The Jambalaya News - 03/24/16, Vol. 7, No. 23

March 24, 2016 • Volume 7 • Issue 23

715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262

On Cover: Lake Charles Memorial Hospital

www.thejambalayanews.com

COVER 18 Memorial: A True Community Hospital with a Regional Mission

Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate

REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA!

lauren@thejambalayanews.com

8

6

Hospital Spotlight

10 Tales of the Bayou Pickers Contributors Nicole Shuff Arabie Jason Machulski Anne Monlezun Roger Miller Justin Morris Terri Schlichenmeyer Jody Taylor Russell Pawlowski

Sales

11

12 Soul Matters 13 The Pirates Platter 14 Fishin’ Tales

28

FEATURES 4 Billie Woodard: A Woman of Many Talents

lauren@thejambalayanews.com

15 SWLA Hospitals

Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk

21 Overcoming Anxiety at the Dentist

Business Office Manager Jeanie Rourk

13

Adoption Corner

THE SPICE OF SWLA 24 Wild Beast Feast 26 Event Guide

30

28 Live @ The Lakefront: Sweet Crude

32

30 CyPhaCon 2016 31 Bookworm Sez… 32 heART of SWLA 35 Nightlife Guide 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.

2 March 24, 2016

38 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles 40 Lian Quen Zhen 41 Funbolaya

40

42 Society Spice

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Buona Pasqua Easter is coming and with it, all of my memories of past Easters celebrated with a big Italian family. Easters full of good food, laughter and arguments, the sound of my mother’s bright blue phone ringing with good wishes from relatives and friends near and far, and new clothes that were invariably not warm enough for a New England Easter. I would be shivering in my thin springtime finery, time and again, on my way to church while it rained and sleeted and even snowed. I recall asking my mother why Easter illustrations were always depicted with flowers and sunshine when it was always so cold. She informed me that elsewhere, it was warm and sunny on Easter Sunday. “Then

Vol. 7 • No. 23

why can’t we live there?” I would ask/complain. Well, I finally do live “there,” thankfully. Took me long enough.

I recently had a craving for my mother’s baked stuffed mushrooms and I wondered why. The craving was so strong that I could taste them. I realize now that I was subconsciously thinking about the holiday. My mother always made them at Easter and Christmas and Thanksgiving. Everyone loved them, and there were never any leftovers. She would also dip artichoke hearts in egg yolks and breadcrumbs and bake them the same time as the mushrooms.

Another holiday side dish that everyone loved.

Before we enjoyed dinner, how-

ever, there was Easter breakfast: hard-boiled eggs and prosciutto, along with the special sweet, anise-flavored bread with hardboiled eggs sold only in Italian bakeries. My mother would go to the North End by train to buy all the wonderful Italian specialty foods. I hated going by the butcher shops there with the rabbits and sheeps’ heads hanging on hooks outside the windows and always averted my eyes.

But the bakeries smelled heavenly. She’d buy the egg bread and cannolis and the panettone and my favorite sweet in the world, a hazelnut chocolate candy called Baci. Back then, you could only find it in the Italian sections of town, and we only had it on holidays and special occasions to keep it, well, special. If you had it all the time it would lose its uniqueness. It’s still around but I haven’t had it in years. There’s no reason to. What it represents is gone.

My mother would put a lamb roast in the oven, which my father would tend to while we were at church (Dad never went). I loved coming home to the fragrance of rosemary and lamb permeating the house, along with the warmth from the stove. The dining room table would have already been set, and Mom would immediately put on her apron and work on the side dishes, all the while anxiously looking at the kitchen clock to see how much time she had before everyone came upstairs.

She always got herself worked up because she wanted everything to be perfect and my father would have to tell her to calm down and stop making a big deal out of everything.

There were buzzers in the back hall, and at this point, they’d be going off like crazy. The buzzer meant you had to open the door.

So my mother would go out into the hall and yell down to whoever buzzed. Eventually, my aunt Jeannette put a stop to the buzzers and yelling in the hall because it gave her a Headache. But at this point in my life, the buzzers were still in full operation, and the conversations would be about the dinner and who was preparing what and it would go back and forth, just building up the excitement of the coming meal.

And eventually, we’d all be together at my mother’s table, all ten of us from 74 Barnes Ave., passing platters and drinking wine and laughing and complaining and doing what most families do on the holidays. Treasured memories that will keep me warm this Sunday.

Happy Easter, dear readers.

Lauren Abate

March 24, 2016 3

By Anne Monlezun With an interesting background as the granddaughter of the manager of the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Judge Billie Woodard grew up with three sisters in a small Chesapeake Bay, Virginia town of 750 people. Her father – a talented tailor and manufacturer – and her loving, working mother, provided a foundation for a bright sound future for their four daughters.

After obtaining a psychology degree from the College of William & Mary, living and working in Rome for a year, and working in hospital administration, Woodard married and moved to Lake Charles where she lived for almost 25 years. She attended Law School in New Orleans and afterwards, opened her own law practice in Lake Charles.

The rest is history. Woodard eventually was elected Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge in Calcasieu Parish. When she lost that seat in 2004, she decided it was time for another adventure.Recently, Woodard returned to visit her many friends in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana with news of the past 11 years of a diversified, new life in New York City.

From starring in many off, off Broadway shows (including one as a champion lady boxer), to teaching at Harvard (which she has done every year since 1999), and serving on the global Charter Institute of Arbitrators Examinations Board headquartered in London, Woodard hasn’t stopped there.

Woodard is leading a double life as an arbitrator and mediator for the American Arbitration Association

4 March 24, 2016

and as a mediator for New York Courts, while pursuing a career in the performing arts. She, along with a coauthor, wrote a musical – Choking Out the Kudzu.. the Will and the Courage. It has been performed in Maryland, Nashville, and Manhattan, with Woodard directing all the performance.

“The play is based on a true story of a married couple with a belittled wife who has to overcome her family’s criticism, as well as her own doubts and fears, to become the person she dreamed that she was meant to be,” Woodard says. The audience enjoys one woman’s journey that is profound and steeped with humor and which can inspire all of us to “feel our fear” and “do it anyway” by following our dream.

Woodard earned her Equity and SAG union cards, entitling her to audition for theatre on Broadway and

Vol. 7 • No. 23

opening doors to film and television. After moving to New York, she studied acting with a 92-year-old master teacher who has taught celebrities from Richard Gere to Dustin Hoffman and Denzel Washington.

Don’t be surprised if you turn on your TV to see a familiar, petite blond portraying a lady executive speaking to corporate officers. She may also be seen playing baseball in one of several AARP commercials in which she has appeared.

Interesting enough, ABC’s 20/20 brought Woodard on one of their segments to mediate, on the air, a feud between neighbors who were battling each other over land. To enhance her mediation skills, she became certified as a Positive Psychology Practitioner.

While she conversationally speaks French and Italian, Judge Billie’s multi-talents also include being a motivator as a business workshop speaker with some of her topics including “Bullying in the Workplace,” “The Power of Presence,” Identity Theft,” and her forever favorite – “You and The Law.” Currently, this amazingly busy woman is writing a second book with a movie version based on true events that happened in Southwest Louisiana.

When asked how she has time to do all that she does, she replies with a twinkle in her eye, “I don’t play golf.”

She adds, “I love living in the Big Apple and make the most of every minute but my heart still belongs to the amazing people of Lake Charles and the surroundings areas, who treated me and my parents with such kindness throughout the many years we lived there. And I am so very grateful for the opportunity they gave me to serve them as their Judge.”

Be sure to stay tuned—we can only guess what’s coming in the future!

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 5

the City of Lake Charles, Keep Calcasieu Beautiful, Waste Management, McNeese State University and Team Green of Southwest Louisiana to provide residents with the opportunity to recycle their residential “E-waste,” completely free of charge. During the event, 536 vehicles lined up to drop-off e-waste. Collection totals included nine roll-off boxes of e-waste, one van and one 18-wheeler of TVs as well as approximately 1,002 light bulbs, five mercury items and 75 pounds of batteries.

Hanks Appointed to Autism Services of SWLA Board

IBERIABANK Donates to MSU Athletic Department IBERIABANK is pleased to announce the donation of $100,000 to the McNeese State University Athletic Department. The donation is part of a multi-year commitment to the department. “McNeese State is such a vital part of Southwest Louisiana, and IBERIABANK is proud to continue our support of the University and of the Athletic Department as the Official Bank of McNeese Athletics,” says Phil Earhart, IBERIABANK SWLA president.

Ricky Hanks was recently appointed to the board of directors of Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana. Hanks is a senior account manager for First Federal Insurance Services, LLC, and has been an insurance agent for over 34 years. A 1981 graduate of McNeese State University, Hanks is a member of the board of the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Louisiana. He previously served on the boards of directors for the McNeese Alumni Association and Family and Youth Counseling Agency, and recently completed a term with the St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church pastoral council.

Ricky Hanks

Family & Youth Receives Donation Family & Youth Counseling Agency received $10,500 from Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund for sponsorship of the 18th Annual Connections Count Conference. Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund generously sponsored Family and Youth in support of the 18th Annual Connections Count Conference. Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund supports projects every year that lead to the prevention of child abuse and neglect as well as many other projects that benefit the well being of children and youths in our communities.

Police Juror Elected to Statewide Office

Earhart, Hemphill, MSU president Dr. Phil Williams and IBERIABANK senior VP of Business Banking Jason Martinez.

Police Jury’s Cultural Grant Awardedto Area Events The Arts Council of SWLA is pleased to announce the awards for the 2016-2017 Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Arts Funding Grant.

Twenty grants were awarded to projects and organizations in Calcasieu Parish, including: Dr. Francis G Bulber Youth Orchestra, Whistle Stop, Cajun French Music Association-Lake Charles Chapter, Bayou Writers Group, BayouCon Productions, The Children’s Theatre Company, MusicMakers2U, Lake Charles Community Band, Louisiana Film & Video Art, La Ville Uni Festival, KC Productions SWLA, Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Lake Area Ballet Theatre, Louisiana Choral Foundation, Common Ground Louisiana, Black Heritage Festival LA, Lake Charles Civic Ballet, Brimstone Historical Society, DeQuincy Railroad Museum, and Lake Charles Little Theatre. The Arts Council also provides qualitative grant administration for the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the City of Lake Charles, and the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Eighth Annual CITGO Recycle Day Southwest Louisiana united on March 5 to recycle unwanted electronics at the 8th Annual CITGO E-Recycle Day at the McNeese Stadium parking lot. CITGO Lake Charles Refinery partnered with 6 March 24, 2016

Tony Guillory, Calcasieu Parish Police Juror for District 4, has been elected president of the Black Caucus of the Louisiana Police Jury Association. The purpose of the BC LPJA is to serve as a clearinghouse for information while also presenting and responding issues affecting their constituency. Each year, the BC LPJA distributes three $500 scholarships to deserving students in Louisiana. Mr. Guillory is currently serving his third term representing Calcasieu residents of District 4, serving as a liaison to numerous boards and agencies throughout the region.

to

Tony Guillory

Community Foundation Receives Funding The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana announced today it received an additional $205,000 to the Workforce Scholarship Fund for more than 60 scholarships through ABC School and SOWELA Technical Community College. Sasol contributed $155,000 yielding a total investment of more than $500,000 to the program to date. Lake Charles LNG contributed $50,000 this year, totaling a $100,000 investment from the company to the program thus far.

