The Jambalaya News - 10/09/14, Vol. 6, No. 14

02 October 9, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 14

October 9, 2014 • Volume 6 • Issue 14

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 Matt Ison Mike McHugh Roger Miller Russell Pawlowski Mary Louise Ruehr Jody Taylor Karla Tullos Sales sales@thejambalayanews.com

On cover: Chad Moreno, Derek Williams, Tyler Walker and Michael Krajicek at Botsky’s

COVER STORY 23 Young Men in Business REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA! 8 The Dang Yankee 8 Adoption Corner 9 Tips from Tip 10 Huntin’ Tales 12 This Functional Family 13 The Pirate’s Platter FEATURES 5 Tutu’s Christmas on the Bayou 14 Risk Factors for Breast Cancer 16 Mammograms 1 8 A Taste of Louisiana at the Verandah

Managing Editor Calvin Tyler

20 A Few Words from the Lake Charles Fire Department

Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk

THE SPICE OF SWLA 30 Event Guide

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. 14

32 Fall Event Guide 35 Family Fun Night at the Movies 36 Red Hot Books 38 Nightlife Guide 44 Fall Cocktails 46 Acting Up! 47 Outlawz Foodie Review 48 Funbolaya 49 Society Spice

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44 47 October 9, 2014 03

A Note From Lauren Trick or Treat! night that I could stay out after It may be 80 degrees and the a/c is blasting, but according to the calendar, the Halloween season is here. (Of course, you’d never know it if you go to Sam’s Club. It’s been Christmas over there since Labor Day.) I love Halloween. I love old horror movies and ghosts and getting deliciously scared. The modern day zombie and vampire phenomena leave me cold.

It’s all been done before, kids— a whole lot better, I might add.

I have fond memories trick or treating with the neighborhood kids, all of us wearing our highly flammable costumes that came from the Five and Ten (that’s the five and ten cents store). They probably cost a dollar. They were cheap and flimsy and since it was always so cold, we either had to wear jackets over the costumes or heavy clothes under them. Either way, the Look was ruined.

I hated that. Why couldn’t it be reasonably warm at least once on Halloween? But it never was. And God forbid I leave the house Without My Coat. My mother would have killed me.

But it really didn’t ruin

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the fun. I remember rushing through dinner, before my father even came home from work, so I could meet my friends in front of the house and get going. I was really too excited to eat. I carried a big plastic pumpkin with a handle that could hold a very generous amount of candy. I was ready.

My cousin Richard, along with Michael, Carla and Dona DeMatteo, Elaine Tuttavilla (who usually caused some kind of a problem before the night ended) and Karen Capone were the core group, but so many others joined us as we walked from house to house.

For the only time in my life, I was happy that I lived in crummy East Boston with all those three-deckers. That meant each house had three separate apartments, which meant you got three times as much candy at each house. Score! The only drawback was that you had to climb three flights of stairs to get your loot. The candy-givers wouldn’t meet you halfway. No, sir. Good thing we were young and energetic.

Halloween was the only

dark on the mean streets of East Boston without a parent around. These were the days before people starting putting razor blades in apples (who the heck would even want an apple, anyway?) and poisoning candy.

We knew everyone in the neighborhood and the streets were filled with costumed, happy children and quite a few adults. It was Safe.

Of course, one man’s pleasure is another man’s poison.

Aunt Jeanette had an absolute fit on Halloween. Dirty kids running up and down our stairs! Who knows them? Did they get their fingerprints on the wallpaper? Did they scuff the stairs? I think she and my Aunt Frances and my Uncle Frank gave out candy reluctantly, but turned off the lights and shut their door early. I was never home to find out. Even if I had a cold, I would not miss out on my favorite night of the year.

One time, Gloria and Ricky put some jack-o-lanterns out on the front porch, and by the end of the night, some “tricksters” knocked them off the

railing. We came home to the blackened remains smoldering on the sidewalk. That was the end of jack-o-lanterns at 74 Barnes Ave., because they could have Burned the House Down.

After the trick or treating ended, there was one more ritual: dumping all of our loot out on the table to see what we’d collected. We’d put all the various types of candy in separate piles, and then Richard and I would trade if one of us had something that the other wanted. The adults would hover over us to see what we had, and sometimes we’d let them have a piece. And then, of course, there was all the leftover candy that my mother didn’t give out. I always made sure she got something that I liked.

Werther’s Butterscotch Candies were a no-no. As were apples— with or without razors.

Lauren de Albuquerque

Vol. 6 • No. 14

By Lauren de Albuquerque Leif Pedersen is Vice President of Philanthropy for the Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and is also a talented musician and songwriter. His 1944 Big Band performs the great arrangements originally made famous by the bands of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey at events across the nation.

But his accomplishments don’t end there. He’s also a children’s book author. Last year, The Missing Chord, first in a delightful series called The Adventures of the Swamp Kids, made its debut.

Just in time for the holidays, the Swamp Kids are back with their next adventure! Published by Lake Charles’ own Ally-Gator Book-Bites Publishing House and illustrated

by Tim Banfell, TuTu’s Christmas on the Bayou continues the tales about the whimsical creatures that live in a Louisiana swamp.

In this book, TuTu the Tortoise is excited about the upcoming season, but is wistful about not having a real Christmas tree. In his neck of the woods—that is, bayou— they light up cypress trees, instead.

He says, “But only just once I would like to have Christmas the way that it’s meant to be seen; with ornaments, lights and some shiny bright tinsel spread over a tall evergreen.”

So the ambitious little turtle (wearing a purple and gold scarf and stocking hat!) decides to head into town and bring back a real Christmas tree. Of course, he falls in love with the biggest, most spectacular tree in the lot, and struggles to drag it all the way home, by rope, in the pouring rain. The only thing that keeps him going is the anticipation of the reaction he’ll get from all of his friends when they see this marvelous tree.

But their reaction is not what he expects when he finally gets home. He’s met with silence. He turns around and sees that his beautiful tree has lost all of its needles from being dragged around all day.

But have no fear; his buddies rally round. They cheer him up and decorate the tree in spite of its bare branches and everyone has a marvelous Christmas after all.

There is always a moral to a Swamp Kids story and this one is “Whenever you give those you love something special, you’ll always feel good in return.” In addition, at the end of the book, there’s something called a Lagniappe Lesson. In Tutu’s Christmas, kids learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in quite a few languages and also how to create holiday decorations just like the Swamp Kids.

This would make a wonderful gift for the special little someone in your life. TuTu’s Christmas on the Bayou is available online at www.theswampkids.com and is sold locally at The Frame House & Gallery, Louisiana Market, Gordon’s Drugs & Gifts, L’Auberge Casino Gift Shop, the McNeese Bookstore and Le Bleu’s Landing in Sulphur.

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October 9, 2014 05

Diagnostic Center of W. Calcasieu-Cameron Hospital Adds New MRI Technology The Diagnostic Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is pleased to announce its recent installation of a new type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.

The center is now using the first-ever digital broadband MRI system: the Ingenia 1.5T from Philips Healthcare. This revolutionary machine is designed to quickly perform highquality MRI scans with a high level of patient comfort. To learn more about MRI at the Diagnostic Center of WCCH, call (337) 310-8834 or visit www.wcch.com.

LAMC Named in 2014 Best Places to Work in Healthcare List

Pawlowski Joins Junior Achievement Board

Russell Pawlowski

Russell Pawlowski, Bancorp South Bank Executive Vice President – Lake Charles Market recently joined the Junior Achievement of Southwest Louisiana Board of Directors.

He joins a group of area business and industry leaders working to provide financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs to area kindergarten through 12th grade students. Bancorp South Bank is a strong supporter of Junior Achievement across the United States.

Family and Youth Receives Endowment The Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, the endowment arm of Family and Youth Counseling Agency, Inc. received an endowment for $10,000 from Ben and Molly Marriner. The endowment will benefit the programs of Family & Youth. Family & Youth is a family service organization established in 1970 to serve children, youth and families in SWLA. For more information call 337-436-9533 or log on to www.fyca.org.

L to R: Ben Marriner, owner of Southwest Beverage; Leslie Harless, Director of First Federal Bank; and Julio Galan, President and CEO of Family & Youth 06 October 9, 2014

Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) has been named a 2014 Best Places to Work in Healthcare winner by Modern Healthcare magazine. Lake Area Medical Center is one of the top 100 healthcare companies across the country to earn the award, and one of five healthcare companies in the entire state of Louisiana to be recognized. The Best Places to Work in Healthcare award recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in economic development, employee retention and satisfaction.

Guillory Awarded for 25 Years of Service to Oasis Jennifer Guillory was recently awarded a plaque for her 25 years of dedicated volunteer service at Oasis Sexual Violence Program. For more information on services provided free to the community, call (337) 494-7273.

Jennifer Guillory accepts plaque from Volunteer Coordinator Barbara Cahee

Arts Council Awarded $5,000 Grant The Union Pacific Foundation recently awarded a $5,000 operational support grant to the Arts Council of SWLA for its work in expanding the impact of the cultural economy in the five-parish region. The grant will be used to sustain and develop the Arts Council’s initiatives and programs. For more information on the Arts Council, visit www.artscouncilswla.org or call (337) 439-ARTS.

Arts supporter Representative Michael Danahay (D-Sulphur) and Drew Tessier, Union Pacific, present the check to Arts Council Board President James Babin Vol. 6 • No. 14

SOWELA and Sasol Celebrate Groundbreaking Governor Bobby Jindal led a group of local dignitaries in celebrating the ground breaking for the new SOWELA Technical Community College Regional Training Facility to be built on SOWELA’s Lake Charles campus. The Governor praised the working relationship between Sasol, SOWELA, and the City of Lake Charles for working together in providing long-lasting opportunities for skills training to meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce. The center was funded through a $20 million grant from the state of Louisiana and was announced in conjunction with Sasol’s mega projects announcement.

Cameron LNG Makes Donation to Care Help

Abraham’s Tent Benefit Set for October 19

Care Help of Sulphur is thankful for Cameron LNG’s generous donation for their annual Back to School Program. Their donation helped make it possible to meet Care Help’s goal of assisting the low-income families that applied. Students in need in the Sulphur community were able to start a new year with supplies, uniforms, shoes and a backpack. For more information, visit www.care-help. org and friend them on Facebook under “Care Help of Sulphur”.

The Southwest Louisiana Sportsmen for the Hungry organization, in affiliation with Hunters for the Hungry, will host their annual food collection drive on Sunday, October 19, from 1-4 p.m. in the Gordon’s Drug Store parking lot, located at 2716 Lake Street in Lake Charles. Area residents are asked to clean out their freezers and pantries and donated items to Abraham’s Tent. Needed food items include: wrapped and labeled frozen meat and fish (wild and domestic), canned and boxed foods, rice, cooking oil, seasonings, vegetables and paper goods. A convenient drive-thru drop off service will be offered. All collected food will be directly donated to Abraham’s Tent, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing food for the poor and hungry in our community every day of the year. For more information, contact event organizers Sally Foret at (337) 4337090 or George Paret at (337) 477-6773.

SLIC Awards The Service Industries of LC

Stevie Trahan, Cameron LNG and Jody Farnum, Care Help’s Executive Director.

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

McNeese Recognized

by U.S. News and World Report For the fourth consecutive year, McNeese State University has received national recognition as one of the best regional universities and one of the top public universities

by U.S. News and World Report, widely considered to be the foremost authority on college rankings.

