The Jambalaya News - 05/22/14, Vol. 6, No. 4

May 22, 2014 • Volume 6 • Issue 4

715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.louisianajam.com Publisher Phil de Albuquerque phil@louisianajam.com Executive Editor Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@louisianajam.com Contributors George Cline Angie Kay Dilmore Dan Ellender Julie Fay Eric Manuel Mike McHugh Roger Miller Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Jody Taylor Karla Tullos Calvin Tyler Anna Catherine Viator Sales sales@louisianajam.com New Guy Calvin Tyler Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk

On cover: L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles ‘s Liquid Society

REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA! 8 Hospital Roundup 10 The Dang Yankee 10 Adoption Corner 11

12 21st Century Etiquette 14 Fishin’ Tales 16 Sports Report FEATURES 4 Dr. Dogs Pet Therapy 18

Remember to Dance While the Music Plays

18

19 Biking in the Lake Area 20 Five Sexy Drinks for Summer THE SPICE OF SWLA 30 Event Guide 33 Family Fun Night at the Movies 34 ‘Works of Men’-And One Man in Particular 36 Red Hot Books

Business Office Manager Jeanie Taggart

41 Acting Up!

38 Nightlife Guide

43

34

43 Meet Bray J 44 Society Spice

02 May 22, 2014

6

Tips from Tip

Associate Photographer Johnny Owens Cajun Pirate Photgraphy

Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by Louisiana Jam columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Louisiana Jam, its editors or staff.

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by Jambalaya Media, 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 self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2014 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

4

COVER STORY 25 Liquid Society 2014

46 Cajun Classifieds 51 Funbolaya

44 Vol. 6 • No. 4

A Note From Lauren versation about them. And we The Social Network would see the cryptic quotes Facebook is a good thing.

Where else can you find out what all of your friends are up to at a glance? Where else can you make new friends that you’ll never, ever meet face to face? Where else can you find out how really weird some people that you know are, and why you should avoid them?

Why, on Facebook, of course.

Because of Facebook, there’s no need for the telephone on a social level anymore. Thank God, because that took up so much time. I remember how many hours my mother spent on the phone during the week.

After dinner was over and the dishes were washed, she’d get on the phone (a bright, robin’s egg blue rotary dial) and wouldn’t resurface for at least an hour—sometimes two, if she was talking to her cousin Alma.

Alma was the Family Gossip and was usually fighting with someone, so she would fill my mother’s ear with all

Vol. 6 • No. 4

machine and a VCR. She was always afraid of radiation or that we all knew were directed electrical fires or something kinds of Angry Words about bad that would happen as a the latest transgressor. Or she at whomever she was angry direct result of these modern with at the moment without would go on and on about conveniences. I can’t imagine getting involved.

Think of all her daughter, who never left the time that would have been her on a computer. home, never had a date and But if she did have one, had no life to speak of, but in saved! and Facebook had been Of course, there are many Alma’s mind, she was fabulous around when she was alive, complaints about people and amazing and everyone what would she have posted? spending so much time on needed to hear every dot and dash about her non-life. And Facebook and their computer There would be old songs and instead of interacting with the family photos and articles my father would walk by and about everything under the real world. But think of all hear my mother’s responses, sun, because she had such a the people you’re coming in which were very brief and thirst for knowledge. Lots of contact with. What’s a better always cut off because Alma recipes. She would never play would never let her get a word use of time? An hour on the Candy Crush. And she would phone with one person versus in edgewise, and he would talk about me, and Phil, a lot. just shake his head. And when an hour on Facebook connecting with dozens of people, What a shame she left us beI was older, I’d mouth the reading articles, and watching fore it all happened. I would words, “Hang up on her!” cats dressed like sharks riding have loved to have been her If Facebook were around Facebook friend. roombas? No comparison! back then, there would have I love how a lot of older been no need for these exhausting, repetitive conversa- people are on Facebook, and tions. Alma could merely have I wonder if my mother would posted pictures of her daugh- have made the leap if she were still with us. I kind of doubt ter having tea, watching soap it. She was used to her ways operas and looking through and was not “mechanically the help wanted ads. You could just “like” those photos inclined,” as my father always and get on with your life with- said. It took her years to get Lauren de Albuquerque a microwave, an answering out being sucked into a con-

May 22, 2014 03

Imagine you’re in the hospital. Your doctor mentions the hospital’s animalassisted therapy program and asks if you’d be interested. You say yes, and your doctor arranges for someone to tell you more about the program. Soon after that, a therapy dog and its handler visit your hospital room. They stay for 10 or 15 minutes. You’re invited to pet the dog and ask the handler questions.

After the visit, you realize you’re smiling. And you feel a little less tired and a bit more optimistic. You can’t wait to tell your family all about that charming canine. In fact, you’re already looking forward to the dog’s next visit. And it’s not only the ill person who reaps the benefits. Family members and friends who sit in on animal visits say they feel better, too.

Dogs can be so intuitive and sense patient distress and respond as if by telepathy. Touching, petting or smiling with a dog releases neurotransmitters, which invoke comfort and enhance happiness for dog and patient alike. Handlers derive joy from watching these small miracles and nurses, therapists and doctors all smile when they arrive.

We have a group of pet therapy volunteers right here in Southwest Louisiana called the “Dr. Dogs” 04 May 22, 2014

who visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries, bringing wagging tails and smiles everywhere they

go. Susan Stanford is the SWLA pet therapy coordinator for Dr. Dogs. She

maintains the website and calendar and is the only certified tester with Therapy Dogs, Inc. in our state.

This national organization offers registration, support and insurance for your dog and certification is required prior to your dog being admitted to many public institutions. Stanford says, “Therapy dog candidates must have a great temperament toward

people, be a year old, tolerate other dogs and be well-trained. It’s important that they allow strangers to touch them all over, and be calm for petting. It’s as much about the dog’s temperament as anything.”

Kayla Rigney, whose “day job” is Executive Director of the Calcasieu Community Clinic, and her standard poodle, Millie-Bird, are relatively new to the Dr. Dogs group, but they have jumped in with both paws.

“We started with the ‘Fun with Fideaux’ program at the library where the children practice reading to a non-judgmental audience… the dogs,” Rigney says. She has enjoyed the experience so much that Vol. 6 • No. 4

she’s become involved in visitation with two hospitals, nursing homes and special events. “It’s really the most fun you can have with your dog!”

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Stanford maintains the website and a monthly calendar of regularly scheduled Dr. Dog visits, but the group has also been invited to corporate health

fairs, local schools and most recently has been a guest of Family and Youth Counseling’s Good Mourning Gang, which provides services to children who have lost a significant family member. “The dogs are there during the time when the children share memories of their loved ones,” Stanford says. “It helps them to have a four-legged

friend to love on as they tell their stories.”

For more information, visit the Dr. Dogs website at http://drdogspetherapy. com/ or contact Susan Stanford at SSdogwood@ aol.com or 802-5616. We’ll set up a quick temperament test with you and your dog at Petco. If your dog passes, then the TDI Certification process begins.

May 22, 2014 05

ana Economic Development Alliance. As part of the funding for the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, SWLA on the Move promotes economic development in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis Parishes.

Blanchard Joins Century 21 Bessette Realty, Inc.

Kimberly Blanchard

Kimberly Gothreaux Blanchard, a native of Lake Charles, has joined Century 21 Bessette Realty, Inc., as a REALTOR. Blanchard graduated from St. Louis High School and studied Family and Consumer Science at McNeese State University. Her concentration was in interior design with a special focus on kitchens and bathrooms. She is married to Les Blanchard and they have four children. Blanchard is licensed to sell residential and commercial real estate. For more information, contact Century 21 Bessette Realty, Inc., at (337) 474-2185.

Steve Geiger (center), manager of the Phillips 66 Lake Charles, presents check to Avon Knowlton, executive VP of the Alliance (left), and George Swift, President/CEO of the Alliance (right).

L’Auberge Donates to Derby for Dollars L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles donated $5,300 to Derby for Dollars supporting Family & Youth’s Shannon Cox Counseling Center. Shannon Cox Counseling Center provides vital grief counseling services for children who have dealt with life changing situations.

Capital One Donates to Junior Achievement SWLA Capital One Bank donated $11,000 to Junior Achievement of Southwest Louisiana in support of K- 12th grade financial literacy programs for area students.

(Lto R): Stephanie Thatcher, Lady of L’Auberge; Dr. Candis Carr, Family & Youth Counseling Agency; Keith W. Henson, L’Auberge Casino Resort Senior VP and GM; Stephanie Miller Vincent, Director of Food & Beverage; Katie Schexnider, Lady of L’Auberge.

Family & Youth Receives Standards for Excellence Certification L to R: Filmore Bordelon, III, Capital One Bank LC president; Karen Thomas, Capital One Bank Ass’t. VP; Meg Lovejoy, Junior Achievement of SWLA and Paul Lungaro – Capital One Bank Regional vault operations manager Phillips 66 Donates to SWLA on the Move Campaign Phillips 66 donated $20,00 to the SWLA Alliance Foundation’s SWLA on the Move economic development campaign. The Chamber and the SWLA Alliance Foundation are part of the Southwest Louisi06 May 22, 2014

The Standards for Excellence Institute in Maryland, one of the largest state associations of nonprofits in the US with over 1,400 member organizations, recently awarded Family & Youth Counseling Agency, Inc. (Family & Youth) with the Seal of Excellence as part of their Standards for Excellence program.

The Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector (Stand-

Buddy Hamic, Family & Youth Board of Directors chair; Leslie Harless, Family & Youth Board of Directors past-chair; Julio Galan, Family & Youth president & CEO Vol. 6 • No. 4

ards) evaluates principles of honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability in nonprofit program operations, governance, human resources, financial management, and fundraising.

Louisiana, Girola received a Bachelor’s degree from LSU. He resides in Lake Charles with his wife, Becky, and their two children. Girola is an active member of Trinity Baptist Church and serves on the board for Profit and Loss.

Danielle Nester Wins 2014 Spring Art Walk Battle

Southwest Louisiana Economic Alliance Recognized Nationally for Development Efforts

The Arts Council of SWLA is proud to announce the winner of the 2014 art battle, which was held during the annual Spring Art Walk in downtown Lake Charles on April 25th. The art battle pits teams of artists against one another and challenges them to create a mural live in front of an audience in only an hour. Local artist Danielle Nester, who was a first-time participant in Spring Art Danielle Nester Walk and competed solo in the art battle, garnered the most votes and was named the 2014 art battle champion. Nester also sold numerous paintings at the event and went on to be featured at the Arts Council’s Artini After Hours on May 1 at SpringHill Suites by Marriott. For more information on Spring Art Walk or the art battles, contact the Arts Council at (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org.

Davis Commended for Life-saving Actions Danielle Davis, a graduate student and a certified athletic trainer for the McNeese State University athletic programs, was recognized, commended and presented a Resolution this past Wednesday by the Legislature of Louisiana for her heroic acts in saving the life of a former McNeese track coach Steve Baker. On September 28, 2013, McNeese hosted the Cowboy Stampede Cross Country Invitational.

Near the end of the run, Steve Baker collapsed on the course and fell unconscious. Davis, with the assistance of two fire department emergency personnel and two athletic trainers from Southeastern Louisiana, Matthew Reynolds and Walter Smith, jumped into action to save Baker’s life.

Local Winner of YEA! Alex Stokes, an 11th grade student at St. Louis Catholic High School was chosen as the local winner of the 2014 Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Saunders Scholars contest. Stokes presented his business idea for Ultimate Designs – an event planning enterprise -- to a three-judge panel. Six students – totaling five businesses after two students joined their efforts together – presented to the selection panel that included local business leaders Rick Richard with Empire of the Seed, Ron McGinley with Angels of SWLA and John Stelly with Nissan of Lake Charles.

Site Selection magazine has named the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance one of the top 10 economic development organizations in the nation for three of the last four years. The Alliance played an instrumental role in bringing in $65 Billion in investments for our region, which will bring about 30,000 construction jobs, and 20,000 permanent jobs for Southwest Louisiana workers.

Site Selection does not assign rankings within its top 10 list. Organizations on the top ten list are chosen based up the new jobs and new investments made within their region/city/state.