SOWELA Student Joins First Study Abroad Program SOWELA Technical Community College student James Planchard joined the first global study abroad program for Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges last month in the United Arab Emirates. Planchard joined 10 Northshore Technical Community College students and faculty on a two-week study abroad to learn Vol. 7 • No. 23

about Middle Eastern culture and the maritime industry in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Due to the success of the United Arab Emirates study abroad program, the hope is that similar educational opportunities will be made available to SOWELA students in the near future.

Taylor Finchum Alexander Joins Junior Achievement of SWLA Board

Taylor Alexander

Taylor Finchum Alexander, CRPC has recently joined the Junior Achievement of SWLA’s board of directors. Alexander is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and her financial expertise is a welcome addition to the board. Her enthusiasm and knowledge while working with students has proven she is dedicated to Junior Achievement’s mission of “empowering young people to own their economic success®.”

Delta Downs Announces Team Member of the Year Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel recently announced the 2015 Team Member of the Year during the property’s annual awards banquet. Monique Mitchel, a server in the Triple Crown Buffet, was selected from among 24 team members nominated throughout the year. The banquet also celebrated landmarks in years of service for 10- and 15-year team members. As Team Member of the Year, Mitchel receives $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hawaii. In addition, she will be flown to Las Vegas to personally meet and have dinner with Bill Boyd, Boyd Gaming’s Executive Chairman of the Board.

Monique Mitchel was recently selected as the 2015 Team Member of the Year at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel. Pictured here, from left: Steve Kuypers, Vice President and General Manager of Delta Downs; Marianne Johnson, Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Boyd Gaming; Monique Mitchel; and Bill Boyd, Boyd Gaming’s Executive Chairman of the Board.

Danielle Granger Joins Wells Fargo Advisors The Lake Charles branch of Wells Fargo Advisors announced that Danielle Granger has joined the firm as a Financial Advisor. Granger, who is Series 7 and Series 66 certified, joins her brother and father, Dustin and Glenn Granger, in Lake Charles, who collectively have over 45 years of experience. Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors, Granger graduated from LSU with a degree in marketing. For 10 years, she has worked alongside businesses to develop, plan and implement marketing strategies to help them grow. Wells Fargo Advisors’ Lake Charles office now has 13 Financial Advisors.

The office is located at One Lakeshore Dr. Ste. Danielle Granger 1500, Lake Charles, 70629.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 7

at W.O. Moss Regional Hospital in Lake Charles, and completed a fellowship in adolescent medicine at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. A nationally recognized ADHD specialist, Dr. Soileau has contributed to many scholarly texts on the topic He currently sees patients and teaches residents at Memorial/ LSUHSC Family Medicine Center. To make a reservation, visit lcmh. com/seminar or call (337) 494-2936. You can also watch the event live online by visiting lcmh.com/watch.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Celebrates 108 Years

WCCH Honors Two Employees West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently recognized its February and March Employees of the Month for 2016. Crystal Perez, unit clerk and Tamara Quibodeaux, LPN, were selected to receive the honor. Perez serves in the hospital’s surgery department where she assists in scheduling patients, welcoming and directing patients and families and plays a key role in providing an exceptional patient experience. Perez has been with the organization for three years. Quibodeaux provides exceptional care to WCCH patients and has been with the organizaCrystal Perez Tamara Quebodeaux tion for more than three years.

Lake Area Medical Center to Host Free Diabetes Fair Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) will host a FREE Community Diabetes Fair on Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m.-noon, in the Day Surgery Lobby of Lake Area Medical Center, 4200 Nelson Road, Lake Charles. LAMC’s Diabetes Fair is an educational event for individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes, or those who may be at risk of developing it. Experts will be on hand to provide information and education on proper diabetes management and healthy lifestyle living. Vendor exhibits and various screenings will be offered as well as breakout sessions hosted by local physicians. (Fasting NOT required). Gain a wealth of knowledge at Lake Area Medical Center’s Community Diabetes Fair. To pre-register, call 337-475-4064 or visit www.LakeAreaMC.com/Diabetes. The first 100 pre-registered attendees will receive a t-shirt.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital celebrated its 108th anniversary with a St. Patrick’s Day Mass in the Convent Chapel. and the annual Grace Gardens Brick Dedication and Blessing Ceremony. The hospital’s anniversary marks 108 years of delivering dignity, integrity, excellence, compassion and stewardship in healthcare through a mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

The Grace Gardens Brick Dedication and Blessing is celebrated annually on the hospital’s anniversary. Located by the Convent Chapel, Grace Gardens is a quiet, green space with fountains and benches where people can sit meditate and experience God’s healing presence and love. The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation offers the community the opportunity to honor or remember loved ones by purchasing etched bricks that are placed in Grace Gardens and presented to the community during the dedication ceremony.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick was the first hospital in Lake Charles and was dedicated on St. Patrick’s Day in 1908 as St. Patrick Sanitarium, with 50 beds, an operating room and a sterilizing room.

The name was later changed to CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, which has continued its tradition of dedication and quality medical care for 108 years.

Mac Burns Golf Tournament Scheduled The 2016 Mac Burns Golf Tournament to benefit the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation will be held on Saturday, May 21 at Frasch Golf Course in Sulphur. This year’s title tournament sponsor is CITGO. Team opportunities and various levels of sponsorships are available.

The tournament will follow a 4-man scramble format with a double shotgun start at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Entry fee is $400 per team. For more information, call (337) 527-4241.

ADHD Across the Lifespan Seminar March 31 ADHD Across the Lifespan is a free seminar being held at noon on Thursday, March 31, in the Shearman Conference Center at Memorial Hospital on Oak Park Boulevard. Light lunch will be provided, and reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Join Earl J. Soileau, MD, a family medicine physician board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and on the Memorial Medical Group staff, to learn more about diagnosing, treating and living with ADHD. Dr. Soileau is a graduate of LSU School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in family medicine 8 March 24, 2016

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 9

The “Atomic Era” has to be one of the most fascinating timelines in history, art and culture. From the invention of the atomic bomb to the art and décor that filled every home in America, not only has it sparked the eyes of all Americans, but the items from that era are now highly sought after by collectors and designers. From the Studebaker and the Slinky to the TWA terminal and paintings by Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko—1940 to 1960 was a compelling era for the arts in America.

Artists and designers responded to the atomic-age anxieties of the postwar period with “vital” forms: organic imagery and biomorphic shapes based on nature. These forms proliferated during the optimism of the late ‘40s and ‘50s

10 March 24, 2016

prosperity, in Tupperware and the Hula Hoop as well as Eames chairs and Calder mobiles. The futuristic designs were endless during these times. Adults and kids alike were now looking towards the future. It also inspired a fashion boom.

Two of the most well known fashion designers to use “Space Age” themes in their designs were Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne. Pierre Cardin established the futuristic trend of using synthetic and industrial materials in fashion, with forward-thinking innovations in his early 1960s work.

Cardin popularized the use of everyday materials for fashion items, like vinyl and metal rings for dresses, carpentry nails for brooches, and common decorative effects such as geometric cut-outs, appliqués, large pockets, helmets and oversized buttons. In 1964, Cardin launched his “space age” line, and André Courrèges showed his “Moon Girl” collection, introducing the white go-go boots and other iconic styles of the 1960s.

One of our very own Lake Area artists, Ben Von Duke, shared a fun piece of art that expresses his personal take on the Atomic Era with a drawing of a pin-up gal outfitted in go-go boots. This style of art was used regularly in advertising in that era and is still used today to tug on people’s heartstrings.

The work of architect Frank

Lloyd Wright flourished during this era.

In fact, you can see some of his works on display at the 1911 Historic City Hall in downtown Lake Charles until the end of May. Considered the most influential architect of his time, Frank Lloyd Wright designed about 1,000 structures, some 400 of which were built. He described his “organic architecture” as one that “proceeds, persists, creates, according to the nature of man and his circumstances

Vol. 7 • No. 23

as they both change.” As a pioneer whose ideas were well ahead of his time, Wright had to fight for the acceptance of every new design.

In the research I have done for this article, I found that one inspiration for the organic style was a design theory that an object must be both aesthetically pleasing and appropriate to its use. That is, the shape of an object should fit the hand that lifts it, and a piece of furniture should conform to the shape of the human body.

In time, this notion was transformed into a style or a “look” that retained only the superficial characteristics of organic forms and not the purpose behind the design. Atomic Design became irresistible with the use of atomic motifs and abstract organic forms finding their way into all aspects everyday America. These reasons mentioned above do not even tip the iceberg in covering this amazing era.

In fact, this boom inspired so many historians, artist and designers that I would really have to write a series of books just to cover it all. Even from the wallpaper you woke up to, the curtains you

closed, the radio you cranked up, the tea towels you dried with, the counter you spilled milk on, the ashtray you filled, the games you played, the motel you heard rumors about. You get the picture.

space toys !

Now for the favorite collectables that are very much sought after: The Space Toys—The Golden Age. As with every phenomenon, it only happens once and for space toys, that time was the decade of the 1950s.

There are countless reasons for this explosion in popularity, but perhaps the greatest influence come down to motion pictures and the launch of Sputnik.

These two factors contributed greatly to the public`s awareness of outer space as a concept, and space toys and flying saucers in particular. Ray guns, comic books, flying saucers and decoder rings are some of the items I look for while out picking. Most of the time, they are covered in rust, but every blue moon,

I discover one pristine in the box. Of course I have to take these finds out and play with them—what else are toys for?

Space toys had finished their marketplace run by the 1970s. Time had moved on; builders and marketers had wrung the life from this one-vibrant category.

Now, the toys have made a comeback, along with the way of life back then and the love of mid-century décor. It sure is funny how history really does repeat itself. I think I’ll treasure and stick to this simplistic sleek era for a while and keep the history alive for as long as I can.

