
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by Rhonda Babin
Now that school’s out, teenage girls are planning their summer activities. When most girls between the ages of 13 to 19 get together, there is music, laughter, and a shared activity that serves as a bonding experience. When a particular group of young ladies gather in Southwest Louisiana during the summer, you can add strenuous 10-12 hour practice sessions, perfecting athletic routines, and over 20 batons to the music and laughter. The group is the Sulphur Twirl Club, and the young ladies are preparing for the 2013 International Cup Championships in the Netherlands. The Sulphur Twirl Club is comprised of 11 athletes who competed at the US National Baton Twirling Championship in Dayton, Ohio last summer. At this event, the team was selected to represent the United States at the International Championships in Almere, Netherlands in August of this year. Teams from over 20 countries will be participating in this international competition. “We are nervous because this is such a big competition,” said twirler Blair James, who travels from Clay Center, Kansas for the team practices. Why is she willing to travel such a long distance? “I want to twirl with the best,” she replied. Other long-distance members are Denver resident Ashley Dolan, Emily Perkins from Houston and Sara Stanley from Shreveport. Brianna Boullion, Mikaela Devall, Kristin Embry, Amy Guillory, Keragan Ogden, Madison Strider and Ashley Thorne are all from Sulphur., The girls and their families commit to attending practices and raising funds to defray the expense of the Netherlands trip. Practices and fundraising started immediately after the team was selected for the competition. Monthly practices were held the first quarter of the year. This summer, these dedicated girls will be with each other 24/7 perfecting the artistic and technical aspects of group and individual routines. Coach Karen Ogden founded the Twirl Club as a part of the Karen Ogden Studio. “Our goal is to bring home the gold,” she said. “These girls have worked hard to earn this opportunity and want to make Louisiana proud when they compete this summer.” Getting the girls to the Netherlands will take $30,000. So far, raffles, food booths at local festivals, golf tournaments, donations, teen dances, and bake Volume 5 • Issue 4
sales have raised close to $20,000. “We are grateful and thank the local community for their support,” said twirler Ashley Dolan. Her teammate, Kristin Embry agrees. “It is great to see the community get behind us and encourage us,” she said. “We performed at a Swashbucklers game recently and the crowd got a taste of our sport.” Competition-level baton twirling, a combination of athleticism and artistic expression, is mesmerizing to see.
Routines include difficult tricks such as the “high toss double walkover.” The precision of these routines make them look easy and effortless, but the reality is much different. High mental and physical abilities are needed, and as with any sport, injuries can be a problem. Bruises, sprains, and pulled muscles are all part of putting your body through such high-demand performances, and six twirlers have endured broken noses. Competition judges look for a vari-
ety of things including speed, technical difficulty, artistic expression, and the number of drops that occur in a performance. The club is striving for perfection. The twirlers train like Olympic athletes. Since baton tosses can go as high at 50 feet, practicing indoors requires a large facility or gymnasium with a tall roof. The last few months of practice has found the Sulphur Twirl Club outside where the sun and heat of Southwest Louisiana, along with the concrete surfaces, can wreak havoc with the practice. “The use of an indoor facility that could accommodate the height of the tosses would be a plus for our girls while training this summer,” Ogden said. Regardless of where practice is held, team spirit is high. “Responsibility, commitment, and sisterhood is what this team is about,” said Embry. “I am very proud to be a part of such a wonderful family of twirlers.” To help the Sulphur Twirl Club with donations and practice space or to inquire about a performance, call the Karen Ogden Studio at (337) 625-4921. TJN
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by Mike Louviere After Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, the civil and military leaders in the United States had to prepare for the war they knew would come. The U.S. had never been faced with what was sure to become a global conflict. The military had been downsized significantly after World War I. The
Leesville was selected as the central point, commanded by General Joseph Stilwell. His attack was based on the tactics used by Hitler in his conquest of Europe. The maneuvers would show that the conventional forces would be inadequate to defend themselves against the tank forces of General George S. Patton. The war games brought in thousands of soldiers to the area. The DeRidder Air Base opened in 1941, bringing in even more men. Good leaders know that troops need to relax in their time off the field. The United Service Organization, or USO, had been formed through German and Russian military uniforms cooperation of and the yellow silk German aviator's map civic and religious believed to be the only one in existence organizations and trench warfare of the first war the military. USO clubs had been would not be the way this next built on several military war would be fought. The bases, but with the advent of German forces were moving and the war and millions of men moving fast. Something had to be and women entering the done. military, it was decided to Accordingly, war planners and build USO clubs off base in military leaders worked up the selected towns. Believe it or largest war game that had ever not, DeRidder was chosen as been conducted in the country. the site of the first off-base By 1941, military equipment and USO club in the nation. thousands of men had moved A temporary USO was into Louisiana for what would set up at the DeRidder City become known as the “Louisiana Hall and the community did Maneuvers.” Camp Polk near what it could to make the PAGE 6
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soldiers feel welcome while the barred from future attendance. permanent building was conThe second off-base USO was structed. opened in Galveston. By the end Building the permanent USO of the war, over 500 had been building was a whirlwind affair. built across the country, heavily One hundred men were on the used and much appreciated by job, often working overtime. By November 28, 1941 the building was completed at a cost of $58,000 and was dedicated on December 1. The building had a lounging area, kitchen, shower facilities, a patio, and a dual-purpose room that served as The Russian heavy machine gun that is the envy both a ballroom of the World War II Museum in New Orleans and auditorium for stage shows. Local ladies worked service men and women throughas volunteers to help the soldiers out the war. Records kept at in various ways. Some men just DeRidder show that 89,000 solneeded someone to talk to, and diers had visited the USO, 27,000 others needed help writing letters saw movies, and 15,000 took home. Local girls attended the advantage of the shower facilities. dances under strict conditions. With the war’s end in 1945, They had to arrive alone and they the DeRidder Air Base was shut had to leave alone. The dances down and personnel at Camp were closely supervised, and those Polk was reduced, so the need for who did not obey the rules were the USO was diminished and the
The War Room Museum with original (1941) furniture. Volume 5 • Issue 4
building was closed. But the American Legion organized an effort to purchase the building, raising $11,000. In May 1946, it was renamed the War Memorial Civic Center in honor of the 47 men from Beauregard Parish who gave their lives in World War II. On February 25, 1992, the building was recognized as a historic landmark and was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. Ownership of the building eventually passed to Beauregard Parish. The Police Jury has kept the building in use and in good repair. Efforts are now being made to restore it as near as possible to its original condition. In addition to serving as the Beauregard Parish Civic Center, it also houses a unique museum of World War II artifacts. The former lounge area has been renamed the War Room Museum and contains many valuable and unusual items from a private collection that was donated to the museum. A silk map that was given to German aviators is believed to be the only one still in existence. There is also a Russian heavy machine gun that is the envy of the World War II Museum in New Orleans. Possibly the most unusual thing about the building is the original furniture: the leather upholstered chairs and couches were placed in the building when it opened in 1941. It is a testimony to those using the building during the war years and those who have cared for the building since then that the furniture is in such pristine condition. In the kitchen, the original stove is still in use, along with the original cutlery, dishes and glasses. The ballroom is often used for receptions, reunions and dances. The original maple floor is beautiful and in great condition. The building is a glimpse into wartime history and is worth the drive to DeRidder to visit. It is located at the intersection of Highway 27 and 7th Street. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. TJN Volume 5 • Issue 4
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Dang Yankee The
By Mike McHugh
The Shantyman If you attended this year’s Contraband Days Festival here in Lake Charles, then you were in for a special treat. A man in pirate costume was seen strolling up and down the midway with a guitar, playing seafaring songs to the crowd. No, that wasn’t the treat; that was me. The treat was the kangaroos in the Australian wildlife exhibit. Even on my best day, I couldn’t upstage a real, live kangaroo. I’m a member of the Buccaneers—the official pirates of
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Contraband Days. As Buccaneers, our job is to go out in costume and interact with the crowd. After all, what’s a pirate festival if there aren’t a few pirates out there bandying about? We’re not real pirates, of course. We could never hack the conditions that real pirates were subject to: living at sea for days on end in wet, cramped, and foulsmelling quarters, often with limited rations; conditions seen in modern times only on a Carnival cruise ship. Real pirate or no, I was determined to try something a little dif-
ferent this year in my role as a Buccaneer. Pirates are known to have loved music and singing. I’m not saying that they were good at it. In fact, singing was one of their primary methods for torturing captives. Many a prisoner considered it a mercy to walk a plank into sharkinfested waters rather than hear a group of burly sea dogs belch out another verse of “Yo, Ho, Ho, and a Bottle of Rum.” That’s why I figured the role of a singing pirate would be a good fit for me. Even though we’re not real pirates, we try to be authentic. For instance, didn’t all pirate ships have a deejay on board, blasting hip-hop music from a 5.1-channel Dolby surround system, as we have on our parade floats? Well, maybe not, but I’m sure they would have put the technology to good use had it been available during the 1700s. “Please, take the gold and jewels, and the Marquis’ daughter as well!” I could hear the captain of a Spanish galleon cry. “Just cool it with the Lil’ Wayne, please!” So, armed with my guitar and a handful of shanties, I took to the street at Contraband Days, not knowing what sort of reception might greet me. I walked up to the first group of people that I could find and went into my rendition of “Blow the Man Down.” After I finished, one gentleman remarked, “Hey, hearing that makes me wonder what you’re doing singing here out on the street.” “Oh, really,” I beamed. “Well, thank you very much, but where else would I play?” “Isn’t there a crow’s nest way up high somewhere that’s maybe out of earshot?” At least someone thought that I should be moving up in the world. One tactic that I found quite
