2 May 5, 2016
Vol. 8 • No. 3
May 5, 2016 • Volume 8 • Issue 3
715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262
On Cover: Brimstone Historical Society of Sulphur, LA
COVER 20 Brimstone Historical Society
www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Contributors Lisa Addison George Cline Roger Miller Jason Machulski Justin Morris Britney Blanchette Pitre Terri Schlichenmeyer David Yantis
Sales lauren@thejambalayanews.com
REGULARS 5 We Are SWLA! 6
Adoption Corner
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Tips from Tip
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Fishin’ Tales
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10 A Ruff Life 12 This Functional Family 13 Stir Dat Pot
FEATURES 14 For Good Health, Eat Healthy 14 West Cal Chamber of Commerce
Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk
Business Office Manager Jeanie Rourk
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THE SPICE OF SWLA 22 KCSWLA Presents Grease!
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24 Event Guide
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26 SWLA Summer Camp Guide 28 Family Fun Night at the Movies 29 Bookworm Sez… Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff. The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by Jambalaya Media, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Copyright 2014 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.
Vol. 8 • No. 3
30 heART of SWLA 33 Nightlife Guide 33 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles
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38 Society Spice
May 5, 2016 3
Trying to Work With Cats You’ve seen all the videos on Facebook and the Internet. And it’s true. It’s next to impossible to work with cats when they want to be around you. Not that they want to be around you all day. There are huge chunks of the day when they disappear. No one sees them. No one knows where they go. Then suddenly, they are back with a vengeance, pulling your hair and crawling all over your face. Well actually, that mostly happens at night. Office cats have different needs. They love your laptop and will try to sit on it when-
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ever they can get away with it. This is why I always close mine, even if I have to leave my desk for five minutes. If I forget, there is usually someone furry and stubborn sleeping on it when I get back, enjoying its warmth and in no way ready to Get Off without the use of physical force. Ringo is probably the most intrusive of all of them. And he has a ritual. He runs up the stairs and tiptoes into my office with one eye on Cooper, who makes a big deal about growling at him and acting like a little bully. There are some cats that
Cooper just ignores and other cats that he chases. Ringo is one of the chased, but he really could care less. It’s like a game to him. After he escapes the Murderous Chihuahua, he goes over to Coop’s bowl, because of course dog food is better than cat food to a cat, the same way cat food is better than dog food to a dog. That’s just how it works. If there is no food in the bowl, he’ll go to the big bag of food and knock it over and try to get some that way. He’s very persistent. From there, he makes his way to my desk, which is not a good thing. My desk is very cluttered and the last thing I need is a cat knocking things off. He stands beside it and looks at me with his big green eyes. “NO!” I say. He inches forward. “I said NO!” I reiterate. Since he’s a cat, NO means absolutely nothing to him and he leaps on my desk. But he’s still not satisfied; what he really wants to do is to lie across the keyboard drawer directly under my laptop where
I keep my Most Important Stuff that I have to refer to as I am working on an issue. More than that, if he’s sprawled out directly in front of me, then I have to reach over him to type. It simply doesn’t work for me—which is why it works so well for Ringo, I think. Cats enjoy inconveniencing us. So I let him have his way for a while, but it’s also uncomfortable because he keeps staring at me. My friend Kelly’s husband Dave does not like cats because “They look right through ya,” he says. He would really have a tough time with Ringo. But I get so immersed in my work that I don’t notice it after a while. Eventually, he falls asleep. Or, he may decide to bite my arm. Sleep? Bite? Life is full of choices for an office cat.
Lauren Abate
Vol. 8 • No. 3
Gremillion in CHRISTUS Podiatric Residency Program Foot and ankle specialist Jared Gremillion, DPM, will be joining the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency Program, which is a partnership with Imperial Health’s Center for Orthopaedics. Originally from Sulphur, Dr. Gremillion began working as an ER tech at WCCH while earning a B.S. in biology from McNeese State University. During his undergraduate studies, he also completed a surgical research internship at Dr. Jared Gremillion Uniformed Services University Health Science Center in Maryland. After completing his degree in 2009, he began working as a medical assistant at Center for Orthopaedics, where he became passionate about the podiatric specialty and decided to continue his medical education.
CPSO Captain Graduates from FBI Academy
Captain Gene Pittman
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office Special Services Division Captain Gene Pittman graduated from the 263rd Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia on March 18. He was one of 230 law enforcement officers who participated in the academy. Pittman also completed the 6.1-mile obstacle course, which is known as one of the most challenging courses for law enforcement leaders. Captain Pittman has over 21 years of law enforcement experience and has been employed at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office since 1994.
McNeese Faculty Wins Pinnacle Awards Six McNeese State University faculty members are recipients of the 2016 Pinnacle Excellence Awards established by Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. – the parent company of L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles. The awards recognize the best teaching professor in each of the McNeese colleges—business, education, engineering and computer science, liberal arts, nursing and health professions and science. Pinnacle Entertainment director of PR Kerry Andersen and McNeese President Dr. Philip C. Williams presented the educators with their awards totaling $30,000 during a ceremony at McNeese’s Stream Alumni Center.
McDonald’s of SWLA Supports SOWELA Foundation Doug Gehrig, owner and operator of McDonald’s of Southwest Louisiana, presented a $2,500 donation to SOWELA’s chancellor, Dr. Neil Aspinwall, for the recent Flying Tigers Car Show. The familyfriendly event benefits the SOWELA Foundation, which provides scholarship opportunities to SOWELA students. For more information about the SOWELA Foundation, visit www.sowela.edu. For more information about McDonald’s of SWLA, call (337) 436-3368 or visit www.mcdswla.com.
LAMC Welcomes Dr. James Barrow, OB/GYN James Barrow, M.D., FACOG has joined Lake Area Physicians, Lake Area OB/GYN Associates at Lake Area Medical Center. Dr. Barrow is board-certified in Obstetrics / Gynecology and Obesity Medicine, and has returned to Lake Charles following six years in private practice in Shreveport. Dr. Barrow earned his medical degree from LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport While there, he completed his residency in OB/GYN and furthered his medical expertise Dr. James Barrow as an academic instructor. Dr. Barrow provides a full spectrum of women’s services and is currently accepting new patients and offering same day appointments at Lake Area OB/GYN Associates located at 4150 Nelson Road, Building G, Suite 6 on the LAMC campus. For more information, visit www.LakeAreaPhysicians.com or call (337) 562-3747.
Angels of Southwest Louisiana Invest in Documentary
L to R: Dr. W. Steve Thompson, College of Liberal Arts; Dr. Christos Douvris, College of Science; Katrina Carter, College of Nursing and Health Professions; Dr. Angelique M. Ogea, Burton College of Education; Dr. Jeff Stevens, College of Business; and Dr. Pankaj Chandra, College of Engineering and Computer Science. McNeese Photo Vol. 8 • No. 3
The Angels of Southwest Louisiana, a member of the Angel Capital Association, has successfully completed a funding round with an infusion of capital into No Greater Love, an Atlas House Productions documentary. “No Greater Love is entering the market at a time when there is great need to increase awareness of the effect of war and the need to improve the support for returning veterans,” said Angels of Southwest Louisiana Managing Director Ron McGinley. The film recently received great reviews and awards at May 5, 2016 5
Louisiana International Film Festival in Baton Rouge. To learn more, visit www.nglfilm.com.
George Named WCCH Employee of the Month
Prescilla George
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently named Priscilla George as its employee of the month for April 2016. As a unit secretary in the Emergency Department, George provides assistance to patients, visitors, clinical staff and physicians in the emergency medical setting and helps to prioritize daily workload to ensure a safe and efficient environment for all. George has been with the organization for over five years.
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 to TLC’s Career Exploration and Civic Engagement initiatives. The Career Exploration Initiative helps prepare youth for the workforce by teaching them the skill sets necessary to be successful in any career path. The Civic Engagement initiative helps young adults develop a combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make a difference by promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.
Counselors, Teachers of the Year Honored by CPSB At April’s regular board meeting, the Calcasieu Parish School Board recognized the Teachers and Counselors of the Year. Teachers of the Year are Erin Harless from LaGrange High School, Carla Craddock from LeBlanc Middle School, and Cindy Poole from Vincent Settlement Elementary School. Harless is also a semi-finalist for State Teacher of the Year. Counselors of the Year are Terri Shaw from Sam Houston High School, Emily Ardoin from Moss Bluff Middle School, and Barrette McBride from W.T. Henning Elementary School. McBride was also named the overall winner for Calcasieu Parish.
iBERIABANK Annual Corporate Partner of BBBS of SWLA iBERIABANK of Lake Charles has formed a corporate partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana. With a donation of $3,000, they will be event sponsors of both Bowl For Kids’ Will Moore, branch manager; Sarita Scheufens, retail market Sake, to be held manager; Will Reid, branch manager; and Heather Hohensee, on May 7, and the executive director of BBBSs of SWLA annual golf tournament, to be held in the fall. In addition to the cash donation, iBERIABANK will form bowling teams to compete and raise money at the event. The community raises tens of thousands of dollars that allow BBBS-SWLA to continue to serve the children of SWLA.
L to R: Lt. James Steward, Family & Youth Board Member; Steve Trahan, Cameron LNG External Relations Manager; Caitlin Morris, Family & Youth Board Member; and Julio Galan, President/ CEO of Family & Youth.
Local Software Developer Repeats as Distinguished Microsoft Awardee Microsoft has named local software developer Rion Williams as a recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Award for 2016. The MVP award is Microsoft’s highest honor and is awarded to outstanding leaders in the tech community. Williams is currently the Senior Software Developer at Structure X, based out of Lake Charles. He is a Lake Charles Rion Williams native and a McNeese State University graduate. Williams was first honored with the accolade in 2014, becoming the first recipient from Louisiana and one of just a handful to receive the award nationwide. 2016 will mark the third consecutive year that he has won.
