The Jambalaya News - 07/07/16, Vol. 8, No. 7

2 July 7, 2016

Vol. 8 • No. 7

July 7, 2016 • Volume 8 • Issue 7

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

On Cover: Changing Spaces Furniture and Consignment Store

COVER 16 Changing Spaces Furniture and Consignment Store

www.thejambalayanews.com

REGULARS Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate

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lauren@thejambalayanews.com

10 Dang Yankee

Contributors Nicole Shuff Arabie Lisa Addison George Cline Dan Ellender Julie Ann Fay Trent Gremillion Jason Machulski Mike McHugh Roger Miller Justin Morris Terri Schlichenmeyer

We are SWLA!

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Tips from Tip

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Adoption Corner

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12 Fishin’ Tales 14 This Functional Family 11

Soul Matters

FEATURES 5 Lilly Guilbeau, CF Teen Advocate 6

Gone Graves

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Sales lauren@thejambalayanews.com

THE SPICE OF SWLA 18 Gridiron 2016 Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk

20 Event Guide 22 Family Fun Night at the Movies

Business Office Manager Jeanie Rourk

23 Bookworm Sez… 24 Acting Up! 26 heART of SWLA: Julie Goodfriend Dallas 28 Nightlife Guide

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

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by Jambalaya Media, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601.

Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2014 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

Vol. 8 • No. 7

30 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles 34 Society Spice

24 26 34 July 7, 2016 3

Summer

Summer memories are the best. Who wants to remember walking to school in the freezing cold, slipping on the ice, and shoveling snow? Bulky sweaters and boots? Dirty snow? Not me!

I’d rather remember long days at Nahant Beach with our Styrofoam “surfboards” riding the waves of the Atlantic as they broke on the shore. We’d hold the boards up and as a wave came in we’d grab the board with both hands and ride the wave lying on top of the board.

The board often flipped over and we’d come up sputtering, cold salt water in our mouths. It was only waist deep, but as long as I could touch the sandy bottom I’d be okay.

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The sun was so hot and seagulls wheeled and cried overhead, occasionally swooping down to snag a French fry or other delicacy left in the sand. Transistor radios would be turned to WMEX, the station of “The Good Guys.” Everyone loved Arnie “Woo Woo” Ginsburg, the most ubiquitous of the radio jocks, especially my cousin Karen. One weekend, she made my uncle take us all to Adventure Car Hop on Route One in Saugus where he was doing a remote, so we could actually See Him In Person. I don’t know what I expected, but I was very disappointed in the cleancut guy with short hair and thick glasses who would look

comfortable selling insurance.

Nothing exciting about him. We were all crushed.

Nahant Beach did bring back some painful memories, however. There was no sunscreen in the ‘60s, just regular tanning lotion, or worse, baby oil, which attracted the sun’s intense rays like a magnet. For an Italian, I’ve always had fair skin, and in a short while I would start to burn. My cousins Karen and Richard tanned perfectly, but not me. My mother had very pale skin and she covered herself up in towels and wore big hats and somehow managed to keep the sun out. She was smart. There was nothing worse than riding home in Aunt Gloria’s old Chevy Bel Air with the scratchy upholstery rubbing against my burned legs. Naturally, there was no air conditioning, and we were all hot, sticky and tired from the sun and the sea air.

The ordeal had just begun.

Removing my wet bathing suit hurt my burned limbs. Putting clothes on was a killer. Bathing seemed to make the burn worse.

And the first night of a sunburn was always a nightmare. My mother would slather Noxema or calamine lotion all over me before I went to bed. Then I’d lie awake, because naturally I couldn’t sleep between the pain,

the heat (yup, no air conditioning) and the vibrating squeal of the old circulating fan that did nothing but move hot air around.

Still, it was SO much better than anything winter, and even in the depths of the most painful night I was happy, because there was no school the next day, and the grass (what little we had) was green and there was always something fun coming up right around the corner: a carnival, a picnic down the Cape, a trip to Wellington State Park at Newfound Lake, New Hampshire, the ice cream truck bringing Popsicles and Italian Ice, baseball games and Fenway Franks, the sound of the neighbors laughing on their back porch and someone’s hi-fi playing songs by Frank Sinatra or Jerry Vale. The sounds of summer in an Italian neighborhood in mid-60s Boston. The way we were.

Lauren Abate

Vol. 8 • No. 7

C Y S T I C

F I B R O S I S

F O U N D A T I O N

Lilly Guilbeau

Cystic Fibrosis Teen Advocate When it comes to fighting for an important cause, one Lake Charles teen is making her voice heard in a big way.

Lilly Guilbeau, 15, has just returned from her fifth trip to Washington D.C. as the Louisiana representative for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Teen Advocacy Day. Guilbeau, a sophomore at Barbe High School, has been nominated to the program annually by the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since she was 11.

She participates in memory of her father, Brian Guilbeau, who died from cystic fibrosis in 2009 at the age of 38.

Cystic fibrosis is a lifethreatening, genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. It is caused by a defective gene that makes the body produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to serious, often deadly infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas and stops the natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. Ten million people in the United States—or one in 31—carry the defective CF gene. There is no cure, and the life expectancy of someone with CF is about 40 years old.

“I remember my dad doing his treatments when I was younger, and it was just normal,” Guilbeau said. “It shouldn’t have to be normal.

My ultimate goal for CF is for kids to not have to go through what I went through when I lost my dad.”

Vol. 8 • No. 7

Lilly with Congressman Charles Boustany In her first year as a teen advocate, Guilbeau was only 11 years old, the youngest teen to ever participate in the program. She has returned every year since to advocate for those with cystic fibrosis on Capitol Hill. She has made many friends with fellow advocates from across the country who also have loved ones with CF. “My first year was a little hard because I knew I was the youngest one there and I was worried they would look at me a little differently,” Guilbeau said. “But, the first night I was there I managed to make some good friends.”

After an initial meet-andgreet, the teens spend time getting to know each other and get an idea of what to expect

during their time on Capitol Hill. They are also trained on how to conduct meetings with members of Congress.

“We learn how to tell our story and how we are connected to CF. I like to bring pictures of my dad so they can see what he was like, and I gave them shirts we had made in his memory, “ she said.

“We explain what CF is to members of Congress or their staff members and then we ask them to support increased funding to the FDA and NIH.” Usually, a day of meetings on Capitol Hill starts off with a lot of nerves and excitement. But, by the end of the day, it’s also a lot of exhaustion because of all the walking from building to building, according to Guilbeau. And,

after a long day of meetings, the teens and their parents gather again for a closing dinner reception, where they talk about their day and play a popular game show-style game called the Brain Show, which Guilbeau calls “a lot of fun because you really see everyone’s personalities come out.”

Guilbeau hopes to continue her advocacy work in in D.C. every year throughout high school. “It’s a way to keep my dad’s memory alive and to help other’s with CF.” There are about 334 cystic fibrosis patients in Louisiana.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a donor-supported nonprofit organization, is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for CF, having raised and invested hundreds of millions of dollars to help develop CF drugs and therapies. Through the CF Foundation’s efforts, the life expectancy of a child with CF has doubled in the last 30 years, and research to find a cure is more promising than ever.

The Foundation has worked with leading pharmaceutical companies to develop a robust pipeline of potential therapies, in various stages of development and testing, aimed at targeting the disease from every angle. Orkambi is the latest example of the CF Foundation’s innovative drug development model.

Approved in 2015, this breakthrough therapy addresses the underlying cause of CF for nearly one-third of those with the disease. For more information, visit www.cff.org.

July 7, 2016 5

The Smith family cemetery was located on a 16-acre tract of land originally patented to William V. Smith in the 1860s. The family cemetery was dedicated sometime prior to May 24, 1883. Conveyance records at Levingston Land Title indicate that John B. Smith conveyed a undivided half interest to Alan J. Perkins, which included a reserved “one acre of land covering family burial ground near the old residence and to be used exclusively for family burying.”

On January 27, 1896, Delaide Smith conveyed one acre to Charles Miller. This sale included a reserved 70 x 71.5 family graveyard plot.

In the early 1890s, a majority of the property was owned by Alan J. Perkins and Charles Miller. Later, the property was transferred to the Perkins and Miller Lumber Company Ltd. In 1906, the charter for the Perkins & Miller Lumber Company was amended to change its name to Krause & Managan Lumber Company Ltd. The lumber company acquired additional lots from John J. Goss and also from the heirs of Alfred W. Weht. At one point, multiple rail lines crossed the property and the land was used as a lumberyard. W. T. Burton acquired the property in 1949; this deed of sale contained no reservation for a cemetery.