effective was to stop in one of the food tents and play a few numbers for the people as they ate. There, I had a captive audience, and who doesn’t appreciate a little dinner music? I knew it wasn’t much, but hey, you can’t realistically expect a string quartet while you’re eating pork on a stick. I counted my performances there as a success. I didn’t get jabbed with any pork skewers, and I’m sure those ketchup stains from the occasional airborne French fry will come out in the wash. I most enjoyed playing for the children. They were mostly scared when I would first approach. After all, a pirate with a guitar does not have the same amount of star power among toddlers as, say, Santa Claus. They probably saw me as more of a cross between Freddy Krueger and Keith Richards. Still, after bribing them with enough doubloons and beads and other trinkets, and sometimes having to buy dad a cold one, I was able to get their attention long enough for quick run through of the “SpongeBob Squarepants” theme. Not exactly authentic, I know. I, for one, could not imaging a group of burly seamen hauling up anchor while belting out, “Who lives in a pineapple under the sea…” It’s the mark of a true artist to know when to take license. All in all, my performance went rather smoothly. The only exception was when I got too close to the Australian Kingdom exhibit. “Please, sir,” the exhibitor asked as I began playing “Whiskey in the Jar. “You’re disturbing the animals.” “What’s the matter?” I asked. “Don’t the kangaroos and wannabe’s enjoy music?” “Not your kind, sir, no,” she replied. “And they are not wannabe’s; they’re wallabies. You, sir, are the wanna-be.” TJN
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SCHOOL’S OUT School is getting out for the summer and that means children will be out playing and not watching out for cars. You would have a hard time living with yourself if your vehicle hit a child. Be on the alert, especially when you pass through residential areas. The good part about the summer recess is that the 3 p.m. traffic jam by the schools goes on vacation with the kids. CHECK YOUR ALARM SYSTEMS It’s good news that many of the perpetrators of the rash of burglaries in south Lake Charles have been apprehended. One of the most bothersome questions that have arisen over these crimes is why many homes had security systems that were unarmed, in disrepair, or were just not being used. Why would you not use an alarm system that you’re paying for? I am sure that those systems are now being activated as they were intended. I can only recommend the obvious: if you have one, get what you have paid for and make sure it’s working properly. GO PARKING! Now that we are going into summer, it’s time to take advantage of our
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really nice area parks. We are blessed with a goodly number of these facilities and the City and police jury do a great job of maintaining them. Vandalism does sometime occur (it seems that some people just can’t stand having nice things), but on the whole, the parks seem to be kept in a most pleasing condition. It is very relaxing to just sit and observe everyone making good use of these leisure time locations. Jogging, tossing a ball, walking your dog, barbequing, and watching children burning off energy as they play all add to the quality of our lives. Take advantage of one of the great parks that are just sitting there waiting for you to enjoy. After all, your taxes have already paid for it. SUPERMARKET ROUNDUP In the spirit of our warmer weather, our shopping survey this time is an outdoor cookout with hot dogs, potato chips and an ice-cold Coke. These prices were obtained on Wednesday, May 8 and reflect the posted prices on the shelf where the product was placed for sale. Our stores were Albertsons, Country Club Road; Market Basket, Nelson Road; Kroger, McNeese Street and Walmart, Nelson Road. Ball Park Franks, 8-pack: Albertsons, $3.49; Market Basket, $.99; Kroger, $2.74; Walmart, $2.78. Hot Dog Buns, 8-pack, store brand: Albertsons, $1.19; Market Basket, $1.09; Kroger, $1; Walmart, $1.28. Lay’s Potato Chips, Classic, 10ounce bag: Albertsons, $3.59; Market Basket, $4.29; Kroger, $2.50; Walmart, $2.68. Coca Cola, 12-pack, 12-ounce cans: Albertsons, $4.99; Market Basket, $4; Kroger, $4.99; Walmart, $3.98. TJN
4410 Nelson Road, Lake Charles, LA (337) 478-1578 Each Office Independently Owned & Operated Licensed By LA Real Estate Commission
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With “Fish Tales,” I‘ll be sharing tales I gathered in my 60 years afield--42 of them as a professional hunting/fishing guide. It is patently absurd that I got paid to hunt and fish, something I would and did pay to do. Amazingly, someone has always been kind enough to pay me and tip me well for what I’d do for free.
The Biggest Bass I Ever Caught Billy McNamara, a Hemingway look-alike and I were paddling a pirogue out from the old creek bed onto Caddo Lake. We were stroking for Onion Island, our campsite and five acres of pristine oak,
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cypress, and pine wilderness. It was one of those perfect spring Louisiana days that we exult in before the summer sauna descends and swelters. Anyway, we had all our spring safari supplies neatly squared
away in the bow, including the usual assortment of rods, reels, tackle boxes, folding camp chairs, and sleeping bags. For grub, we had Vienna sausage (it doubled as trout-line bait), sardines, and a jumbo box of saltines. To quaff our thirst, we each had an iced down case of just-introduced Old Milwaukee ($10), two vintage half gallons of Rot Gut Red Wine ($5), and a fine aged fifth of whatever-was-on-sale bourbon ($4) in case of snakebite. Toss in a cast iron filet frying skillet for the vast number of fish we would catch, olive oil, seasonings and two fresh baked loaves of French bread and our cuisine was set. Puffing on our pipes and enraptured by a roseate sundown, we arrived flushed with enthusiasm. We quickly made camp, lay out our supplies, and
spread out our bedrolls. It was time for the fishing adventure to begin. We popped some tops and very carefully resumed our positions in the bow and stern of the alwaysready-to-tip-over pirogue. Leaning forward, I retrieved the trout line, snapped open a can of Vienna sausage, slimed them out and began to bait the hooks. Tying off to one end of a red cypress, we slowly fed out the trout line until we tied off on a cypress limb. Self-satisfied and a six-pack down, we carefully stroked back to camp. After placing our camp chairs just close enough to our campfire’s smoke to keep the mosquitoes at bay, we swapped tales. When we began to get maudlin drunk we knew enough time had transpired for our supper filets to be plucked struggling off our trout-line. Cautiously mounting ourselves in the pirogue, we stroked toward supper, silenced by the knowledge that chatter would certainly tip our boat and scare
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off our meal. The early moon rose full and cast a shimmering path for us to follow. With Old Milwaukee assurance, I grasped the trout-line and excitedly felt its hefty tug. Like Santiago from The Old Man and the Sea, I knew I had the swimming filet of a lifetime. Not a 1,200-pound marlin but surely, a trophy catfish. Hand over hand, twine tearing into my hand, I battled the beast. Despite dropping my beer, I managed to boat supper. There it was--a three foot garfish. “Nice trash fish,” Billy sneered. I went from Santiago to Pee Wee Herman in a pirogue and grimly watched my trophy thrash about the boat. “Shut up and paddle,” I replied, with a total lack of wit. Under the lantern of lunar light we managed to toss four good-sized catfish into the boat, which flopped about as we paddled and drank our way back to camp. As we banked the boat, I miss-stepped and pushed back against the gunnels in a flailing, failing attempt to regain my balance. Billy was thrown out backwards and I landed face first in the lake. By the time I we got back on land and recovered, our supper was gone as the pirogue was half sunk. Disgusted and drunk, we headed for the campfire and dined on crackers and Vienna sausage. Soon afterwards, we soddenly curled atop our bags, besotted and snoring. But my slumber was rudely interrupted by a horde of kamikaze mosquitoes. Our smoke bug repellant was gone as we had not stoked the fire before passing out. I stumbled across the camp chased by Louisiana vampires and climbed into the pirogue and swatted at the buzzing fiends as I paddled for the channel in the lea between the islands. Escaping their fervid attack, I dropped the window sill anchor, propped the boat cushion behind my head and promptly passed out. A plop, then a pop, then a chug, then a pop, then a chug haunted my sleep. Groggily I turned my tousled head over the gunnels. I heard a scream and Volume 5 • Issue 4
turned to it just in time to watch a truly surprised elderly fisherman fall back with a whap into his boat. He had not seen me, and sighting a bleary eyed swamp creature rising from the boat so startled him that he now sat in his bateau, rod in hand, mouth gaping open, yellow popping bug lure dangling from his rod tip. I recovered what dignity I had left and apologized profusely. My victim, now recovered and wishing to escape a madman, cranked up his motor and departed in a huff. As dawn was breaking, I figured hell, I might as well fish. Besides, I was hung-over hungry. My yellow and black devil horse lure clanged against a cypress tree and plunked down into the water. I set the rod down and as I grabbed a now warm beer from the floor of the boat, my bait exploded out of the water with the biggest bass I’d ever seen attached to it. I grabbed the butt of the rod and with my other hand pulled the rod tip up. Any concern I had about the behemoth tossing the bait left me as I saw no lure. The lure and all three treble hooks were firmly encased in the fish’s wide mouth. As it jumped again, tail thrashing the water, I hurriedly loosened the drag and let him play out. Elatedly reeling him in, I delighted in his antics as I boated him. I removed the scale from the tackle box and quickly weighed him: eight pounds and 12 ounces. Forty years later and trips to private lakes, innumerable trips to Toledo Bend, and even Mexico, he’s still my record bass. Energized, I stroked hurriedly to the campsite, pulled the pirogue up, and leapt out, bass held triumphantly aloft. Billy did his best to oh and ah over the bass, but his hangover just wasn’t in it. I strutted to the ice chest and removed two celebratory Old Milwaukees. “Oh, my God!” I screamed when I turned around. “What?” Billy asked, holding up the filet of my no-longer-tobe mounted bass. “I was hungry.” I could say nothing. And that’s my tale. TJN
Featuring
LAPAW Rescue
Maxie, a Cocker Spaniel/Golden Retriever mix, is a happy boy with an infectious smile, and you will easily fall in love with him the minute you meet him. Maxie was surrendered to the Lake Area Partnerships for Animal Welfare [LAPAW] by the family that adopted him seven years ago. Curiously, this senior boy (at least 8 years old), neither looks nor acts like a little old man. He loves to run and play outside, but does very well in his crate when needed. He is a perfect blend of his two breeds--beautiful long blonde hair with a soft Cocker face and
Golden-type eyes. What a love! He takes great pleasure in chasing cats, so he would be better in a home without them. Maxie has never meet a stranger and would be a great addition to any family. Although he was infected with heartworms, his treatment is almost finished. His adoption cannot be finalized until then, but he is happy to meet new families and we anticipate his treatment will be complete in a week or so. If you would like to meet Maxie or any of the animals in the care of LAPAW Rescue please visit us on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. at PetSmart in Lake Charles. A complete listing of the cats and dogs in our care can be found at www.petfinder.com If you would like to meet Maxie, please let us know in advance by emailing us at lapaw@bellsouth.net or by calling (337) 478-7294. To learn more about LAPAW Rescue, please visit our website at www.lapaw.org. Hurry, Maxie is waiting! TJN
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Ward 3 Summer Camp Schedule June 3-July 26 Summer Day Camp: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $80 full day/$60 half day June 3-4 Skating Camp: 8 a.m. – noon, free June 3-5 Volleyball Camp: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 June 7-26 Midnight Basketball: 8 p.m.-midnight, free June 7-26 Midnight Indoor Soccer: 8 p.m.- 2 a.m., free June 10-13 Boys Basketball Camp: 8-11 a.m., free June 17-20 Tennis Camp: 8-10 a.m., $25 June 22 Fishing and Casting Camp: 8 a.m.-noon, free June 24-26 Girls Basketball Camp: 1-3 p.m., $25 July 1-3 Soccer Camp North: 8-10 a.m., $25 July 8-10 Golf Camp: 8-11:30 a.m., $25 July 29-31 Soccer Camp South: 8-10 a.m., $25
Youth Summer Jazz Workshop JITA Youth Summer Jazz Workshop is a hands-on performance clinic for aspiring middle and high school jazz musicians. Held May 29June 2, it will emphasize practical playing experience through a variety of classes, clinics and performance activities for the jazz musician.