This cutie recently joined us--our sweet Sissie. We love her ears! She appears to be Basenji, perhaps mixed with Chihuahua. She weighs 12-13 pounds and is as fast as lightning. Her favorite activity in her foster home is playing chase with her doggie friends. This little one would be perfect for agility training-she has jumped straight up and out of the dog-yard pen while at PetsMart! She is also a heart-stealer. Although she can run with the best of the boys, she is a snuggler at night. Sis will be an allaround great companion for her new person(s). You can meet Sissie on Saturday adoption days at PetsMart. Vet check and home visit required prior to all adoptions. For more information, call or email (337) 478-7294; lapaw@bellsouth.net.
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filter, adding salt for the water softener, septic system additives, heart worm preventative pill for the dog, recurring monthly payments and refilling prescriptions are just some of the routine things that many households deal with. In an attempt to stay on track, I’ve tried to shift the occurrence of my routine stuff to the first of the month. It can take a little doing to get things lined up for one date but I find it handy to get it over with at one time. I have a check-off list that allows me to see what needs to be dealt with and I mark them accomplished when completed. This helps insure that something is not missed. Just an idea I wanted to share with my readers.
participants. I get enough solicitations already that I have to sort through and put in the spam bin. They may even require you to have the card with you as your phone number may not work for sign-in. Other loyalty programs allow you to simply put in your phone number and all is good. Just putting in a phone number in some programs is enough to register even without a name. Play their game if it suits you.
Supermarket Roundup
Spring has sprung or in our case, has dumped unparalleled rains upon us. Crawfish are abundant, flowers are flourishing in our gardens, fresh produce is filling the shelves, backyard barbeques are the venue for many get-togethers and pleasure crafts are leaving the launches. Spring Art Walk Lighter fare is called for, trimming a Great Success down from the heavy meals that we We can all be proud of the manner had in cooler weather. Our shopping in which the art and music scene here survey will look at some items that in Lake Charles has grown. The Spring go along with the weather. These Merchant Loyalty Art Walk was a huge success with the were obtained on May 2 and Programs... A Burden? prices largest number ever of art lovers takreflect the posted price on the shelf Some merchant loyalty programs get ing the streets of our downtown. The where the items were placed for to be more of a burden than a reward. city administration has supported sale. The stores that were surveyed Having to get, carry and then present the Arts Council with these developinclude: Albertsons-Country Club a program membership card in order ments; Mayor Randy Roach has been Road, Market Basket-Lake Street, to get your rewards gets burdensome. a champion in leading the way and Kroger-McNeese Street and WalA number of businesses have done the hard work is really beginning to mart-Ryan Street. away with this hassle. Albertsons bear fruit. We can safely assume that the cultural scene here in our fair city stopped their program years ago, as it Fresh raspberries, 6-ounce packobviously was not having the desired age: Albertsons $6.99, Market Basket will continue to increase with new $2.99, Kroger $2.50 (2/$5), Walmart and exciting events. If you missed the effect along with the resentment it $3.48. Art Walk this time, there will be other generated. One of the major pharmacy prohappenings coming up that you may Fresh red grapes, per pound: Alwant to participate in. These events are grams has caused so much inconvenience that I wonder why anyone still bertsons $2.99. Market Basket $1.69, usually free and are supported by onuses it. They have the “Extra Buck” Kroger $2.99, Walmart $3.48. site beverage sales--a real bargain for promotion where you buy a certain attendees. Look to our pages here in Iceberg Lettuce, per head: AlbertThe Jambalaya News so you can keep item and you get an amount that you can use in the future, if you rememsons $1.49, Market Basket $1.19, up on these and other future events. ber. To qualify for their program, you Kroger $.99, Walmart $.98. must give them your phone number, address and email so that they can Sweet corn, per ear: Albertsons keep you advised of all the golden op- $.79, Market Basket $.59, Kroger $.40 portunities that will be sent your way. (5/$2), Walmart $.33. Make a List If you don’t give up the info, you can’t We all have “To Do” lists hanging participate. I love a deal, but this can Fresh asparagus, per pound: Alover our heads. Some of them are be on the edge of borderline. bertsons $3.49, Market Basket $4.29, regularly occurring items that we do Guess what? I am not one of the Kroger $3.29, Walmart $2.97. on a monthly basis. Changing the A/C Vol. 8 • No. 3
May 5, 2016 7
Photos by Chris Romero
Grumpy Old Fishermen For those of you ancient enough to remember the Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau classic Grumpy Old Men movies you’ll get my column’s title. I had planned to fly fish with Frank Conrad but that didn’t work out. He had a family reunion. At his house, no less.
“What to do? What to do?” I asked myself. The answer lay in what I’d done last summer when the temperature hit a record 104 degrees. I’d sworn that the next time I went to Jeannette and Shane Stephens’ pond it would be cool. Since it was
Roger with a catfish, an d Glenn in the bac kground 8 May 5, 2016
to be a not-too-hot nor toocool perfect day, I decided to take Glenn Bergeron for yet another karaoke fishing trip and column. My podna Ernie Colonna was added to the mix. His daughter, singer/ songwriter Wendy Colonna is a performer of note locally and in the Austin scene. Ernie can sing a mean tune too. It isn’t karaoke fishing but it was a serenade of sorts. We loaded up and drove down Hwy. 27 to south of Gaspard’s Grocery, then turned right at the Cal-Cam Line Road. And voila, I was soon back to where we’d had the karaoke fishing trip. The whole journey reminded me of Grumpy Old Men as we graybeards moaned and groaned about our aches and pains on the way down. Let’s see, my left shoulder is wired together and my left hip is fake and I have rheumatoid arthritis. Ernie has scoliosis and recently had hip replacement surgery. Glenn is wheelchairbound. Let’s face it, we’re old men. We unloaded and put Glenn under the beach umbrella, his wheelchair serving as a landing chair. This was Glenn’s fourth fishing trip in his life and Ernie didn’t have many more. Ernie started with the Chartreuse Beetle Spin lure I’d used in my most recent Lacas-
sine Pool trip to harvest weeds and lily pads. “Fish right off those weeds. There’s a brim bed there and one off to the left past Glenn,” I told Ernie while I set up my own brim fishing gear and Glenn’s catfish rigging. Always love watching Glenn with his big salt water rig and cork to match. I mean, we’re fishing an acre farm pond, not angling for marlin off Costa Rica. No matter, when your shoulders are injured and weakened, you need all the help you can get landing six to 12-pound catfish. They even manage to bend the stiff rod, yet the pole perch jerks marvelously. Meanwhile Ernie cast out just beyond the weeds and lilies. I chuckled, hoping he’d snag some weeds. My hopes were dashed as he deftly hooked and landed a larger than palm-sized brim. Ernie did not endure the same fate I had last week. Then, just to be aggravating, he did it again. Trying for my turn, I set up beyond Ernie on the left and fished just off the weeds. I soon hooked and landed a perch about as long as my earthworm bait and hurriedly tossed it back. My baby perch no more hit the water than Glenn perch-jerked a nice keeper fish, but tossed it back. We only kept the perch and catfish that we’d somehow Vol. 8 • No. 3
Ernie Colonna
injured while catching them. None of us really wanted to clean fish. Ernie was insistent that he would keep and clean any hook-ravaged fish. That worked out as Ernie ended up with four large brim and a good sized catfish for a future fresh filleted fried fish delight. But before that we had the pleasure of Jeannette Stephens’ company. She checked to make sure Glenn was comfy and wanted for nothing. Then she got around to us and even joined in our fish catching delights. Jeannette informed us that when we were ready, our lunch awaited us. For those of you who don’t read every column I write you don’t yet get that Jeannette is not only our caring hostess, she is also a gourmet cook. Last summer, we had homemade biscuits and real butter and cream gravy for breakfast. Lunch consisted of delightful shrimp grits, garden vegetables with homemade French bread and cheesecake. This time, we had fried chicken, chicken fillets in a seasoned sauce, real (not out of a bag) mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage, a vegVol. 8 • No. 3
etable medley and chocolate ganache cake for dessert. Alas lunch came later, as we were still fishing. We also had the hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s playing in the background from Jeannette’s truly fine sound system. No karaoke this time, but we had the sound system and Ernie serenading us. Two large catfish tore into my bait and both broke my line. I figured it must be my 25-yearold line. Then it dawned on me that the problem might be that I’d set the reel’s drag too high. A couple of adjustments and pulls later I figured I had it right. Returning to the scene of my drag crime, I tossed in the adjusted reel bait. Didn’t have to wait long until the cork bobbed twice and then disappeared. Slamming the hook, the fight was on. The catfish stripped the line out. I reeled it back. We went back and forth like that until it struggled into the lilies. I just held the line taut, exhausting the catfish. All the while I was screaming for the net and Ernie screamed back that he was helping Glenn land a fish. Glenn certainly couldn’t roll the net over to me. Ernie leaned on his cane and assisted Glenn’s struggle with his fish. And me, I had to drag the worn-out catfish through the weeds onto the bank. Three old coots to land two fish. It was a Lemmon and Matthau redux fishing excursion with Jeannette playing the Ann Margaret/Sophia Loren roles. And then we had to leave. It was codger nap time.