Fast forward to 1995. In April, May and again on August 24, prior to the construction of the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel, Coastal Environmental, Inc. conducted a Phase 1 Cultural Resource Examination within Section 36, Township 9 South, Range 9 West, the site of the Smith Family Cemetery (Site 16CU07).

The survey was conducted at the request of The Gray Law Firm of Lake Charles. Upon completion of the survey, a 110.2 x 149.6 area was mechanically excavated, exposing six burial pits. All were exhumed and relocated to an established cemetery. Records indicate that the entire cemetery was troweled and corners of each burial plot were marked. The report also makes note of 31 Prehistoric Lithic artifacts discovered at the site representing a Late Archaic period component at site 16CU07. Site 16CU13 is located just a few yards south of the cemetery. In 1940, an archaeologist by the name of Doran recorded this earth and shell midden deposit which also featured

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Late Archaic Lithic artifacts. By 1996, site 16CU13 was reported as destroyed. No further research has been conducted.

April 20, 1995: The Lawsuits A lawsuit filed at the 14th JDC states that the Isle of Capri Riverboat Casino facility is being built on top of an old family cemetery dating back to the late 19th century. The plaintiffs are Douglas Milburn, George Milburn, David Milburn, Andrew Smith--the greatgreat grandsons of John B. Smith and Delaide Smith. The defendants are St. Charles Gaming & Dravo Basic Materials Company.

The lawsuit claims that the Smith Family Cemetery was dedicated at the site in the 1880s. The land was then acquired by W. T. Burton, and the caretaker for the W. T. Burton shipyard maintained the cemetery’s integrity until the late 1970s. The suit states the actions of Dravo Materials resulted in the covering of grave markers with shell and limestone. The plaintiffs seek to stop construction and restore the cemetery back to its original state.

Attorney Bernard McLaughlin, Jr. of Lake Charles represented the plaintiffs. McLaughlin sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers stating that two cemeteries are located at the shell yard: the Smith/Miller Family Cemetery and West Cemetery. John and Delaide Smith and other family members are buried at the Smith Family Cemetery, and a number of emancipated slaves are buried at West Cemetery. It is also believed that Civil War, Spanish American War, and WWI veterans are buried at these sites. The Smith Family Cemetery is located about 89 feet from the west bank of the Calcasieu River, in an area that appears will be impacted by proposed dredging operations.

April 21,1995: Casino Denies Allegations Crown Casino officials say the facilities are not being constructed atop a cemetery or burial ground at the old Burton Shell Yard.

Crown, Isle of Capri’s parent company, quickly orders a new survey to establish the exact location of the cemetery. “We’re not even sure if there’s someone buried there...” says Mr. Preuss, Crown’s vice president. He did indicate they had heard rumors a few months ago about a cemetery possibly near the construction site. “We contacted the land owner, and W.T. Burton Industries has performed prelimi-

Vol. 8 • No. 7

nary legal work in the past six months which substantiates our position,” he says. In 1996, a cultural resources investigation of the Smith Family Cemetery Site is conducted, and submitted to The Gray Law Firm of Lake Charles.

August 30, 1995: The Second Lawsuit By this date, the Burton Shell Yard is now the site of the Isle of Capri while casino parking garage construction continues next door. A Mossville couple files suit against Dravo Basic Materials Co. and St. Charles Gaming Co. for desecrating a cemetery at the former Burton Shell Yard.

Marvin and Alice Vincent claim one of their ancestors is buried on the site, along with six other slaves of the Smith Family. Clerk records show John Smith dedicated the cemetery in 1883 as the “family resting place.”

Bob Little, general manager of Isle of Capri Casino, says they are “working with several people to solve the situation.” The Vincent family asks the National Black Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. to join them in their legal action. Harry Alford with the NBCC reaches out to US Attorney General Janet Reno, and Governor Edwin Edwards. In a letter, he states, “This organization has become engaged in a fight against a current atrocity taking place in the Westlake area of Calcasieu Parish… This atrocity is the desecration of the graves of former black citizens and the forefathers of the living heirs.” Alford asks Edwards to get involved since it appears local authorities are not concerned with the situation, which he refers to as “...this total act of disrespect and perhaps racism.” While visiting the construction site Alford finds a human arm bone sticking out of the ground, which is sent to Washington, DC for testing.

the cemetery exists. Arrangements are made with the Smith family to have the family members’ tombs removed and relocated to another local cemetery in accordance with the Louisiana Unmarked Human Burial Sites Preservation Act (Act 704, House Bill No. 1446). Rev. Lee Wesley leads a march of 30 protesters, all members of the PPAAH, who are against Casino America’s effort to get a second casino boat for Lake Charles. The march takes place at the State Land and Natural Resources Building where the State Riverboat and Gaming Commission met to decide on the second boat. The protesters claim that the Isle of Capri continues to deny any existence of a slave cemetery.

In the End...

It is safe to say the issue of a “slave cemetery” was never resolved.

To this date, Isle of Capri still denies any existence of said cemetery.

In June 1999, a motion was filed at the 14th JDC which dismissed the suit of Vincent vs. St. Charles Gaming Company. The motion cites, “This action is abandoned since the parties have failed to take any steps in its prosecution or defense in a period exceeding three years and is hereby dismissed.”

Earlier reports also mentioned a suit possibly being filed at the Shreveport U.S. District Court but a judgment was never rendered in this court matter. We reached out to the NBCC to comment on this matter but never received a reply. We may never know the whole truth. The Smith family cemetery is now just a memory, and like the coffins which once rested there, this faint memory will eventually fade away.

I would like to thank the late Hector San Miguel, staff writer for the American Press, for covering the story when it seems most news and media outlets turned a blind eye to these events.

September 3, 1995: The Third Lawsuit The NBCC files a $36 million lawsuit against Casino America/Isle of Capri Casino over desecrating a slave cemetery. De Bartolo Entertainment and W. S. Bellows are also named in the lawsuit. In a press release, the NBCC states, “Scattered across the Isle of Capri gambling casino and resort construction site are the remains of slaves and former slaves who lived and died on this land near Lake Charles.

Casino America Inc. has neither halted construction nor made any attempt to gather the bones or cooperate with African-American descendants, numbering in the thousands, of the people buried there.

However, descendants of the sole white person interred in the cemetery have reached a settlement and it is believed that bones removed from the site by ambulance belonged to that person and now have been properly interred.” The press release also states that descendants of slaves buried at the site recently discovered bones lying on the ground near the construction areas.

November 10, 1995: The Parties Protest Ten members of “The People for the Preservation of Africa-American History” (PPAAH) begin protesting outside the Isle of Capri. Casino officials have archaeologists come out to examine the site. They claim that no bones are discovered but there are six areas that look as though they may have been graves at one time. There are no remains, but the material in the soil indicated that something had once been buried there. Melinda Chatman, Isle spokesman, says the soil was relocated to a Westlake cemetery. The PPAAH plans a memorial service to be held at the Isle sometime around Thanksgiving.

January 21, 1996: Protests Continue At this time, the Isle of Capri still claims that “no documentation” of Vol. 8 • No. 7

July 7, 2016 7

Foundation, ACTS Theatre, The Children’s Museum of Lake Charles, Lake Area Ballet Theatre, Common Ground Louisiana, Lake Charles Symphony, The Children’s Theatre Company, Lake Charles Civic Ballet, Brimstone Historical Society, The Louisiana Theatre Festival, Cal-Cam Fair Association, Itinerant Theatre Inc., Black Heritage Festival and Lake Charles Little Theatre.

Summer Pops SE Tourism Society Top 20 Event

McDonald’s of SWLA, Billy Navarre Support Soccer Club McDonald’s of SWLA and Billy Navarre Chevrolet Cadillac recently donated $15,000 to the Calcasieu Soccer Club to support its youth recreation program, which serves over 900 area youths each year. The sponsorship allows CSC to offer free soccer clinics for children, add new equipment and increase the organization’s reach in the community.

The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored the Lake Charles Symphony’s Summer Pops program as a 2016 Top 20 Event for the month of July.

Bridging the gap between rock n’ roll and classical music, the Lake Charles Symphony opens its 59th season with “Summer Pops - The Music of The Eagles,” July 9, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. Summer Pops is a popular Karen Drewett, president of the board of directors annual tradition in the SWLA of the Lake Charles Symphony, with Annette Richey, chairman of the board of directors of the area. For more information, visit Lake Charles/SWLA CVB. www.lcsymphony.com.

Entergy is Gridiron Sponsor Entergy is a sponsor of Gridiron, which is written, staged and performed entirely by members of The Ad & Press Club. The 44th annual Gridiron is being held on Saturday, July 16, at the Lake Charles Civic Center and benefits the Ad & Press Club Endowed Scholarship at the SOWELA Technical Community College Foundation. For ticket information, contact Leslie Harless at 421-1397.