McNeese MFA Alumnus Pulitzer Finalist Morri Creech, a 1998 McNeese State University’s Master of Fine Arts program alumnus, was one of three finalists for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for poetry with his book, The Sleep of Reason. The Pulitzer Prize committee cited Creech’s book as “a book of masterly poems that capture the inner experience of a man in mid-life who is troubled by mortality and the passage of time, traditional themes that are made to feel new.” The McNeese MFA program – established in 1981 - is ranked No. 22 in the nation by Poets & Writers magazine.

Morri Creech

SOWELA Awarded $5,000 From SASOL Sasol Lake Charles presented a $5,000 gift to be included in SOWELA’s ACT 360 capital campaign to build a new Student Success building on the Lake Charles campus. As part of the ACT 360 effort, SOWELA was approved to construct an $8 million Student Services building at the Lake Charles campus. In order to qualify for the ACT 360 funds, SOWELA must raise 12 percent of the total ($960,000) from the private sector, which represents an 8-to-1 match. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2015 but not until the 12 percent match is secured and deposited in the College’s Foundation Board account. For information about SOWELA and its programs, visit www.sowela.edu.

Local Financial Representative Receives Industry Honor

David Girola Vol. 6 • No. 4

David Girola, a financial advisor of Northwestern Mutual, has qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Roundtable an international, independent association of nearly 19,000 leading life insurance producers. Girola has been associated with Northwestern Mutual since August of 2009.

As a financial advisor, he provides expert guidance and innovative solutions for a variety of financial needs and goals. A native of

SOWELA Chancellor, Dr. Neil Aspinwall (left) commemorates the $5,000 gift from Sasol presented by Mr. Paul Hippman, Sasol Lake Charles Chemical Complex Manager.

May 22, 2014 07

Cancer Center, making it the first in the region to offer treatment options such as Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation that are currently unavailable in Southwest Louisiana. For more information on the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Regional Cancer Center and treatment options available, call (337) 491-7569.

Memorial Sports Medicine Receives Partner in Tourism Award Kleinschmidt Receives PRPC Certification Johnnie Kleinschmidt, a physical therapist at Lake Charles Memorial for Women recently received the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.

Kleinschimdt’s work is highly specialized, as she deals specifically with women’s health and the muscles of the pelvic floor. She does, however, also treat men and children. Kleinschmidt is a member of the inaugural class to Johnnie Kleinschmidt receive this certification and the only physical therapist in Louisiana to hold this distinction. Her office can be reached by calling 480-7208.

LAMC Announces Employee and Managers of the Year Lake Area Medical Center recently named Melissa Fontenot, a PC Technician in the Information Systems Department as the 2013 Employee of the Year; Brian Shepherd, RN, Emergency Services Director as the 2013 Clinical Manager of the Year and Aaron Cook, Information Systems Director as the 2013 Non-Clinical Manager of the Year.

The award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Fontenot, Shepherd and Cook were nominated for the award by their hospital peers, based on their commitment to patient care, their professionalism and their contributions on the job.

Melissa Fontenot

Brian Shepherd

Two individuals with Lake Charles Memorial Sports Medicine recently received the Partner in Tourism Award from the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau. The award is given to individuals that go above and beyond to help bring in visitors to SWLA. Aaron Aaron McDonald and Jamey Rasberry McDonald, an athletic trainer with Lake Charles Memorial and Jamey Rasberry, Director of Sports Medicine at Lake Charles Memorial received the award. The two were recognized for their efforts with the planning and sports medicine coverage they provided to all the high school state championship events recently held in Southwest Louisiana. Memorial is the official Sports Medicine Provider for all schools in Calcasieu Parish and is the Regional Healthcare Partner for the LHSAA.

CHRISTUS Athletic Club Recognized by AHA CHRISTUS Louisiana Athletic Club – Lake Charles was recently recognized by the American Heart Association’s Fit-Friendly Worksite Program for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace. The program is also meant to encourage other companies to participate and demonstrate similar physical activity practices for their employees.

Aaron Cook

CHRISTUS Kicks Off $4.5 Million Expansion CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital has begun a $4.5-million expansion to the CHRISTUS Regional Cancer Center. It includes a Nucletron microSelectron-Digital HDR Afterloader System, a GE large bore CT Scanner with deviceless 4D technology, a software package with Deformable Image Registration, Advanced Treatment Planning, new Oncology Information System and Survivorship registration, and the Elekta Infinity™ Linear Accelerator with Agility MLCs. The project will greatly improve the capabilities of the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional 08 May 22, 2014

(L to R): Matthew Welsh, AHA regional director; Ellen Papania, CHRISTUS Athletic Club manager; Dustin Guidry, CHRISTUS Athletic Club head trainer; Donald Lloyd II, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital administrator Vol. 6 • No. 4

WCCH Auxiliary Donates to Hospital’s Foundation The West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation recently received a donation in the amount of $21,250.00 from the WCCH Auxiliary. The donation, made possible by proceeds from sales in the Auxiliary’s Gift Shoppe, was made to assist the WCCH Foundation achieve its core mission of assisting the hospital in providing advanced, quality health care to the community. For more information about the Auxiliary of WCCH, call (337) 527-4144.

practice. Recipients include: RN of the Year – Alice Perez, RN, Medical Telemetry Unit; LPN of the Year – Tonja Gaspard, LPN, Medical Telemetry Unit; Nurse Aide of the Year – Robin Marshall, CNA, Medical/Surgical Unit; Support Person of the Year – Bryan Lambert, resource tech; and Home Health Agency Professional of the Year – Angela Granger, RN. In addition, the “WCCH Healing Touch Award,” was presented to Emily Babineaux, RN, Medical/Surgical Unit.

SOWELA’s Practical Nursing Program Pins 17 SOWELA’s Practical Nursing Class 139 was honored in a pinning ceremony held at the First Baptist Church of Westlake. Class 139, an especially close-knit group of 17, was honored by family and friends for their accomplishments and completion of study over the past 17 months. Nursing Class 139 is the last group of students to graduate before the new 35,000 square foot Nursing and Allied Health Building opens on the Lake Charles campus later this summer. For information about SOWELA and its programs, visit www.sowela.edu or email: randy. jolly@sowela.edu.

L to R: Sharon Comeaux, WCCH Auxiliary president, Debby Nabours, WCCH Foundation executive director, Ira Fontenot, WCCH Foundation CEO and president, and Janie Fruge’, WCCH CEO

WCCH Announces Nurses Week Award Recipients West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital celebrated the hospital’s registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and support personnel throughout National Nurses Week May 6-12. Nursing excellence awards were presented on May 8. The recipients were selected by other nursing staff members for going above and beyond his/her role, and for consistently demonstrating the values of WCCH in their daily

Vol. 6 • No. 4

The 17 students of SOWELA’s Nursing Class 139 with their instructors at the recent pinning ceremony

May 22, 2014 09

Happy Anniver$ary!

Last week, my wife and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary. I consider myself a lucky man for having found a woman who’s been able to put up with me for so long. I’d still consider myself lucky no matter how much of my life savings I’d have otherwise poured into the gambling boats.

As the years of marriage pass, it becomes more difficult for me to count the exact number without the aid of a calculator. My wife does not seem to have this problem. Come to think of it, neither do prisoners counting off the years of a life sentence. On the other hand, prisoners don’t tend to make poetic Facebook posts about how wonderful those years have been, as my wife did on our big day.

This leads to my point, which is that the girl in a relationship always makes a bigger deal out of special days than guys do. In

fact, if it weren’t for the women keeping track of such things, I doubt that people would remember the dates at all, and there would be no celebrations.

As a case in point, I’d surely have marked my calendar of the date when my wife and I attended our first NFL game together, had she bothered to make note of it.

As usual, Lady Yankee couldn’t let this anniversary pass without doing something special to mark the occasion.

She asked my opinion on how to celebrate, and, idiot that I am, I left it up to her. She decided to make reservations at Ember at L’Auberge, one of the more upscale restaurants in town.

Ember has Kobe steak as its signature item. The menu listed the price as per ounce, probably to prevent patrons from falling out of their chairs and filing lawsuits had they seen

what it cost for a full serving.

The only other things I know of that cost more per ounce are illegal. Seeing that, I realized that when my wife asked my opinion, I should have pulled out my calculator, noted that it was an odd-numbered year, and suggested that Chili’s might be sufficient for the occasion.

I had no idea why any cut of meat should be as expensive as Kobe steak until I talked to a co-worker the next day. He told me that Kobe beef comes from special cows in Japan that are regularly massaged to give the meat its unique tenderness. I remember once going to a spa and getting a massage, and I just imagined geisha girls over in Japan giving cows the same kind of treatment—what with herbal oils, New Age music, and everything. I could see how that would run up the cost of production.

That’s why I chose the shrimp,

guessing that geisha girls had little or no involvement in their cultivation. Lady Yankee went with the salmon following my lengthy appeal to her healthconscious side, during which I mentioned “omega-3 fatty acids” as much as possible. That was the extent of my knowledge about salmon.

It all resulted in a splendid evening at a cost that kept me from having to sell the pickup truck.

Next year will be the big three-oh. I should call my daughter now and tell her to plan on us moving in around then.

Mike McHugh’s column has appeared in “The Jambalaya News” for nearly five years. He also contributes stories to the “Not Your Mother’s Book” anthology series and makes public speaking appearances. To inquire about having him speak to your group, contact Mike at thedangyankee@mail.com.

Featured by LAPAW Rescue • Contact us at www.lapaw.org This little 8-pound, 2-year-old girl and her mom were surrendered by their owners. They were both terrified when placed into a common area with dogs of all sizes.

Misty was especially fearful but has come a long way with the help of inexpensive meds for anxiety. Over the last few months, we have seen her loving nature and she is increasingly comfortable in the presence of strangers. She loves squeaky toys and her ball but will trade them for a treat any day! She is not yet comfortable with children but would love to be the 10 May 22, 2014

sunshine in the lives of a retired couple or single person with a quiet lifestyle.

She would be a great apartment dog.

She is working on leash training that seems easier with a harness than a collar and leash. She is heartworm negative, completely vetted, and ready to warm your lap and fill your heart every day! For more information, call or email (337) 478-7294; lapaw@ bellsouth.net. Vet check and home visit required prior to all adoptions.

Can’t adopt? Consider fostering.

Can’t foster? Consider sponsoring!

LAPAW dogs (and cats) can be seen at www.lapaw.org.

Vol. 6 • No. 4

should be intuitive to everyone, but apparently, this isn’t always so. If a law enforcement officer does not have compassion for animals, we should question his compassion towards his fellow humans.

was placed for sale. The stores surveyed are: Albertsons-Ryan Street, Market Basket-Ryan Street, Kroger-McNeese Street and Walmart-Nelson Road.

Hamburger buns, store brand, package of 8: Albertsons $1.29, Market Basket $1.09, Kroger $1, Walmart $1.28.

Kraft American Singles, 12pack: Albertsons $4.49, Market Basket $3.29, Kroger $2.99, Walmart $3.78.

Ground beef, 80-20 mix, per pound: Albertsons $5.49, Market Basket $4.19, Kroger $4.49, Walmart $3.88.

Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise, 30-ounce jar: Albertsons $3.49, Market Basket $3.99, Kroger $2.99, Walmart $3.58.

French’s Yellow Mustard, 20-ounce container: Albertsons $1.99, Market Basket $2.39, Kroger $1.79, Walmart $1.77.

Cardboard Box Tip

Man’s Best Friend– Shot for No Reason Sadly, we have had a second incident of someone’s dog being questionably shot and killed by a law enforcement officer in Southwest Louisiana within the last two years. In addition, a Texas Deputy Sheriff has been recently indicted with animal cruelty in Rains County (east of Dallas) for shooting a dog. There was a major outcry from concerned citizens and the Sulphur police officer has subsequently resigned and is no longer carrying a badge and a gun.

Thankfully, there is an ongoing investigation to ascertain any chargeable criminal negligence by the ex-officer.