The day camp promotes a close examination of the ships artifacts and how the crew lived, worked and played aboard the ship. This will be a summer camp that you will not want to miss. This year’s summer day camps will offer students ages 9-16 a rare glimpse into the life of sailor aboard the 1945 Destroyer. Summer camp days are limited to 30 participants per day. Registration will begin on June 1st. Additional information can be found at
www.orleck.org or by calling
(337) 214-SHIP
THE DAY CAMPS WILL INCLUDE: • Extensive ship tour exclusive only to summer camp participants • Conquer and Destroy training missions • Adventurous Scavenger Hunt • Knot tying taught by Military Veterans • State of the Art Laser Tag experience
Participants will leave the program with a greater understanding of harmony, melody, and jazz styles. Students will have the opportunity to participate in two public jazz concerts with the workshop faculty. For more information and an application, visit www.jazzinthearts.org or call Pat and Chester Daigle at (337) 794-5744.
McNeese Summer Reading Clinic The McNeese State University Summer Reading Clinic will be offered from 9:30 a.m.-noon Mon. – Thurs., June 3-27, for elementary students entering grades 1-6. They will receive one-on-one tutoring and participate in reading enriched activities with a master teacher. The fee is $175, which includes a $50 deposit with the completed application. For more information or to request an application, call the McNeese Department of Education Professions at (337) 475-5471.
CPSB Summer Arts Camp Registration The Calcasieu Parish School System and the Arts Council of SWLA are pleased to announce Summer Arts Camp 2013 with this year’s theme as “South of the Border.” Classes are open to students who have completed grades kindergarten through eighth and offer a variety of engaged study in visual arts media and performing arts. It will take place at Lake Charles Boston Academy at 1509 Enterprise Boulevard and will begin June 4 and end June 27. June 28 has been set aside for parents to pick up the students’ artwork. Tuition covers three classes of specialized instruction for the entire month, all art supplies, a themed T-shirt, and an open house reception. Registration forms can be downloaded under the “Parents and Students” menu at www.cpsb.org, and credit card payments are accepted on the Arts Council website at www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org. For more information, call (337) 5262908.
Camp Smiling Faces Camp Smiling FACES, a camp for developmentally disabled children ages 4-12, will be held June 10-14 at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center. Camp will be held from 8 a.m. – noon each day at the center on 886 Landry Lane in Sulphur. The cost to attend is $75. Children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, visual deficits, speech or hearing challenges, and others are eligible to attend. Campers will participate in a variety of activities, including horseback riding, fishing and arts and crafts. For registration information, please call (337) 625-3972. Applications are encouraged by May 31.
Healthy U Camp Offers Fun for Kids Healthy U Camp, a camp focusing on healthy lifestyle habits for children ages 7-11, will be held June 17-21 at Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur. Camp will be held from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. Cost to attend is $100 for members of Dynamic Dimensions, and $125 for nonmembers. A charge of $75 will be applied for additional children. Camp activities include crafts, nutrition activities including hands-on preparation of lunch and snacks, fitness games and pool time. Deadline for reg-
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istration is Friday, May 31, and limited space is available. To register, call (337) 527-5459.
al skills. Learn about resumes, head shots and how to find the best agent or manager. Classes are $85 and are held from noon-1:30 p.m.
Young Band Nation Camp
Shakespeare Workshop July 22-26: This workshop teaches the languages, ideas and adventures of Shakespeare. Students will perform excerpts from some of Shakespeare’s most popular plays while learning about lighting and set design and how to create costumes. The workshop ends with a free public performance starring all of the students. Classes are $85. Children ages 5-8 attend from 10-11:15 a.m., and children ages 9-18 attend from 10 a.m. – noon.
The Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA, local band director Marcus Johnson and Baton Rouge Music Studios have come together to offer Young Band Nation Camp to area youth. It will take place July 812 at Central School in downtown Lake Charles. For more information, call 513-7905 or go to their Facebook page.
Second Saturdays Summer Arts Camp The Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur will host interactive activities for children between the ages of 6-12 every second Saturday. Local artists will be on hand to bring out your child’s creativity in clay, on canvas and with various other mediums. Registration is free, but space is limited. Call (337) 527-0357.
Children’s Theatre Summer Workshops The Children’s Theatre will hold the following workshops this summer: Wild Things July 8-10: Children ages 5-8 years old participate in creative drama exercises, games, movement and music. Classes are $65 and are held from 10-11-15 a.m. Acting for the Camera July 8-10: This workshop, for students ages 8-18, covers auditioning for commercials, reading commercial scripts, exploring various commercial techniques and beginning improvisation-
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Kids in Showbiz July 29-Aug. 3: Students learn the basics of musical theatre performance by singing, dancing and acting to songs and scenes from Broadway shows. Children ages 5-8 attend from 10-11:15 a.m. and children ages 9-18 attend from 10 a.m.- noon. To register, call (337) 433-7323.
Summer Cowboy Camp The sixth annual summer Cowboy Camp will be held from 8 a.m.3 p.m. July 12 for those first-time freshmen and transfer students attending McNeese State University this fall who want to learn more about McNeese history and Cowboy traditions. This includes touring the campus, learning McNeese traditions and history, meeting new people and participating in a game show with a chance to win over $1,000 in scholarships and cash prizes. The camp is limited to the first 125 students and cost is $25 per student, which includes lunch and a T-shirt. For more information about Cowboy Camp, contact the McNeese Student Union Office at 337-475-5609 or by email at campuslife@mcneese.edu. To register, go to www.mcneese.edu/campuslife/cowboy_camp TJN
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According to the National Eating Disorders Association, the average American woman is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 117 pounds. Clearly, something is not quite right here. All too often, society associates being "thin" with "hard-working, beautiful, strong and self-disciplined." On the other hand, being "fat" is associated with being "lazy, ugly, weak and lacking willpower." Because of these harsh stereotypes, most women are never completely satisfied with their image, and feel anxious and pressured to achieve or maintain an appearance that may not be natural to their body type. Eating disorders are serious medical problems and include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. They frequently develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but can also occur during childhood or later in adulthood. Females are more likely than males to develop an eating disorder. As many as 10 million women and girls suffer from anorexia and/or bulimia in the United States alone. Eating disorders are more than just a problem with food. Food is used to control other feelings that may seem overwhelming. For example, starving is a way for people with anorexia to feel more in control of their lives and to ease tension, anger and anxiety. Purging and other behaviors to prevent weight gain are ways for people with bulimia to feel more in control of their lives and to ease stress and anxiety. Although there is no single known cause of eating disorders, several things may contribute to their development, including: •Culture. In the United States, extreme thinness is a social and cultural ideal, and women partially define themselves by how physically attractive they are. •Personal characteristics. Feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, and
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poor self-image often accompany eating disorders. •Other emotional disorders. Other mental health problems, like depression or anxiety, occur along with eating disorders. •Stressful events or life changes. Things like starting a new school or job, and traumatic events like rape or a death in the family can lead to the onset of eating disorders. •Biology. Studies are being done to look at genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain that may have an effect on the development of, and recovery from eating disorders. •Families. Parents’ attitudes about appearance and diet can affect their kids' attitudes. Also, if your mother or sister has bulimia, you are more likely to have it. Anorexia nervosa A person with anorexia nervosa, often called anorexia, has an intense fear of gaining weight. Someone with anorexia thinks about food a lot and limits the food she eats, even though she is too thin. Anorexia is more than just a problem with food. It's a way of using food or starving oneself to feel more in control of life and to ease tension, anger, and anxiety. An anorexic: •Has a low body weight for her height •Resists keeping a normal body weight •Has an intense fear of gaining weight •Thinks she is fat even when very thin •Misses three menstrual periods in a row Bulimia Bulimia nervosa, often called bulimia, is a type of eating disorder. A person with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time (binging) and then tries to prevent weight gain by getting rid of the food (purging). Purging might be done by: •Making yourself throw up, or •Taking laxatives (pills or liquids that speed up the movement of food
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through your body and lead to a bowel movement) A person with bulimia feels he or she cannot control the amount of food eaten. Also, bulimics might exercise a lot, eat very little or not at all, or take pills to pass urine often to prevent weight gain. Unlike anorexics, bulimics can fall within the normal range for their age and weight. But like anorexics, bulimics: •Fear gaining weight, •Want desperately to lose weight, and •Are very unhappy with their body size and shape. Complications from Starvation and Severe Dieting There are many serious complications from anorexia, including: •Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycle) •Osteoporosis •Electrolyte imbalances, which lead to fatigue, diminished reflexes, kidney damage, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, death •Cognitive impairment (i.e., clouded or distorted perception or thinking, difficulty concentrating, difficulty comprehending) •Dangerously low heartbeat and blood pressure •Severe abdominal pain •Sustained starvation can even lead to death Complications from Purging Methods •Vomiting: electrolyte imbalance that can lead to cardiac arrest and death; abdominal cramping; anemia; dehydration; headaches; tooth decay; tears in esophagus; chronic sore throat; difficulty swallowing •Diuretic Abuse: electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, muscle weakness or cramping, headaches, fatigue •Laxative Abuse: electrolyte imbalance, constipation, dehydration, muscle weakness or cramping, headaches, fatigue The National Eating Disorders Association is a national, non-profit organization. Go to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information or help if you or someone you love suffers from an eating disorder. TJN