L to R: Ryan Navarre, Calcasieu Soccer Club’s Paul Burgess, McDonald’s of SWLA owner/operator Doug Gehrig and Grant Navarre.

McNeese Nursing Professor Elected to LaCANE Dr. Ann Warner, associate professor of nursing and co-coordinator of the graduate nursing program at McNeese, has been elected vice chair of the Louisiana Council of Administrators of Nursing Education. LaCANE is the group of nursing education administrators who work to be a voice for nursing education in Louisiana. Warner will be the LaCANE representative for the Louisiana Nursing SupDr. Ann Warner ply and Demand Council, which studies issues related to the supply of and demand for nurses on such issues as scopes of practice and education preparation.

SWLA/CVB Marketing Grant Awarded to Area Events The Arts Council of SWLA is pleased to announce the grant awards for the 2016-2017 SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Marketing Grant. Twenty grants were awarded to: Bulber Youth Orchestra, Cajun French Music Association -Lake Charles Chapter, LaVille Uni, Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Bayou Writers Group, Lake Charles Community Band, Louisiana Choral 8 July 7, 2016

L to R: Chip Arnould, Jr., Entergy’s senior region manager, customer service, presents a check to Leslie Harless, VP/ marketing at First Federal Bank of Louisiana and Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Chancellor of SOWELA Technical Community College.

Memorial Cancer Center Earns National Accreditation The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the cancer program at Lake Charles Memorial Health System. To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet or exceed 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation is only awarded to a facility that exceeds standard requirements at the time of its triennial survey.

Vol. 8 • No. 7

CITGO Contributes to the Safe Disposal of Mercury

Killen Field Historical Marker Dedicated

With the help of a $5,000 donation from CITGO, a mercury collection facility is offered to residents at no charge at the City’s Wastewater Division located at 1132 W. 18th Street. The site is open every Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Due to CITGO’s generosity, the site accepts fever thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, thermostats and more. Since 2007, more than 396 lbs. of L to R: Mason Lindsay, Team Green, Dana Keel, CITGO and Emelie Mosca Gary, City of Lake Charles. liquid mercury have been collected, as well as 4,800 bulbs. The facility has also received 70,000 linear feet of fluorescent lamps.

The longtime coach of Lake Charles High School, R.S. Killen, was celebrated with a ceremony dedicating a memorial to his legacy with a Killen L to R: Former LCHS Wildcats Coach Larry Hunter and former LCHS graduates Marshal Joey Alcede; Shelley SLWA Convention & Visitors Bureau; Daniel Ieyoub Field Marker and Calcasieu Parish Police Juror Kevin Guidry. placed on the former Wildcats’ football field, the current Cougar Stadium, as part of the annual all-class LCHS reunion. The marker was made possible by The Friends of Lake Charles High School, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Department of Transportation and Joey Alcede.

Fragale Named WCCH Employee of the Month

Pennie Fragale

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently named Pennie Fragale as its Employee of the Month for June 2016. Fragale is part of WCCH’s Environmental Services Team and works to maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the hospital. She has been with WCCH for over a year.

McNeese Foundation Receives Donations The McNeese State University Foundation has received $10,000 in donations for the 2016 Cowgirl Tee Time Roundup benefiting the McNeese women’s golf program. Dr. Larry Stewart gave $5,000 and Solar Supply Inc. gave $5,000. Tournament officials announced this year that the tournament will be renamed the Roxie Stewart Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of Stewart’s wife.

Arts Council Presents Little Free Library The Arts Council of SWLA is proud to present the Lake Area’s newest Little Free Library, charter #35851. Located in Historic Central School, 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles, the Little Free Library encourages visitors to take a book, leave a book. The Calcasieu Parish Library will donate out of circulation books. The Central School replica was built and donated by Ron Stear of Cedar Bough Fine Bird Houses. Over 350 hours and mixed materials including cypress, sawdust, and 3D-printed windows and doors were used. For details, visit www.artscouncilswla.org or call 439-2787.

L to R: Stewart, Richard Reid, McNeese Foundation; Willie Mount, VP McNeese Foundation Board; Ron Dingler, president of Solar Supply Inc. and Mike Fluty, McNeese women’s golf coach. McNEESE PHOTO

First Federal Bank Donates to SOWELA

Ashli Waldrep, Arts Council director, and Ron Stear.

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First Federal Bank of Louisiana donated $10,000 to the SOWELA Technical Community College Foundation to establish the First Federal Bank of Louisiana Endowed Scholarship.

First Federal’s President and CEO Charles V. Timpa presents donation to Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Chancellor of SOWELA. July 7, 2016 9

Return of the Yankee

It’s hard to believe that six months have gone by since my last column here in The Jambalaya News.

Over that time, a lot of people have wondered what happened to me.

Many believed (or perhaps hoped) that I’d had enough of Louisiana and gone back to Yankee Land. Why anyone would think that I’d never know. If you know anything at all about the two places, you’d understand that Louisiana is way more fun.

You can see this just by comparing state mottos. Here in Louisiana, our motto translates from French to “Let the Good Times Roll,” whereas Yankee states have mottos like (to paraphrase), “Life Stinks and Then You Die.” Not only is Yankee

10 July 7, 2016

Land less fun, but it’s also a more expensive place to live, mainly because of taxes. In my home state of Maryland they even taxed the rain that falls on your driveway for awhile.

Frankly, I’m surprised that the lawmakers here didn’t consider the same thing for our state during their recent tax-a-thon. All it would take is one hurricane and the state would have enough money to not only fix every dilapidated bridge and road in the state (i.e., every one), but also to build an elevator from Bourbon Street to the moon.

So, what was I actually doing for the past six months? The explanation is simple—I was trying to get to Key West, Florida. Key West is one of our favorite

vacation spots, because it’s a really fun place, almost as much fun as Louisiana.

As an example, one time the people of Key West, who humorously refer to themselves as “conches,” decided to secede from the United States just because it seemed like a fun thing to do, or at least, more fun than having to fill out Federal Income Tax forms every year.

Indeed, Key West is a fun place once you get there.

The problem is, it’s not a fun or easy place to get to, particularly if you are going by commercial airline.

And so that’s why we had to leave in January to get there for our time-share week, which is in June. Key West is very much an outof-the-way place, requiring about 37 connections, most of them on small regional carriers with on-time percentages in the negative numbers. And that’s on a day with no thunderstorms, which occur in Florida with the regularity of insult-laden tweets from Donald Trump.

What all this means is that, to get to Key West, you spend about five hours actually in the air, two months in line at the airline customer service desk,

and about three months in airport bars drinking overpriced cocktails. After many years of traveling to Key West, we’ve learned to budget about the same for alcohol en route as a college fraternity would for a semester.

Even though it was only six months, I feel like I’ve been gone longer than Lewis and Clark. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that, had Lewis and Clark had to explore by commercial airline rather than slogging through the wilderness by mule team, I think they would have given up when their flight out of St. Louis got cancelled.

As for me, I haven’t given up, at least as far “The Dang Yankee” is concerned. Morally, I can’t.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about how the quality of journalism is in decline in our country, and so I feel compelled to do my part to contribute to this trend.

So stay tuned for the next issue, when I might just figure out exactly what a “conch” is.

Editor’s note: It’s about time you came back. Stay out of Key West and consider vacations on Holly Beach in the future.

Vol. 8 • No. 7

he disconnected his computer and got in touch with a friend in the computer business who was able to remove the now-contaminated programming.

Please be aware that there are scammers out there ready to do harm to your wallet. If someone contacts you with solutions to problems that you don’t even know exist, hold back; check it out through reliable channels.

Don’t be a victim. If someone insists that you act now, that’s a big no-no. If it’s for real, it will be just as available in the fresh light of morning.

Computer Scam While drinking coffee on the breezeway with my brother-in-law Saturday morning, he reminded me of a scam that has not been getting enough attention. He was recently contacted by the “Microsoft Windows Ser vice Center” and informed that his computer was infected. The gentleman on the phone told him what to do to correct the problems as their center monitors such things and had been alerted to his plight.

After gaining control of his computer, he was informed that their business office would be contacting him so he could purchase additional programs and protection.

He began to smell the rat and hung up, but by then, they had already downloaded four viruses and malware on his computer. Fortunately,

New Knee!

Thanks, Memorial!

As I wrote in our last issue and just as I had hoped, my surgical stay at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital was as pleasant as a hospital visit could be expected. I now have a brand new, made just for me right knee. I am now in the process called “Physical Therapy” which is the most universally dreaded part of the whole deal.

Having gone through it for rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders, I had some idea of what was to come.