Meet JJ, our newest rescue! This 1-year-old MinPin/ Terrier mix is a heart-stealer. He loves everyone and all living things. His best friend in his foster home is a cat and he gets along great with other dogs. Having his own child in his new home would be a plus, too. For more information on this happy fellow, call or email: (337) 478-7294; lapaw@bellsouth.net. Home visit and vet check required prior to all adoptions.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 11

Sharpened Iron Solomon in his wisdom tells us that it takes iron to sharpen iron. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17.

Think of your friends.

Which friends say that they will always be there for you?

Which friends would stand by your side and never deny you? Friends are the only ones who lift us up and encourage us, even when we are in the wrong. Those who disagree with us from time to time or “call us out” on some issues suddenly become our enemy. Friends stick by our side no matter what, right?

After all, John 15:12-15 says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

So, what does the Bible have to say about our friends?

Ephesians 4:17 says that we are to “speak the truth in love,” but what does this mean? Do some of our friends make choices in directions that we know will be harmful to them? Should we should do as Proverbs 27:17 tells us and be an iron sharpener? Should we just let them learn their lesson or direct them to God’s Word and the 12 March 24, 2016

good plans He has for their lives?

Even though we shouldn’t judge them, since we all fall short, a true friend will step up and speak the truth because of the love we have for them. Pleasing people shouldn’t be our goal. Speaking truth is not always going to make us popular, both with friends and with the world, but what it will do is gain us favor in the eyes of God. I don’t know about you, but I sure have learned that being obedient to God is the most important thing in my life.

When I think of some of my very closest friends, one thing they all have in common is that they are iron sharpeners. I know they will always correct me in love when needed and encourage me. It might be time for an inventory of the friends in your life? Who are the iron sharpeners and who is dulling your sharpness? Do they encourage you to strive to be all God has called you to be or are they the first ones to encourage you to step farther away and pay attention to the distractions?

Always remember that dull knives take longer to use, require more force, and can actually be more dangerous. You need friends with different perspectives, who have wisdom and the willingness to say difficult things. If you desire to be sharpened you will need more than strong Christian Sunday churchgoing friends. (I am not judging anyone here, by the way.) You need friends who are different from you, and who will challenge you. You need a friend, a mentor, or a leader who is as strong as steel in their faith, but whose shape is different enough to provide a bit of resistance in your life.

Sharpening is a daily process, especially in living a

purpose-driven life. We need iron-like strength that will bust up that darkness that is just out there waiting for us.

We respond in one of two ways during the sharpening process. We can moan, whine, complain, cry, pout and pity ourselves, which extends our pain, or we can surrender for a moment to the suffering and walk away shining brightly.

Pray to God to show you the true “iron sharpeners” in your life and to send away those who are sent to drag you down. Welcome those who speak the truth in love to you as this will move you forward into all God has planned.

To book a Soul Matters Session with Nicole Shuff Arabie, call (337) 540-6573.

You can also go to her Facebook page at www.facebook. com/DeclutteringYourSoul

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Roasted Red Pepper, Mozzarella and Basil-Stuffed Chicken It is not known when the term “stuffing” was first used. The earliest documentary evidence is in the Roman cookbook, Apicius De Re Coquinaria, which contains recipes for stuffed chicken, dormouse, hare, and pig. Most of the stuffing described consisted of vegetables, herbs and spices, nuts, and spelt (an old cereal). It frequently contained chopped liver, brains, and other organ meat.

There are several names for stuffing, include “farce” (1390), “forcemeat” (1688), and relatively more recently in the United States, “dressing” (1850). This delightful and balanced recipe will turn ordinary chicken into a restaurant-style favorite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 8 ounces fresh Mozzarella, sliced into 8 slices 1 (12- oz.) jar of roasted red peppers sliced into 1-inch pieces (about two whole red peppers if you roast your own) 1 bunch of basil, whole leaves 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon of Cajun Red Head Seasoning or your favorite Cajun blend

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9 x 12 casserole dish. Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing into the long side of the breast, stopping just about 1/4 of an inch from the opposite side.

Lay chicken breast in casserole dish, opened up. Sprinkle the exposed insides of the chicken breast with half of both the Italian seasoning and Cajun seasoning. Stack the roasted red pepper, basil, and one slice of the Mozzarella on the bottom side of the chicken. Fold the top flap of the chicken over, tucking in the Mozzarella, basil and red pepper as necessary. Sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning. Bake chicken for 30-40 minutes (until chicken is no longer pink). Remove chicken from oven and turn the oven to a high broil. Top chicken with remaining Mozzarella slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Broil until cheese is browned and bubbly, about five minutes. Serves four. Bon appetit!

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 13

Photos by Chris Romero

Muddy Waters Richard Le Deux,

with brim and white perch

Hog hunting postponed again. My pal Damon Hanchey’s north Louisiana deer lease is under water and thus no hog hunting. On top of that, Damon’s playing host to guests who fled the Sabine River flood. No biggie for a stepper like me. I’ll fish. Then again, maybe not, as there’s water water everywhere and all of it muddy.

I can’t hunt. Flood. I can’t fish. Flood.

Well, I could fish Shane and Jeannette Nelson Stephens’ farm pond but I wrote about that last week. Stymied, yet I am not without resources. I contact three of the best anglers I know and asked each the same question, “In these flood conditions, where should I fish and what to use?” Their responses appear below.

Mark Fontenot: “You can’t fish in any of the rivers with the ongoing flooding as the public launches are closed. But when the water goes down, you can fish in the backwaters for spawning fish. I’d use flukes, worms and lizards in the darker colors in the muddied water. Try the same baits in

14 March 24, 2016

stained or clearer water but in a chartreuse color.

If that doesn’t work, try the spinner baits in white and chartreuse. I’d try the West Fork of the Calcasieu River or the Lacassine Reserve as they’ve been less affected by the rain.”

Richard “Coonass” LeDeux: “Try the West Fork of the Calcasieu if you can get to it with the launches being closed. Toledo Bend Lake would still be good. I’d use dark-colored plastics, spinners and crank baits.”

Chad Shuff: “The water on Toledo Bend is muddy so the best baits will be black or blue. The best spots I’ve found are the cypress trees where the water is two to four feet deep. Fish right up against the tree or the bank. White perch are in the shallows, too. Spot fish the banks and around the trees as the bass are in spawn in water six inches to two feet deep.”

I get it. A flood. The water is too high and muddy. What’s an angler to do? Not go? Not in the fisherman’s lexicon. I could head for the Lacassine Pool, as it’s open. And the north winds Sunday, Monday and Tuesday should have helped push the high and muddy water out of the rivers. Inland saltwater lakes and streams won’t clear as quickly. Tell you what. Let’s brew some fresh coffee and grab the remote. We’ll watch one of our own personal angling videos or some cable fishing show. Nah. I think I’ll stroll the sands just east of Constance Beach. Forty-five years of hunting and fishing memories await me there. The Gulf will be an ugly brown with khaki mud caps.

I’ll ghost-frolic with the specter of my golden retriever Prez, the gang from Lacoste Lodge and all my earlier podnas from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Seems the thing to do while I wait for the floodwaters to go down and clear. I’ll hum Otis Reading’s “Dock of a Bay” but I won’t be lonely or wasting my time. I’ll be home.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

F R E E TO B R E AT H E : A PA R T N E R S H I P F O R L U N G C A N C E R S U R V I VA L

Lung Cancer According to the American Lung Association, an estimated 221,200 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in 2015, representing about 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses. It is the leading cancer killer of both men and women in the United States.

Symptoms Because the following symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following: • Blood when you cough or spit • Recurring respiratory infections • Enduring cough that is new or different • Ache or pain in shoulder, back or chest • Trouble breathing • Hoarseness or wheezing • Exhaustion, weakness or loss of appetite Other symptoms may include: • Swelling in the neck and face • Difficulty swallowing • Weight loss

Cancer Screening The only currently recommended screening test for lung cancer uses low-dose, spiral computed tomography (CT) scans. CT scans involve taking a series of x-ray pictures to create 3-D images of the lungs.

Screening is painless and quick, usually involving a person lying comfortably on a table for just a few minutes.

Is CT Screening Risky?

The amount of radiation exposure in low-dose CT Vol. 7 • No. 23

screening is relatively small, and the risk of this radiation causing cancer in the future is minimal. Sometimes, the result of CT screening is a “false positive,” when the screening finds something that turns out not to be cancer. Follow-up tests resulting from false positives can sometimes pose additional, potentially serious, risks to patients and may cause worry.

Because everyone’s situation is unique, it’s important for you to discuss the risks and benefits of screening with your healthcare provider.

What if Something is Found

by Screening?

cer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Non-small cell lung cancer The most common sub-types of NSCLC are: • Adenocarcinoma • Squamous cell carcinoma • Large cell carcinoma There are also other, less common sub-types of NSCLC. If you have it, it is important to know your subtype so that your medical team can develop the right treatment plan for you. The majority of lung cancers (about eight out of 10) are NSCLC, and most cases (about five out of 10) are adenocarcinoma.

Small Cell Lung Cancer Small-cell lung cancers tend to grow and spread more rapidly and cause symptoms sooner than NSCLC. For these reasons, treatments for SCLC may differ from those for NSCLC.

Free to Breathe Free to Breathe is a national partnership of lung cancer survivors, advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry leaders united in the belief that every person with lung cancer deserves a cure. The 8th Annual Lung Cancer 5K Run/ Walk and 1-Mile Walk will be held April 9 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. You can help double lung cancer survival! As a participant, you’re raising awareness and funding vital research programs dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.

If doctors find something of concern in your screening, they may follow-up with more CT scans, a lung biopsy or chest surgery. These tests will help determine if the area of concern is cancer at all. A recent study found that CT screening revealed areas of concern in the lungs of about 25 percent of people who were screened. However, the overwhelming majority of these concerns turned out to NOT be cancer.

If CT screening and subsequent tests do reveal lung cancer, follow-up tests and procedures will help doctors determine the type and stage of your lung cancer, which will help them recommend treatment options.

Types of Lung Cancer The two main types of lung cancer are small-cell lung canMarch 24, 2016 15

16 March 24, 2016

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 17

W E S T

C A L C A S I E U

C A M E R O N

H O S P I T A L

TeleStroke Technology Provides Fast Response to Stroke Symptoms During a stroke, every minute matters. “The saying, ‘Time is brain’ is true,” said Timothy Quattrone, MD, chief medical officer of emergency medicine and hospital medicine with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. A diagnostic program available at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, known as TeleStroke, allows WCCH physicians to consult in real-time with expert neurologists in another location, on the diagnosis of a potential stroke patient.