Many of us, myself included, have a deep emotional connection to our dogs. Particularly in cases with single elderly people and childless couples, a pet dog fills a gap in their existence and makes life more complete for them. The mere thought of your dog being shot and killed is a concept that you cannot wrap your mind around without some emotional disturbance. Having your dog shot by a member of the very agency sworn to “Serve and Protect” is outrageous to start with, especially under questionable shooting circumstances.

We are not discussing instances of an overly aggressive animal threatening and attacking an officer, but cases where the animal has posed no real danger. The importance of a pet Vol. 6 • No. 4

Here is a usable “tip” that I would like to share. Recently, I encountered a friend struggling with folding up a cardboard box for disposal.

Folding them can be frustrating, but getting them to lay flat can easily be achieved. Cardboard boxes have a secret. Inside one corner is a seam that can usually be easily taken apart, which will then allow the cardboard to be folded easily. Just make sure all the box ends are free and undone (either by cutting the tape or pulling the glued pieces apart). Once the ends are free, the inside of the box will reveal the seam along one corner.

There will be a small flap down the length of that corner which will separate the glued sides with a firm pull. Once the seam is undone, the cardboard will fold up nicely, bending at the remaining three corners. If the cardboard is longer than you want, the sides can be folded more easily in the now-opened box rather than trying to fold doubled-up layers.

Supermarket Roundup Winter is finally behind us (hopefully) and we can spend some quality time on the patio.

It’s time to grill some hamburgers and visit with friends again without coats or sweaters. We checked on the current prices of ground meat, hamburger buns, slices of cheese and mayo and mustard. These prices were obtained on Wednesday, May 14, and reflect the posted prices on the shelf where the product May 22, 2014 11

Food Faux Pas Last month, I invited our readers to participate in this column by sharing their experiences. I would like to thank those of you that accepted my invitation by responding.

One reader wrote in to share his experience with water service at local restaurants. He agreed

12 May 22, 2014

that water was not always offered. But when it was, the glass was placed on the table without a napkin underneath. This scenario creates a mess for the diner. As the ice thaws, condensation is created on the outside of the glass, which can create a watery pool on the table which

runs into your silverware and other items. It also creates another hazard: a slippery surface when you pick up the glass. To rectify this problem, simply ask your server for beverage napkins when ordering your drink.

Another reader dis-

covered a previous customer’s food still clinging to her fork when she unwrapped the silverware. While I agree this is unacceptable, it can easily happen due to the method of dishwashing required by food safety regula-

Vol. 6 • No. 4

tions. In my experience with commercial kitchens, dinnerware is not handwashed in the kitchen.

Instead, it is put through a washer and then air-dried.

It is the servers’ responsibility to check silverware and glassware during their pre-shift side work to ensure that all serving pieces are properly cleaned before presenting them at the table. So, kindly ask your server for a replacement. He will likely be embarrassed that you were presented with dirty items and immediately replace them for you.

In my last column, I mentioned an employee eating lunch at her desk in clear view of customers. Eating on the job is a no-no because you cannot

be focused on customer service while attending to your own dining needs.

Unfortunately, I recently encountered two other similar situations.

The first was while waiting in line at the car wash.

The attendant, who was stationed to assist customers checking in for their wash, had a mouthful of sunflower seeds. While facing the line of customers, he was cracking the seeds with his teeth to extract the nut and then spitting out the seeds on the ground. While I was impressed with his talent, I was also grossed out.

This action could be construed as spitting at your customers.

The second offense was committed by a bartender

at a private birthday celebration. The bartender left his bar to help himself to the client’s buffet dinner. And to make matters worse, he returned to the bar and started eating his meal. I witnessed several guests waiting to order a drink while being ignored by the bartender.

Why was there no supervision of staff ? While both of these employees disrespected their customers, these offenses bring up a serious matter. If supervision was not taking place in public view, this makes me wonder about the culture of the employer and what other aspects of customer service might be lacking.

I don’t have it out for the service industry. Be-

cause it is one of the main employment sectors in our city, I consider this to be a very important topic, especially with the number of newcomers expected to be coming to our area.

We want to be known for great customer service, not a take-it or leave-it work ethic.

Please write in and share your experiences.

Comments can be submitted to lauren@thejambalayanews.com.

In addition to being schooled by her mother, Anna Catherine Viator attended the Protocol School od Washington in Alexandria, VA.

Tonya Meche Wants Your Recipes!

You’ve all enjoyed “Tonya Meche’s Kitchen” in every issue as she brings us quick and tasty recipes that have been passed down in her family. Now, Tonya is asking for YOUR recipes! Just email them to lauren@ thejambalayanews.com.

She’ll try them out in her kitchen, and if she likes them, they’ll appear in The JAM! So pull out those cookbooks and send some good cookin’ ideas our way!

Vol. 6 • No. 4

May 22, 2014 13

Memories Are Made of This Recently, a friend of mine asked, “What’s your most memorable fishing trip?” I had to think about that one. Set this longtime guide and history teacher to pondering something and I’ll complicate even the Lord’s Prayer. The angling trip I chose wasn’t any tale you’ve read of mine: Sail Fish Mucho Hombre, White Perch Perch Jerkin’, Speckle Trout Chumin’ For Specks, Bass Mardi Gras Days, or any of my Fishing Tales.

Here is that trip.

This all starts with my death in 1966, 25 days after my 18th birthday. I’d been in a bad car accident.

Seems a drunk ran his truck head on into me. By the time the Oldsmobile ’88 came to a halt, I had managed to go out the windshield face first. When my car met the telephone pole, I came back through the glass-sharded windshield back first. This was back in the days when windshields were real PPG glass, not the spidering safety glass we have today.

Rushed to the hospital, I managed to die on them for three minutes. But it wasn’t my turn and despite a serene time in The Light, I came back. It hurts. A lot. The living part. They wired my shoulder together, sewed 72 stitches (mostly in my face), and wrapped up all my cracked ribs. I resembled a gauze-wrapped mummy with a basketball head from the swelling.

If you’re wondering what this has to do with my fishing tale, just hold on, it’s coming. Recovering from that accident took a year and a half. I had gone from being a 220-pound college football player to a 137-pound cripple in a wheelchair. By the summer of ‘67, rehab had gotten me up to 170 pounds of 14 May 22, 2014

quasi-normal pill-popping human. It was at that point Lee and Jenny Nichols decided I needed to get out and do what I used to do. Fish.

So, despite my whining protests, off we went to their fishing camp on Beauregard Parish’s Bundick Lake. The Nichols were what every fortunate youth has, a set of sort of adopted parents who are cool and not like the Nazis our parents were. Or so we perceived.

Having risen early for my rehab-ordered walk, I hobbled down the path to the local store, got some coffee and struggled back. In the dawn’s light, Jenny met me at the camp’s pier.

“Ready to fish?” she asked with her usual enthusiasm.

“Not really,” I replied, already hurting and feeling sorry for myself. I just wanted to crawl back into bed.

“Well, we’re going. It’ll be good for you,” she said with a finality that ended that non-discussion. Arguing with Jenny about anything was an art form that only her son and my friend Logan mastered. Naturally, he became a very successful lawyer.

She had already loaded the bateau at her pier: rods placed strategically, ice chest centered, crickets chirping in their cage, and shiners pinging against their bucket. I limped along their pier while Jenny seated herself next to the black 9.8 Mercury outboard. Resigned to my fate and out of her sight, I quickly swallowed a pain pill.

Jenny glanced up at me, missing my pill taking but noting my reluctance. What I saw in her eyes was not pity but a certain understanding of what it takes to come back from something tough. She was a handsome woman, with eyes that sparkled, lips usually turned to a teasing smile, and a forceful good nature that enveloped you. And damn, could she fish.

I reluctantly and painfully stepped down into the boat.

Gritting my teeth, I sat on the front seat with the small fishing chair to support my aching ribs and back. Jenny skillfully backed out and turned into the trail that led to Bundick Lake, which had been created in 1961 by damming Bundick Creek, named after early settler Bill Bundick. The lake is 1,747 acres and 210 square miles. It was also where Jenny had grown up, so she knew the lake as well.

Once past Peanut Stockwell’s launch, we turned left into the old creek bed. Following it, we came to an area of downed tree limbs and slid up to a fallen oak. The lake itself is strewn with Vol. 6 • No. 4

old flooded trees, brush and stumps, which delighted anglers and dumped skiers.

“Fish by those tree limbs in what looks like a hole in the lily pads. I already rigged your line for white perch,” Jenny said.

With little enthusiasm, I fished a minnow out of the bait bucket. I double-hooked it just behind the head, then tossed my cork and line out. My groans, moans and sighs were ignored. She just cast out on the hole’s edge and before her cork settled-- Bam! it was gone. Jenny set the hook and then, I felt the pull on mine and just reacted, hooking my fish. By the time the sun was up over the trees and they quit biting, we had some 20 or more of my Dad’s favorite white perch.

“Okay Roger, let’s head for the Bull brim hole,” Jenny said.

I’d been there many times with her and it was a honey hole.

Multicolored red-breasted brim larger than your hand were waiting for us. I hurriedly untied us and plopped down on my seat, ignoring the pain and leaning forward in expectation as Jenny steered us there. Maneuvering between stumps and trees and well out of any known trail, she drove us to the Bull brim.

I tied us off to an old cypress limb and we floated easily off and away from the spot.

Jenny tossed me the cricket box and I quickly baited the line and rod she had already set for me. After tossing the cricket cage back, I threw onto the brim bed. Before Jenny even baited up, my cork disappeared and I set the hook. Bull brim Time!

Hallelujah and an Amen, it was on. Cast after cast, fighting fish and landing filets! I caught and caught and caught. Flipping the cricket trap back to her yet again, I noticed she was just leaning against the motor, rod across her lap. Laughing.

I leaned back against the seat, a fine tired and just tearedup. Pain or no pain, struggle or not, joy is what we live for. I’d read, while recovering, that Hemingway once said, “The world is a fine place and well worth the fighting for…” I understood what he meant.

Again, thanks, Jenny.

Vol. 6 • No. 4

May 22, 2014 15

The Sun Belt Redemption Here’s the deal: McNeese needs to get out of the Southland Conference like Andy Dufresne escaping from Shawshank Prison.

To quote from the classic movie: “Not tomorrow, not after breakfast…NOW!” Get a pickaxe, tunnel through the cell wall, crawl through the sewer, and come out clean and

16 May 22, 2014

in the clear on the other side.

Whatever it takes. If athletic director Bruce Hemphill has to hide in a laundry truck from Lake Charles to Sun Belt Conference headquarters in New Orleans, then so be it. This has got to happen.

I know, I know. I said a couple of years ago that it was foolish for McNeese to go and

chase the Division I football pipe dream and I still stand by that. McNeese football needs to stay put in the Football Championship Subdivision; the world of college football is at prison riot levels of turmoil right now and McNeese would be going in without even a sharpened toothbrush to defend itself.

No, my advice is that every other sport McNeese offers, from basketball to tennis to golf, needs to jump ship for the Sun Belt Conference. McNeese needs to pull a Georgetown.

Most of the Hoyas’ athletic programs (excluding frou-frou stuff like crew and sailing) compete in the Big East Conference while the Georgetown

Vol. 6 • No. 4

football program still battles it out in the egghead Patriot League.

Why should McNeese ever consider such a bold move?

One only needs to look at what happened to the Cowgirls’ softball team a couple of weeks ago to understand why a move away from the Southland is absolutely necessary.

McNeese posted a schoolrecord 40 wins this past season and played arguably the toughest non-conference schedule in the entire country, beating overall No. 2 seed Alabama and going 3-1 against SEC opponents altogether. Of course, McNeese needed to play such a brutal schedule after winning 38 games in 2013 only to be left out of the 64-team postseason field.

So, 40 wins, some against the best teams in the country, should have been enough to wrap up a playoff spot, right?

Wrong. Though the Cowgirls won the regular season conference title by 4 ½ games, they went 2-2 in the Southland Conference tournament, leaving them to hope for the conference’s first at-large bid since 1997.

The NCAA, however, took one look at the Southland’s garbage fire of an RPI (20th) and left McNeese to rot while favoring a Northwestern State team with 10 fewer wins and zero (0) wins against playoff teams.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic Sun Conference, home of such powerhouses as Lipscomb and Stetson Universities, managed to get not one, not two, but three (3) teams into the field of 64 teams. Essentially, what the NCAA was saying was that the only Southland representative it would consider only had to be the best team tournament weekend; that the best team over the course of the season didn’t matter because the conference was just that terrible.

