April 23, 2015 • Volume 7 • Issue 1
715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Contributors Nicole Shuff Arabie Dan Ellender Jamie Gaines Mike McHugh Roger Miller Jason Machulski Justin Morris Brian Pitre Terri Schlichenmeyer Robyn Settoon Karla Tullos Chef David Yantis
On cover: ABC Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
COVER STORY 22 ABC School
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REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA! 8
The Dang Yankee
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Adoption Corner
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Tips From Tip
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Fishin’ Tales
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Stir Dat Pot
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Soul Matters
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Tales of the Bayou Pickers
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FEATURES 4 The St. Louis HS Soccer Dynasty 16
Seven Slot Society
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The Mines Community Theatre
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20 Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point Opens Sales sales@thejambalayanews.com Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk Business Office Manager Jeanie Taggart
THE SPICE OF SWLA 24 MusicMakers2U 26 Event Guide 28 Summer Camps Guide
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32 Contraband Days 2015 Guide
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33 Family Fun Night at the Movies 34 Bookworm Sez… 35 Book Bites
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.
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36 Hashtag Dat: Twisted Cooks 38 Nightlife Guide 42 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles 44 Society Spice
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47 Funbolaya
Vol. 7 • No. 1
A Note From Lauren Volume Seven
Our first issue
This issue starts our seventh volume of The Jambalaya News. Which means we’ve been around for six years. Six years. I never would have thought that someday, I would have my own publication down South when I started scribbling poems at the age of seven in my drafty bedroom on Barnes Ave. We never know what life has in store for us, do we? All I knew back then was that I loved to write and I loved to read and that has only intensified through the years. As an only child, books were my best friends. I loved escaping my mundane life into another world that was so different than my own. I could be in Victorian England one day and medieval Italy the next. What an adventure! I pitied people who didn’t read. I still do, although the Internet has opened the great wide world up to everyone, and people who won’t pick up a book get their knowledge in other ways that did not exist when I was growing up. That’s a good thing. So my love of words that began so many years ago has brought me to where I am today, the publisher and editor of The Jam. It’s a wonderful place to be. It’s not an easy place to be, but that’s beside the point. I’ve made, and continue to make, a lot of sacrifices. I work long, long hours. But I’m doing
what I love to do and that means everything. A lot of people can’t say that. The area is rich in good, generous people who enjoy life and know how to pass a good time, and who have welcomed me and welcomed The Jam into their lives. Because of my job, I meet interesting people, attend varied and unique events, enjoy outstanding food. Every day I receive new information on what’s happening in the Lake Area that I can impart to the community. The articles we’ve published have been, by turns, inspirational, heartbreaking, educational, informative, and fun. I am eternally grateful to my art director, Burn Rourk, for his unwavering dedication and creativity. Without him there wouldn’t be a Jam. I salute our many contributors who all have one thing in common: a passion for Southwest Louisiana and all that it has to offer. And I especially thank all of our readers who faithfully pick up The Jam every two weeks and let me know in so many ways how much they enjoy it. I, and my publication, hope to be around for a long time to come.
Lauren Abate de Albuquerque
2801 Ryan St. Lake Charles Vol. 7 • No. 1
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By Brian Pitre “A dynasty is a sequence of rulers from the same powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time.” – Webster’s Dictionary The word “dynasty” derives from the Latin word dynastia meaning “power, “dominion,” and/or “rule.” The members of dynasties are immortalized in history through their aweinspiring achievements. The walls of their palaces were decorated with trophies and prizes to forever remind their decedents of their individual and collective accolades, ultimately encouraging a stronger generation.
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Those who have been blessed to walk the halls of these empires share a bond of respect and loyalty that transcends all age and gender. The blood, sweat, and tears it takes to build and maintain a dynasty are the glue that binds nobles to their heirs. Years of dedication towards performance and achievement by those nobles and their heirs are the key factors that define a group or family as a dynasty. The St. Louis Catholic High School Boys Soccer Team has more than earned their right to be called a dynasty. After a grueling, hardfought match against North-
lake Christian, which, in the end, came down to penalty kicks, the Saints finally had the chance to embrace the spoils of their long-soughtafter victory. Their triumph over the Wolverines this year sealed the Saints 11th State Championship Title in 25 years. Making over 20 playoff appearances, the Saints have etched their legacy into the history of athletic programs throughout the gulf area. Taught never to retreat, never to surrender like the legendary Spartans of Ancient Greece, the Saints training strategy maximizes the potential of every player it enlists—physically, as well as
academically. Their leader, Coach Jason Oertling, has marched these mighty Saints to over 500 victories for more than 20 years now. Well-organized as one unit, each with their individual specialties, “Oertling’s 11” took as much as they gave from every match they laced up to win. Being a part of a dynasty means learning to serve and rule simultaneously, so many former players have returned to the field as coaches. Maintaining that sense of family is exactly what’s allowed them to build a dynasty. Current coaches Luke Pusson and Irving Clark are both alumni champions of different years, and by combining their drive and desire for excellence, they have handcrafted a new generation of champions. “To see players achieve things they may not have realized were even possible, and then knowing that somewhere along the way I had something to with it, is often that reminder that perhaps I am doing the right thing,” says Coach Pusson. The success of their program has produced a network of on and off the field talent, spanning over five generations of doctors, lawyers, realtors, entertainers, journalists, and so much more. Shelter Agent Ross Byrley, Chef Jacob Manceaux, and Benjamin Williams, M.D., are just few examples of how players transform their position titles on the field into respected titles in their busiVol. 7 • No. 1
ness fields. “Once I started counting, I realized the amount of entrepreneurs and business professionals [that] we have in the city, that have played on a championship team is staggering,” says former team member and Louisiana Farm Bureau Agent Joseph Lapira. Standing in the shadows of former champions is never an easy position for a young player to be in, but the dedication required to maintain that level of success creates a work ethic that last a lifetime. “The one thing I can say [that] I will remember from this year’s championship, 10 years from now, is that it took us a lot of hard work to achieve this,” says sen-
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ior midfielder Michael Buisson, recalling the start of the season. “We lost 15 seniors last year and only five returned. The amount of effort and teamwork we had to put together in order to start winning some games was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.” Training to achieve the title of champion integrates itself into their everyday lives. “You know, it’s kind of like after climbing a mountain, you have this rush of energy, excitement, and gratification that carries over into everything else you start doing,” senior defender Daltin Babineaux says. “Your grades get better, and you just start to feel better about life.” Generally, such
dominance is often only realized in retrospect, but the Saints aren’t looking to give up their reign anytime soon. Their history has brought prestige to our city. Coach Oertling describes winning for him as a person, not specifically as a coach, to be the real reason he loves his job. “I get to watch kids walk away from here, taking the things that they learned how to do while working so hard to chase that ball, and carry those skills over into their lives as businessmen, husbands, and fathers.” He explains. “St. Louis is my home, I love what I do, and I love that the people around me love that I do it. I’ll be here as long as they’ll have me.”
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During her tenure, she has earned an Outstanding Leadership in Nursing award on two separate occasions for demonstrating operational excellence while maintaining an ongoing commitment to provide quality healthcare.
Billideaux Joins WCCH
MaciFest Honors Local Inspirations During MaciFest’s “Night of Inspiration” event on April 10, six Lake Area individuals were recognized for their inspirational lives with the first-ever Overcomer Award ceremony. The event focused on ESPN college football analyst Tim Tebow’s motivational message of the power that perseverance has in overcoming life’s obstacles Brayden Croxdale, Conrad Litel, Kristin Bennett, Lisa Albrecht, Cannon Bruchhaus, and Jeremy Harlow were each presented with an Overcomer Award by Tebow as well as a certificate of recognition by Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach.
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of Anne Billeaudeaux to its growing staff of healthcare professionals. In her new role as director of business relations and physician development, she will be responsible for directing the planning, development and recruitment of the WCCH medical staff. Prior to joining WCCH, Billeaudeaux Anne Billideaux served at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital for over 21 years. A resident of Sulphur, she holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana – Lafayette.
Sasol Launches Text Notification System Sasol announced the launch of SasolTEXT, a web-based text messaging system, developed to provide real-time constructionrelated updates to the local community. SasolTEXT allows residents to sign up to receive notifications about road reroutes, lane closures, heavy equipment and module transports related to construction of Sasol’s world-scale ethane cracker project in Westlake. Additionally, notifications will be published online at www.sasolnorthamerica.com/Construction.
Stream Family Pledges $1 Million to Hurricane Museum The Stream family has pledged $1 million toward the building and operations of the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center. The gift is the largest private donation to the Center since fundraising began more than four years ago. To date, approximately $40 million in funding has been secured for construction and other expenses. The NHMSC should begin construction in 2016 on Phase One of its expected 68,000-square-foot facility on the lakefront at Lake Charles, on land pledged by the City of Lake Charles.
L to R: Maci Fontenot, daughter of Nikki Fontenot, Lisa Albrecht, Jeremy Harlow, Cannon Bruchhaus, Tim Tebow, Conrad Litel, and Kristin Bennett. Not shown: Brayden Croxdale
LAMC’s Robbin Odom Receives Recognition
Robbin Odom 6 April 23, 2015
Robbin Odom, R.N., B.H.A., M.S.N. Chief Nursing Officer at Lake Area Medical Center has been appointed to the Chief Nursing Officer Council within the Community Health Systems Company. Odom has worked at Lake Area Medical Center since July 2012, and has held a leadership role in healthcare for the past 25 years.
L to R: National Hurricane Museum & Science Center board members are Fran Morgan-Sanchez, Dennis Stine, Michael Olivier, Mark McMurry, Gray Stream, Tim Osborn and Captain Sammie Faulk
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Cameron LNG Donates to Family & Youth The Leadership Center, a division of Family & Youth Counseling Agency, received a $2,500 donation from Cameron LNG. The money was donated to TLC’s Career Exploration and Civic Engagement initiatives, which teach youths the skill sets necessary to be successful in any career path. The Civic Engagement initiative helps youths to develop a combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make a difference by promoting the quality of life in a community.
investment advisor, investment performance, account information, account offerings, commissions and fees, website and problem resolution.
MSU Engineering Students Win Design Challenge A team of McNeese State University mechanical engineering students won the 2014 Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus Engineering Design Challenge. The competition was funded by the Bechtel Foundation and CITGO. The McNeese team designed the winning tool that will help the Ocean Exploration Trust Nautilus Program better sample volcanic formations from the seafloor. This new rock-sampling device will be integrated into the remotely operated vehicle operations on the Exploration Vessel Nautilus this summer.
L to R: Candis Carr, Sr. VP/Family & Youth; Steve Trahan, Cameron LNG and Julio Galan, President/CEO Family & Youth
McNeese Students Win Addys Four McNeese State University students received 10 awards, including the “Best of Show,” at the 2015 ADDY Awards. Students Kathern Peal, Joseph Racca, Chance Deville and Ivo V. Reynolds received awards in the categories of collateral material and elements of advertising. Peal received a gold and “Best of Show” for a single illustration, two silver awards for logos and a bronze for a single poster. Racca received a gold and two bronze awards for color photography. Deville earned a gold for black and white photography while Reynolds earned a silver for a single poster.
L to R: Pawan Yadav, Nepal senior; Nathan Stratton, LC senior; Garrett Soileau, LC junior; Daniel Decareaux, LC junior; and Sandesh Thapa, Nepal senior; and standing, Dr. Ning Zhang. McNeese Photo
Dupre Named Student Employee of the Year
Sara Dupre
Sara Dupre, a Bell City senior at McNeese State University, has been recognized as the McNeese 2015 Janet Delaine Student Employee of the Year. The program recognizes students who demonstrate reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and contributions. Dupre works in the President’s Office and the Office of Public Relations and University Events. and was chosen for her responsibility, reliability, initiative, organizational and problemsolving skills and leadership contributions to both offices during her three-year tenure as a student employee.