A stroke occurs when either a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked, known as an ischemic stroke, or when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and spills blood into the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. When a stroke happens, brain cells are deprived of blood and the oxygen within the blood, and they begin to die.

Ischemic strokes are the most common, accounting for 87 percent of all stroke occurrences. It’s the result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of adult disability.

To benefit patients at WCCH, the TeleStroke program is available, bringing expert care to the West Calcasieu community. It is done in support with a certified Stroke Center of Excellence, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette. WCCH is equipped with special video technology that allows the physician and the patient to consult with a neurologist, a physician specializing in the brain, spinal cord and nerves, from Our Lady of Lourdes. This real-time video conferencing allows both physicians to share information and expertise, while interacting with the patient.

“This allows the neurologist to examine the patient as if he or she were in the same room,” Dr. Quattrone said.

“Because time is crucial, a swift and accurate response is critical to the patient’s outcome,” Dr. Quattrone explained. “There is a term known as the 18 March 24, 2016

golden hour. It refers to the small window that we have from the first onset of symptoms to getting treatment. If a patient can be diagnosed and receive treatment within that time frame, their outcome is much better. This time frame includes having the symptoms recognized by a family member or friend, getting to the hospital, and receiving a diagnosis.”

TeleStroke at WCCH is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Because time is critical, it’s important for the public to know the signs of a stroke,” Dr. Quattrone said.

These include: • sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • sudden severe headache • sudden trouble understanding or speaking • sudden vision problems • sudden trouble with coordination or walking If any of these symptoms are recognized, it’s important to call 911 to get to the nearest healthcare facility immediately.

Once an ischemic stroke is diagnosed, a life-saving medicine called tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, can be administered. It’s the only FDA approved treatment for ischemic strokes. It works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain being deprived.

“The medication works best if delivered within that ‘golden hour’. It can work up to three hours after diagnosis, but the sooner it’s given, the better the outcome,” Dr. Quattrone explained.

“The medication buys us time and begins working to eliminate the blockage.

We can then further monitor the patient to determine what, if any, additional treatment is necessary.”

“Having access to TeleStroke allows us to provide fast, accurate treatment for patients who might be having a stroke,” Dr. Quattrone said.

Nationwide, the program has proven useful by improving patient outcomes, decreasing patient disability related to stroke, and reducing cost, while keeping patients close to their home, in their community hospital.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

C H R I S T U S

S T .

P A T R I C K

H O S P I T A L

Dragon Boat Races April 23 The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation, along with presenting sponsors Louisiana Mortgage Associates and Northwest Mutual, will host the fourth annual Dragon Boat Races on Saturday, April 23, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall. VIP Event Sponsors include L’Auberge Casino Resort, Entergy, Coushatta Casino Resort and Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana. In this year’s race, up to 35 teams will compete to be awarded the 2016 Dragon Boat Race winning team.

During the races, Kohl’s Kids Club will hold a Healthy Living Fair at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be activities for the entire family that encourage good nutri-

Vol. 7 • No. 23

tion and healthy choices. Everyone is invited out to watch this exciting event. There will be food and drink vendors, music, karaoke and a family-friendly atmosphere. The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation is excited to bring this opportunity to promote fitness and wellness in an atmosphere of camaraderie at our picturesque Lakefront Seawall and Boardwalk. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. For more information or information on volunteering for the race, visit www. stpatrickfoundation.org or call (337) 430-5353.

March 24, 2016 19

L A K E

A R E A

M E D I C A L

C E N T E R

The Hard Facts About Kidney Stones Kidney stones are inconvenient, often unexpected and notoriously painful. More than 10 percent of Americans will suffer from a kidney stone at some point in their lives, and a person who has already had a stone has a 50 percent chance of developing another. Fortunately, many of these stones can be prevented by minor lifestyle changes.

In order to prevent kidney stones, it is important to understand how they develop.

“The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on the back of the torso. They remove excess fluid, electrolytes and waste from the blood. They also help regulate salts, phosphates and other substances,” states Kenneth Ewane, M.D. a Urologist and member of the medical staff at Lake Area Medical Center. “Stones develop in the kidneys when there is an imbalance between these substances.” The most common stones are a combination of calcium and oxalate or phosphate. These substances crystallize together if they are too highly concentrated.

Kidney stones can occur with little

20 March 24, 2016

warning. A person is not likely to have noticeable symptoms unless the stone causes a blockage or is accompanied by an infection. However, some potential signs of a stone include bloody or cloudy urine and the constant urge to urinate. A person generally becomes aware of the stone when it dislodges itself from the kidney and moves through the urinary tract. This event is marked by excruciating pain that lasts until the stone has passed.

A great number of kidney stones pass without causing any permanent damage.

Studies indicate that more than 80 percent of stones pass through urination. For stones that will not pass on their own, physicians often prescribe lithotripsy. In this procedure, shock waves are sent through the patient’s abdomen. They break up the stone so it can pass more easily. When this is not effective, doctors can either remove kidney stones through an incision in the back, or, if the stone moves to the ureter, they can pass a tube through the bladder and pull it out.

“In Southwest Louisiana we live in what I call the ‘Stone Belt’ as kidney stones are

abundant due to the rich foods we eat,” says Dr. Ewane. “One effective way to prevent stones is to drink plenty of water. If the body is not provided with sufficient fluids, the concentration of other substances becomes too high. These substances are filtered out by the kidneys, and if they are too concentrated, stones can develop.

Another way to prevent stones is to have a balanced diet. Too much salt and animal protein increases the chance of developing a stone while plenty of whole grains, potassium and magnesium and citrus fruits help lower that risk. Finally, an active lifestyle helps prevent kidney stones. Low physical activity causes the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream, eventually landing it in the kidneys,”.

Not all kidney stones can be prevented, and many factors play a role in their development. However, simple lifestyle changes can reduce your chances of developing one.

If you would like to learn more about the causes and treatment of stones, make an appointment to speak with a physician or call Lake Area Urology at (337) 439-8857.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

R O B I N S O N

D E N TA L

G R O U P

F A M I LY

D E N T I S T R Y

Overcoming Anxiety at the Dentist What’s your worst fear? If going to the dentist sends chills up your spine, you’re not alone. According to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, it’s estimated that as much as 15 percent of Americans stay away from the dentist because of fear. If you are one of these 40 million people who will do just about anything to get out of a dentist appointment, dental sedation may be right for you.

Robinson Dental Group Family Dentistry has been practicing dental sedation for over a decade, and Dr. Robinson and his team were one of the first in the Lake Area to adopt the technique.

“Sedation dentistry is an individualized experience and has become more commonplace over the last several years,” says Dr. Tim Robinson. “The amount of anxiety and type of procedure determine what type of sedation will be used. Dentists trained in sedation utilize a number of different techniques to help the patient relax to varying degrees. With dental sedation, many patients do not even re-

Vol. 7 • No. 23

member the procedure.”

The anxiety caused by a trip to the dentist is enough to cause some to avoid any future visits. Even when faced with warning signs of painful gums or sensitive teeth, there are many who still choose to not seek treatment. Making matters worse, avoiding regular cleanings can lead to bad dental and gum health, likely compromising your overall wellness. Poor dental health has been linked to heart problems, respiratory illness, low blood sugar imbalances and severe systemic infections.

A number of benefits are associated with dental sedation. Some cosmetic and surgical procedures can be lengthy, and to avoid restlessness during treatment, sedation is a viable option. If a patient chooses sedation dentistry for a longer procedure, they are usually more at ease and are able to more peacefully rest throughout the extent of the treatment. Sedation can reduce the number of appointments necessary because

more work can be completed during each visit.

“Sedation dentistry is based on the individual’s needs. In some cases, a mild analgesic, such as nitrous oxide, will remove the edge that many people feel when they sit down in the dentist’s chair.

In other cases, severe anxiety can be more completely alleviated through a pill or IV sedation that promotes relaxation,” assures Dr. Robinson.

A sedation dentist will be able to determine if there are any risks to using sedation methods through a thorough evaluation of medical history. Knowing any current medications that the patient may be taking or known allergies is important.

Aside from those, the risks of using sedation medications are minimal.

To find out more about sedation dentistry, contact Robinson Dental Group Family Dentistry by calling their Lake Charles office at (337) 474-3636 or their Moss Bluff office at (337) 429-5057 or visit www.RobinsonDentalGroup.net.

March 24, 2016 21

L A K E

C H A R L E S

M E M O R I A L

H O S P I TA L

Memorial: A True Community Hospital

with a Regional Mission

The changing healthcare environment has been a catalyst for hospitals to redefine their roles in the community. Maintaining a close relationship with the patients, while incorporating mandates necessary to keep the entities physically and fiscally healthy is imperative to keeping the doors open and to advance medical treatment. To understand why community hospitals are the backbone of local healthcare and local economies, it’s important to understand what makes a hospital a community hospital?

Governance A true community hospital is governed locally by people who live and are invested in the community’s future and not governed by for-profit, corporate offices. What does this mean? It means that Lake Charles Memorial Health System is responsible to the numerous communities and citizens it serves.

Community hospitals are not driven to generate a profit for corporate shareholders. The community is our “shareholders” and all “profit” goes back into providing excellent services, modern technology, up-to-date facilities, and the best caregivers. The oversight and direction of the community hospital is led by a Board of Directors made up of volunteers who live and work in our community, and who understand the importance of a strong, vibrant, not-forprofit hospital in the community.

As such, Memorial relies on the support of the community, not through taxpayer funding, but support in two ways: using hospital services, as well as philanthropic support. Some providers of healthcare carve out niches that are the most profitable. Memorial services are not based on how much money is generated from that service line, but the need for medical services in the community. In

addition, it serves all segments of our population: the insured, the underinsured, and the uninsured.

Economy Memorial is the heartbeat of Lake Charles – the place where children are born, parents are treated and emergencies are addressed. But, it’s more than medicine. It is also an economic driver, job generator and an anchor institution for the local community, as well as a healthcare hub for Southwest Louisiana.

Not only is the local availability of quality healthcare a convenience to residents, it is important to attracting quality employers and good-paying jobs to the region and to the healthcare industry itself.

True community hospitals are very much an economic engine of the community and tend to be among the largest employers in the community. At the end of 2015, Memorial employed just under 2,700 people, making it the largest non-government employer in the parish.

“We take our contribution as an economic catalyst in our region very seriously, playing a unique role that usually tertiary care or academic medical centers in larger cities do not,” says Larry Graham, Lake Charles Memorial Health System President and Chief Executive Officer.

Calcasieu Parish is currently in the midst of an economic boom that is expected to increase the population by 25-30 percent over the next decade, and Memorial continues to expand and improve its operations to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region.