And it’s not just softball where the Southland gets thrown into solitary (bids, that Vol. 6 • No. 4

is). Last year, the Southland received just a single bid to the baseball, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball tournaments.

In fact, only in football did more than one team receive an NCAA postseason bid in a major team sport. Of course, the easiest thing McNeese or any of the other Southland schools can do to alleviate postseason problems would be to simply win more games. But, as we’ve already seen, that means little when the rest of your conference doesn’t follow suit. Nor does beating superior competition help.

The NCAA could overhaul its selection process, eliminating the obvious emphasis on conference strength of schedule and putting more focus on a team’s complete resume.

Then again, when have you known the NCAA to make prudent, rational choices?

So, for McNeese athletics outside of football, there is very little recourse. The NCAA snub could absolutely kill softball recruiting because it sends out a message that, even though the Cowgirls remain a well-coached program with a winning tradition (of recent); there is no opportunity to play on a national stage short of being the best team on conference tournament weekend.

Thus, McNeese needs to break out of the prison of the Southland Conference. Logically, the move should be to the Sun Belt Conference, which features several former Southland members. Essentially, the Sun Belt is a grown-up version of the Southland with teams from the same geographical location, with the same histories of coming up through the smaller conference ranks, and competing for essentially the same recruits.

The Southland, on the other hand, has been hemorrhaging members for almost 10 years, while adding regionally adjacent but unknown programs like Houston Baptist and

Incarnate Word to replace the escapees.

To McNeese, the Sun Belt should look like the Pacific Ocean after a long stint in the jailhouse; a beautiful place with no memory of the tortures it endured in the dungeon of the Southland.

I hope McNeese makes the brave choice to move on from the Southland.

I hope McNeese’s sports teams are rewarded for their

regular season successes in the future.

I hope.

Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than a decade for various publications.

Coaches or parents with story tips or comments may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@ yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

May 22, 2014 17

There are few times in a person’s life when they truly know their merit. As a small child, there was probably a lot of value placed on how well you performed while in the grocery store, and then it somehow transforms. One day you’re on your best behavior for the promise of that new action figure, the next day you’re waking up on Wednesday morning wishing it were Friday.

What happened? Why is it that time flies past us as though we were never moving, always thinking to the future and reminiscing on the past?

With a world as interesting and beautiful and full of passion as ours, it seems that this crazy thing we call life would make us feel swell. But, with the day-to-day being engineered as it is, it would appear that the human race is meant for something more but destined to only wish for more. Though once in a while, life throws you a glance.

For me, it happened when I realized I wasn’t happy at my old job. For my friend Warren Bujol, a dedicated military man, I can only imagine it came at a much higher cost.

When it comes to how I like to live my life, I find that it is important to surround myself with interesting people. Friends are all we really have in this world and I’m not using this term loosely.

There are obviously different levels of friendship. There are the friends that will show up to your birthday party and hug your neck 18 May 22, 2014

with a huge grin on their face while calling you their brother/ sister, even though they are in no way related to you or even willing to be as helpful to you as a stereotypical DMV employee. These aren’t what I would classify as a “real” friend.

A real friend would go to war for you. If you’re in jail, a true friend wouldn’t just visit you. They would get you out. Not just by baking a cake with a nail file in it; no way. A real friend will find a way to get you out of there even if it takes Danny Ocean levels of madness. I only have these kinds of friends.

Warren Bujol happens to be this particular brand of human being.

Passionate, endearing, loyal, and, above all else, interesting.

Warren is a man who has experienced tragedy in a way that can only be witnessed in the nightmares that nightmares have.

As a youngster, Warren was lucky enough to fall in love and marry his high school sweetheart,

Amanda. He joined the United States Marine Corps and soon left to fulfill his duty to pride and country. It was after three years of service that the couple welcomed their beautiful son Bryce into the world, and just as soon as things were going great for Warren, all of it burned to the ground before his very eyes as Amanda fell victim to squamous cell carcinoma.

“It was misdiagnosed for years and by the time they discovered what it was, it had already spread to her lungs, liver, lymph nodes, ovaries, etc,” explains Warren.

“She was in New Mexico with her mother and only lived nine months after receiving the diagnosis.”

With the dignity and strength one would come to expect from a real man, Warren has expressed to me the darkness that consumed him following the news of her diagnosis. “I was literally boarding the plane for my third tour when I got the Red Cross message,” he confesses. “I had my pack and weapon and everything. I

have never been the same since that moment.”

Suffering severe tragedy in his professional life as a soldier has also haunted Warren, but he still serves to this day, which is fascinating to me. I know he has an energy lying within him that has to be expelled through activities he has a passion for, and I’ve often been excited to watch as he developed his skills as an artist, painting beautiful murals and hilarious canvas portraits of sitcom characters. He is my wisest, most artistic and hyperactive friend, and he recently found the time to teach himself how to play the drums at a professional level.

“I had always wanted to play the drums, but never did, so I decided I would buy a drum kit,” he says. “I’ve taught myself everything I know, which isn’t much, but it’s better than nothing.”

Warren ultimately got himself involved in starting a band. He

Vol. 6 • No. 4

shared a mutual friend with a man named Eric Richard, who found out that Warren was selling his starter drum set. When he met with Warren to view the set, Richard mentioned that he played guitar. Warren, having not only a love for music but also a guitar in the next room, forced Richard into a jam session right there on the spot. “We immediately formed a musical connection,” Warren says. “We always know what the other is about to do and compliment each other’s playing in an almost supernatural manner.”

Richard introduced Warren to Sloane Biessenberger, and, with what I imagine to be no more than 10 seconds of playing music together, the band Juxtapose was formed. After months of practice and writing music together, the band is set to debut at My Place American Pub on May 24. They have a lineup of original music that will make all who are blessed enough to have it enter their ears wanting to name their unborn children Juxtapose. (“Jux” for short, of course.)

Being a big fan of both music and Warren, it warms my heart

to see the two of them grow together. With the worst of times behind him, Warren has since fallen in love with Angie, remarried, and given his oldest son Bryce a little brother, Landon.

My buddy found his way to a wonderful life full of opportunity and love, even with the odds stacked against him.

With the lessons of his life, I wish a good Memorial Day to all the veterans, current military enlistees, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, cousins, sons, daughters, etc. And in keeping with the holiday’s namesake,

remember that if times are good, they can turn bad fast. But if times are terrible, a new day is just over the horizon. Have fun, laugh like a maniac, and live life you’re gonna die someday.

Happy Memorial Day! Calvin Tyler is the kind of person who enjoys witnessing awkward moments that he had nothing to do with.

Biking in the Lake Area The Louisiana spring is in full bloom! Now is the time to get outdoors and enjoy the great weather.

There are lots of bicycle enthusiasts in the area. One of them is John Viator, the owner of Capitol Cyclery in Lake Charles.

“I have been riding for six or seven years now and plan on riding for the rest of my life,” he said. “I personally ride a Specialized S-works Venge, which we sell at the shop.”

Every Tuesday and Thursday, there is a ride from Capitol Cyclery of Lake Charles around 5:30. “We ride out to south of town,” he said. “The main route is 32 miles total and the pace is usually pretty high. The ride has been going on for years now, I would say 15-20 easily. There is on average 15 to 20 riders and sometimes as much as 30-40. In years past, there was multiple groups that would leave from the shop as well, but now there are rides that leave from all over the place.”

There are Tuesday and Thursday rides in Sulphur that also depart at 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, it leaves from Wagin Cajun, 2706 S. Beglis Parkway. The Thursday ride leaves from SPAR. “There is a hump day ride, as they call it, which leaves from the Iowa mall every Wednesday at 5:30 as well,” Viator added.

Viator said that our area doesn’t have designated bike paths, but we have great roads Vol. 6 • No. 4

and riding. “Everyone rides south of Lake Charles and in Moss Bluff, which has the best riding.

There are future plans for bike paths and many other bike-specific developments with Ward 3 recreation in Lake Charles. They just had a renewal tax passed to do some great things in our area.”

There is also a local race team, Lake Charles Racing. “We are focused on promoting cycling and bringing racing events to the area,” Viator said. “We started LCR a little over a year ago with 20 or so guys and gals. We are now well over 50. The team is a race team, so we require you to race, but any level is welcome.”

The team puts on several events every year. “We’ve had a MTB (mountain bike) and road stage race every year for the last two years,” he said. “The road stage race, which consists of three events in one weekend, was the first event of its kind since the ‘80s in this area. We took over the mountain bike race in its second year and that was the first event of its kind at all.”

The events have attendees from all over the Southern states, but mainly from Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. “We also work with other local cycling organizations to put on smaller, local cycling events,” Viator said. “We have local road and MTB time trials throughout the year. And we give back to charity by donating bikes and accessories to things like

Tour Lafitte and Toys for Tots at Christmas. Our events have large payouts such as 6K for the road race and over 2K of giveaways at the MTB race.”

Viator believes that overall, the area is great for cycling. “The only thing I would say is for motorists to be patient and wait that

extra second, because I have seen too many get hit because people just couldn’t wait. On the other side, cyclist need to be courteous and not think they own the road.

They need to abide by traffic laws and so on. No reason why we both can’t enjoy our roads safely together.”

May 22, 2014 19

Diving right into the task of discovering what makes the perfect summer cocktail was at the top of my radar on this particular day. After all, it happened to be my first day working for The Jambalaya News and what better way to start than by having your first assignment revolve around tasting handcrafted cocktails?

To top it all off, the drinks were prepared by someone whom many consider to be one of the best bartenders in the state of Louisiana. Her name is Kelly Bistok, and she works the bar in Ember Grille at L’Auberge.

I entered the establishment and was blown away by its elegance and charm. Bistok greeted me and invited me to take a seat at the bar and get comfortable while she set up. We had arranged to meet before hours, so I was the only patron. Soon, 20 May 22, 2014

Chef Mark Chapman came out-calm, cool, and confident, just as you would imagine a professional chef to be in a movie--and politely asked if I would like a glass of water.

I don’t know if he could tell that I was a bit parched, or maybe he just knew I would need the water later on to cleanse my palate between tastes, but whatever it was, he has an air of mystery to him reserved only for the type of person James Dean was pretending to be. I accept his offer, expecting to receive water from the tap, or, at the very most, the spray gun behind the bar. Instead, he walked away, returning with a chilled bottle of sparkling water, which he poured into a sophisticated-looking glass and slid it to me. I examine the glass and take sip of the finest, cleanest H2O I have ever had enter my body.

Being the upstanding craftsman that she is, Bistok walked me down what she believed makes a summer drink shine: “When it comes to the heat of a Louisiana summer, it’s nice to be able to grab a drink that makes you feel like the only place to be is in a rocking chair on a porch.” She explained the importance of using the freshest ingredients possible, and if you have the choice to buy bottled lemon juice or whole lemons-guess what? The whole lemons will almost always

render a fresher juice. Luckily for me, I already knew that, but I felt it was important to explain because there are probably a few people out there who might purchase a bottle of artificial lemon juice that reads, “Fresh Limon Joose,” and be upset with me because their Cajun Lemonade tastes like an aged-in-the-sun can of Natty Light (Natural Light).

Just remember this saying that’s been around ever since I coined it just now: “Closer to the tree, the better it’ll be.”

Blueberry-Cucumber Gimlet

1

Small handful of blueberries 3-4 cucumber slices 1 ounce of fresh lime juice 1 ounce of simple syrup 2 ounces of Hendrick’s Gin A ginger beer of your choice

Muddle blueberries and cucumber slices with the simple syrup.

Add all remaining ingredients into a glass of ice.

Stir.

Top off with ginger beer.

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Cajun Lemonade

2

1.5 ounces Bayou Rum (Spiced) 1 ounce of Pimm’s Liqueur 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice 1 ounce of simple syrup A dash of Tabasco Sprite to fill

Measure all ingredients.

Shake well.

Strain into glass of ice.

Add 2 lemon wheels.

Top off with Sprite.

Blanco Watermelon Margarita

3

Muddle watermelon in the Agave syrup.