Edward Jones Ranks Highest in Investor Satisfaction Financial-services firm Edward Jones ranks highest in a tie in investor satisfaction with full-service brokerage firms, according to the J.D. Power 2015 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study, Sulphur area advisors Tab Finchum, Taylor Finchum, John Guilbeaux , Brian Levens and Philip Quinn announced today. The study measures overall investor satisfaction with full-service investment firms based on seven factors: Vol. 7 • No. 1
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Slugging the Tax Code I have an accountant friend whom I saw today for the first time in months. Bleary-eyed, pale from lack of sun, and in dire need of a cold one though he could barely grip it due to severe carpal tunnel, he looked as if he’d just been a contestant on an office version of “Survivor.” It happens every year about this time, and it’s how I know that income tax season is finally over. I’ve never met a person who admits to being happy with our current tax system. Rather, they all complain about the precious hours wasted in filling out endless forms—hours which could otherwise be put to much better use, such as answering Facebook quizzes to find out what kind of cheese you are based on your personality. It’s clear that the vast majority of Americans think that our behemoth income tax code
ought to be tied around Justin Bieber’s waist and dropped into shark-infested waters. So then how is it that it’s still alive and well and squeezing the life out of us like a 20-foot Burmese python? Isn’t this a democracy ruled by the will of the people? Don’t be silly. If you were awake during civics class in high school, you’ll recall that the way it works is that we elect representatives and tell them what we want them to do. They promptly hightail it to Washington and say, “The hell with what they want! They never offered me a flight on a private jet to play golf in Scotland. But the nice lobbyist for the banana slug farmers did, and so I’m going to give him those carryforward depreciation credits for salt-related losses that he requested!” I’ve heard lots of ideas tossed around for simplifying the tax
code. There’s the Flat Tax and the Fair Tax. Now, who would be against something called a Fair Tax? Well, those banana slug farmers, that’s who. They don’t see it as fair, and neither do the 30 million other special interests that ponied up for custom-designed lollipops in the existing code. I heard one presidential candidate say that he’d like to simplify tax filing to the point where you can send it in on a postcard. I love that idea. If it ever happens, I’ll send the IRS a picture postcard from Key West with the following message: Dear IRS Commissioner: I’m having a great time here in Key West squandering my anticipated tax refund, which I figure this year to be $37,412 or thereabouts. You may direct deposit the money to my checking account, or better still, establish a prepaid tab
in that amount for me here at the Hog’s Breath Saloon. But please hurry, as the bartender is having a hard time believing me when I tell him I have the money coming, and I’m about ready for another margarita. Better yet, deliver the cash personally and you can have one on me. If they don’t end up simplifying the tax code, then I’ll have to work out some other angle. Maybe I can take my congressman on a deep-sea fishing trip and convince him to write in a credit for margarita salt. He shouldn’t mind, so long as I promise to keep it a safe distance from any banana slug farms. Mike McHugh’s column has appeared in the Jambalaya News since 2009. If you can’t get enough of The Dang Yankee, you can read more on Mike’s website, thedangyankee.com.
Sable, our two-year-old yellow lab mix, is looking for an active family with a secure privacy fence. She would be the star in obedience class or, better yet, in agility training. With a sweet and loving temperament, she loves children (over five years old). She is perfectly crate-trained but loves being outside. If you need to add a spark to your spring, Sable might be your girl. For more information, email lapaw@bellsouth or (337) 244-4563. Home visit and vet check required prior to all adoptions. 8 April 23, 2015
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ucts they disallow? Remember, someone’s rights are lessened with each and every law that is passed. Yours could be affected the next time a governmental body meets. Maybe you agree with this prohibition that has passed; but next time, you might be the one suffering the effects.
Will 210 Beach Launch Ever Reopen? The 210 beach boat launch, kayak slip and dog-training area has been closed since the start of the Cove Lane Roundabout construction. These facilities have been immensely popular and we are anxiously awaiting for them to be reopened— but we hear that may not happen. (We all are wellaware of the non-reopening of the Nelson Road eastbound I-210 ramp as, mysteriously, transportation officials found it did help congestion by keeping it closed). Encouraging the use of the often-overcrowded launch facilities at Prien Lake Park won’t alleviate the need for the former heavily used area around the corner, since there is no beach or swimming at the park. There has been talk of using the old area for a law enforcement marina (as if Coast Guard boats with mounted machine guns aren’t sufficient for the boat launch waters off the park). We need to let the powersthat-be know just how Vol. 7 • No. 1
much the 210 beach facility means to our area. No Smoking/Vaping Ban in Sulphur While we’re on the subject of how our governmental agencies allow and disallow our activities, the City of Sulphur has declared, in the spirit of “Big Brother,” that vaping and smoking is banned in their confines. Yes, the Nanny State continues its march to keep us in line and to conform to their principles of how we should live our lives. Vaping, which I have never tried, has not been proven to be harmful. There are vapor mixtures that are entirely free of nicotine and just contain different flavors. I will add that, yes, I am a former smoker (a heavy one at that); additionally, I may enjoy a cigar of good quality on a rare occasion. I rue the imposition of governmental deprivation of our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Perhaps Sulphur should not pursue revenue on these objects of scorn. After all, why should the city prosper on the backs of those who pay sales tax on the prod-
Beware Hand Sanitizers Hand sanitizers are very popular, but some health experts are questioning the over-use of these germ killers, since they can dry out your skin while killing bugs. There’s also another caution regarding these pervasive bottles you see on counters almost everywhere. The main germ-killing ingredient is good old ethyl alcohol, the stuff that gives booze its kick. Yes, check the label on the next bottle you see. The product contains at least 60 percent alcohol, some even more. This fact is not unknown among some members of the younger generation, who are using it in an off-the-label manner, resulting in them going to the hospital in serious condition. You might want to take stock of your own supply and have a word with the family regarding the consequences of misusing this product.
Supermarket Roundup Our produce report in the last issue was such as success with our readers that we decided to continue checking out prices in that section again. We gathered these prices on April 16 at the following locations: Albertsons-Country Club Road, Market Basket-Lake Street, Kroger-McNeese Street and Walmart-Nelson Road. The prices reported were the posted prices on the shelf where the product was placed for sale. Yellow corn, fresh, per ear: Albertsons $.25 (8/$2), Market Basket $.69, Kroger $.40 (5/$2), Walmart $.50. Russet potatoes, per pound: Albertsons $.99, Market Basket $.99, Kroger $.99, Walmart $.98. Yellow onions, per pound: Albertsons $1.49, Market Basket $.98, Kroger $.88, Walmart $.88. Jalapenos, fresh, per pound: Albertsons $1.49, Market Basket $.79, Kroger $.68, Walmart $.74. Cherub tomatoes, 10.5-ounce container: Albertsons $3.99, Market Basket $4.59, Kroger $3.29, Walmart $3.98.
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Fish Tale Tellers Back in the day, Terry Shaughnessy of Hackberry Rod & Gun Club fame used to close his hunting and fishing show on KPLC TV with, “You should have been here yesterday.” Think my catch phrase for this week’s tale is, “You didn’t even get to go.” Noted local angler Mark Fontenot and I had been planning this fishing trip to Turner’s Bay in Big Lake for two weeks. His “podna” Jake Shaheen had even planned his work schedule to fit the trip.
Roger
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I had to have the other half of Mark’s Abbott & Costello angling comedy team with us. “Who’s fishing, What’s biting, Whens casting, Wheres launching…?” The forecast for Friday through Sunday was rain and more rain, followed by a Monday mouiller (Cajun for soaking rain). If we didn’t float away, Tuesday was to be a Willie Nelson singing “Blue Skies” day. Fortunately, it broke clear, calm and cool. By noon, our planned fishing adventure cast-
off time drowned. It had been raining since 9 a.m. I swear I could hear Gladys Knight singing a version of “Rainy Night in Georgia” except this time it was “Rainy Day in Cameron” with a funeral dirge beat. So, I spent Tuesday’s fishing day attending a book signing at the Grand Lake Public Library. One of my favorite authors, Rebecca Stark Nugent, was sharing her truly excellent book, If The Devil Had A Wife, with us. Always an honor to see her but I was still grieving my fishing trip’s demise. Wednesday evening, Mark and I got together
in my Man Cave to plot a nonrained out fishing adventure in the near future. Mark is a salesman for West Marine in Lake Charles, so he gets to talk boating and fishing for a living. So naturally, we talked fishing and swapped tales. Like many of us, Mark started out fishing with his dad, who was one of those perfectionist anglers, like mine. The fishing spot had to be just so, the bait carefully chosen, and the cast perfectly placed. Somehow, we survived competitive fishing to become “just for the joy of it,” laid-back fisherman. Sort of. “Mark, what’s your all time favorite fishing trip” I asked him. He had to ponder that
Mark Fontenot
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a bit and then his animated face flushed with joy. “Has to be the 37-minute fishing trip. Brian Davis and I were going to fish Turner’s Bay. You know where that is, don’t you?” he queried. Of course I knew. I didn’t dignify the question with a reply. After all, Judge John Hood had tagged me with the moniker “Mucho Hombre” on a sail-fishing excursion and I am a fishing legend in my own mind. What Mark got was an “I can’t believe you asked me that” withering glance. Unfazed, Mark continued. “Well, we launched at Hebert’s Landing at 7:22 a.m. and in 15 minutes, we were fishing Big Lake’s Turner‘s Bay. From the first cast to the last it was spec after spec. All nice ones, 16 to 18 inches, some up to four pounds. By 8:29 we were back at the launch with our 30 fish. That’s 30 fish in 37 minutes of actual angling time,” Mark leaned back in his chair, luxuriating in the joy of reliving his tale. From then on it was tale for tale angling, our hands casting, setting hooks and cranking on reels. It wasn’t a “my tale is better than yours” contest but a genuine sharing of the ecstasy that fishing can be. I spoke of one of my columns, “Polin’ the
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Prof,” my ode to McNeese State University’s Dr. Joe Gray Taylor. Mark animatedly shared his stories about his daughter Dana’s first big redfish, son Jesse’s hooking up the boat trailer by going through the garage door and his wife Charlotte’s first and biggest redfish. “You get the same epiphany from fishing that I get from hunting. All you have to do is just be there and it’s damn near a spiritual experience for you isn’t it?” I asked him. Mark pondered that and then leaned forward. “I mean it’s like that with me. I never know what but there’s always something that happens that moves me. It can be the time I told you about when we watched the four dolphins putting on such a Disney World-like show that we quit catching fish and just watched them play. Or the time I was awestruck by watching yellow butterflies migrate south across the Big Burn marsh. I mean, the last thing you expect to see in a wide-open-for-miles marsh is a butterfly. Or surf fishing the rocks west of Holly Beach and catching specs on one side of the shallows and reds on the other. It just touches something special in me.” I know Mark. I know.
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Springtime Party Hello everybody! It’s springtime in Southwest Louisiana and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and invite some friends and family over for a little party. It’s good to be the first one to have a get-together, because then, you’ll get invited to a few before you have to have another-just sayin’. For an event like this, it’s good to have a house cocktail
along with the usual suspects. A nice Rum Punch with plenty of ice will keep your party moving in the right direction. Serving light fare is also a great idea. Along with chips and dip, a veggie tray and maybe some fresh fruit, a few things off the grill will be all you’ll need to have a simple but tasteful menu selection. Keeping that in mind, here are some suggestions:
Rum Punch What You’ll Need
5 cups orange juice 5 cups pineapple juice 1 cup fresh lime juice 4 cups Louisiana Bayou spiced rum ¼ cup grenadine syrup Lots of ice
What You’ll Do Mix everything together, add some ice, pour into some cups and enjoy.
Beef Kabobs
with Tomato Relish What You’ll Need (Kabobs) Skewers Fresh pineapple chunks Red onion Red Bell pepper Large fresh mushrooms Sirloin cut into one-inch cubes Pineapple juice and soy sauce
What You’ll Do While you are cutting up your meat and veggies, soak the skewers in water. Next, start with a veggie or fruit, then a piece of sirloin and add to the skewer until it is full. Let them rest in
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a mixture of half soy sauce and half pineapple juice while you make the relish.
