The Jambalaya News - 09/11/14, Vol. 6, No. 12

02 September 11, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 12

September 11, 2014 • Volume 6 • Issue 12

715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

Contributors Lisa Addison George Cline Dan Ellender Julie Ann Fay Mike McHugh Roger Miller Russell Pawlowski Mary Louise Ruehr Jody Taylor Karla Tullos

On cover: Treasures of Marilyn’s, photo by Lindsey Janies Photography

COVER STORY 32 Treasures of Marilyn’s REGULARS 5 We Are SWLA! 8 The Dang Yankee 8 Adoption Corner 9 Tips From Tip 10 Huntin’ Tales 12 This Functional Family 13 A Pirate’s Platter FEATURES 14 Sulphur: Small Town, Big City Potential 18 9-11: The Journey of Leo Russell Keene III 20 Farmers Markets

Sales sales@louisianajam.com

WEDDING SECTION 22 Wedding Tips

Assistant Editor Calvin Tyler

24 Wedding Do’s and Don’ts

Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk Business Office Manager Jeanie Taggart

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

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by 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.

Vol. 6 • No. 12

30 Last Minute Beauty Details THE SPICE OF SWLA 34 The 2014-2015 LC Symphony Season 36 Event Guide 38 Family Fun Night at the Movies 39 Acting Up! 40 Red Hot Books 42 Nightlife Guide 4 7 Lake Chuck After Dark: Rootbeer & Mermentau 48 Society Spice 51 Funbolaya

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38 40 47 September 11, 2014 03

A Note From Lauren Exit Laughing Instead, Rivers would come Another talented comedian and household name has passed away. While not as tragic as the suicide of Robin Williams, the death of Joan Rivers due to complications from routine surgery, coming so close on the heels of Williams’ demise, is sobering. The really funny ones, the ones who made their mark, are leaving us.

Joan Rivers was a name I grew up with. I remember her from the mid-60s on—her hysterically funny monologues, her trademark question: “Can we talk?” which always elicited shrieks of laughter because you knew that in the next breath, she was going to pull someone apart, and take no prisoners.

The north and south are so different. Here, if anyone says anything remotely critical or mean, it’s usually whispered in soft tones followed by “Bless her heart!” Not so up north, and not so with Rivers. She was loud and forceful and delivered her jokes in her nasal New York accent which made whatever she said sound even funnier.

04 September 11, 2014

Rivers expressed a lot of things we think about but wouldn’t dare say. She had no filter. She would talk about anything. She would even make jokes about the Holocaust.

“This is the way I remind people about the Holocaust,” she explained once. “I do it through humor.”

There weren’t many standup female comedians when Rivers started performing in comedy clubs in Greenwich Village. It had always been a man’s world. So Rivers couldn’t be too intimidating, too attractive.

“When I started out, a pretty girl did not go into comedy. If you saw a pretty girl walk into a nightclub, she was automatically a singer. Comedy was all white, older men. It was Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Bob Hope, Shelley Berman, Red Skelton,” she recalled in an interview in The Hollywood Reporter several years ago.

Like her predecessor, Phyllis Diller, her humor was selfdepreciating. “But she was just a caricature,” Rivers stated. “I didn’t want to be a caricature.”

out with these stinging oneliners: “I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw that my bath toys were a toaster and a radio.”

“I was so ugly that they sent my picture to Ripley’s Believe It or Not and he sent it back and said, ‘I don’t believe it.’”

“My earliest childhood memory was watching my parents loosen the wheels on my stroller.”

In those days, women had to be whacky and quirky to be in comedy. And hard as nails, to compete with all their male counterparts, who ran the show. But Rivers was a force in her own right, and went on to carve out a highly successful career for herself.

But like everyone, she had her ups and downs. One of her closest friends, Johnny Carson, who gave her one of her first breaks in show business, never spoke to her again when she was given her own TV show that would air opposite his.

And when that show failed, so did her marriage. Her estranged husband committed

suicide soon after, a tragedy that was almost impossible for her to get over.

But she survived, and went on to bigger and better things, with her daughter Melissa at her side. At 81, she was still performing, writing jokes and living an amazing life when a simple surgical procedure ended it all.

Talk show host Howard Stern delivered the eulogy. In tears, Stern described Rivers as “brassy in public [and] classy in private. . . a troublemaker, trail blazer, pioneer for comics everywhere, . . . [who] fought the stereotypes that women can’t be funny.”

She was funny, very funny.

She didn’t sugarcoat anything.

I’m going to miss her honesty.

And I hope she’s still laughing.

Lauren de Albuquerque

Vol. 6 • No. 12

City Savings Bank has nine locations in DeRidder, Leesville, DeQuincy, Moss Bluff, Lake Charles, Sulphur and Grand Lake.

CHRISTUS Foundation Receives Donation Doug and Jenifer Schysm of Southern Outdoor Productions, along with Chad Austin of the KIX 96 Morning Crew, presented a check for $1,500 to CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation. Southern Outdoor Productions hosted the Big Bass Challenge Tournament at Loggerheads on August 16, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. The next Big Bass Challenge is scheduled for June 6, 2015.

Arts Council Celebrates 35 Years The Arts Council of SWLA recently held a ribbon cutting with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance and the City of Lake Charles in celebration of the Council’s 35th anniversary this year.

The milestone anniversary marks 35 years of grant-making, arts events, and services for the SWLA creative workforce. Throughout the rest of 2014, the Arts Council will begin a rebranding campaign, which will include a new comprehensive website that will offer a better community event calendar and resources for the arts in the region. For details, visit www.artscouncilswla.org or call the Arts Council at (337) 439-2787.

L to R: Chuck O’Connor, Children’s Miracle Network Director; Jenifer Schysm; Chad Austin; Doug Schysm; Kay C. Barnett, Executive Director of Development

New Location for O’Carroll Group O’Carroll Group proudly announces the company’s relocation to a newly expanded office in Lake Charles’ Heritage Square professional complex. The newly designed, larger office space located at 125 Jefferson Dr. is creatively suited to support the growth of this team of advertising, marketing and public relations professionals.

Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach, Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan, Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance CEO George Swift along with other dignitaries, clients and friends joined O’Carroll Group for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and open house.

For more information on O’Carroll Group, visit www.facebook. com/ocarroll or call (337) 478-7396.

L to R: Arts Council staff and board members Scotty Higginbotham, Daniel Ieyoub, Ashli Waldrep, Shonda Manuel, and James Babin; LC Mayor Randy Roach, Arts Council Executive Director Erica McCreedy, Chamber CEO George Swift, Mark Eckard of Lake Charles City Council, Arts Council board member Chuck O’Connor and Arts Council board president Mindy Schwarzauer.

Angela Franks Joins City Savings Bank

Angela Franks Vol. 6 • No. 12

City Savings Bank announced the appointment of Angela Franks as lending officer and assistant branch manager of its location at 3881 Gerstner Memorial Blvd. in Lake Charles. Franks has more than 20 years in the legal field with an emphasis on real estate law, most recently at Stockwell Sievert Title. She is a licensed notary and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from SOWELA Technical Community College.

September 11, 2014 05

Magnolia LNG Sponsors ArtFest 2014 Magnolia LNG, LLC contributed $2,500 to ArtsFest, a free children’s arts festival hosted annually by the Arts Council of SWLA and the City of Lake Charles. ArtsFest will be held on Sat., Oct. 25 at the Lake Charles Civic Center, where children can create fun and creative, hands-on pieces of art. ArtsFest will also feature live music, face painting, the wildly popular one-on-one pottery demonstrations, and performances by Lake Charles Dance Academy and Young Band Nation. For details, contact the Arts Council at 337-439-2787.

Partnership Announces New Leadership Appointments Tarek Polite was named Chair and Julia O’Carroll is Vice-Chair of Partnership for a Healthier Southwest Louisiana. Polite is the Human Services Director of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. He has been a member of the Partnership since its inception, working to improve area recreational parks and biking paths.

O’Carroll has her bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from McNeese and completed her post-graduate work at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She is a former English professor at MSU and is the program manager and self-professed health advocate for ERA Helicopters.

O’Carroll joined the Partnership last year and currently serves as the co-lead for the Policy and Advocacy Action Team.

Tarek Polite

Julia O’Carroll

SLIC Presents Plaque to Kroger Southwest Louisiana Independence Center (SLIC) presented a plaque to Kroger of Lake Charles in appreciation for participation in the Supported Employment Program for persons with disabilities through Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and (SLIC).

Tammy Truax (left), LC office manager for Magnolia LNG, presents a check to Erica McCreedy, executive director for the Arts Council.

L to R: Holly Leggett, Kroger hiring manager; Stephanie Reliford, Kroger McNeese store manager and Gretta Manuel, SLIC. 06 September 11, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 12

Cpl. Stevens Community Center Dedication Sept. 13 On Saturday, September 13, the City of Lake Charles and Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission will host a formal dedication ceremony for the Cpl. Donald Ray Stevens Community Center -- formerly the Goosport Community Center – which has been renamed in honor of Lake Charles native Cpl. Stevens, the first Calcasieu Parish native killed in action in the Vietnam War in 1965. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Community Center, located at 1619 Cessford St., and will include remarks by Mayor Randy Roach and retired U.S. Army Colonel James A. Jackson, along with a 21 Gun Salute, Farewell to Warrior, US flag presentation to the family, Taps, and the unveiling of the Cpl. Donald Ray Stevens Shadow Box and Community Center sign. The public is encouraged to attend.

New Football Jerseys for Sept. 13 Game McNeese State recently rolled out its one-of-a-kind football jerseys recently with the reveal of the special blue and gold camouflage uniforms that will be worn for the September 13 home opener against Prairie View to help celebrate Military Appreciation Day. It will be the first time in school history the Cowboys will wear something other than their traditional solid home blue uniform. The jerseys will be worn just once, and then will be up for sale for $125. Fans can log onto McNeeseSports.com and reserve a jersey. After the Sept. 13 game, the jerseys will be cleaned and then made available for pickup for those who made a purchase. For more information, contact the McNeese ticket office at 562-4MSU.

McNeese Career Fair Sept. 29 The fall 2014 McNeese State University Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 29, in the Recreational Complex on campus. McNeese students of all majors and classifications, as well as alumni, can participate.

Over 85 employers have signed up for the career fair. Sponsors include: Assurance Financial Group, Cheniere Energy Inc., Chevron, Coushatta Casino Resort, Energy Transfer Partners, Northwestern Mutual, Polaris Engineering, PPG Industries, Sasol North America, SoftNice Inc. and Westlake Chemicals.A list of all participants along with a listing of preferred majors may be viewed online at www.mcneese.edu/career/ <http://www.mcneese.edu/career/> . For more information, call McNeese Career and Student Development Services at 475-5612.

L to R: Ernest Celestie, Antoine Everett, Kevin Dorn, Aaron Sam (kneeling), Deonte Thompson, Everett Ellefsen, Wes Briscoe.

L’Auberge Chefs Win National Showpiece Championship Team Bill Foltz and Cori Schlemmer of L’Auberge Casino Resort are Pastry Live’s National Showpiece Champions this year.

Along with earning the title and a cash prize of $5,000, the team was also awarded Best Sugar Showpiece for their innovative design portraying this year’s theme of “Video Games.” Team Foltz’s sugar showpiece, titled “Dragon Ball,” was favored by the judges for its innovative use of the three pedestal bases. Additionally, their showpiece was praised for its imaginative use of the theme. Among the judges, the team’s sugar-work was also held in high regard for its flawless appearance and construction. Team Foltz’s design was also selected by their peers for the Competitor’s Choice Award, giving the team a triple win. Congrats Team Foltz!

Vol. 6 • No. 12

Cori Schlemmer and Bill Foltz September 11, 2014 07

A Bounty from Baton Rouge There’s been a lot of moaning over the years about how the legislature in Baton Rouge never seems to get anything done. That may have been true in the past, but judging from the 551 new state laws that recently went into effect, it seems like they’ve redeemed themselves this year.

They even went so far as to designate the mayhaw as Louisiana’s official State Fruit Tree. I know you’re thinking the same as me—it’s about time they got this done! Really now, how can Louisiana compete with other states like Florida without having an official fruit tree? Sure, mayhaws aren’t the glamour fruits that oranges are, but at least it’s something.

Five hundred and fifty-one new statutes are a lot for any law-abiding citizen to digest, and the same goes for me. For this reason, I thought it a good idea to dedicate a column to

highlighting some of the new laws so that you, my intelligent readers, don’t inadvertently run afoul of the law.