In the just released 2015 edition of “Best Colleges” McNeese is ranked in Tier One in the Best Regional Universities-South category and it is also ranked in the top 50 among the top public schools in the southern region for a fourth consecutive year.

Vol. 6 • No. 14

L to R: Gretta Manuel, SLCI Program Manager; Mildred Botley, The Service Companies HR Associate and Katrina Hudson, The Service Companies HR Coordinator October 9, 2014 07

No Dog Left Behind Now that I have a dog, I figure I ought to start training him.

I decided this when we first introduced him to our yard, and, without hesitation, he proceeded to trample my wife’s begonias.

With him around, it seems her garden is about as risky a place to plant flowers as the trading pit of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Things like this make you wonder how in the world dogs and people ever got off to such a chummy relationship. Left to their own devices, dogs will go off doing only the things that they want to do, which are the direct opposite of what people want them to do. You want the dog to fetch your slippers. The dog wants to turn your slippers into mulch.

Fortunately, dogs can be trained to resist their banal instincts and behave in a manner

more in tune with their owners’ desires. If it weren’t for this, dogs might be considered on the same level as other members of the animal kingdom that we classify as vermin, right there with Congressional lobbyists.

Having no idea how to teach a dog to respect things like begonias and slippers, I turned to that great treasury of collective human knowledge—the Internet— the same place where I learned how the Virgin Mary’s image routinely appears on grilled cheese sandwiches.

My search landed me on YouTube, where I found a goldmine of dog-training videos.

There’s an impressively large collection from a young New Orleans trainer named Zak George.

His videos show you how to teach a dog anything imaginable, up to and including math. I en-

visioned how cool it would be to take Buster into a restaurant and have him calculate the tip.

But that would be getting ahead of things. First, he needed to learn some respect for begonias, and fast. If I fail to teach him, the next thing my wife plants in her flowerbed would be a tombstone with my name on it.

Fortunately, Zak had me covered, with a video that teaches a dog to “leave it.” In the video, he throws a piece of meat in front of the dog and then says to him, “Leave it!” Amazingly, the dog just sits there with the meat under his nose, regarding it as he might the op-ed page of the New York Times. (That is, if he hadn’t yet been through Zak’s playlist on “Teach Your Dog Political Science.”)

I was anxious to apply Zak’s revolutionary training concepts

out on Buster, but, alas, he’d seen to it that there were no more begonias to teach him to “leave.”

I thought about teaching him “leave it” using some plastic flowers, but figured that would work no better than rehabbing a cocaine addict by putting a box of baking powder in front of him and saying, “Don’t snort!”

Still, Zak’s channel covers lots of other concepts that Buster can learn, such as “Sit,” “Stay,” “Play Dead ” and “Play Three-Dimensional Chess.” With all these videos, I could end up with the smartest dog in the neighborhood.

That’s if I could only get him to sit still long enough to watch them.

Mike McHugh is a syndicated columnist from Lake Charles. His blog appears at thedangyankee. com, and you can find Zak on YouTube and at facebook.com/ TheZakGeorge.

Featured by LAPAW Rescue • Contact us at www.lapaw.org Patches, a handsome Lab/Cocker mix about three years old, is looking for a home that will be his forever! For someone willing to spend the time with him, he will be a gem! He has been to obedience training and knows basic commands. Patch is, by far, our biggest “nature boy,” loving to run like the wind in the pasture where he can chase crickets, lizards, and frogs. Turtles are completely baffling to him because they won’t play with him.

Best of all, he is a lover and loves to cuddle with his person. Not kid-tested, his preference for his person is a dog-loving single or couple with no children. A fenced yard or apartment with a dog yard is a must for this outdoor-loving boy. For more information, call or email: (337) 478-7294; lapaw@bellsouth.net. Home visit, vet check, and commitment to heartworm prevention required prior to all adoptions. Hurry, Patches is waiting!

For more information, call or email: (337) 4787294, lapaw@bellsouth.net. Vet check and home visit required prior to all adoptions.

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Vol. 6 • No. 14

world that we live in nowadays.

Change is not always a good thing--but it’s inevitable.

Charitable Giving

Coast Guard Patrol Off Prien Lake Park In a previous column, I talked about the military equipment being utilized by local law enforcement agencies. I was at Prien Lake Park one weekday and observed a US Coast Guard boat out on the water just off the boat launching area. It is normal to observe vessels from the different enforcement agencies patrolling in that area, as they perform their duties of checking licensing, registrations, equipment and other safety-related issues. What caught my eye with this particular vessel was its machine gun, which was mounted upon the bow area.

The US Coast Guard does have a military-style role in our national defense, but somehow, it seemed strange to see this bow-mounted machine gun patrolling off Prien Lake Park. I am not making a value judgment, simply relating an experience that somehow seemed odd to my comfort zone.

I understand that we live in a center of industrial chemical and petroleum plants, and to the evildoers of the world, we just might be in the line of sight. Although I should be comforted knowing that there are levels of protection and defense at our doorstep, I find it eerily disconcerting that it is evident right off a children’s water park and playground. It’s a far different Vol. 6 • No. 14

Does it seem to you that the amount of ever-present solicitations of your hard-earned money continues to multiply? There are so many worthwhile and deserving causes out there, but the average person can only support a few of them. We should try to give some time and money to the groups we strongly believe in, but discretion must be used to balance our personal resources with fiscal sanity.

I suggest that you take a good, hard look at your income and expenditures. This will give you an estimation of discretionary money under your control. That amount contains your ability to be able to vacation, play and treat

yourself as well as donate a realistic amount to support the charity and good work of the causes you believe in. Once you have determined the amount available, divide it up for every donation you want to give out. You have made your budget, you have an allowance for giving and you can now cheerfully distribute that money without upsetting your lifestyle The hard part is sticking to the plan and not breaking the budget when a new solicitation comes knocking.

Supermarket Roundup Football season means tailgating, which means we need some condiments to make all the goodies taste just right. We did a survey on condiments back in July, and we noticed some differences a few months later.

We have priced some of these items for our shopping survey in this issue. Prices were obtained Friday, October 3 at: AlbertsonsRyan Street, Market Basket-Ryan Street, Kroger-McNeese Street and Walmart-Nelson Road. As

always, the prices shown here reflect the posted price on the shelf where the product was placed for sale.

Heinz Ketchup, 38-ounce bottle: Albertsons $3.99, Market Basket $3.15, Kroger $2.99, Walmart $2.98. Note: All prices higher than July survey.

French’s Classic Yellow Mustard, 20-ounce squirt bottle: Albertsons $2.69, Market Basket $2.65, Kroger $1.69, Walmart $1.88. Note: Some prices higher, some lower, Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise, 30-ounce jar: Albertsons $5.29, Market Basket $3.99, Kroger $3.98, Walmart $3.48. Note: Prices almost identical to July survey.

Lee & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, 10-ounce bottle: Albertsons $3.89, Market Basket $3.65, Kroger $2.89, Walmart $3.26.

Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, 17-ounce canister: Albertsons $2.79, Market Basket $2.99, Kroger $3.19, Walmart $2.68.

October 9, 2014 09

The Worst My worst day afield may be better than my best day elsewhere but it’s a photo finish at times. I’ve hunted with drunks, bratty kids, jerks, fools, idiots, and people who almost killed me. On one hunt, Ron Foreman and I had the exquisite joy of trudging out of Black Lake Marsh as BOTH boats broke down.

Then there was the time at Big Pasture where John Hood, Wayne Wicks and I suffered horribly from the dreaded “Missingitus.” We each shot up three boxes of shells and had to beg and buy shells from a passing boat to finish the day.

On yet another glorious occasion, my Jeep got stuck on top of a two-foot tallow tree on Blue Buck Chenier near Johnson Bayou. I had to saw us loose with a dull knife from under the SUV. Meanwhile Glen Bergeron and my Golden Retriever Prez had to escape from the vehicle.

Glen’s mastiff-like Yellow Lab Beaux and Ron Foreman’s Marsh Gorilla Black Lab Sambeaux had decided to have a fight to the death, with Ron between them and me beneath the rockin’ Jeep sawing away. I kept lying to myself that I was having fun through all this. Oh the joy!

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That said; here are my two worst experiences afield.

Worst Experience Number One One fine winter’s day when the roads were iced over, Mike (no last name to protect the guilty) and I slipped and slid our way toward Madame Johnson’s Landing, just north of Johnson’s Bayou. This was back in the day when the drawbridge into Hackberry was wooden. Mike had a Pontiac GTO he drove like a Humvee that hadn’t even been invented yet. I had already yelled at him twice to slow the hell down. Dining on one windshield is more than enough for this Cajun.

Mike, all 130 pounds of him, was unfazed until we came to the frozen over wooden drawbridge. With both of us exclaiming obscenities, we slid across the bridge, down the road, and through the curve. Sideways.

In the silence that ensued, we continued our trek at literally breakneck speed. Mike said this was so we wouldn’t be late. “The hell with that,” I said to no avail. Somehow, we actually made it to the duck blind and had an okay hunt until Mike informed me we needed to pick up all

100-some-odd decoys on our way out. Miraculously, we loaded all the iced decoys into the pirogue without tipping over.

“Do not lean back,” I said to a squeezed-into-the-bowleaning-forward-toward-me Mike.

“Huh?” he asked.

“If you lean back the bow will go under. Do that and I promise to beat the %#*! out of you,” I warned him from the stern. Near-death experiences, foolhardy racing on icy roads and doing chores in the freezing cold tends to make me just a mite irritable.

The antique Evinrude 3 hp, after about 20 pulls, finally putt-putted to life. We ever so carefully started across the iced-over pond toward the bank. Just before we got there safely, Mike started to lean back.

“No!” I screamed.

Alas, it was too late. The bow went under and we scrambled to save our shotguns and shell buckets. The raft of decoys began to drift as we stood waist deep in a thin sheen of ice. In silent disgust, we retrieved all the decoys and tossed them on the bank. Soaked and shivering in the north wind, we transferred the decoys,

pirogue, motor, and our gear into a 20-foot bateau with a 20 hp Johnson outboard. I turned to Mike.

“What did I promise you, Mike?” I asked him.

“That if I leaned back you’d…” Mike started to reply.

Mike is still the last man I ever hit.

Worst Experience Number Two John Hood, Ron Foreman and I were to hunt in Gum Cove south of Vinton. I had taken the liberty of leaving the camp to enjoy a night on the town. With far too much to drink and still drive, I somehow made it back to our host’s camp in time to hunt.

A very upset City Judge, John Hood quickly handed me a cup of coffee. Ron didn’t think my condition was amusing either. Even my trusty Golden Retriever Prez was disgusted with me. After the three of them consulted, they gave me their verdict.

“You can come but only because you can still call ducks and Prez,” John said, still “fachied” (Cajun for furious) with me. “You may not, however, load your shotgun,” he added with judicial sternness. Ron and Prez nodded Vol. 6 • No. 14

in firm agreement with the verdict.

Ron’s Black Lab Sambeaux deserted our bateau on the way to the blind.

He reluctantly returned to us after Ron threatened to neuter him. John’s Q-beam highlighted Sambeaux, who showed no remorse and even taunted us with the remains of some nutria dangling bloodily from his lips. At that point, Ron spotted the bottle

Vol. 6 • No. 14

of Amaretto I’d snuck aboard and gleefully tossed it away. I screamed.

The hunt was a good one.