What You’ll Need (Relish) 1 pound of fresh tomatoes chopped (with seeds and juice) 1 cup fine chopped red onion ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (flat leaf ) ¼ cup chopped cilantro ¼ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 jalapeno peppers seeded and chopped
What You’ll Do Mix everything together in a glass bowl, cover and let rest in the refrigerator.
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Pizza!
Now, since you’re going to be grilling the kabobs, you might as well grill some pizzas! Using a premade pizza shell, spread some fig preserves, feta cheese, crumbled sausage and a little of that cilantro and parsley from earlier on the shell and cook off the heat on the grill. This is sure to be a hit!
Miss Carolyn Daniels’ Watermelon Salad What You’ll Need One red onion 2 tablespoons lime juice 4 pounds sweet watermelon (cubed) 10 ounces of feta cheese crumbled ½ cup chopped parsley (flat leaf ) ½ cup chopped fresh mint 1 cup pitted black olives 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
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This is a good dish to round the party off since you already have some feta cheese.
What You’ll Do Again, just mix it all together and let rest in the refrigerator. All you need to do next is have a great time and don’t forget to….. STIR DAT POT!!!
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Prophetic Feeling As I sat there holding onto all of my pain, every frustration I had been carrying with me, I knew this was the right time and place to finally leave it. As I left the church, I had a feeling of clarity, focus, and comfort. All of my hate, my anger and my desperation were replaced with happiness, love, and a sense of hope. I finally found the spiritual dumping ground that I was praying for. It’s was now time for me to
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rise up like a warrior. The pain you have experienced does not define you! Nor does your past fleshly reactions. “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) Don’t give up the dream in your heart for a happy life. God wants us to love Him not only with all of our minds (which need humbling), but also with all of our hearts. Four years ago, I began this
journey of discovery. I began sharing my experiences of how certain things tended to impact me deeply. At first I just didn’t understand why I was feeling so much. Something rose up inside of me, which started me on a journey to understand what I was feeling. One clue led to another to yet another God appointment and connection till I truly understood that I was a “prophetic feeler.” I am now able to understand that my ability to feel things so deeply was an ability given and powered by the Holy Spirit. However, looking back, it has become clear that through much of it there was much pain and suffering on this road of discovery. So what is prophetic feeling or a prophetic feeler? In all reality, it is a made-up term prophetic people came up with to describe
what a section of prophetically gifted people were able to do. It describes how some people are able to experience, for themselves, the feelings and struggle of others and God, through their own emotions or being.
Prophetic Feeling (Discovery Process) Spiritually, this is when I ran to the ONLY source of refreshment and peace. My Father God. The God of all comfort who is our strength and shield. I learned to give myself space and found a safe place to retreat and rest. Through Him, I: •Understand the pain of others by feeling their emotions and/or pain, then feeling and moving in God’s compassion and answer to their pain and struggle. •Navigate around language, and the built up walls to discern struggle or pinpoint a problem or issue that needs addressing. •Understand and discern emotional and spiritual landscapes. •Tune more easily into the presence of God and the Holy Spirit, to get into step with what He is doing. •Connect and assist people in understanding their own pain and reconnect them with their own internal process. It’s all about honoring our journeys and discovering our truths. It’s moments, experiences, heart cries and joyfulness. God loves us so very much that He values everything that we are, every second of our lives, our experiences and our thoughts. Prophetic feelers are painters of the experiences. We see the truth and allow the truth to change us to go forth and have no fear. “Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” ~ St. John 20:29 Vol. 7 • No. 1
Whether it’s a garage sale, estate sale or just driving around looking, pickin’ in my hometown makes a huge difference. Why? Well, I get to meet locals, which gives me a chance to talk to them, hear a little bit of history or just make new friends. It also gives me a chance to acquire and share local artifacts that might have been thrown away. I search for bits of local history every day so that I may share them with the museums and whomever I think would provide a good home for my finds. Sulphur has so much to offer, history-wise, that goes way deeper than what we see every day. Just driving around this town brings back so many memories.
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Maybe it’s the old Calcasieu Marine Bank on the corner of downtown that offers an amazing example of great old architecture, along with its local history. Maybe it’s the bowling alley that used to be in the Dynamic Dimensions building or that smell from the old George’s Place burger joint that was in the strip where Tarver Ford is now. Let’s not forget the Brimstone Museum. Not only can you learn about Sulphur’s history, you can see, feel and touch some amazing items. Director Thom Trahan will be more than happy to answer any of your questions or give you a little more detail about anything you need to know about old Sulphur. It just takes a few minutes to pop in and talk
with Thom to share a story or bring in an artifact. The museum has become an active stop for me, especially when I find an amazing piece of local history to donate to it. Henning House is located right next to the Brimstone. Check out the amazing local art or go to an event and see all there is to offer there. Eric Manuel can show you around or tell you about upcoming events. Sulphur’s small businesses are also great places to meet and find interesting items. The flea markets, and the locally owned restaurants and stores are some of the reasons that make Sulphur so great. Pickin’ in the hometown may not seem like a big deal, but the rewards of saving or learning a little bit of local history make it all worthwhile. Pictured in this article are actual pieces of history that I
have managed to acquire. Years of pickin’ have made me the proud owner of several oneof-a-kind items. Surrounding towns have also made their way into my collection because of the history and impact they had on Sulphur. Being able to share what I have learned gives me a feeling of accomplishment. Community involvement is the key to a city’s success and preservation. Take a little time out of your day and look around. You never know what’s tucked away in a corner. It may be a missing link to a long-lost part of history that completes a story.
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Seven Slot Society of SWLA By Brian Pitre For over a century, motorists have bonded over their enthusiasm towards a variety of automobiles-whether you are the “classic car” type collecting rare and unique vehicles from around the world, or the niche year, make, and model eccentric showcasing your oneof-a-kind beauty every chance you get. Somewhere, there is a group of other like-minded individuals dedicated to the vehicles they know and love. Ever since the early 1900s, race fans surrounding the land-speed record breakers in Daytona have been bringing
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cars, drivers, and manufacturers together in way that has built a unique and highly respected subculture in societies across the nation. The infamous “whiskey runners” once used their souped up stock cars to evade police attempting to spoil their bootlegging missions. With the repeal of prohibition, dozens of stock cars were left with no contraband to transport and bored drivers turned to joy racing. The sport quickly became an American pastime, drawing endorsers and manufacturing companies into an entire new world of car lovers. The clubs that spun out of this evolving fad sped us into the unique car clubs that span the country today. Here in SWLA, we have a number of niche groups who have developed bylaws and written mission statements branding their identity as a club. Much like the low-rider and hot rod clubs of the late 1960s, these groups are no longer solely focused on racing; rather, they have branched into signature clubs geared
towards, a particular type of vehicle, brand, or special interest. One particular club in the Lake Area is making a lot of noise in the automotive community. Seven Slot Society of SWLA, a unique Jeep club founded by Jared Chandler and Russ Conrad, has quickly become a household name for many local Jeep owners. Popping up on bumpers, back windshields, and T-shirts, Seven Slot Society made it their mission to never discriminate against the automotive or aesthetic prowess of its members’ vehicles. “As the name reads, if it has seven slots, and is from SWLA, then it is more than welcome to join the society,” Chandler says. Established on the idea of diversity, the society’s structure and bylaws were assembled with influences from both Chandler and Conrad’s automotive and club backgrounds. Quickly developing a brand and a logo, the two kicked things into overdrive and started recruiting, showering jeeps across the city with a dual-sided business card that not only gained attention from potential members, but also promoted the level of
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professionalism the society wished to project. Generating over 30 members in its first four meetings Chandler and Conrad revved the club into an overnight success. “We went in expecting nothing,” Conrad explains. “I knew that it was a strong possibility that Jared and I could be the only two people to show up on that first night, but we had to start somewhere.” With a solid member count and a wide network of support, they assigned their first two board members. Paul Theriot and Collin Winkles were two of the first members to sign up and have been involved in developing the club in every way they can ever since. Combining their resources and efforts, the board turned their ambitions and drive towards the community. On December 13, the society held its very first charity event, the “Jingle Jeep Drive.” Donating toys and games to Brennan’s Blessings in Westlake displayed a level of philanthropy that caught the eyes of bigname local sponsors. “You know, it’s our mission to root everything we do as locally oriented as possible, but we had such a great turn-
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out to our first couple of meetings that we filled up every venue we visited,” Conrad says. “We needed a place to meet were we could still support the community, but not overwhelm our supporters. That’s when Hurricane Off-Road stepped in.” Offering their location for the society to hold their monthly meetings was just what the club needed for their gatherings to be consistent and effective. Mobile DJ service and professional sound and lighting company Deep South Productions also reached out to the society to bring everyone together and help fuel their already rapid growth. Joining forces, they participated in the 2015 Lake Charles Mardi Gras Children’s Parade, adding to the largest turnout of floats and attendees ever. Despite all of their recent exposure on air, in print, or even just driving around, the club maintains a mild and humble nature. Supporting locals over other box companies is a core part of the society’s foundation. Socializing at local restaurants and bars after their monthly meetings, they use their strength in numbers to drive sales at welcoming establishments such as Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, Botsky’s Premium Hot Dogs, and Putter’s Driving Range &
Deli. “Having the entire club eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves at my business over some other corporate place is incredible,” says Putter’s owner, Andy Gregor. “The members are polite, fun, and to have them promote us
as a member of their group is just amazing.” The club’s overall efforts and visions have truly proven to be a philosophy we as a community should all ride with. Thank you Seven Slot Society of SWLA for “JEEPing” it Local!
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By Robyn Settoon The Mines, Sulphur’s Community Theatre, is dedicated to providing a family-friendly environment that offers a variety of avenues through the performing arts for artistic expression and appreciation. The theatre was formed on September 4, 2014, when members of the community came together with the SC3, a local nonprofit 501c3 organization in Sulphur, to enact their vision for a community theatre. The Mines has an elected board of directors and an executive director. The theatre offers three different means for entertainment through the performing arts: a Main Theatre, a Youth Division, and a Dinner Theatre. The theatre is in the process of adding summer workshops and a children’s division. The premiere production was a stage play based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and was performed the weekend following Thanksgiving 2014. The show was co-directed by Miranda Granger and Kris St James. Due to donations, the theatre was able to present a quality performance, and the production proved so successful, the theatre was profitable enough to launch its 2015 season! The 2015 theatre productions include two Main Theatre productions, two Dinner Theatre productions and one Youth Division production, as follows: The Main Theatre recently held their spring production of Little Women, directed by Amy Drymon and assistant director Barbara Dixon. It was performed at Lewis Auditorium in Sulphur and brought in over 100 attendees per show. The second Main Theatre show will be the annual Christmas stage play for 2015, It’s A Wonderful Life. In addition, the theatre is excited to announce the addition of a Christmas dance 18 April 23, 2015
production, Christmas Stories, created and performed by Katy Kress Dance Revolution. The theatre, in conjunction with Katy Kress, will audition for three local dancers to be a part of the show. The classes for the show will be donated to these individuals, as well as an additional dance class of their choice at Dance Revolution. The auditions will occur this summer, with information posted on the theatre website and Facebook page as we draw closer to the date. The Dinner Theatre will perform two shows for the year and the venue will change for each performance. The shows are interactive and guests are encouraged to come in “costume” for the full effect. The proceeds for the Dinner Theatre Division are used to provide an annual scholarship for a K-12 graduate in Sulphur who is pursuing a degree affiliated with the performing arts. For their very first year, the theatre is able to provide a Sulphur High School graduate with a one-time $500 scholarship! In addition, proceeds will be used annually to fund one middle or elementary school in Sulphur in an area of study in the performing arts. The recipient for the 2015-2016 school year is the WW Lewis Middle School. The theatre also hosted an interactive Murder Mystery show for its premier production, Death By Chocolate. Two shows were held at the West-Cal Event Center: one on February 12 and one in conjunction with The Mines Festival, hosted by the Brimstone Museum, on March 14. Both shows were sold out performances and proved to be a fun time for not only the audience participants but the actors as well. The second production for 2015 is an interactive ‘50s-style prom that will take place at Sulphur High School. Prom Date, Back To The Fifties will be performed June 13 at 6:30 p.m., with a catered meal by Bertha’s Catering. EnVol. 7 • No. 1
tertainment will be provided by the different “characters” attending the prom and dancing to a musical group led by vocalists Chris Flowers (Louisiana Express) and Joe Harmon (The Harmonics & The Platters). Musicians include Tim Dugas (Zydecane, Honey Jar, Cold Sweat, Faulk Brothers), Michael Dolan (Honey Jar, Cold Sweat, Boomerang), Clint Faulk (Louisiana Express, Faulk Brothers, Cold Sweat, Zydecane), Randy Meloncon (Louisiana Express), Tommy Ellender (Louisiana Express), and James Marshall (Louisiana Express, Bayou Roux). The Youth Division, geared toward actors between the ages of 13-21, will have its premier production, Treasure Island, the weekend of April 24. The production features a live parrot named Sonny, a beautiful bird on loan from a local animal rescue group,
Rescues R Us. Sonny was a rescue bird and is owned by Donovan Monceaux, one of the group’s founders.