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Women and Children’s Hospital: Proud To Be Tobacco Free By Christine Bergeron, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC Women and Children’s Hospital became a tobaccofree healthcare facility on December 31, 2012 after implementing a campus-wide tobacco prevention policy. With the new policy in place, the use of all tobacco products and smoking devices is prohibited on the hospital campus, including all areas within the hospital and grounds. Initiation of such policies is part of a nationwide trend among hospitals and health systems encouraging tobacco-free lifestyles. Tobacco-free hospital campuses protect employees, patients, and visitors from dangerous tobacco products and secondhand smoke, while modeling healthy behaviors. The new policy was promoted throughout the hospital and campus grounds with displays of “Proud To Be Tobacco-Free” signs and banners. Motorists traveling down Nelson Road and Sale Street could also see the message. The hospital recently celebrated the 100th day as a tobacco-free campus. On April 11, employees
received a complimentary breakfast and enjoyed cake and punch in the afternoon. The celebration positively reinforced the hospital’s ongoing commitment to maintain and ensure compliance of the new policy. Women and Children’s Hospital is one of four hospital recipients in Louisiana to receive a Tobacco-Free Health Care Project grant administered by the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center. The grant was provided to the hospital in an effort to promote tobacco cessation, prevent youth initiation of tobacco use, eliminate tobacco-related health disparities, and eliminate non-smokers exposure to secondhand smoke. The hospital’s Tobacco Prevention Program networks with regional tobacco control coalitions to advocate for a healthier community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs consider grant-funded community initiatives to be an integral part of statewide efforts to reduce and prevent tobacco use. Annually, an estimated 6,500 Louisianans will die from smoking or diseases caused by secondhand smoke.
The state’s smoking prevalence is 22 percent among adults compared to a national average of 17.3 percent. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. The American Cancer Society reports lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, with more than 87 percent of these deaths being smoking-related. Smoking is the single most modifiable behavior for increasing life expectancy and improving quality of life. Quitting smoking can be very difficult, but with the right support, a tobacco-free lifestyle is attainable. Help is available for smokers who make the decision and commitment to quit; the Louisiana Tobacco Quitline is a free service that helps smokers quit successfully. For more information, visit www.QuitWithUsLa.org or call (800) QUIT-NOW. Women and Children’s Hospital screens all patients for tobacco use and offers assistance for those ready to make a quit attempt. The hospital has been serving Southwest Louisiana for nearly 30 years and is proud to be the area leader in tobacco prevention initiatives. TJN
Eyeliner Safety and the Advantages of Permanent Eyeliner Since ancient times, women have used cosmetics to enhance the appearance of their eyes. Cleopatra is famous for the way her dramatic use of eyeliner accented her glances at Mark Antony. Throughout time, many women have followed in her path by shaping their eyeliner to bring out the best of their appearance. However, for some women, eyeliner can cause serious eye health issues, such as, allergic reactions, infections
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or an injury to the eye or eyelids. These problems can vary from a minor annoyance, such as tearing of the eyes to vision loss or even blindness. William B. Hart, an ophthalmologist at Hart Eye Center says, “Women who wear contact lenses, have allergies or sensitive skin are more prone to have problems with eye cosmetics. However, anyone who uses eyeliner should be aware and follow some basic safety tips
to avoid infection or injury.” Dr. Hart advises the following: •Avoid direct contact with the eye by applying eyeliner away from the eye, outside of the lash line. •Keep eyeliner pencils sharpened. This will prevent rougher wood casing from scratching the eye. •Never burn the tip of an eyeliner pencil to enhance its effect. •Replace your eyeliner every six months. If you wear contacts, replace
your eyeliner every three to four months. •Never use an old applicator with a new product. This will transfer bacteria to the new product. •Purchase new makeup after any type of eye infection. •Do not share cosmetics with others. Each person has their own unique skin bacteria, contaminating your makeup with a different bacteria can cause an infection. •Check with your eye doctor if you have a cosmetic related eye injury or think you may have a cosmetic related eye problem. Most eyeliners have bacteria-fighting preservatives, but many of these preservatives can irritate the eyes and skin of sensitive individuals. Also, if safety precautions are not taken, bacteria from the skin can potentially grow in a cosmetic after use and infect the eye during future applications. The most serious problem that can occur when using eyeliner is an injury to the cornea, which can easily happen during application. In some cases, if not treated, a corneal abrasion (a scrape or scratch on the clear part of the eye) can become infected and lead to a potentially blinding corneal ulcer. Most corneal injures are painful and require prompt medical attention. “The safest eyeliner is permanent eyeliner,” says Dr. Hart “It is the best way to avoid infection, sensitivity or injury. Many of my patients, especially those with allergies and sensitivities, chronic diseases like diabetes and contact wearers have had tremendous success with permanent eyeliner.” Permanent eyeliner is not only a solution for people who experience direct problems with eye makeup, but also a huge convenience for those that think the morning application takes up precious time. TJN Volume 5 • Issue 4
It has been almost four years since Michelle Lee received a call that would alter her life. In October of 2009, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was during her annual exam when her gynecologist discovered a lump. Lee had just turned 41 and was already scheduled to have a mammogram. She had her first the year before at age 40, the recommended time when women her age should start having a mammogram every year. “Your first mammogram is a baseline mammogram, which should be done between the ages of 35 and 40,” says Kim Strong, a registered breast specialist at Lake Charles Memorial’s Breast Health Center. “A radiologist reads a mammogram by comparing one year to the other to look for any changes.” The mammogram confirmed a suspicious mass and her doctor ordered an ultrasound for a closer look. Doctors get a more in-depth picture of the mass on the ultra sound. Another option is a spot compression image, taken with a mammography machine that focuses on a particular area. “I was then told I needed to see a surgeon for a biopsy to see if the mass was indeed cancerous,” Lee recalls. Diagnosis She visited Dr. Thomas Strong of Surgical Associates, a part of the Memorial Medical Group. Dr. Strong performed an in office needle biopsy of the breast mass and diagnosed Lee with breast cancer that had already spread to the axillary lymph nodes. Another procedure available is a stereotactic biopsy that is used to take samples from smaller abnormalities that cannot be felt during a breast exam, but can be seen on a mammogram. “We take two-dimensional digital images of your breast from two different angles. The computer compares the data from each image and calculates the three-dimensional location coordinates for your breast abnormalVolume 5 • Issue 4
ity,” says Dr. Richard Martinez, director of radiology at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. “Our advanced stereotactic biopsy machine gives us millimeter accuracy. With such precise information to guide the biopsy needle, we can accurately take a sample of the abnormal area.” The equipment consists of a digital mammogram machine, linked to a computer, and a needle guidance system. The biopsy equipment is configured with a special exam table that the patient can lie down on. The patient is then given a local anesthetic and does not feel anything other than some pressure. Compression is used to keep the breast still. Several pairs of images are taken. Dr. Martinez then uses the image-guided needle to target the breast abnormality. More images are taken to confirm that the needle is in the right place. A tissue sample is then collected for examination by a pathologist. At the end of the procedure, a tiny marker may be left at the biopsy site. This tag should not cause discomfort or harm; it will help locate the biopsy site should there be a need in the future. Comprehensive Treatment With all the new advancements in biopsy technology, women now know if they have cancer before they go into the operating room. “I had surgery the following week of being diagnosed.” Lee recalls. “Dr. Strong performed a lumpectomy. He also implanted a chemo port at the same time and about a month later I started chemotherapy.” A lumpectomy is a procedure that removes the tumor and at least two millimeters of tissue around it. A sentinel node biopsy is also done to see if the cancer has spread. A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which
cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor. A sentinel lymph node biopsy can lead to a more accurate assessment of whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In a traditional axillary dissection, the surgeon takes at least 10 lymph nodes or more. “A negative sentinel lymph node indicates an overwhelming chance that the remaining lymph nodes in the axilla or armpit are also cancer free,” Dr. Strong says. “That means there is no need to undergo a full axillary lymph node dissection, or to risk the long term complications and side effects from an axillary dissection.” The other option is to have a mastectomy, which is the total removal of the breast. There is a myth that doing a mastectomy is more effective than a lumpectomy. Statistics show they have the same success rate. A lumpectomy with radiation treatment has been proven to be just as effective. In stage III, the cancer still has not spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes. However, in this stage
there typically are many lymph nodes involved. Since the needle biopsy had already shown lymph node involvement, a traditional axillary node dissection was necessary. In Lee’s case, 16 lymph nodes were removed, eight of which were positive for cancer, placing her in stage III. The late stage cancer diagnosis meant chemotherapy was also needed. “Chemotherapy is a common treatment for stage III breast cancer. This approach can help destroy cancer cells that remain after surgery,” says Dr. Michael Bergeron, an oncologist with Oncology Associates of SWLA, a part of the Memorial Medical Group. “The chemotherapy drugs travel to all parts of the body. The chances of eliminating the disease completely are high because the drugs will also stop the spread of cancer cells throughout the body.” After her chemo treatments, Lee moved on to radiation treatments. The revolutionary Trilogy System utilizes the latest 4-D advanced imaging techniques to verify the patient’s
The Trilogy System verifies tumor position at the time of treatment. MAY 16, 2013
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tumor position at the time of treatment. Intensitymodulated radiation therapy (IMRT) delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells by varying, or modulating, the intensity of the radiation beam. The shape of the resulting dose distribution is tightly matched to the shape of the tumor or the area needing to be treated. Memorial Hospital is the only healthcare facility in the Southwest Louisiana region to offer it. State-of-the-art mammograms at the Breast Health Center “One of the greatest challenges in radiation therradiation therapy, while sparing with the convenience and comfort of apy is treating cancerous tumors that healthy tissue surrounding the cancer being close to home. shift positions within the body. Lee works as a certified public mass. It also allows for fewer treatSometimes a tumor can change in ment sessions; all with the same level accountant in Lake Charles. She consize or move in relation to the anatotinued to work every other week, my,” says Dr. James Maze, board certi- of safety offered in the past.” even while battling cancer. It was tax Lee completed her treatment and fied radiation oncologist on staff at season when she was receiving Lake Charles Memorial. “The Trilogy she has been cancer free ever since. The treatment she went through is chemotherapy, but by choosing to do enables us to safely treat many canthe same offered in the big cities, but her treatment locally, her life did not cers of the chest and abdomen with