I’ll say right off that many of the laws make a lot of sense.

Take, for instance, the new rule that allows teachers to accept gifts of token value from their students. I’m glad the lawmakers saw it fit to clear this up.

Used to be, a teacher couldn’t accept an apple from a student without her fearing that she’d lose her job and end up selling them on the street corner. Now, teachers can cheerfully accept an apple, so long as it’s not a Mac. If you’re a soccer dad, you should be warned that the act of slugging a referee at a youth sporting event will now get you mandatory jail time. Five days is the minimum sentence, ten if the replay confirms that the official got the call right.

There are also a few new

laws regarding aircraft that are important to know. One is that it’s now illegal to aim a laser light at an aircraft. Another is that you aren’t allowed to fly a drone over an oil refinery.

And if by sheer chance you were thinking about flying a drone over a refinery and then aiming a laser at it, I hope that you look good in orange. It’s all you’d likely be wearing for a long time.

They’ve also enacted strict penalties for texting while driving in a school zone. I know it can be tempting, given how long it takes to get through one in the morning. I could text a whole column to my editor in that amount of time, even if I spelled out all the words.

Perhaps the most talkedabout item is the one that prohibits employers from forcing job applicants to let them peek at their Facebook accounts. I’m not so sure about this one. Un-

less you lack the couth to keep your timeline from reading like a tabloid, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Nobody’s going to turn you down for a job based on what you had for lunch, provided that it doesn’t look like something that came from The Quick and Easy Devil Worshipper’s Cookbook.

I sincerely hope that this brief summary will aid you in keeping out of trouble with the law. I wish I’d had the time to cover the remaining 540 and some odd laws, but school wasn’t yet back in session when I wrote this. And besides, even if it were, orange clashes with my eye color.

Mike McHugh’s column has appeared in the Jambalaya News for over five years. If you can’t get enough of The Dang Yankee, you can read more on Mike’s website, thedangyankee. com.

Featured by LAPAW Rescue • Contact us at www.lapaw.org Do you need a loyal BFF who will love you forever? Do you have a relatively quiet lifestyle with time to spend with a new sweetheart whose heart will belong to only you? Our Riley might just be that guy! Returned to us five years after being adopted (due to family health issues), Riley joined us as a “pack of nerves.” Our vet to the rescue--he recommended meds to the tune of $4 a month and our miracle happened!

Ri now “runs with the big boys” and has gained enor08 September 11, 2014

mous confidence and self assurance but is a great cuddler in the evenings.

He willingly takes his meds (in a piece of weiner, of course) and bonds deeply to his person. He recently had shots updated and is so ready for his “forever” to come for him. If you are a single or senior, you may be the perfect match for this boy! Perfectly housetrained with very good manners. He is waiting for you! For more information, call or email: (337) 4787294; lapaw@bellsouth.net. Vet check and home visit required prior to all adoptions.

Vol. 6 • No. 12

No Cell Phones in School Zones The new law that prohibits cell phone usage in school zones is now in effect, and it will be very hard for many to comply. This hand-held computer/communication device is so heavily ingrained into our daily lives that some of us virtually cannot function without its immediate presence. That is precisely the reason that this law has been enacted. Prudence calls for responsible conduct since the cell phone has reached an exalted status in the mind of some irresponsible members of our community. Our lawmakers certainly must have felt obligated to pass this new law.

It is a sad situation when we are forced into commonsense behavior. Mandated use of seat belts, motor cycle helmets, low alcohol blood levels and so many other reasonable behaviors should not have to require the force of law but we have become such an irresponsible society that we have succumbed to having these obvious requirements imposed upon us. We all need to step up and be responsible for our own behavior.

notice the proliferation of campaign signs that have popped up all over the area. The elections are coming around again.

This November 4, we have the open primary/congressional election along with judicial, school board, parish and municipal office races that deserve our full attention. I do not care whom you vote for nor will I offer my preferences. I plan on voting but before I do, I will educate myself as to the candidates, their positions and qualifications.

I cannot recommend strongly enough that you do so, as well.

The future is in the hands of those we elect to carry out our governmental functions.

You and I elect these folks. It behooves us to inform ourselves on these candidates and the issues involved. If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the choices, then someone else makes the choice for you. Do you really want that?

Educate yourself and talk with your friends and family so you can vote for the best candidates that reflect your mindset.

Supermarket Roundup Our shopping survey this issue reflects a variety of favorites from the produce department. The prices reported here were taken on Thursday, Sept. 4 and reflect the posted price on the shelf where the product was placed for sale.

Our stores were: AlbertsonsCountry Club Road, Market Basket-Nelson Road, KrogerMcNeese Street and WalmartNelson Road.

Yellow peaches, per pound: Albertsons $1.79, Market Basket $1.79, Kroger $.99, Walmart $1.48.

Limes, per each: Albertsons $.25 (4/$1), Market Basket $.50 (2/$1), Kroger $.13 (8/$1), Walmart $.15 Lemons, per each: Albertsons $.50, Market Basket $.17 (6/$1), Kroger $.34 (3/$1), Walmart $.28.

Cantaloupe, per each: Albertsons $1.19, Market Basket $1.99, Kroger $2.19, Walmart $1.50.

Iceberg lettuce, per head: Albertsons $1.99, Market Basket $1.29, Kroger $.99, Walmart $1.48.

Avocado, medium size, per each: Albertsons $1, Market Basket $.97, Kroger $.69, Walmart $.78.

Red raspberries, 6-ounce package: Albertsons $2.50, Market Basket (could not find), Kroger $.97, Walmart (could not find).

Get Out and Vote!

We cannot help but Vol. 6 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 12

September 11, 2014 09

Ecclesiastes “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV Thus God blesses us with teal and dove seasons. Hallelujah and an Amen for this year’s two seasonal dove/teal

combo days, September 13 and 14. To limit out on both in one day is akin to being one of God’s chosen and just as rare.

The key to grace is location, location, location. I’ve done the D&T limits Godsend on the family rice farm

Charlie Crady and Roger teal hunting.

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south of Lacassine, and also at the finger end of Hamilton Lake, northeast of Cameron Parish’s Johnson Bayou.

The farm borders on Bayou Chene. I’ve always wanted to put a sign above where I crossed the cattle guard that said, “The End of Nowhere” because essentially that’s where it is. There are sprawling stands of oaks along the bayou and they border an old WPA pine forest to the west.

With nothing but rice and hay fields to the north of Bayou Chene, it was ideal for dove feeding and nesting birds. It also contained my 20-acre flooded rice field duck pond.

It was water, feed and roosting nirvana for both doves and teal. Same can be said for Johnson Bayou with its fresh water, abundant feed and isolation. Both are also the natural gathering and jumping off points for the migration southward.

So, during a truly fine teal hunt at my farm, I noted flock, after flock, after flock of doves pouring out of the trees and alighting over some 400 acres of cut rice.

Firepower, we needed some stinkin’ firepower to move those birds later in the day. I called the hunter’s equivalent of Dove Busters: a Jennings barbershop where real hunt-

ers swapped lies. I interrupted their tall tales and trims and informed them I needed some stinkin’ guns. By noon, the hunting cavalry had arrived: truck, after truck, after truck—a veritable convoy of dove hunters. Jennings had been depleted of hunters and a barbershop closed.

I spread the hunters over the acreage and said what I’d always wanted to say, “Let the games begin!” And did they!

The birds poured out of the trees in flock, after flock, after flock, sometimes a dozen or more at a time. Men, dogs and birds scurried, flurried, and flew about as I watched from the tailgate of my truck.

Before 3 p.m., all but one man had his 12-bird limit.

Out of what I felt to be an act of kindness, I had placed a local sporting figure from KPLC-TV where the dove blitzkrieg began. Try picking a single dove out of flocks of eight, ten, 12 and much more at a time. I have known men who could have stood up to that winged barrage and dropped them one, two, three, four, five, six…just like that.

He wasn’t one of them. It took him over four boxes of shotgun shells to kill his 12. That makes for an average of about one bird for every nine shots.

His performance was also Vol. 6 • No. 12

Charlie Crady and his son Chris dove hunting

hampered by the loud hooting and caterwauling mob of early limiting out former friends. There was no film “Live at Five.”

Meanwhile, let’s trek to Cameron Parish’s Holly Beach, take a right and go the 16.2 miles to Johnson Bayou.

Then it‘s past the Recreation Center and a right along the Chenier ridge. Past the copse of old oaks is the finger end of Hamilton Lake and a “pas prairie” marsh just north of it on what Cajun’s call a “coffee tree” ridge. There was a blessed coolness in the air.

The first real cool front of fall had passed the day before bringing hallowed relief from the stifling scald of Louisiana’s summer. Riding the north winds down were the migrating doves and teal. There were thousands of them and we gleefully awaited them, we being Charles and Ned Crady, Joe Gray Sr. and Jr. and Edward Taylor, Ron Foreman and I. I had seen a good number of birds in my pre-season prep work but nothing at all like this. As soon as it was light enough and legal shooting time, the war began. It was almost an unceasing barrage between three widely separated blinds. Above and between Vol. 6 • No. 12

the din could be heard down wind muffled shouts of “Take ‘em,” “Fetch,” and more than a few “Hot Damns!” An hour after it began, we were all under the big oaks humbly sharing tales of our great teal calling, shooting, and our retriever’s expertise.

Naps ensued and by noon, our dove hunters were set up along the fence line on the north side of Hwy. 82, amongst the storm-bent scrub oaks and in the fresh bushhogged goat weed field. The doves, while not the flying hordes the teal had been, were so plentiful that we all had limits by 4 p.m. It was birdcleaning time again in the afterglow and cool. There was no banter this time. A peace had ensued. And in that time and high above Hamilton Lake the migration put on an azure skied-show for us, swooping down on the fields and into the marsh. Now there was only the cooing and flapping of doves about us meshed with the silent sailing swoop and unheard splash down of teal in the distance.

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time. Also he hath set the world in their hearts.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV. September 11, 2014 11

Let’s Hear it for the Casserole!

If you grew up in the South, then you know that casseroles are a staple for busy families as well as a constant at barbecues, family get-togethers, church gatherings, potlucks, work parties, and anywhere else that people gather.

When someone passes away, especially here, friends, neighbors, and church members begin mobilizing to find out who is bringing what in terms of food for the family of the deceased. In no time at all, they will have the family’s kitchen counter full of food. Holding its place of honor right there in the middle of the fried chicken, salads, and desserts are all of the tasty casseroles.

But when it comes to casseroles, let’s be serious: some love ‘em and some despise ‘em.

When my nephew Ryan was around six years old, we were at a family gathering debating what delectable item to put on our plates next when he announced, “I don’t like anything with casserole in it!” We still laugh about that comment even though he’s a young man now and recently received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. I’m pretty sure that he doesn’t have to worry about being served casseroles at the Academy cafeteria.

In my family, a Thanksgiving dinner or barbecue isn’t complete without a broccoli 12 September 11, 2014

casserole. Yes, there may be some picky kids that take notice of the fact that the dish has broccoli in it but the ingredient that makes it so good is the cheese and it has to be Velveeta cheese. You can go ahead and try other types of cheese or use a generic brand, but I promise that you will come back to Velveeta the next time that you make the casserole.

Like a lot of the dishes that I make for my little family, I don’t need to follow a recipe because my hands and my heart know the way and I’m following in the kitchen footsteps of my mother and grandmother in making many of the dishes that they taught me over the years. After so many years of making something you don’t need to measure ingredients because you just know how much to use.

All these years later, I still remember what my grandmother said in response to my question about what made her dishes always taste so good.

I swear I can almost hear her voice: “Sugar, I guess it’s because I always put a little extra love in whatever I make for my family.” Whether it was her chicken and dumplings, pot roast, savory ham, turkey with all the trimmings, or her simple tuna casserole that had a little crunch in it because of the apples she liked to add, she always went the extra mile in

the kitchen for us.

Growing up, my mom also cooked and baked lots of things that us kids liked and requested often but I remember this one dish that was a real favorite. She baked it in a large casserole dish and the ingredients include chicken, rice, and cream of mushroom soup.

I realize now she probably made it often because with five kids it was a filling dish, could be stretched and made into leftovers, and was made in one dish which meant that kitchen cleanup was a little easier.

I often make a similar delicious dish for my kids (thanks, Mom!).