Next Year For 2016, the theatre plans to offer You Can’t Take It With You as their Main Theatre spring performance. They will also have their annual Christmas stage play and dance program. Also in the works are Youth Division’s Jungle Book and a Children’s Division performance to take place during late spring and again in the summer. The Dinner Theatre has three productions in the works to be performed throughout the year. Another goal is to provide workshops for interested individuals in various aspects of theatre, along with an annual fundraiser. theminestheatre.org, the. mines@yahoo.com, (337) 215-1602.
L to R: Museum Director Thom Trahan, Owner of Rocky’s Feed & Garden Rocky Fontenot, Manager of Rocky’s Feed & Garden Kerry Leger, Brimstone Society President Jan Scharrier, and Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan
A Door to Sulphur’s Past By Thom Trahan The Brimstone Historical Society would like to thank Rocky’s Feed and Garden for their extremely unique and generous donation: the front door of their business. But this isn’t just any door. It was originally an exterior door on the old Frasch House at the Sulphur Mines. The house was built around 1885, and housed Union Sulphur Company officers from New York, visiting dignitaries such as the Rockefellers, and other esteemed guests. The house was moved to Carlyss in the 1950s by the Currie family. In the course of their remodeling, the old door was installed as the front door of the Currie family’s feed store on the corner of Huntington Street and the Union Pacific Railroad crossing. A few years ago, when Rocky Fontenot purchased the feed store, he started getting a lot of questions from his customers about the old door. Many offers were made to purchase the door, but when Rocky discovered it’s history, he felt it was an important artifact for the city. He contacted Mayor Chris Duncan about donating the door to a worthwhile entity, and the mayor directed him to me. The Brimstone plans to incorporate the door in an original Sulphur Mines cottage, which is currently being renovated by Sulphur Parks and Recreation.
The old Frasch House at the Sulphur Mines (1880’s) Vol. 7 • No. 1
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Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point New Attraction in SWLA
L to R: Kyle Edmiston, director of tourism, Office of the Lieutenant Governor; LC Mayor Randy Roach; Sen. Ronnie Johns; Monte Hurley, chairman of the Creole Nature Trail District; Rick Richard, CVB board; Ryan Bourriaque, Cameron Parish Police Jury; Evette Gradney, CVB board; Mike Dees, CVB board member and building committee chair; Shelley Johnson, executive director of the CVB; Mayor Chris Duncan; Rep. Mike Danahay; Paul Guillory, Creole Nature Trail Board; Sandy Treme, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury VPt; and Todd Landry, Creole Nature Trail Board. Building committee members not pictured: Gary Cooper, Rob King and Donna Richard.
Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point is a fun, free attraction along the western gateway of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, which is geared toward an
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educational, immersive experience showcasing the culture, food, music and outdoor adventures to be had in Southwest Louisiana. The facility also houses the
satellite office of the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau and is located in Sulphur. Adventure Point offers visitors from around the
country and the world an opportunity to sample a taste of what they can see and do in the area, while interactive, hands-on exhibits highlight the unique estuary system of
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the Creole Nature Trail AllAmerican Road, one of 42 All-American Roads in the United States. “While the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a destination unto itself, research shows that people are seeking authentic experiences when they travel,” said Shelley Johnson, executive director of the CVB. “Much of what visitors see and experience along the trail, they cannot fully understand without a comprehensive orientation such as the exhibits offered at Adventure Point. The interactive displays are meant to be memorable, entertaining and educational, and we are thrilled to have an opportunity like this in our area so that others can embrace our unique culture and landscape before experiencing it for themselves.” After Hurricane Rita destroyed the visitor center at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in 2005, there were no visitor services on the western side of the Creole Nature Trail. After many years of working to get the center rebuilt, and with Hurricane Ike occurring in 2008, plans were put into motion to create the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, closer inland. “It’s difficult to believe, but nearly 10 years after
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Hurricane Rita, the dream of having an immersive interpretive center along the western side of the trail is realized,” said Johnson. “With the growth of the hotel community throughout our parish, it was wise to reinvest in local tourism, especially on a project like the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point which promotes visitation to both Calcasieu and Cameron parishes,” said Mike Dees, CVB building committee chairman for the project. Split Rock Studios designed the interactive exhibits; architectural plans for the 4,760 sq. ft. facility were developed by Vincent Shows Architects, and Gunter Construction built the center that houses the exhibits. Members of the CVB board who served on the building committee were Mike Dees, Gary Cooper, Donna Richard and Rob King. The total cost for the attraction is $2 million. The facility is located at 2740 Ruth Street, Sulphur, south of the Sulphur/Creole Nature Trail, Exit 20 on Interstate 10. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and SaturdaySunday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, go to www.visitlakecharles.org/ AdventurePoint or call (337) 502-4358.
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By Jamie Gaines Even before Austin Reiner took his last high school exam, he knew he’d had enough. There would be no more textbooks, tests and classrooms for him. But Austin knew he wanted a future. He wanted more than a deadend, minimum wage job. He also knew it wouldn’t be easy. Ironically, his career choice led him back to school – but not to a traditional classroom, and not with the usual tests or typical teachers. Classwork was hands-on – developed specifically for the construction industry – and his teachers were journeyman-level professionals with years of experience on the job. Austin’s industry-based certification led to a lucrative career in construction.
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While this level of training typically takes anywhere from one to four years of classwork and on-the-job training, the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) is offering an accelerated training program specially tailored to meet the rising demand for qualified men and women in construction throughout Louisiana. Beginning June 22, the accelerated program will be conducted Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and can be completed by level in six-week increments. It will take one six-week semester to complete scaffold building training; two semesters for heavy equipment, mobile crane or industrial carpentry; four semesters for boilermaking, millwright, electrical and pipefitting; and welding. Welding is a “go at your own pace” type of craft. One student may finish quicker
than others because of his ability to pick up on welds faster. It may not take one student quite four semesters to finish, while it may take others more than the accelerated training program will offer. It all depends on the individual. It usually takes about the same amount of time as it does a four level course, but not in all cases. The price? A mere $140 per level. ABC and its member contractors have worked together with local industry for over 30 years in Louisiana to deliver effective and affordable training opportunities. ABC is a national nonprofit construction industry trade association, according to Cody Stroud, director of workforce development for the Southwest Campus of ABC’s Pelican Chapter, which is located on Walcott Road in Westlake. The mission of ABC is to promote and protect the Merit Shop Philosophy and the principles of the free enterprise system in the construction industry. (Merit shop is a way of doing business in which companies reward employees based on performance and encourage them to reach their highest level of achievement, and in which contracts are awarded based on safety, quality, and value, regardless of labor affiliation.) ABC achieves its mission by enhancing the image of the construction industry and by providing craft training, political influence, and business opportunities for members. Incorporated in April 1980, the Pelican Chapter has over 500 members in 52 parishes and campuses in both Vol. 7 • No. 1
Westlake and Baton Rouge. “We meet with contractors and plant representatives monthly, and they are very involved in our training center,” said Stroud. “When someone comes through our program, they have a great opportunity to get a job with one of our member contractors when they are ready.” This level of involvement is particularly important with the onset of Louisiana’s industrial revolution. According to The Louisiana Workforce Commission the labor demand for construction in Louisiana will be 86,300 through June 2016. “Currently, there are around 4,000 construction jobs in Southwest Louisiana, but by March of 2016, there will be approximately 14,000 construction jobs,” said Stroud. “These jobs will eventually pay from $30,000 to $80,000 annually based on a 40-hour work week – and there will be plenty of opportunity to work overtime.” On average, construction jobs make $6,300 more a year than jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree, according to Stroud. “This is a great opportunity for recent high school graduates that are not interested in college, or anyone who is dislocated, underemployed or just interested in a career change,” he said. ABC requires all applicants to complete a drug screen and will conduct a basic skills assessment for applicants to the pipefitting, electrical, and millwright programs. These crafts involve quite a bit of math. If someone is not particularly strong in math, ABC wants to place them in a different craft where they have the opportunity to be successful. Upon completion of the program, employers will also require a badge indicating the successful completion of a basic safety and site-specific training through the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana, and a TWIC® card. The TWIC, or Transportation Worker Identification Credential, is a security measure to ensure individuals who pose a threat do not gain unescorted access to secure areas. Registration for ABC’s accelerated program will be held on Monday, May 4, and applicants are asked to arrive with their completed application and driver’s license. For more information, contact Stroud at (337) 882-0204 or cstroud@abcpelican. com. Vol. 7 • No. 1
Choosing a Construction Career Ever wonder what construction positions will be needed during the upcoming industrial boom – and if your skills and interests might be a good fit for a new career? Check out these brief job descriptions for jobs that are – and will be – in high demand in the Lake Area. We’ve included the average salaries for each position to see if anything looks appealing. Your future is just an accelerated education away – through ABC. WELDER $56,904/year* Welders use heat or pressure to join metal objects together. Using blueprints and drawings, welders build anything from ships to cars to bridges, and are also crucial in maintaining all types of power plants. Some welding positions require general certifications, or certifications in specific skills such as inspection or robotic welding. PIPEFITTER $54,737/year* Pipefitters plan and install detailed pipe systems for commercial and industrial projects, cutting and bending pipes to exact specifications. These pipes may carry water, chemicals, or gases to the crucial building systems. ELECTRICIAN $53,294/year* Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems for residences, businesses and factories. In industry, electricians usually do maintenance work that is more complex, such as repairing motors, transformers, generators, and electronic controllers on machine tools and industrial robots. MILLWRIGHT $52,495/year* Millwrights assemble and disassembling machinery. Depending on the project, the work can involve intricate technical repairs or heavy machining tools. Millwrights have to be able to understand technical manuals for many different types of machines, as well as have a high level of problem solving skills. BOILERMAKER $56,560/year* In addition to installing and maintaining boilers, boilermakers help erect and repair furnaces, water treatment plants, storage and process tanks, and smokestacks, and install refractory brick and other heat-resistant materials in fireboxes or pressure vessels. Boilermakers also use hand and power tools, gas torches, and welding equipment to replace or repair broken valves, pipes, or joints. HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR $52,759/year* Heavy equipment operators clear and grade land for the construction of roads, buildings, and bridges, airport runways, power generation facilities, dams, levees, and other structures. In addition to mechanical aptitude and experience operating mobile equipment, heavy equipment operators must be in good physical condition, have good sense of balance and hand-eye-foot coordination.