Since 2006, your community hospital will have renovated and upgraded healthcare services and technology closing in on $166 million by the end of 2017.

Care In addition to its role as a major employer, and perhaps most importantly, a community hospital also provides integral healthcare services to the people in the area. Memorial’s presence, more often than not, prevents community members from leaving town for healthcare. Access to healthcare is not a function of price alone, but how far one must travel and how long one must wait are also considerations.

“As a regional community hospital, we bring a wide variety of medical services and specialties to patients, so they don’t have to drive far away for care,” Graham says. “To meet that goal, the number of physicians employed by the Memorial Medical Group has more than quadrupled since 2007. Some 90 primary care and specialists, of 300+ staff physicians, are employed by the health system at various campuses and clinics.”

As a regional nucleus of specialty care, Memorial provides the largest array of services in Southwest Louisiana. In 2016, the hospital is expanding its commitment to critical care capabilities by doubling the size of its intensive care unit and emergency department and building a trauma services team as 22 March 24, 2016

Vol. 7 • No. 23

an essential step in working towards a Level III designation. In 2015, Memorial began the ground work for a new mental health hospital and implemented cutting-edge treatment strategies like Memorial Emergency Department’s Telestroke Program, which connects stroke patients with stroke specialists when they not available in the area. Bringing much-needed medical care like this into the region allows patients to stay close to home for treatment when possible.

Partnerships Perhaps in years past, independence played an important role in the definition of a community hospital. But as the nature of healthcare has changed, community hospitals are forming affiliations with other hospitals and facilities while still maintaining their community roots.

These networks of hospitals, physicians, institutions and sometimes insurers work to coordinate and improve quality of care, much like Gulf South Quality Network (GSQN) of which Memorial is the anchor healthcare institution in the Southwest Louisiana region.

Organizations like GSQN recognize that hospitals with deep roots in a small community are valuable partners in helping expand quality and population health management. GSQN is the largest clinically integrated physician network in Louisiana.

Another partnership that benefits the community is the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Residency Program established in 1995 and fully funded by Memorial to facilitate more primary care access in our region. Each year, eight medical school graduates specializing in Family Medicine do their three-year residency at Memorial.

They provide primary care services to patients who do not have a family physician while training under the supervision of qualified family physician faculty members and subspecialty physicians.

Many of these physicians are practicing in Southwest Louisiana.

Another collaboration launched in 2013 was the Moss Memorial Health Clinic, a public/private cooperative endeavor with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and the Louisiana Department of Administration. The partnership reduced redundancy, expanded coverage for low-income and uninsured citizens while reducing waiting times and increasing access to quality healthcare that previously was only available to at-risk populations by traveling to Shreveport, New Orleans and Lafayette. Moss Memorial now serves as a “medical home” and safety net for uninsured and under-insured persons in Southwest Louisiana.

Quality of Life Jobs, income and services are important to the community, but they are not everything. Some benefits of a community hospital are intangible. While there is no consensus on what constitutes quality of life, healthcare is ranked near the top of virtually every measure.

Even though community hospitals can look very different from one another, ranging in bed size from dozens to hundreds, one thing truly connects them — the feeling they give to patients and visitors and how members of the community feel about their hospital. At Memorial, there is a “sense of community” that stands out.

The responsibility of caring for the community extends to every employee, every physician, and every volunteer. Regardless of their role at Memorial, primary focus is on the patients, families and community. That impact spans the entire continuum of life from birth, to childhood to middle age to the elderly stage of life to terminal illness — for the wealthiest and the poorest in our community, for people dealing with serious illness to people who want to establish healthier lifestyles.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 23

If you’re interested in feasting on savory dishes prepared by various cooking teams representing businesses, industries and individuals who enjoy hunting and fishing, then you’ll want to purchase your tickets for the Lake Charles Symphony’s 16th Annual Wild Beast Feast fundraiser. This event will be held at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank Building Courtyard on Saturday, April 2, with doors opening at 5 p.m.

This year’s variety of culinary options include Wild Pork Bruschettas, Imperial Crab Cakes, Duck and Venison Gumbo, just to mention a few. Epicureans will find something unique to savor at every table. Where else but in Louisiana can you cherish a part of our culture through the celebration of food? Prizes will be awarded to our winning teams from a panel of judges.

Attendees will enjoy their dance favorites by The Kadillacs and be able to

24 March 24, 2016

take part in the silent and live auctions featuring, trips to the beach, hunting and fishing adventures, jewelry, gourmet dinners and more. Tickets are $50 (14 years and up); $25 (7-13 years); and

free for those 6 years and under. Gator Chompers are available for $1,000 for a reserved table of eight and Gator Bites are $500 for a reserved half table of four.

Both entitle the purchaser to reserved seating and signage at the event. Tickets may be purchased at Gordon Drugs and Fine Gifts, 2716 Lake Street, and Crave Gourmet Baskets and Gifts, 2801 Ryan Street, Suite 100 or online at www. lcsymphony.com. For more information, call 337-433-1611.

2016 Major Sponsors include Citgo and JD Bank. Event Sponsors are Empire of the Seed, Walnut Gove and Calla and Lake Charles Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Southwest Beverage.

Wild Beast Feast is a major fundraiser for the Lake Charles Symphony, raising money to support its educational and outreach programs. Generous contributions by volunteer cooks, ticket buyers and corporate sponsors are valuable components of this fundraiser.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Legacy Fighting Championships March 25

Art & Architecture in Cinema: Leonardo Da Vinci March 31

The Legacy series of MMA/Kickboxing events returns to Golden Nugget Lake Charles with Legacy 52 on Fri., March 25 in the Grand Event Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. The main event features flyweight champion Damacia Page (19-10) versus Matt Schnell (8-2). Others on the fight card include Jose Ceja vs.

Irwin Rivera, Sean Soriano vs. Thomas Webb, Trent Meaux vs.

Cody Williams, David Bosnick vs. Gage Duhon, Aaron Davis vs.

Ryan Spann and Brendan Allen vs. Trevin Giles. The event will also be broadcast on AXS-TV. Tickets are available online at www.cagetix.com.

Get a unique look into Leonardo Da Vinci’s life, and experience the works and personality of one of the greatest artists who ever lived. Leonardo Da Vinci - The Ultimate Exhibition will be screened on Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m. at Cinemark Lake Charles. Don’t miss your chance to explore the dramatic story of the Master of the Renaissance in cinemas nation-wide.

Buy tickets at www.cinemark.com.

Vietnam Veterans Honor Day March 26 The City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission will host a “Vietnam Veterans Honor Day” event on Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m., at Veterans Memorial Park, Veterans Memorial Parkway. Joey Strickland, Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, will be the guest speaker. Immediately following the program, adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park, there will be a “Family Day Picnic” with fun activities for children. The public is encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 491-1201.

Friday, March 25: Jumbo Foam Eggs Use stickers and markers to create your own jumbo foam Easter egg. Class begins at 11 a.m. is limited to 24 children, ages 3 and up. The museum will close at 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 26: Kids Choice This is a workshop to use extra projects that were leftovers from previous workshops and weekly projects. Projects will be available from 10:30 a.m.-noon on a first-come, first-served basis.

Limit one project per child.

Monday, March 28: Wooden Birdhouse Paint your own wooden birdhouse. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 25 children, ages 4 and up. There is an additional $1 project fee for non-members.

Movies Under the Stars April 1, 8, 15 & 22 Calcasieu residents are invited to enjoy four movies at Prien Lake Park when Movies Under the Stars returns to light up the silver screen outdoors. April 1 Hop; April 8 Inside Out, April 15 Open Season: Scared Silly and April 22 The Good Dinosaur. Each movie begins at dusk around 7 p.m. at Prien Lake Park, located at 3700 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. Admission is free and patrons may bring their own food or purchase on-site from Tikiz Gulf Coast and Mr. Gatti’s Pizza. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

Wild Beast Feast April 2 The Wild Beast Feast will be held in the courtyard of the

Tuesday, March 29: Story Time with Leif Pedersen At 11 a.m., children’s book author Leif Pedersen will read A Dog Named Cat and A Zoo Ta-Do from his “Adventures of the Swamp Kids” series.

A book signing will follow.

Tuesday, March 29: Bird Feeders Make a bird feeder to hang outside using bagels, peanut butter and birdseed. Classes begin at 11: 45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and are limited to 24 children, ages 3 and up.

Wednesday, March 30: Jeanie the Three-Legged Dog At 11 a.m., Lydia Crochet and her rescue dog Jeanie will read their book Jeanie the ThreeLegged Dog: I Don’t Need Four Feet! Lydia and Jeanie are a part of the Dr. Dogs Pet Therapy team and visit local schools, libraries and nursing homes.

Wednesday, March 30: Wooden Tropical Wind Chimes Make a tropical wind chime for your porch.

Classes begin at 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and are limited to 24 children, ages 3 and up.

Thursday, March 31: Story Time with Cynthia Shrewsberry At 11 a.m., local children’s book author, Cynthia Shrewsberry will read Who’s That Whale with the Funny Tail? A book signing will follow.

Thursday, March 31: Robot Piggy Banks Children will paint their own ceramic robot piggy bank using acrylic paints. Classes begin at 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and are limited to 25 children, ages 4 and up. There is an additional $1 project fee for non-members.

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 $8 for children and adults. Admission applies to all workshops and activities. Call 337-433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org.

26 March 24, 2016

Vol. 7 • No. 23

April 2 Rotary Club Event

April 14 SWLA Credit Union Annual Meeting

April 17 Gems and Stems

April 23 Ninja Turtles Power Rangers Live Action Show

April 15 Community Inclusion Dance

April 18-22 State Band Festival

April 24 Sarah Jones Dance Recital

April 8, 9, 10 Cirque du Soleil presents “OVO”

April 15, 6, 17 The Original Downtown Crawfish Festival

April 20-21 Chamber SWLA 2016 Expo

April 25-26 Anadarko Spring Training Conference

April 8,9,10 CYPHACON SWLA’s Premiere Anime, Gaming and Sci Fi Convention

April 16 Police Recruiting Event

April 22 Lake City Improv Comedy Show with Cocoa Brown

April 28 Than Merrills Real Estate Class

April 9 Free to Breathe 5K

April 16 Lake Charles Symphony Concert 3

April 12,13 CPPJ Quarterly Job Fair

April 16 SWLA Heart Ball

April 23-24 Don Rich Gun Show

April 28-30 Contraband Days

April 14 Mayors Commission on Disability Conference

April 17 NYLA National Dance Competition

April 23 Dragon Boat Races

April 30 Tour LaFitte

April 3 Carmen Guillot Benefit April 3 Jody “Josephine” Sylvester Gift of Music Benefit

Calcasieu Marine Building on April 2 starting at 5 p.m. This festive occasion benefits the Lake Charles Symphony and features teams of chefs cooking up all sorts of wild beasts.