From chicken to beef to breakfast to dessert casseroles, you’re sure to find something pleasing for your family.

I’ll leave you with the recipe for a super easy casserole that my kids love. Even the name of the dish, “Pizza Casserole,” sounds kid-friendly. Hint: If your child doesn’t like casseroles, don’t announce that it’s a casserole because this dish resembles pizza more than it does a casserole. I don’t know what it’s like in your family but in mine, I have one child who will eat just about anything and loves casseroles and another child who is more of a picky eater and doesn’t like any casseroles.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish:

Ingredients: 2 pouches (7.5 oz. each) Bisquick Complete buttermilk biscuit mix 1 cup water 1 jar (14 oz.) pizza sauce 1 package (8 oz.) sliced pepperoni 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese Directions: Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.

In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix and water until soft dough forms. Drop half of the dough by spoonfuls evenly in bottom of baking dish (dough will not completely cover bottom of dish).

Drizzle about one cup pizza sauce over dough. Arrange half of the pepperoni slices evenly over sauce. Top with one cup of the cheese. Repeat layers with remaining dough, pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into squares when ready to serve.

Be prepared for kids and adults alike to ask for second or third helpings!

Lisa Addison writes for local, regional, and national publications, has two schoolaged children, enjoys trying new recipes, never gets enough sleep, and loves going on adventures with her kids.

Vol. 6 • No. 12

Tonya Meche Wants Your Recipes!

Saturday Night Lamb Chops We traveled to New Zealand to get a surefire lesson on grilling lamb chops. This dish is served with Yukon Jack garlic whipped mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. We recommend serving a big red wine with this meal, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or perhaps something a little spicy like a Red Zinfandel.

Ingredients 6 lamb chops, about 3/4-inch thick (Can be purchased at Sam’s Club) 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 3 leaves of fresh mint 1 teaspoon of Cajun Red Head Wild Game Seasoning 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion (small) 2 tablespoons tomato paste 6 tablespoons butter 1 cup red wine for the sauce Pinch of coarse sea salt 2 glasses of wine (or more) served with dinner!

medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté’ until tender, about five minutes. Season with salt. Add the rosemary, oregano and three leaves of fresh mint and sauté’ for about 30 seconds. Stir in the two tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for two minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the wine. Simmer until the sauce reduces by half, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Strain the sauce into a small bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids in the strainer and return the sauce to the saucepan and bring back to a slow simmer. Cut the remaining four tablespoons of butter into small 1/2-inch chunks and whisk in the sauce a little at a time. Added the deglazed juices from the lamb saucepan. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper.

The entire meal should take no longer than 45 minutes. The pirate guarantees one thing: If you make them, they will come, so buy plenty.

This is a great meal or friends or as pre-game appetizer. Until next time, bon appetit!

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!

Directions In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, Cajun Red Head, and salt. Pulse until combined. Pour in olive oil and pulse into a paste. Rub the paste on both sides of the lamb chops and let them marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator and allow the chops to come to room temperature; it will take about 20 minutes.

Heat a grill pan over high heat until almost smoking, add the chops and sear for about two minutes. Flip the chops over and cook for another three minutes for medium-rare and another half a minute for medium. Deglaze pan with red wine strain and save for sauce.

The Sauce Meanwhile, melt two tablespoons of butter in a heavy large saucepan over Vol. 6 • No. 12

September 11, 2014 13

Small Town Charm, Big City Potential

Sulphur Has a Lot to Offer meet and speak with superBy Calvin Tyler Being a native of Sulphur makes me a little biased.

Granted, I always aspired to someday outgrow my small town and move on up to the east side--of the I-10 bridge--but, even though some of the memories are bittersweet, Sulphur still holds a special place in my heart. Now that I’m all grown up and have a big boy job where I am paid to

14 September 11, 2014

interesting people doing extraordinary things and look at cool stuff on the Internet all day, I decided to revisit my hometown and check in on what was happening.

I was not expecting what I discovered. From a new memorial wall, civic center, and community theater to a slew of new festivals, a farmers market, and new restaurants, this only “feels” like the same small town I grew up in.

Though, happily, it is growing into a place with so much more to offer.

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Mayor Chris Duncan and The City of Sulphur are proud to present the 5th Annual Stars and Stripes in the Park Classic Car Show and Cruise Night, Sat., Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Ruth Street Pavilion in Sulphur. The event will feature hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, trucks, and motorcycles. Entry for show vehicles and spectators is FREE. Door prizes will be awarded! There will be food booths, music, and entertainment for

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the children, and an awards presentation following the show, featuring Stars and Stripes Beauty Pageant winners.

The classic cars and hot rods will be cruising on Ruth Street after the event.

The City of Sulphur is hosting a concert by Sulphur native, Martin

Duplechin. He sings oldies music (‘50s and’60s), and some country. His show is family-friendly, so come out and enjoy a free night of entertainment.

He will be performing at the Heritage Square Pavilion on Fri., Sept. 12 from 6-9 p.m. for the pre-car show Meet-nGreet. He will perform again on Sat., Sept 13, 6-9 p.m., for the car show “after party.”

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St. Theresa

Bon Ton Festival Sept. 19-21

The St. Theresa Bon Ton Festival is a local tradition that is enjoyed by all ages! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a family friendly weekend with lots of great food, music, rides and many other events. There are live and silent auctions that are filled with fun and unique items. Also bingo, a sweet shop with their famous pies, and a large garage sale. The newly renovated large covered pavilion has plenty of room for dancing, relaxing, eating and visiting - rain or shine!

4324 Carlyss Drive, Carlyss, LA 70665 Friday 5-10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Free Admission (337) 583-4800.

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Boudin is a type of sausage popular in South Louisiana. It is typically pork rice dressing stuffed into a casing, and is as much a part of Southern Louisiana Culture as Cajun Music or Gumbo! Boudin Wars is an annual event hosted by the Brimstone Historical Society and the Lake Charles Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

“We wanted to do a food-related event here at the Henning Cultural Center,” said Thom Trahan, event coordinator and executive director of the center. “When the Lake Charles Convention and Visitor’s

Bureau approached us to help coordinate this event, it immediately appealed to us from the arts and culture side of it – we want to see mastery in the art of cooking. It’s a great opportunity for the public to come and sample good boudin from around the region.”

Event attendees are able to vote on their favorite boudin from restaurants around the region. The 2014 Boudin Wars featured two categories of boudin from six restaurants, and 2015 is already shaping up to be a larger event! Tickets are on sale now, and are $10 for a generous sample

of boudin from each restaurant. Boudin Wars will take place on Sept. 13, in conjunction with the City of Sulphur’s “Stars and Stripes in the Park” car show! Come out, enjoy the boudin, and see show cars from around the area!

For more information about Boudin Wars, or to purchase tickets, call (337) 527-0357, or visit www.brimstonemuseum.org. The Henning Cultural Center is located at 923 Ruth Street in Sulphur, Louisiana. Boudin Wars is supported by a grant from the Lake Charles Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Smokin’ on the Grove BBQ Festival Oct. 4 in Sulphur The Smokin’ on the Grove Sulphur BBQ Festival is set for Sat., Oct. 4. This is the second year the City of Sulphur has hosted the only International Barbeque Cookers Association (I.B.C.A.) BBQ Cookoff in SWLA. Categories include a chicken half with the wingtip; pork spare ribs; and brisket. No gas or electric grills allowed. Each contestant will be provided with a 20x40 space on a first-come, first-served basis. Water and electricity are available. For guidelines, rules or updates visit www.bushbbq.webs. com. A cook’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, October 3, at Heritage Square. Dinner will be provided.

The entry fee is $75.

Bands kickoff the event at noon that Saturday, beginning with Brad Brinkley & Greg Blanchard & Comfort Zone. At 1 p.m., Young Band Nation will perform. Twangsters Union will take the stage at 2:30 p.m., Judd Bares at 4:30 p.m., Reed Planchard & Driving Dixie at 6 p.m. and Chute 13 at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www. cityofsulphur.org.

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By Calvin Tyler I remember hearing that everyone knew where they were when John F. Kennedy was shot, but I never could relate to that, as I was not yet born. The people of my generation had very little to recall when it came to historical events within our lifetime. That was, until September 11, 2001.

I was a senior in high school, sitting in my first period English class when a teacher rushed through the door to announce that everyone needed to meet in the main hall. There, we learned that an airplane had crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. At that time, no one suspected an orchestrated terrorist attack, just a tragic accident. As I sat with my classmates and watched the live newsfeed, we saw people trapped on the upper floors begin to jump from the windows, exchanging a slow, fiery death with a sudden one as they slammed into the New York Streets below.

Silence filled the main hall as we united in sorrow. Our eyes were glued to the screen while the shared knowledge of “this is really happening” consumed us.

Then, without warning, a second airplane flew directly into the South Tower. The silence ended in an eruption of screams. Everyone was crying and holding one other. One girl collapsed. At that point, I realized I was neither crying nor in a state of trauma. I was simply an observer of the current chaos. Right then and there, I broke down, crying uncontrollably for the people doomed, with no comfort of hope. All of their accomplishments and goals mean nothing to them now, and we all knew it as we watched from the distance of our televisions.

What none of us in that room knew, at that exact moment, 18 September 11, 2014

was that one of the victims we were crying for was a man from our hometown of Sulphur. His name was Leo Russell Keene III, he was 33 years old, and he was trapped in an elevator with 12 other people, including his boss and two women he also worked with.

When I interview someone about their accomplishments, it always fascinates me that there tends to be a lot of little moments that preface their journey and dictate their entire life all the way up to the moment of their major success. Like they in no way had any real control of their life’s destination. Some might even call it destiny.

Though tragic and short, Keene’s life was interesting and deep. There was a story within the story that took hold of memaybe to never let me go-and after speaking with Keene’s wife, Kristen, it was obvious that he was a very special kind of person.

Calvin Tyler: I’ve heard great things about Russell from his family, and it seemed as though he was very genuine.

Kristen Keene: He was genuine, indeed. I used to tell him he was old soul because of the little things he would do, how he could focus in on a conversation, and even the way he was planning his future.

CT: What was his plan for the future?

KK: He worked really hard, putting in super long hours. But, he did so because he was determined to retire at 40, buy a lake house to rent out as a bed and breakfast, and enjoy the rest of his days sailing around his lake.

CT: [jokingly] He definitely was an old soul.

KK: Absolutely. Russ was an amazing

person with the kind of charm that could never be replicated.

Really into books and history, he would read a lot. And was also a little naive. Not in a bad way, of course, just… innocent. Even though he worked where he did, he wasn’t like a stereotypical Wall Street guy. He was always kind to strangers, smiling and endearing.

CT: As a fellow Sulphur boy, I have to ask the big question: What led him to work in the World Trade Center?

KK: His life plans. As I said before, Russ was going to retire at 40 and live the kind of life he had envisioned for our little family. He had always wanted to work on Wall Street, and one year we vacationed in New York City and stayed with his friend Alex. Unbeknownst to me, Alex introduced him to Dean Eberling of KBW (Keefe, Bruyette & Woods: Specialist in Financial Services) and was hired on the spot. He came back to me with the news that he had

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the new job in the WTC. CT: That’s incredible.

KK: Yep. That’s Russ. I never liked the towers, though. The buildings had an omen to them.

I can’t explain it; they just scared me.

CT: Sadly enough, your intuition was right all along. What happened on your end after the North tower crash?

KK: Well… [pause] I get a phone call from Russ and he’s telling me that a plane had just crashed into the North Tower. I turned on the television to see what had happened and told him to leave work and just come home.

He told me that they were telling everyone to return and stay at their desks and that everything would be all right. I begged him to leave; I told him that I didn’t feel good with him staying. Russ agreed and told me that he and Dean were getting out, and asked me to call his mother.

the elevator with Russ?

KK: 13 total, including Russ. They all worked together and pried open the elevator doors, only to find that they had stopped inches from the ceiling of the main lobby.

Only two of the 13 people on board could fit through the small gap and fall to the main floor below. One of them was Linda, who was lucky (landing on the main floor), and the other was Lauren, who fell down into the elevator’s shaft and landed on the beams below. She survived, but was pretty banged up.

CT: So Russ helped save the lives of these two women. And they were all so close to safety…

KK: Yes, yes they were. So close, in fact, that rescue workers were attempting to remove them from the elevator before the building began to collapse, which I also watched on live television.

CT: What was that like for you?