MOBILE CRANE OPERATOR $57,559/year* Don’t you wish your entire career could involve a screen and a joystick? No, we aren’t talking about becoming a professional video game player. Mobile crane operators use state-of-the art heavy machinery to move massive materials. A series of joysticks, levers, and pedals allows the operator to use his or her knowledge of load calculations to place materials around a construction site. Qualifications: Good sense of balance, ability to judge distance, eye-hand-foot coordination, comfortable with technology, basic math skills. Seventeen states have laws requiring crane operators to be licensed with a written and skills test. CARPENTER $48,756/year* Do you like building, traveling and being outdoors? Industrial carpenters construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures. These carpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction, from buildings to highways and bridges to power plants. Qualifications: Carpenters need manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination, physical fitness and a good sense of balance. The ability to solve mathematical problems quickly and accurately also is required. Carpenters can learn their craft while making good money through on-the-job training. SCAFFOLD BUILDER $39,000/year* A scaffold builder’s primary responsibilities are the construction and dismantling of scaffolding – the temporary platforms used during construction and maintenance activities. Typical responsibilities also include determining the amount of scaffolding needed, identifying appropriate construction locations, and transporting scaffolding materials. Qualifications: Scaffold builders must know basic math and must be able to follow instructions. Since scaffold builders often work on tall structures, they must be comfortable working at heights.
*Average base salary on 40 hour work week. Does not include overtime or incentives. These wages come from NCCER and are based on a national average. April 23, 2015 23
SUNDAY, MAY 3 @ TRITICO THEATER ON THE McNEESE CAMPUS
An Evening With MusicMakers
McNeese State Steel Drum Band The American Press Foundation will present An Evening With MusicMakers, featuring pop and classical music along with classical ballet at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at the Tritico Theater on the McNeese Campus. The piece most will come to hear is the Louisiana State Song, You Are My Sunshine, written by Governor Jimmie H. Davis and Charles Mitchell. That’s because that particular song will be played by the MusicMakers of Southwest Louisiana in 24 April 23, 2015
their second annual performance. MusicMakers are comprised of approximately 60 elementary, middle school and high school and McNeese State University music majors who have been gifted with instruments from MusicMakers2U, a non-profit organization that accepts donations of musical instruments, cleans them and gives them to students. Sharing the stage with the MusicMakers will be several other artists, in-
cluding concert violinist Dr. Michael Buckles, the Lake Area Ballet Theatre, McNeese music major Jordan Moore on cornet, the Barbe High School Show Choir and the McNeese State Steel Drum Band. A reception and silent auction will precede the performance from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Shearman Fine Arts Grand Gallery. Guests will enjoy a light buffet of appetizers and wine as they view the auction items and place their bids. Please join us for this fun and festive
evening in support of these young musicians! Tickets for the concert may be obtained by visiting McNeese.edu/theatre or by purchasing tickets at the door for a $30 donation to MusicMakers2U. For more information, please contact Eva LeBlanc, musicmakers2U@gmail. com or by calling (337) 244-9314. All proceeds go toward MusicMakers2U projects of obtaining, cleaning, and refurbishing instruments to be given to local students. Vol. 7 • No. 1
Steel Magnolias April 24-26, May 1-3 Lake Charles Little Theatre presents the beloved Steel Magnolias. Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin Parish is where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Filled with hilarious repartee and humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy and the ladies suddenly realize their own mortality. Performances are April 24-26 and May 1-3. www.thelclt.com.
Movies Under the Stars April 24 Movies Under the Stars returns to Prien Lake Park to light up the silver screen. Begins at dusk around 7 p.m. Free admission. Bring a blanket or lawn chair; bring your own food or purchase onsite. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. The April 24 movie is Big Hero 6.
Spring Art Walk and Art Battle April 24 Experience SWLA’s vibrant array of visual arts during the annual Spring Art Walk as the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana presents a comprehensive experience of our downtown art scene as cafés, bars, restaurants, and buildings are transformed into pop-up galleries for the evening. The Art Battle will return and feature teams of artists who will compete to create a mural live in front of an audience - in only an hour! 5-9 p.m. (337) 439-2787 or go to www. artsandhumanitiesswla.org.
The Inventions of Leonardo da Vinci through June 13 “The Inventions of Leonardo da Vinci” will be on exhibit at Historic City Hall, Lake Charles from April 20 –June 13 with a reception during Spring Art Walk. Incredibly, the man who painted the “Mona Lisa” also thought up ingenious machines such as the helicopter, parachute, and armored tank. The artist created drawings of such precise accuracy that these models could be reconstructed nearly 500 years later. 4919147, www.cityoflakecharles.com..
The Mines Presents Treasure Island April 24-25 The Mines, Sulphur Community Theatre’s Youth Division presents Treasure Island at 7 p.m. April 24-25 and 2 p.m. April 26 at the W.W. Lewis Auditorium, 1752 Cypress St. Tickets are $7.50 - $25 and can be purchased at the Brimstone Museum office at www.theminestheatre.org.
Secure Your ID Day April 25 The Better Business Bureau will hold their annual Secure Your ID Day on Sat., April 25 from 9 a.m.- noon at Trinity Baptist Church, 1800 Country Club Road, Lake Charles. Bring up to three boxes or bags of documents to be shredded and take home the tips and resources you need to help protect yourself. Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders, but staples, paper clips, CDs and floppy discs are okay to be shredded. (337) 478-6253. 26 April 23, 2015
Annual Dragon Boat Races April 25 The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation will host the Third Annual Dragon Boat Races on Sat., April 25, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall. In this year’s race, 28 teams will compete. There will be food and drink vendors, music, karaoke and a family-friendly atmosphere. During the races, Kohl’s Kids Club will hold a Healthy Living Fair at the Civic Center Seawall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. For more information, visit www.stpatrickfoundation.org or call (337) 430-5353.
Contraband Days Festival April 28-May 10 Contraband Days is a 12-day festival filled with family fun. The festivities kicks off with a pirate ship bombardment to “take control over the city” at the seawall of the Lake Charles Civic Center. A gang of rowdy and unruly buccaneers and “Jean Lafitte” overruns the blazing cannons of the local militia. They then raise their Jolly Roger flag and capture the mayor by force with swords drawn and make him walk the plank! Enjoy evening parades, firework shows, carnival, entertainment on three stages, sailing regatta, Cajun cuisine, contests, beach games, action-packed competitions and family night. Admission is $5 per person. www.contrabanddays.com
Children’s Book Publishing Lecture April 30 Children’s book author Tommie Townsley will give a free lecture, “Publishing in a New Age,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Lake Charles. This event concludes the 2015 Banners at McNeese State University season. She is the current chair of the SWLA Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Guild, board member for the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles and publisher of Ally-Gator BookBites Publishing House. www.banners.org.
Senior Citizen’s Fishing Derby May 1 The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will host the annual Senior Citizen’s Fishing Derby on Fri., May 1 from 7 – 11a.m. at the CPSO Farm Pond behind the Calcasieu Correctional Center at 5400 E. Broad Street in Lake Charles. Participants are asked to bring their own fishing gear (only one per person, please). The CPSO will provide help in baiting the lines, removing fish from the hook, if requested, and bait shrimp for catching catfish. Refreshments will be furnished. All senior citizens in the parish are invited at no charge. (337) 263-4563.
Firearm Safety & Self Defense Workshop May 2 The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will host “Safe & Secure: A Ladies Firearm Safety and Self-Defense Workshop,” on Sat., May 2, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the CPSO Training Academy located at 3958 Mallard Cove Dr. in Lake Charles. Free event open to Calcasieu Parish women 18 years of age and older. Bring your own handgun inside a carrying case or holster along with 10-12 bullets. If you do not have a handgun, the Sheriff’s Office will have some revolvers that can be used. Also, bring ear and eye protection to wear while on the shooting range. The self-defense workshop will include hands-on instruction in women’s Vol. 7 • No. 1
self defense techniques. Pre-registration is required. (337) 491-3850.
Derby for Dollars May 2 Derby for Dollars will be held at The Stables at Le Bocage on Sat., May 2. Starts at 3:30 p.m. with food from the Lake Area’s finest restaurants, spirits, music, televised Kentucky Derby action, equestrian jumping exhibition, and contests for the best ladies’ hat and gents’ best Derby duds. Proceeds will benefit the children participating in programs at the Shannon Cox Counseling Center, a division of Family & Youth. Tickets are $100 each. www.fyca.org, (337) 436-9533.
An Evening with Musicmakers May 3 “An Evening With MusicMakers,” featuring pop and classical music along with classical ballet will be held at 6 p.m. Sun., May 3 at the Tritico Theater at McNeese. MusicMakers includes elementary, middle school, high school students and McNeese music majors who have been gifted with instruments from MusicMakers2U, a non-profit organization that accepts donations of musical instruments and cleans them and gives them to students. A reception and silent auction will precede the performance from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Shearman Fine Arts Grand Gallery. Tickets are available at McNeese.edu/theatre or for purchase at the door for a $30 donation to MusicMakers2U. musicmakers2U@gmail.com
Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida May 8-9, 15-16, 22-24 ACTS is proud to present Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida May 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, at 7:30 p.m. and May 24 at 3:00 p.m. at One Reid Street Theatre. There will be a pre-show party May 8 at 6 p.m., but space is limited and advance purchase is required. The production is directed by Walt Kiser and presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Advance sale Gala tickets are $25. Show tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students with a valid ID, and may be purchased at the box office, online at www. actstheatre.com, Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office, Gordon’s Pharmacy, Moss Bluff Flower and Gift and Lake Charles Toyota.
has it all! Festivalgoers can try their hand at jelly-making or try to catch a glimpse of the Mayhaw Queen and her court. With carnival rides, live music, delicious Southern food and enough berries and jelly to go around, the whole family will have something to celebrate! See more of what this tasty event has in store at www.mayhawfest.com.
A Brewer’s Plate May 16 “A Brewer’s Plate” is the marquee fundraising event of St. Nicholas Center for Children, a local non-profit dedicated to providing services to children with autism and developmental delays. It will be held on Sat., May 16 at 6 p.m. at the Cash & Carry building in Lake Charles. Features a four-course meal and premium beer pairing with an auction and live music by community favorites, the FLAMETHROWERS. The attire is dressy casual and the vibe is lively! Tables of 8 are $800 and sponsorships are available. For ticket information, sponsorships, or to donate an auction item, call 491-0800.
Promise Walk for Preeclampsia May 23 The signature Lake Charles Promise Walk for Preeclampsia will be held Sat., May 23, at Drew Park, adjacent to Christus St. Patrick Hospital at 416 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. On the day of the walk, registration will be $25 for adults and $10 for children. Registration will begin at 9:30 followed by a program at 10, which will include a dove release. A one-mile family-friendly walk will begin at 10:30. Proceeds will go to support the Preeclampsia Foundation. Online registration is open at www.promisewalk.org/lakecharles. Find them on Facebook at Lake Charles Promise Walk for Preeclampsia and on Twitter @ LC_PromiseWalk.
Mac Burns Golf Tournament May 9 The Mac Burns Golf Tournament to benefit the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation will be held on Sat., May 9 at Frasch Golf Course in Sulphur. 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 per team is $400. Various levels of sponsorships are available. (337) 527-4241.
A Black Tie Affair May 9 The annual Calcasieu Medical Society Foundation’s fundraiser A Black Tie Affair is set for Sat., May 9, beginning at 6 p.m. at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles. Cocktail hour and silent auction will be followed by dinner and a live auction. Following dinner, the evening’s Big Band themed entertainment headliner, Rory Partin will take the stage. Proceeds benefit the Calcasieu Community Clinic. www.ablacktieaffair.org, (337) 478-3780.
Starks Mayhaw Festival May 14-16 The Starks Mayhaw Festival and spring go hand in hand! Mayhaw jelly, Mayhaw butter, Mayhaw berries and more—the Starks Mayhaw Festival Vol. 7 • No. 1
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Young Band Nation Young Band Nation is a group of collaborating organizations whose main objective is to promote appreciation of music, work ethic, communication, and community building through the education of youth in private and group music lessons.
Band Camps Session 1: June 8-12 Session 2: July 20-24 Campers start with rehearsals and one on one instruction, move to recording in the studio with their band, and finally, to playing a live show on Friday. Ages 11-17 welcome with minimal experience. Central School Theater.
Recording and Engineering Camp Session 1: July 6-10 Ages 13-17 at any skill level welcome. This camp is perfect for anyone wishing to try their hand at audio engineering. It will be held at the Tipitina’s Musician’s co-op. For more information, go to youngbandnation.com or call (337) 513-7905.