Shane, Roger, Jeanette & Glenn
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Rainy Day Fun! In general, dogs need a daily walk that lasts 30 minutes, depending on age, health, breed, etc. This can be pretty difficult here in Southwest Louisiana during the spring months, however. Without a daily walk, dogs get bored, and/or anxious. When this happens, he will find something to do to curb the boredom and anxiety, like chew our shoes, lick his paws incessantly, destroy furniture, etc. So what to do when it’s raining cats and dogs during this time of year? Interactive dogs toys are amazing for boredom and anxiety! If you’ve read any of my previous articles you know how much I LOVE interactive dog toys! Balls, ropes, and plush toys can be pretty boring to dogs when you are no longer engaging in play. However, with interactive toys (aka puzzle toys) your dog can spend an hour or more entertaining herself. You may be familiar with Kong toys. These are some of my favorites. The original Kong can be stuffed with allnatural peanut butter, all-natural plain yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, Easy Cheese/Cheez Wiz, canned dog food, applesauce, and/or baby food (no grapes, cherries, raisins, avocado, onions, garlic, or xylitol, as they’re all toxic to dogs). Once the Kong is stuffed with yummy goodies, you 10 May 5, 2016
can freeze the entire toy so that the contents solidify, thus providing your dog with a fun-filled (literally) form of entertainment. These toys are great because they can be used during meals, in between meals, when guests arrive to deter dogs from jumping on them, and some can even be used in the kennel (check label on toy). Another toy that I absolutely love is called a Kong Wobbler. It is very similar in shape to the original Kong; however, it is larger, made of plastic rather than rubber, unscrews to
insert food, and is weighted at the bottom. You can feed your dog her whole meal out of it instead of using a bowl! Simply unscrew the Kong, fill with the correct amount of kibble, screw back together, and place on the floor. Rather than eating directly from a bowl, your dog will now have to work for her food. Her problem-solving skills will improve as she figures out the best strategies to get it. By the time she is finished eating, she will have been mentally, and physically stimulated, AND she will have a full belly. A dog that’s full and tired is a happy dog--not a bored, destructive dog! There are MANY other interactive toys on the market other than the Kong brand. Just search for “interactive dog toys” on Amazon, or shop at any pet store, and you will easily find several different designs. I recommend changing out the toys every few days to make it more fun and exciting for your dogs. In fact, you don’t have to purchase anything. An empty water or soda botVol. 8 • No. 3
tle filled with treats, and/or food is a great DIY interactive toy (be sure to supervise, and remove plastic ring from bottle). Filling a cardboard box with vertically-arranged paper towel rolls and/or toilet paper rolls is also a great puzzle. Just fill some rolls with treats or food and let Fideaux figure out where the food is hidden--it’s really fun to watch them using their noses and figuring it out, too. Another great idea is to use a muffin tin and tennis balls. Fill some of the muffin compartments with food, and then cover all of them with tennis balls. Now, your dog has to figure out where the food is located. Last, you can hide their kibble or treats in various places in a room or several rooms, and then let them find the food. I do this often with my dogs. I’ll have them in a “stay position” while I hide their kibble throughout the living room. When I release them from the “stay position,” and say, “Go find it!” they’re on the hunt--and then they nap for quite a while.
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Other than providing interactive toys, there are a few other things you can do that will give them their daily stimulation. Bully sticks, antlers, hooves, bull or ram horns are also great chews that usually last quite a while. Just be sure to supervise with any chew. If you have a long hallway and your dog likes to fetch, practice throwing the ball down the hallway and have her retrieve it. Some dogs don’t like to play fetch, so maybe try a game of tug-owar. Don’t worry--it’s a myth that this game will make your dog aggressive or “dominant.” Practice leash walking IN your home. Yes, that’s correct. Dogs learn better with little to no distractions initially, and then you gradually add distractions. If Fideaux doesn’t do so well on leash walks, start practicing on focus and not pulling indoors first. You can teach “focus/watch me” simply by showing your dog a treat and bringing the treat to the middle of your eyes while saying “focus” or “watch me.” When she looks at the treat or at your eyes, praise and reward with the treat.
As she gets better, start increasing the distance between you and her, and the duration that she focuses on you. Knowing this cue can really be helpful on walks. Last, teach your dog new cues or tricks! Sit, down, stay, leave it, take it, drop it, come when called, loose-leash walking, watch me, off, on your place, and wait are the basic cues that all dogs should know. Sign up for a positive, science-based, force-free dog training class to learn how to properly train your dog. Then, you’ll have new homework/material to work on each week. Zak George, Kevin Duggan, and Kikopup all have a GREAT YouTube channels with great videos on how to train your dog using modern force-free methods-same methods I use. So now, you and Fideaux are out of excuses when it comes to these rainy days! Happy training! Britney Blanchette Pitre, CPDT-KA BONS CHIENS Dog Training, LLC. 337.422.4703 Facebook.com/BonsChiensDogTraining
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One Potato, Two Potato
I’ve had a love affair with potatoes for as long as I can remember. Thankfully, my kids share in this love for all things potatoes, which means that potatoes are often a side dish with whatever we’re having for a meal. I’d rather have potatoes than dessert any day. How do I like my potatoes? Let me count the ways: Potatoes au Gratin, baked potatoes, French fries, hash browns, scalloped potatoes, potato soup, tater tots, roasted potatoes, potato salad, mashed potatoes, potato chips, and on and on.
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When it comes to French fries, I don’t care whether they are steak fries, shoestring, crinkle-cut, curly, or waffle-cut. Just go ahead and bring on those delectable, salty, tasty, decadent fried potatoes. There’s a restaurant in New Orleans called Dat Dog that offers up some unique takes on French fries. You could get the Crawfish Etouffee Fries (with sour cream and tomato). Another popular one is the White Trash Fries, which come dressed with practically everything but the kitchen sink.
I would love to visit the Boise Fry Company in Idaho one day. This eatery gives tribute to the state’s potato with an entire menu devoted to French fries. It serves up more than 100,000 dippin’-ready combos! Diners can choose from six different types of potatoes, five varieties of cuts and a long list of signature sauces and seasonings. Try out unique offerings such as sweet potato shoestring potatoes dipped in blueberry ketchup! When I heard about the Spicy Belly Fries served at a food truck called Bacon Bacon in San Francisco, all I could think was, “You had me at bacon.” The restaurant offers up pork belly fries and this is how they do it: Strips of potatoes are seasoned with sage, thyme, and salt; then, morsels of pork shoulder and pork belly are layered into the dish. Pickled, sweet cherry peppers are tossed in, and then the entire dish is topped with bacon and then some more bacon. Excuse me while I book a flight to San Francisco. While I’m there, I’ll also be sure to visit the Frjtz restaurant before heading home. At the Frjtz, visitors will find thick cuts of Belgian-style fries dished up in sundae glasses. There is a trio of seasonings to choose from: garlic, white truffle, and spicy Frjtz, which has jalapeno, chipotle, and curry powder. But the coolest thing is that there are more than 20 dips to choose from to dip your fries in, including spicy pomegranate ketchup, ginger-orange mayo, and lots more. Talk about potato heaven! There are plenty of restau-
rants in the Lake Charles to choose from when you have a craving for potatoes. From fast food to the more elegant eateries, most of them have potatoes on the menu in some form. Another delicious dish, in my opinion, is cheese fries. Melted cheese and crispy bacon adorn perfectly cooked golden spuds. What a combo of gustatory delights. Of course none of us can eat like this every day and have to balance the decadent with the healthy. Still, I usually find my way to potatoes pretty often. My kids love when I make homestyle French fries to go with chili dogs or hot dogs. They also really like mashed potatoes and gravy to go along with fried chicken, meat loaf, pork chops, or whatever meat dish I’m serving for a meal. Potatoes are here to stay. They can be a side dish or they can be the dish. And, whether it’s a meal or a snack, it doesn’t have to be fancy to be memorable. For instance, if I had to pick a last meal, it would probably be my mom’s pot roast with mashed potatoes. I like to dish up a little bit of the meat and gravy and ladle it over the potatoes. With Mom’s homemade biscuits to complete the menu, that’s my idea of a “Happy Meal!” Lisa Addison wrote her first short story when she was 7 years old and hasn’t stopped writing since. She has two young children, enjoys trying new recipes, and loves going on adventures with her kids. She blogs at: http://swlamama.wordpress.com. Vol. 8 • No. 3
Sweet Potato Ice Cream Hello, everybody! April showers are behind us, and that means it’s going to get warmer and then hot. I can’t think of a better way to cool off than with a nice helping of ice cream. There’s a lot of great ice cream in your local store in a wide range of flavors. But this is a different take on the old favorite. A big plus when you make it yourself is that you can keep an eye on the sugar and fat as well as the flavor. Don’t worry, you won’t need an ice cream maker, just a cake pan and some room in your freezer. This batch makes about a quart, so feel free to double it.
What You’ll Need One large sweet potato, peeled and sliced into half- inch slices 1/2 cup of Steen’s Cane Syrup 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (If you have a sweet tooth, go for the sweetened.) 1/2 cup local honey 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
What You’ll Do
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a lined baking dish, arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer. Pour the Steen’s over the potatoes and bake until very tender, about 45 minutes. When the potatoes are done, remove from the oven and place in the fridge to cool. In your food processer or mixing bowl puree the potatoes until creamy. Add the milk, honey, vanilla and spice and blend until the color goes from dark orange to light orange and creamy. Pour into a 9x9 cake pan, cover and freeze for 12 hours, until solid. Enjoy with some homemade sugar cookies and until next time, don’t forget to…Stir Dat Pot! Vol. 8 • No. 3
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L A K E
A R E A
M E D I C A L
C E N T E R
For Good Health, Eat Healthy By James Barrow, M.D., FACOG – OB/GYN
Obesity and Diabetes Link
It’s a well-known fact that our nation has a critical weight problem. More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and the percentage continues to climb. Overweight and obesity are linked to several chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. In Louisiana alone, the current adult obesity rate is 34.9 percent, making it the 4th highest state for adult obesity in the U.S.! Whether you’re simply trying to lose weight, control your risk for diabetes or another obesity-related disease, or manage symptoms of an already diagnosed disease, eating the right foods is a smart part of your overall health plan. Lake Area Medical Center has resources to help you make the right choices to maintain a healthy diet, a healthy weight, and good quality of life. Proper nutrition can help prevent or manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, bone and joint disorders, certain types of cancer, and many other conditions.
Numerous studies have documented the link between obesity and diabetes. If you already have diabetes, you know the importance of controlling your blood sugar, since what you eat, when you eat and how much you eat can make a pivotal difference in a diabetic’s quality of life and activity level. Keeping your blood glucose levels within the desired range can help prevent the development of other health problems that are common among diabetics: heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, for example. “A good diet is essential to a comprehensive, preventive health plan,” states Dr. James Barrow, OB/GYN, the newest member of the medical staff at Lake Area Medical Center. “Even a weight loss of just 10 to 20 pounds can make a major impact. A recent National Institutes of Health study found that lowering your body weight by 7 percent —an average of 15 pounds —through a low-fat diet and exercising for 150 minutes a week (30 minutes daily, five days a week) can decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent.” In addition to specializing in OB/GYN, Dr. Barrow is also a board-certified weight loss physician through the
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American Board of Obesity Medicine, and has experienced great success with patients using evidence-based medical approaches to weight loss. He is an avid believer that for “lasting lifestyle change,” it takes more than just a weight loss medication.