The therapy began the afternoon after the surgery and continued for the next 24 hours of my stay. I was blessed with a super nice, professional, obviously competent therapist (thank you so much, Brooke). I was

assisted in walking around the 5th floor area that was adjacent to my room and was taught how to move my walker, go up and down stairs and to be safe.

Now that my day and a half of hospital stay has ended, I am back at my desk reporting on the experience to my readers as promised. Believe me, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is a huge asset for all of us here in Southwest Louisiana, filled with highly trained and talented personnel. I would not hesitate to return there should the need again ever arise.

My at-home rehab is going well, thanks to the home health personnel that come to check on my recovery.

Thankfully, a good friend who had previously experienced total knee replacement encouraged me to do exercises that built up my leg muscles prior to surgery. It appears to have paid dividends with the progress I am now making (thanks ML). The ice pack/compression device is a bother in and of itself as the hoses are always in the way, but it is doing what it is designed to do--reduce swelling-and for that I’m grateful.

There is another device that mechanically bends and straightens my leg while I’m on the couch, designed to keep my leg stretched out and to increase my flexibility and leg extension. There are some daily exercises that are part of the recovery routine that I do throughout the day, both for strength and flexibility. I will keep you all posted!

This little miss just joined us and we are thrilled to have her! She is about a year old and is medium sized. Our best guess is that she is a Lab and terrier mix--whatever the mix is, she is a cutie and is one play machine. Great with other dogs, we suspect she will be great with children, too. Because she loves to be outside where the action is, a secure fence is a must. Her vetting is complete and she is heartworm negative. So, Rudie is good to go!

For more info, call or email: (337) 78-7294; lapaw@ bellsouth.net. She will also be at PetSmart for Saturday adoption days. Vet check and home visit required prior to all adoptions.

Vol. 8 • No. 7

July 7, 2016 11

Photos by Chris Romero

Sentimental Journey This week’s angling trek took me down Highway 27 through Grand Lake, the Cameron Prairie National Reserve, and across the Gibbstown Bridge into Miami Corporation’s 25,000 acre Big Burn marsh. My former students Dwyane Dubard and Todd Gorman (LaGrange High School

Roger

and his

garfish

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class of ‘88) had decided to quit teasing me with pictures on Facebook of the fish they’d caught and actually take this old coot fishing. The Big Burn is only 20 minutes from their south-of-Lake Charles homes, part of the blessing of living in Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise.

It was truly a sentimental journey for me. While I was in McNeese State University’s graduate school from ‘73 to ‘79 and even before the common use of trolling motors, I used to push pole my major professor, Dr. Joe Gray Taylor, across the lily pad marsh.

There, we discussed the various aspects of Southern US history while he fished for bass. Boring to most of you I know, but to me, it was an I-don’t-carehow-long-I-have-to push-pole delight.

The road at the Burn’s northwest launch hadn’t gotten any better since back in that day, but the launch had certainly improved. We had no more roared down the trail five minutes before Dwyane shut his Tohatsu outboard down and dropped anchor along a line of cat tails and openings in the lily pads.

Seems some serious brim fishing was about to ensue. The lures du jour were brim hooks or beetle spins with cold worm teasers and red cork bobbers.

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Todd and Dwyane set the landing chairs fore and aft and I assumed my perch on the ice chest. Oh, they tried to be polite to their aged guest and give up a chair but I was there mostly to share their joy, take pictures and write about it. Besides, as y’all well know, I have always had to depend on cooperative fish to hook themselves as my reaction time is still that of a longdeceased zombie.

We were casting into the open areas between the lily pads. Being a purist of sorts, I was using my old green and black beetle spin sans the worm teaser.

With a whoop and on his first cast, Todd hooked and landed a nice red-breasted brim. I no more had time to pop the top of the ice chest for Todd’s brim than Dwyane let out a yelp and hauled in a chinquapin brim to add to our catch.

The fishing fete was on.

Dwyane and Todd worked their corks and teased back at the brim who weren’t as eager as the first suckers that jerked their corks under and ended up in the ice chest. Meanwhile, I actually caught a too-smallto-keep bass as my noncontribution to the catch.

That was enough for Todd to rip into the tackle box and take out one of the plastics with the appropriate shape, odor, and coloralterable lure of the day. It just bemuses me to watch some angler add the eau de garlic, gulp, mullet, etc., then pour on the color-manipulating oil so as to fit the fish’s mood. That done, the bait that just moments before had been a mere piece of plastic has been so altered it has become a fish-irresistible buffet de Vol. 8 • No. 7

lure. That’s the assumption anyway, and damn if it doesn’t work.

So, it was now Todd tossing his buffet bait, me beetle spinning with a cold worm teaser, and Dwyane cork, worm and hook jerking himself into filet heaven most of the time. However, there were variations on those themes. Seems there was a contest going on between Todd and Dwyane as to who could land the smallest brim or bass between keepers. I was a shoe-in for the fewest keepers. As to the award for biggest fish, there was to be no challenge. The fish stretched from razor sharp teeth to tail in the ice chest after a fish and angler exhausting fight. My very own keeper-you guessed it--a garfish.

Our first hot spot played out, Dwyane cranked the Tohatsu and we headed off to what he called “The Deep Hole.” It was along the trail near a No Wake zone and looked truly promising, open and free of weeds. Todd and Dwyane began to pull in goggle-eye and sac-a-lait, and I even pulled out a keeper or two. We even fell into the old pattern of Todd tossing buffets, me beetle-spin worming, and Dwyane cork-hook jerking away.

The day had been full of tales, quips, and humorous critiques of angling techniques. I don’t know which of the dynamic duo asked this of me first, but they actually requested that I be sure and mention and thank their wives. Say what? In all my years afield, this was a first. And unprompted, they had chimed in. I don’t really know if this was the cleverest of manipulative

ploys but dammed if they didn’t seem sincere. So, my heartfelt thanks for the loan of your husbands Angie Hubard and Tiffany Gorman. The guys made for an

angling first with that truly humble request. My trips afield are always an epiphany but their request made it into what will be another Sentimental Journey.

Dwyane

Hubard

Todd

Gorman

July 7, 2016 13

Endless Summer

Remember summer their summers and re“Aaah, summer -- that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering call the endless days and days as a child when it days, free of responsibility and rife with possibility. It’s a time felt like there were endI also hope that certain less days stretched out in songs, smells, or places to hunt for insects, master handstands, practice swimming front of you and it seemed will always bring back strokes, conquer trees, explore nooks and crannies, and make like those incredible those memories, as well. new friends.” ~ Darell Hammond sun-splashed days would There are tons of songs last forever? Memories about summer and everywhen I look back, I think that where we would enjoy Mom’s help us hold those special one from The Beach Boys my childhood summers were Rice Crispy treats, homemade to Don Henley immortalized times close so that we can perfection! sandwiches, iced tea, and any re-live them again and again it in lyrics and music. All you Our long summer days were other treats she had stayed up throughout the years. have to do is hear one of them late the night before to make; spent swimming at Ouiska I’ve been thinking a lot to instantly feel transported Chitto and then sitting on a There were trips to AstroW- back to your own long-ago lately of bygone summers as sandbar and devouring iceorld, the 4th of July and fireI try to fill in the summer summer days. One of my cold slices of watermelon and works, barbecues, Vacation days for both of my children favorites has always been having watermelon seed fights Bible School, Holly Beach, with as many fun things as “Under the Boardwalk” by the with my siblings. We spent swimming at the neighborhumanly possible. You don’t Drifters. The music always time with cousins, read tons hood pool, sleepovers with typically have these realizagets me in the mood for sumof books and went on picnics friends, trips to Galveston and tions until you’re an adult, but mer: “Oh, when the sun beats so much more. down and burns the tar up on There are so many great the roof; and your shoes get quotes about summer but I’ve so hot, you wish your tired always liked this one by John feet were fireproof; under the Steinbeck: “In early June, the boardwalk, down by the sea, world of leaf and blade and on a blanket with my baby is flowers explodes, and every where I’ll be.” sunset is different.” If you How fortunate are we that watch a few summer sunsets we live near the water and you’ll see what he’s talking can go walking on the beach about. On one day, the sunset anytime that we want to! So, is full of oranges and yellows; grab a good book, pick up an the next one is compiled of Icee, kick off your shoes (or pinks and blues; another one flip flops!), put away the cell appears like liquid gold, but phone, and enjoy the beach, each one is unique, beautiful, pool, or even your own backand magical. yard. Make some memories.