Add all remaining ingredients into a shaker.

Shake well.

Strain into a martini glass.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Red, White & Blue

4

1.5 ounces of Bombay Sapphire 1 ounces of fresh lemon juice 1 ounce of simple syrup 3 - 4 fresh raspberries 3 ounces of tonic

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Cucumber Martini

5

2 ounces of Tanqueray Rangpur Gin Large handful of diced cucumbers 1.5 ounces of simple syrup 6 mint leaves The meat of 2 lime wedges Sprite

Muddle mint leaves, meat of lime wedges, simple syrup, and diced cucumbers well.

Add Tanqueray Rangpur Gin, ice, and a splash of Sprite into a shaker.

Shake well.

Muddle raspberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Shake well.

Strain into a glass with ice.

Top off with tonic.

All of the above cocktails are meant to be made, poured, and enjoyed with a side of heart and soul.

Mixing all of the ingredients with two Dixie cups over a sink might seem like a convenient route, but Bistok assures me that making these drinks the right way is as important to the experience as the freshness of the ingredients.

“Buy the proper tools for any job if you plan to do it right,” she suggests. “A couple of jiggers for measuring the liquids, a proper shaker with a strainer, a peeler, a good knife, cutting board, and a muddler will go a long way to making great cocktails. The best part is that these essential tools could last you a lifetime.”

1.5 ounces of Don Julio Blanco 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice 0.5 ounce of Agave syrup 5 diced watermelon cubes

She recommends Southwest Bar Needs in Lake Charles on 3rd St. for these items.

As times change and people are choosing to spend good money once, it does seem to me that things are moving towards a more character-driven approach.

The sales for straight razors went up 504 percent because of that scene from the James Bond movie Skyfall. This is related to how sexy that scene was, which was in turn directly related to how prideful Bond was in shaving the old fashioned way. That is a lesson the previous generations have been preaching since the beginning of time: “Doing things the oldfashioned way means doing

them the right way.”

In closing, if you want to make one of the handcrafted cocktails in this article, do it the right way. If you want to try one of these drinks while out on the town, tear out Bistok’s recipes and ask if the bartender would mind making it for you. If you want to have the

pleasure of enjoying these cocktails, made perfectly by their creator, visit Ember Grille at L’Auberge, ask for Kelly, and tell her you read about her in The Jambalaya News. Also, make sure to ask for the special drink she has concocted for The Jam because, I promise, it’s delicious!

Jam Juice Custom created for The Jambalaya News

by Kelly Bistok Creator of Cocktails – L’Auberge Casino Resort

1.5 oz. Spiced Bayou Rum ½ oz. Stirrings Ginger Liqueur ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice 2 ½ oz. Ginger Beer Big splash of Pineapple Juice Build in a glass with ice and stir or shake well.

Garnish with pineapple slice.

This cocktail tastes like summer and embodies fun, spicy and refreshing; just like The Jam! Serves one; enjoy!

May 22, 2014 21

22 May 22, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Vol. 6 • No. 4

May 22, 2014 23

24 May 22, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 4

By Angie Kay Dilmore L’Auberge Casino Resort of Lake Charles kicks off its popular poolside summer concert series Liquid Society on May 22. They’ve scheduled a smokin’ hot roster of 13 concerts every Thursday through August 14.

The party opens with American rock band The Wallflowers.

“The 2014 season brings the same technical, eye-popping, and ear-crunching shows that our guests expect and demand,” said L’Auberge Entertainment Manager Russ Conrad.

When planning the season’s line-up, L’Auberge’s marketing personnel focuses on bringing variety and high caliber entertainment to the Lake Area.

Shows include a mix of national and international bands from the ‘80s and ‘90s and current stars, along with local Louisiana headliners. Whether you’re a country music fan, a heavy metal rocker, or prefer homegrown Zydeco, L’Auberge promises to entertain. Feel free to bring your swimsuits and beach towels. That’s part of what “Liquid Society” is about – the pool!

As always, you can enjoy

your favorite beverages at the concerts. Weekly beer and drink specials are served by the lovely Ladies of L’Auberge.

Arrive early for a good spot and listen to the sounds of a DJ playing from the island. Visit the Social Media Booth or purchase Liquid Society merchandise such as Tshirts, ball caps, coolers, and water bottles in the resort’s Sundries shop.

The doors open at 7 p.m.; shows start at 8:30 (8 if two bands are scheduled) and end at 11. Off work on Friday? Stick around for the post-party on the patio at Jack Daniel’s® Bar & Grill for Jack After Dark or meander into the casino for some late-night gaming.

Ticket Packages: Tickets for each show are a bargain at only $10 or $25,

The Wallflowers depending on the show. Buy a Liquid Society 3-Pack or 6-Pack for discounted ticket prices.

These include admission and three or six complimentary drink coupons, respectively.

Show choices must be made at the time of purchase and no substitutions are allowed. If you have a large group of friends and want to guarantee a primo spot to watch the show, reserve one of L’Auberge’s seven poolside cabanas, which are covered side-enclosed structures with comfortable furniture. Cabana rentals include ten concert tickets and varying levels of service, depending on the package purchased. For information on reserving a cabana, call the spa at L’Auberge at (337) 395-7910.

The Lowdown on the Line-up May 22, The Wallflowers – Rock. This band came together in 1989 in Los Angeles and won two Grammys in 1996 for their album “Bringing Down the Horse.” www.thewallflowers.com May 29 Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed – Folk/Rock. This southern rock/ alternative country artist, originally from Texas, played with the band Cross Canadian Ragweed from 1994-2010. He later played with a band called The Departed.

June 5, Ashes of Babylon – Reggae. These Lake Charles natives will transport you to the shores of a Caribbean island with their reggae harmonies.

Well-known for their improvisational jam sessions, this eightpiece band has been playing together since 2006 and now hail from Austin, Texas. www. ashesofbabylon.com.

Counting Crows Vol. 6 • No. 4

May 22, 2014 25

The Flamethrowers poser, and pianist finds inspiration from and the Bayou Swamp band such greats as Billy Joel and Van Morrison. He describes June 12, Velcro Pygmies – his music as “Party Blues with a ‘80s Rock Covers. The Velcro touch of Barefoot Boogie.” www.

Pygmies cover a broad spectrum andyfrasco.com of 1980s’ hits as big as their hair.

They play Bon Jovi, Poison, Def July 3, Kenny Wayne ShepLeppard, Van Halen, Lynyrd herd—Blues Rock. Originally Skynyrd, and more. www.velcrofrom Shreveport, this five-time pygmies.com Grammy-nominated blues/rock artist tours nationally and is a June 19, Counting Crows Louisiana favorite. www.kennyand Toad The Wet Sprocket wayneshepherd.net – Alternative Rock. Counting Crows has been wowing sell-out July 10, The Flamethrowers crowds since the early 1990s.

– Rock.

The Flamethrowers are Toad the Wet Sprocket experiLouisiana’s number one party enced success in the 1990s with rock cover band.

They play hits hits such as “Walk on the Ocean” from the 1950s to current chart and “All I Want.” This show starts toppers. www.fl amethrowat 8 p.m. www.countingcrows. ersrock.com com; www.toadthewetsprocket. com July 17, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band June 26, Andy Frasco – – Zydeco.

Another Louisiana Blues/Rock. This singer, com-

Chubby Carrier

Neon Trees 26 May 22, 2014

favorite, Chubby Carrier plays Zydeco, as did his daddy and grandfather. Carrier won a Grammy in 2010 for his release “Zydeco Junkie.” This show starts at 8 p.m. – opening act TBA. www.chubbycarrier.com July 24, Neon Trees – Alternative Rock. This band came together in 2005 in Utah. You may recognize their hit song “Animal.” www.fameisdead.com July 3, Better Than Ezra.

These Louisiana-bred rockers came together in 1988. Despite various theories, the band refuses to reveal the origin of their name. You’re likely familiar with their song “Good.” www. betterthanezra.com August 7, Molly Ringwalds – ‘80s Covers. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest 80s Experi-

ence,” this quintet from England showcases the different genres of the decade. www.themollyringwalds.com August 14, Weezer – Rock.

These rockers from Los Angeles have such hits as “Say It Ain’t So,” “The Sweater Song,” and “Buddy Holly.” www.weezer.com Purchase your concert tickets at www.ticketmaster.com, the L’Auberge Business Center or Legends at L’Auberge. Must be 21 to attend. You can also buy tickets the night of the show at Legends. The event location is subject to change or cancellation if the weather is not conducive to a good time. For more information on Liquid Society, log on to www.ldlcasino.com/entertainment or visit them on Facebook for the latest concert updates and giveaways.

Weezer Vol. 6 • No. 4

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Liquid Society Fun Facts • The bands perform from a 40 X 40 foot stage. The custom-built roof can support over ten tons of weight and withstand winds of 30 miles per hour.

• Construction on the roof begins a week before the first show and requires 14 men working ten hours to piece the structure together, like a massive tinker toy set.

• Every single silver can light for the stage emits 1,000 watts.

• The sound system for the larger acts contains 36 12,000-watt amplifiers (that’s 432,000 watts of power!). A typical car stereo is 50 watts. The sound system has the ability to produce 139 decibels of sound 60 feet away from the stage -- almost as loud as standing next to a jet engine.

• When the band arrives at L’Auberge, they are greeted by the front desk, VIP desk, or entertainment manager and escorted to their rooms. They sometimes prefer their own buses over hotel rooms, so they park in a designated parking area, secure from super-fans who might want more than just an autograph.

During the show day, they might relax backstage, get a massage from the spa, go to the beach or play golf. Many bands enjoy L’Auberge Lake Charles so much they feel like they are on vacation instead of playing a gig. This is great for the crowd -- a happy band is a rocking band that will do their best to get the crowd amped up and partying along with them.

Vol. 6 • No. 4

L’Auberge Casino Resort is located on 242 acres of land in Lake Charles, La., two hours east of the Houston metropolitan area. This premier facility is ideal for the business traveler or guest looking for the ultimate in hospitality and dining experiences, plus non-stop gaming action.

The property includes a 26-story hotel complex with approximately 1,000 newly renovated rooms and suites; an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio; 26,000 gross square feet of meeting space, including a full-service business center and landscaped terrace space plus outdoor poolside lawn; two resort swimming pools, lazy river and private cabana courtyard; full-service barber shop, salon, spa and cardio fitness center; retail stores; ten innovative dining outlets; beachside bar, grill and marina; and top-name entertainment. The expansive 70,000 square foot casino features Vegaslike gaming action with more than 70 table games and approximately 1,600 slot machines, including a luxurious 7-table Poker Room, VIP Lounge and elegant High Limit Salon.

To learn more about L’Auberge, call reservations at (866) 580-7444; visit www.ldlcasino.com ; or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ LaubergeLC ; or follow them on Twitter: @LAubergeLC .

May 22, 2014 27

Inspire Your Heart With Art Contest Recently, Knight Media, Inc, sponsored a children’s art contest to showcase all the wonderfully talented young people in the Lake Area! All winners will be exhibited at Central School in downtown Lake Charles until the end of May. Here is the list of winners and prizes: Overall Best of Show Ian Fredericks, “Southern Swamp” Prize: Hobby Lobby Gift Card First Place Winners Toddler: Kennedy Talbot, 3, “My Fishy”

Prize: Crayola Art Kit Elementary Age 5: Audrey Miller “Mouse on a Boat” Prize: Children’s Museum Gift Card Elementary Age 6: Jazmine Murray “Spring Has Sprung” Prize: Children’s Museum Gift Card Elementary Age 7: Caleb Solice “The Patch” Prize: Children’s Museum Gift Card Elementary Age 8: Destin Carlin “Marvelous Masterpiece” Prize: Painting with a Twist Gift Card Elementary Age 9: Dru Bonneau “It’s A Hoot” Prize: Arts Desire gift card/ceramic experience Elementary Age 10: Mikayla Smith “Untitled” Prize: Arts Desire gift card/ceramic experience Junior High: Tallulah Morley “Life” Prize: Admission/ supplies to McNeese Leaisure Learning Summer Painting Class High School: Ian Fredericks”Southern Swamp” Prize: Painting with a Twist Gift Card Second Place Winners Toddler: Baylee Reed, 5 “Goldfish” Elementary Age 7: Autumn Buck “Beautiful Lines” Elementary Age 8: Kai Thomas “Art Mobile” Elementary Age 9: Terriona Hopkins “The Flower Garden” Elementary Age 10: A’brianna Brown “Love of My Life” High School - Codie Davis “Louisiana Paradise”

Ian Fredericks, “Southern Swamp”

Third Place Winners Toddler: Carter Grindel, 5 “Goldfish” Elementary Age 5: Brennon Baker “Monkey Man” Elementary Age 7: Fisher Cooley “Sea Turtle” Elementary Age 8: Kylie Nichols “Pumpkin” Elementary Age 9: Pierce McCormick “Birch Trees” Elementary Age 10: Emily Brown “Lamb” High School - Christian DiGiovanni “Louisiana Nurture”

New Kickoff Time for McNeese Cowboys Football Games In an effort to boost game day atmosphere as well as providing a time that will be more family friendly, McNeese has announced it will kickoff its 2014 home football games at 6 p.m.