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have to be put on hold. “I had great confidence in Dr. Strong. I felt like if I needed to go to Houston, he would have been honest with me,” Lee says. “I was so glad I did that. I am an advocate about staying home now. I had my support group here. I had my family and friends. I never had to go far. I knew that I was getting the same treatment here that I could have gotten in Houston. I never felt that I slighted myself.” Breast Cancer in Louisiana Louisiana is ranked at the top when it comes to breast cancer mortality rates. It is not because the state has a higher number of cancer patients, but due to the fact that women in the state tend to wait longer to be diagnosed and treated. All women are at risk for breast cancer, and as you get older, your risk increases. Researchers estimate that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed
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Digital Mammograms with breast cancer at some time in their lives. This means that the average woman has about a 12 to 13 percent risk of developing breast cancer. However, survival rates keep climbing. “In the U.S., the 5-year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 90 percent. This means that 90 out of every 100 women with breast cancer will survive for at least five years,” Kim Strong says. “Most will live a full life and never have a recurrence. Your chances of survival are better if the cancer is detected early, before it spreads to other parts of your body. In fact, when breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate today is 99 percent.” Diagnosis and treatment has come a long way with the advancements into the digital age. The difference between a digital mammogram and an analog is night and day. In addition to using all digital radiology equipment, Lake Charles Memorial uses computer aided diagnosis or CAD system. This system helps radiologist interpret these medical images. The CAD system will mark suspicious areas on a mammogram image that doctors should take a closer look at. “A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative, such as a mother or sister who has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Kim Strong explains. “About 15 percent of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.” Five to 10 percent of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations inherited from a mother or father. Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common. Women with these mutations have up to an 80 percent risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime, and they are more likely to be diagnosed before menopause. About 85 percent of breast cancers Volume 5 • Issue 4
occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations. The wave of the future in curing breast cancer is in genetic testing. The BRCA gene test is a blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify possible mutations in either one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited mutations in these genes face a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer compared with the general population. Memorial offers this type of genetic testing, along with consultation and options for women who find they do carry these mutations. These technological advancements help in early detection, which remains the gold standard in treating and beating breast cancer. “Every woman should do a self breast exam once a month and see a doctor for an exam once a year,” Kim Strong says. “They should have a mammogram every year once they hit the age of 40.” In Lee’s case, she was doing everything right: annual exams and mammogram screenings. Still, when faced with an advanced breast cancer, she took the right path of treatment and succeeded. “Nobody thinks it will happen to them. I encourage women to take the right steps,” Lee says. “When you do get that phone call or do get that diagnosis, it’s not the end of the world. It’s not a death sentence. Just look at me. We found it and beat it.” The Memorial Medical Group and Lake Charles Memorial Health System offers an entire team of doctors, technology and treatment options to fight breast cancer. For more information, contact Memorial’s Breast Health Center at (337) 4944755 or (337) 480-7444. TJN MAY 16, 2013
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Flawed Logic Ok, fine. Consider me drawn out. Months ago, I proclaimed in this very spot that I would not waste anymore words on That Quarterback from Florida. You know the one. After months upon months of hearing his name literally every five minutes on ESPN, regardless of relevance to the sport or story (even hockey) being reported, I finally had enough. I was done, I tell you. No more That QB ever again.
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Then, as you might have already heard, That QB lost his job with the New York Jets and everyone in the media (absent yours truly) went absolutely nuts. I’ll get to this in just a moment, but first…Tim Tebow. Whew. There I said his name. Two more times, he might actually show up at my house like Beetlejuice. Back to the crazypants media reaction to Tebow (sigh) getting cut from the Jets. First, there were the rumors it
was going to happen. Then, after the fact, there was the speculation on whether he would take his talents to Jacksonville or Montreal or wherever. Now we’ve officially moved on to total irrationality, and it’s all thanks to Jason Collins. Wait, what? Who? Jason Collins, the active NBA player who recently came out as a homosexual. All the latest Tebow madness is his fault, apparently. Why? Because people thought it was brave for Collins to out himself as gay while still an active player in a major professional sport. The “logic,” as explained in a recent political cartoon, is that Collins is being praised for coming out while Tebow is being punished for his outspoken belief in Christianity. This is not just flawed logic; it’s utter stupidity. One of those media crazies buying into this inferior train of thought, most of them political writers and not sportswriters, is Ringside Politics hack and talk radio host Jeff Crouere. Crouere recently wrote that Tebow was
being discriminated against for “being a strong Christian and wearing his faith on his sleeve” and that he has been “the subject of unfair criticism.” Crouere tries to back up his claims of unfair criticism by throwing out Tebow’s wonderful college stats and his record as a starter with the Denver Broncos in 2011. Obviously, Crouere isn’t knowledgeable of professional football, sports in general, or, evidently, how numbers work. To start: Tebow’s college stats are nice and he did win a Heisman Trophy. Good for him. That means exactly nothing in the NFL, so we can just forget about all that. His stats against Charleston Southern are worthless. First-round draft pick? That’s a piece of trivia and irrelevant to the argument. So, that leaves his 35 games as a professional to judge. Tebow’s most ardent supporters like to trot out 2011 as an example of how great a quarterback Tebow is, so that’s what we’ll examine. In 2011, Tebow completed 126 of 271 passes for 1,729 yards, throwing
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12 touchdowns to six interceptions. His completion percentage of 46.5 percent was the worst of all 34 starting quarterbacks in the NFL, 13 spots below Kyle Orton, the quarterback he replaced. Compare that to Drew Brees, who completed 71.2 percent of his passes. Arizona backup quarterback John Skelton threw for more yards than Tebow in 2011. Tebow didn’t even have the most rushing yards by a quarterback; Cam Newton did. In the Broncos’ playoff win against Pittsburgh, Tebow took advantage of a Steelers defense that completely underestimated his ability to complete a pass over 15 yards. According to ESPN, in Weeks 15-17, Tebow was a miserable 4 of 22 on long passes. The Steelers rolled the dice and got beat; it wasn’t because Tebow is the next John Elway. So, no, Tebow is not being judged for being a Christian. He’s being judged for being a terrible quarterback. On the other hand, you have Jason Collins as the first active player in a major professional sport to come out of the closet. Naturally, this is a big deal and most everyone in the sports world congratulated Collins on his bravery. I imagine it’s not easy to be a gay pro athlete and to not only have to
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worry about homophobia from teammates and coaches, but also millions of fans as well (Do yourself a favor and read about Justin Fashnu, the first openly gay professional soccer player in Britain). I tend to think folks throw the word “hero” around too liberally these days (And no, Ben Shapiro; Mark Levin and Sean Hannity are not, in any way, shape, or form, heroes), but Collins certainly performed one of the most courageous acts in sports since Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists at the 1968 Summer Olympics. And it is by far more courageous than “coming out” as one of 173
million Christians in the United States. But, for guys like Crouere, this only plays into the narrative they’ve created. Crouere says that Collins will get more NBA opportunities, tons of endorsements, and make serious money from a future autobiography because Collins is gay. Of course, Crouere also ludicrously says that Collins “does not have to worry about any type of discrimination,” so take anything he says with a grain of salt. The reality is that Collins is a 34year-old center in an increasingly physical NBA. He’s also 7 feet tall, meaning someone will sign him as a
backup or to act as a roadblock in the paint for 10 minutes a game. But it won’t be because he’s gay. It’s a nice story and I’m sure the local media will produce the requisite feature pieces, but life will move on and Collins will play his 10 minutes a game in slightly less obscurity. Are Tebow and Collins good role models? Certainly; they both have the courage to be themselves in front of millions of people. But is Tebow being discriminated against for being a devout Christian while Collins is coasting by on his homosexuality? Absolutely not. TJN
MAY 16, 2013
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After the Tsunami In recent years, the world has experienced two particularly devastating tsunamis -- in 2004 in the Indian Ocean and in 2011 in Eastern Japan -- both accompanied by huge loss of life. Human tragedy can spawn great literature, and these two books are so well written, so unique, so unforgettable that they both deserve literary awards. Wave is a memoir by Sonali Deraniyagala. In 2004, she and her family were spending their Christmas on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. On the morning of Dec. 26, her friend stopped by their hotel room. She admired Deraniyagala’s family, saying, “What you guys have is a dream.” Moments later, she looked toward the beach and said, “Oh my God, the sea’s coming in.” And it kept coming in, covering and then dragging along everything in its
path. The author takes us with her as she relives the ocean's attack. She and her husband grabbed their sons and ran, but were caught by the wave. Suddenly, confusion: “Am I underwater? It didn’t feel like water, but it has to be, I thought. I was being dragged along, and my body was whipping backwards and forwards. I couldn’t stop myself. When at times my eyes opened, I couldn’t see water. Smoky and gray. That was all I could make out. ... The water was pulling me along with a speed I did not recognize, propelling me forward with a power I could not resist. I was shoved through branches of trees and bushes, and here and there my elbows and knees smashed into something hard.” Deraniyagala managed to grab a branch and hold on.