This year, those endless Oh, and don’t forget the wasummer days for my kids have termelon. so far been filled with swimHappy summer to all! May ming, the library, Vacation your summer always feel Bible School, baseball, popsiendless. cles, riding bikes, the beach, Lisa Addison wrote her church camps, fun on the slip first short story when she ‘n slide in our yard, going to was 7 years old and hasn’t parks, watermelon seed fights, stopped writing since. She time with family and friends, has two young children, engame nights, Icee runs, movjoys trying new recipes, and ies, and whatever other adloves going on adventures ventures we can find. with her kids. She blogs I hope that someday my at: http://swlamama.wordkids will also look back on press.com.

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and know that you are doing great things that are attracting great things. Today, though, I allowed myself to slip and attract the little sticky-icky-ness of another’s control. I had to move the vibration of my heart higher to rise up out of it. I am so thankful for the beautiful people in my life that take the time to shine their light in my direction. Love them truly from the heart of my soul.

My Conversations With God

This article is from my personal journal that I call “The Book Of My Heart.” They are my random thoughts at different times when praying and talking to God. I feel that I am supposed to share it this way right now.

We all experience days that are full of either blessings or lessons. Your story consists of thoughts, activities, impressions that have been recorded and stored within your heart. If you take the time to look, you will discover God’s love and grace has been written into every moment that is your life.

12/18/13 Patience When we are patient, answers will come in time. This morning I am reflecting on the gifts and answers that I received. Now I pray for the time in my life so that I can pray about them.

Feeling thankful…

9/26/14 Life Change It’s been almost three years and three months since my life changed after falling. Feeling sadness today. I just wantdesire to have my focus back and not to feel these emotional moments. They really suck!

I look normal to everyone.

I’m really trying to be. When things feel overwhelming I just break down or shut down.

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Crying right now… I Googled PCS Syndrome and emotions.

Just trying to understand them. Wish I had a neuropsychologist to talk to. Brain injuries can result in altered personality and emotional functioning, mood swings. poor tolerance of frustration, irritability, anxiety and depression.

8/1/15 Adoration Chapel What have I been witnessing the past few days? Spiritual humility and the emptying of the dryness within. Seeing life, and broken hearts. We can’t go through our lives without telling those we truly love that we love them. We aren’t all okay, even though most of us say that we are. Empty the dryness within. What you are left with is love. Always see the beauty within. I heard: “Always see the love I carry in my heart for all of you. When you refuse my love, that is when I bleed.”

7/29/15 Eros without Agape Being satisfied by mere lust is not where I desire to be. One without the other can never satisfy. I want to experience the full dimensions of love. I know it’s there waiting for my heart. Stress and worry attract stressful situations, so keep moving

6/29/15 Patience Today I needed a message and was told to be patient with myself. When you feel that things are speeding too fast, it is okay to pause for a minute.

Today I heard: “I didn’t create this world to hate. I created this world of love. Love is my law. Even if others choose to not be like the rest, I will love them all the same. Continue to trust me, my child. Let doubt keep walking away.”

5/27/15 Adoration Chapel Today I heard: “Feel my love within your own heart.

Be cheerful, my dear one. Love with all of your heart; don’t hold back. It is meant to love always.

It hurts me when you close it off from others.” God wants me to write, to share, so that I can experience, once again, the beauty and power and relief of His grace washing over me.

3/12/16 Vision I found myself in a field.

I appeared as my own heart with wings, flying freely. I felt joy, love and happiness. Then I saw two hands reaching out towards me. My heart flew toward them and rested in them.

They were the hands of God. I then heard: “Look at your beautiful wings. It is time for you to finally fly on your own.

Do you see Inner Bliss within and all around? This has always been my plan for you. To grow and learn. All to teach my love for others. To see, feel, and know my love. Now go my child...fly high with me and

through me spread my love as far as your soul can see.”

7/2/16 Letting Go July 4th is my new birthday in so many ways. I am turning five years old today. Beautiful words were sent to me from someone who understands that when we are given a second chance at life, we are given a second chance at happiness.

If you have ever experienced life almost disappearing, then these words might mean something to you. Love this precious gift of life that you have been given.

Final Thoughts The Latin term carpe diem means seize the day. We should seize every day to be of service to someone and derive happiness from making a difference to a fellow human being. Christ said to love your God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself. Would it not stand to reason that service to others is service to God? This is achieved when we put others before ourselves, as Christ put the world before himself.

I hope you are all happy and having a great day. I love everyone old and new who have entered and exited with me on this walk through this world.

One last thing: If you are ever given that second chance at life I pray that you step aside from the “sticky-icky-ness” and do the work to change and discover the true beauty of love in your life.

Today... Only love is real Nothing else exists We can make mistakes. God’s attitude towards errors is the desire to heal us. We are extensions of God created in God’s Image Choose to participate because your outcome depends on your participation.

To book a Soul Matters Session with Nicole Shuff Arabie, call (337) 540-6573. You can also go to her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DeclutteringYourSoul July 7, 2016 15

Furniture and Consignment Store

Beautiful Home Décor for Less

By Lauren Abate Robbie Ingle of Ingle Safari Lake Charles has been a successful local realtor for years.

One of her favorite aspects of the business is staging homes.

In a nutshell, home staging prepares a private residence for sale by making a home attractive to the highest number of potential buyers, which can help sell a property quickly. Let’s face it, walking into an empty home isn’t as appealing as a residence filled with tasteful, color-coordinated furniture and home décor.

With all the subdivisions popping up in our growing area, model homes need a loving touch to enhance every aspect of the residence. And there are older homes for sale that, for whatever reason, are vacant when they are placed on the market. That’s where

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staging comes in.

Out of Ingle and her business partner Lana Schafer’s love for staging and their vast experience (they are both members of the Real Estate Staging Association) comes Changing Spaces, a brand-new furniture store that just opened its doors on Ryan St. in Lake Charles.

“We usually stage about 20 houses at a time,” Ingle says. “We were always running around like crazy looking for furniture and décor and trying to keep up with the demand. We finally agreed that opening a furniture store would be the best solution. We’d always have fresh stock and be able to go to market and buy really unique items.”

This huge space is filled with beautiful, affordable furnishings and home accessories, including very distinctive lighting. There

are candles, mirrors, clocks, bedding—everything you could possibly want to feather your nest. I loved the barn doors that come in various designs and are used as interior sliding doors. The store may be large, but it’s very inviting. There’s a coffee and water bar where you can quench your thirst and an accommodating staff.

“We’ll also be getting in tons of decorative greenery in,” Schafer says. “That can really add to the ambiance of a home.”

A part of the business, which is unique to Changing Spaces, is consignments. Have some gently used pieces of furniture and home décor that you no longer use? Email photos to changingspacesfurniture@yahoo. com or come in and show them photos on your phone for approval. If accepted, a price will be agreed on and they will pick up and

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deliver to the store for a fee. It will be on the floor for 120 days. At the end of each month that it remains on the floor, the price will be reduced. If it sells, you get 60 percent; the store gets 40.

When we visited, they’d only been open for two days, and were almost sold out of their consignment items. Schafer pointed out that as they close on homes, the items used for staging will be used in other homes for sale. They will eventually end up at the store and sold as gently used in the consignment section.

Ingle and Schafer go to Dallas and Vegas to shop for the store. I was surprised at the reasonable prices. “It’s important for us to be affordable,” Ingle says. “We don’t have super-expensive items. We want everyone who visits us to find something they

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like and be able to purchase it.” There’s a nearby warehouse filled with more items to replace what they sell and of course, to pull for staging. “We sold four houses this week, so we have to remove that furniture immediately,” she added.

What’s also very exciting is that they are encouraging local artists to sell their work at the store on consignment. “We really want to support the talented people of this area,” Ingle says. If you have some artwork you’d like to sell, contact them for more information.

Once they get settled, they will eventually be offering custom lines of furniture—so stay tuned! It seems the sky is the limit for these two incredibly busy women who are getting so much done and clearly love what they do. With new people coming in to the area, they have opened their business at an

optimal time.

There’s always a full staff on board at Changing Spaces to help you find whatever you need. Visit them today and change YOUR space!

Changing Spaces 2202 Ryan St. Lake Charles (337) 313-0444 Open Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. 4 p.m., Closed Sunday and Monday. Find them on Facebook under Changing Spaces Furniture—they’re giving away gift cards, so make sure you like their page!

July 7, 2016 17

GRIDIRON 44: Louisiana Bail Out Louisiana Bail Out is the theme of the 44th Annual Gridiron Show presented by the Ad & Press Club of Southwest Louisiana. Gridiron, the annual night of skits, songs and laughter, is the show the American Press called “the Saturday Night Live of Southwest Louisiana.” It is a local tradition! The fundraiser pokes fun at local and state newsmakers and the media through skits, songs, monologues and videos.