Nutritional Counseling People who are on a medically supervised diet for weight loss or health reasons usually see a hospital-based dietitian for individual counseling and weight management, in conjunction with their doctor’s plan for their care. These professionals can also help design a program to aid in weight loss for patients preparing for bariatric surgery or heart surgery. If you are recovering from surgery, or have high cholesterol or hypertension, your doctor may recommend that you consult with a professional dietitian to design a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet that will support goals for your recovery and long-term health. Hospital-based nutritional services can provide oversight and support for a variety of needs, including: • Medical nutrition therapy • Individual nutrition counseling • Weight loss/bariatric nutritional counseling • Diabetes management for pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes • Chronic kidney disease management • Pediatric nutrition for infants, children and teens with growth problems, allergies, or obesity • Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or diverticular disease • Elderly malnutrition If you’re beginning a weight loss program for preventive health reasons, or as part of a chronic disease management plan, talk with your doctor about the resources available to support your long-term goals. To schedule a dietary consult with an Outpatient Registered Dietitian at Lake Area Medical Center, call (337) 475-4724. (A physician’s order from your primary doctor is generally required for nutritional counseling and services.) A list of classes along with bariatric and diabetes support group topics is available at www.LakeAreaMC. com. Additional information on weight-related diseases and other women’s health issues can be found in the Health Library on the Lake Area Medical Center website. If you need a physician, please call and schedule an appointment with Dr. James Barrow at (337) 5623747 today. Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) is a full-service acute care hospital located at 4200 Nelson Road in Lake Charles. Sources: www.nutrition.gov, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases www.niddk.org, American Diabetes Association, www.ada.org. Vol. 8 • No. 3
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The West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce
The Mines Theatre Youth Division Presents
A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Sulphur Mines Theatre is working in collaboration with Maplewood Middle School to present A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the theater’s 2016 Youth Division stage play based on the comedy by William Shakespeare. The production, led by Terri Simpson, Maplewood Middle School teacher and Sulphur resident, incorporates over 60 youths in various roles including acting, set construction, costume design and creation, hair, makeup, lighting and sound. The play will take place May 7 at 7 p.m. and May 8 at 3 p.m. at Lewis Auditorium in Sulphur. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at theminestheatre.org or at the Brimstone Museum Office, 900 S Huntington St, Sulphur. Tickets will be available at the door for all performances. For more information, contact The Mines at (337) 215-1602 or the.mines@ yahoo.com. 18 May 5, 2016
If you own a business in the West Cal area (and even if you don’t), the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce is a great place to connect with your peers. There’s nothing like meeting with like-minded people to share ideas and inspiration to bring back to your workplace. The West Cal Chamber of Commerce represents the interest of area businesses at the federal, state and local levels of government. The Chamber also helps to create economic development and improve community quality of life. WCCC is comprised of Sulphur, Vinton, and Westlake, three small cities working together to develop an attractive, powerful force in the area’s economy. But a lot of Lake Charles people
are members as well. The West Cal Chamber is part of Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance with Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen and Jeff Davis Parishes. “With billions of dollars on the horizon and all of the economic development fast approaching our area, this is a great time to be a part of Southwest Louisiana and the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce,” said 2016 Chairman Jody Barrilleaux. “Our membership is growing so fast and is headed in an upward direction. I am confident in our board of directors and membership as we hold fast to the expansion coming our way.” Membership As a business in Southwest Louisiana, being a
member of the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce has various benefits, including: • Association door decal • Attractive membership certificate to display • Business After Hours mixer events • Committee meetings--a great way to stay informed in the business community • Facebook updates on community events • Opportunity to place your business card/brochures in the public or at the chamber business office • Ribbon cutting at your place of business or chamber office, • weekly email news alerts • Your input and suggestions • Free use of conference room • Paid sponsorship opportunities available For more information, go to www.westcal.org
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McDonald’s of SWLA Hosts McTeacher’s Night May 10 On Tuesday, May 10, the Ruth Street McDonald’s restaurant in Sulphur will host McTeacher’s Night to benefit R.W. Vincent Elementary. Proceeds from evening sales between 5-8 p.m. will go back to the school. “McTeacher’s Night is a fun, effective way for McDonald’s of Southwest Louisiana to work with Calcasieu Parish schools and help boost funds toward local education efforts,” said Doug Gehrig, owner and operator of McDonald’s of Southwest Louisiana. “It’s very rewarding for our McDonald’s team, and it’s a great way to give back to the community.” During the evening, faculty and staff from R.W. Vincent Elementary will greet
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guests and help work the front counter in the restaurant. The dining area will be decorated with school memorabilia, posters and banners to help promote school spirit. The participating McDonald’s restaurant is located at 1609 South Ruth Street in Sulphur. McTeacher’s Night will take place throughout the year and benefit additional Calcasieu Parish schools. McDonald’s of Southwest Louisiana (10 throughout Calcasieu Parish), owned and operated by Doug Gehrig, are dedicated to serving and assisting the Southwest Louisiana community. For more information, call 337-436-3368 or visit www.mcdswla.com.
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HISTORIC AND ARTISTIC TREASURES OVER THE BRIDGE
THE BRIMSTONE MUSEUM AND
THE HENNING CULTURAL CENTER By Lauren Abate Just over the bridge in Sulphur, the culture of Southwest Louisiana is being preserved and enriched at the Henning Cultural Center and The Brimstone Museum. We spoke with Executive Director Thom Trahan and Creative Director Eric Manuel about their mission to bring the area’s past and present into our future.
BRIMSTONE MUSEUM: THOM TRAHAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JAM: What is permanently on display at the Brimstone Museum? TT: Visitors to the Brimstone Museum can see several exhibits yearround. Our display primarily focuses on the history of the West Calcasieu sulfur mining industry, a history of the City of Sulphur, a rotating artifact collection, a brief history of most local industries, a large map of Sulphur, and a reading room with many in-print and out-of-print history books that visitors can sit and enjoy. JAM: What do you talk about in your presentations? TT: My presentations generally focus on the history of the area’s sulfur mining industry, but I have also developed some interesting lectures on the history of Maplewood, entertainment in early Sulphur, the history of the City of Sulphur, and a brief discussion about ghosts in Calcasieu Parish! I regularly lead tours through our exhibits, whether it’s for a field trip, RV groups, tourists, or just locals who want to learn more about their city’s history. For schools and groups that can’t make the trip to see us for one reason or another, I also regularly travel offsite with some of our historic photos to teach people about the history of Sulphur. All of this is offered free of charge. As the executive director of our local museum, I feel like it is my duty to educate the public on our area’s humble beginnings, industrial expansion, and hard-working citizens, and the best way to do that is to start with students, who will one day grow up to be the leaders in the community! JAM: Tell me about some of the donations you have received at the museum. Does everything eventually 20 May 5, 2016
go on display? TT: We have received some great artifacts over the years, and as long as I have been here, most of them have been on display at one point or another. With the limited space that we have available, it is difficult to display our whole collection all the time without it looking cluttered. The largest “artifact” that we have received in my time here as executive director has been our Sulphur Mines House, which was donated by Westlake Chemical, and restored by Sulphur Parks and Recreation. The house will be equipped to look like a house from the sulfur mines, and will feature period artifacts. We are very thankful for all of our donations! At the moment, we are seeking artifacts from the 1890s to the 1920s for our Mines House and we’re always on the lookout for photos from the local sulfur mining industry! JAM: Do you get a lot of out-ofstate tourists? TT: We do get a lot of tourists actually. Sulphur has some really strong attractions for people who are interested in learning about local history at the Brimstone Museum with Thom Trahan or seeing and learning about art at the Henning Cultural Center with Eric Manuel. Not to mention we have a beautiful park system from Sulphur Parks and Recreation to enjoy! Tourists are often surprised to discover so many great things in one simple location. JAM: What events do you have coming up? TT: During the summer months, we have our annual “Second Saturdays in Sulphur” Arts Camp, sponsored by Cameron LNG and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The event is held on Vol. 8 • No. 3
every second Saturday of the summer months, but attendees must sign up BEFORE June 11. I will also be delivering some presentations in the upcoming months, so keep an eye on the schedule if you’re interested in learning more about the area’s rich history. On September 10, we also celebrate one of this area’s delicacies with our annual “Boudin Wars” event! Restaurants from all around the area compete for the title of “Best Boudin in SWLA!” Tickets will go on sale in August at the Brimstone Museum and Henning Cultural Center.
JAM: What do you see for the future of the museum? TT: In the near future, I will be working on a project to identify historic neighborhoods in Sulphur. I am also writing condensed biographical panels for a rotating display in our gallery, featuring noteworthy people and city leaders. We regularly host events for fundraising, but it is also important to host events to gather information that we might not have known about our community, so expect to see more of that type of program in the near future!
The Sulphur Mines House, currently under restoration
HENNING CULTURAL CENTER: ERIC MANUEL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR JAM: What is currently on display at the Henning Cultural Center? EM: Our current show, “The Works of Women,” features over 200 pieces of art and over 40 individual female artists, including Sue Zimmerman, Tess Moss, Morgan Allain, Marisa Getz, Henrietta Akers, Angie Manning, Heather Arsement, Alex Landry, Cyndi Fails, Dominique Abshire, and more! That show will open on May 19 at 6 p.m. and run until June 23. We are open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. JAM: I see you give a lot of tours and art shows. What can we expect when we visit? EM: Giving tours of the gallery often leads to discussions on and about the creation of art. People in general are often curious about how something is created and why. As an artist/creative director, it’s helpful to understand art and its creation on a professional level. It’s also nice to be able to explain the processes to others and in some cases, even do a little art demo to educate them. Tourists are always quick to point out how creative the people are in this neck of the woods. So giving a talk about the many artists in our own back yard often serves as the framework of a tour through the Henning Cultural Center.
think of. Our upcoming shows include “The Works of Men,” which will open at 6 p.m. on July 21. We also have another great artist named Ron Aquino on Oct 20 who will be displaying some fantastic photography. I am really excited about Ron’s show. It’s a beautiful collection of landscapes and deserts. JAM: Do you get a lot of out-of-state tourists? EM: We do get a lot of tourists, actually. Sulphur has some really strong attractions for people who are interested in learning about local history at the Henning Cultural Center with Thom or seeing and learning about art at the Henning Cultural Center with me. Not to mention we have a beautiful park system from Sulphur Parks and Recreation to enjoy! Tourists are often surprised to discover so many great things in one simple location. JAM: What do you see for the future of the Henning Cultural Center? EM: I think that in time the face of art in our community will become more diverse both in style and composition/subject matter. I think the future of any good art gallery is to stay current and keep up with the changes and demands of the public. I think the Henning Cultural
Center has been a pioneer in art around Calcasieu Parish. The Henning Cultural Center was the first local gallery to actively seek out comic book artists and tattoo shops for our “Chaos Theory” shows, and “The Age of Dinosaurs” art exhibit featured all local illustrators who had a love of art and prehistoric creatures! It’s been a true pleasure to succeed with shows like this that many thought would never be attended or accepted by the public. To be able to pull off the impossible is a nice thing to be known for… in my opinion. Our organization is always trying to think of new ideas for fun and educational events, and we welcome input from the community. If you have an idea or an artifact that you’d like to share with us, please give Thom Trahan a call at (337) 527-0357.