Hope Therapy Summer Camps Glam Camp For Girls Ages 7-11 June 1-5 Go from great to Glam! Enjoy manicures, pedi-
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cures, accessories and fashion. Workshops focus on manners, etiquette, and having a positive body image. Activities include crafts, acting, and a fashion show!
Cost: $140/per week plus $95/per week for each additional child Contact: Leisure Learning/Kids College 337-475-5616 • www.mcneese.edu/leisure
Pirate Camp For Boys Ages 3-6 June 15-19
Rowdy Rascals Nutrition Camp June 1-5
Set sail on a deep sea adventure! Join the crew for a week filled with games, pretend pirate play, and team-building activities.
Grades 2-5 • 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Cost: $150 Contact: Eljeana Quebedeaux 337-475-5700• equebedeaux@mcneese.edu Registration Deadline: May 11
Princess Camp for Girls Ages 3-6 June 22-26 Little girls will enjoy a royally good time. They will explore Disney princesses through storytelling, reenacting and dress up, song and dance, crafts, and more. The activities will build self-esteem and interpersonal skills.
Superhero Camp For Boys Ages 7-11 June 29-July 3 Save the day! Bring your favorite superhero costume and enjoy an exciting week of fighting crime and having fun! Hope Therapy Center, 1717 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 1, Lake Charles, La. 70601,(337) 478-5880.
McNeese Summer Activities Kids College All-Day Program May 27 – Aug. 8 Grades 1-6 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Summer Reading Clinic June 6-30 (Monday-Thursday) Grades 1-6 • 9-11:30 a.m. • Cost: $175 Contact: Department of Education Professions 337-475-5471
Governor’s Program for Gifted Children June 7-July 25 Grades 6-10 Contact: Governor’s Program 337-475-5446 • www.gpgc.org
Autism Summer Camp June 8–25 Ages 3-9 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost: $250 per week Contact: Kaycie Stacy 337-562-4246 • www.mcneese.edu/autism Registration Deadline: May 15
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Summer Engineering Academy •June 13-July 31 Grades 9-12 Cost: $1,550 (includes room and board, transportation during the camp and lab supplies) Contact: Dr. Nikos Kiritsis 337-475-5875 nikosk@mcneese.edu
Summer Band Camps Instrumental Music, Percussion/Drumline, Drum Majors and Color Guard June 14-18 Grades 9-12 • Cost: $225, commuter; $350, resident Contact: Dr. Jay Jacobs 337-475-5446 www.mcneesebands.com/summer-camps-general-information/ Registration Deadline: June 1
Kicker Kutie Summer Dance Camp July 20-24 • Grades K-6 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Cost: $175 Contact: Paige Caldwell (337) 480-4234
Harp Camp • July 27-31 Children and Adults 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $45 per person + $30 for each additional family member Contact: Barbara Belew (337) 475-5036
8th Annual Cowboy Camp Aug. 21-22 Incoming McNeese Freshmen and Transfer Students • Cost: $45 Contact: Student Union and Activities Office • (337) 475-5609 www.mcneese.edu/studentlife/ cowboy_camp
Athletic Camps Baseball Summer Camps: High School Showcase Camp • June 1 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Grades 9-12 Cost: $100
All Skills Youth Camp 1 June 8-11 Vol. 7 • No. 1
9 a.m. – 3 p.m./ends at noon on June 11 • Grades 1-8 Cost: $200
Youth Hitting Camp June 22-25 9 a.m. – noon • Grades1-8 Cost: $150
All Skills Youth Camp II July 27-30 9 a.m. – 3 p.m./ends at noon on July 30 • Grades1-8 • Cost: $200 Contact: www.cowboybaseballcamp.com cowboybaseballcamp@gmail.com (337) 475-5482
Dave Simmons Basketball Camps Session I: June 1-4 Session II: June 15-20 Ages 7-17 • Time TBA Cost: $175 per session or $325 for both sessions
Team Basketball Camp/ All High School Divisions June 20 Time TBA • $250
Elite Basketball Camp/ Middle and High School Divisions June 27 Time TBA • $50 Contact: Coach Preston David pdavid@mcneese.edu (337) 475-5481 or 337-475-5480
Brooks Donald Williams
Basketball Camps Fundamental Camp June 15-17 Grades: K-8 • 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $105
Team Camp June 4, 5, 6 Time TBA • Cost: $160 for 1 day, $275 for 2 days, $420 for 3 days Contact: Kacie Cryer kcryer@mcneese.edu (337) 475-5476 April 23, 2015 29
Football Camps Cowboy Football Camp July 12-14 Grades 9-12 Cost: $290, resident; $125 commuter • Helmets Required
Rowdy Football Camp July 15-17 Ages 8-13 8 a.m. – noon Cost: $100 • No Helmet Required Contact: Coach Lark Hebert 337-475-5211
Softball Camps High School Summer Showcase June 9-10 or June 16-17 Grades 9-12 • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $225
Youth Summer Camp June 11 Ages 8-12 • 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $75
Pitching Camp June 9 or June 16 Grades 9-12 • 4 p.m. Contact: Coach Tayl’r Hollis thollis@mcneese.edu (337) 475-5475
June 10: Setting Grades 7-12 6-8 p.m. Cost: $25 per nightly session Contact: Coach Ashleigh Fitzgerald (337) 475-5474 afitzgerald1@mcneese.edu
Ashleigh Fitzgerald City of LC Recreation Volleyball Camps & Parks Department Little Cowgirls Camp June 8-10
Grades 3-5 • 10-11:30 a.m. Cost: $40
Middle School Camp June 8-10 Grades 6-8 • 1-4 p.m. • Cost: $90
Elite Camp June 11-12 Grades 10-12 • 6-8:30 p.m. Cost: $70
Skills Clinic June 8: Serving & Passing June 9: Hitting
Children’s Theatre
Summer Workshops The Children’s Theatre will hold the following workshops this summer. To register, call (337) 433-7323.
Summer Camps
Two-week camp: Participants will receive free breakfast and lunch daily, go on field trips, play exciting games and much more! Offered to children ages 6-12 ONLY. Camps will be held at Willie McCullor Landry Community Center from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost is $100 per two-week semester per child. Session I (June 1-12), Session II (June 1526), Session III (June 29-July 10), Session IV (July 13-24). Registration now open from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. third floor City Hall, 326 Pujo St. $100 per child. For more information, call 491-1280. Free on-site camps: Will be held at Henry Heights, Bellard, Columbus Circle, Clifton, College Oaks, Goosport, Lanza, McMillen, MLK and Purple Heart Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.5:30 p.m. June 2-July 25. For more information, call 491-1280.
Summer Arts Camp The Calcasieu Parish School System and the Arts Council of SWLA announce the 35th Annual Summer Arts Camp 2014 with this year’s theme “LOL ~ Show of Smiles” for students who have completed kindergarten through eighth grade. Classes begin June 2 and end June 25 at Lake Charles Boston Academy, 1509 Enterprise Boulevard. Classes are limited in size. Tuition is $250 if registration is received by the early bird deadline of May 10, and rates increase on May 11. Download forms under the Parents and Students menu at www.cpsb.org. Forms can also be picked up at the Arts Council office at Central 30 April 23, 2015
School or at Lake Charles Boston Academy. For more information, call (337) 526_2908 ext. 5335.
Wild Things July 8-10 Children ages 5-8 years old participate in creative drama exercises, games, movement and music. Classes are $65 and are held from 10-11-15 a.m.
Acting for the Camera July 8-10 This workshop, for students ages 8-18, covers auditioning for commercials, reading commercial scripts, exploring various commercial techniques and beginning improvisational skills. Learn about resumes, headshots and how to find the best agent or manager. Classes are $85 and are held from 10-11:15 p.m.
Shakespeare Workshop July 20-24 This workshop teaches the languages, ideas and adventures of Shakespeare. Students will perform excerpts from some of Shakespeare’s most popular plays while learning about lighting and set design and how to create costumes. The workshop ends with a free public performance starting all of the students. Classes are $85. Children ages 5-8 attend from 1011:15 a.m., and children ages 9-18 attend from 10 a.m. – noon.
Kids in Showbiz July 27-31 Students learn the basics of musical theatre performance by singing, dancing and acting to songs and scenes from Broadway shows. Children ages 5-8 attend from 10-11:15 a.m. and children ages 9-18 attend from 10 a.m.noon. Vol. 7 • No. 1
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Friday, May 1 4 PM: Festival Gates Open Galley Alley Food Booths Galley Alley Dining Area Pirate Marketplace 5 PM: Todd Armstrong Carnival Rides Activities 5:30 PM: City Heat on the Boater’s Stage 6:30 PM: Buccaneers begin shore landing - Seawall 7:30 PM: Jean Lafitte and Buccaneers Force City Mayors to “Walk the Plank” - Seawall 8:15 PM: Opening Fireworks Show 8:30 PM: The Boomerang Experience on Main Stage
Saturday, May 2 10 AM: Festival Gates Open Galley Alley Food Booths Galley Alley Dining Area Pirate Marketplace Noon: Todd Armstrong Carnival Rides Activities 7:30 AM: Gulf Coast Masters Cup 5K Run (Civic Center to I-10 Beach) 9 AM - Noon: Registration and Weigh-ins for the 26th Annual Contraband Days Armwrestling Tournament 11 AM: Gulf Coast Masters Cup 1st WOD 1 PM: 27th Annual Contraband Days Armwrestling Tournament 2 PM: Gulf Coast Masters Cup 2nd WOD 5 PM: Gulf Coast Masters Cup 3rd WOD Outdoor Stage 6 PM: ENCORE 8 PM: LA ROXX Boater’s Stage (Lakefront) 1- 2 PM: Ukulady’s Man 2-6 PM: Ron Fruge & Family
Sunday, May 3 Bring your own ice chest. One hand-held ice chest with no more than 12 beverages. You still may not bring glass on the festival grounds. Coolers are subject to inspection. 32 April 23, 2015
Noon: Festival Gates Open Todd Armstrong Carnival Rides Galley Alley Food Booths Galley Alley Dining Area Pirate Marketplace Activities 10 AM: Contraband Days Pirogue Building Contest Pirogue Build & Launch Begins LCCC Grounds 10 AM: Human Foosball Challenge matches begin Outdoor Stage 1:30-3:30 PM: Dean Manning 3:30-5 PM: David Joel
Thursday, May 7 Family Day 11:30 AM: National Day of Prayer Luncheon - Coliseum 4 PM: Festival Gates Open Galley Alley Food Booths Galley Alley Dining Area Pirate Marketplace Todd Armstrong Carnival Rides 5 PM: Registration begins for Children’s Pirate Costume Contest - Boater’s Stage 6 PM: Children’s Pirate Costume Contest Begins on Boater’s Stage 7 PM: Chris August Family Night Concert Special$250 for 10 people, pizza and drinks or $500 for 25 people, pizza and drinks 8:15 PM: Royal Tailor Family Night Concert Special$250 for 10 people, pizza and drinks or $500 for 25 people, pizza and drinks
Friday, May 8 4 PM: Festival Gates Open Galley Alley Food Booths Galley Alley Dining Area - Pirate Marketplace 5 PM: Todd Armstrong Carnival Rides 5:30 PM: Firefighter Challenge begins on festival grounds Outdoor Stage 5 PM: The Kadillacs 7 PM: Flamethrowers 9 PM: Bag of Donuts
Saturday, May 9 Contraband Days 5 Miler: TBD Sailboat Regatta: TBD 10 AM: Festival Gates Open Galley Alley Food Booths Galley Alley Dining Area Pirate Marketplace Noon: Todd Armstrong Carnival Rides Activities 7 AM: BBQ Cook-off Registration Begins 10 AM: Firefighter Challenge begins on festival grounds 11 AM: BBQ Cook-off Judging begins 2 PM: Human Foosball Tournament Begins 2 PM: “Strut Your Stuff” Contest on the Sea Wall 3 PM: Boat Parade 4 PM: Vengeance Fighting Alliance Round 5 “The Championship Round” MMA fights Rosa Heart Theater (You must purchase tickets to this event) 9 PM: 58th Annual Fireworks Party (Invitation Required) LCCC Buccaneer Room & 3rd Floor Balcony 10:15 PM:
FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR! Boater’s Stage (Lakefront) 01:00PM: St. Louis Show Choir 03:30PM: Sinners 05:30PM: Pride O’ Bedlam Outdoor Stage: 06:00 PM: Larry Tillery & The Vagabond Dreamers 08:00 PM: Wayne Toups
This schedule is subject to change. Please check www.contrabanddays.com or call the office at 436-5508. Vol. 7 • No. 1