CT: I know, the world watched the live television feed as the second plane hit the South Tower.

KK: Yes. My heart sank at that moment in a way words could never describe. I was left in mystery, to not know what had happened to my husband until months later. I still held onto hope that Russ and Dean had made it out okay.

CT: What did happen?

KK: A colleague of Russ’s by the name of Linda was on the elevator with him. She recalled that the elevator was going down when a loud boom shook the building and separated the elevator cables, sending them into a free-fall before the emergency brakes stopped them at the main floor. Everyone waited for a while, not sure of what had just happened. Maybe it was an explosion from the North Tower, they thought. It wasn’t until the smell of jet fuel began to creep into the elevator that they assumed the worse.

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KK: I felt my life leaving out of me when the tower fell. Like I knew Russ was gone. “Maybe he made it out,” I kept telling myself.

There were so many thoughts rambling around in my mind.

He could have been outside and waiting to reunite with me and our two-year-old daughter Mazalee, or maybe he was beneath the building in the maintenance tunnels.

But, the worst thought was that he might still be trapped in the elevator slowly starving to death.

CT: That’s something a lot of people forget about when they recall the aftermath. The extensive time and manpower it took to sort through the rubble.

KK: Exactly. I refused to leave New Jersey until they found Russ.

My boss from Atlanta called and offered me my old job if I decided to move back. I had even found a new house, but just could not leave without Russ. The same day I found the house was the same day they found Russ. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was sudden, caused by blunt force

trauma to the brain, which actually put me at ease.

CT: I am so sorry for your loss, and appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today knowing how hard it must be.

KK: No, I’m thankful that his story is being told. He was such an incredible person with a kind and quiet spirit. I still love and think about him every day, knowing that the mold was broken

when he was made. Russ was my soul mate, and even though I’m dating someone wonderful now; Russ is still the one for me. He is gone from me but never really left, if that makes sense. I see him in our daughter, Mazalee, and feel him around me all the time. We had dated for six months before getting married. Our time together was filled with the typical marital strife, but they were the most magical years of my life. I am very thankful.

Sulphur Memorial In the town of Sulphur, a Memorial Wall is being constructed. It will include the names of local heroes who performed great acts of sacrifice for others. At the center of this monument will be a single column reserved for Leo Russell Keene III. A man who lived his life without ever knowing that every action he took would lead to him saving the lives of two others. His destiny, as tragic as it was, was to die in the most aggressive attack on American soil of my generation. While I watched on a television in the main hall of my high school in my small town of Sulphur; another Sulphur boy, trapped in an elevator, saved two women named Lauren and Linda, and died a hero.

September 11, 2014 19

By Calvin Tyler Not so long ago, if you wanted a piece of furniture for your home, you had to either build it yourself or have it custom built.

This sounds a little silly to us, since we live in an era where we have the ability to procure items from even the most isolated regions of the planet. But, I’m talking about a time in history when telling your loved ones adios as you left Massachusetts to take up residency in Pennsylvania meant that, to them, you were as good as dead. No postal service, no lumber yards, no fast food. The term, “living like a pilgrim,” is used by the “hip” kids nowadays to describe this kind of life, but it’s mostly used when said hip kid discovers that a lesser peer has opted to purchase an actual book rather than a digital download and misses the point of the pilgrim’s lifestyle altogether. But enough about the youth today and their constant misinterpretations of generalized historic groups.

The Industrial Revolution dramatically increased the availability of consumer goods, although it was still primarily focused on the capital goods sector and industrial infrastructure (i.e., mining, steel, oil, transportation networks, communications networks, industrial cities, financial centers, etc.). The advent of the department store represented a paradigm shift in the experience of shopping. For the first 20 September 11, 2014

time, customers could buy an astonishing variety of goods, all in one place, and shopping became a popular leisure activity. While previously, the norm had been the scarcity of resources, the Industrial Era created an unprecedented economic situation. For the first time in history, products were available in outstanding quantities, at outstandingly low prices, available to virtually everyone in the industrialized West.

As the Industrial Revolution boomed across the U.S., the term “buying local” began to change to “buying American.” No longer did it mean that one would purchase goods from an expert specializing in services from within the local economy. It was broadly extended to buying furniture, foods, material, and vices from other regions and having them delivered by train.

Now, in the present day, we find ourselves in search of chain retailers’ versions of organic.

The problem with this scavenger hunt is what makes me recall what Steve Buscemi’s character, Rockhound, said in the action packed Armageddon as they were about to leave Earth on a space shuttle in an attempt to save the planet from astroidal impact. The line was, “You know we’re sitting on four million pounds of fuel, one nuclear weapon and a thing that has 270,000 moving parts built by the lowest bidder. Makes you feel good, doesn’t it?”

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not. We are educated in the dangers of hormonally modified meats, GMO (genetically modified organisms), and loads of other cost-cutting schemes giant corporations utilize to improve the bottom line for their shareholders.

People want natural foods now more than ever, and it is apparent with the rise of “natural” and “organic” selections in the super-stores.

My wife (age: not impor-

tant), until recently, had never tasted grass-fed beef.

I, along with our 10-year-old son, were invited to the Cash & Carry Farmers Market in Lake Charles by the Pops and Rockets (gourmet tour de force fresh flavors frozen on a stick) guys, and it was there that we were introduced to such wonderful commodities as local honey, handmade soaps, homemade kettle corn, and fresh produce, as well as a

broad variety of other locally developed staples.

A happy you begins with a healthier you. Diet and exercise do play a large role in our overall fulfillment, but the most overlooked factor is the soul. We know that food is important to us Louisianans,

and it’s time we started acting like it. Don’t settle for just any old loaf of bread for a sandwich; instead, try slicing into fresh French bread. Then topping it with local, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, turkey, bacon, and mustard. That’s it… I’m going to lunch.

Lake Charles Cash & Carry Farmers Market Located in the Historic Cash & Carry Building at 801 Enterprise Blvd., in downtown Lake Charles, the market boasts fresh produce, delicious homemade goods and the area’s best local musicians. From country eggs and homemade fig cakes to squash and grass-fed beef, everyone will find something to enjoy Hours: Open every Tuesday from 4 - 6 p.m. rain or shine. See the full list of vendors here: http://www.cashandcarryfarmersmarket.com/our-vendors.

Charlestown Farmers Market Located at Trinity Baptist Church on Thursdays and Historic City Hall on Saturdays, the Lake Charles Charleston Farmer’s Market has a wide variety of seasonal fruits, veggies, jams, jellies, baked goods, and crafts! Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. - Noon.

Sulphur City of Sulphur Farmers Market Located at 810 Ruth St., find fresh seasonal fruit and produce, homemade goodies, freshly made jams and jellies (including pepper jelly), and handmade soaps and bath and body care.

Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. – noon.

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By Lauren de Albuquerque

Planning a wedding takes a tremendous amount of time and effort—unless you’re just going to run to a justice of the peace on your lunch hour (don’t laugh—I know a couple who did just that).

A lot of important little things will definitely slip through the cracks if you aren’t diligent. The best way to handle this is to come up with a checklist that you can add to as the months go by. Keep a copy on your computer and a hard copy in your wedding plan-

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ner where you can refer to it when needed.

If you’re planning on wearing an heirloom gown, make sure you have plenty of time to have it cleaned and freshened, and make sure it fits well.

I wanted to wear my mother’s gown, and was so disappointed that it was too tight. I tried to find a way to make it fit, but ultimately realized that I was better off buying a new gown. I did wear her wedding earrings, as my “something old.”

Practice wearing your wedding shoes before the big day. There’s nothing worse than wearing tight shoes for hours and hours—it will seriously ruin your fun. I’ve seen

brides take off their shoes and end up dancing barefoot, which isn’t very classy. I chose a very simple style that was really comfortable. No one really sees your shoes, anyway. If you insist on wearing killer shoes, make sure they don’t kill you first!

Send lodging information to your out-of-town guests as soon as possible. If you’re having a destination wedding, then you and your guests will probably all stay in the same place, which will make things a lot easier. We got married at an old Victorian inn and just about everyone stayed with us, which was so much fun!

If you’re going to have an outdoor wedding, take bugs and the

weather into consideration. Have lots of bottled water on hand for the heat, umbrellas (or Plan B for rain) and don’t forget the bug spray. We were married outdoors in the mountains of New Hampshire in May, and we really took a chance—we could have had rain, snow, cold, heat—you name it. We ended up with a gorgeous sunny day in the ‘70s. Yes, we were very lucky!

Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before the wedding. Let’s face it, you’re going to be a little stressed to begin with, and you don’t want to be exhausted on top of everything else. And you don’t want dark circles under your eyes, either.

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Make sure you pack a small emergency bag for your dressing area that includes a portable steamer, needle and thread, hair spray, aspirin, nail polish, deodorant, safety pins, extra panty hose, etc. You’ll be glad you did!

Try to have a light snack before leaving for the ceremony. Many brides never taste the food at their reception, but go overboard on the champagne, which could complicate things, to say the least.

It’s important to have something in your stomach.

Don’t forget to have a guest register at the reception, and assign someone who’s not in the wedding party as the attendant.

It’s been proven that if you leave the register unattended, not many guests will sign it. That’s exactly what happened at our wedding, unfortunately.

Ask your bridesmaids to place their bouquets on the head table as additional decoration. They’ll be happy that they don’t have to hang on to them during the celebration, and it will make the head table look even more special.

Arrange for a close friend or

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relative to transport the gifts that are delivered to the reception to a designated spot after the wedding.

It won’t hurt to leave your honeymoon itinerary with a family member, just in case.

Have your gown cleaned soon after the wedding. Stains that may not be visible now may yellow later, and set in the fabric. Many brides have their gowns preserved professionally, but you can also do it yourself if you follow these instructions: Gowns are best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stuff any shaped or fitted parts of your wedding dress with acid-free tissue paper to help retain the shape and prevent creasing—which stretches the fibers in your dress and may permanently mar the gown’s fabric.

Decide whether you are going to hang your dress or store it in a box. If you use a box, make sure you wrap your gown in acid-free tissue, and that the box is acidfree cardboard. If you’re going to hang it, then wrap the dress in a clean white sheet.

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By Lauren de Albuquerque Planning a wedding is so incredibly time-consuming that a lot of things may inadvertently get overlooked. There’s such a thing as wedding etiquette—and even though times have changed, you still need to follow it.

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The Wedding Party Planning who’s going to be in your wedding party can create some stress. The bottom line is to choose people that have been very important to you in your life, and will support you on your special day— people you want standing up

there with you when you say, “I do.” So no matter what your mother says, you don’t have to ask your cousin that you haven’t seen in 10 years to be a bridesmaid. And your sister shouldn’t be the maid of honor when you are much closer to your best friend.

On the other hand, it would be very nice if you asked your fiancé’s sister(s) to be bridesmaids, and if he asked your brother(s) to be groomsmen. It builds up a lot of goodwill for the future.

The maid of honor not only organizes and hosts your shower, she also helps you get ready on your wedding day.

Her dress (which she pays for herself) matches or coordinates with the other bridesmaids, and she usually carries

a slightly more elaborate bouquet than the other attendants.

The bridesmaids attend prewedding parties and also help out with some wedding preparations. They wear matching or coordinating dresses (paid for themselves) and you are expected to give them a gift as a token of your appreciation.

The best man’s formalwear matches the ushers’ and he pays the rental fees himself. He hosts the bachelor party, holds the ring during the ceremony, and offers the toast at the reception.

The primary function of the ushers is seating guests at the wedding. They each wear and pay for matching formalwear, and the groom gives each man a present as a thank-you for participating in the wedding.

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Flower girls are usually between the ages of three and nine, and they carry a small bouquet or basket down the aisle during the ceremony. The ring bearer is of the same age, and symbolically carries the wedding rings for the bridal party on a large white satin pillow on which imitation rings are sewn. The real wedding bands are kept in the safekeeping of the best man. Parents pay for their children’s attire when asked to be in a wedding, unless otherwise notified by the bride or groom.

Gifts It’s perfectly acceptable to return a wedding gift that you know you’ll never use—just don’t let the sender know about it. Send a thank you note mentioning how much you appreciate their gift—and then exchange it for something you can use.

You may really want cash instead of gifts, but it’s very tacky to indicate this on the wedding invitation. So have your bridesmaids and family spread the word that you would prefer

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money. There will always be people who will give a gift, no matter what, so rather than get something you don’t like, register for what you really need.