John and Ron shot well; my shotgun was still encased in the boat. Prez and Sambeaux did a marvelous job fetching the birds. And I, I duck called myself into a hangover.

Even the best can become the worst. Some hunters need AA and others, some good sense. Still others, both.

October 9, 2014 11

Savor Your Saturdays!

Did you know that from the day your child is born to the day he or she turns 18, you have fewer than a thousand Saturdays together? Time is fleeting and you only have so many chances to enjoy moments and make memories together while your children are still children. As the saying goes, “They are only little for a season.”

Do you spend your Saturdays catching up on laundry and doing things around the house? If you have young kids, you’re certainly not spending the day sleeping. But maybe you’re not doing everything you can to really enjoy the day as a family.

We’re all busy and we all have to carve time out to get menial chores done, whether it’s laundry, cleaning house, etc. Try to do a few of those things in the evenings after the kids are in bed. I know, that’s the only time you have that’s truly for yourself and it’s a precious hour or two that you’d rather spend reading, relaxing, or doing personal projects.

But I promise you that if you pick one or two evenings a week to chip away at your tedious “to-do list,” it will get 12 October 9, 2014

shorter and shorter, freeing up even more time for the weekend and doing family things together.

Don’t let anyone tell you that there’s nothing to do in Lake Charles. There is so much to do here that it’s hard to narrow down your list.

Here are a few of the things you can choose from:

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge My kids and I love to go here! The last time we went, we saw several alligators, turtles, many types of birds, and had fun exploring. Approximately 30,000 people visit the refuge annually, with the visitor center, exhibits, and autotour route being the primary attractions. The refuge is an integral part of the Creole Natural Trail All American Road. This is a nearby attraction and it’s a treasure. If you haven’t been, perhaps it’s time to change that.

Sam Houston Jones State Park I spent many happy times here with my family when I

was a kid and now I enjoy taking my own family here. It’s one of our favorite places to go and whether we’re having a picnic, feeding the deer, looking for alligators or turtles, riding bikes, or hiking one of the trails, it’s a beautiful and tranquil place to spend a few hours in nature together.

Movies Under the Stars Sponsored by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, family movies are shown at two different times of the year – April and October – at Prien Lake Park. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs and they can either bring their own snacks or purchase them on site. The October movies include: Muppets Most Wanted, Oct. 10; Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Oct. 17; and The Lego Movie, Oct. 24. The events are free.

In addition, there is always a long list of events going on every weekend in Southwest Louisiana that you can find right here in The Jambalaya News. From local festivals, concerts, the symphony, and Banners events to the circus,

ballet, etc., there are plenty of things to do. And don’t forget about Millennium Park, the Children’s Museum, bowling, Putt-Putt, Galaxy Bounce, movies, and local theatre productions. How will you ever find the time to do everything?

One of my favorite quotes about life is this little gem by Gioacchino Rossini: “Eating, loving, singing and digesting are, in truth, the four acts of the comic opera known as life, and they pass like bubbles of a bottle of champagne. Whoever lets them break without having enjoyed them is a complete fool.”

What will you do with your children this weekend? Make it memorable and make it fun.

Remember, we have less than a thousand Saturdays to spend time with our children while they are young.

See you out and about!

Lisa Addison wrote her first short story at 7 years old, has two young children, enjoys trying new recipes, and loves going on adventures with her kids. She blogs at: http://swlamama.wordpress.com.

Vol. 6 • No. 14

Tonya Meche Wants Your Recipes!

Lemon Basil Chicken Alfredo Working with French chef Jean Pierre was the highlight of my travels. We would make the most delectable dishes. And oh, the sauces! I learned how to make all the mother sauces prior to attending culinary school. These sauces date back hundreds of years and are the foundation for every dish imaginable. As you might expect, I cook as often as time allows. Whenever I ask my family what they would like Daddy to make tonight, they all shout, “Make your famous pasta!”

This one will please your fancy. Utilizing one of our local Lake Charles seasonings will make all the difference in this dish.

Although the recipe is on the heavy side of calories and richness, the seasoning only has 8 percent sodium. Using a low sodium chicken broth and unsalted butter will decrease the calories but still hold all the flavor.

Preparation

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!

Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and Cajun Red Head Seasoning. Add chicken to skillet and sauté until brown and cooked through, about seven minutes per side. Transfer chicken to platter; once cooled, cut into bite-size cubes.

While skillet is hot, add one teaspoon of olive oil, garlic, green onions and lemon peel to the same skillet. Stir over mediumhigh heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add chicken broth, lemon juice and white wine and boil until reduced to sauce consistency, about eight minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream and butter. Mix chopped basil into sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Recommend serving with Angel hair pasta. Top with fresh grated Parmesan.

De notre dîner table à la vôtre veuillez profitez-en!

Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves ½ cup fresh lemon juice 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 package of chopped green onions 1 teaspoon (packed) grated lemon peel ½ cup canned low-salt chicken broth ½ cup white wine 4-6 ounces heavy cream 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper 3 tablespoons of Cajun Red Head Season All or seasoning of your choice Fresh grated Parmesan Vol. 6 • No. 14

October 9, 2014 13

What are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

Most women who have one or more breast cancer risk factors never develop the disease, while many women with breast cancer have no apparent risk factors (other than being a woman and growing older). Even when a woman with risk factors develops breast cancer, it is hard to know just how much these factors might have contributed.

Some risk factors, like a person’s age or race, can’t be changed. Others are linked to cancer-causing factors in the environment. Still others are related to personal behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, and diet. Some factors influence risk more than others, and your risk for breast cancer can change over time, due to factors such as aging or lifestyle.

probably because men have less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which can promote breast cancer cell growth

Aging Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older.

About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.

Genetic risk factors About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene defects (called mutations) inherited from a parent.

Gender

Family history of breast cancer

Simply being a woman is the main risk factor for developing breast cancer. Men can develop breast cancer,, but this disease is about 100 times more common among women than men. This is

Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. Having one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer approximately doubles a

woman’s risk. Having two firstdegree relatives increases her risk about three-fold. The exact risk is not known, but women with a family history of breast cancer in a father or brother also have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Altogether, less than 15 percent of women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease.

This means that most (over 85 percent) women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of this disease.

Personal history of breast cancer A woman with cancer in one breast has a three- to four-fold increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast.

This is different from a recurrence (return) of the first cancer.

Race and ethnicity Overall, white women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are AfricanAmerican women, but African-

American women are more likely to die of this cancer. However, in women under 45 years of age, breast cancer is more common in African- American women. Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.

Dense breast tissue Breasts are made up of fatty tissue, fibrous tissue, and glandular tissue. Someone is said to have dense breast tissue (as seen on a mammogram) when they have more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fatty tissue. Women with dense breasts on mammogram have a risk of breast cancer that is 1.2 to 2 times that of women with average breast density. Unfortunately, dense breast tissue can also make mammograms less accurate.

A number of factors can affect breast density, such as age, menopausal status, certain medications (including menopausal hormone therapy) pregnancy, and genetics.

Source: American Cancer Society

WCCH Offers Discounted Digital Mammograms During October West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering 20 percent off digital screening mammograms during October, the month recognized nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (337) 527-4256. They are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Thursdays from 8 a.m. -7 p.m. The discount is applied to hospital charges and does not include radiologists’ fees, which are billed separately.

According to the American Cancer Society, current evidence strongly supports mammography even more so than in the past.

Over the years, mammograms have proven to detect lumps that are missed through self-breast exams and even clinical exams, up to one or two years before the lumps can be felt by hand, resulting in faster treatment. Research shows that if women 50 and older would get regular mammograms, the mortality rate could decrease significantly.

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October 9, 2014 15

Mammograms: Limitations A mammogram cannot prove that an abnormal area is cancer.

To confirm cancer is present, a small amount of tissue must be removed and looked at under a microscope. You should also be aware that mammograms are done to find breast cancers that cannot be felt. If you have a breast lump, you should have it checked by your doctor and consider having it biopsied even if your mammogram result is normal.

16 October 9, 2014

For some women, such as those with breast implants, additional pictures may be needed. Breast implants make it harder to see breast tissue on standard mammograms, but additional x-ray pictures with implant displacement and compression views can be used to more completely examine the breast tissue.

Mammograms are not perfect at finding breast cancer. They do not work as well in women with dense

breasts, since dense breasts can hide a tumor. Dense breasts are more common in younger women, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding , but any woman can have dense breasts.

This can be a problem for younger women who need breast screening because they are at high risk for breast cancer. This is one of the reasons that the American Cancer Society recommends MRI scans in addition to mammograms

for screening in these women.

What to Expect When you Have a Mammogram • To have a mammogram, you must undress above the waist. The facility will give you a wrap to wear.

• A technologist will be there to position your breasts for the mammogram. Most technologists are women. You and the technologist are the only ones in the room during the mammogram.

• To get a high-quality mammogram picture with excellent image quality, it is necessary to flatten the breast slightly. The technologist places the breast on the mammogram machine’s lower plate, which is made of metal and has a drawer to hold the X-ray film or the camera to produce a digital image. The upper plate, made of plastic, is lowered to compress the breast for a few seconds while the technician takes a picture.

• The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes. The actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds.

• You will feel some discomfort when your breasts are compressed, and for some women, compression can be painful. Try not to schedule a mammogram when your breasts are likely to be tender, as they can be just before or during your period.

• All mammogram facilities are now required to send your results to you within 30 days. Generally, you will be contacted within 5 working days if there is a problem with the mammogram.

• Being called back for more testing does not mean that you have cancer. In fact, less than 10 percent of women who are called back for more tests are found to have breast cancer. Being called back occurs fairly often, and it usually just means an additional image or an ultrasound needs to be done to look at an area more clearly. This is more common for first mammograms (or when there is no previous mammogram to look at) and in mammograms done in women before menopause.

It may be slightly less common for digital mammograms.

• Of every 1,000 mammograms, only 2 to 4 lead to a diagnosis of cancer.

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October 9, 2014 17

Pass a good time on Sunday, Oct. 19 from noon to 4 p.m.! Join the staff as they celebrate the grand opening of the “new” Verandah! There are so many exciting changes and upgrades. Take a tour, meet the team, and check out the brand new pool, movie theater, common areas and more! The Verandah offers restaurant-style leisure dining with home-cooked meals, complimentary utilities, maintenance, housekeeping and concierge service. It’s affordable and reliable with no buy-in fees.

At this special event, there will be raffle prizes, casino games and entertainment by the Lakeside Playboys and Huber “Mickey” Smith. And enjoy the bounty of Chef Michael’s kitchen for an amazing eating experience!

In the Tavern: Cracklins’ and boudin balls w/ dipping sauce Dining Room: Passed Appetizers • Polenta shrimp and olive bites • Muffuletta sandwich tray Fried alligator and jalapeno bites with sauce • Baked crab-stuffed mushrooms Étouffée Duel tasting station • Bananas Foster Display Cooking Station In the Carriage House Assisted Living Tavern: Fruit tray and Muffuletta tray Outside Back Lawn: BBQ

In the Wellness Center/Movie Theater: Fresh Smoothies!

The Verandah would like to thank their partners, including Golden Nugget Casino Cyndee Journey, local Lake Charles personal trainer who comes in twice a week offering residents FREE personal training Dee Bernard, the super stylist who owns the salon at The Verandah 18 October 9, 2014

Chef Mike Bruney was born and raised right here in Lake Charles, and graduated from Barbe High School and studied mechanical engineering at McNeese State.