“This is a conscious effort to expand our fanbase,” said Athletic Director Bruce Hemphill. “We’re still sticking to the McNeese tradition of playing evening games, just making a slight adjustment.

Fans will still get a full day’s worth of tailgating and game day activities.

“By moving the time up an hour, we feel this will be more 28 May 22, 2014

of an opportunity for families with children as well as our students to attend games.

This will also provide a more reasonable hour for both our in-town and out-of-town fans to return home following the game.”

The Cowboys will open their home season on September 13 against Prairie View A&M in a game that has been designated as Military Appreciation Night. That will also be the Hall of Fame game where the newest inductees into the McNeese Sports Hall of Fame will be presented.

On September 27, the

Cowboys will welcome Arkansas Tech and a week later, McNeese will begin Southland Conference play against Nicholls in what will be Parent/Family Weekend.

Homecoming will be October 18 versus Abilene Christian; November 8 against Stephen F. Austin will be the Lung Cancer Awareness game; and on November 22, the regular season finale against Lamar will be Senior Day. Season ticket renewals are still ongoing until the May 31 deadline and can be done at the McNeese ticket office, by

calling 562-4MSU, or going online at McNeeseSports. com.

2014 McNeese Football Home Schedule Sept. 13 vs. Prairie View, 6 p.m. (Military Appreciation/ Hall of Fame) Sept. 27 vs. Arkansas Tech, 6 p.m.

Oct. 4 vs. Nicholls, 6 p.m.

(Parent/Family Weekend) Oct. 18 vs. Abilene Christian, 6 p.m. (Homecoming) Nov. 8 vs. Stephen F. Austin, 6 p.m. (Lung Cancer Awareness) Nov. 15 vs. Lamar, 6 p.m.

(Senior Day) Vol. 6 • No. 4

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf May 22-24 Itinerant Theatre proudly brings to the Lake Area its production of the Edward Albee masterpiece Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. It runs for two weekends at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, co-host for this production.

Performances are May 16 and 17 and May 22-24 in the Gibson Barham Gallery of the Museum, 204 W. Sallier Street, Lake Charles. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students.

Curtain is 7 p.m.; play is for mature audiences.

Works of Men Art Exhibit May 22 - July 3 Henning Cultural Center, 923 South Ruth Street, Sulphur. Mon - Fri. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., free admission. 527-0357.

Downtown at Sundown May 23, 30 & June 6 Downtown at Sundown will take place among the beautiful streetscape within the 700-800 blocks of Ryan Street (between Division and Pujo Streets) from 6-9 p.m.

There will be food and beverages, tabletop galleries, merchandise vendors, and activities for kids as well as a variety of entertainment and music. Main Stage headliners will be Louisiana Express, May 16; City Heat, May 23; Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars, May 30; and Boomerang, June 6. Beverage sales will benefit the 30 May 22, 2014

on the Corny Collins show!

Hairspray is ACTS’ final show of the season, a familyfriendly musical and winner of 8 Tony Awards filled Memorial Day with laughter and romance Avenue of Flags galore! Will be performed May 26 See patriotic spirit in all its every Friday-Sunday at ACTS Theater May 30-June 8. For glory at the Orange Grove/ Graceland Cemetery on Broad times and ticket info, call 433-2287.

St., Lake Charles. Casket Flags line the drive through Catch-A-Concert the cemetery in honor of June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 fallen men and women. The Head over to the Lake flags will be on display from Charles Civic Center (front 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Memorial Day. The Avenue of Flags lawn) every Monday in June!

Bring your blanket, lawn chair also features a history circle where replicas of eight previ- and friends and enjoy a free concert as the sun sets over ous United States flags are shimmering Lake Charles. flown.

Composed of volunteers, the Community Band will take the Blue Dog Concert stage from 7–8:30 p.m. Every May 30 week, the line-up has a new A fundraiser for Foundatheme, so you won’t see the tion for Fairplay (F3) and the same show twice. For inforGeorge Rodrigue Foundamation on the Community tion for the Arts will be held Band, visit www.lakecharlesat the home of John and communityband.teamr.com.

Shannon Condos on May 30 Literacy Council of SWLA. For more information, call 4949159.

from 7-9:30 p.m. The event will feature Ken Peplowski, leader of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, Leif Pedersen, former vocalist with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and many others. Catering by Blue Dog Café, Lafayette; live auction of a Blue Dog print.

Tickets are $1,000 per couple. Contact The Foundation at LCMH for ticket information at 494-3226.

Youth Fishing Derby June 7

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Youth/D.A.R.E. Division will be holding their Annual Youth Fishing Derby Saturday, June 7, from 6 - 9 a.m. at the CPSO Farm Pond behind the Calcasieu Correctional Center at 5400 E. Broad Street. Participants, who must be 15 years of age or younger, are asked to bring their own fishing Hairspray gear (only one per person), May 30 - June 8 bait, and a cooler to bring The 1950s are over and change is in the air. It’s 1962 their fish home. RefreshBaltimore and Tracy Turnblad ments will be furnished. This has only one desire--to dance event is offered to kids free of charge. Youth groups are

welcome. Call 491-3621 or 491-3851.

Calcasieu Kennel Club Dog Shows June 7 - 8 The Kennel Club will host two conformation dog shows June 7-8 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. For more information, go to ckcevents@ calcasieukc.com.

Lake Arthur Regatta June 13 - 14 Mark your calendars and come celebrate Louisiana’s newest festival: The Lake Arthur Regatta! Cast your sails and find a shady seat under the majestic oak trees in our beautiful park for the weekend! Tempt your taste buds with some good ole’ Cajun favorites and see some of the hottest regional bands playing your favorite music.

Will be held June 13-14 at 102 Arthur Ave. Come have a toe tapping, wind-sailing good time with us! info@ lakearthurfestivals.com

LC Men’s City Golf Championship June 20 - 22 Mallard Cove Golf Course will host the 37th Annual Lake Charles Men’s City Golf Championship sponsored

by IBERIABANK June 20-22.

Entry fee is $125 and entry forms can be picked up at all IBERIABANK branch locations in Calcasieu Parish and at Mallard Cove Golf Course. The entry deadline is June 13 or after the first 160 paid entries have been received. For more informaVol. 6 • No. 4

tion, contact Derek Smith at 491-1204.

Big Trout Bonanza Tournament June 21 Chick-fil-A of Lake Charles will host the first annual Big Trout Bonanza fishing tournament on Sat., June 21 at Calcasieu Point Landing, 3955 Henry Pugh Rd. Proceeds from this tournament will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Registration is $150 until June 19 at Cajun Tackle, 2640 Country Club Road.

Late registration is $165 and will be at Calcasieu Point Landing on the day before and the day of the event.

Contestants must have a valid Louisiana fishing license. For more information, email bigtroutbonanza@ gmail.com or like the event on Facebook.

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Library Summer Reading Program Kick-Off May 30 The Calcasieu Parish Public Library will kick off the 2014 Summer Reading Program with a very special “Kick-Off Celebration” on Friday, May 30 from 4-7 p.m. at the Prien Lake Park Harbor’s Edge Pavilion. There will be entertainment for the whole family as Matthew Noel and the Magic Yo-Yo perform feats of tricks, juggling, and comedy. Adults, teens, and children will have the opportunity to register for the Summer Reading Program, as well as enjoy a variety of games and crafts including bookmark creations, face painting, cookie decorating and an exciting variety of outdoor activities.

The Friends of the Library, Calcasieu will also be selling 2014 SRP T-shirts and book bags. You can register for the

program either at the Kick Off Celebration or at your favorite Calcasieu Parish Public Library branch. Children can complete the program by reading ten books, or having ten books read to them, and logging them online or in a book log, which can be picked up at their local library. Teens and adults must read and review five books, and have them logged online or on a review form. All reading logs/ review forms are due on or before July 11. When completed, patrons will receive a “Library Star Lives Here” yard sign along with other great prizes and have their names entered into the system-wide drawing for a grand prize!

For more information or for links to logging books, visit www.calcasieulibrary.org.

May 22, 2014 31

Online Degree and Certificate Programs at McNeese McNeese State University offers an array of online degree and certificate programs for students interested in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Registration for the summer session is currently underway through June 2, while registration for the fall semester is underway through Aug. 18.

Currently, bachelor’s degrees offered for students just starting college or for those with credits already earned include family and child studies (a concentration in sociology),

32 May 22, 2014

criminal justice, sociology and management. A new bachelor’s degree in psychology will be added to the offerings in fall 2014.

Additionally, two other online learning programs are offered for students who meet certain requirements.

For students holding a Registered Nurse license, McNeese’s College of Nursing offers an online RN-BSN program while students with at least 60 hours of academic credit are eligible to enroll in the bachelor’s degree program in organizational leadership.

Online master’s degrees are offered in criminal justice and nursing. The master’s program in criminal justice focuses on leadership within the law enforcement, corrections and judicial fields while the Master of Science in Nursing is offered through a consortium with three other state universities and offers concentrations in family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse educator and nurse executive.

A number of undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are available for those students who already hold degrees and wish to specialize in specific areas of their fields.

Undergraduate certificates are offered in school librarianship and nursing case management. Graduate certificates in family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and reading education are also offered. For more information, contact the Office of Electronic Learning at 562-4220 or at adultlearn@mcneese.edu.

Vol. 6 • No. 4

corp who undergoes a dramatic and lengthy transformation into a new villain.

Without giving anything away, let me say that he falls into a tank of electric eels.

Meanwhile, yet again, Harry Osborne, the son of Oscorp founder Norman Osborne, is having his own flashback (I (Sony Pictures, 2014) think), where he The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the takes over Oscorp from his dying Dad. second installment in a reboot of the Harry is a really emo kind of guy, Spider-Man comic hero. Spider-Man is which means he wears his hair back again, for the second time. Like in his face and also that he and always, he loves to jump from the build- Peter are from different parts ings in New York, breaking his fall at the of society. But they’re both last minute to save people from crashes, kind of shrimpy, and it turns criminals, and other big city disasters. out they were best friends in Spider-Man and girlfriend Gwen high school.

Stacey are graduating from college. But As the movie goes on, he’s late for her valedictorian speech, Spider-Man 2 has everything because he’s catching criminals. As you could want in a superhero student Peter Parker (his real name), he movie and much, much more. just makes it on the platform to get his There’s the nowdiploma, barely remembering to remove expected aphis mask. He does remember to give pearance Gwen a huge kiss in front of everyone of Stan watching, a huge and original statement Lee (coof his undying love. creator This is important because Romance of Spider-Man), is a big part of this movie. And it’s the there’s a running adolescent, I-can’t-live-with-you-orjoke about Peter without-you kind. Right here things wearing his get complicated with a confusing flashmask but not back involving Gwen’s murdered father, costume or where Peter swears he will stay away vice versa, even from Gwen for her own safety. So he’s a heart to heart between a boyfriend but not. Gwen is confused.

Peter and Aunt May (Sally We are confused.