Since the purpose of a shower is to receive gifts, information on where you’re registered is always included in the shower invitation—never the wedding invitation.

Thank You Cards For your shower, thank you notes should go out within two weeks. For presents sent on or after the wedding date, try to get them out in a month. Include a thoughtful note, mentioning the gift specifically.

Merely signing your names to a card is pretty cold.

If you receive a check, tell the gift-giver what you plan on doing with the money. For example, “Thank you so much for your check! We’re planning on using it to buy a lamp for our guestroom…” or something like that. It will make them feel special. Never mention the amount of the check.

The New Sulphur Civic Center

The West Calcasieu Community Center Authority would like to announce that the new multipurpose West Cal Event Center, conveniently located off Interstate 10 in Sulphur, is currently offering a wide variety of event options from conventions and trade shows, to receptions and Mardi Gras balls, to training seminars and other social gatherings. The facility has a total of four smaller meeting rooms that can be used individually or in conjunction with one another, as well as a 14,000 square foot main ballroom capable of being divided into three usable rooms.

With the ability of hosting multiple caterers, the new West-Cal Events Center boasts a full-service catering kitchen equipped with walk-

in coolers and freezers. The latest high definition audio and visual technology is prevalent throughout the building and a fired brick mural offers guests an informative, cultural history of the West Calcasieu area.

The West Calcasieu Events Center is an integral part of the Community Center Authorities’ master plan to provide affordable event, meeting and equestrian space to the local area while enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Southwest Louisiana.

For rates and booking information West-Cal Arena & Events Center Adrian Moreno, Director (337) 528-9378 PO Box 49, Sulphur, LA 70664 www.WestCalEvents.com

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5 Wedding Budget Tips Prioritize. Before you begin spending on your wedding, decide which elements are most important to you. This will help you to place more wedding dollars on the things that you think will most impact the success of your wedding day.

There is no such thing as “perfect.” Being realistic about your expectations will help you create the wedding day you want instead of chasing the dream of the “perfect” wedding day. Decide what kind of wedding you want and then plan your wedding day around that idea.

Choose in-season items. Whether it is flowers or fruits, choosing inseason options will always be best for your budget.

Ceremony venues. The most budget friendly venues for your ceremony may be your reception hall.

While you may pay a fee for your ceremony on-site, you will eliminate transportation costs, travel fees from vendors for multiple locations and site rental fees.

Hire a DJ. Live bands typically cost several thousand dollars for their services, plus meals and entertainment during their breaks. A single DJ can provide you the customized playlists you want and doesn’t take breaks.

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If you’re having a makeup artist do your bridal makeup, schedule a practice day to ensure that you’re happy with your final choices. By the way, make sure you use waterproof mascara!

General skin exfoliation provided by good facials removes dead skin cells from your face and makes your skin glow. Choose a salon and start getting facials every five weeks from now until the wedding day.

You shouldn’t get a facial on the actual day of any event, including your wedding or rehearsal dinner. Your face is abnormally flushed immediately following a facial. To be on the safe side, allow at least a week between a facial and any special event.

To avoid the signs of a new hairdo, have your hair cut and colored two to three weeks before the wedding. Whatever you do, don’t wait until a couple of days before the big day. Sometimes, it can take longer than that to fix major hairstylist mistakes.

Give yourself plenty of time to get your hair and makeup ready on your special day. You don’t want to be rushed when

you’re trying to look your best. Keep a little bag of cosmetics handy that includes your lipstick and gloss, extra foundation, and powder so that you can do quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Wedding Emergency Kit Every bride needs one. Gather all this stuff together in a bag or small case and entrust it to your maid of honor or other responsible party. It can be kept in the bride’s room; just know where it is in case you need it.

Fashion Tape This is basically a double-stick tape made for fabric and skin.

Use it to tape down your strapless gown (to keep it from slipping) or to keep bra straps from showing. It’ll even fix a ripped hemline so that you don’t have to fuss with safety pins.

Hair Spray You’ll need it for a finishing touch, or to refresh your hair between the ceremony and reception.

& Catering

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Bobby Pins You’ll need them if your up-do starts wilting.

Deodorant Goes with out saying. If you’re ever going to sweat, this is the day.

Mints You’ll be meeting people all day and night, so have them handy.

Pain Relievers Stress headache, anyone?

Prescription Meds The last thing you need is to forget necessary medication.

Tissue Emotions will be running high!

Extra Earring Backs All you need is to have an earring fall out right before the ceremony.

Nail Polish Remover If you chip a nail, it’s good to have a bottle of your polish on hand for touch-ups.

Got it? Great! Now enjoy your wedding!

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September 11, 2014 31

Fairy tales begin with “Once Upon a Time…” and end with “Happily Ever After.”

In the middle, there’s Marilyn’s.

Marilyn’s Flowers and Catering and their signature banquet facility, Treasures of Marilyn’s, have met the needs of brides and grooms across Southwest Louisiana for over a 36 years.

Whether it’s small and intimate or large elaborate, Marilyn’s Flowers & Catering will make your dreams come true. With the loving assistance of founder Marilyn Dawdy and her children Beth and Russ, along with their dedicated and experienced staff, brides are able to focus on the big day itself while Marilyn’s does the rest.

32 September 11, 2014

Your Perfect Day It’s been said that every journey starts with the first step, and it’s much the same for a wedding. How does the bride get from Point A (the engagement) to Point B (a pictureperfect wedding day from start to finish)? That’s where Beth comes in. You could say that Marilyn, with her elegance and shining personality, has passed the torch on to her daughter.

According to Beth, our area’s bridal guru, planning a wedding doesn’t have to be stressful and it certainly doesn’t have to break the bank.

“We start with a consultation, and that’s where we really start to get an idea of the vision that the couple has for their special day,” she said. “We try to accommodate their budget while at the same time helping them have the wedding that they have always dreamed about.”

Each couple’s vision is different. It’s important to not get so bogged down in the details that you become overwhelmed. Some of the obvious things to consider when planning a wedding include location, catering, flowers, photographs, minister, and music.

Marilyn’s Flowers & Catering handles every aspect of a bride and groom’s special day so that the couple and their families and friends can enjoy themselves. Their friendly staff will help to set

up the music, stay in touch with the cake company, handle decorations, deal with behind-the-scenes concerns, assist with finding a minister if needed, and so much more. During the reception, an experienced coordinator is assigned to help the bride and her bridal party through the dances, toast, cake-cutting, bouquet-throwing, any unforeseen issues that may arise, and the departure.

“We are the longest standing catering company in the Lake Area,” Beth said. “We work with the elite as well as the everyday bride and groom who have a budget. We help them with the planning and make it a memorable event. [There’s] no mama running around in her stocking feet, trying to pack up things and get them back to the rental store the next day. That’s not how we operate.

“It can get stressful at times, but that’s just because we care so much about these couples,” Beth admitted. “They become like family. And I really want them to have the most amazing wedding and be able to make incredible memories.”

Treasured Memories at Treasures Treasures is a beautiful 16,000 square-foot building, designed and built to host wedding receptions.

With its rolling wall system, the facility can comfortably accommodate small intimate gatherings or large parties with up to 450 guests.

“There’s enough space for people to sit and enjoy themselves,” Beth said.

“All the guests can see the bride and groom, the dancing, and cutting the cake. Everyone is together. It works great for weddings and other events.”

“When you book our facility, we handle all of the decorating customized to your colors, look or

theme,” Marilyn said. “We’re not only Southwest Louisiana’s largest, highest-regarded catering company, we are also one of the most established decorating companies.”

“We customize everything, from colors, styles, and themes,” Beth said. “For one wedding, there might be vintage lace, champagnecolored tablecloths, gold chevalier chairs, lots of wrought iron and greenery, pearls, crystals, birdcages, and mason jars. Another weekend, the hall might be decorated with dramatic red, black, white, and silver accents and unique lighting.

Every time you walk in here, it’s something different.”

A couple has several options when having a wedding at Treasures. Many get married offpremise and then have their reception at Treasures. Another option is to have both the wedding and the reception at the facility. It has an intimate chapel and an outdoor gazebo, or, you can be married in the reception hall. At Marilyn’s, customized service is key.

And it’s the special touches that make Marilyn’s such a popular wedding venue.

Among many other things, Russ Dawdy is a self-taught ice sculptor and can create a variety of unique ice sculptures. Using a chainsaw, he’s carved a solid block of ice into figures such as fish, doves, and the latest in banquet entertaining – a martini luge. “Along the way we’ve all had to pick up many obscure and unique skills,” laughs Russ.

Not only is Beth a wedding coordinator, she’s also a floral designer.

Marilyn’s Specialty Design Center is located adjacent to Treasures’ catering hall. “A lot of people may not realize this, but Beth does or personally oversees everything regarding flowers, down to the last detail,” Marilyn said. The day before Vol. 6 • No. 12

the wedding, the bride and her wedding party come to the flower shop. Beth shows them the flowers and they even get to hold them.”

Although the on-site Treasures (venue, business office, design center and hands-on kitchen production facility) is Marilyn’s main site for weddings and other events, they are able to host events at other locales as well—including outdoor sites, the Lake Charles Civic Center, etc.

The business can do as much as you want, or as little as you want.

“We can go to the church, pin on the boutonnieres and corsages, and do the bridal bouquets, if that’s all a client needs,” Beth said. “If a client only needs help with off-premise decorating, we can do that, too.”

Full-Service Catering Then, there’s the incredible food.

For a catering company, menu choices are paramount. Marilyn’s chef, Jacques Broussard, has been with the company for 24 years. With an arsenal of tried and true recipes, he can fulfill most any request.

“This is Southwest Louisiana,” said Beth, who is proud of their kitchen staff. “When people plan an event, you have to serve the core items such as boudin or jambalaya.

These are the items people love to eat, especially the people who are coming in from out of town. You have to include some crawfish or crab. We try to customize everything when I sit down with a customer. I ask them what they like.”

She knows that the time of year is important. “If it’s Christmastime, you might not want to serve turkey or ham because they’re getting that everywhere else,” she explains. “We might have something different. If it’s summer, you might not want to do a heavy beef, but rather something a bit lighter, such as chicken.

Everybody’s different, and we can make almost anything.”

But Chef Jacques Broussard does

have his specialties – those dishes that Marilyn’s is known for and that people repeatedly request.

For example, everyone loves his Crab Mornay, a signature dish mastered by Marilyn Dawdy years ago.

Broussard still uses the same recipe.

“We use fresh Louisiana crab and crawfish– no canned or imported stuff. Also, I would put our spinach artichoke dip up against anyone’s,” Beth boasted. “Our brisket is outstanding. We also do a great grilled steak. And people always comment on our green beans. I say we put a lot of love into our green beans. We season ‘em up and make ‘em good.

We cook like you’re at your mama’s house. We don’t do a lot of chi-chi food. We’d rather serve really good food.”

Marilyn’s has also moved almost completely away from pre-made foods and canned vegetables opting for fresher ingredients and fresher food.

Whatever your catering budget and whatever your tastes, Marilyn’s can help. There are several options available depending on the number of guests, type of event and budget considerations. Marilyn’s coordinators will help brides and grooms find a price and menu to suit them.

From a casual buffet to an elegant cocktail reception, the possibilities are endless – and delicious - when it comes to in-house catering with Marilyn’s.

For a sit-down, plated dinner, which is perfect for the smaller, formal weddings, menus can be set in advance and include options for each course or for the main course only. There are many packages to consider, which can be discussed in an initial consultation at Marilyn’s.

“We are a full-service caterer and try to make everything as convenient as possible,” Beth said. “That’s what catering is – full service. Every detail of an event is taken care of.

Whether it’s a big wedding or a

A Wide Range of Services Between both the events at Treasures and those that they handle offpremise, Marilyn’s caters around 400-500 events a year. Sixty percent are weddings and the other 40 percent include various social/business gatherings. Marilyn’s can provide the facility, food, flowers, festive decorations or any combination of those services.

While floral work for weddings is the focus, Marilyn’s also provides large arrangements for events, churches, homes and offices, along with exceptional custom floral casket pieces that express the character of your family’s loved ones.

They can host a barbecue for the Boys Scouts or serve tea sandwiches for a ladies luncheon. They can design a menu with a theme, something with a Mediterranean flair or a Mexican fiesta.

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small wedding, there’s a process of making it work.”