Having been brought up in Cajun country, his culinary approach is heavily influenced by the native cooking styles and downhome cuisine that surrounded his youth. As a child, he loved helping his mother and grandmother cook Sunday dinners, and could almost always be found around the kitchen. He honed his technique through his tenure working at Harlequin Steaks and Seafood.

There, he learned a more refined approach to cuisine, which helped broaden his knowledge of the culinary arts and gave him a deeper understanding of the food service industry.

Chef Mike’s ten-plus years in the food service industry has turned his love of cooking into a fullblown passion for providing the most enjoyable of dining experiences. His goal at the Verandah is to continue to provide a five-star culinary experience to all of its residents, and to offer up delicious and diverse menu selections of the highest caliber. Being chef at the Verandah provides him the perfect opportunity to marry his two loves of down-home Southern cooking and refined gourmet cuisine.

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October 9, 2014 19

Tommy Thomas Assistant Chief of B Shift, Station 6 “Am I my brother’s keeper? I am. The general public is as safe as they’re going to be because I give the best I have, and all I have, every time.”

Jason Henton Driver, Station 6 “I remember that I was asked if I liked to hunt and fish.

When I said, ‘oh yeah,’ the interviewer told me that I’d like it here.”

“What makes a man want to become a firefighter is usually the camaraderie, not unlike that of male team sports. There’s a team captain, and a coach who keeps you straight and narrow. Our men call each other to make sure they’re not late for work. When we fight fire, we attack like the blitz. Every truck has a specific job and they depend on each other. They depend on each other because we practice it that way. Each and every member of the team has a job to do, and they know the guy next to them cares.

“Before I was a firefighter I delivered sheetrock and installed linoleum. I hated it. After I passed my classes and was accepted into the department, I remember running to the truck on a call and feeling like I was doing something great.

Casey LeBlanc Captain, Station 6 “Not everybody likes to admit it, but the adrenaline rush is addictive. There’s an excitement that comes with the unknown.”

Gary Rickert Rookie “I’m five weeks away from the greatest moment of my life.”

“These guys love each other, and take care of each other like family. Let something happen to a firefighter---let him get injured. If he broke his ankle showing his kid that he used to know how to skateboard: we will mob the hospital’s visitors’ room. Hospital staff has come out and told us that the number of visitors in the room was a fire hazard.

“Our men love coming to work. There are other jobs that pay more money, but how many people do you know who really, actually, without lying can say that they look forward to going into work? That’s something you just can’t put a price on.”

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October 9, 2014 21

Hee Haw Hootenanny

An Afternoon of Pickin’ and Grinnin’

What does a pumpkin patch, a banjo, and a hammer have to do with each other?

Join the fun at the “Hee Haw Hootenanny” at Moss Bluff United Methodist Church on Sunday, October 19 at 4 p.m. to find out!

Four months ago, Evelyn Joseph, a single mother of twin 12-year-old girls, believed she was trapped in a small two-bedroom house and did not have many options.

“We have only two bedrooms and the girls have outgrown our house. The rooms are very small and the girls need their own space.”

While Evelyn and her daughters prepare to begin their new life in a Habitat home, members of Moss Bluff UMC have been preparing for the Hootenanny. Inspired by Moss Bluff UMC’s Pumpkin Patch, guests will be treated to a toe-tappin’ production of

old fashioned family fun.

“The Hee Haw Hootenanny is going to be a family fun event like no other!” Janeal McCauley, Faith Engagement Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity said. “The best part of the Hootenanny is that all proceeds will go directly toward the construction of this year’s Faith Build house!”

“This is a dream come true…it’s a blessing. Habitat’s zero interest mortgage is giving me the opportunity to fi-

nally be a homeowner,” Evelyn said. “Having a ‘home’ means I will finally have peace.”

Join the fun at the Hee Haw Hootenanny on Sunday, October 19 at Moss Bluff United Methodist Church (735 Sam Houston Jones Parkway).

Doors and concession stand open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4. Admission is free.

Donations accepted. For more information, please contact Kim Lawson at the Habitat office at 497-0129.

Walk Like MADD Oct. 11 Walk like MADD is the signature event of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, the nation’s premier organization working to stop drunk driving, prevent underage drinking, and to support victims in court.

22 October 9, 2014

According to Barbara Dartez, local chapter president, workers are on call 24-7 to aid victims. “We strive to alert parents about their children’s drinking and have them talk to their kids about it. And we support the heroes who keep our roads safe.”

With over 400 chapters in the United States, the organization has pushed for stricter laws for DWIs and has court monitors to make sure the punishment fits the crime.

“My grandson died being hit by drunk driver,” Dartez said. “I will fight every day so another family does not become a victim. A cure already exists: drive sober or designate a driver when you drink. Your support for this walk shows you understand this simple solution and are willing to spread the word to everyone. Remember, the one who died was not the only victim. Families are changed forever.”

The third annual Walk Like MADD will be held Sat., Oct. 11 at Prien Lake Park. Registration begins at 7:30 p.m., walk begins at 9 a.m. www. supportmadd.org.

Vol. 6 • No. 14

By Calvin Tyler The city of Lake Charles is definitely seeing its reputation rise on the cool-o-meter.

No longer is this a city of stuffy business casual blazers and Nomex coveralls. As Bob Dylan said a long time ago to a generation far, far away, “The times they are a-changin’,” and with that change comes a new specimen of leader. The kind of men who stare into what others might see as an abyss, and instead see a void that offers unlimited opportunity. These are the men who not only believe in the region of SWLA, but are a few of the handful that are helping to push our little town into the cultural direction that we’ve been wanting for so long.

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October 9, 2014 23

CALVIN TYLER: What made you two get into the graphic design business?

DEREK WILLIAMS: It was sometime amidst my six majors in college that I realized I wanted to get into graphic design.

More specifically advertising. I wanted to create ads, but not just as an advertisement.

I wanted to create art, simple concepts that encompass much larger ideas.

TYLER WALKER: Art has always played a major role in my life. I discovered graphic design in high school in a Desktop Publishing class. Although there wasn’t anything explicitly fantastic about that course, it combined two of my favorite things- art and goofing around on the computer. As a 16-year-old, realizing I could actually have a career in “goofing around on the computer” was a pretty powerful thing.

My dad owns a few businesses, one of which is a dive shop that I helped manage for much of my youth. I got to really cut my teeth there, trying different things to market the business, experimenting with what did and didn’t work. I worked there all through high school and college and learned a lot (I’d argue more than at college).

CALVIN: In what way is the Walker Williams setup special?

WALKER: [Laughs] It’s not.

WILLIAMS: There’s two of us. You never just have this one designer in a closet.

You’ve got these two weird guys sitting in a room full of toys, just having fun. When fun happens, creativity thrives, giving you these crazy ideas that just make people stop and think or at the least, pay attention to your business.

CALVIN: How is the city of Lake Charles special to you guys?

WALKER: I grew up here. For better or worse, this is home. As a youngster, playing 24 October 9, 2014

in bands, I was very much of the mindset that I would leave Lake Charles and never look back. But as time goes by, I realize how malleable Lake Charles is. The city is in a state of transition and, if we get enough likeminded people pulling the cart in the right direction, we can make this place whatever we want it to be.

WILLIAMS: That’s an interesting question. The only answer that I have is that it’s home. I may be from Grand Lake in Cameron Parish, but Lake Charles has always just been home to me. Though at times we all hate the place we live, every time I’ve ever come back to the Chuck, I’m just happy to be home.

CALVIN: When did you open your own business?

WALKER: I was 26.

WILLIAMS: What age did I decide to do this or when did I actually do it? I think it was decided when I was 18. It only took me eight years to go “you know… I could do this and gosh darn it, people like me! sort of.”

CALVIN: Any advice for the young men out there hoping to start their own businesses someday?

WILLIAMS: DO IT! Just take a chance.

Be thoughtful and careful, but pull the trigger and get after it. What’s the worst that could happen? You have to move in with a friend or relative for a while? Trust me, if you’re hungry enough you’ll find the work.

WALKER: “Young MEN!?” That’s sexist, Calvin. Excuse me while I take these sexism allegations to Lagniappe.

CALVIN: What is your favorite board game, and why?

WILLIAMS: I really do enjoy a good game of Scrabble or Boggle. The only problem is, when I play against any of my friends they destroy me. When I play against my girlfriend I actually stand a chance.

WALKER: Is this the light-hearted part of the interview? Up-Words. ‘Cause Scrabble is for the weak-minded who can’t handle the third dimension. And chess. I love playing chess. I also love that Derek is terrible at chess.

CALVIN: What are some overall goals every aspiring business owner should set before getting starting?

WALKER: Your goals should be your own, but don’t let that bog you down. Business plans are great, but not if they’re preventing you from actually doing business.

WILLIAMS: Don’t be a jerk. Work with everyone, even if they’re considered your competition. There’s no reason we all can’t get along.

CALVIN: What are a few of the pitfalls that you’ve experienced?

WILLIAMS: There was this one time that I literally fell into a pit. It was horrible.

WALKER: The “other people ruin everything” mentality. Apathy is rampant in this city and while it proves problematic for some people, let them get caught in the apathy pits. It just makes your job easier. Some people scoffed at the idea of another festival downtown... but the thousands of people in attendance last Saturday didn’t seem to think it was a dumb idea.

CALVIN: What do you want to offer your community as a local entrepreneur?

WILLIAMS: I want to show everyone that any idea, no matter how small or crazy, can be a great idea. You just need to have the right people behind it. That’s what we specialize in. Making your ideas a reality, but more importantly a success.

WALKER: A future. Lake Charles is home to some of the most talented people in the country. For years, we let these people leave, losing their talents to other areas. If Lake Charles has any hope in riding this economic wave we keep hearing so much about, it lies with the next generation [nerdy Star Trek reference]. Picard FTW (for the win).

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CALVIN TYLER: “What did you do before getting into the gourmet hot dog business?”

MICHAEL KRAJICEK: (pronounced Kra-jick): “It’s a great question. I was always a wandering kind of guy. The main reason I got into this type of work and not a corporate position was [long break]… I don’t know. I guess everybody would have a different answer for that, wouldn’t they? This place is really designed around an experience as opposed to what we’re doing. We’re not ‘hot dog people.’ Botsky’s is an experiencebased restaurant. You come in, you don’t have televisions everywhere, you get to dictate what you want, and we’ll go ahead and superimpose what we think is a cool step out of reality into your lunch break. Or, perhaps, not so much of a lunch break after all. You know what I mean?”

CALVIN: “Yeah, I think so.”

MICHAEL: “There’s no news or sports playing to take your attention away. There’s just music softly guiding a conversation that will lead to an experience. So, really, our patrons have to proactively contribute to what we’re offering.”

CALVIN: “So, in a sense Botsky’s offers the set and setting, while the customers bring the intent?”

MICHAEL: “Absolutely! It’s very important for Botsky’s to superimpose some type of experience, and to create an environment for people to then use and manipulate how they want. To me, that’s the why. That’s why people are coming here, and that’s how we’ve been able to do everything by wordof-mouth. One person leaves and tells five other people; that’s how we grow.

CALVIN: “Well, it seems to working. Who would have ever thought that a gourmet hot dog place would actually work in downtown Lake Charles?”

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MICHAEL: “Every day, me and my team talk about why we do this.

I could give a rat’s a** what we do.