Alda, who looked so bad I just knew he was going to die. Plus the flashbacks to the 1940s are really well done. My mother was a musician who played for the USO overseas during WWII and all the music brought her back. Thank goodness Alan Alda kept me focused on his romance with Ruth, because the flashbacks are the best part of this movie. Anyway, you get two romances for one, which I think is very efficient. The modern kids, Sofia and Luke, are just pretty faces, but Ira and Ruth have a really nice, (20th Century Fox, 2015) if hackneyed, story. I can’t think it was a Ford) wouldn’t The Longest Ride is the believe Nicholas Sparks gets latest book-to-movie from au- blow up, even though it was away with this stuff. (War on fire. But then it gave a long injury. Hemingway. Need I say thor icon Nicholas Sparks, in groan and exploded. Very dra- more?) which two couples love. This matic and satisfying. makes it even longer. Be warned, parents unAlan Alda (we don’t know The movie starts out at a thinking enough to bring sorority house at Wake Forest who he is yet, so I can call kids, there are some really hot him that) has (wait for it) a in North Carolina. A senior named Sofia gets invited to go box of letters in his car, which Sofia retrieves, to a bull-riding tournament. and lo and behold they (I don’t know if they’re called are love letters he wrote tournaments or not, it just sounded ridiculous and fit the to his dear wife. I was so worried for mood.) Immediately, Sofia Alan Alda, who really finds herself head over heels looks bad in this movie, in love with a tall, muscular, and still enjoying the handsome, big-jawed bull feels over such a good rider named Luke. Okay, this part of the movie exploding car, that I didn’t notice Sofia readwas just what you’d expect and I don’t even know if it was ing one of the letters. That is until a whole any good, although I did stay awake. Luke is played by Clint flashback to the 1940s opened up, recalling Eastwood’s son, Scott Eastwood. As usual for romances, when Ira (Alan Alda) Eastwood was almost prettier first laid eyes on his future love, Sofia. than Sofia, played by Britt No, wait. Her name Robertson, who must be hot was Ruth, that’s right. because she’s in every movie Sofia is reading the letcoming out this summer. Anyway, Luke is driving So- ter, which is from Ira (Alan Alda) to Ruth. fia home one night and they stop staring at each other long But Sofia imagines Alan Alda’s voice reading enough to rescue Alan Alda it, even though they who drove through a railing on a bridge. I was really afraid haven’t been introduced. Alan Alda was going to die, Okay, this is the because I liked him in MASH. But they get him to a hospital thing. I cried solid throughout this movie, just before the car blows up. I guess mainly for Alan I was really afraid the car (I
The Longest Ride
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scenes in this PG-13 movie. There’s also some great cinematography of bull riding, which is probably what the 13-year-old boys seated above me came to see, surely not to see the side of Britt Robertson’s breast or (shudder) the top half of Clint Eastwood’s son’s butt, as they head off to a strategically steamy shower scene. I won’t reveal to you what happens to Alan Alda at the end, but I understand he’s working on another project, so he didn’t die. Which is all I really cared about. I’m going home now to watch MASH reruns. When you go see The Longest Ride, bring a box of tissue and write me a letter about it. Enjoy.
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Almost Famous Women You were this close. You almost had it. Missed it by a hair, by just a smidge. You were slightly off the mark, in fact, almost too close to call. You didn’t get the cigar. Contrary to the old saying, close counts in more than just horseshoes and hand grenades. The proof lies inside Almost Famous Women by Megan Mayhew Bergman. Take, for example, Daisy and Violet Hilton. Performers back in the 1920s, the sisters were in high demand, on-stage and off. Even Houdini was a fan. Men, especially, were attracted to them but the sisters kept no secrets from one another. They couldn’t. They were conjoined twins, literally attached at the hip. Or M.B. “Joe” Carstairs, who’d been an ambulance driver in World War I. Joe was tough as nails and extravagantly wealthy, the perfect hostess on her own island off the coast of Florida. But she was fast, both on the water and in her willingness to find, love, and discard women. Norma Millay was a first-class actress who took her “dirt-poor” childhood and used it to bring her roles to life. Even critics noticed though, admittedly, her performances weren’t exactly well attended; it also hurt that Norma’s famous sister, Edna Vincent, was quick to point out on whose “coat-tails” she was riding. 34 April 23, 2015
High-end European art houses very desperately wanted more from artist Romaine Brooks, but Brooks ignored them and everyone else from her past. At age 90, she took “joy in nothing,” and only thought of things that made her hateful. Her anger was taken out on staff, but they got their revenge: they took her belongings. Butterfly McQueen wanted her life – and her afterlife – spent on her own terms; and a crate of lipstick brought quiet notoriety to a small group of Holocaust survivors. The International Sweethearts of Rhythm would have been more famous had it not been for the colors of their skin. Oscar Wilde’s niece, Dolly, lived a life nearly as scandalous as that of her famous uncle. And four-yearold Allegra Byron, illegitimate daughter of Lord Byron, cared for lovingly by a reluctant Capuchin nun, didn’t live long enough to become famous… Biographies. That’s what I expected when I cracked open Almost Famous Women. I thought it was a book of minibios but instead, what I got was a collection of short stories – and I think I liked that better.
While researching for other projects, author Megan Mayhew Bergman says in her author’s notes that she came across these women and their stories and, after thinking about small bits of their lives, she wrote these dramatic tales, loosely based on real people and real events. In doing so, she gives readers a better sense of who these edge-of-history, complicated women might have been and who, furthermore, might have known and loved (or hated!) them. And I think you’ll love them. The stories, that is: they’re easy to fall into and the lengths are pleasantly reader-friendly. What more could you want, except to keep Almost Famous Women close? Almost Famous Women by Megan Mayhew Bergman ©2015, Scribner, $25/$29.99 Canada 256 pages Vol. 7 • No. 1
Illustrator Erin Casteel and children’s book author Eloise Huber
With Tommie Townsley
Meet Eloise Huber
What would you do with… huge lady bug spots, a face with green dots, tarantula toes or a hook for a nose? Would you whine, whine, whine? No! Shine, shine, shine! Eloise Huber’s first children’s book, The Tortoise and His Hair, (illustrated by Erin E. I. Casteel of Sulphur) is a rhyming story about
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being different, learning to revel in that difference and learning to shine. Weezy, as most know her, credits her mom, Roselyn Hunter, for always encouraging her to write. As luck would have it, the book was performed on stage at the Rosa Hart Theatre in Assemblé 2014 by the Lake Charles Civic Ballet. Her mom was
able to be there and she loved the entire performance. and Illustrators’ Guild. Her A native of Lake Charles, book, The Tortoise and His Weezy lives here with her Hair, from Tommie Townshusband Kurt, their three ley’s local publishing house, sons and two cats. Currently, Ally-Gator BookBites, can be she is in collaboration with purchased at Expressions and Robbie AusPaperSmith tin, a friend in Lake and local Charles, artist, on The Paisley her second Peach in book. Robbie Moss Bluff, also lives in Caraway’s Lake Charles Pharmacy with his wife and Gifts in Nicole and Westlake, or their three directly from children. He the author teaches at St. Eloise Huber with her mom, Roselyn at thetortoiLouis Catholic High School seandhishair@gmail.com. and is co-owner of Pops and Prepare to race to the Rockets, the maker of the shelves for her next book due most delectably perfect pop- out later this year, a fantastisicles around. cally fun twist on another Weezy is a member of one of Æsop’s fables…this the Southwest Louisiana one about a goose…with legs Children’s Book Writers’ of gold.
April 23, 2015 35
Twisted Cooks
Bar food has traditionally been associated with heavy, greasy, stomach-coating food that revives the soul after a night of downing spirits. Originating in the old tavern kitchens of Ancient Rome, the type of food served to its patrons was simple, filling, but most of all, affordable. Seeking lodging, and consuming pails of ale during their stay, travelers and local patrons alike forced public inn owners to expand on the meals they provided. As the popularity of drinking houses grew, so did the desire for the foods served in them. Pubs became known for their culinary capabilities, drawing the attention of explorers and privateers spreading the word. Such establishments could no longer only serve as a watering hole and be successful. The concept poured over into every nearby nation, further diversifying the cuisine and ultimately creating the Bar & Grill culture we have today. In SWLA, our culture is no stranger to preparing and consuming alcohol and food. Internationally known for our unique dining and gastronomical feats, we also hold a candle to some of the world’s best drinkers. It only makes sense that we are home to some of the best bar food anywhere.
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Bourbonz Dance Bar & Grill has entered the rankings of best bar food in the area ever since opening their doors to Priest Magby and Jerret Overmyer last year. Serving bar food with a twist, Twisted Cooks is cranking out a ton of fun, new dishes, in a serious way. Traditionally, bars have offered soups, dried meats, stale breads, and snack cakes known as “pub grub” that have dramatically evolved into some of the iconic foods of our century. Fries, Buffalo wings, cheese dip, and of course our beloved burger were all born from the fires of a bar kitchen creating a whole new tradition. However, Twisted Cooks is all about making their “traditional” original. Creating their menu by building on the classics that were once served in the bar, the team is dedicated to showcasing their skills, producing the majority of what they serve in-house. Items like their spicy mayo and fish fry have grown so popular that they are often ordered in bulk for home use. After attending a number of food expos and festivals, the crew introduced two new menu items that helped set them apart from any other food venue in the city. The Mad-Hatter, an all-beef burger topped with BBQ pulled pork and slices of grilled chicken is one of their newest items generating a buzz around the bar scene. Along with the classical “Bourbonz Blues Burger” and their claim to fame, the “Pork ‘n the Fat Chick” the team has put
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together a collection of mouth-watering dishes that will leave your belly drunk on happiness. With their summer barbecue festival approaching, the crew’s clutch member, Matt Corley, will be helping to put a whole new twist on smoked and grilled to the Lake Area. This is exactly the kind of business the crew set out to accomplish, but getting their name out has not been as easy as they hoped. As with most behind-the bar-eateries, attracting customers who are more hungry than thirsty is always a difficult task. Founded with the principle, “If we cannot make it, then we will buy it local” is what has kept their name circulat-
ing city wide. Twisted’s mentality towards business is a pretty straightforward “love the community and it will love you back” philosophy. Asking yourself or anyone else “What do you want to eat?” should not be in your lunch vocabulary. Make your way over to Bourbonz, get Twisted, and be sure you HashTag Dat!!! As always, Eat, Sleep, Drink, and Support Local!