Personal Touches “I wouldn’t want to be a wedding planner anywhere else,” Beth said. “I like the people of Southwest Louisiana. I love my brides. We form friendships. That’s what I love so much about my job – getting to know people.”

Recently, a woman who’d had her wedding at Treasures 15 years ago saw Beth and said, “I bet you don’t remember me.” Beth not only remembered her name, but also the colors at her wedding.

Though now semi-retired, Marilyn is still very much involved in her catering company. She and Russ handle a lot of the finances and accounting -- the things Beth admits she really doesn’t have time for. Beth spends most of her time working with the clients, coordinating the staff, decorating, and arranging the flowers. Russ focuses on the events themselves, the front office, the kitchen staff, and anything else that needs to be done.

Beth glows when she speaks of her mother. “Mom worked really hard and she taught us how to work hard. She taught us to take a lot of pride in what we do.

But we had fun, too. Who else in the 8th grade gets to meet and cater to [the country-rock band] Alabama? Mom makes me think about every single thing I’m doing, because she’s in my head every day. We all have a great business partnership. We’ve worked hard for it.

It’s not easy running a business with your mother and brother. But I’m proud of us and I love Mom so much. I appreciate everything she’s taught us. I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for her.”

Marilyn’s Flowers and Catering is located at 3510 Fifth Ave. Lake Charles, La. For more information, call them at (337) 477-3553 or log onto www.marilynscatering.com.

September 11, 2014 33

Jan Scott

Lachezar Kostov

Lake Charles Symphony 2014 - 2015 Season The first concert of the Lake Charles Symphony’s 57th season will be Saturday, Sept. 13 and will feature Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with guest pianist Hui Shan Chin. “Rach II,” as it is commonly referred to, took its place in top 40 music history when recording artist Eric Carmen based his 1975 power ballad, “All By Myself,” on the second movement of Rachmaninoff ’s Piano Concerto. The next year, Carmen released “Never Going to Fall in Love Again” which was based on the third movement from Rachmaninoff ’s Symphony No. 2. Though tempered throughout with fresh, lyrical beauty intertwined with its heavy and fretting theme, the piece concludes with an uplifting finale, like the grand finale of a fireworks display emanating from the grand piano.

On the lighter side, the Sept. 13 concert will open with Mozart Symphony in F major, written by Mozart at the age of nine, followed by LaMer, by Impressionist composer, Claude Debussy, the leading composer of the fin de siècle or end of the century.

Due to popular demand, the Symphony will return to its Sunday afternoon time for its March 1 concert featuring local musician, Jan Scott, Clarinet, for Bernhard Crusell’s Clari34 September 11, 2014

net Concerto No. 2, along with Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 by George Enesco and Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (1919).

Then on April 11, Saturday evening, will be “Afternoon of a Faun” by Claude Debussy, Symphony No. 4 in F minor by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Cello Concerto No. 2 in D by Joseph Haydn, featuring Lachezar Kostov on Cello. Rounding off the classical concert series, the Symphony is pleased to present a family concert on the afternoon of April 12 with members of the Francis G. Bulber Youth Orchestra joining members of the Lake Charles Symphony side-by-side for “Once Upon a Time: 5 Fairytales for Orchestra “by Bernard Rogers.

This season, the Discovery Series “goes public” and will be held at local popular, easily accessible venues. It will still offer informative and lively preconcert discussions and musical programs. Featured concert soloists will be on hand to play excerpts of the program and Maestro Rattay will speak about the remaining program. It is free and open to the public and will take place on the Thursday prior to each concert from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Each Saturday night concert will be followed by socials in public venues. For more information, call 433-1611 or visit www.lcsymphony.com.

Vol. 6 • No. 12

Stars and Stripes Classic Car Show Sept. 13 It’s time once again for the Stars and Stripes Classic Car Show at Heritage Square. Cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycles and more! 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

There will be an awards presentation following the show, featuring Stars and Stripes Beauty Pageant winners. The classic cars and hot rods will be cruising on Ruth Street after the show. Free food booths and door prizes.

(337) 527-4500.

Benefit for Blaine Graham Sept. 13 Tribe MC member Blaine Graham has terminal liver cancer. All motorcycle clubs are invited, with proceeds going to Johnson’s Funeral Home for his final costs. BBQ plate lunches $5, live auction, raffles, dunking booth, horseshoe tournament, bike games and more. Killowatt Club, 3500 Houston River Rd. Westlake. Cash donations: acct. # 3302698971 @ Chase Bank.

(337) 540-4535 or (337) 304-8042.

Boudin Wars Sept. 13 Tickets are now on sale for Boudin Wars, which will be held at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Local restaurants and chefs compete for the title of “Best Boudin in SWLA!” Tickets are available at the Cultural Center or at www.brimstonemuseum.com.

design. Included with general admission; members free. The W.H. Stark House, 610 W. Main Ave., Orange, Texas. For more information, call (409) 883.0871, email info@whstarkhouse.org, or visit their website at www. whstarkhouse.org.

Lake Charles Symphony Sept. 13 The first concert of the season will include Mozart’s “Symphony in F Major,” Debussy’s “La Mer” and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The performance will be held at Rosa Hart Theatre - Lake Charles Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, go to www.lcsymphony.com.

Red, White & Tuna through Sept. 14 The much-anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Lake Charles Little Theatre, 813 Enterprise Boulevard, Lake Charles. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays / 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $20 Adults/$15 Seniors/ $10 Students. Buy tickets at www.thelclt.com.

Life Through Jazz Fundraiser Sept. 19

The 5th annual Lake Charles Black Rodeo will be held on Sept 13 at Lake Charles Civic Center. Come out and enjoy all the excitement of the rodeo!

For ticket information and schedule, call (903) 753-3165.

The third annual Life Through Jazz fundraiser for the SWLA Aids Council will be held at the Foundation House on Sept. 19. Doors will open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8. Come out and enjoy the wonderful sounds of Grammy nominee Huber “Mickey” Smith, Jr. “Mr. Sax In The City” himself, along with his band. Free food while it lasts, cash bar, and the venue is smoke free. Pre-sale tickets ($10) are available; $15 at the door. (337) 515-3986.

‘Reflecting the Times’ Sept. 13 - March 7

Senior Citizen Fishing Derby Day Sept. 13

Visit The W.H. Stark Carriage House for a new, special exhibition ‘Reflecting the Times,’ which highlights the key components of three important art movements of the early 20th century -- Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco --reflected in architecture, jewelry, pottery, clothing and graphic

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office presents Senior Citizen Fishing Derby Day 7-11 a.m. at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Farm Pond (located behind the Correctional Center at 5400 E. Broad St.) The Sheriff’s Office will provide help in baiting the lines, removing fish from hook if requested

Black Rodeo Sept. 13

Friday, September 12: Kinetic Sand Fun Play with Kinetic Sand in the ArtSpace from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 13: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Nancy Tower of Sasol will talk about Emergency Worker Chemistry. Children will learn how to extinguish a fire with baking soda and vinegar, the chemistry behind a cold and hot pack and what makes a glow stick glow.

The program begins at 11 a.m.

Friday, September 19: Pasta Necklaces Make a pasta necklace in the ArtSpace from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Monday, September 22: Medieval Shields Paint a medieval shield in this ArtSpace workshop at 11 a.m.

Class is limited to 14 children ages 4 and up.

(It’s a Teacher Inservice Day for Calcasieu Parish!)

Friday, September 26: Playdough Build something neat using Playdough in the ArtSpace from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Friday, September 26: Gallery Promenade Opening Reception The Children’s Museum will host several McNeese student artists during this year’s Gallery Promenade.

Opening reception 5-8:30 p.m.

The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. Call 337-433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org.

36 September 11, 2014

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and shrimp for cat fishing. Cookies, sweet rolls, coffee and water will be furnished. Participants need to bring their own fishing gear (only one pole per person). This event is for Senior Citizens age 55 and older only. (337) 263-4563.

and cooperative art walk that features the area’s current exhibits and local artists. For details, visit www.artscouncilswla.org or call the Arts Council at (337) 439-2787.

Legally Blonde: The Musical Sept. 27, Oct. 3-4, Oct. 10-12 St. Theresa Bon Ton Festival Sept. 19-21 Enjoy live and silent auctions filled with fun and unique items! Also bingo, a sweet shop with their famous pies, and a large garage sale. The newly renovated large covered pavilion has plenty of room for dancing, relaxing, eating and visiting --rain or shine. 4324 Carlyss Drive, Carlyss. Friday 5-10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (337) 5834800.

Tickets are now on sale for ACTS Theatre’s newest production, Legally Blonde: The Musical. The show will open Sat., Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Other performances and times are as follows: Fri., Oct. 3 and Sat., Oct. 4, both at 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 10 and Sat., Oct. 11, both at 7:30pm. There will be a Sunday matinee performance on Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. All performances are held at ACTS Theatre, located at 1 Reid Street in Lake Charles. Tickets may be purchased at www.actstheatre.com or by calling 337-433-ACTS. $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students with a valid ID.

Bowl for a Cause Sept. 19 Art Associates of Lake Charles invite the public to come paint a pre-made dog bowl at the “Bowl for a Cause: event on Fri., Sept. 19. Come anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to the second floor of Central School, 809 Kirby St. Bowls are $10 each, and Art Associates will kiln fire your bowl and return it to you for an additional $15. Proceeds benefit A Bridge to Life, which trains and provides service dogs at no cost to disabled American veterans, children with autism, and violence survivors. Call (337) 526-6121 to schedule a paint-in time.

La. Dutch Oven Society Cookout Sept. 27 The South West Chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society announces their monthly cookout theme, “Cooking Up a Storm” on Sat., Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Sam Houston Jones State Park. Bring your family and practice cooking techniques for when the storms have blown out the electricity. Camp chefs will be using the old standbys – the Dutch Oven, the Coleman Stove and other rustic cooking methods. Just show up, cook, or bring an item for the buffet-style luncheon. www.ladutch.com.

Suicide Awareness Community Walk Sept. 20 S.P.I.C.Y.’s (Suicide Prevention and Intervention Coalition for Youth) Suicide Awareness Community Walk will be held at Prien Lake Park on Sept.

20 starting at 9 a.m. Pre-registration ($10) is required. To become a sponsor or pre-register, contact Charmaine Anderson at 475-4861. For more information about S.P.I.C.Y., visit their Facebook page (S.P.I.C.Y.’s (Suicide Prevention and Intervention Coalition for Youth), where you will also find a link to pre-register.

St. Margaret Calca Chew Festival Sept. 28 This annual festival benefitting St. Margaret’s runs from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. at St. Margaret Family Center, 17th and Enterprise in Lake Charles. Starts off with Mass followed by music, food, children’s games, silent and live auction, raffles, “Cake Boss” judging and more! www.stmargaretcatholicchurch.com.

The Lost Hallows: Halloween How-to Sept. 20 Get ready for Halloween! Head to the Prien Lake Mall on Sept. 20 for monster makeup demos from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and a costume show at 3:30. Free drawings and giveaways all day and entertainment by the McNeese Cowgirl Kickers and the Cathy Kurth Dancers. Boo!

Art - Something to Wine About Sept. 20 SWLA Health Services celebrates their Community Scholarship Program at The Governor’s Mansion, 1025 Broad St. Lake Charles on Sat., Sept. 20 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and benefit the program.

Business casual attire. (337) 312-2010.

Midnight Fantasies Car Show Sept. 20-21 Enjoy a weekend of show vehicles, antique campers and motor homes, music, food, games, vendors, Mac tires and wheels, truck pulls, bar-b-que cook off, live auctions, fun jumps, and much more! In addition, the first Tin Can Tourist Rally will be held. It will include 1930’s vintage campers, horse-drawn equipment, and more. Will be held at Burton Coliseum. (337) 263-0655.

Newcomb Pottery Exhibit Sept. 20-Jan. 3 See the loaned exhibition “Women, Art, & Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise,” which showcases iconic pieces crafted by women connected with the Newcomb College in New Orleans. Members free. Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange (409) 886.2787, info@starkmuseum.org / www.starkmuseum.org.

Gallery Promenade Sept. 26 Gallery Promenade, the Arts Council of SWLA’s annual gallery and museum showcase, returns on Fri., Sept. 26, from 5-9 p.m. This year, dozens of galleries and art spaces, from downtown Lake Charles to McNeese campus and Sulphur to Moss Bluff, will open their doors for an extensive Vol. 6 • No. 12

September 11, 2014 37

If I Stay (Warner Bros-MGM, 2014) Is life worth living? What if your life was tearing you apart and you were in a car crash, and you had the choice to: walk into the light of peaceful death, or resume with the messy but heady activity of your teen life?