We could be Botsky’s Premium Fish Tacos, and I would not give a damn.

It’s always about the ‘why.’ Our mission statement says, ‘We challenge the once common ideals. We pursue the innovation of the once common ideals.’ Just look at the idea of a one-way street (Pujo Street is the only access to Botsky’s). It’s always been said that one-way streets are a horrible location for a restaurant. Our street offers very little parking. [And look at] the idea of putting our food inside of an old, converted parking garage. Even our plates are artistically designed, and our proportionate baking tray.

Everything is a challenge of the once common ideal.”

CALVIN: “The business seems to be doing great. Is there anything you’d like to tell others who might be thinking about jumping into a business of their own?”

MICHAEL: “My brother told me many years ago that marketing is great because it forces you to figure out what your values are, what your ethics are, along with your equities. What are our values and ethics? Our values and ethics are that we treat every customer with dignity and respect, and we make this a great place for the worker to be.

Equities are what you own. What does Botsky’s own? We own the idea of a pristine hot dog.”

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CALVIN TYLER: What made you get into the T-shirt printing business?

CHAD MORENO: While our core business focuses on graphic design and web development services, we found ourselves helping our clients with a wide range of print and marketing services. As the owner of Killerwebsites.com, a web design and development company for 19 years, we have evolved and expanded or services over the years to accompany the needs of our clients.

One service we are often asked to do is Tshirt design. We have some traditional screen print experience and understand the screen print process, but we did not have the room or want to be in the screen-printing business as we knew it.

Once we did some research on the newer DTG (direct-to-garment) printers, we knew there was an opportunity to use this new type of textile printing in unique and creative ways. We could use our in-house resources, design experience and knowledge while being able to place the equipment in our current office. We needed a name to call the T-shirt side of the business so KillerDye.com was born.

CALVIN: How is your setup special?

MORENO: We have the ability to print high quality images on many types of garments and T-shirts. We use the latest in direct-to-garment printing to produce a full

26 October 9, 2014

color printed product. We use an eco-friendly textile ink that has a soft feel when applied to the material. One key feature of our setup is the ability to cost effectively do short run or one-off prints, with a quick turn around.

Since our print setup is digital, we have no screen charges or color limitations.

CALVIN: At what age did you open your own business?

MORENO: I was 25 when I officially started my company (Data.sys, Inc.). We started as a computer company providing computer hardware, sales and support.

Within a year, we started shifting our business focus and services into web design and development. We have been developing for the web since 1995.

CALVIN: Any advice for the young men out there hoping to start their own businesses someday?

MORENO: Don’t be afraid to learn about something you love to do and try to make a living doing that. If you can apply your knowledge to your job and make a career out of it, go for it. Go to school, stay in school, and graduate. Looking back now, I should have finished college. I really had zero experience running a business when I started. I was self-taught in what I knew at that time and the Internet and books were

my classroom, and to this day they still are.

Colleges did not have HTML and web development classes or degrees when I attended.

CALVIN: What are some overall goals every aspiring business owner should set before getting starting?

MORENO: Every business owner has their own goals and vision of success. We all need clients to maintain our business and grow. Just remember, you have a business because of those clients. Being a business owner in a technology-based business, you have to keep up with technology. But, that statement is probably true with almost any business these days since technology is so integrated with everything aspect of business.

CALVIN: What are a few of the pitfalls that only experience and hindsight can put into perspective?

MORENO: Every business will have setbacks along the way, it’s how you handle those that determine the outcome of your business. We have always been aware that as the business owner, we are responsible for our actions and those actions can effect our business. We built the business slow and steady, one client at a time over many years.

We started as a home-based business and it took myself and my wife Kim six years to be able to move the business into an office and be able to fully support my family, without

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working another job. I think most small business owners are in the same situation. If you have to work multiple jobs while running your business, just keep at it and build your clients one at a time. It will pay off eventually.

CALVIN: What is your favorite board game, and why?

MORENO: I would say Monopoly would be my favorite board game, as long as I can be the race car. Owning Park Place and Boardwalk is not a bad deal, either.

CALVIN: In what way is Lake Charles special to you?

MORENO: I was born and raised in Lake Charles. It is the only hometown I know. I have lived in various locations throughout SWLA, but we have settled downtown. Lake Charles (and Louisiana) is a unique place, with more to offer than some may realize. I

now feel I am at the point in my life and business to have the ability to help and give back in ways that can help the community grow and progress over the years to come.

CALVIN: What do you want to offer your community as a local entrepreneur?

MORENO: We have had great support from our clients and community over the years, and we have grown into a small design shop with great employees. I appreciate everyone that has helped our business grow, and I love to give back to the community in any way that I can. We have always worked with non-profits and organizations to provide them affordable web services. Since we currently have kids in school, a lot of our efforts go towards supporting the schools and athletics. I have worked with middle school teachers to provide basic web design classes

that the kids could choose as an elective class. We then take them thru a weekly lesson for nine weeks to give them an overview of HTML markup. The kids love the lesson and I enjoy watching them learn something that I didn’t have the chance to learn at their age.

Technology is the future, no doubt about it.

TheJambalayaNews.com has recently partnered with LakeCharles.com, the premier web source for Lake Charles news, culture, entertainment, and community information. The combination of our print and web exposure allows your advertisement to potentially reach over 180,000 people per month.

Vol. 6 • No. 14

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Movies Under the Stars October 10, 17 & 24 Free and open to the public; begins at dusk around 7 p.m. at Prien Lake Park. Seating is first come, first serve; bring lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Food can also be purchased on-site. Muppets Most Wanted Oct. 10, Captain America: The Winter Soldier Oct. 17 and The Lego Movie Oct. 24. 3700 West Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles. In the event of inclement weather, dates may be cancelled. (337) 721-3515.

Mayor’s Art Awards October 10 The City of Lake Charles and the Arts Council of SWLA invite the public to the 2014 Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony Fri., Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Benjamin W. Mount Auditorium at Central School. Mayor Randy Roach will award those working in the arts by recognizing the contributions of Southwest Louisiana’s creative workers, patrons, and artists to the region’s culture. Business attire, reception to follow.

(337) 439-2787.

Vinton Heritage Festival October 11 Enjoy crafts, door prizes, food vendors, exciting activities, rides and games and of course, Gumbeaux Gator. Will be held from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. at the corners of Center and Horridge Streets in Vinton. Free admission. Lawn chairs are welcome; coolers and alcohol not permitted.

(337) 589-7453.

Gulf Coast Bird Club Field Trip October 11 Monthly field trip scheduled for the Hawk Migration in East Texas on Oct. 11 from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend. No experience required. Visit Smith Point, the Candy Abshire WMA, and Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will meet at the Whitney Bank on

Friday, October 10: Pasta Necklaces Make a pasta necklace in the ArtSpace from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Ryan Street Parking lot and carpool over to Smith Point to start the day.

(337) 474-7325.

Walk Like MADD October 11 The third annual Walk Like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) will be held Sat., Oct. 11 at Prien Lake Park. Registration begins at 7:30 p.m., walk begins at 9 a.m. www.supportmadd.org

Hannah McVey Memorial Dance Scholarship October 11 Come out to Mary’s Lounge at 4017 Broad St. starting at 11 a.m.

Oct. 11 for the first Hannah Clair McVey Memorial Dance Scholarship Benefit. Eight bands, food auction, 50/50 drawing. Proceeds will go to scholarship dance scholarship fund. (337) 433-2952

Sunrise Rotary Goes Country October 11 Sunrise Rotary Goes Country “Haggard Style” at the West Cal Events Center in Sulphur on Oct. 11 from 8 a.m.-midnight. Enjoy an old-fashioned Country & Western dance featuring Marty Haggard, Greg Blanchard and Brad Brinkley & Comfort Zone. Tickets are $25 and include jambalaya dinner. (337) 794-3113.

Kiddy Quad Runway Show October 12 Kiddy Quad Clothing will showcase their holiday clothing collection on Sun., Oct. 12 at 5 p.m. at Springhill Suites by Marriott, 1551 W. Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles. Children ages 3 to 12 years old will blaze the runway! Tickets are $10 and include seats at the fashion show, as well as light hors d’oeuvres and music. Advance tickets: Eventbrite. com at Kiddy Quad Clothing Holiday Runway Show or (337) 309-0945.

Friday, October 24: Playdough Build something neat using Playdough in the ArtSpace from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 11: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Sasol’s Brett Bertles will perform a demonstration to explore the science of surfaces. Discover surface tension and make different shape surface bubbles. 11:30 a.m.

Monday, October 27: Wooden Photo Holders Design and paint your own wooden photo block holder. Class will begin at 11 a.m. and is limited to 20 children ages 4 and up.

Friday, October 17: Painting Fun Celebrating National Color Day Let your creative side explore color with paint in the ArtSpace from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Friday, October 31: Halloween Chalk Drawings Join us in the ArtSpace between 3:30-4:30 p.m. to create a spooky Halloween drawing.

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 30 October 9, 2014

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McNeese Alumni Recital October 13 Free McNeese Alumni Recital at 8 p.m. Mon., Oct. 13, in the Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre. Classical and jazz. (337) 4755028.

Cal-Cam Fair October 15-19 The Cal-Cam Fair features carnival rides, a livestock show, good food and games and attractions for both children and adults, along with a full roster of bands and other entertainment, as well as beauty pageants and wildlife exhibits. Festival hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wed. and Thurs.; 5 p.m. - midnight Fri., 10 a.m. - midnight Sat. and 1- 6 p.m.

Sun. Admission is $5 for ages 10 and older, children under 9 get in free. (337) 527-9371.

Women’s Commission Fall Conference October 16 The 2014 Women’s Commission Fall Conference is scheduled for Thurs., Oct. 16, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

This year’s keynote speaker is Emmy-nominated TV personality Star Jones. Women will be able to participate in Zydeco aerobics and Zumba, and doctors and financial professionals will offer advice, training and networking opportunities. http://www.womenscommissionswla. com/fallconference

at 10 a.m. Enjoy good food, entertainment, antique cars, wagon rides, petting zoo and so much more! Cost is $5 per car. (337) 725 -3324.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s October 25 The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 at Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles. Registration and check-in opens at 9 a.m.; opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Register today at alz.org/walk. No fee!

There will also be a Jambalaya Cook-Off sponsored by SouthernCare Hospice to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Pre-registration ($100 per team) deadline is Oct. 17; $125 the day of the event. Call (337) 474-3743/540-7291 for cook-off info.

ArtsFest 2014 October 25 SWLA Arts Council and the City present ArtsFest 2014 to engage area children in a free arts festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Coliseum. Children will create art and there will be live music, face painting, one-on-one pottery lessons, and performances by Lake Charles Dance Academy and Young Band Nation. In the spirit of Halloween, children who come dressed in their Halloween costume will receive a treat. (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artscouncilswla.org.

Art of Fashion Design V October 16 The Imperial Calcasieu Museum presents the original Art of Fashion Design V - “Trio.” Local models will take to the runway in signature looks from Sophia’s, TeCi’s, and the Perfect Fit Boutique. Proceeds benefit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. Will be held Thurs., October 16 at 6 p.m. in the L’Auberge Event Center. Welcome Reception in the Promenade with complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. Show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 at Imperial Calcasieu Museum (337) 4393797 or the Perfect Fit Boutique on Pujo St. (337) 433-5855.