#TwistedCOOKS #Bourbonz #SupportLocalLC
Growing
for Profit
Producing enough food to supply your family’s needs from your backyard garden can be a quite a daunting task. Reducing the grocery cost of your family’s budget without replacing it with garden supply expenses can be even more difficult. The “Growing for Profit” Workshop, put together by The Partnership for a Healthier SWLA and the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, is geared to help you solve those problems and many more. A multitude of guest speakers will provide a wealth of information on a variety of topics. Anyone can attend this event, from your novice backyard gardener to your more advanced large plot farmers. Workshops will be including information on everything from planting guides to container gardening to the growing seasons, how to prepare a business plan, and many more. This gathering of officials and knowledgeable speakers is a green event the entire community won’t want to miss! Vol. 7 • No. 1
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Thursday, April 23 Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Mark Reeves & Twisted X 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Swagger 8 p.m.- midnight @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Rumor Mill 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Ladies Night – DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Friday, April 24 Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC Mike Fulmer 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC
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Swagger 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Josephine 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Allison Collins 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush 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
Saturday, April 25 Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Frayed Soul 7:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC Tassie Burnette 8 p.m. @ The Center Stage 3426 Ryan Street, LC
Styx 8 p.m. @ Golden Nugget Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
The Crush 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Swagger 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
JC Callier & the Zydeco Knockouts
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Mr. DJ 9 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Acoustic Pie 9 p.m.- midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Dance Night 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Allison Collins 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC The Crush 9 p.m. @ Mikko Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder JC Callier & the Zydeco Knockouts 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Mr. DJ 9 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC
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Brian Racca, Jr. 9-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Oh, Rhien! 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Sunday, April 26 Glenn Zeringue & Caleb Fontenot 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
@ Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Brunch L’Auberge Casino Resort
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777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC
10 p.m. @ MyPlace American Pub 630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Ste. G, LC
Tuesday, April 28 Guys Night @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC
MAS Community Series So Suede & Ukalady’s Man 2-4 p.m. @ McMillan Park 343 Goos St., LC
Jazz Night with Mickey Smith 6:30 @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC
Ellis Vanicor and the Lacassine Playboys
Hanna Heart 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
3-7 p.m. @ Wayne & Layne’s Deli 3906 Hwy 27 S, Sulphur
Monday, April 27 Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC Wholesome Karaoke Night Hosted by Lynch & Cornbread
Two for Tuesday on Everything! 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC
Mike & Amber 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Chinatown 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Joe Ecker 8 – 11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Talent Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC
Wednesday, April 29 Thursday, April 30 Chris Miller & the Bayou Roots 6:30 @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC
Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC
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Rusty Yates 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder DJ Play 8 p.m. – midnight @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Chinatown 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 Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Ladies Night – DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Friday, May 1 Rusty Yates 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Celtic Balladeer Danny O’Flaherty
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Better than Ezra 8 p.m. @ Golden Nugget H2O Pool Complex 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. Coco’s CD Release Party 8 p.m. @ The Center Stage 3426 Ryan Street, LC TBA 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC At Fault 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Coolers 3622 1/2 Ryan St. LC Casey Courville 9 p.m.- Midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Dance Night 9 p.m. – 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Saturday, May 2
Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC TBA 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton TBA 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 Logan Soileau 9 p.m.- Midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC At Fault 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Jack Goes Back to the ‘80s 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Sunday, May 3 Live Music 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
@ Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Brunch L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
7-10 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee House, 319 Broad Street, LC
Rusty Yates 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC
Faulk Brothers 7:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, Lake Charles
Flashback 7:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC
Ellis Vanicor and the Lacassine Playboys 3-7 p.m. @ Wayne & Layne’s Deli 3906 Hwy 27 S, Sulphur
Ron Fruge 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Twelve Years Driven/ Torrid Complex/Lost Chapters 8 p.m. @ The Center Stage 3426 Ryan Street, LC
John Guidroz 4 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC Vol. 7 • No. 1
Monday, May 4 Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC Wholesome Karaoke Night Hosted by Lynch & Cornbread 10 p.m. @ MyPlace American Pub 630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Ste. G, LC
Tuesday, May 5 Guys Night @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC
Jazz Night with William Christian 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC TBA 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Dancing 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC
Wednesday, May 6 Dustin Landry & Travis Corbello 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC Karaoke with DJ Cornbread 7 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC TBA 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., LC William Christian 8-11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Karaoke with Avid Sounds 9 p.m. @ Coolers 3622 1/2 Ryan St. LC
Talent Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC
Thursday, May 7 Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Mark Henry 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Willie Tee, Warren Storm & Cypress 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder TBA 8 p.m.- midnight @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Ladies Night – DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Friday, May 8 Mark Henry 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC Kory Fontenot 7:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC Vol. 7 • No. 1
TBA 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Joe Harmon & the Harmonics 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Slim Harper 8 p.m. @ The Center Stage 3426 Ryan Street, LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Troy Lazarus 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder TBA 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Mr. DJ 9 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Luke Cooper 9 p.m.- midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Dance Night 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC New Form 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC April 23, 2015 41
Sunday, May 9 Mark Henry 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Gary Puckett & BJ Thomas 8 p.m. @ Golden Nugget 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Pulse Rate Zero 8 p.m. @ The Center Stage 3426 Ryan Street, LC
TBA 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
one man that I finally broke down and let my inner geek out to play.
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto “So here I was, talking with this Jedi Knight the other day and the funniest thing happened, these six green alien chicks in belly dancing outfits came walking up and none other than Captain James T. Kirk was standing right there! I’ll bet you can guess where it went from there, huh, Buddy? Ha ha ha!” Sure, it sounds like a bad, geeky joke but it’s not too far from the truth of my weekend, right here in beautiful downtown Lake Chuck. I found myself in the midst of aliens, cartoon characters, video game characters, sword fighters, mech war machines, arcade games, time machines and more and, no, it wasn’t a drunken hallucination. It was CyPhaCon, the Lake Charles anime, gaming and sci-fi convention now in its 5th year that turned the Lake Charles Civic Center into a geeky wonderland for the last three days. I have to admit, I was pretty impressed. Sure, I have my little geekdoms that I subscribe to. I’m a devoted fan of Doctor Who, always loved Star Trek and Star Wars, am a Twin Peaks fan, etc., and I grew up loving both video games and comic books. But somehow, I just never saw myself a big enough fan to actually go out to the Cons. Some have tempted me in the past but I have managed to hold off until now and it was thanks to 42 April 23, 2015
Man From Mars, This Time You Went too Far California native Jeffery Combs is not a name you may recognize offhand, but he is a face that a lot of you have seen many, many times. From his breakout performance as Dr. Herbert West in the 1985 cult favorite screen adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s Re-Animator, through a half-dozen plus characters in various Star Trek shows, to the total 60 movies, 40 television shows, and six video games he’s worked on, Combs is a broad talent in the film and television industry that we were lucky to welcome to SWLA this weekend. Through the diversity of his roles, he’s shown that one can defy Hollywood’s desire to typecast and label a performer’s talent and that an actor can still be open to the full range of his desired creativity while still building and maintaining
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Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Troy Lazarus 9 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
TBA 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Mr. DJ 9 p.m. @ Bourbonz
a respectable career in an unstable and unforgiving industry. He shared anecdotes about working with Peter Jackson for Frighteners, talked about the kindness of his new cast members on his first day on set for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and gave listeners insight to the ways and workings of the city behind the sliver screen and what is driving Hollywood’s product in these economic times. He brought the reality of the big screen to a small city in a way that was as funny as it was fascinating and fulfilling for the fans that wanted to meet him, ask him questions and thank him for his work. He was a class act, indeed and I, for one, am thrilled that he came to our little corner of the South. It’s Just My Job Five Days A Week. A Rocket Man...
Admittedly, there was much more to experience than just Jeffery Combs. A big hit for the weekend was the presence of Game of Thrones star Miltos Yerolemou (Syrio Forel) who also hosted swordfighting workshops in the Rosa Hart Theater. Also in attendance was anime voice actor and the director and “Captain Kirk” of the fan web series Star Trek Continues, Vig Mignogna, longtime Star Trek insider and producer Larry Nemecek, Fantasy writer M.B. Weston and more. Local and regional vendors of all things geeky and great peddled their wares, from custom artwork by Drake Rogers, jewelry by Julie Ann Fay, crafts and kitsch by Markie Spears Hebert, and origami by Cassie Rodriquez to every sort of comic, artwork, video game, cosplay craziness and collectable you could find that vendors could squeeze into the Buccaneer Room. That’s not to mention the workVol. 7 • No. 1
3436 Ryan St., LC
9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC
Cory Lebert 9-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Special Event Night
shops. Acting, writing, self defense, hypnosis, filmmaking, scientific discovery… This was much more than just people talking about Batman vs. Superman or trading Magic: The Gathering cards. This was a very di-
Imagine of Acadian Beatles Tribute 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC
verse set of interests and hobbies that the local founders of this event have pulled together quite impressively, I must say. It was much more than I expected and I have to admit it--I’m really looking forward to next year!
Something’s Happening Here... You know, one thing that can truly be said about our area is that we can always find something to celebrate. The festival season is ramping up and even if you missed out on CyPhaCon, there is still plenty of other events on the burner to help you get out and get your Southwest Louisiana on!
Spring Art Walk and Art Battle Downtown Lake Charles Friday April 24, 5-9 pm The Southwest Louisiana Arts and Humanities Council Spring Art Walk and Art Battle Returns to downtown Lake Charles as visual art exhibits invade local business for the evening complete with live music, food, pedicab rides and the Art Battle which will see teams squaring off to create the best mural in one hour’s time! Add a splash of color and culture to your weekend. Admission is FREE! For more information visit http://artsandhumanitiesswla.org. GO SEE THIS!
58th Annual Contraband Days Festival Lake Charles Civic Center, April 28 – May 10 Jean Lafitte and his scurvy Buccaneers return to take over the City of Lake Charles for the 58th time this year and, as always, it will feature carnival rides, games, food, and plenty of entertainment featuring the one and only Wayne Toups topping the bill, New Orleans partiers Bag Of Donuts, local Glam Rockers LA ROXX and plenty more! Gate admission is $5. for more information visit www.contrabanddays.com. GO SEE SOME PIRATES!!!
And the Stars Look Very Different…Today... There’s plenty more yet to come! Stay tuned here to JMLC for updates and check out The JAM’s event and nightlife sections. You can always log onto www. visitlakecharles.com where the good folks over at the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau will keep you apprised of all the hot happenings here in the Lake City. That’s gonna wrap things up for this edition, geeks and ghouls. As always, emails are welcome at jmlc@justinmorrisentertainment.com and until next time, I’ll see you at the show! April 23, 2015 43
DOWNTOWN CRAWFISH FESTIVAL The original Downtown Crawfish Festival was back in full swing at the Civic Center! Everyone enjoyed spicy boiled crawfish and the music of Keith Frank, Chris Ardoin, Geno Delafose and Zydecane. There was lots of other good food, a queen’s pageant, parade, and carnival rides. Proceeds benefitted the Eljay Foundation for Parkinson Awareness. Great cause!
Cindy David and Nina Ball
Bella Bonin, Emerald Sky and Triston Patrick Monk
Harli Turner, Allyssa Ardoin and Melayah Cole
Jodi and Devin Stickney
Jennifer Thrasher, Aaron Barasa and Allie Hebert
WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES It was a playful morning as local men raised awareness in our community about violence against women. Guys put on high heel and walked a mile in the Prien Lake Mall, cheered on by supporters. This annual fundraiser for local rape crisis centers offered domestic violence and prevention education and more. Walk this way!
John Casarez with Craig and Sarah Stubbs
Dr. Anatole, Stephanie and Nikolai Karpovs 44 April 23, 2015
Lauren and Beau LeBlanc
David Johnson Suzie Johnson, and Catherine Deshotel
Thor Russell, Jinny Heller and Donald Sherer with Faith and Abel Heller Vol. 7 • No. 1
CYPHACON CyPhaCon is SWLA’s largest anime, gaming, sci-fi and pop culture convention! This year was their biggest ever, with special guests, performers, gaming events and CyphaKids programs that brought in the fans! This three-day extravaganza was held at the Civic Center. Loved the creative costumes!
He didn’t get her name.
Joy Rahman, Jacob Reed, Cherokee Moss and Angelica Shamah
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Samantha Scalisi and Tim Doucet
Mathew and Celise Cahoon
Jenna Vidrine, Devin Gallow and Tisha Cates
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CALCASIEU KENNEL CLUB AGILITY TRIALS Talk about agility! The Burton Coliseum Outdoor Arena was the place to watch competitive canines jumping over seesaws, A-frames, weave poles, tires and more, more, more‌timed! This three-day competitive event for beginner, intermediate and advanced doggies was a real crowd pleaser! Woof!
Melissa Bonsall and Amy Hammock
Garrett and Ezio Polo
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Jana Kingrey and Anita Duhon
Amy Murray and Michael Sotherfield
Sandy Cormier and Jane Allums
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