Eventually rescued, she was taken to a hospital, where she waited to hear from her family. She was in such panic that she felt hatred for everyone around her. Surely, none of her family survived, but maybe they did: She couldn’t grasp the idea of Reality. “I wanted to escape the madness, ... but couldn’t I somehow stay suspended in my confusion? ... In a few hours it will be ... tomorrow. I don’t want it to be tomorrow. I was terrified that tomorrow the truth would
start,” she writes. She lost them all -her husband, their two sons, her friend, and even both her parents. All. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost that day, but Deraniyagala makes that loss personal. “I can’t live without them. I cant. Can’t. Why didn’t I die?” she writes. The build-up of the certainty of her loss affects the reader, as well, as we fall with her into her intense grief. When she went back to the beach after many months, she
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MON.-FRI. 8AM TO 5PM • SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT
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MAY 16, 2013
Volume 5 • Issue 4
walked down to the ocean. “I stood there taunting the sea, our killer. Come on then. Why don’t you rise now? Higher, higher. Swallow me up.” Almost four years after the wave hit, she went home to London and found the house as her family had left it. She wandered through the rooms, imagining she could see her husband and sons doing small, everyday things. “So this is me now, loitering on the outskirts of the life we had,” she writes. “The outlandish truth of me.” The book is stunning, frightening, heartbreaking. It throws the reader off balance, like being tossed by a giant wave. The author candidly shares her raw emotions, sometimes shouting, at times almost spitting out her rage and frustration, then she turns around and shares a beautifully lyrical moment of nostalgia. I don’t remember reading anything quite like it before. Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being is a novel that touches upon the tsunami that hit Japan in 2011. Walking along the beach near her home on a remote island off British Columbia, Ruth finds a plastic bag on the beach. Inside: a Hello Kitty lunchbox holding a stack of letters, a small book with English and Japanese writing in purple ink, and an antique wristwatch. Ruth assumes the package has been washed across the sea as flotsam from the Japanese tsunami. The book with purple writing is the diary of a 16-year-old girl in Japan. Nao writes that she has no wish to live any longer with the vicious bullying she’s had to endure at the hands of her classmates. But before she ends her life, she will write about her remarkable 104-year-old greatVolume 5 • Issue 4
grandmother Jiko, a Zen Buddhist nun. (You’ve got to love Jiko.) Nao uses the diary to reach out to the one person in the future who will read it. She calls it “an antiblog” and describes herself as a time being. “A time being is someone who lives in time, and that means you, and me, and every one of us who is, or was, or ever will be,” she writes. Then there’s the tsunami: the wave “surged over the tops of the seawalls, carrying ships down city streets, picking up cars and trucks and depositing them on the roofs of buildings. ... Whole towns [got] crushed and swept away in a matter of moments.” It’s hard to describe all the places this story within a story within a story takes us. Ruth, Nao, Jiko and an unwilling World War II Japanese soldier fill our heads with thoughts about time, reality, war, ghosts, suicide and philosophy. Nao is a delight, as she learns from Jiko about Zen and how all things are related: “When you beat a drum, you create NOW, when silence becomes a sound so enormous and alive it feels like you’re breathing in the clouds and the sky, and your heart is the rain and the thunder.” Looking at WWII from a different perspective was interesting. The military barbarity is hard to read, as is the bullying. But all the philosophical questions are gems to tickle the brain cells. The author refers to many kinds of waves, from gentle ocean waves to the tsunami to the wave function of particles in quantum physics (which goes really well with Zen thinking). Ahhhhhh. Adult language and situations. Copyright © 2013 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN MAY 16, 2013
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and the Kingpins on May 24, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble on May 31 and wrap up on June 7 with City Heat. There will be food, street vendors, and lots of fun, so don’t miss it! Other than The Jambalaya News, another great way to find out what’s happening in SWLA is www.visitlakecharles.org. The Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitor’s Bureau does an excellent job of keeping everyone abreast of what’s going on. I have to give it up for Shelley Johnson and her A-Team of s Jenkin n i l y marketing and tourism gurus. a r By B They make our area shine, even during the cold winter months! So, what are your plans for the summer? After choosing a job in media, I quickly learned that breaks and vacations are few and far between. Let’s face it, someone has to Summer is almost here—finally! cover what’s happening here at home, Let’s take a look at some of the enterright? A friend asked me if I would tainment headed our way. like to vacation in California, and L’Auberge’s Liquid Society begins while it sounds wonderful, I’m not on May 23, and the Black Crowes will certain it can happen. Of course, I be the first band to kick off the sumwill keep my hopes high. mer series. On June 20, you’ll get to I remember one of my first see Tate Stevens, who won the U.S. columns for The Jam focused on my version of The X Factor last year. I’m adventures in Galveston that summer sure a lot of you are looking forward and how much I appreciated the getto the return of MTV’s Jersey Shore away while it lasted. As tempting as it personality DJ Pauly D, along with a might be to travel out of state, or visit from the Eli Young Band, even to another country, consider visEverclear, Filter and the prince iting someplace you haven’t been to Tribute band, Purple Reign, to name in awhile right here in Louisiana. a few. Just a reminder, doors open at Tourist sites are always changing or 7 p.m. and parking is out of this improving. Lieutenant Governor Jay world, so be sure to get there a little Dardenne has been doing a lot of early. The special performances are work to make sure our state is just as expected to begin at 8:30 and end competitive as our neighbors when it around 11 p.m. For more informacomes to options on our vacation tion, visit wish list. www.llakecharles.com/entertainHere are some of the top suggested ment/liquid-society/. See you there! travel spots in the U.S. for this sumSpeaking of the band Filter, their mer. According to www.thevacationremake of “Happy Together” made it gals.com, coming in at number one is on the soundtrack of The Great Orlando, followed by Las Vegas, San Gatsby. I don’t know about you, but Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami. It’s hearing their song play full blast dur- not hard to find places to visit, but it ing the previews in the theater gave might be tough to book hotels and me chill bumps. I don’t think I’ve flights, so you’ll need to get on it. anticipated a movie release this much When I fly, I make sure to give Lake in years. I plan to see it three times Charles Regional Airport my business. during the opening weekend! There’s I challenge you to do the same. The something about the theater experiairport is very calming and saves you ence that I love, and once that’s gone, a drive. Go to you really can’t get it back--even if www.flylakecharles.com. you have a home theater and surIn closing, whether you travel the round-sound. seas, the skies, the interstates and If you want something a little more byways that crisscross the states--or local, Downtown at Sundown is a just stay right here at home--make the major draw for the downtown/lakemost of it. Get out and take a breather, front district. Beginning May 17, the even if for only an hour, because you Friday night party will kick off with never know when that chance might Cold Sweat, followed by Travis Matte just pass you by forever.
The Summer Beat
TJN
Volume 5 • Issue 4
I know I’ve been writing a lot about movies here lately, but I’d like to raise the curtain on live local theater this month. Well, actually, I’d like to raise the curtain on a poem written by ACTS theater member Kristina Perez-Webster, summing up their final preparations for Seussical the Musical. It’s finally tech week, there’s lots to do, From Palm Beach, to Pittsburgh and Kalamazoo! It’s quite the Circus down at ACTS But we haven’t given all the facts. We’ve got Whos, and Animals, and Bird girls galore (Mayzie LaBird looking great on the floor) Gertrude McFuzz, who loves Horton the Elephant, (who happens to be faithful, one hundred percent!) A Kangaroo and her baby, as sour as can be, And mischievous monkeys that number three. Vlad Vladikoff and Yertle, and a grouchy old Grinch, And Thing One and Thing Two help out in a Pinch!
ters from his beloved stories. If you’re an adult, tickets cost $25 but it’s only $10 for students with an ID. See all the fun at ACTS Theater on May 10-11 and May 17-18 at 7:30 p.m., and on May 12 and May 19 at 3 p.m. Louisiana Third in Nation for Film Production While you may be cheering for your favorite actors on stage today in Lake Charles, tomorrow you may be cheering for them on the big screen. Can you guess what movies The Green Lantern, Pitch Perfect and Olympus Has Fallen all have in common? How about Oscar nominees Django Unchained, Beasts of the Southern Wile and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? If those are too obscure, then let me toss out Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. If you guessed they all were shot in Southern Louisiana then you get a shiny gold Oscar! Okay, maybe a sticker that looks like an Oscar.. Since 2006, Louisiana has been the home of over 300 film and TV productions. In just a few short years, it’s grown to become third in the nation for film projects behind
From Stage to Screen and All in Between!