That’s exactly what happens to Mia Hall, a high school senior with a possible ticket to Julliard Music School in New York. Mia is involved in a car crash, which leaves her at death’s door. Meanwhile, we are witnesses to her out-of-body experience. We see her become a real but invisible phantom as she looks down upon herself at the scene of the crash, in the hospital, and most importantly, reviewing her past short life.

The more I describe it, the smarmier this all sounds, as Mia becomes involved with a young rocker on his way to stardom. Yet If I Stay manages to go beyond the Harlequin Romance level.

Granted, Mia’s young flame, Adam Wilde, has a better name than hers and better hair than her (appealingly Emo, it covers half his face.) He sings like an angel and has his Elvis sneer in perfect form. And of course, his beautiful eyes tend to tear up.

But even though If I Stay is a movie for young adults, or women who want to be young adults and based upon a book for young adults, there are some truly magical moments in the movie. Thanks to key performances, an excellent soundtrack, and wonderful imagery of quirky Portland, the experience is at least watchable--even for guys who truly love their date enough to bring them to the ultimate 38 September 11, 2014

chick movie. (There were three such guys in the theater, including moi.)

Stacy Keach stands out as Mia’s grandfather, giving one of the best performances in the movie. Right there with him is Mia’s mother, played by Mireille Enos, giving her daughter a gutsy former punker’s view on life: “Either way you win. And either way you lose. What can I tell you? Love’s a bitch.”

Portland is beautiful, with trees everywhere and houses set amongst snow and woods. We get treated to virtuoso cello performances as well

as earsplitting grunge and airy alternative ballads.

In the middle is Chloe Moretz as Mia, who comes across as a genuinely sincere yet naïve entrant into the beginning of her life as an adult. Moretz carries us smoothly through the entire movie, quite a feat for her first lead role.

My one complaint about the movie, besides it being too long, is that this so-called life of Mia’s is anything but a bitch. She and Adam seem to be on rides to the top of professional music.

Her family is wonderfully nondysfunctional, even idyllic, to the point of having songfests and bonfires, and they have happy parties with friends, all in the backyard and kitchen. And

because her parents are former punkers, they let Mia break every rule in the dating handbook. (Out past curfew? No problem, girl, here’s my credit card, get back out there!)

But even with the faux tough life and all the usual romance scenes, If I Stay was very well done. Of course, I’m a guy, and that disqualifies most of my notions. But by the end of the movie every female eye in the theater was wet with tears over this beautiful, heroic girl. As an objective test, I asked my date if she would watch If I Stay if it came on TV. “Of course,” she said. Between sniffles.

If I Stay is rated PG-13 for teen drama and operating room blood.

Bring a Kleenex and enjoy!

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Frankly, My Dear, I’ve Been on a Quest I’ve been on a quest of late searching for a film acting class in Southwest Louisiana. During this quest, I’ve discovered a thriving and vibrant theatre community. There’s Artist’s Civic Theatre and Studio, Lake Charles Little Theatre, McNeese Theatre, Itinerant Theatre, Children’s Theatre and I’ve even heard there’s a brand new theatre getting organized in Sulphur.

Many amazing movie actors started in theatre (Meryl Streep or Kevin Spacey anyone?) and it’s a wonderful way to inhabit a character non-stop for two hours or more. Sounds like acting nirvana!

Film acting presents different challenges. Movies scenes are often shot out of order due to the availability of locations and the unpredictability of weather.

Imagine interacting with inanimate objects, sidewalks, curbs, trees, spaceships, rocky terrain etc. inside a special effects room that’s totally empty and painted bright green. And of course, facial expressions and body movements that would never register on stage can speak volumes when blown up on a 70-foot movie screen.

I thought my quest would end unfulfilled until very recently. A Moss Bluff native Vol. 6 • No. 12

with a thriving acting career in New Orleans plans to begin teaching acting for film if there are actors interested in taking a Lake Charles class. Actor Dean West has a lengthy list of credits on IMDB.com. You may have caught a glimpse of him in shows like CSI, Scrubs, Treme and How I Met Your Mother plus movies like Lee Daniels’ The Butler, The Starving Games and Skylar. If you’d like to learn more about acting in films, shoot Mr. West an email at WestEnt.info@gmail.com.

Cinemark Classics!

Speaking of fun onscreen acting, long before the loveable nerds on Big Bang Theory bumbled through their dating mishaps, actor Jerry Lewis concocted laboratory laughter in the original Nutty Professor movie.

This 1963 classic features a man who creates a potion that turns him into a sleazy love machine named “Buddy Love.” If you go to this special screening, you’ll notice as one of the characters creeps around a grassy knoll the whole knoll rocks back and forth when he nudges it. Get your geek on at Cinemark Sunday, Sept.

14 at 2 p.m. and at 2 and 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 17.

If the antics of Jerry Lewis aren’t wacky enough, you might try the next Cinemark Classics screening, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. This 1964 satire follows a war room of officials frantically scurrying to stop an insane general whose actions could cause a nuclear holocaust. Some fun tidbits include the scene where Gen. Turgidson trips and falls in the War Room and then gets back up and continues talking. Director Stanley Kubrick thought actor George C. Scott was really in character and left it in the film even though Scott’s fall was totally accidental.

Also, notice the frantic editing during a scene involving Dr. Strangelove’s out-of-control right hand. All the editing was required to hide the faces of the cast around Peter Sellers because they were laughing so hard. If you look closely, you can still catch one of them trying to suppress their giggles. It’s also said that Dr. Strangelove is film critic Gene Siskel of “Siskel and Ebert” fame’s favorite movie. Enjoy the insanity Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. and at 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24.

The next classic movie in the series is one I remember quite well growing up. Boy, did I love Scarlett O’Hara back then. And boy, did I change my mind as an adult. It took me a few years to realize Scarlett was not the great role model my childhood memories made her out to be.

Why, she’s all kinds of terrible to almost every character around her. But she was determined to

survive, I’ll give her that.

Now, I watch her more from Rhett Butler’s amused but affectionate perspective. Love it or hate it, this is one of those movies I’ve always said should never, ever be remade. Sure Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh and Hattie McDaniel made plenty of other movies. But no one else could bring these characters to life the way these actors did. I remain firm in that opinion on its 75th anniversary this year.

Actor Hattie McDaniel also made history as the first African American to be nominated for and win an Oscar. So, grab your gloves and parasols to celebrate the 75th anniversary spectacle Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2 and 7 p.m.

Or watch it Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 2 and 7 p.m.

Comedies don’t usually do well at the Oscars but the last film in the series, 1970’s MASH, snagged one win for screenplay and four additional nominations to boot. In the movie, the staff of a military field hospital uses humor to survive the horrors of war. The humor was so far out at the time director Robert Altman is quoted as saying “This film wasn’t released – it escaped.” Also, Altman chose to use so many unknown actors almost all of the opening credits begin with “Introducing…”.

Astronomy fans take note. The loudspeaker shots that include the moon were shot when the Apollo 11 astronauts were on the surface. Howl at the hospital hijinks Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. and at 2 and 7 p.m. Wed., October 8.

Until next time, save me some popcorn!

ACTS Theatre: Auditions set for

Love, Loss and What I Wore Artists Civic Theatre and Studio will hold auditions for Love, Loss and What I Wore on Sun., Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. and Mon., Sept.

29 at 6 p.m. Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman, it’s a play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memories crafted by Nora and Delia Ephron. The cast is all women; there are speaking roles for a minimum of five women of all ages, plus a non-speaking stagehand role. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to register. Auditions will be held at ACTS Theatre, One Reid Street Theatre in Lake Charles. For more information, contacts ACTS at 433-ACTS or www.actstheatre.com.

September 11, 2014 39

That’s Funny!

Everybody needs a good laugh once in a while. Here are a few books that should at least put a smile on your face.

People I Want to Punch in the Throat by Jen Mann is based on her blog of the same name, which became popular when her “Overachieving Elf on the Shelf Mommies” post went viral.

40 September 11, 2014

Mann presents little vignettes on marriage and family life in an easy style that reads like Facebook posts from a friend ... with quite a bit of swearing and a large dose of humor.

She tells us about how she met her husband (“the Hubs”), her wedding day, her cleaning lady, and her children, whom she calls Gomer and Adolpha (and swears their real names are even worse).

She describes battling power-mad room mothers, being stuck at a party with swingers, the little girl bully who beats up her son, her desire to own a mini van (“the yoga pants of vehicles”), and dealing with the neighbors (saying she and hubby “were never going to become besties with the family next door. ... We’re offensive and we know it and we can’t help it”).

At one point, she recalls trying to chat with a mom whose child was whining and complaining throughout the conversation: “I wanted to smack the kid, but I could tell she was the type to press charges.” And when the ladies of the neigh-

borhood attend a sex toy party to find alluring items to stimulate their husbands’ interest, she confesses, “I’m not interested in making my husband want me more. I’m looking for something that will keep him occupied so he’ll leave me alone, and if it can wash dishes, too, even better.”

I laughed out loud at her description of her cheap husband: “He complains I use the brakes too much in our car and wear them out. It’s true, I like to brake -- because I prefer to stop instead of run into the car in front of me.” Adult language.

The best laughter is born out of downright silliness, so I don’t care how old you are, you need to read a Captain Underpants book sometime in your life. Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000 is the 11th novel in Dav Pilkey’s il-

lustrated series for kids.

Briefly, Captain Underpants -- or “the Waistband Warrior” -- is school principal Mr. Krupp, who has been turned into a superhero through hypnosis. In the sort-of continuing saga, protagonists George and Harold have been hurtled back in time (which is now really the present), encountering Sulu the Bionic Hamster, a pet pterodactyl, and Melvin Sneedly and his glow-in-thedark, time traveling RoboSquid suit.

Yes, there’s a plot -- well, there’s stuff that happens, but it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. As one of the characters says, “If you look too closely at these stories, they’re gonna Vol. 6 • No. 12

fall apart completely. Whaddya think this is, SHAKESPEARE?” The two boys duplicate themselves, create a comic book, fight evil and save the day, using mechanical engineering, DNA experimentation, and applied physics (well, just a tad).

Pilkey uses clever names,

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such as school secretary Miss Anthrope and teacher Ms. Ribble. Even his constant digressions -- “But before I can tell you that story, I have to tell you THIS story” -are funny. And check out the title of chapter 2: “Don’t you hate it when a kickball hits Uranus?” I pronounce it 100 percent giggleworthy!

Even adult humor can be pretty silly, as is proven by John Waters in his Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America. After I spent a few days listening to him read his book during my work commute, it felt like John Waters was my new best friend.

There’s no dispute that the 66-year-old cult film director (Hairspray, Pink Flamingos) is bizarre, but he’s also very likable.

Waters decided to write a book about hitchhiking from his home in Baltimore to his other home in San Francisco, armed with credit cards, throwaway underwear, and a cardboard sign proclaiming “I’m not psycho.”

The book is divided into three parts: good rides, in which he imagines the best possible scenarios -- pretty fun

stuff; bad rides, in which he creates nightmarish visions of the worst that can happen; and real rides, in which he introduces us to the surprisingly warm and wonderful American people who help him on his journey.

Both the good rides and bad rides are riddled with his fairly explicit homo-erotic fantasies.

They’re also pretty comical -- well, the good rides are friendly-funny, re-introducing a couple of characters from his past, and the bad rides are nervous-funny, and they get pretty out of control. Definitely listen to the Macmillan Audio version; it makes it a true experience. But don’t play the CD when the kids can hear it. Adult language and situations.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane E. Muldrow may not be a knee-slapper, but if you grew up with the Little

Golden Books, you will definitely get a smile or two out of the beautiful, colorful illustrations, pulled right out of the pages of selected LGBs. The author said she realized that the Little Golden Books -- The Poky Little Puppy, The Saggy Baggy Elephant, et al.

-- addressed nearly every reallife situation, and she added little aphorisms to go along with the pretty pictures: “The simplest things are often the most fun”; “Go fly a kite ... but remember to stop and smell the strawberries”; “Let your children know you love them”; “Do no harm.”

This little guide to life makes the perfect gift book, or a great conversation-starter on your coffee table -- which is why it’s on the bestseller list today. Ah! Rekindle your childhood. (Yes, you can even get it for your Kindle.)