Brimstone Museum and Henning Cultural Center 900 S. Huntington St. Sulphur Hours: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. – noon and 1 - 5 p.m. Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. www.brimstonemuseum.org
JAM: Tell me about some of the shows you have at the gallery. Is the Henning Cultural Center open to all artists? EM: We are always searching for new art/artists to display in the gallery. As the creative director, I can definitely say that I try my hardest to meet and display as many artists as possible. We have featured photography, water colors, sculptures, pencil sketches, and just about every other form or medium of art you can Vol. 8 • No. 3
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together--and we sang every song. Throughout the years, we have all kept in touch, even with one of our middle school teachers (who was “Miss Ring” at the time). I return to Michigan for our reunions and we follow each other on Facebook. One friend whom I’ve known since elementary school just started a Facebook page with our 5th grade class who went on a trip to Washington, D.C. There’s talk of a high school reunion cruise but we’ll see how it goes. Even across the miles, we are always together in our hearts. Little did I know what new memories were about to be made when I received a text a couple of months ago from Keith Chamberlain: “Hey, Phil! I thought of you for a play I’m doing. How would you like to be the emcee Vince Fontaine in Grease?” Throughout these past few months, Grease has brought all of these fond high school memories to the forefront. I’ve enjoyed working with Keith Chamberlain, Joey Boyette, Dan Sadler and the entire cast. Dan can build anything, reminds us how to sing, and sometimes gets us warmed up. Joey choreographed all the dance numbers but first gets us stretched out in positions that look almost impossible even for a contortionist!
KC PRODUCTIONS SWLA
Grease PRESENTS
By Phil de Albuquerque
School memories. I remember crying because I didn’t want to go to kindergarten, and my teacher holding my hand to help me walk across the stage for a school fashion show. I recall what I was wearing the first day of 6th grade. I remember junior high dances and my first crushes. And then high school! Growing up in the ‘70s was unbelievable. I can’t imagine anyone had more fun than we did. My friends and I worked hard in school and all graduated in the top 10 percent of our class. But we also went to disco dances, performed in band and choir concerts, and partied down by the water. After high school, a bunch of us went to Michigan State University and others went to the University of Michigan. It separated us physically but we were still together in our hearts. At Michigan State, I’ll never forget seeing Grease at dorm movie night. It was like we were all there in that movie – all of us
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Keith has the vision to put it all together— he has the magic, if you will. He creates the “WOW” as we used to call it in the circus! The cast? I have to keep reminding myself I’m old enough to be their dad (or grandfather for some of them.) It’s hard to believe so many years have passed since my high school days. I truly hope each and every one of you get a chance to see one of the six performances here at Central School. Tickets are selling fast and seating is limited. Come reminisce about your old high school days before the Internet or cell phones. Or just come and enjoy the wonderful cast. I guarantee you will feel part of it and may even sing along with some of the familiar music (we’d love that!). And to every one of the cast members and Keith, Joey, and Dan, thanks for the memories. We may end up miles away but… “We’ll always…be together!” KC Productions SWLA Presents
Grease May 13-14, 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. May 15 at 3 p.m. Central School Arts & Humanities Center 809 Kirby St. Lake Charles General Admission $20 For tickets, call (337) 302-2259 or visit KCProductionsSWLA.yapsody.com
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Contraband Days May 5-8 Enjoy the last weekend of Contraband Days at the Lake Charles Civic Center filled with food, live entertainment, amusements, special events and bead-throwing Buccaneers! Enjoy Family Night on May 5, Bag of Donuts and Backyard Cowboys on May 6, a fireworks spectacular on May 7 at 10 p.m., and so much more! Go to www.contrabanddays.com for the full schedule!
The Conference Room Alternative Art Gallery May 6 Southern Technologies LLC presents The Conference Room Alternative Art Gallery on May 6 from 6-9 p.m. at 916 W. McNeese St. Featuring fine art and photography from 10+ artists including Johnny Segura, Heather Arsement, Jason Machulski and others, including special guest Zip Algeria. Parental discretion is advised. Some pieces may contain nudity and/or suggestive themes.
CTC Presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame May 6-8 Based on the 1996 Disney film, which in turn was inspired by the Victor Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is tale of greed, power, friendship and love. Quasi shows us how his kind heart makes him beautiful, not how he looks. Performances will be held at May 6-7 at 7:30 p.m. and May 8 at 3 p.m. at the Arts and Humanities Center, 809 Kirby Street in downtown Lake Charles. Purchase tickets by calling (337) 433-7323 or by visiting www.childrenstheatre.cc.
Bowl for Kids Sake May 7 Big Brothers, Big Sisters of SWLA is ready to get the ball rolling for Bowl for Kids Sake on Sat., May 7, at Petro Bowl in Lake Charles! Form a team, raise pledges and then come to our bowling party to enjoy entertainment, music, prizes, and fun. This year’s theme is SUPERHEROES. There will be prizes for best team costumes and T-shirts,
and even more prizes for top fundraisers! Register your team online at: bbbs-swla.kintera.org/bowl2016 or contact Sally McPherson at (337) 478-5437, ext. 114.
An Afternoon with MusicMakers May 7 The CSE Federal Credit Union will present “An Afternoon With MusicMakers” at 3 p.m. Sat., May 7 in the Tritico Theatre at McNeese. A reception and silent auction will precede the performance, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Shearman Fine Arts Grand Gallery. Enjoy a dessert buffet as you view silent auction items and place your bids. Sharing the stage will be the Sulphur High Jazz Band, the Washington-Marion Jukebox Marching Band, and featured performer Mickey Smith, Jr.’s “Sax in the City.” Admission is $30 and all proceeds go toward MusicMakers2U projects. For more information, contact Eva LeBlanc at musicmakers2U@gmail.com or by calling (337) 244-9314.
Derby for Dollars May 7 Friends of Shannon Cox are hosting Derby for Dollars at The Stables at Le Bocage on Saturday, May 7, to benefit Family & Youth’s Shannon Cox Counseling Center. The afternoon will begin 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 hat and best derby duds. Tickets are $125 each, limited tickets available. Visit www.fyca.org or contact Roxanne at 337-436-9533 for tickets or information.
Sulphur Market Day May 7-8 Sulphur Market will take place May 7-8 at the West Cal Event Center, 401 Arena Road, Sulphur. Vendors will gather to show off crafts, jewelry, handmade treats, and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sat., May 7 and noon-4 a.m. on Sun., May 8 Admission is $5 for adults, $3 with military ID, and free for children under 12. All proceeds go toward the Community Foundation Enrichment Fund for the Arts.
The Children’s Museum has activities and workshops planned for children of all ages during the month of May.
Saturday, May 7: Mother’s Day Workshop Create a butterfly photo holder for Mom. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon. and are limited to 20 children, ages 3 and up. Saturday, May 14: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Sasol continues its 5S Project with “Sound Science” at 11:30 a.m. Travis
Corbello will demonstrate how sound travels in waves and can make patterns using a tone generator and a laser. Saturday, May 28: Kids Choice This is a workshop to use extra projects that were leftovers from previous workshops and weekly projects. Projects will be available from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis. Limit one project per child.
Monday, May 30: Firework Painting Paint your own red, white and blue fireworks from 10:30 a.m.-noon in the ArtSpace. Tuesday, May 31: Cool and Crafty Tuesdays Begin This summer we will have Kona Ice at the museum on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We will offer ArtSpace Workshops at 11 a.m. and noon. Create a tissue paper fish bowl to bring home. Classes are limited to 25 children each.
The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street, downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $8.50 for children and adults. Admission applies to all workshops and activities. Call (337) 433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org. 24 May 5, 2016
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream May 7-8 The Sulphur Mines Theatre Youth Division presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream May 7-8 at Lewis Auditorium, 1752 Cypress St. Sulphur. Tickets may be purchased at www.theminestheatre. org, or at the Brimstone Museum Office – 900 S Huntington St, Sulphur and will be available at the door for all performances.
McDonald’s Hosts McTeacher’s Night May 10 On Tues., May 10, the 1609 South Ruth Street McDonald’s in Sulphur will host McTeacher’s Night to benefit R.W. Vincent Elementary. Proceeds from evening sales between 5-8 p.m. will go back to the school. During the evening, faculty and staff from R.W. Vincent Elementary will greet guests and help work the front counter. The dining area will be decorated with school memorabilia, posters and banners to help promote school spirit. McTeacher’s Night will take place throughout the year and benefit additional Calcasieu Parish schools.
Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon May 11 The Lake Charles Christian Women’s Connection will host a luncheon on May 11 at Treasures of Marilyn’s on Fifth Avenue in Lake Charles from 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Guest speaker will be Nomica Guillory, presenting “Turning Obstacles into Opportunities.” The meal is $17 inclusive. RSVP by Friday, May 6 by calling Judy at 540-8250.