Proceeds from Gridiron benefit the Ad and Press Club Scholarships at McNeese State University and SOWELA Technical Community College.

This year’s show takes place Saturday, July 16, in the Lake Charles Civic Center Rosa Hart Theatre. Doors will open at 6 pm for a social and networking. Guests will be able to visit several serving stations located on the 2nd Floor Mezzanine level featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres and other specialties from local restaurants and vendors.

The show begins at 7:30 pm.

To purchase your tickets, email your information to gridironshow@ yahoo.com, or order online at www. adpressclub.com.

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The 6th annual Christmas in July-Artisan’s Fair will be held July 8-9, Immaculate Conception Church hall and classrooms, 2700 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur. Over 30 vendors will be offering one-of-a-kind items. Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with a bake sale and lunch available both days. Free Admission. Email gdaruss@msn. com for more information.

west Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, and the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana are pleased to jointly announce the grand opening of the downtown dog park – Bark du Lac. The park is the result of a collaborative partnership to further the livability and appeal of the downtown area to incoming residents. The grand opening will take place on July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the park, which is located on the corner of Ann and Pine streets in Lake Charles.

LC Symphony/Summer Pops: Best of the Eagles July 9

Calcasieu Serialfest July 16

Join the Lake Charles Symphony on Saturday, July 9 at the Summer Pops as they present “Best of the Eagles” at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Summer Pops is a popular annual tradition that began over 30 years ago. Each year brings a fun and exciting introduction to those who are experiencing orchestra music for the first time and to those who look forward to Summer Pops year after year.

The Calcasieu Serialfest is a small film festival celebrating the cliffhanger serials of the 1930s,’40s and ‘50s.These are the films that were the inspiration for films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Will be held 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Brimstone Museum in Sulphur.

Extreme Midget Wrestling July 9

Gridiron is the annual night of skits, songs and laughter, a tradition that pokes fun at local and state newsmakers and the media through skits, songs, monologues and videos. Proceeds from Gridiron benefit the Ad and Press Club Scholarships at McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College. The performance starts at 6 p.m. in the Rosa Hart Theatre at the LC Civic Center on July 16. For ticket information, go to www.adpressclub.com

Christmas in July Artisan’s Fair July 8-9

This is a body slamming activity... MIDGET STYLE!! The world’s smallest wrestlers are competing for the title. Midgets vs. Dwarfs in an all-out Pro Wrestling War at the Lake Charles Civic Center July 9.

Extreme Midget Wrestling will shock and delight you! This is the baddest little show on earth! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Civic Center Box Office.

Gridiron 44 July 16

Ainsley’s Angels 5K July 16

Cajun Food and Music Festival July 15-16 The 29th annual Cajun Food and Music Festival will be held July 15 - 16 at the Burton Coliseum Complex. Enjoy the Cajun traditions and heritage through music, dancing, and food, including jambalaya, gumbo, cracklins and more, along with raffles, a live auction, arts and crafts booths, cakewalks and kids’ games. The festival will end with a free Cajun mass on Sunday morning at the CFMA building located at 3481 E. Prien Lake Road.

Ainsley’s Angels will be hosting the 3rd Annual Ainsley’s Angels “Roll with the Wind” Sunset 5K on Saturday, July 16, at 7:40 p.m. at the Civic Center. After the race the fun continues with a finisher’s festival at Amphitheater, which includes a DJ, food, beverages, vendors, music and lots of fun for all. For more information, go to www.ainsleysangels.org/Race-Series.

Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo July 21-24 Grand Opening Downtown Dog Park July 16 The City of Lake Charles, the Quality of Life Task Force for the South-

The 2016 Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo partners with Golden Nugget to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with an event held at Golden

static electricity, rare earth magnets, “Ferro-fluid” and magnetic magic tricks.

They will also demonstrate how magnetism and electricity can be used together to make a small motor.

Thursday, July 7: Three Little Pigs Hear the story of the “Three Little Pigs” at 11:30 a.m. and discuss the plot, main characters and moral of the story. Children will also paint a ceramic piggy bank to bring home. The program is limited to 25 kids, ages 4 and up.

Saturday, July 9: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Sasol continues its 5S Project with “Magnetism and Electricity” at 11:30 a.m. Presenters Joe Pawela and Amy Penny will perform demonstrations that include

Tuesday, July 12: Cool and Crafty Tuesday Kona Ice will be here from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Paint a wooden wiggly snake in the ArtSpace Workshop. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 20 children, ages 4 and up.

dren, ages 3 and up.

Thursday, July 21: Musical Adventures with Julian Q Join Julian Q at 11:30 a.m. for a new interactive program called Musical Adventures! Kids will enjoy several stories, games and sing-alongs!

Saturday, July 23: Kids Choice This is a workshop to use extra projects that were leftovers from previous workshops and weekly projects.

Projects will be available from 10:30 a.m.-noon. on a first-come first-serve basis. Limit one project per child.

Thursday, July 14: Mad Hatter Science Join the Mad Hatter, Joan Valle Rettke, at 11:30 a.m. for “Science in Our Wetlands!” This program will consist of hands-on activities which allow children to explore the different dynamics of our wetland’s ecosystem.

Tuesday, July 26: Cool and Crafty Tuesday Kona Ice will be here from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids will paint a knight shield in the ArtSpace Workshop. Classes begin at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Each class is limited to 15 children, ages 4 and up.

Tuesday, July 19: Cool and Crafty Tuesday Kona Ice will be here from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Design your own giant guitar in the ArtSpace Workshop. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 20 chil-

Thursday, July 28: Get Movin’ Anytime Join Bruce Broussard with Anytime Fitness at 11:30 a.m. and get moving! Kids of all ages will enjoy this workout program.

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.

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July 9 Symphony Summer Pops Music of the Eagles

July 16 Ad and Press Club present “ Gridiron 44”

July 9 Extreme Midget Wrestling

July 16 Ainsley’s Angels’ “Roll With the Wind” Sunset 5K

July 11-14 Election Commission Recertification

July 17-22 Louisiana Rural Water Conference

July 12 Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Quarterly Job Fair

July 24-25 Chews Multicultural Hair Show

July 13 U.S. Coast Guard Change of Command Ceremony

July 29-30 Marshland Festival

Nugget Beach Thursday-Sunday, July 21-24 with cash prizes worth over $500 for participants of all ages. The weekend-long event will launch on Thursday, July 21, with the Captain’s Kick-off Party at 6 p.m., with live music by the Kadillacs, followed by the Miss Salty Catch Bikini Contest!

The awards ceremony is Sunday at 3 p.m., which will conclude the tournament. Ticket locations and all tournament information are listed online at www.saltycatch.com. For more info, call (337) 802-5525.

Monthly Bird Walk July 23 The Gulf Coast Bird Club hosts a monthly bird walk at Sam Houston Jones State Park on the fourth Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. The next walk is July 23. No experience is required. Experienced sponsors will guide each walk. Meet at the Riverside Pavilion and walk from there to do birding via the swamp, boardwalk, along the river and other open areas. Participants may bring binoculars and bird guides if available.

For more information, contact David Booth at (337) 526-0837.

For times and ticket information, call (951) 818-5390.

Arts and Crabs Festival August 20 SWLA’s only crab and art festival brings regional cuisine, culture, and art to the forefront at the Burton Complex on Aug. 20 starting at 5 p.m. For a $35 ticket, festival-goers take part in an extensive crab and beer tasting which features area restaurants each offering a crab dish representative of their cuisine’s styles.

Dishes are then paired with Louisiana craft brews. Live music, local art displays, and interactive cultural activities will also accompany the event. For more information, call (337) 439-2787.

Movies in the Square July 23 Take the family to The Grove in Heritage Square in Sulphur for a free showing of Ant Man on July 23. Movie is rated PG-13 and begins at sundown. Call (337) 313-1302 for more information.

Marshland Festival July 29-30 The Marshland Festival will be celebrating its 27th anniversary this year! It will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center with air conditioning and ample room for all to enjoy. The festival helps raise funds for 15 various schools, churches, and community organizations.

Come on out and enjoy music for all from Zydeco, oldies, Cajun and country. Band lineup TBA. Phone (337) 540-3182.

Prêt-à-Portea Fashion Show August 6 Fashion Week Lake Charles presents the Summer Resort Prêt-à-Portea fashion show, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016 at the Lake Charles Country Club, located at 3350 Country Club Drive.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fashion Week Lake Charles supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Ticket prices start at $25. For more information on tickets or how you can become a part of Fashion Week Lake Charles, or visit www.fashionweeklc.com or contact Julie Branden at info@fashionweeklc.com.