Volume 5 • Issue 4
General Genghis Khan Schmitz battles over butter While the Cadets follow orders of that nutter. I think that’s everyone, oh wait, what’s that? Of course! How could I forget! The CAT in the HAT! We open this Friday, we’re cleaning our dust, So get your tickets now, this show is a must! As you might have guessed, Seussical is based on the works of Dr. Seuss and features many charac-
such film giants as California and New York. The combination of unique tax credits, a wide variety of locations, and state-of-the-art soundstages has attracted major productions featuring household names such as Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Stephen Soderberg, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Quentin Tarantino. Heck, in 2009 alone, films made in Louisiana grabbed 13 Oscar nominations! An interesting note about these state tax credits is that quite a large percentage of the cast and crew must be hired from Louisiana locals. That’s why it’s very possible those local actors you applaud onstage today could easily be onscreen tomorrow. To learn more about the film industry in Louisiana, including a list of films currently shooting in “Bayouwood,” visit www. louisianaentertainment.gov A footnote for both actors and filmmakers alike: In last month’s article, I mentioned the Lake Area Film Group’s 24 Hour Film Sprint Challenge. To see what local filmmakers came up with in a single day, drop by Stellar Beans coffee shop on Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. Until next month, save me some popcorn! TJN
MAY 16, 2013
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Iron Man 3 (Marvel, 2013)
It’s all about the suit you wear. Just ask any rich celebrity-superhero. Iron Man 3 faces up to the first world problems of Tony Stark (Iron Man /Robert Downey, Jr.)) He’s having an identity crisis. Somehow it relates to last year’s Avengers movie when he saved the world. Maybe he’s humiliated because it was so much better than Iron Man 2. All seriousness aside, Iron Man 3 is an existential comedy. Yes. It really is. We just don’t know it yet, because a terrorist called The Mandarin is interrupting live TV and killing people. And he’s sneaky. No one knows where he’s broadcasting from or where he’ll strike next. But Iron Man isn’t deterred; in fact, he goes on live television himself, challenging the Mandarin to a
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duel at his Malibu mansion. What follows is a wild ride, with Tony Stark’s lab and computers all but destroyed. He spends the middle of the movie trying to get his armor repaired, with the help of a ten-year-old kid. This is a real treat, actually getting to watch actor Robert Downey, Jr. outside of his metal suit. As the defenseless, isolated Tony Stark, he’s just as sarcastic as ever, to the point of quipping to the kid in a serious conversation “Everyone’s father leaves, kid. Don’t be a wuss about it.” But Stark has a plan to find the
Mandarin, to stop the killings, and to stop the anxiety attacks he keeps having brought on by that Avengers movie. Because that is really the theme of Iron Man 3. Sure, we like the rich, sarcastic charm of Robert Downey, Jr. in the lead role, but look, he’s becoming mentally unhinged. His shallow lifestyle and relationships are beginning to affect even him. At the beginning of the movie, he can’t sleep at night and builds more and more Iron Man suits, trying to get the one that’s perfect for him. Meanwhile, everyone he cares about seems to get hurt, his chauffer, his rich CEO girlfriend, his computer valet. I mean, he’s actually homeless after his mansion is destroyed. Don’t you feel sorry for him? Never mind; that doesn’t stop him from whipping out those comeback comments. When we get back to the action, the biggest and most unexpected treat in the movie is the Mandarin. Super actor Ben Kingsley will just kill you. His villain is a combination of Bin Laden, the Ayatollah Khomeini, and Gandhi, with the weirdest Far East accent you’ve ever heard. (There’s a reason for that, as
we find out later.) But in the end, it’s all about the Iron Man suit. That perfect suit surely will save the day. Or suits. And who’s wearing them? Because it’s not always Tony Stark. Does Iron Man 3 deliver? It’s long on action and witty comedy, while predictably short on meaning. But what’s surprising is how Tony Stark’s mental crisis holds the movie together, even when you don’t realize it’s happening. I think this makes it one of the better Marvel films, for all it’s rambling story line and roiling timeline. (At one point, we visit a Miss Minnesota Pageant. Why? No reason. But watch for Marvel Comics creator and legend Stan Lee.) As for being family friendly, Iron Man 3 is definitely not for the little kids. Besides the usual guns and lasers, there are some scenes of graphic terrorism that will upset children. However, your 13-year-old has seen it all on TV and the Internet. In the end, this action movie/character study follows in the best Marvel tradition. It provides escapist, juvenile action with stateof-the-art graphics. Where did those two hours go?
TJN
Volume 5 • Issue 4
CONTRABAND DAYS Contraband Days celebrated its 56th year, and what fun it was! The scurvy pirates, led by Jean Lafitte 2013 Ken Savant, took over the town for two weeks of excitement! So much to see and do, including volleyball tournaments, boat parades, live entertainment, carnival rides, tasty treats and a dazzling night of fireworks. AAAARGH!
Alexis Prather, Tabitha Comeaux, Jay Evers, Kamie Porter and Sydni Jones
Tiffany and Jaivean Menard
Taylor Griemillion, Samuel Owens and Caroline Voelkjer
Arion and Jalynn Friddle
Chelisa Sorrels and Harleigh Dudik
Erica Sittig and Andrew Grisby
Heather and Braxton Maronge with Ashlyn Guidry
Kaylee Fontenot, Gracie Boone and Jaymee Fontenot
DERBY FOR DOLLARS The Stables at Le Bocage was the elegant setting for “Derby for Dollars” benefitting the Shannon Cox Counseling Center. The ladies and gents sported their best derby duds and enjoyed an afternoon of live music, a fabulous equestrian jumping exhibition and scrumptious food from the Lake Area's finest restaurants. It was unanimous—this is going to be an annual event! Richard and Sarah Brink Volume 5 • Issue 4
Ginny Henning and Maria Faul
Tim and Tammy Andreas MAY 16, 2013
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Doug and Kathy Scoggins
Jean LaCour and Cheryl Heisser
Katie Bennington, David Verrett and Jennifer Roberts
WILD BEAST FEAST The annual Wild Beast Feast was held at the Burton Coliseum this year, where appetites of all ages came out to feast on the culinary creations from local teams of chefs to benefit the Lake Charles Symphony. It was an afternoon of food, family and fun! Jane Baggett, Mary Bell, KK Bennerscheidt and Susan Vincent
Billy, Reed and Tammy Edwards
Daijah Simmons, Pat Daigle, Olena Chretien, Elvina Leblanc and Doritha Guiilory PAGE 28
MAY 16, 2013
Gabrielle Wilson, Hannah Pehorelsky and Lisa Schram
Mandy and Dallas Kingham
Danny and Stephanie Weaver
Taylor and Jennifer Corman with Heather and Macie Bourgeouis
Chad Jackson, Matt Dye and Spiceman
Haleigh and Hayden Jackson with Grant Evans and Holden Jackson Volume 5 • Issue 4
SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL Suessical the Musical came alive on the ACTS stage, and what fun it was! The colorful and whimsical cast brought Dr. Suess’ timeless characters to life before a full house. Bravo!
Curry Burton, Danielle Heffer and Travis Stegall
Chad and Riley George
Volume 5 • Issue 4
Henry Perez, Lauren Soileau and Mistie Quinn
Stephen Taylor and Stephanie Desormeaux
Matt David and Vicky Staton
MAY 16, 2013
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Downtown at Sundown DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN MAY 17, 24, 31 AND JUNE 7 The City of Lake Charles announces plans for the 15th annual Downtown at Sundown concert series for four consecutive Fridays from 5:30-9 p.m., beginning May 17. The Jennings High School Drum Line and Young Band Nation will perform beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Luna Stage in the 700 block, with Cold Sweat on the Main Stage beginning at 6:15 p.m. The “street-fair” format will feature a variety of music and entertainment as well as food and beverages, table top galleries, merchandise vendors and activities for kids. Other Main Stage headliners will
Fun Friday, May 17: Finger Painting Join us anytime between 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the ArtSpace! Friday, May 24: End of School Hawaiian Party There will be leis and hibiscus hair clips, pineapple and Hawaiian punch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun Friday, May 24: Playdough Join us anytime between 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the ArtSpace! Creative Monday, May 27: Patriotic Fan Workshop Classes begin at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and are limited to 20 children. Crafty Tuesday, May 28: Coin Bank Workshop Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and are limited to 20 children. Cool Wednesday, May 29: Popsicles Enjoy a delicious Popsicle in the party room from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Amazing Thursday, May 30: To the World Above At 11 a.m., local author and illustrator Rebecca A. Stelly will read her book To the World Above. Friday, May 31: Fun Friday - Pasta Necklaces Join us anytime between 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the ArtSpace! All workshops are for a limited amount of children. Please sign up in the office when you arrive the day of the event. The Children's Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. Call 337-433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org. PAGE 30
MAY 16, 2013
Travis Matte & the Kingpins, May 24; Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, May 31; and City Heat, June 7. Bring your lawn chairs, but no outside beverages or pets are allowed on site. For more information, call (337) 491-9159. STARKS MAYHAW JELLY FESTIVAL MAY 17-18 Mayhaw jelly, mayhaw butter, mayhaw berries and more—the Starks Mayhaw Festival has it all! Try your hand at jelly making or catch a glimpse of the Mayhaw Queen and her court. With carnival rides, live music, delicious Southern food and enough berries and jelly to go around, the whole family will have something to celebrate! The festival kicks off Friday afternoon at the corners of Highways 109 and 12. Saturday morning, early birds will be able to start their day off right with hot biscuits, homemade mayhaw jelly and freshly churned butter. And making the festival even sweeter is the free admission! Hours are Friday from 4-10 p.m. and Sat. 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, call (337) 743-6297. DISCOVERY DOME AT CENTRAL LIBRARY MAY 18 The Calcasieu Parish Public Library has teamed up with the Houston Museum of Natural Science to bring the Discovery Dome, an inflatable, portable planetarium, to Central Library. It will be at the library, located at 301 West Claude Street, on Sat., May 18 from 1:30- 4:30 p.m. The Discovery Dome is a portable, inflatable theater that brings roaring dinosaurs, sparring spaceships, monster trucks, and more to life! Each exciting movie will last thirty minutes and the library will show six different shows. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (337) 721-7118 or visit www.calcasieulibrary.org ‘A BREWER’S PLATE’ MAY 18 There’s a good time brewing at “A Brewer’s Plate” on Sat., May 18 at 6 p.m. at the historic Cash & Carry building in downtown Lake Charles. This is the marquee fundraising event of St. Nicholas Center for Children, a local non-profit dedicated to providing services to children with autism and developmental delays. The 5th annual event features a six-course meal and premium beer pairing with an auction and live music by community favorites, the Flamethrowers. The Volume 5 • Issue 4
attire is dressy casual and the vibe is lively! Tables of 10 are $1,000 and sponsorships are available. For ticket information, sponsorships, or to donate an auction item, call 4910800. LAFITTE’S LADIES DOUBLEHEADER DERBY BOUT MAY 18 Doors open at 6 p.m., bout starts at 7 p.m. at the Grindhouse, 932 Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles. First, Lafitte’s Ladies take on Red River and then it’s the Assassination Pirates vs. the Swamp Devils. Tickets are $12 presale, $15 at the door. BYOB and bring your own chair! Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com. LCCB SPRING PERFORMANCE MAY 19 The Lake Charles Civic Ballet is proud to present its Spring Performance, where students of Lady Leah Lafargue School of the Dance showcase their brilliance in ballet, tap, and jazz. Among the featured pieces will be L'Academie du Monsieur Dubriovsky, a Civic Ballet classic about a girls finishing school; New York in June is an exciting, fast-paced production set to a medley of Gershwin music; and the charming ballet, Monkeyshines, an adorable piece about a male monkey who, finding a golden weasel attractive, makes the female monkeys jealous. Performances will be held at the Rosa Hart Theatre on Sun., May 19 at 3 p.m. Admission is free. ‘POWER UP IN FAITH’ MAY 23 “Power Up in Faith” is a non-denominational luncheon for men and women of faith to come together and hear Father Jonathan Morris, a motivational speaker who will help you to renew your faith, refresh your energy and recharge your soul. Father Morris is a news contributor for the Fox News Channel, Fox Business Channel, and the Wall Street Journal and is program director of The Catholic Channel on SiriusXM satellite radio. The event will be held in the Buccaneer Room at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 11.a.m.- 2 p.m. on Thurs., May 23. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call (337) 395-5600.