KCSWLA Productions Presents Grease! May 13-15, 20-21
Going Home: One Sailor’s Inner Search During the Turbulent Early 1970s. Going Home highlights the all-important father-son relationship; in this case, between two war veterans. Set in the early 1970s, with the U.S. nearing an exit from a protracted and unpopular Vietnam War, the story’s backdrop spans America’s closing combat role in Vietnam; a national, political scourge called Watergate and an international oil embargo. For more information, visit www.scotteraymond.com or e-mail Scott E. Raymond at scottraymond@suddenlink.net.
Whodunit Dinner & Dance May 21 Sunrise Rotary presents “Clucky’s Country Kitchen American Traveling Variety Show” a whodunit interactive dinner on May 21 at the American Legion Hall, 1403 W Napoleon St., Sulphur. Starts at 7 p.m., tickets are $50 per person and included dinner, dancing, theatrical performance, event glass and photo. Must be purchased in advance at sulphursunriserotary.com or by calling (337) 2151602 (ask for Robyn).
‘A Brewer’s Plate’ May 21 There’s a good time brewing at “A Brewer’s Plate” presented by Hoffoss Devall and Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana on Sat., May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Cash & Carry building in downtown Lake Charles. This 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. Includes a four-course meal and premium beer pairing with an auction and live music by community favorites, City Heat. Attire is dressy casual. Tables of eight are $1,000 and sponsorships are available. For information, call 491-0800.
Don’t miss Grease! Live theatrical production and sing-along, directed by Keith Chamberlain. Performances will be held at the Mount Theatre at Central School, May 13-14 and 20-21 at 7:30 and May 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 302-2259 or visiting KCProductionsSWLA.yapsody.com
Starks Mayhaw Festival May 20 Welcome to Mayhaw Country! This year, the festival will be a one-day event with the Starks Mayhaw Gospel Singing on Fri., May 20, from 4-11 p.m. Come out and enjoy the great music, food and participate in the silent auction. For more information, go to www. mayhawfest.com
NAMIWAlks for Health May 21 As NAMIWalks celebrates its 14th Anniversary, they are proud to be the largest and most successful mental health awareness and fundraising event in SWLA! Through NAMIWalks’ public, active display of support for people affected by mental illness, they are changing how Americans view persons with mental health conditions. Join them at the Lake Charles Amphitheater on May 21 starting at 7 a.m. as they improve lives and our community one step at a time! For more information, call 433-0219.
Book Signing by Lake Charles Author Scott E. Raymond May 21 Lake Charles author Scott E. Raymond will have a book signing at Gordon’s Drug and Fine Gifts, 2716 Lake St., Lake Charles on Saturday, May 21 (Armed Forces Day), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is in conjunction with Raymond’s recently published novel, Vol. 8 • No. 3
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SOWELA Camps The Office of Workforce Development at SOWELA Technical Community College will host its annual Summer Youth Camps starting in June. “Culinary Camp” June 6-10 or June 20-24 An annual favorite for young cooks entering fifth through eighth grades. This camp cost is $185 and includes breakfast and lunch. (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
”A La Cart 101” Camp July 11-15 Kids will learn how to work in a restaurant from the front to the back of the house. This camp is for fifth through eighth grades, and cost is $185 and includes breakfast and lunch. (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
“Grandparent and Me” Camp July 18-20 Attendees can create special memories between grandparents and grandkids with this camp geared toward kids “Kids in the Kitchen” June 13 -17 or June 27- July 1 entering first through eighth grades and their grandparents. This fun, age-appropriate, The cost is $100 and includes and educational camp is for breakfast and lunch. (8 a.m. younger cooks entering first through fourth grade. It cost is 2 p.m.) To register, call SOWELA’s $185 and includes breakfast Office of Workforce Developand lunch. (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.) ment at (337) 421-6964.
City of Lake Charles Recreation and Parks Department Camps The City of Lake Charles Recreation and Parks Department will being accepting summer camp registration from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Purple Heart Recreation Center, 4305 Avenue H in Lake Charles. Registration is free, open to children age six to twelve, and available on a first come, first served basis. Each of the nine community centerbased summer camps are scheduled to begin on Mon., June 6. Camp is 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Site locations include Bellard Community Center, 2808 Hillcrest Rd.; Columbus Circle Park Family Community Center, 3520 Grienwich Blvd.; J.D. Clifton Recreation Center, 2415 East Gieffers St.; College Oaks Community Recreation Center, 3518 Ernest St.; Don26 May 5, 2016
ald Ray Stevens Community Center (Goosport), 1619 Cessford St.; Henry Heights Community Recreation Center, 801 East School St.; Mike D. Lanza Community Center, 609 Sycamore St.; and Wiley B. McMillian Park Family Community Center, 343 Goos St. To register, please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate. This is a mandatory requirement with no exceptions. For more information, call 491-1280 or 491-1277.
City Summer Food Service Program June 6-July 29 Beginning June 6 and continuing through July 29, the City of Lake Charles will sponsor a Summer Food Service Program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years of age or younger. The program is also open to any person over 18 who has been determined by a state education agency or local public educational agency of a state to be mentally or physically handicapped and is enrolled in a public or private nonprofit school program. Breakfast and lunch will be served Monday through Friday (except for Monday, July 4). For more information, call Johnnie Mouton at (337) 491-1270.
CAVE QUEST Vacation Bible School Day Camp June 1 Moss Bluff United Methodist Church, 735 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy, Moss Bluff, will be offering a one-day Vacation Bible School Camp on June 1 from 8:30 a.m. -6:30 p.m. To register: www.groupvbspro. com/vbs/ez/kids4christumc. For more Info contact Krystle Cowdrey at (989) 860-9327.
McNeese Summer Programs Kids College All-Day Program May 23-Aug. 5, Grades 1-8 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost: $165/per week plus $150/per week for each additional child. Discounts available for multi-week enrollment Contact: Leisure Learning/Kids College 337-475-5616 www.mcneese.edu/leisure Governor’s Program for Gifted Children June 5-July 23, Grades 6-10 Contact: Governor’s Program 337-475-5446 www.gpgc.org Summer Reading Clinic June 6-30 (Monday-Thursday), Grades 2-6 9:30 a.m.-noon. Cost: $175 Contact: Department of Education Professions 337-475-5471 Summer Band Camps Instrumental Music, Percussion/Drumline, Drum Major and Color Guard June 12-16, Grades 9-12 Cost: $225, commuter; $350, resident Contact: Dr. Jay Jacobs 337-475-5004 www.mcneesebands.com Registration Deadline: June 1 Engineering Academy or Biochemistry Internship or Forensics Camp July 18-Aug. 5, Grades 9-12 Cost: $1,800 per program Contact: Dr. Nikos Kiritsis 337-475-5857 nikosk@mcneese.edu Registration Deadline: June 1 Kicker Kutie Summer Dance Camp July 18-22, Grades K-5 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Cost: $175 Vol. 8 • No. 3
Cost: $175 per session or $325 for both sessions Elite Basketball Camp/MidHarp Camp for Children and dle and High School Players June 25 Adults Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25-29, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $45 per person + $30 for Cost: $50 each additional family member Contact: Preston David pdavid@mcneese.edu Contact: Barbara Belew 337-475-5036 or 337-475-5028 337-475-5481 or 337-475-5480 Registration Deadline: July 8 Contact: Paige Caldwell Kevin_paigecaldwell@yahoo.com
9th Annual Cowboy Camp Incoming McNeese Freshmen and Transfer Students Aug. 19-20, Cost: $45 Contact: Student Union and Activities Office 337-475-5609 www.mcneese.edu/studentlife/ cowboy_camp Athletic Camps Dave Simmons Basketball Camps Ages 7-17 Session I: May 31-June 3 Session II: June 13-16 Time: 7:30 a.m.-noon
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Baseball Summer Camps (Dates subject to change) High School Showcase Camp June 1, Grades 9-12 Noon-4 p.m., Cost: $120
All Skills Youth Camp 1 June 6-9, Ages 8-13 9 a.m.-3 p.m./ends at noon on June 9, Cost: $200
Youth Specialty Camps Pitching June 13-15, Ages 8-1, 9-11 a.m., Cost: $125
Hitting June 13-15, Ages 8-13, Noon-3 p.m., Cost: $125 Specialty Camp Combo June 13-15, Ages 8-13 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Cost: $200 All Skills Youth Camp II Ages 8-13 TBA Individual youth team camps are also available. Contact: Conner Loyd cowboybaseballcamp@gmail.com (337) 936-6536 Fitzgerald Soccer Camps Cowgirl Soccer Kids Camp June 7-10, Ages 5-12 Time 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $130/$150 after May 20 Cowgirl Soccer ID Camp June 11-12, Grades 9-12 Time: TBA Cost: $175 resident, $155 commuter Contact: Drew Fitzgerald
dfitzgerald@mcneese.edu 337-562-4266 Women’s Basketball Camps Fundamental Camp June 13-15, Grades: K-8 9 a.m.-noon, Cost: $105 Team Camp June 2-4, Grades: 9-12, Time TBA Cost: $160 for 1 day, $275 for 2 days, $420 for 3 days Contact: Kacie Cryer kcryer@mcneese.edu 337-475-5476 Football Camps Cowboy Football Camp July 10-12, Grades 8-11 Cost: $290, resident; $155, commuter, Helmets Required Rowdy-Up Football Camp July 13-15,Ages 8-13 Cost: $100, No Helmet Required Contact: Lark Hebert 337-475-5211
May 5, 2016 27
The Jungle Book (Disney, 2016) The new Jungle Book opens with Disney’s iconic nighttime overview of Disneyland. Immediately, we notice that Cinderella’s castle seems different somehow, more earthy. Zoom out and we are looking at the Disney castle from the jungle. Indeed, we are in the jungle, but not the Florida everglades, rather the wilderness of India. And before we know it, we’re racing with a real life boy in the trees, jumping from branch to branch, urged on by a British-speaking
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cougar named Bagheera. All of this would just be another kid’s movie, and in a way it is, except for one or two things. What we have here is a family movie that was made for adults, with the kids invited to tag along. The Jungle Book is a movie I expect parents to get so excited about that they will want their kids to share in their own joy. Because everything here is happening at a very high level. First of all, the animation of the animals surpasses anything
I’ve ever seen. In many cases, if the creatures weren’t talking, you would swear you were watching wildlife scenes. There are plenty of examples of this. One of my favorites (trivial spoiler) is when a frog hops out of the water up onto a log. Yep, I tell myself, that’s just a shot of a real life frog in nature. Until the frog wipes the water off its head with its hand, like you or I would. Incredible. As you get used to this amazing artwork and gorgeous filming, the rather slow beginning of the story picks up. We learn about Mowgli, the man-cub, and how Bagheera brought him to live with the wolf pack. Shere Khan, the villainous old tiger, is introduced, and will scare both you and the kids as well. At one point, all the animals are at the watering hole when Mowgli fashions a shell at the end of a vine to scoop water out from up high. Akela, his wolf-father, scolds him for using human tricks, but don’t we feel just a little human animal pride for Mowgli? Of course, not all the animals are perfectly true to life. Shere Khan is leeringly evil with a burn-scarred face from fire (called the Red Flower by the animals), and Bagheera is jet black with bright yellow eyes, a nod to the original Disney
movie. And that’s the other thing about this version: It very wisely retells Disney’s first retelling of Rudyard Kipling’s famous book, paying respect to it as well as to the animated cartoon classic. In a most inspired and delightful incarnation of Baloo the bear, we’re treated to Bill Murray as a gigantic furry hustler who cons Mowgli into gathering honey for him. I don’t think anything can top Baloo floating downriver, with Mowgli on his belly, as he sings “Bare Necessities” with Bill Murray’s unique vocal talents. There are further surprises as the film progresses, but we are always brought back to the law of the Jungle, based again on Kipling’s original stories, where the animals live by their own rules in a sort of survival order. Small children may be put off by some dramatic scenes, including the death of Akela, Mowgli’s father and the head of the pack. However most of the families in the theater were quite entertained for the almost two hours the film ran. A few moms I talked to didn’t think The Jungle Book was appropriate for their children, because of the violence. The Jungle Book is rated PG for some intense scenes, bee stings, and tiger claw scratches. Enjoy!