Jurassic Quest August 19-21 Jurassic Quest is coming to the Lake Charles Civic Center—the largest, most realistic dinosaur event on the continent. Enjoy lifesize, animatronic dinosaurs and an exhibit that walks you through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, fossil digs, dinosaur rides, dinosaur cinema, science station, dinosaur bounce houses, and more!

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July 7, 2016 21

Finding Dory (Disney/Pixar, 2016) Dory is a Royal Blue Tang (that’s a fish, not a breakfast drink) suffering with short-term memory loss (like most fish.

Proof: fish hooks). A year before, in Finding Nemo, Dory helped a clown fish named Marlin find his young son Nemo. In this new movie, everyone is finding Dory.

Let me be the first to say I thoroughly enjoyed this movie made for children and adults which proves again that Disney will one day be the only movie company in existence. Gone are the days of Duck Tales and cheap production values that plagued the company in the ‘80s. With the acquisition of Pixar and

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Marvel, Disney has come back to their glory days. You will not find any finer animation studio anywhere.

That being said, I’m going to pick Dory apart, because no movie is perfect. I mean, a fish with short-term memory loss?

C’mon.

It’s just that this whole setup is used as a crutch for the plot.

We flashback to Dory as a baby fish, with her mother and father trying to watch over her so she won’t wander off. Fast forward to Finding Nemo, where she co-stars. Then, somehow, the older Dory suddenly remembers that somewhere she has a family.

What triggers this? Sorry, I don’t remember.

The rest of the movie is Dory remembering just enough, here and there, to find her way back to her childhood home across the ocean. Loyal to the sequel, Marlin and Nemo follow along.

Thank goodness for long-distance ocean travel by catching rides on the backs of sea turtles.

Our friends find themselves at a Rescue Marine Aquarium in California, where Dory was born. In this well-used public establishment, Dory gets separated from Marlin and Nemo. Soon she befriends a rogue octopus named Hank, who helps her uncover the fish tank of her origin.

Along the way she discovers childhood friends she had forgotten, and all sorts of interesting characters including sharks, whales, sea lions, and a mentally challenged loon named Becky. OK, point of criticism: The writers use Becky’s disability for humor, something that just didn’t sit right with me. Another animal that isn’t all there is Gerald the sea lion, whose so-called friends constantly bully him just because they’re bored.

Excuse me, but isn’t this a movie about being understanding to those who have imperfec-

tions? Something about this had an air of hypocrisy about it, as if we’re supposed to treat those who are different with outward respect, unless they go beyond a certain point, where it becomes okay, even funny, to laugh at them. Is this a social skill we want to teach our young children? Because Disney is a very effective teacher of our youth, make no mistake.

Of course, “effective” doesn’t nearly do justice to the beautiful, interesting plot and the lovability of the characters. Dory’s baby voice will make you choke up.

Hank the octopus is a magical animal who can hide anywhere.

And you’ll surely enjoy learning about echolocation.

Finding Dory is first-rate entertainment. There’s even a post-credits scene after the 10 minutes of listings for the animators and other production folks.

This is a beautiful movie and will engage everyone who sees it. But please explain to your threeyear-olds not to model their behavior off of the sea lions. I’m sure they’ll understand. Enjoy!

P.S., I have to mention the cartoon short, Piper, about a tiny sandpiper that learns to eat clams. It’s worth the price of the whole movie.

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Paws of Courage: True Tales of Heroic Dogs That Protect and Serve To you, your dog is a hero.

Nobody else protects you from spiders and shadows.

Nobody does a better job of warning you about summer storms or friends a-knocking.

You need to give pats and get kisses to feel safe, and in Paws of Courage by Nancy Furstinger, you’ll see how some dogs go even further in their heroism.

Everybody knows that dog is (wo)man’s best friend but that goes doubly for a military or police dog and a handler: there are times when that relationship is a life-ordeath matter. In this book, Furstinger offers mini-stories of those bonds, past and present.

Dogs, of course, have served on the battlefield for millennia but history only remembers a handful of brave canine soldiers. In World War I, Sergeant Stubby, a Pit Bull mix, saved countless lives by warning soldiers of incoming bombs and by alerting them to enemy presence. Tiny little Smoky, a Yorkshire terrier, helped soldiers by doing the Vol. 8 • No. 7

same thing in World War II and, due to her size, was also able to help “thread vital wires through” a narrow underground pipe.

From Great Britain, an English Pointer named Judy followed her handler to a POW camp in World War II, and was eventually listed as a POW for her own protection.

Also during World War II, the U.S. military asked civilians to enlist pets for the war effort; around 10,000 family dogs became K-9 soldiers, sentries, and sniffers, including a German Shepherd mix named Chips, who was honored for bravery on the battlefield and for capturing enemy soldiers all by himself.

Today’s “battlefield partners” and other canine helpers are no less brave.

Belgian Malinois dogs, says Furstinger, are “canine superheroes” with speed and courage and are a “top breed for police and military work.”

Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers and can dive; for those heroic maneuvers, they’re employed in water

rescue. Labrador retrievers make great arson dogs, while many breeds serve as companions and helpers for veterans. And as for the future, scientists are looking at robots to replace dogs in battle, but they’ll never replace K-9s in our hearts.

You would’ve had to been born two months ago to not know that dogs are important members of military troops, crime-fighting organizations, and anti-drug efforts. For most of us, it’s always been that way; K-9 corps are a common sight. So why read Paws of Courage?

I wondered that myself.

Author Nancy Furstinger tells some rather common tales of military and working dogs, then and now; you might not recognize them individually but the stories are familiar, if

not similar to others you’ve browsed or seen online. Been there, read it, kept the collar – except for two easy-to-love things: the abundance of pictures in this book, and in the sidebars of information.

Yup. They’re like kibble to dog people. You might find this book in the children’s section of your favorite bookish place, but I think it’s more for readers ages 14-toadult. Give Paws of Courage to your dog-lover especially, and you’ll be a hero.

“Paws of Courage: True Tales of Heroic Dogs That Protect and Serve” by Nancy Furstinger, foreword by Ronald L. Aiello ©2016, National Geographic $12.99 / $15.99 Canada 160 pages July 7, 2016 23

Batman, Tarzan and Country Music?

There’s a famous story about how Stephen Spielberg loved crashing his train set locomotives so much that it lead to a filmmaking career. You see, to avoid damage to his beloved trains, he could film them in action and edit the “crash” scene so it looked like a big collision took place. And he could watch and create these scenes over and over again with no harm to his train set.

The second inspiration for Spielberg’s budding filmmaking career were the weekly cliffhanger serials that would play before feature films at his local movie theater. Long before Pixar brought back short films to the big screen, audiences used to get to the movie early to enjoy short films that always ended on a cliffhanger. Just as the train crashed, or a gorilla pounced or some other great calamity happened, the story would end. Next week, the story would continue. Except this time, it would start a few seconds before the great train crash or gorilla attack and

24 July 7, 2016

we’d see how the hero escaped so the story could continue.

Spielberg was a great fan of these films and now folks in Southwest Louisiana can see a bunch of them in one afternoon!

The director of Louisiana Film & Video Art, Patrick Bennett says, “Cliffhanger Serials are a lost art. These fun, actionpacked short films were the inspiration behind movies like Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

Also, serials were the first live action appearances for some of the super-heroes we see at the movies today like Batman, Superman and the Lone Ranger.

On Saturday, July 16, you can watch Cliffhanger Serial Chapters all day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Brimstone Museum on 900 S. Huntington Street in Sulphur. The 3rd Annual Calcasieu Serialfest is a free, family-friendly, film festival and this year’s focus will be on serials made with Larry “Buster” Crabbe. Olympic Games trivia buffs will recognize him as a gold medal Olympic swimmer in 1932 who went on to start an acting career in over 100 serial, film and TV shows. The end of the festival will feature a bunch of his Flash Gordon serials edited together into a full-length movie called Rocket Ship. (Editor’s note: Buster Crabbe was gorgeous! Google him and see for yourselves!”)

Cameras are encouraged at the festival where cosplayer Bill Necessary will be dressed up as different serial characters. So come on out to the fest and enjoy short films featuring The Green Hornet, Captain Marvel, the Lone Ranger, Tarzan, Buck Rogers and more!

If the festival has whet your appetite for more unusual movie fare and you

like discussing films with your friends, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum is holding a special summer movie series throughout the rest of July and August. Each showing will be hosted by a lecturer to present the film followed by a question and answer session.

If any of the following topics sound interesting to you, then these movies should be right up your alley!

One of the most decorated soldiers of WWII starred in a movie about himself in battle in To Hell and Back, which will be screened Thursday, July 21.