profit agency established to provide homes for adults with autism. Groves, who has performed in every major opera house in the world, will join with his fellow band members from Barbe high school days to front an 80s band which includes Alvin Hunt, Philip Miller, Bob Landry, and Alvin Touchet. Corporate sponsorships and tables are available. For more information, call (337) 436-5001 or visit the Paul Groves and Mirage page on Facebook or http://www.autismservicesswl.com/. To buy tickets directly which are $50 per person, visit Autismrocks.eventbrite.com. All money will remain with the local organization. JEN KOBER AT JACK DANIELS WEDNESDAYS STARTING JUNE 5 Local comedian Jen Kober is bringing her funny antics to L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, where she will perform every Wednesday night in June, July and August beginning June 5 at Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill. Dubbed “Jen Kober’s Homegrown Comedy Show,” this hometown girl promises a fresh new act each week with an array of guest entertainers and hilarious audience participation. The shows at Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill cost just $10 and begin at 9 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com, the L’Auberge Business Center or Legends at L’Auberge. Tickets will be available at the door the night of each show; cash only please. Must be 21 to attend. TJN
LIQUID SOCIETY’S PARTY BY THE POOL BEGINS MAY 23 L’Auberge Casino Resort presents the Black Crowes, bringing their original Southern sounds to the first Party By the Pool on May 23. Tickets are $10-$20 at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000; or L'Auberge through the Business Center or Legends at L'Auberge. Tickets may also be purchased the night of the show at Legends. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8:30 p.m. Must be 21 years old to enter. Other artists include Kenny Wayne Shepard, Robert Randolph, The Eli Young Band, Buckcherry and others. You can even pick up a Season Pass! For more information, visit www.llakecharles.com/entertainment or visit them on Facebook. LARRY THE CABLE GUY MAY 24 Larry the Cable Guy will bring his award-winning comedy act to the L'Auberge Event Center for two shows on Fri., May 24, at 7 and 10 p.m.; doors open one hour before each show. Show tickets can be purchased for $45 (stadium) or $60 (floor) by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 488-525 or online at www.ticketmaster.com . Tickets are also available at the L'Auberge Business Center and Legends at L'Auberge. All major credit cards are accepted. Guests must be 21 years of age and present a valid photo ID. For more information, log on to www.llakecharles.com/entertainment. ROCK FOR AUTISM MAY 26 Paul Groves and Mirage will "Rock for Autism" at L'Auberge Casino and Resort on Sunday, May 26. The fundraiser will benefit Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana, a non-
Volume 5 • Issue 4
MAY 16, 2013
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Sponsored by
To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com
The
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 • Acronycal @ Fred’s Lounge, 7 p.m. • Static @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, MAY 16 • Ars Nova @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m. • Avery Michaels @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • I’m Famous @ Dharma, 8 p.m. •Marty Monte Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 17 • Second Nature @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m. • Belly Dancers at Zeus Cafe, Lake Charles, 6 p.m. • Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Tassie Burnette & Hundred Dollar Habit @ Stellar Beans, 7 p.m. • Stellar @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.
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• Chalk/The Bonnies/Thee Andys @ Dharma, 8 p.m. • The Posse @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Cody Cooke & Bayou Outlaws @ Texas Longhorn Club, Vinton, 8 p.m. • Acronycal @ Linda’s Lounge, 9 p.m. • Frank Gomez @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • Geno Delafosse & French Rockin’ Boogie @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m. • Chase Tyler @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m. SATURDAY, MAY 18 • Acoustic guitarist Jay Kacherski @ Zeus Cafe, Lake Charles, 6 p.m. • Stellar @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Tony James Tha Voice @ Dharma, 8 p.m. • Dion Pride @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Hold Fast Fables @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m • Frank Gomez @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,
Vinton, 9 p.m. • Steve Riley & Mamou Playboys @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 19 • Brad Sapia & Bayou Soul @ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m. • Brad Brinkley & Comfort Zone @ Mary’s Lounge 5 p.m. MONDAY, MAY 20 • Kyle Turley/White Light Cemetery @ Old Town Tavern, 8 p.m. • DJ David Verret @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 • Keith McCoy & CEO @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, MAY 23 • JTiffany Rene @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m. • Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Blackbird @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • The Black Crowes @ Liquid Society, L’Auberge Casino, 8:30 p.m. • DJ Adriana @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.
Volume 5 • Issue 4
FRIDAY, MAY 24 • Belly Dancers at Zeus Cafe, Lake Charles, 6 p.m. • Alex Rosell @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m. • Larry the Cable Guy @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge Casino, 7 p.m. • Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Mike Richard & Steppin’ Out @ Mary’s Lounge, 7 p.m. • Karma @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Lucas Gober/Dead Relatives @ Dharma, 8 p.m. • Crossroads @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • Richard LeBoeuf @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m. • Asleep at the Wheel @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.
• Karma @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Sinners and Friends @ Dharma, 8 p.m. • Pookie Marceaux Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • Damon Troy & Final Five @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m. • DJ Adriana @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 26 • Jimmy Partin/X-It 43 @ Mary’s Lounge, 5 p.m. • Greg Martinez & Delta Kings @ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m. • LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m. • DJ Adriana @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 • Ganey Arsement & Lakeside Gamblers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, MAY 30 • Tim Free @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m. • TZydecane @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Bernie Alan Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Blackberry Smoke @ Liquid Society, L’Auberge Casino, 8:30 p.m. • DJ San-D @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 31 • Mike Dolan & Stratton Doyle @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m. • Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Danica @ Mikko, Coushatta
Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • David Joel @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • Bujie & The Highrise/Vapo-Rats/I’m Fine @ Dharma 8 p.m. • Holleestar @ My Place Bar, 8 p.m. • Mark Reeves & Twisted X @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Timmy Dugas & Zydecane @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.
TJN
SATURDAY, MAY 25 • Acoustic guitarist Jay Kacherski @ Zeus Cafe, Lake Charles, 6 p.m.
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Killin’ Time Crossword DOWN
1. Small pouch 4. Nutmeg spice 8. Speed measurement 12. Say further 13. In a frenzy 14. Double-reed instrument 15. Sure 17. Incline 18. Chromosome unit 19. Light bulb units 20. Daily delivery 23. Blooper 25. Hot blood 27. Got an eyeful 28. Down 31. Refill gun 33. Cold dessert 35. Put into words 36. Ear of corn 38. "Roxana" author 39. Wish granter 41. Jewels 42. Benefits 45. Ocean danger 47. "What's gotten ___ you?" 48. Swamped 52. Flower stalk 53. Hoot 54. ___ de Cologne 55. Newsmagazine 56. Play parts or plays part 57. Bard's "before"
1. Easy mark 2. "Much ___ About Nothing" 3. D.J.'s stack 4. Pal 5. Nitrogen compound 6. Conceals 7. ___ out a living 8. Back tooth 9. Aid and ___ 10. Checked item 11. Coop group 16. Block house? 19. Knocked the socks off 20. Neighbor of Earth 21. Geometry calculation 22. Sans purpose 24. Tease 26. Revs 28. Ump's cry 29. Bit of physics 30. Bucks' mates 32. Put on 34. OK, in a way 37. ___ ear 39. Fairy tale figure 40. Plant problem 42. Main idea 43. Dead against 44. Detail 46. Saws 48. Chapter in history 49. Charge 50. Piercing locale 51. Expected
Answers to previous crossword
ACROSS
© Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd PAGE 34
MAY 16, 2013
Volume 5 • Issue 4
word search Memoria! l Day Air Force America Army Cemetery Coast Guard
Flag Gratitude Marines Memorial Day Navy
Remember Sacrifice Salute Soldier Victory
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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.
Volume 5 • Issue 4
MAY 16, 2013
PAGE 35