This will be a late afternoon of fun, food, drinks, a band, and more fun than you know what to do with! Put this date on your calendar. This is truly one family friendly event that you will not want to miss! Go to page 24 in this issue for all the information you need!

‘Beats & Eats Soiree’ April 2 On Sat., April 2 from 6-10 p.m., Volunteers of America will hold ‘Beats & Eats Soiree 2016’ at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles. The event will have a masquerade theme to “unmask homelessness in Southwest Louisiana.” This fundraiser supports the life-changing programs of Volunteers of America. The event will feature a plated dinner and dancing to music by The Tugboats. Products and services donated by area businesses will be auctioned. Tickets are $60 per person after March 11 upon availability. Order event tickets on-line at http://lcsoiree2016. eventbrite.com or call (337) 497-0034.

Railroad Days Festival April 7-9 Louisiana Railroad Days Festival is an alcohol-free, family friendly, three-day event. There is no admission fee or parking fee (there is a fee for carnival rides). The Louisiana Railroad Days Pageant will be held on Thursday and a parade will be held on Friday to kick off the festival, followed by Gospel Night with gospel music for everyone to enjoy. Saturday highlights include a 5K run and live music.

A variety of bands will be playing Saturday. Go to www.larailroaddaysfestival.com for a complete schedule of events.

Cirque du Soleil “Ovo” April 8-10 Cirque du Soleil will be performing in Lake Charles for the first time ever with OVO, its newest touring show in arenas. The production will be presented at the Lake Charles Civic Center from April 8 to April 10 for three performances only, as part of a global tour in arenas around North America. Thrilling more than 4.5 million people worldwide since the show premiered in Montreal in 2009 as a Big Top show, OVO will embark on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town. Tickets are available at www. cirquedusoleil.com/ovo.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

CyPhaCon April 8-10 CyPhaCon will be bringing SWLA another Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Gaming culture convention April 8-10 at the Civic Center Weekend memberships for children ages 7-13 are $15, children 14+ and adult, $40. Single-day membership rates: children 7-13 are $15, children 14+ and adults: Friday, $20; Saturday, $35 and Sunday, $15. Children 6 and under attend free. Memberships can be purchased at Paper Heroes on Ryan Street in Lake Charles, and on the CyPhaCon website via the Eventbrite link. www.CyPhaCon.org.

Lian Quan Zhen Reception April 8 View breathtaking original paintings by Lian Quan Zhen at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Hodges St. from 7-9 p.m. on April 8. Sales of the paintings will benefit the missions of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Lian Quan Zhen was born in China and earned a degree from the University of California and a master’s degree in architecture from MIT. He has authored ten books including a coffee table art book and has won many international awards. For more information on Lian Quan Zhen, visit www.lianspainting.com, and see page 24 in this issue!

Downtown Crawfish Festival April 15-16 Celebrate at one of the spiciest events in Southwest Louisiana! With crawfish season in full swing, get hungry for over 10,000 pounds of hot, boiled crawfish at the Downtown Crawfish Festival April 15-16. Other events include live music, a queen’s pageant, parade, and the Mitchell Brother’s Carnival, all at the Lake Charles Civic Center. For more event information, visit www.downtowncrawfest.com.

Realliety Challenge April 16 Lake Area’s 5th annual Realliety Challenge obstacle course/ mud run will be held April 16 at Chennault International Airport, 3650 Senator J. Bennett Johnson Ave., Lake Charles.

Participants ages 13 and up will be faced with approximately 3.5 miles of obstacles created to parallel military training conditions, including running, crawling, climbing, jumping and balancing. This year’s Challenge will have a free mini mud course and an inflatable obstacle course for young warMarch 24, 2016 27

riors ages 12 and under. Register on-line at www.reallietychallenge.com. Gates open at 7 a.m., the first wave starts at 8 a.m. Waves will run every 15 minutes. The last TIMED wave is at 11 a.m. Individuals: 13 and up: $65 ($70 after March 31t. On-line registration closes on April 10. On-site registration available ($75).

HALOS Presents ‘Joy Cmes in the Morning’ April 16 Healing After Loved Ones Suicide is a monthly support group for those left behind. This month, it will be held April 16 from 9 -11:30 a.m. at the Governor’s Mansion, 1025 Broad St., Lake Charles. There will be guest speakers and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 794-3113.

Live at the Lakefront March 25: Sweet Crude

By Jody Taylor Sweet Crude is a seven-piece indie pop band from New Orleans with a big, fun sound, simply put.

Besides not utilizing a single guitar, the band’s use of Louisiana French in both lyrical and musical contexts sets them apart. Sweet Crude weaves our unique dialect into a percussion-heavy and irresistible sound that moves a wide swath of listeners, while reviving interest in a valuable aspect of Louisiana heritage.

The band recently finished recording tracks for their upcoming full-length album, following a 5-song EP released in 2013 called Super Vilaine. These new songs were financed through a very successful Kickstarter campaign last year, raising over $28,000 in fan-donated funds (with a goal set at $20,000).

For a fresh perspective on the finished songs, Sweet Crude decided to bring in the eighth man, producer Sonny DiPerri, whose previous credits include work with Animal Collective, Trent Reznor, and Portugal. The Man. “The seven of us all have very musical backgrounds and the same vision, but just slight variations on it,” vocalist/violinist Sam Craft said in our recent phone interview.

“There’s a lot of right answers, so it’s good to have someone who can help arbitrate.”

The tight-knit members of Sweet Crude are excited about the unexpected sonic embellishments that West Coast producer DiPerri is bringing to the album. “It’s becoming more of a party than we thought,” Craft said. “We’re adding an even stronger New Orleans flavor, and he’s helping us borrow those elements, using them in a way that sounds fresh.”

We won’t have to wait long for new material either. Soon after Sweet Crude’s Live at the Lakefront performance this Friday, the band 28 March 24, 2016

will release the untitled album’s first single, with the full record set for summer.

The big Sweet Crude sound originated from Craft and co-vocalist Alexis Marceaux’s straight-up pop duo Alexis and the Samurai.

Marceaux, who won a spot on Cee-Lo Green’s team for the 2012 season of NBC’s The Voice, met Craft after returning home from Katrina.

Her French-speaking grandparents inspired them to cover a rearranged Balfa Brothers song “Parlez Nous A Boire,” sparking a creative fire that led to forming the full band, and an electric version filled with glorious harmonies and sparse instrumentation built around a tribal pulse.

“It’s not the music that would normally be associated with Louisiana French,” Craft said. “We’re just making the music that we want to make and using French as another palette of colors.”

Sweet Crude is communal in every way, like the pre-show, psych-up ritual they call “prayers.”

To shake off the day and get in stage mode, the band took a cue from theatrical productions, huddling up to sing a nursery rhyme, play Red Rover or some brainteaser exercise. The band then takes a small communion, and hits the stage.

“Whatever it takes to warm up your voices, shake off the cobwebs,” Craft said. “We hardly go on without a prayer.”

The songwriting process is also very cooperative. Someone typically comes in with an idea, some small “vignette,” and everyone works on it, adding life. “It’s a deliberate, slow process,” Craft said.

“We want to milk everything. It’s a four-minute pop song and we love working within that framework, leaving no stone unturned.”

Sam Craft named his personal highlight with Sweet Crude to be right now, recording this album, his love for songwriting. “With an album, you can really say something,” he said. “It’s the novel, the oil painting. It’s not a business card.”

In their short time as a band, Sweet Crude has become a venuepacking act in New Orleans, playing Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest and more, including an inspiring “pilgrimage” performance

at Acadie Rock Festival in the Acadian region of Canada, a milestone region in the Cajun migration.

Besides Craft and Marceaux, Sweet Crude is keyboardist/trumpet player/vocalist Skyler Stroup, percussionist Marion Tortorich, drummer Jon Arceneaux, bassist Stephen McDonald, and Sam’s brother Jack Craft, keyboards and vocals: this merry band.

More information, updates, and fun can be found on Sweet Crude’s Facebook, then, catch the show for yourself at the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Arcade Amphitheatre this Friday, March 25 (6-10 p.m.) during Live the Lakefront 2016, a free concert series also featuring the Lake Area’s favorite party band Flamethrowers and lively Louisiana roots duo Thomas & Theresa.

A big thanks to Shiner Beers for their support of Live at the Lakefront 2016. For a full list of supporters and more info on this free concert series, visit www.facebook. com/artscouncilswla. To read a full transcript of the phone interview with Sam Craft, visit www. artscouncilswla.org/sweet-crude.

See you at the show!

Jody Taylor is the Project Coordinator for the Arts Council of SWLA and can be reached through email at jodyt@ artscouncilswla.org.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 29

CyPhaCon 2016 Brings Sci-Fi/Fantasy Stars to Lake Charles On April 8-10, CyPhaCon will be bringing SWLA another in its long stream of exceptional sci-fi/fantasy and gaming culture conventions.

As in past events, the convention will be hosting some impressive television video and voice celebrities, including Tony Amendola (Geppetto in the hit ABC Series Once Upon A Time), Nana Visitor (Major Kira Nerys of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Monica Rial (Bulma in DragonBall Z Kai), Aaron Douglas (Chief Galen Tyrol in Battlestar Galactica), and prolific anime voice-actor Kyle Hebert (Narrator in DragonBall Z).

Also appearing will be several popular authors, such as S. Usher Evans, Michael Moreau, Roland Yeomans, T.S. Barnett, Chris Hayes, and Ryter Rong.

Performing groups include local cover band The Tugboats, longtime fan-favorite Suzaku 7 (both performing

30 March 24, 2016

2015 Cosplay Contest on Friday evening in the Rosa Hart Theater), as well as the popular Orion’s Envy, Bedlam Bards, and cosplayer “Silly Little Missy.” Gaming groups Scion eSports and MechCorps will be making an appearance.

Also present will be a large number of local and out-oftown fan groups. All celebrities, etc. will be available for face-to-face meet and greets, autographs and more.

Weekend activities include The 6th annual CyPhaCon

Charity Auction (benefitting Hobo Hotel for Cats), The 6th annual CyPhaCon Cosplay Contest, the CyPhaCon Saturday Evening After-Party, demonstration and discussion panels, celebrity meet and greet, autographs, extensive gaming events, and unique collectible and food vendors.