Vol. 8 • No. 3
Cake
A Slice of History
Take a deep breath. And blow. Blow for all you’re worth. Blow ‘til your lungs are empty, your stomach’s concave, your face is blue. You’ve got a lot of candles to extinguish – one for each year you’ve been on Earth, to be exact, and in Cake: A Slice of History by Alysa Levene, you’ll see why they’re on top of a confection. What, exactly, is the definition of “cake”? When that question came up in a British courtroom, Alysa Levene’s curiosity was piqued. Cake, she discovered, can mean many things, depending on your preferences, background, and more. Today’s cake, says Levene, usually means “memories, almost always of celebration, family and love.” Generally speaking, to make a cake, you need four things: fat, eggs, sugar, and flour. Ancient Egyptians and the Chinese didn’t, perhaps, have those exact things, but they did make confections that we would recognize as cake. They also knew that baking in an oven made their cakes better. Vol. 8 • No. 3
In Medieval times, however, the word “cake” could mean bread. That was because bakery ingredients – especially sugar - were often hard to get, and they were expensive. “Cakes” might be oddly shaped and cooked over a fire like bread, or they might be sweet and filled with dried fruit, like the fruitcake we pass around at Christmas. Imagine the confusion at birthday parties… By the 1400s, cakes looked more like that thing you ate at last summer’s wedding. Two centuries later, “most European towns had a bakery in every neighbourhood”; by the early 1700s, cookbooks instructed home-bakers how to make a tasty cake though, in times of war and migration, cakes were made with whatever was on hand. And in the mid-19th century, something amazing happened: we started to incorporate chocolate! Today, cake is still largely a celebratory item, but you can have it any day of the week. The slice on your plate can indicate the brand of the box, culture of the cook, fruit that’s in season, or traditions
you hold dear. That snack you snuck might be a massproduced guilty pleasure, while the cupcake you enjoy might point to a new fad. Mmmmm… You’re hungry now, aren’t you? There’s a good reason: Cake is tasty like that. Though I wish she’d been more linear in her history, author Alysa Levene tells a good story. In addition to the subject for which her book is named, readers will be entertained by tales of adventure and spices, the advent of the “domestic goddess,” and how bakers came to love a woman who “never actually existed.” We see how cookbooks
came to be, we learn that a pound cake was originally a four-pound cake and, though this isn’t a cookbook, we get a few rough recipes. It bears mentioning that there are a number of Britishisms here that could take a minute to decipher; just be aware of that before you put on your apron, grab a fork, and dig into this book. This may be your only chance to have your Cake and read it, too. “Cake: A Slice of History” by Alysa Levene ©2016, Pegasus Books $26.95/higher in Canada 303 pages May 5, 2016 29
REX ALEXANDER
A POTTER’S WORK By Jason Machulski Lake Charles native Rex Alexander is a family man who works at a local plant. He’s also a truly inspiring, prolific potter. But it took a while for the art of pottery to find him. Alexander said that during his schooling and early part of his life he was lost, looking for that one craft that grabbed his passion. “Pottery found me, and it has been love ever since,” he said. His studio is a unique site filled with pots, mugs, platters, etc. along with his handmade kiln. Alexander mixes his own glazes with dry chemicals not only to save money, but also to make each piece unique. He applies glazes in a whimsical way, often double or triple glazing to give a unique look to each piece. He is proud of the fact that no
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two pots are identical. Even when fired in the same load with the same glaze, each pot is different.
You just know it’s a Rex piece when you see it. His amazing passion for what he does has touched my heart, along with many others. Everyone he meets says they can feel the energy and love that comes from him and they can also see it expressed in his work.
His kitchen boasts a lot of of his favorites. Glass front cabinets are filled with plates, bowls, mugs and more. He enjoys creating platters more than anything else. One pot in particular struck my eye: a large bowl that had a unique mark around it from top to bottom. I asked how he made such an amazing piece. “I took my wedding ring off and held it in my hand,” he explained. “As the bowl turned, it impressed my ring design into the side.” This pot sits atop their kitchen counter for all to see. His art flows from his mind to his hands, making each piece special. Typically, when Alexander is commissioned to make a piece, he insists up front that he will make it his way. “If they like it in the end, that’s fantastic,” he says.
“We’ll both be happy. If not, I’ll keep it or sell to someone who loves it.” All of Alexander’s pottery pieces, are, in his words “functional,” that is, made to be used. Stellar Beans in downtown Lake Charles uses only Alexander’s pottery to serve their customers. The next time you are having a cup of Java there, ask to have it in a Rex mug. You’ll recognize his pottery by his signature stamp, TRX. “The first day of my pottery class, a Cajun lady called me Ti. Ti Rex,” he laughs. “I made my stamp out of clay and have been using it ever since.” The artist Alexander admires the most is George Ohr, “The Mad Potter of Biloxi.” Ohr (1857-1918) has been called the first art potter in the United States, and many say the finest. Look him up
Vol. 8 • No. 3
on the web; it will surely be a great read. Alexander sells his art, but he also enjoys sharing his work. He makes pottery as gifts for family and friends. He has donated pots to charities and fundraising events, made 100 mugs for McNeese’s radio station, KBYS-FM and has contributed hundreds of his bowls to the Salvation Army’s annual fundraiser, the Empty Bowl. This is his way of giving back to the community that he loves. His work has been shown at The Art Associates Gallery in Lake Charles and The George Ohr Museum in Biloxi. In addition, Alexander has also participated in numerous festivals, fairs, and workshops. I asked him if he thought about giving up his job and doing this full time, but that’s not his goal. “I make pots for fun, not as a job. People lose something when they do art for a living,” he explains. Alexander’s plan for the future is to have two studios: one in Lake Charles and the other in Tennessee. “Pottery will be a part of my life until the day I’m gone, and when that day comes, there will be unfinished pottery lining my studios,” he predicts. Great energy lives around Rex Alexander. When you meet him, you’ll what I’m talking about. To find out more, visit him at www. trxtrxtrx.com or email him at toni.rex@hotmail.com. He also can be found on Facebook. SWLArt Group is a collaboration of a variety of local groups & artists, to support the development and improvement of their quality of life & business as well as strengthen the over cultural growth of the community. For more information about SWLArt Group, artists, or events visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ swlart. Also be sure to follow them on Instagram and Twitter @swlart. Vol. 8 • No. 3
“I
made my stamp out of clay and have been using it ever since.“
May 5, 2016 31
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Vol. 8 • No. 3
Thursday, May 5 Bryan Trahan 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Greg Martinez & the Delta Kings 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Chinatown 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Swagger 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Karaoke Night Karoake starts @ 11 p.m. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC
Friday, May 6 Bryan Trahan 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Creedence Clearwater Revisited 8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center
In the Beginning God Made the Sea, But on the Seventh Day He Made Me...
All right, gang. That’s it. I have officially had it with 2016. Are there any numerologists or soothsayers or whatever out there that can tell me just WHAT 2016 has against the entertainment industr y and all the rest of us who enjoy such things? What celestial being have we somehow angered enough to just start smiting down our greatest talents one after another in an almost mocking manner? What Vol. 8 • No. 3
Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office. City Heat 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Swagger 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
in the name of all that is funky are we supposed to do to stop this?! I don’t know. All I know is that whatever this seemingly insatiable monster may be, It’s now claimed the Great Purple One, himself. If You Didn’t Come to the Party Don’t Bother Knocking on My Door...
Called “Skipper” growing up, Prince Rogers Nelson landed his first recording contract With Warner Brothers by the age of 18 and within three years had a Platinum album hitting shelves with the release of Prince. This is not to forget that his first album featured him as its writer (save for one co-writing credit), pro-
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Chinatown 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Dance Night Drink specials starting @ midnight 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Troy Laz Band 9:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort
ducer, composer, arranger AND the instrumentalist of all 27 instruments featured on the record. A career that would span 40 years would follow and would net the Minneapolis-born androgynous, sex-funk fueled whirlwind with seven Grammys, 34 national and international number one hits, a Golden Globe, A Brit Award and an Oscar. With over 100 millions copies sold, he remains of the best selling acts we’ve ever seen. And now, just as unexpected as Bowie or Glen Frey, Maurice White or Billy Paul, or Jefferson Airplane’s Paul Kantner, the ever-changing creative force that was Prince has shuffled off this mortal coil as well. May 5, 2016 33
777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Killawatts 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Double Play DJ 10 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Saturday, May 7 Bryan Trahan 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Bruce Katz, Butch
Trucks & the Freight Train Band 8 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St., LC Coy Planchard 8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
Queensryche with Slaughter
Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC
8 p.m. @ The Pavilion Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Tickets available now at Ticketmaster.com and at Coushatta Box Office, where Advantage Club members receive a $10 discount.