La Familia Fashion Show October 17 La Familia presents their 5th annual fashion show, “Lights, Camera & New York Fashion” at the Isle of Capri, Oct. 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Fashions from JCPenneys, Chico’s and Men’s Wearhouse will be modeled by prominent community leaders! Tickets on sale now: $100 VIP, $65 Reserved. www.lfrc.eventbrite.com

McNeese Diamond Jubilee October 17 Celebrate McNeese’s 75th anniversary with great food, open bar, special performances by the McNeese Department of Performing Arts, silent auction, photo booth, a commemorative gift, VIP tour of the Budweiser Clydesdale Enhanced Stable Experience and music by The Backyard Cowboys. Alumni Center from 6-9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at the Alumni Office, the Foundation Office, or at www.mcneesealumni.com/DiamondJubilee. Dress is casual. Come out in your blue and gold and show your support!

St. Jude Fun Run and Walk October 18 “Rowdy for a Cure: Steps for St. Jude 5K Fun Run and Walk” will be held at 8 a.m. Sat., Oct. 18, in the McNeese State University Quad to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Fees are $20 for the public and $15 for McNeese students with IDs through Oct. 18. www.facebook.com/mcneeseutd

Ragley Heritage and Timber Festival October 18 Don’t miss the 16th annual Ragley Heritage and Timber Festival on Sat., Oct. 18 at the Historical Square Pavilion, 6715 Hwy 12 in Ragley beginning Vol. 6 • No. 14

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Veterans Day Observance Activities November 11

Life Matters Banquet November 11

The City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission will host the City’s annual Veterans Day activities beginning with the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, Lakeshore Drive, on Sat., Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. A free Gumbo Cook-off will take place at Veterans Memorial Park after the ceremony. There will also be a “Kid’s Fun Zone.” Individuals, teams and organizations interested in competing in the Gumbo Cook-off should contact Roy Sanders at (337)-794-6163 for details and registration by Oct. 31.

ABC Pregnancy Resource Center is dedicated to offering life-affirming support and compassion to women facing an unplanned and/or crisis pregnancy. The annual “Life Matters” Banquet will be held on Tues., Nov. 11 at Treasures of Marilyn’s located at 3510 5th Avenue in Lake Charles. Doors open and silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m., dinner and entertainment at 7. Tickets are $50 per person. Sponsorship opportunities available. ABC Pregnancy Resource Center is a registered 501©3 non-profit organization. (337) 433-2797; www.abcprc.com.

USS Orleck Becomes The Bludd Vessel: Now - Nov. 1 The USS Orleck Naval Museum becomes the Bludd Vessel—an experiment in terror-starting Oct. 4, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday as well as Tues., Oct. 30 and Wed., Oct. 31. Prepare yourself for suspense, chills and frights for 15-18 haunted minutes if you come out alive! Gates open at 6 p.m.; ship hatches open at 7 p.m.; Ticket sales close at 11 p.m. $15 general admission (337-) 214-7447. No child under 10 allowed.

The Lost Hollows: Now - Nov. 1 With a choice between the terror-filled Deadly Pines trail or the family-oriented Spooky Timbers trail, you are sure to have a night filled with scares and screams. Begin your journey with a hayride from Spirit Halloween, 3413 Derek Drive, Lake Charles, and travel to the creepiest woods in SWLA. Tickets are available online (losthollows.com) and at Spirit Halloween. The Spooky Timbers trail is for all ages and Deadly Pines is for those 13 and older.

LC Little Theater Presents Macabaret: Oct. 11-31

A kooky and spooky journey into the macabre, Macabaret is a collection of humorous story-songs, which twist towards the morbid.

Murderous spouses, horror films, evil cows, etc., are a few of the things parodied by a “Corpse de Cabaret” of the undead. A great addition to your season of screams! Lake Charles Little Theatre, 813 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles, Oct. 11-31 Fri.-Sun. Tickets: (337) 433-7988.

Jack Daniels Halloween Party Featuring The Chee-Weez: Oct. 31 $10,000 Halloween Costume Contest & Party at Jack Daniels Bar & Grill at L’Auberge Oct. 31! Doors open at 9 p.m.; registration 9 - 10:30 p.m. Winners announced at 11. Entertainment by The Chee-Weez! $15 cover charge. Must be 21 to enter Jack After Dark and casino. (337) 395-7777.

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Holy Trinity Episcopal Pumpkin Patch: Now - Oct. 31

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch will be open Oct. 5- 31 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays, and noon- 6 p.m.

Sundays. School classes, families, etc., can bring children to Pumpkin Patch Storytime. There are two classes on ten different days. Call 5275179 to schedule a Storytime visit. Picnics can be held in the Pavilion if prior arrangements are made. 1700 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur (337) 527-8787, (337) 625-4288.

Scarecrow Festival: Now - Nov. 1

See funny, wacky and weird scarecrows designed by local businesses, groups and families at the 6th Annual Scarecrow Festival at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, Texas, beginning Oct 8.

Visitors can vote for their favorite scarecrow and prizes will be awarded at the event finale, Autumn Fair, Sat., Nov. 1. The Autumn Fair event will include face painting, pumpkin decorating and a variety of fall-inspired games throughout the Gardens. www.shangrilagardens.org.

family-friendly

SPOOKHOUSE

Central School Halloween: Oct. 26

Come out to the Central School Arts and Humanities Center at 809 Kirby Street, Lake Charles, Sun., Oct. 26, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a family-friendly haunted house. Creepy characters, evil witches and mad scientists will lurk around every corner. Each child will receive a sweet treat and can enjoy getting their faces painted by the S.J. Welsh Art Club.

Come dressed up in your Halloween best! Donations to Friends of Central School are welcome. (337) 439-2787.

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Ward 3 Trunk or Treat: Oct. 26

The Girlie Girls Mentoring Program is hosting its annual trunk or treat at Ward 3 Recreation, 3210 Power Centre Parkway, Lake Charles from 3-5 p.m. The first 100 children will receive a treat bag. Please bring a non-perishable food item for their upcoming food drive. (337) 302-3725.

Halloween Harvest Fest: Oct. 31

The City of Lake Charles Recreation and Parks Department will host Halloween Harvest Fest 2014 on Fri., Oct. 31 at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr., from 5-8 p.m. A variety of games, prizes, and trinkets will be available for the entire family, including trains, face art and balloons; a costume contest in the Coliseum and “Tiny Tots World” in the Exhibition Hall.

Admission is free and costumes are not required. Concessions will be on-site.

Malloween: Oct. 31

Trick or Treat from store to store at Prien Lake Mall from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Prien Lake Mall on Oct. 31! Free admission! (337) 477-7487.

Foreman-Reynaud Harvest Fest: Oct. 30

The Foreman-Reynaud Community Center, 215 Albert Street, Lake Charles, will be hosting its annual Harvest Fest on Oct. 30 from 5-7 p.m. The first 250 kids will receive a hotdog, chips and a soda. Local businesses are welcome to come out and pass out candy, business cards, etc. For more information, call (337) 436-2500.

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The Maze Runner (20th Century Fox, 2014) The Maze Runner is the latest in a rash of bestselling books made into movies, all calculated to make dollars off the backs of today’s rising high school students. Of course they’re making it into a movie and of course the producers expect it to do very well.

Thomas, our teenage hero, wakes up in a service elevator bringing him up to a vast landscape set within four walls of mechanized steel.

Think of Central Park surrounded by Manhattan for a good visual. Only there’s no way out of this park.

At least there hasn’t been. The park, or Glade as it’s called, has been occupied for three years by teenage boys. They’ve established a semi tribal order, and have learned that the four walls surrounding them are actually a gigantic maze, with deadly dangers that howl during the day and roam the twisting corridors at night.

Safe in the Glade, the boys are stuck. Their memories have been wiped and all they remember are their first names. Thomas gradually comes to find that he is one of those born to run the maze, gradually discovering its secrets.

Ok. I can take the contrived premise. But what Vol. 6 • No. 14

tries my patience is the way the plot is revealed piecemeal to us and to Thomas. No one wants to tell him what’s going on, for no good reason except maybe they don’t know. Or maybe it’s just poor writing?

In any case, with Thomas’s arrival in the Glade, everything starts changing. Somehow, he’s special, and this allows the story to finally move forward.

In my cynical way, I took The Maze Runner to be an allegory for high school. We’re all here.

We don’t want to be here. Some of us won’t make it. And ironically, the world outside ain’t no bed of roses, the big joke on all these kids who can’t stand being confined, whether in an idyllic glade or a sheltered school.

But none of this matters.

What matters is getting to the end of the movie, so we can be primed for the inevitable sequel.

As our consolation prize, we get two hours of incredible violence to young people all engineered by well-meaning adults.

Yes, this is definitely an allegory for American education. No wonder the books are a hit.

Yet, The Maze Runner is the perfect bad movie, because most of the pacing, acting and special effects are flawless. It doesn’t miss a beat. I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy running for their lives in a giant puzzle where the walls move around every night?

Then there’s the streak of references to other movies, such as

Harry Potter’s Goblet of Fire, The Hunger Games, Divergent, and many others. Too many others.

As derivative as the Maze Runner is, a generation raised on video games is going to love it, especially if the kids win. In my opinion, all our kids lose.

PG-13 movies have gone one notch lower, using violence to kids as just another plot device.

It’s bad for the kids watching, and it’s also a cheap way to put shock-emotion into a totally contrived scenario. I didn’t count the number of kids killed, but it was at least a dozen, most of them with screaming and terror.

In short, a great action movie, great effects, gratuitous violence to kids. But no one knows what gratuitous means, so it’s all good, right?

Needless to say, this is not a movie for small children. Stay home with them. For all you thrill-seeking adolescents, this one was made just for you. The Maze Runner is rated PG-13 for hopeful ticket sales. Enjoy!

October 9, 2014 35

Working Women The Housekeeper’s Tale: The Women Who Really Ran the English Country House by Tessa Boase recounts the working lives of five actual British housekeepers between 1832 and 1971, with juicy scandals both above and below stairs.

“The Victorian years were the housekeeper’s apogee, a time of supreme confidence and expansion for the English country house,” writes Boase.

“She started the century a more subordinate, explicitly feminine figure, ... (and ended the century) a senior management figure of absolute authority, whose wages might outstrip both cook and butler.” She goes on, “It was, in many ways, an isolating role. She was too senior to fraternise with her maids; too dignified to let her hair down.”

The author did her research, “visited the houses, breathed in the dank basement air of the housekeeper’s sitting room.”

The letters and other documents she found “throw light on basement politics” between servants: “back-stabbing, rumour spreading, leapfrog36 October 9, 2014

ging for advancement. There are hints of sexual liberties; of houses so rarely visited by their owners that they develop their own unconventional codes of conduct.”

She introduces us to five interesting women: Dorothy Doar, Trentham Hall, Staffordshire, 1832, who, though married, made the mistake of becoming pregnant; Sarah Wells, Uppark, West Sussex, 1880-93, the mother of author H.G. Wells, who called her “perhaps the worst housekeeper that was ever thought of ”; Ellen Penketh, Erddin, North Wales, 1902-07, later known as “the thief cook”; Hannah Mackenzie, Wrest Park, Bedfordshire, 1914-15, who started out in domestic service and 25 years later was head housekeeper to the Vanderbilts in New York; and Grace Higgens, 1920-71, Charleston, East Sussex, whose employer was artist Vanessa Bell, sister of author Virginia Woolf, and part of the famous bohemian Bloomsbury Set. Boase writes that the relationship between mistress and

housekeeper “was based on loyalty, honesty and trust -- with the servant always aware of the immense gap between the haves and have-nots. No servant, no matter how senior, could take anything for granted.” According to the manual of the day, “the housekeeper ‘ought to be a steady middle-aged woman, of great experience in her profession, and a tolerable knowledge of the world. In her conduct, she should be moral, exemplary, and assiduous, as the harmony, comfort, and economy of the family will greatly depend on her example.’”