Fields). Great fun. Even Petey’s Meanwhile, Peter’s in another flashphone has a ringtone from the back with his Dad, back when Mr. Park- old Spider-Man cartoon show: er was a research scientist at Oscorp, a (Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does genetic engineering firm. Dad and Mom whatever a spider can…) left in the night and now Peter lives Which brings me to my one with his Aunt May. He still misses his complaint about Spider-Man 2: parents. Do you get the feeling Peter has If a classic movie has three acts, issues? Listen, this young man is noththis one has at least five, and ing but issues. that’s too many. Too much hapMeanwhile, again, a nerdish Jamie pens, even though the graphFox plays Max Dillon, a worker at Osics and actors are great. And

Spider-Man 2

Vol. 6 • No. 4

really, fans should definitely see it in 3D, although I opted out because, motion sickness, dude.

Will Peter get Gwen back? Will he make friends with his old buddy Harry Osborne? Will we ever find out about Jamie Foxx’s dad? I can’t tell you, but I’ve read the (comic) book.

In my opinion they could have made Spider-Man 2 into two movies, but I hear that’s only done with part 3 movies these days. The Amazing SpiderMan 2 is rated PG-13 for its target audience (Parents, Grandparents and 13 year olds). It might be too intense for small children or actual regular adults. Definitely ask for a barf bag if you see the 3D version. Meanwhile, have a good time.

May 22, 2014 33

It’s 1:42 a.m. and I’m sitting in my office on the second floor of the Henning Cultural Center trying to pull words out of the air to describe our annual “Works of Men” art show. I’m surrounded by my usual collection of comic books and action figures from my childhood. I keep them around to inspire me. But tonight, I have a visitor. A lone wooden bird sits upon a stack of old Spider-Man comics.

That colorful little wooden bird was created by local artist Doug Doty.

Doug walked into my office a few months ago during my lunch break and asked me to take a look at some of his work. He was an older dude and seemed like a nice

34 May 22, 2014

guy. I asked him, “Are you a painter? Sculptor? What’s your muse?” His eyes seemed to perk up and for a brief moment he wasn’t an old guy to me anymore--he was an artist.

“Let me show you!” he responded and bounced out of the door. Like I said, Doug was an older gentleman, not Yoda old, but he had years on him. But now he moved with speed and returned with a large box sealed with tape.

Taped-up boxes are always exciting. Anything can be inside. When presented with one, I can’t help but feel a little like Indiana Jones discovering some ancient treasure.

A mischievous, child-like look crossed Doug’s face and he thrust the box into my hands. “Open it!” he said.

And so I did.

Inside was a small wooden bird. Its feathers were painted with care and the colors matched those seen in nature. He was a fine little fellow and I lifted him gently onto the desk. “ It’s a Yellow Bellied Sap Sucker!” he exclaimed. My eyebrow raised a few inches on one side and I asked to see more. Over the next hour, we sat in my office opening boxes

and revealing the secrets inside. Birds of all types littered my desk.

Hummingbirds feeding from flowers, a noble-looking duck with ornate features, an owl getting ready to take to the night raised its wings and kissed gravity good-bye. They were amazing. Every one of them had a story for him to share with me.

We talked about the difficulty of making them seem natural in terms of posture and anatomy. He was also very knowledgeable about the animals and their habitat as well, and tried to incorporate little pieces of trees and plant life into their bases. I admit that I was impressed with these wooden masterpieces and with the artist who created them. We sat around my office and simply shared stories about being an artist in the area and how difficult it could be sometimes to gain support and acceptance.

That’s when I told him about the “Works of Men” art show. I’m very passionate about

getting artists like Doug into the gallery because they deserve to be recognized for their talent. We shook hands and said our good-byes. The show didn’t open for a few months and I told Doug I’d call him when the time came to deliver his art for the exhibit. He was excited about being in the show, and I think he was excited because I was excited to have him.

Why shouldn’t you be excited about an art show, after all. For most of us, art shows are the only chance we’ll ever get to show the public our talents and share our inspirations. Doug knew that and so did I. I called Doug around midApril to remind him about the show. I was ready to see those little birds again in the gallery because I knew that

Vol. 6 • No. 4

the public would totally love them. I also felt like Doug was really excited about being in the gallery, which makes me feel like I’m doing something right. It all seemed to just fall into place.

I was also excited for Doug to met other artists featured in the show, such as Jock McGregor, Ralph “Pie” Sonnier, Mark John, Geoff Russell, William Elliott, Keith Welsh, Gary Rock, and the list goes on. All of these guys live right here in Sulphur and Lake Charles creating beautiful pieces of art for all of us to enjoy. I imagined introductions and all the great friendships he could make with people who would understand his talents.

But Doug didn’t answer his phone. Instead, it was his son Ron on the other end of the line. Doug had passed away on April 4.

I have to take a break from writing for a second and simply look at the little bird on my desk nestled in my comics. This show was created

Vol. 6 • No. 4

with guys like Doug in mind.

The “Works of Men” is a show designed to help shed light on these fantastic, talented, and often underappreciated guys in the community. I invite you all to come out to the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur to view Doug Doty’s art. He created it for us to enjoy.

There are so many talented artists living in your community today that you still have the chance to meet and offer creative support to.

I turn off the desk lamp in my office, scoop up that little wooden bird and deposit him safely on a display stand in the gallery. I glance over my shoulder as I leave and think one last time of Mr. Doug.

Take a moment to consider those beautiful little birds all around you from time to time. They must all one day fly away.

Goodnight, Doug.

“Works of Men” opens May 22 at 5:30 PM. Admission is

free. The show will run from May 22 through July 3. We are open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Henning Cultural Center is located at 923 Ruth St., Sulphur La. They can be contacted at (337) 527-0357, or you can visit their website at www.henningculturalcenter.org.

May 22, 2014 35

Hidden History There are many true stories we were never told in history class. The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan is one of those.

In 1943, “The war permeated every aspect of existence,” writes Kiernan. The U.S. government was recruiting people from many walks of life for a secret project. Because so many young men were away at war, the recruits were mostly young women, who “had been told

36 May 22, 2014

that their new jobs served one purpose only: to bring a speedy and victorious end to the war.”

The young women had no idea where they were going or what they would be doing. They were told to take this bus, or that train, and they ended up in a build-it-as-you-go military-industrial complex in the mountains of Tennessee, called Oak Ridge.

The women – some as young as 18 – were secretaries, chemists, statisticians, nurses, cleaners. They each had a job to do and didn’t know much about anyone else’s job because “asking questions was frowned upon.”

Some of the women were married to scientists, and the more important the man was to The Project, the better the family’s living conditions. But those at the bottom, particularly black families, were treated differently, assigned to housing that was little more than shacks. “Black couples were not permitted to live as man and wife” at the complex and were assigned to more menial tasks. Sexism, racism and the class system ordered the social

structure.

At Oak Ridge, people worked through the night. “Nothing ever seemed to shut down.”

The Project was everything, and it went on continuously -- and loudly, with women having to shout at each other to be heard over “the deafening rumble of mysterious and invisible progress.” Secrecy was the watch word: “What you do here, What you see here, What you hear here, please let it stay here,” everyone was told.

The women were working with “Tubealloy” for “the Gadget.” What they didn’t realize was that they were working to enrich uranium for the atomic bomb.

The author cleverly personalizes the story by introducing several of the actual women, and the reader can follow them through their workdays to get a more complete impression of what went on at Oak Ridge.

The book reminds me of Unbroken, not in subject matter, but in the fascination factor

and how well it’s written. I give it my highest recommendation.

It’s now available in paperback.

In a similar vein, The Wives of Los Alamos by Tarashea Nesbit is based on the real women who traveled to Los Alamos, New Mexico, during World War II to be with their husbands from 1943 to 1945 as they worked on building the atomic bomb. But this one is a novel.

Again, the class system rules. Some lived in comfortable houses, others slept on cold Army cots. “Our status symbol was who had a bathtub, even though there was rarely enough water to fill it.” Secrecy in Los Alamos was even greater than at Oak Ridge. The residents were given new names.

“Though many of our husbands were celebrities among Vol. 6 • No. 4

academic and physics circles, the point here, in our new home, was not to draw attention. ... We became something more all-American: Mrs. Fermi became Mrs. Farmer and Mrs. Mueller was now Mrs. Miller ..., and we were not necessarily happy about it.”

They even had to watch how they talked. “We could not say FISSION, a word we overheard often when our husbands were graduate students. ... We were not allowed to ask questions.”

This book uses the same trope as in The Buddha in the Attic, with the collective “we,” so we never get to know any one character.

It’s interesting, but the reader doesn’t get emotionally involved or relate to anyone, and I’m not sure it works that well here.

In 1961, Michael Rockefeller, age 23, son of the governor of New York and great-grandson of the onetime richest man in the world, disappeared half a world away from his home. His disappearance created a tantalizing mystery. Many suspected what had happened to him, but there was no proof. Now there is, and it’s told in Savage Harvest: A Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism, and Michael Rockefeller’s Tragic Quest for Primitive Art

by Carl Hoffman.

Michael had gone to New Guinea in search of primitive art for his father’s museum.

He had met with the natives — the Asmat — several times and wasn’t particularly worried about them. One day, his twoman boat capsized, and rather than wait for help to come, he Vol. 6 • No. 4

told his companion “I think I can make it” and proceeded to swim to the shore, miles away, and was never seen again.

Many thought he had drowned.

Rumors suggested he was killed by the Asmat, who were known to be headhunters.

What Hoffman found -- and it’s no surprise, if you read the title -- is that Michael was, indeed, killed. But why? And why was his death, which was known about by the Dutch government, kept a secret?

Don’t have a big lunch just before you start reading, because the author doesn’t make you wait to find out what happened to Michael. The first few pages are just brutal in the details of the most likely scenario.

The book is part travelogue, as Hoffman journeys to New Guinea; part cultural history, as he immerses himself in the Asmat way of life; part revelation of the cover-up; and even offers folk tales of the Asmat, explaining why cannibalism was normal to them.

As a sort of response to the Hoffman book, Michael’s twin sister, Mary Rockefeller Morgan, has written her own story, to put the spotlight on her brother’s life, rather than his death. Her book is When Grief Calls Forth the Healing: A Memoir of Losing a Twin. She discusses the family’s search for the truth about Michael’s death, her years of denial, and her final acceptance of his loss, then her spiritual search for her own identity, trying to go on without her twin brother.

Copyright © 2014 by Mary Louise Ruehr.

May 22, 2014 37

Thursday, May 22 Thursday Dollar Night @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar all night Free cover until 10 p.m. with College ID 5329 Common St. Lake Charles Amanda Walker 6 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub, L’Auberge Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Amanda Walker 7 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Sweet Root 8 p.m. - midnight. @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake

Jim Hoehn 6 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Louisiana Express 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton

The Wallflowers 7 p.m @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Admission: $25

Wayne Dylan 9 p.m. – midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles

Kenny Spears 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Pookie Marceaux Band 8 p.m.-midnight @Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave., Westlake Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles Rock The Clock!

Get domestic beer for $2.50 9 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub, L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles 38 May 22, 2014

Friday, May 23

Crystal Creek Band 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles DJ CJ 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Ladies Night, with guest DJ Crush 10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub, L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Saturday, May 24 Amanda Walker 7 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

The RKW Acoustic Show 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059, Lake Charles Coleman Brothers 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. @ Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake Brad Brinkley, Comfort Zone, and Greg Blanchard 8:30 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles Juxtapose, The Von Dukes, and Manafold 9 p.m. @ My Place 630 W. Prien Lake Rd. # G, Lake Charles Todd O’Neill Band 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Saturday Night Party Time 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar until 12 a.m.