CyPhaKids, the childfriendly (ages 5 thru 11) convention corner geared to please geeky-yet-doting parents and their youngsters has

proven to be a popular aspect of the CyPhaCon experience, with games, artwork, music and other child-friendly activities a-plenty.

Operational hours are Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CyPhaCon has flexible and affordable membership rates: At-The-Door Weekend Memberships for Children ages 7-13 are $15, Children 14+ & Adult are $40. Single-day membership rates: Children 7-13 are $15, Children 14+ & Adults are: Friday, $20, Saturday, $35, and Sunday, $15. Children 6 and under attend free.

Memberships can be purchased at Paper Heroes on Ryan Street in Lake Charles, and on the CyPhaCon website via the Eventbrite link. For more information, go to www.

CyPhaCon.org or their Facebook page.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Sweet as Sin

The last meal you had was very satisfying.

Everything was made the way you like it, served efficiently, and pleasing to your palate. What you ate was delicious and it almost filled you up, leaving just enough room for one more bite - and in Sweet as Sin by Susan Benjamin, you’ll read about that which you might’ve chosen.

Susan Benjamin’s mother hated candy – which was unfortunate, since Benjamin’s father loved the stuff. As a child, Benjamin sided with her father and now it’s her livelihood: she’s a candy saleswoman and historian who says that while sweet treats have been around for millennia -- paleontologists once found 9,000-year-old ABC gum -- the history of candy is “a convergence of many cultures and experiences…”

Native Americans, for instance, knew all about sweets long before Europeans arrived. They found that corn and maple syrup, properly processed, made dandy candy and that fruit, as Benjamin’s brother says, “is pretty much the same as candy.” Europeans expounded on those Vol. 7 • No. 23

ideas and learned to make root beer.

As humans cultivated sharper cravings, the world leaped to satisfy them: from a French slave, we got cheaper vanilla; from Mesoamericans, we got chocolate, and both were once considered aphrodisiacs. Asia gave the world marshmallow. The peanut, it’s believed, came from Africa.

Sugarcane, says Benjamin, began in India and was at least partly the reason slaves were brought to U.S. shores.

Though cacao was “most likely” used by Southwestern Native Americans, chocolate wasn’t popular with Colonists until the late 1600s – and even then, it was a drink, not a food. It took a surprisingly long time for it to become a treat but once it did, businesses sprung up to make it, soldiers demanded it, and candy stores sold it. The first commercial candy seller, by the way, was quite involved with the Underground Railroad.

And your favorites? Many of them are here in this book, with stories that’ll tickle your sweet tooth: find out what the Sugar Daddy was originally named. See why

Life Savers were created, why they’re called Milk Duds, which candy was the first in space, and what made Milton Hershey cry…

Oh, my, reading Sweet as Sin is like taking a trip back to your childhood, with history along for the ride. It’s nostalgic, but informative.

Bite-sized, in both memory and fact, and as easy to dip into as your grandma’s candy dish.

With the lightest of tones and a sprinkle of the personal, author Susan Benjamin shows how candy has become a part of our culture, and how it’s stayed there despite a recently-bad reputation that’s somewhat changing.

In doing so, she serves up a Baby Boomer’s treasure trove of old favorites and treats

you may have forgotten you enjoyed (candy cigarette, anyone?), wrapped inside pictures and little-known stories.

Oh, and did I mention recipes?

Yep, you’ll find some of those, too, and plenty to chew on, making a great read for foodies and former kids alike. So look for Sweet as Sin. It’s pretty tasty.

“Sweet as Sin: The Unwrapped Story of How Candy Became America ’s Favorite Pleasure”

By Susan Benjamin ©2016, Prometheus Books $18 / $19 Canada 320 pages March 24, 2016 31

Heather Arsement Photography

By Jason Machulski Conceptual photography illustrates an idea. There have been illustrative photographs made since the medium’s invention, such as in the earliest staged photographs like Hippolyte Bayard’s “Self Portrait as a Drowned Man” (1840). However, the term “Conceptual Photography” derives from “Conceptual Art,” a movement of the late 1960s. Today, the term is used to describe either a methodology or a genre. The “concept” is both preconceived and, if successful, understandable in the completed image.

Photographer Heather Arsement’s work is all self-portraits done solely by herself.

She sets the camera and focus on a board.

After the focusing is completed, she sometimes sets the camera to take burst photos.

She then goes through the set of photos to narrow down the best shot. Her photographic work and the digital editing sets her style apart from others. The long strenuous process of this photographic art form is an amazing story.

I think that there is no specific formula Always Here With Me

32 March 24, 2016

for success in photography, as the definition of success is different for everyone, regardless of his or her career. The only thing that an artist can do is to keep creating work, whether they choose to show it or not.

Heather has been married to local musician Ganey Arsement for the past 16 years.

She found photography about six years ago when she picked up her husband’s camera, an old Canon 10D with a film lens attached to it. The lens had focusing issues, but she didn’t care. She learned everything she could about the camera and learned how to use it by shooting flowers and tree. But, she felt that she wanted to tell stories with her photography. She stepped in front of the camera and started her journey into self-portrait photography.

phy was the only thing that I have been truly passionate about.

JAM: Where did you discover your first interest in art?

HA: I have always been a creative person.

I have been searching all my life for a creative outlet that I truly loved. I tried everything from painting to pottery, but photogra-

JAM: What do you feel has set you apart from other photographers? In other words, what have others told you that they enjoy most about your work?

HA: My photography has a painterly quality to it. I hear people often ask if they

JAM: Did you ever expect to turn that into a career?

HA: Not at all. It wasn’t until people actually said “Hey, I would love to own that piece.”

JAM: What inspired you to create that style, and do you have a name for it?

HA: I hope that you can look at one of my pieces and know that it’s one of mine.

My very first art photographs were inspired by my favorite songs. Then I realized I had something I wanted to say about my life and what I see around me. I call it fine art conceptual photography.

Fall Back Into Me

Vol. 7 • No. 23

are paintings or photographs. They aren’t really sure especially when they see them in person. They are also amazed that I am a self-portrait photographer.

JAM: Do you admire any artists/photographers?

HA: Yes, tons of them. Almost too many to list. Brooke Shaden, who is a conceptual photographer as well as an awesome person, Emily Soto, who is a fashion photographer that shoots with vintage film.

And Jenna Martin who specializes in underwater photography.

JAM: What keeps your drive alive?

What makes you want to get up and art each day?

HA: Well I don’t create every day. I do everything myself, I find props, wardrobe, shoot, model and edit all myself. All this is quite time consuming. Usually the whole process from start to finish is about six hours, more or less. I get obsessed about a JAM: Do you have any concept and that is all I think about until I favorite blogs? can create it. Thankfully, I have an underHA: “Promoting Passion” standing husband

by Brooke Shaden is Wounded Warrior perfect for anyone who supports my work. I mostly crewho needs to spark ate on the weekpassion into their ends. lives.

JAM: What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created?

HA: That’s a hard question, that’s like asking me which one of my children is my favorite. But I would say the one I am most proud of is “Narcolepsy.”

It is a self-portrait that took about 12 hours to shoot and edit.

JAM: What are you working on at the moment?

HA: I am working on getting my pieces ready for the “Work of Women” exhibit in May at the Henning House in Sulphur. I have a new mounting technique that I am working on for this exhibit using cold wax and wooden canvases to display my work. Also, I am in the process of continuing my series of photographs depicting young ladies as warrior women.

JAM: What are you doing when you’re not creating?

HA: I work at local hospital boutique and coffee café’.

JAM: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

HA: That I am a super shy person.

JAM: Where can we find you?

(Blog, website, twitter, Facebook etc.)

HA: I have a Facebook Page www.facebook.com/heatherarsementphotography JAM: Where do you sell your work?

HA: I have an Etsy shop or you can contact me through my Facebook page https://

Last Song I’ll Write for You

www.etsy.com/shop/HeatherArsementphoto JAM: What are your goals for the future?

HA: My goal in the future is to try to attend more art shows to get my work out locally. And my dream is to have my own solo art exhibit.

SWLArt Group is a collaboration of a variety of local groups & artists, to support the development and improvement of their quality of life & business as well as strengthen the over cultural growth of the community. For more information about SWLArt Group, artists, or events visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/swlart. Also be sure to follow them on Instagram and Twitter @swlart.

Narcolepsy

JAM: What else should we know about your work?

HA: My life is reflected in my work. But my hope is that you see yourself in my work, you see your own story in it, and it speaks to you in some way. That it makes you feel something.

JAM: Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

HA: Create what you are passionate about. Don’t worry about what is popular or trending. And if you find yourself with creator’s block, try daydreaming.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 33

34 March 24, 2016

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Thursday, March 24 Katie Whitney and Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Reed Planchard & Driving Dixie 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners

Swagger 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Rapture 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Swagger 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Karaoke Night Karoake starts @ 11 p.m.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

Friday, March 25 Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Sweet Crude and Flamethrowers

Live @ the Lakefront

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Rapture 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Reed Planchard & Driving Dixie 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

Charley Pride

Swagger 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

7 p.m. @ Delta Event Center Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Signature 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. Ste. R, LC

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Rapture 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

No Idea 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Dance Night Drink specials starting @midnight 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Rusty Metoyer 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Paws Teh Cat 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 729 Ryan St. LC DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

@ 6-10 p.m.

Lakefront Promenade’s Arcade Amphitheatre

Saturday, March 26

Dustin and Travis 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Kenny Spears 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

March 24, 2016 35

No Idea 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Kris Harper 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

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

SIN Night Two for Tuesday on shots and beer 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC

Joe Harmon & The Harmonics 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Wednesday, March 30

Burris

Sunday, March 27 Chester & Jarius Daigle

JD’s Whiskey Brunch @11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Server Industry Night Sunday Funday Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Monday, March 28 Stacy Bearden 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC

Tuesday, March 29

Chester Daigle 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Chris Miller & Bayou Roots 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Michael Krajicek 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Orphan Annie 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Superstar Wednesdays Drag Show starts at 11:30 p.m.

9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC

Nathan Horton 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 729 Ryan St. LC

Thursday, March 31

Bryan Trahan 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Rusty Yates 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Jazz Night with Clint Faulk 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Orphan Annie 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Trivial Tuesdays!

Live Team Trivia 7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. 36 March 24, 2016

After Party 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

10 p.m. @ Luna Live 729 Ryan St. LC

Friday, April 1

Triggerproof 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Dance Night Drink specials starting @midnight 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Killawatts 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Rusty Yates 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

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

The Spinners

Saturday, April 2

8:30 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office.

T-Broussard & the Zydeco Stompers 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC After Party 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Rusty Yates 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Leon Russell 8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office.

Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

T-Broussard & the Zydeco Stompers 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton After Party 9 p.m.– 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Vol. 7 • No. 23

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Triggerproof 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Sunday, April 3

Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Chester & Jarius Daigle

JD’s Whiskey Brunch @11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Server Industry Night Sunday Funday Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Monday, April 4 Bryan Trahan 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Drink Specials 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

Tuesday, April 5 Chip Radford 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Angel Garcia 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Wednesday, April 6 Chester Daigle 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Chris Miller &

Trivial Tuesdays! Bayou Roots Live Team Trivia 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort

3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC Orphan Annie 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

March 24, 2016 37

Superstar Wednesdays

Thursday, April 7

Drag Show starts at 11:30 p.m.

9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC

Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Everybody Get Together, Try to Love One Another Right Now...

It seems a simple enough concept, but even amongst those who have collaborated together for years, decades even, sometimes this just isn’t a possibility. Take for instance, Alabama.

These guys were easily one of the best known and most successful country music acts the industry has ever seen, but their longstanding feud with former drummer Mark Herndon is certainly no secret, with founder and frontman Randy Owen going so far

38 March 24, 2016

TK Hulin 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

as to disown him retroactively, saying that he “was never really a member of the band.” Legacies got swapped for lawsuits and a very familiar face to one of the genre’s best known brands was treated as if he never participated in their 27 number one hits and seven multi-platinum records in the ‘80s alone.

The feud goes deeper than that in ways that didn’t make headlines, at least, according to what many of my friends the industry have told me. I’ve heard that there were times that even the three principal members of the bad wouldn’t even ride on the same bus with one another. The reasoning behind the American Farewell Tour in 2002 was eventually revealed to be that the band was exhausted from years of touring and that they all “needed some time,” but continuing strife amongst the three has been reported to me from people who booked the band as well as others who toured with them.

I per-

Orphan Annie 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

sonally don’t think that they had any intentions to get back together. Just months prior to the band’s 2013 reunion, I personally saw pitches for “The Randy Owen Band” asking for three times what I spent on acts such as Peter Frampton and Sara Evans. As I figured, that evidently didn’t pan out, as Alabama struck out again, obviously filling a financial hole they couldn’t fill otherwise.

So how does that happen? How do you get such a great set of musicians together that just can’t get along? I guess the Beatles are a significant example. If even those guys who, arguably, may have influenced modern/ rock/pop music more than any other act in history, couldn’t last more than a decade together how could we reasonably expect anyone else to? Fortunately, some have found ways to do it but others, more and more, fall victim to it and eventually fall into the rock n roll graveyard that has taken far too many far too soon.

So Much Time to Make Up Everywhere You Turn, Love We Have Wasted on the Way...

The most recent such loss, the one that prompted this column in fact, is what I believe to be the forever end of Crosby, Stills and Nash. The 74-yearold Nash (who was the spryest looking and best sounding of the trio when I saw them in 2008) has, in no uncertain Vol. 7 • No. 23

Encore 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

terms, spelled out his dislike of former Byrd and bandmate, David Crosby in recent interviews with both a Dutch magazine and Billboard saying that David has “been awful to me the last two years. Just ******* awful” and that he has “ripped the heart out of what was Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.”

Now, these guys are no stranger to bad blood. By the time I really “got” CSN, they had already parted ways and held pretty verbal grudges against each other. Even as recently as 2014, comments

by David Crosby about Daryl Hannah, Neil Young’s girlfriend at the time, led Young to assure that no CSNY reunion would ever happen. Even going back to their roots, the band all but fell apart by the end of their summer of ‘70 tour, one year after the trio / quartet was formed. They reunited in 1974 but only after tensions quashed a reconciliation effort earlier that year...

And so on and so forth. It’s been a never-ending precipice that these guys have teetered on. Either way, at this age and after all they’ve been through, if Graham is saying “I’m Done. **** you,” then I can only safely assume that that is yet another Woodstock act that won’t see the light of day again. I’m glad I saw them when I did. It may have been the last time that they were happy playing together or the last time that a song like “Wasted On The Way “ actually made sense for them. Maybe not, but at least I got to see Vol. 7 • No. 23

some of my heroes before all was said and done.

It’s a Long Way to the Top if You Wanna Rock and Roll...

And other news on this front is breaking out of Australia, with the announcement that AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson is off the road under doctor’s orders concerning imminent hearing loss. However, word is now surfacing that the hearing loss is not as bad as has been printed and that he has been all but “kicked to the curb” by Angus and the rest of the band.

Supposedly, Johnson told the band of the medical situation and discovered in the papers that the tour had been called off and sub-

Karaoke Night Karoake starts @ 11 p.m.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

sequently found all of his personal belongings from the tour dropped off at his house. No word yet from the band over the allegations, but this may be yet another legendary act that finds itself no more before the reaper deemed it so.

And lest we not forget that ol’ reaper, he’s still doing his evil deed as well. An official announcement this past week has signaled the end of The Eagles after the untimely passing of founder Glen Frey. It seems like nothing can stop this unending tide of watching our beloved legends pass away or burn out under their own fire.

But such is the way of the world. To hearken back to David Crosby and crew, “To everything, turn turn turn, There is a season,

Friday, April 8 Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

turn turn turn.” Even the greatest of things can’t last forever. As much as we would like them to, some things just aren’t meant to be after a certain point in time. Maybe that’s finally the case for CSN, or AC/ DC or The Eagles. It’s just kind of hard living in the days that you get to watch legends go away.

Either way, it leaves one to think about how long our favorite artist or band might be around. Take the chances to see the shows you want while you can because tomorrow may bring the end of something that you and countless others held dear all of these years.

Here’s to hoping that we all get to see the ones we love and admire before their respective stars finally dim and fizzle out for good.

Something is Happening Here...

And now, in a more familiar tone for the ol’ JMLC it’s time for…

Saturday, March 26: Charley Pride - Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel The Mississippi born/San Marcos based balladeer of such hits as “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” and “Mountain of Love” is bringing a celebration of five decades of music to the Delta Downs stage. Though I have not had the pleasure to work with Charley himself, I have worked with his sons Dion and Carlton and if their performances were any testament of their dad’s legacy, this is sure to be another show to see while you still can. GO SEE THIS SHOW!!

Let the Water Come and Carry Us Away...

So that’s a wrap for another edition of the JMLC and, apparently, for some of the most influential acts in modern music history. At least I can say I’ll be back in two weeks. Shame we can’t say the say the same about the rest.

Godspeed, fellas. I hope that happiness finds you all and that maybe, JUST MAYBE, we’ll get a chance to hear your magic once again. Until then...

I’ll see you at the show!

March 24, 2016 39

Prime Time 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

Kadillacs 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Encore 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

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

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Saturday, April 9

Orphan Annie 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Dance Night Drink specials starting @midnight 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Travis Tritt 8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone

through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office.

The Slags 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

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

Prime Time 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

Sunday, March 27

Encore 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Chester & Jarius Daigle

JD’s Whiskey Brunch @11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Server Industry Night Sunday Funday Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC

Lian Quan Zhen Reception/Workshops There will be a reception for artist Lian Quan Zhen on Friday, April 8 from 7 – 9 p.m. at St Andrew Presbyterian Church, 4020 Hodges Street next to McNeese State University. The reception is free and open to the public Lian was chosen last year as one of only two artists by North Light Publishing to publish a coffee-table art book. Born in China, Lian immigrated to the US earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Berkeley, then graduating from MIT with a Master of Architecture

40 March 24, 2016

degree. He was commissioned by them to paint all of their major buildings, and the MIT Museum has collected 14 of his paintings.

Lian has offered to give the church a percentage of any sales he makes from his paintings and books. Sales will benefit the church’s missions, which include Papua New Guinea, Habitat for Humanity, and PCF – Presbyterian Christian Fellowship for McNeese students and young adults.

There will be two three-day workshops at the church with artists coming from

Louisiana and Texas. The workshop dates are April 7 – 9 and 11 – 13. Those wishing to attend can contact Nancy Melton by at nmelton@suddenlink.net.

Vol. 7 • No. 23

Vol. 7 • No. 23

March 24, 2016 41

Dr. Jason and Kasey Langhofer with Louis and Lisa Todd Reverend Seth Donald and Constance Darbonne

Todd Hebert and Stephanie Richard

SALVATION ARMY’S EMPTY BOWL FUNDRAISER It was a night of charity at L’Auberge Casino as the Salvation Army hosted “Soup, Soap and Salvation,” this years edition of their annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser. Nearly a dozen local chefs turned out presenting a variety of decadent soups. Cheers to everyone who came out to support such a great cause!

David Nodier and Laura and Amy Pousson

Mark Abraham and Steven Dwight

Laken Bell, Kirby Buck, Paige Premeaux and Devin Sikes

Jake Bowers, Ryan Billedeaux, Cody Richard, Kent Fontenot and Joseph Polito LIVE @ THE LAKEFRONT

Josie, Selena and Jason Wood

Kenny Benoit and Rachel Kelly 42 March 24, 2016

Jackie Bourassa and Nik LaCour

Jana and Chad Crain with Amanda Reeves

This year’s inaugural night of one of the Lake City’s most anticipated annual events was no disappointment as locals turned out in droves to see Royal Teeth, Watchers and The Von Dukes as they kicked off the 2016 Live at The Lakefront Concert Series. The third installment is still coming up on March 25. See you there!

Rebecca Trahan, Ashli Waldrep and Candy Rodriguez Vol. 7 • No. 23

Rex and Olivia Alexander Gabriel Heald and Jeff Courts

Matt Martin and Cait Cloud

ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT MACFARLANE’S CELTIC PUB It was much of the “wearin’ o’ the green” and the Guinness was flowing like the River Shannon as locals descended en masse upon MacFarlane’s for the day long revelry that was St Paddy’s 2016.

Sláinte!

Ryan Nugent, Alex Wornker, Garett Curphy, Christina V. and Aaron Roy

Julie Ann Fay and Gary Shannon

Johnny Cooper, Jessica Vincent, Gordon Oliver and Dacota Broussard

Jean East, Doodle East and Rebecca Fendley

ASSEMBLÉ 2016 LeighAnn, Olivia, Lilly and Brian Vidrine

Jane Marks, Annalise Denourello and Gwen Ziegler Vol. 7 • No. 23

Isabella, Becca and Sandra LeLeux

Katherine Duncan with Sam and Lily Walken

The Lake Charles Civic Ballet brought some magic and mystery to the Rosa Hart stage with this year’s edition of their annual event, which fuses multiple artistic forms together creating a truly unique performance experience. Bravo!

David and Brylee Williams, J.W. and JoAnn Beard and Amanda Williams March 24, 2016 43