“Between 1851 and 1871 the number of housekeepers tripled” because it was the railway age, “the era of wealth creation,” Boase writes. “The male house steward at the head of the household receded into the past. An all-powerful domestic matriarch took his

place.” At the same time, girls were leaving service, “unwilling to subdue their spirits to the sort of crushing dictates enforced below stairs.” There was even a medical journal study that came out in 1905 stating how “the ‘eminently depressing’ living quarters for servants in poorly ventilated dark basements, where ‘diffused light is but a matter of a few hours daily even in midsummer,’ accounted for the anaemic appearance of so many employed in affluent homes.”

I genuinely enjoyed these engrossing accounts.

Elisa Segrave discovered a cache of her mother’s diaries and papers, from girlhood through World War II and beVol. 6 • No. 14

yond, and reveals their details in The Girl from Station X: My Mother’s Unknown Life.

Segrave’s mother, Anne Hamilton-Grace, was born in 1914 and grew up in English upper-class privilege. Anne’s life before the war involved “skiing, fishing in Scotland, Palm Beach in winter, cruising in the Caribbean.”

The most engaging part of the book for me is when Anne joined the WAAF, Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, in March 1939. “She completed a Code and Cipher course” and was assigned “to receive and send messages from Bomber Command headquarters in High Wycombe.” She was a “signals clerk,” typing messages into a message that “would churn out an encrypted version” that “would then be sent out by radio using Morse code.”

In 1941, Anne began working in Bletchley Park, or Station X. Famously, Bletchley was where the codebreakers

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worked to crack the Germans’ Enigma encryption machine.

She was NOT a codebreaker, but her work as an “indexer” was essential, “keeping a record of every detail that might be needed for reference in solving some future conundrum.” She

was highly praised for her good work, but often complained that it was dull.

Anne’s first impression of Bletchley Park was that “It is the most peculiar place, masses of odd-looking civil servants and men with orange shirts and long hair about.” But “there is something about this secrecy business that binds one into a small band of those in the know, whom you really feel at ease with, whether you like it or not,” Anne wrote in her diaries. She left Bletchley in 1943, but the book follows her through the war years and after.

Anne’s descriptions of what was happening in the war are compelling: “In Eaton Place, there was a house on the corner which had had the whole of one side removed by a bomb. On the sidewalk lay pieces of furniture, of sofas, curtains, and other things and a gold winged chair looked

out rather forlornly from the midst of the rubble. The stairs were intact and led up and up into nothing at the top. In the rooms the mirrors, unsmashed, were still hanging on the walls, with a sheer drop to the street below them. ... A bookcase stood rather sadly with its side removed but all the books still in place.”

For the most part, I liked the book, but Segrave does not allow the reader to really get caught up in Anne’s life; she keeps interrupting the narrative with her own comments. The author writes way too much about herself; I would rather have read more of the diary material and fewer analytical comments from the daughter, sniping about what a bad mother Anne was and casting aspersions on her sexuality.

Also, the title is misleading, as too few pages are devoted to Anne’s work at Station X. Copyright © 2014 by Mary Louise Ruehr.

October 9, 2014 37

Thursday, Oct. 9 Live Piano 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

At Fault

Saturday, Oct. 11

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

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

Flashback Friday 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Reed Planchard and Drivin’ Dixie 7:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Drivin’ Dixie 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Club) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton

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

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

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

Live Music 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Casino) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton

Spanky from Pismo Beach, CA

Friday, Oct. 10

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

Good Times and Cold Drinks 8 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Big Redd & Creole Soul 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

Big Jimmy and Reckless 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Live Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles River Katz 8 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles 38 October 9, 2014

Live Music 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles

Khris Royal & Dark Matter 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

Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles DJ Night 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Street Side Jazz Band 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 Vol. 6 • No. 14

Free Cowboys Kool-aid 5329 Common St., Lake Charles

3 p.m. - 7 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

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

Brian Racca 5 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Spanky from Pismo Beach, CA 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Live Music 9:30 p.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Sunday, Oct. 12 Sunday Youth Music Workshop

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

Tuesday, Oct. 14 Jazz Night with Mickey Smith 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Karaoke Night 7 p.m. - Midnight @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles

DJ Verrett 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Movie Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

William Christian 8 - 11 p.m. @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Music 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Thursday, Oct. 16 Wednesday, Oct. 15 Louisiana Night & Abita Pint Nite

Live Piano 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

$2 Louisiana Beers $3.50 Louisiana Spirit/Cocktails 6 p.m. - Midnight @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

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

Cajun Night 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Willie Tee, Warren Storm & Cypress 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

October 9, 2014 39

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

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, Oct. 17

DJ Eric Scott 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark

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

Phillip Glyn Band (Public Cruise on the Lady of the Lake) 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles JC Melancon and the Bayou Rock Band 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

October 30 – November 9, 2014 at Central School Arts & Humaities Center Itinerant Theatre (IT) brings to the Lake Area Louisiana Women: Bound, three onewoman plays from the 13-play cycle Louisiana Women by Carolyn Woosley. Dates and times are: 7:00pm October 30 – November 1 and November 7 – 8, and one Sunday matinee, 2:00pm November 9. All performances are in the Benjamin Mount Auditorium of Central School Arts & Humanities Center, SWLA. Address is 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students.

Two of the three one-woman plays, Eliza and Rachel, are world premiers. All three – Eliza, Rachel and Marie Thereze -- explore and reflect events and issues of her day as she experienced them. Each woman was, indeed, a product of her day. In order they are: (1) Eliza, in the 1840s, an AfricanAmerican unlawful, second “kept” wife of a Virginia planter and also mother of the planter’s boy and girl, tricked and sold into slavery, set in Louisiana’s Great Piney Woods; (2) Rachel a capable and thoughtful plantation owner of the 1840’s – Bayou Sara region; and, (3) Marie Thereze Coincoin, a spirited African-American slave and later, plantation owner and matriarch of the gens de couleur libre in the Cane River and Natchitoches regions, set in 1815.

Louisiana Women: Bound has an all-professional Lake Area cast and crew. Direc40 October 9, 2014

tor Joy Pace, Jo Ann Hanks (Rachel); Sierra Jones-Demouchet (Eliza) and Leah Howard Robinson (Marie Thereze), stage manager Jordan Ashworth, crew member Kevin Delaney, lighting designer Norman McKnight and writer Carolyn Woosley are all Lake Area residents. Set design and construction and scenic artwork are by Joy Pace. Sound design is by Carolyn Woosley.

There will be no late entries. There are two ten-minute intermissions. Purchase tickets ($15 or $10 students) at www.itineranttheatre.com, call (337) 436-6275 or at the door.

Itinerant Theatre (IT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides affordable, professional theatre for artistically underserved communities. IT provides professional development for performing artists, and works in found space in collaboration with other artistic venues and also other performing arts.

Louisiana Women: Bound is made possible in part by two grants: (1) SWLA Convention & Visitors’ Bureau Tourism Marketing Initiative Grant 2014-15, and (2) the Decentralized Arts Funding Grant 201415, administered by the Arts & Humanities Council SWLA. For information on Itinerant Theatre visit www.itineranttheatre.com , Facebook or Twitter or call (337) 436-6275.

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Gyth Rigdon 9 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

Luke Cooper & The Alibis

Saturday, Oct. 18 John Cessac 7 - 11 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Good Times and Cold Drinks 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles Cold Sweat 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles

DJ Night 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Pat Ryan Band 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Club) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton Bronco Jr. 9 p.m. @ Longhorns (Casino) 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton Jessie Taylor 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles 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

9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles L.A. ROXX 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Dance Night 9 p.m. - 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles Good Wood 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles DJ Eric Scott 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Dancing 11:30 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

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October 9, 2014 41

Special Event Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles Josh Garrett Band 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Sinners and Doublewide 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles DJ Eric Scott 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Dancing 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Wednesday, Oct. 22 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

Cajun Night 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Mic Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Neal Smith 8 - 11 p.m. @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Music 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Sunday, Oct. 19 Clint Faulk 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, Oct. 20 Karaoke Night 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

Tuesday, Oct. 21 Jazz Night with Mickey Smith 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Karaoke Night with DJ Verrett 7 p.m. - Midnight @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles 42 October 9, 2014

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Thursday, Oct. 23 Nichole Marceaux & Twisted Fate 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

Tantric 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles DJ Cage 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Friday, Oct. 24 Live Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Travis Corbello and Dustin Landry 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles

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Flashback Friday 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles New Orleans Suspects 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Saturday, Oct. 25 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

Larry Tillery 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles

Whiskey South 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan 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 Rosco Bandana 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

On The Wall: First Page Contest Bayou Writers Group is currently accepting submissions for On The Wall writing contest. Writers may submit the first page of a short story or novel, which will be posted at the Bridge to Publication Conference. Conference attendees will vote for their favorite entry during the event.

The submission receiving the most votes will win free admission to the 2015 conference along with other prizes.

Submissions must be the author’s own work and have no more than 250 words. Only those who have registered for the conference may submit and only the first 20 correctly formatted submissions will be accepted. There is no fee to enter. To submit or for more information, email tpreje3@ gmail.com.

October 9, 2014 43

By Calvin Tyler Hannah Breaux is a young bartender who is quickly making a name for herself. She has been with the Lake Charles Country Club for almost two years, and is now celebrating her second month with Funky Monkey Daiquiris on Prien Lake Drive. The sky is the limit for a new drinksmith such as herself, as she has a certain kindness and sincerity that is usually found only in barmen decades her senior.

Hannah has agreed to share the recipe to her most famous cocktail, “The Jumper,” with the readers of The Jambalaya News.

It’s crisp and refreshing and has a great kick to it, and if they find liquid on Mars, I am assuming this is what it will taste like.

So head to the Funky Monkey and hang with Hannah and the rest of the Monkey gang. They’re open six days a week (closed Sunday), 10 a.m.-until (2 a.m. on Sat.). They will treat you right.

44 October 9, 2014

THE JUMPER Bayou Rum Satsuma - 1/4 shot Bayou Rum Silver - 1/2 shot Grand Marnier - 1/4 shot Orange Juice - splash Pineapple Juice - 1 shot Combine ingredients, shake with ice and pour into a chilled martini glass. Enjoy!

Vol. 6 • No. 14

By Calvin Tyler I walk into 3topia, a hip and trendy bar on Prien Lake Road next door to Zeus. I’m here to meet with a very interesting gentleman by the name of Stewart Gentry.

There’s been talk around town that this man has perfected the formula to the most popular drink in the entire SWLA region. It is known by the name Apple Pie, is served as a shot, and though there are others like it, Gentry’s formula stands apart as a one-of-a-kind. I want to know the secret to this success, so I take a seat at the bar and wait.

The time is 2:05 p.m., two hours before Gentry’s shift is set to start, and he has agreed to meet with me. I, being socially inept, immediately ask for the recipe. “No,” laughs Gentry. “You’re not getting it out of me without a fight.”