City Heat 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
Paul Anka 8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort
Stop the Press... Stop the Press... Who Is That?
Like most of us these days, I spend an inordinate amount of time reading all the static that pours through and, in many ways is becoming the substance that is social media and the Internet. A blizzard of ideas, theories and opinions that kick up in the wake of any celebrity death can create a wild little show all its own and the loss of Prince provides us with no exception. Even beyond the cause of death or lack of a will that has people all a-”Twitter,” if you will, is another dynamic that is playing out between the older and younger generation, some “shaming” younger folk who “couldn’t be old enough to really be a Prince fan. “I’ve seen this in memes and even some catty little banter back and forth on the ol’ Twit-Books and Reddit and I found the behavior a bit confusing, but certainly interesting. In many ways, it seems that people have some sense of not only entitle34 May 5, 2016
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office.
Troy Laz Band 9:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
ment but also exclusivity when it comes to their mourning. It’s as if they feel that other people expressing grief over a loss is somehow diminished by the “fact” that they are more qualified or justified in their sadness. I suppose it could be some kind of coping mechanism for some or maybe it has to do with the process of validating grieving the loss of someone you never once met. For whatever the reason, it just seems so counterproductive and, if anything, is a diminishment to the deceased, saying that “only certain people have the right to respect someone’s talent and body of work.” In my mind, these are exactly the type of opportunities that we should not only look for, but embrace: an opportunity to share the music with the younger generation and give them reasons to understand what these and other artists brought to the table and what makes this music still worth listening to today and in the days to come. The sadness and the loss will
Swagger 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
Press 1 for English 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Double Play DJ 10 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
not bring Prince or any of these artists back. The only good that is left to take from it all, is a chance for people to hear and know, maybe for the first time, why these legends were legends long before they headed off to that Great Concert in the Sky. Let’s do them right and share the love and magic that we grew up on. Let’s hope they take it with them and share it with a new (power) generation. Let’s keep ‘em partying like it’s 1999 in 2099 and beyond. Let’s give ‘em a Revolution... I’ll forego the sappy “Dove’s Cry” or “Purple Rain” driven farewells. That’s all been done and probably way better than I could have done it. I just want to say “Thanks.” Thanks for being endlessly unfettered, wildly creative, and musically unstoppable. There has certainly not been one like you before and I’m hard-pressed to imagine that kind of lightning striking twice on this maddening little marble we call Earth. Thanks for being Prince. We will all most certainly miss you. Vol. 8 • No. 3
Sunday, May 8 Chester & Jarius Daigle
JD’s Whiskey Brunch @ 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Monday, May 9
Stacy Bearden 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Reed Planchard 4 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059 LC GG Shinn 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Server Industry Night Sunday Funday Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini
Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC
Tuesday, May 10 Kevin Lambert 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Clint Faulk 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Trivial Tuesdays Live Team Trivia 7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. Matt & Katie 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC SIN Night Two for Tuesday on shots and beer 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC
Wednesday, May 11 Chester Daigle 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Chris Miller & Bayou Roots 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC QRISIS 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Superstar Wednesdays Drag Show starts at 11:30 p.m. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC
Thursday, May 12 Kay Miller & Aaron Horn 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC QRISIS 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Something is Happening Here... Back here on the homefront, we have a number of things going down in the next couple of weeks that you should all have on your radar and, yes, it will mean breaking out your eye patches and peg legs for.
Now Through Sunday, May 8: Contraband Days, Lake Charles Civic Center All the pirate-y madness has descended upon the Lake City for yet another year as Contraband Days rolls into its second weekend. Festivities kick up again starting on Thursday, May 5 with Family Night featuring Sulphur’s own American Idol performer Michael Sarver. Friday you will see New Orleans party rockers extraordinaire Bag Of Donuts and Austinbased red dirt country artist Jason Bolan & The Stragglers. Saturday will close out the bulk of the festivities with Canvas Red and the annual Fireworks Finale to be followed by Mr. Cupid Shuffle himself, Cupid, taking the stage at 10:15 p.m. Still lots to see and do out there so get off your duff and GO TO CONTRABAND DAYS!
Saturday, May 14: Chubby Checker, Delta Downs Event Center I can easily say this is one of the most amazing musical experiences I’ve had in my life. My day working with “The King of The Twist” is one I’ll never forget. Kind above cause and as gentlemanly and unassuming as you can imagine. I watched, in a matter of seconds, a quiet, elderly man transform into a big ball of entertainment energy that burned non-stop for 90 minutes and left me slack-jawed in the process. Nothing short of amazing. While we all still can, I cannot urge you enough to GO SEE THIS SHOW!
I Just Want Your Extra Time and Your... Kiss... This would be a nice segue had I something to add about KISS, but it’s another set of old school rockers that we’re heading out on today. Last issue’s JMLC was all a flutter about Z.Z. Top making their way to The Golden Nugget and I found out just as I was submitting my column about Dusty Hill’s shoulder injury that eventually left oh-so-many dates rescheduled. Among those is the Nugget show, which I hope to see you all at on October 22. So, go dust off those LPs and throw some Purple One on the platter. I’ll be raising a glass with ya. Until next time... I’LL SEE YOU AT THE SHOW! Vol. 8 • No. 3
May 5, 2016 35
AfterParty 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Dance Night Drink specials starting @midnight 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Kadillacs 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Wallace Trahan and Rice & Gravy 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
DJ Cage 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Friday, May 13
Saturday, May 14
Kay Miller & Aaron Horn 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Alvin and The 33’s 8 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059 LC
AEP, Brother Jac, Jig the Alien 8 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. LC LA Express 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton LA Roxx 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder QRISIS 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC AfterParty 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 36 May 5, 2016
2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton LA Roxx 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder AfterParty 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
Monday, May 16 Bryan Trahan 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Bastian Baker 8 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. LC DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Drink Specials 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC
Kay Miller & Aaron Horn 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
QRISIS 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Chubby Checker
DJ Billy Carter 10 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
7 p.m. @ Delta Event Center Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Tickets on sale now. Limited seating available. Must be 21 or older to attend. www.deltadowns.com
Chip Radford 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
DJ Cage 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Mickey Smith
Gus Johnson and the River Katz 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059, LC
Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC
Trivial Tuesdays Live Team Trivia
Michael Krajicek
7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St.
Cinderella’s Tom Keifer w/special guest Lillian Axe 8 p.m. @ The Pavilion Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Tickets available now at Ticketmaster.com and at Coushatta Box Office, where Advantage Club members receive a $10 discount. Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC LA Express 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino
Tuesday, May 17
7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059 LC
Sunday, May 15
JD’s Whiskey Brunch @ 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Darren, Todd & Ron 4 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059, LC Server Industry Night Sunday Funday Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Kris Harper 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Wednesday, May 18 Chester Daigle 5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Vol. 8 • No. 3
Vol. 8 • No. 3
May 5, 2016 37
ROOTS REVIVAL FESTIVAL The SWLA Arts and Humanities Council teamed up with a group of passionate musicians, performers and artists to bring a very special event to Central School’s Benjamin Mount Theater that was not just celebrating Louisiana’s musical legacy, but specifically the Lake Area’s contribution to our music and culture over the years, A huge tip of the hat to everyone who made this very special night one to remember.
Amber Schnake and Brant Parish
Jason Machulski, Braylin Jenkins and Lauren Abate
Ethiopia Kennison with Winnie and Sheclovers Baptiste
Jeremy and Tiffany Boudreaux
Jo-El Sonnier and Charles Lyons
FLEA FEST The Lake City’s massive flea market event returned to the Burton Coliseum for yet another show and locals took advantage of the two days of shopping fun. Scores of vendors filled the Burton barn, and we enjoyed great food from area vendors, giveaways and even pony rides and a petting zoo! Hope everyone had a blast!
Darren Miller, Ben Junot and Jason Bradley
Darlene Parish and Dawna Taylor 38 May 5, 2016
Jason and Braxton Fontenot
Tremika and Shawn Taylor with Isiah and Shani Clayton
Josh Salazar, Tabetha Garrison and Kencie and Kaden Salazar Vol. 8 • No. 3
CHARITY WARD BENEFIT Locals united for a common cause this past weekend to help raise money for a local gal in need. The Center Stage hosted the all-day Charity Ward Benefit Fundraiser that included a poker run, raffles, live auction, and over half a dozen local musical acts. It was a great event for a great cause and I applaud everyone who made this happen! Way to go!
Amanda and Marques Smith
Kellyann Belden-Sanchez, Michael Daigle and Brian Granger
Tim Holt, Kimmie Frank and Chelsie Link
Hannah Breaux, Clayton Daigle
Wanda Carnahan, Turia Broussard, Lonetta Greenleaf and Clinton Ward
Daren Hyatt and Denice Dale
CONTRABAND DAYS 2016 If you’ve wondered about the lingering smell of black powder and funnel cake hovering over downtown Lake Charles, fear not! A musket battle has NOT broken out at Sweets and Treats. For nearly 60 years, Contraband Days has taken over the lakefront in true swashbuckling style and this year is no exception. If you didn’t make it out for the opening weekend, make sure you don’t miss Week Two running through Mother’s Day. ARRRRGGGG!!!!!
Paul LeBlanc, Adalynn Blanchard, Hannah Daigle and Nikia LeBlanc
Tracey Young and Levi James Vol. 8 • No. 3
Carole and Larry Williamson with Susan and Mike McHugh
Billey McDonough and Craig Larocca
Sydney Richardelle, Abigail Rogers, Mylee LeJeune, Amelia Anderson and Aidan Kilgore May 5, 2016 39