Copyright © 2014 by Mary Louise Ruehr.

September 11, 2014 41

Thursday, Sept. 11 Live Piano 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Willie Tee, Warren Storm & Cypress 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Thursday Dollar Night @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar all night Free cover til 10 p.m. w/College ID 5329 Common St., Lake Charles

Friday, Sept. 12 Live Music (Call for price) 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Live Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles Live Music 8 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles No Idea 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Flashback Friday 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Drivin’ Dixie 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Club) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles RKW Show 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club

The Lake Charles CW is Looking for a TV Star!

The locally owned Lake Charles CW TV Station, ranked number 1 in the nation, is searching for a talented individual to be the first host of the Lake Charles CW. Auditions will be held on Sat., Sept.

20 from noon-4 p.m. at The Lake Charles CW Studio located at 129 W. Prien Lake Rd. Participants must be 18 or older to participate and must register via the Lake Charles CW Facebook page and upload their headshot. Participants will be contacted via email with additional details and documents needed for the audition. Each contestant registered via Facebook will be assigned a time between noon-3 p.m. for their audition. Five (5) semifinalists will be chosen at 3:30 p.m. and will continue 42 September 11, 2014

until 4:30 p.m. The five (5) semifinalists will be subject to a voting period by the public from Sept. 23-30. The Lake Charles CW TV host will be announced on Oct. 6 during primetime programming.

The Lake Charles CW TV Star should have knowledge about the CW network programming.

It is a paid, part-time position and the host will work under the supervision of the Promotions Director.

The Lake Charles CW Star will have responsibilities not limited to research, videography, script preparation, video editing, web and social media posting, weekly on-air productions, and blog updates about shows premieres, contests, finales, etc. All registered must have transportation, presence and coverage at station events including evenings and some weekends.

Vol. 6 • No. 12

1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles England in 1819 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Reed Planchard 8 p.m. @ Longhorns (Casino) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton Tyler Darby & Train Wreck 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Club) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton

Rootbeer & Mermentau 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Frayed Soul 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark 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 Midnight Free Cowboys Kool-aid 5329 Common St., Lake Charles

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Sunday, Sept. 14 Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Sunday Music Workshop 3 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles

Phillip Glyn Band 5 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Luke Cooper & The Alibis 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles

Music 10:30 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Jay Leno

Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles

Live Music 9:30 p.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

8:00 p.m. @ The Pavilion Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

DJ Night 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz

DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark

Karaoke Night 7 p.m. - Midnight @ Bourbonz

Saturday, Sept. 13 Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Live Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles

Vol. 6 • No. 12

Live Music 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Live Music 8 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

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

September 11, 2014 43

3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles DJ Verrett 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

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

Friday, Sept. 19

Movie Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Live Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles

Louisiana Night & Abita Pint Nite $2 Louisiana Beers $3.50 Louisiana Spirit/Cocktails 6 p.m. - Midnight @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles William Christian 8 - 11 p.m. @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles

Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Travis Corbello & Dustin Landry 5 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Live Music 8:30 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles The LACS 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Club) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton Live Music 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles Flashback Friday 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles

The Good Wood 8 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Music 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Thursday, Sept. 18 Live Piano 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Live Music 6 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles Leroy Thomas & Zydeco Roadrunners 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystals 112 Broad St., Lake Charles Thursday Dollar Night @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar all night Free cover til 10 p.m. w/College ID 5329 Common St., Lake Charles 44 September 11, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 12

Jim Pharis 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles

Dancing 11:30 p.m. @ Crysta’ls 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

DJ Night 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Saturday, Sept. 20

Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie

Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Live Music 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Pat Ryan Band 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Club) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton

10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Joe Harmon & The Harmonics 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

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

Bronco Jr. 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Casino) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton Wayne Dylan 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

Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Dance Night 9 p.m. - 4 a.m. @ Crystals 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Downfall Rising

Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Saturday Night Party Time 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar until Midnight Free Cowboys Kool-aid 5329 Common St., Lake Charles Special Event Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Ashes of Babylon 10 p.m @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles Live Music 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles DJ Jose Mata 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Sunday, Sept. 21 Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Vol. 6 • No. 12

September 11, 2014 45

Live Music 5 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Dancing 11 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Monday, Sept. 22 Karaoke Night 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

Tuesday, Sept. 23 Karaoke Night with DJ Verrett 7 p.m. - Midnight @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Music 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Thursday, Sept. 25 Rocky Patel (Cigar Event) 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles

Friday, Sept. 26 Gallery Promenade 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Various locations Downtown Lake Charles Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Backyard Boys 8:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystals 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Dance Night 9 p.m. - 4 a.m. @ Crystals 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

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

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

Dancing 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystals 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Wednesday, Sept. 24 Louisiana Night & Bayou Rum Night $2 Louisiana Beers $3.50 Louisiana Spirit/Cocktails 6 p.m. - Midnight @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles Mic Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Mark Henry 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Kory Fontenot 8 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

46 September 11, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 12

Lake Chuck After Dark By

Jody Taylor

Rootbeer & Mermentau. The first thing to hit you is the band name, a mashup of monikers from guitarist/vocalist Rootbeer Ritchie and drummer Aaron Collins. Ritchie earned his rock and roll handle with “countless drunken nights yelling about root beer downtown,” he said. “And of course, partying with root beer by funneling and shotgunning them.” He’s a big fan.

Fans of fuzz rock, however, will love this duo, who officially drops their second album, self-titled, on Saturday, September 13 when they perform at Luna Live for their CD release party.

The genre known as fuzz goes all the way back to rock and roll’s beginnings, Ike Turner’s “Rocket 88” through Link Wray and The Kinks (Ray Davies sliced through his amp’s speaker cone to get that famously crunchy guitar sound on “You Really Got Me”), and evolving through bands like Black Sabbath, the Stooges, and more recent names like Ty Segall and The Black Lips.

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Then there’s Rootbeer & Mermentau.

This “dirty” duo gets that fat, full tone from a combination of Collins’ huge drum sound and the two amp attack of Ritchie’s guitar, running through a Marshall JCM 900 and a Yorkville bass amplifier…both channeled through fuzz boxes. “That’s the key to the Rootbeer & Mermentau sandwich,” Ritchie said. “I love the fuzz. Never enough fuzz.”

A lot of people ask them where they’re hiding the bass player, because of the two amp approach, and it’s another key to Rootbeer & Mermentau’s musical character. “That bass amp really makes that sound we want when he’s banging the shit out of his guitar,” Collins said. There’s little room for fancy solos here with all those beefy chords.

The band got started in 2012 when Rootbeer moved back from a short stint at LSU, and ended up at Collins’ house one evening, accepting an offer of whiskey and good jams over being dragged to Cowboy’s dance club.

“We got together and started banging out some tunes,” Collins said. “It just worked man, like instantly.”

Since then, they’ve built up a loyal following around the region and are currently embarking on a two-week tour in support of the new record, with “two weeks across Texas, up to Denver, across to Kansas and Oklahoma, then back to the dirty South.”

Earlier this year, Rootbeer & Mermentau traveled to New Orleans to record this newest album, tracking, mixing, and mastering with Chris Lanthier at Festival Studios, who you may recognize as the bass player for party crew Bujie and the Highrise. “He jumped in there as a third member of the band,” Collins said.

“He fattened it up, super fuzzy and loud.”

Ritchie added, “The album sounds huge.

That thing’s dangerous man. Turn it up.”

This self-titled record kicks off with a scorcher called “I’m Runnin.” Lone guitar chords start it off, quickly giving way to a full-on explosion of sound that barely lets up through the records’ slightly-over-30-

minute runtime. It’s definitely a fat sound, but it ain’t just heavy that gets you. These hooks worm their way through your head, and after only a couple of listens, I found myself singing along, emulating Ritchie’s erratic and unique vocal drawls, banging on my steering wheel to Collins’ monstrous drum beats.

Ritchie wrote the majority of the record’s 10 songs, with the exceptions being Collins’ “Not Now” and “Leech” (one of my favorite tracks), which kicks off with a slinky and mean guitar line, more medium tempo than a lot of the songs, but you feel it in your bones.

The energy and antics of Ritchie’s vocals shine on the album’s other highlight, “Why Can’t You Be Mine,” near the end of the album. The record’s easily as much fun as their live shows, where Rootbeer & Mermentau excel.

Being a two-piece has its advantages.

“There’s a lot of extra room [on stage] to run around and look like a dumbass, which is always fun,” Ritchie said. Spontaneity is a big part of their live shows, and improvising comes easier as a duo, plus the songwriting process goes much faster. “It’ll take us ten, twenty minutes to put new material together if he’s got the song written,” Collins said. In fact, Rootbeer & Mermentau already have eight new songs ready and are gearing up for another visit to the studio towards their next release.

To hear the full self-titled record, hit up Rootbeer & Mermentau’s bandcamp page, linked from their Facebook. Then catch Rootbeer & Mermentau at their CD Release Party on Saturday September 13 at Luna Live, performing with Large Marge, White Heat, and Sonic Pellets.

Sign up here on www.LakeCharles.com to win a prize package featuring two free passes to the show, plus a copy of the CD, new stickers, buttons, and a T-shirt. And as Rootbeer Ritchie says, be sure to “work hard, play hard, and party hard.” See y’all at the show.

Jody Taylor is a vinyl collector, Braves fan, and editor at TheChuckLive.com, a hub site for Lake Area entertainment info.

September 11, 2014 47

BIG DADDY’S INVITATIONAL

Natalie Bruno and Britani Young

Katherine Hoskins and Laura Asimakis

Richard and Barbara Sockrider

Bre’Ajhanae Grayson and Reneque Ross

McNeese was the host of the 2014 Big Daddy’s Invitational volleyball tournament this past weekend in the McNeese Memorial Gym. The Cowgirls welcomed the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, Texas-Arlington Mavericks, Jackson State Tigers and the Houston Cougars. All home matches this season are free to the public, courtesy of the American Press.

It’s gonna be a great season!

Ann Nwosah, Talisa Boyd and Jerica Bolin

FK WHITE FALL FESTIVAL Students and families came out to support the first annual Fall Festival full of fabulous fun and food at the FK White School in Lake Charles. There were lots of outdoor and indoor games, concessions, sweets and treats, gold fish toss, basketball, country store, drama club, glitter tattoo, dress-up photo booth and much more! Fall’s almost here!

Addyson , Bayleigh and Landon Manuel

Jo’Nae Williams, Gabbi Laboube, Deseree’ Wallace and Damarcus Jasmine

Dmicah Bailey, Alexandria Goodly, Kynedi Stevens, Divine Tanks and Aaliyah Williams 48 September 11, 2014

Madison and Lauren LeBoeuf with Alexis Benoit

Keanna LeBlanc, Anitha Tenali, Jaquetta Randle and Jolene Perkins Vol. 6 • No. 12

RED, WHITE AND TUNA Lake Charles Little Theatre on Enterprise Blvd. is celebrating its 88th season with the hilarious Red, White and Tuna, third of a series set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas depicting small-town Southern life and attitudes. Tonight’s audience was in for a laughter-filled evening. It’s running through Sept. 14, so don’t miss it!

Naomi Goodly and Dona Grider

Sondra and Ken Abrahams with Ellie Lemoin

Vol. 6 • No. 12

Nikolas Melakis and Kelcie Evdokimoff

Gary Lundquist and Kathy Query

Castmembers Greg Stratton and Robert Grider

September 11, 2014 49

HS FOOTBALL: SAM HOUSTON VS. ST. LOUIS Football season is here! The Sam Houston High School Broncos took on the St. Louis Saints under the bright lights of Sam Houston High School stadium. There was a sea of purple and gold as well as orange and blue as the crowd turn-out was spectacular! The Broncos took the season opener—congrats to both teams for a great game!

Lexi Arabie, Lucy Marceaux and Julia Reed

Miah Valenti, Kaitlyn Picard, Audrey Rogers, Dani Vest, Carli Quinn and Clark Diamond

50 September 11, 2014

Alicia Suttles and Casey Lacombe

Siera Gallien and Ricky Erickson

Bethany Martinez, Arial Smith, Allison Chaney and Ariel Pack

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Bachelorette Party Bouquet Bride Ceremony Champagne

Engagement Flower Girl Groom Honeymoon Invitations

Photographer Reception Ring Bearer Vows Wedding

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Players take turns connecting two dots.

When you make a square, put your initials in the box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.

Vol. 6 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 12

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