He reaches down into a small refrigerator and brings up a white container. “Is that what I think it is?” I ask. He nods his head. “This is the Apple Pie.” Calvin Tyler: “What’s in it?”

Stuart Gentry: “Babies and bad decisions.”

We share a laugh and he tells me that he’s had friends ask him to make a batch of the drink for them to take on vacation, and, as it happens sometimes, none months later a new human is introduced into the world.

CALVIN: “You’re telling me that you’re concoction is responsible for new humans?”

GENTRY: “Yep!” CALVIN: “Whoa… that’s heavy, man.”

GENTRY: “Too much power for one man, Calvin.”

CALVIN: “How did you come across creating this particular drink? Was it something that patrons were asking for, or was it by accident?”

GENTRY: “It wasn’t by accident. The man who introduced me to the drink was from Michigan. He had moved down to the area and we had become friends. One day, I asked him how he made his Apple Pie shot, and he flat out refused to tell me. No matter how much I asked, he just kept telling me to just go and figure it out for myself. So, one night, me and a buddy sat down and started trying.

When we woke up the next day all we could remember was that our try was perfect, but we couldn’t remember the recipe. Luckily for us, there was a third person who wasn’t sampling our tryouts. This very special person did us the courtesy of writing down all of our experimental recipes and putting a check mark next to the one that worked.”

CALVIN: “You guys were lucky.”

GENTRY: “We know, man. And, then again, we would have just tried the next night. Creating a new drink is fun in the same way making a baby is: even if you’re just trying it feels amazing.”

CALVIN: “Here, here!”

We both raise our shot glasses of Gentry’s famous Apple Pie and cheers to that.

Vol. 6 • No. 14

October 9, 2014 45

Counting Down the Days I’m counting down the days to the biggest event that takes place this year for local filmmakers. If you missed last issue’s article, that would be the 3rd Annual Lake Charles Film and Music Festival of course!

One event that made the wait more bearable was a new addition that took place before the fest. For the first time, a 48 Hour Film Sprint was held as part of the festival. The top 48 Hour films will be shown and one will walk away with a Scallywag award during the festival awards ceremony.

For those of you unfamiliar with a 48 Hour Film Sprint, it’s pretty much boot camp for filmmakers. Luckily for our team, most of our crew cut their teeth on 24 Hour Sprints held by the Lake Area Film Group so we were excited to see how far we could go with a whole extra day.

Instead of waking up early, this sprint started on a Friday night where we all gathered at Stellar Beans coffee shop around our team leader’s laptop. To make the sprint accessible both near and far, the

required elements were posted online. Promptly at 6 p.m., we found out what they were: We had to come up with a film featuring a magician named Carson Diego, a chess piece and the line of dialogue, “It’s been many moons since I’ve been down Seven Bridges Road.”

Now, when you go to the festival and see several short films filled with magicians, chess pieces and Seven Bridges Road, you’ll know it’s not Groundhog’s Day or deja vu, just the required elements for the 48 hour competition. The films will only be between three and 10 minutes long, so I don’t want to reveal any of our own film’s plot twists here. If you’re curious, look for a screening of Bridge to Absolution among the other short films being shown at the festival.

This year’s opening feature film of the entire festival is Pick Axe Murders III: The Final Chapter starring scream queen Tiffany Shepis. The film tells the tale of what happens in the peaceful town of Woodland Hills when someone brings serial killer Alex Black back to life one ill-fated night. The closing film 1959 is a movie shot entirely in Southern Louisiana. If you know your pageants, you may recognize Miss

Louisiana 2008, Michelle West, among the actors. In this psychological thriller, five students face their biggest fears when they get trapped inside an old mysterious church in rural Louisiana. Close to 50 movies will be shown throughout the weekend including films from Lake Charles as well as foreign films.

In addition to screening films, filmmakers will teach classes on acting, creating a TV series, crafting gruesome special effects, stop-motion animation, making films on a peanut butter budget, Louisiana’s unique history in films, horror print art and poster collecting.

Live music will heat up the Kickoff Party with “Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue” and close out the wrap party with “Tempura Cool.” A full roster of local musicians will entertain listeners during the music portion of the festival with rockabilly, psychedelic funk bass, acoustic blues, folk, Americana, indie rock, jazz and alternative/progressive rock.

With so much to see and do it seems like they should offer a class called “How to Plan your Day at the Fest!”

Until next time, save me some popcorn.

Here’s a quick rundown of the events coming up this weekend!

The Lake Charles Film and Music Festival takes place at various locations Oct. 10 – 12.

Film Festival Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Central School, 809 Kirby Street.

Filmmaker Meet & Greet October 10, 5– 6:30 p.m.

Stellar Beans Coffee Shop, 319 Broad Street

Awards Ceremony Oct. 11, 6 p.m.

Central School, 809 Kirby Street

Kickoff Party Oct. 10, 7 p.m. to midnight My Place American Pub, 630 W. Prien Lake Road

Wrap Party Oct. 11, 9 p.m. – midnight Stellar Beans, 319 Broad Street

Music Festival Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Stellar Beans Coffee Shop, 319 Broad Street

Movie Character Costume Party Oct. 12, 1 – 4 p.m.

Stellar Beans, 319 Broad Street

Tickets range from $15 to $40 and can be purchased online or at the door.

For more information, visit www.lakecharlesfilmfestival.com.

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Vol. 6 • No. 14

By Matt Ison and Jody Taylor, courtesy of LakeCharles.com One hot night around 12:30 a.m., our dog pound rolled up to Cowboy’s to meet the weinie lady, Kristi Wooldridge, whose cart can be seen all over town any night of the week, serving up late-night goodies to hungry bar-goers. She greeted us with a smile and showed off her menu of items, including 27 different toppings, and we rejoiced to find that you could add as many dog-gone toppings as you like for only three bucks.

Wooldridge makes all her toppings fresh every day and never reuses on the next night’s stop. She told us some dog-tastic trade secrets, but all we can share is that her hot dogs are all beef and shipped in speciallike. These ain’t no 40 for $1 Wal-Mart weiners, and you will not find these things anywhere else in town. Many of the bar’s patrons knew Kristi and only had great things to say, even stopping to give her hugs. She’s a Lake Charles institution.

People walking by yelled “Hey Hot Dog Lady!” or “Hot Dog Lady is the best!” and Kristi joked that even after four years, most of her customers don’t know the name of her business. Several times, she helped happy customers find her Facebook page because, well, they just know her by “Hot Dog Lady.”

Matt: Weiniedog’s Hot Dog Stand takes pride in their product. I wanted Kristi to throw down and create a dog-zilla, so I ordered the “Weinie Wowzer” a surprise concoction made up of whatever toppings she feels like using at the moment…and she succeeded admirably with this tasty creation.

My toppings included pepperoni, sweet relish, banana pepper, bacon, honey mustard, nacho cheese, her homemade chili, and canVol. 6 • No. 14

died jalapeños. This dog was terrific and had a great homemade taste, but with ingredients I wouldn’t have right then and there at the house. I really enjoyed her imagination when it came to creating our dogs on the spot, with very good taste combinations to make the dog just right.

Next up was the Boudin Dog. You guessed it: BBQ sauce, bacon, and nacho cheese resting on a de-cased piece of boudin, all wrapped in a tasty bun. All of the flavors married together to give me that backyard cookout feeling, and having the boudin out of the casing made the dog really easy to devour.

Jody: I also decided to get “Weinie Wow’ed” and Kristi started with a couple slices of pepperoni. She then added hearty slices of pineapple and zesty baby tomatoes, super spicy jalapenos, chili, cheese, and bacon. In addition to a truly tasty weiner, the chunks of tomato and pineapple added a flavor spectrum I’d never considered for a hot dog, and this thing disappeared down my gullet in record time. Since Matt had the boudin dog, I opted for the BBQ brisket

sandwich in my second course, generously heaped with brisket that was cooked just right (dare I say in the running for best in the Lake Area?) and offered just a hint of sweetness to round out the flavor.

Hot Dog Stand is a terrific stop and though we do not make it out and about in town at the times she is normally posted up, we might have to start making an effort to just show up and destroy a dog or two occasionally. Plus, it’s a stroke of genius to park the cart in front of area bars, offering a yummy and easy alternative to late night fast food and ridiculously long drive-thru lines serviced by disgruntled graveyard shifters.

Like her page at www.facebook.com/ weiniewow to keep up with the hot dog cart’s nightly location and other happenings. We would also like to thank Kristi for a dogstravagant late night meal and for contacting us to review her food. She enthusiastically welcomed our honest and down to earth opinions as Outlaw Foodie reviewers, and embraced the opportunity to hear constructive critiques.

October 9, 2014 47

Ammunition Bullets Camouflage Decoys Deer Lease

Duck Blind Game Calls Food Processing Guide Hunting

Outdoors Retriever Rifle Taxidermy Treestands

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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.

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Vol. 6 • No. 14

FALL PUMPKIN PATCH Spice found lots of pumpkin patches cropping up all over! In Westlake, a local nursery had a nostalgic fall event, with an Ole Country Store photo shop, wishing well, pumpkin wagon display, snow cone stand, candy, costumes, face painting and more! Fall was definitely in the air, with crowds of kiddos out for some pumpkin patch fun!

Garrett Johnston and Peyton Lantz

Madysen Abney and Christian Gibson

Dalton Trahan, Aline Ortego and Donnie Fittz

Casie Doucet, Ambra Reinking and Courtney Flowers

Izzie Adcock, Tori Wright, Khloe Adcock and Peyton Wright

SHRINE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN Who doesn’t love the circus? The Lake Charles Civic Center hosted the Shrine Circus for the excited families who came out for this jammed-pack action event! There were elephant and pony rides, clowns and acrobats--and, what’s a circus without peanuts, cotton candy and popcorn!

Big fun for young and old!

Angie, Terrell and Nia Thierry with Blue

Damon, Shelley and Halle Caldwell Vol. 6 • No. 14

Jim Golding and Harry Fontenot

Jessica Ward and Victoria Matte

Tools, Shaleigh Gasper and Jackson Croxsdale

Aaliyah, Anthony, Victoria and Ava Salazar October 9, 2014 49

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN ON THE USS ORLECK

Joplin Florez and Alex Broussard

Carli Quinn and Jacob White

50 October 9, 2014

Rick and Hannah Medley with Keiven Landry and Megan Medley

Ryan Florez, Josh Guidry, Courtlyn Gremillion and Kayle Mott

The USS Orleck was once again transformed into the Bludd Vessel for the Halloween season, bringing chills and thrills to the brave visitors, whose screams could be heard as soon as they entered the hatch door! The funds raised will go towards the restoration and preservation of the Orleck as a tourist attraction and museum. Now through Oct. 31.

Don’t miss out!

Garrett Miller, William Dever, Brian Guidry and Dwayne Phelps

Vol. 6 • No. 14

SMOKIN’ ON THE GROVE If you love BBQ and live music, then Sulphur’s Grove at Heritage Square was the place to be this past Saturday! The weather was perfect for a full day of tasty BBQ challenges, and bands performed Cajun, Country, Zydeco and Outlaw music throughout the day.

Finger-lickin’ fun!

Marti, Cade and Robert Carrasco

Rochelle Ericson, Carla Ortego, Tammie O’Reilly, Beverly Franks and Janet Rider

Vol. 6 • No. 14

Lacey and Claire Verret

Lloyd Jones with Shaianne Snider

Sam Turner, Paul Pettefer and Colin Patton

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