Free Cowboys Kool-aid 5329 Common St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Kory Fontenot 9 p.m. - midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Remedy Krewe 10 p.m. @ Luna Live Vol. 6 • No. 4

719 Ryan St, Lake Charles DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub, L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Sunday, May 25

Wednesday, May 28

Phillip Glyn Band 5 - 8 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059, Lake Charles

Ladies Night 5 p.m. - midnight @ Caribbean Cove TBA 8 p.m.-midnight Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake

Monday, May 26 Karaoke Night 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ MyPlace 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

Tuesday, May 27

Mic Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge Lake Charles

Street Side Jazz Band 6:30- 9:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Mark Henry 8 - 11 p.m. @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 7 p.m. - midnight @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Thursday, May 29

112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Thursday Dollar Night @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar all night Free cover until 10 p.m. with College ID 5329 Common St., Lake Charles

DJ CaGe 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub, L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

John Autin 6 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Cody Canada & The Departed 7 p.m. @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Admission: $10 XIT-43 8 p.m. – midnight @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s

Friday, May 30 John Autin 6 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles JC Melancon 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Dog Hill Stompers 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. @ Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake Karaoke Night 8 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

May 22, 2014 39

Horrace Trahan & The Ossun Express 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton Toe Up 9 p.m. - midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Leroy Thomas & Zydeco Roadrunners 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Pork Chop Express 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St, Lake Charles Ladies Night, with DJ CaGe 10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub, L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles The Ruxpins & Sinners 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Saturday, May 31 John Autin 7 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Signature 8:30 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Richard Lebouef & Two Step 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

Live Music 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Tuesday, June 3

Sean Ardoin-N-Zydekool 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Brian Racca 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles Darkside of the Lake & Looks That Kill 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles DJ CaGe 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub, L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Sunday, June 1 Katelyn Johnson Band 5 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s

Monday, June 2

Street Side Jazz Band 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Karaoke Night 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Wednesday, June 4 Mic Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles Kevin Lambert 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Jazz in the Arts Workshop 7 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Geoff Baker 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles Chubby Carrier 8 p.m. - midnight @ Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake 40 May 22, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 4

The Magicheardofof Gone 1939 with the Wind,

Last month, I raised my eyebrows when I saw that 1997’s Titanic was showing as part of a “Classic” film series. But then again, we don’t know which films will stand the test of time until many, many years after its release. While an article debating which movies made in the last 10 years will make the classic list when we switch from Blue Ray to Virtual Reality (insert science fiction-type movie viewing medium here) that’s a good topic for another month.

Today, I ask you: What year do you think spawned the most movies we consider classics today? And where can you see them with other movie lovers to discuss and enjoy at the same time?

A solid argument could be made for the year 1939. While classics for me might mean Ghostbusters or When Harry Met Sally, classics for my parents and my grandparents would likely have been made in that magical year 1939.

You see, 1939 boasts Gone with the Wind, Of Mice and Men, Wuthering Heights, and yes, The Wizard of Oz. But this article isn’t about Scarlett O’ Hara in Munchkin land. This summer, McNeese Leisure Learning will be going deep into the 1939 vault and digging up some lesser known movie treasures.

Sure, just about everyone’s Vol. 6 • No. 4

but what about Ninotchka?

These are the kinds of classics you don’t see every day.

And these are exactly the kinds of classics you can sign up to watch, discuss and share homemade snacks with fellow movie buffs at McNeese. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead and a tiny bit of trivia to keep in mind as you watch.

First up, for all you Sherlock Holmes fans impatient for new episodes of BBC’s Sherlock, now you have something to watch while you wait. 1939’s Hound of the Baskervilles was the first of 14 Sherlock Holmes films based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s book starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes. You might note that in this version, the Butler’s name was changed to Barryman because the Barrymore family was so famous at the time.

If you’re a fan of action adventure tales, Beau Geste will be a treat to watch in class. If you listen, you might note the character “Beau” mentions the North West Mounted Police. In real life, Paramount reteamed the same Beau Geste actors in the movie North West Mounted Police the very next year.

The class will take a romantic turn when Greta Garbo plays a Russian woman in Paris who finds herself irresistibly drawn to a man who represents everything she dislikes. The most entertain-

ing trivia I stumbled upon for this movie, Ninotchka is that actor Arnold Schwarzenegger studied this film when molding his character for 1988’s Red Heat. Director Walter Hill allegedly told Schwarzenegger to try emulating Greta Garbo in the movie.

Disney fans may swoon over the animated version, but The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been remade a half dozen times over the years and 1939 version stands up as one of the best. A gypsy is framed for murder and only the Hunchback in the bell tower can save her. It may seem hard to believe, but over 2,500 wigs were used in this movie!

Also, sound effect fans might notice those screams during one gypsy scene belong to actress Fay Wray from the movie King Kong.

And what would a 1939 film series be without a Frank Capra movie starring James Stewart?

When a naïve man becomes part of the US Senate, you get Mr.

Smith Goes to Washington. Political films usually stir up some controversy and this one is no exception. Later in 1942, when American films were about to be banned in German-occupied France, one theater in Paris supposedly screened the film continuously for 30 days prior to the ban!

Back to 2014, all the nostalgia begins at 6:30 p.m. July 8 in room 121 at the Burton Business Center on McNeese campus.

Classes continue July 15, 22, 29 and end on August 5. Early birds get a discount if they sign up now for $25. If you wait until after June 24, the class is $29.

McNeese’s fearless cinematic instructor, Diane Rathbun, has an extensive background in theatre, plus a Master’s in Communication and Theatre. But most importantly, she is a lover of old films and the wonderful trivia that goes with them. Sounds like a fun time to me!

Until next month, save me some popcorn.

May 22, 2014 41

42 May 22, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Braylin Jenkins, a young independent media talent born and raised right here in Southwest Louisiana, injects new energy and enthusiasm into the cultural scene of this area. “I’m into promoting our community,” he says simply.

In addition to his regular “Lake City Beat” column right here in The Jambalaya News, he’s currently the host of LA ON AIR with BRAY J, a Louisiana Indie Radio show that highlights exceptional Gulf Coast musicians, businesses, and general go-getters. The online show, presented by Chad Moreno and the good folks at LakeCharles. com, streams every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 and 11am, and 6 and 10 p.m.

The hub of Jenkins’ independent media network is his website, HeyBrayJ.com, where he also archives the radio shows.

All of these various projects feed his passion for promoting unique talent and creativity around the Lake Area. Of course, he’s also got Facebook, where he shares helpful stuff like traffic conditions as well as event information. I spoke with Bray J to find out more about how it all got started.

Jenkins landed his first big media gig when former American Press writer Laura Heller heard about his efforts to get out the vote on a $90 million bond issue that would approve public funding for lakefront development. He took to the streets with his support, carrying a “Vote Yes” poster on his way to Vol. 6 • No. 4

school at McNeese and talking it up with anybody that would listen. This act of civic duty, and Heller’s insight, led to a regular column in the American Press’ Expressions page.

As a McNeese student, Jenkins also wrote for The Contraband and soon picked up another news job at KYKZ 96 radio through SWLA media personality Rhonda Kitchens.

Then, after signing on with FOX’s local affiliate for their return to TV news, Jenkins was working in print, radio, and television media at the fresh young age of 21.

Jenkins worked hard as a newbie, gaining experience and meeting the right people while envisioning future plans of Lake City independent media domination. “My plan wasn’t to get a news career. I wanted to be more of a personality,” he says.

“There’s an excitement in me and I want to be able to display that.”

To this end, he partnered with Moreno’s Louisiana Indie Radio to bring LA ON AIR with BRAY J to the music station.

As the streaming service’s first show, Jenkins highlights Lake Area events and businesses, in addition to the music of, and interviews with, independent and unsigned Louisiana talent like honky tonkers The Loaded 44rz and the rock band Watchers.

Bray J loves radio. “There’s something about the power of voice,” he says. “Your voice can

speak louder.

Your voice is in every car. I feel like you make a stronger impact.”

He continues specifically on the topic of the LA ON AIR with BRAY J show: “It’s a great partnership. It plugged into everything I was passionate about and gave local and statewide musicians a platform to be heard.” He’s also very excited about supporting a new official radio station at McNeese, KBYS 88.3 FM, which was launched on May 15.

Jenkins also likes to host the occasional party. “Networking is my biggest strength,” he says. “I help network people that I think would work well together.” For the official launch of his HeyBrayJ.com hub site, he did just that, organizing a party with all his contacts to get everybody together in the same room, talking and collaborating. Bray J’s efforts are clearly a great thing for Lake Charles and a remedy to the tired feeling of “There’s nothing to do here.”

The next party will be Bray J’s Birthday Celebration on May 21 at Center Stage.

Jenkins now focuses on developing interest in what he calls “Midtown”, as opposed to “Uptown” or

“Downtown,” which he says is alive and well thanks to locallyowned institutions like the Luna complex. The goal is to unite those area businesses and venues to create a “true district” of collaboration, enthusiasm, and awareness. He listed current favorites like Center Stage, MyPlace, Micci’s, and the Cigar Club. Other future projects include the HeyBrayJ Music Artist Showcase starting in September, and hosting/emceeing of numerous events through the year.

Jenkins challenges new businesses entering the Lake Area.

“I hope that you’re a part of the progressive mindset. I want to see you active. I want to see you putting up your sign during the Gallery Promenades and the Art Walks. I want to see you calling Erica McCreedy at the Arts Council, saying ‘What can I do to help?’”

If you’ve read this article, you’ll believe Jenkins when he says, “I never turn down an opportunity.” It’s a great mantra for progress and good advice to live by. Other advice for young gogetters? “Resilience is key.”

Keep up with all things Bray J at his site HeyBrayJ.com and read his column, “Lake City Beat” in “The Jambalaya News.”

May 22, 2014 43

LAKE CHARLES CIVIC BALLET SPRING RECITAL

Malorie and Emma Trahan with Carrie and Noah Chaumont

Elijah Woods and Erin Casey

Joel, Mary and Grace Werner

Lake Charles Civic Ballet’s spring recital was held at the Rosa Hart Theater recently. Students of Lady Leah Lafargue School of the Dance took to the stage in their beautiful costumes to showcase their ballet, tap and jazz skills. Certificates were presented to students for five and ten years of dance. Bravo for a wonderful show!

Sophia Lormand and Arden Turner

Natalie and Jennifer Reinauer with Lucia and Leslie O’Byrne

RELAY FOR LIFE American Cancer Society’s Relay for life started at 6 p.m. and went on through the night to 6 a.m. on the grounds of the Lake Charles Civic Center. KPLC’s John Bridges and Britney Glaser were the honorary Masters of Ceremonies. The crowds of survivors and supporters were united in their goal to raise funds for cancer support, advocacy and research.

Good job!

Ashlyn Freeland with Kiley and Chip Whatley

Mary Guillory, Shannon Martin and JoAnne Fontenot 44 May 22, 2014

Theresa and Tylee Vincent

Ryleigh, Kristina and Savannah McBride with Ethan Caillouet

Amber Savell, Kassie LaCombe with Shelby and Jonah Malone

Vol. 6 • No. 4

LOUISIANA STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT Batters up! All seven Louisiana High School baseball titles were decided at one location, one weekend at the site of Sulphur’s McMurry Park.

The three-day tournament with 28 teams from Class 5A to C gave their all to compete for the grand title! It was a great weekend to play ball!

Kilee Fuller and Kaitlyn LeBleu

Dustin, Maxine and Sloan Dion

Erica and Emmi Layne Norwood with Loren Carver

Donya Louviere and Jenny Nelson

Alex Reeves, Collin Goree, Kade Hebert and Jacob Babb

GULF COAST ROLLER GIRLS! The Grindhouse flat track roller derby rink was the place to be as SWLA’s Voodoo Girls took on the Roe City Rollers of Monroe! Supporters came out to cheer on Mad Moxxie, Pipe Wench, MJ Smacks, Kermit Da Flogger and all the other fabulous ladies! If you’ve never been to an event, you’re missing out! BYOB, BYOChair; there’s intermission entertainment and a charity always receives some of the proceeds! For more info, like them on FB!

Jessica Smith, Chloe Richards and Whitney Courville

Amber and Dinah Courville with Erin Guidry Vol. 6 • No. 4

Rolanda Waldroup and Tanya Gray

Crystal Nunn, Phillip Witfield and Whitney Courville

Heather Browning, Fallon Metcalf, Alisha Bryant and Dianna Waldroup May 22, 2014 45

46 May 22, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Vol. 6 • No. 4

May 22, 2014 47

48 May 22, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Vol. 6 • No. 4

May 22, 2014 49

50 May 22, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 4

Memorial Day Air Force Army Battle Coast Guard Gratitude

Honor Marines May Twenty Six Memorial Day Navy

Purple Heart Sacrifice Salute Soldier War

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Vol. 6 • No. 4

May 22, 2014 51