Controversy hit Hollywood hard when screenwriters, directors, actors and others in the entertainment industry were refused employment if they were accused of being members of the Communist Party. Dalton Trumbo was one of those screenwriters banned from working, but he fought back and without giving anything away, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve actually seen some of his movies whether you are aware of it or not. The movie Trumbo will screen Thursday, July 28.

What would you do if you thought you found the key to understanding everything that exists in our universe?

That’s the question to ponder on Thursday, August 4, when Pi will be shown.

And the final film of the series take a look at a country-music legend not only as a talented musician but what it’s like to battle with Alzheimer’s disease in this Oscar-nominated film Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me screening on Thursday, August 11.

These screenings are $5 per show for non-museum members. Museum members get in free. Refreshments will be available to purchase and popcorn is free. And on that note, until next time save me some (museum) popcorn!

Vol. 8 • No. 7

Vol. 8 • No. 7

July 7, 2016 25

The Pottery Art of Julie Goodfriend Dallas

By Jason Machulski Pottery is all around us. Not only do we utilize it every day, but it has an amazing history. Before I tell you about my good friend Julie Dallas, I want to first give you brief history of pottery.

Ceramics is one of the most ancient industries. Once humans discovered that clay could be dug up and formed into objects by first mixing with water and then firing, the industry was born.

As early as 24,000 BC, animal and human figurines were made from clay and other materials, then fired in kilns partially dug into the ground. Almost 10,000 years later, as settled communities were established, tiles were manufactured in Mesopotamia and India. The first use of functional pottery vessels for storing water and food is thought to be around 9,000 or 10,000 BC. Clay bricks were also made around the same time.

26 July 7, 2016

Fast-forward to the 21st century.

Originally from Sulphur, Julie Dallas Goodfriend is a local potter who now lives in Lake Charles. In addition, she has a bachelor of arts degree in fine arts with a concentration in ceramics and a bachelor of science degree in art education with a minor in psychology and English. A National Board Certified teacher, she has done all of this while raising three children alone.

Julie is an art teacher at SJ Welch Middle School. “I became a teacher after my divorce in 1997 because I didn’t want to give up being a full-time mother,” she explains. “My children are my priority, and I have many ‘adopted’ children in the students that I teach, forming personal bonds with them and their families. They come back and visit me years later. It’s the most rewarding thing about teaching.”

Julie has two favorite pottery art

styles. Her poetry bowls combine her two loves of literature and visual art.

The other style is called raku firing, which is one of my favorites as well.

“It’s an unconventional method of firing and you only have a certain amount of control,” she says. “It is a method where you are actually working WITH the fire.

You do your part and the fire does his.

It’s a compromising marriage.”

Along with the raku firing process, she loves to do horse hair pottery. She pulls out the pot that is over 1,800 degrees, places it on a fire brick as it cools and then takes horse hair and sears it into the pot, which permanently makes unique designs. It is truly amazing to watch this process. When I asked her to describe how everything is made, Her answer is always “thermodynamics.”

Julie’s favorite pieces were part of a solo exhibit called “Silent Cries,” which centered on abuse of women and chil-

Vol. 8 • No. 7

dren by the forces of society. Her new work plays with the interaction of nature and man-made by pairing beautiful driftwood pieces that are mated to ceramic pieces.

Julie’s passion for her community shows in many ways. She volunteers for the Salvation Army Empty Bowls Project and, along with her students, has made over 800 bowls for this very worthy cause.

“I feel it’s important to instill good citizenship and stewardship in the younger generation,” she says. “I try to get my students involved in giving back to the community through various art events so they will have a sense of pride and ownership in their community.”

Julie is such an inspiring person. She has time and time again shown me how big her heart is. I asked her to share one of her goals with me. “I want to build a small house by the river or ocean, retire, and open an artist’s retreat, where I can teach and do my own work while providing guidance and encouragement to other artists and

Vol. 8 • No. 7

allow them a peaceful retreat in which they can create,” she says. “I want to build a tiny house village to meet the needs of young adults, elderly, and physically challenged individuals, that is self-sufficient with solar power, community garden, dog park, wildflower and recreation area.”

Julie’s amazing work can be found at Arts Desire at 1322 Ryan Street along with that of her good friend, Raejean Clark-German. Arts Desire is where she does her live raku firings so everyone can witness the process.

She also sells her work on her Facebook page, “Jewels Pottery.”

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.

July 7, 2016 27

Thursday, July 7 Kevin Lambert 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Brad Brinkley 7 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC

Old Aces 7 p.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan St., LC Joe Harmon & the Harmonics 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Liquid Society Party by the Pool Chris Young 7 p.m. @ L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles Poolside 777 Avenue L’Auberge LC Tickets are available at ticketmaster. com or at L’Auberge Box Office or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Rapture 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC GoGo Dolls 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 Paws teh Cat 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Friday, July 8 Kevin Lambert 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Brittany Pfantz 7 p.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan St. LC Jordan Tydings & Uncle Sam 7 p.m. @ Rikenjaks 3716 Ryan St. LC

Kansas

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

Chicken on the Bone 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton 28 July 7, 2016

GoGo Dolls 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Rapture 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Dance Night Drink specials starting @ midnight 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Troy Laz Band 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

West Without, Justin Martindale, The Watchers 9 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. LC LA Yard Dogs 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Saturday, July 9

Crossroads VII Festival 2016 Doors open at noon. Non-stop music on two stages, huge 3,600 sq. ft. dance floor Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Tickets on sale now at Ticketmaster. com, and at Coushatta Box Office Kevin Lambert 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Vol. 8 • No. 7

Ganey Arsement 7 p.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan Street, LC

Harrison Swift & Acoustic Pie 7 p.m. @ Rikenjaks 3716 Ryan Street Lake Charles, LA 70605

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

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

Aaron Stephens Michael Juan Nunez and the American Electric 9 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. LC Troy Laz Band 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder GoGo Dolls 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 Rapture 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub Vol. 8 • No. 7

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Sunday, July 10 Renn Loren 10:30 a.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan Street, LC

Chester & Jarius Daigle

JD’s Whiskey Brunch @ 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC John Cessac 4 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059 LC Chinatown 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Trivial Tuesdays Live Team Trivia 7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. DJ Verrett/Karaoke 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Chinatown 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, July 13

Chester Daigle 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar

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

Josh Taylor 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC First Class 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, July 14 Katie Whitney & Chip Radford

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

Monday, July 11

Stacy Bearden 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Chinatown 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC

Tuesday, July 12 Chip Radford 5:30 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 July 7, 2016 29

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

777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Liquid Society Justin Musgrove Party by the Pool 7 p.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan Street, LC Ultimate Ladies’ Party 8:30 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse, 2600 Moeling St. LC Louisiana Express 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort

Wayne Toups 7 p.m. @ L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles Poolside 777 Avenue L’Auberge LC Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or at L’Auberge Box Office or by calling (800) 745-3000.

First Class 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 DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort

encounter with Mr. Greenwood. He was one of the first celebrities that I’d ever met (at a record signing in the mid-80s when I was all of five or six) but this was my first encounter with the raven-haired Mandrell Livin’ In America. it would promise to be a memorable Hand to Hand Across and encounter, indeed. the Nation...

Louise Mandrell was the middle It’s been many moons since the “God- child of the three Mandrell Sisters and father” shouted out these words for though she did not see the solo success the first time, but we’re still living in that elder sister Barbara did, she still that same ol’ America and as we pass put a number of hits on the chart and our 240th observance of our nation’s is considered one of the more successindependence, I think back to all the ful women of country music of that ways we celebrate the day. In true JMLC era. She backed her sister, toured with style, I actually have a memory from Patsy Cline and recorded with Merle an Independence Day gone by that you Haggard, but songs such as “Some Girls might enjoy.

Have All The Luck,” “Save Me” and “I Around five years ago, I had the Wanna Say Yes” showed that she was privilege of hosting a 4th of July weekmore than capable of cranking out some end show featuring Mr. “God Bless The Top 10 hits of her own.

U.S.A.” himself, Lee Greenwood. At that Fast forward to the early 20-teens and time, he was touring with a member I find myself running around with these of one of the First Families of country two and their sundry musicians and crew music, Louise Mandrell. This was my first as we were getting ready for a SWLA 4th time working both artists, but not my first of July weekend show. Among them was 30 July 7, 2016

777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Friday, July 15 Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Cory Fontenot 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

John Guidroz 7 p.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe

Greenwood tour manager Mike Thamann who winds up being a critical part of this story later on.

Mike and I spent most of the day together and that can be a good thing or a bad thing. This day was a bit of both as the production crew was green as grass and production issues cluttered up the otherwise pleasant afternoon. I walked into the room sometime between sound check and show time to find the monitor console (rented, not brought by the band, mind you) ripped wide open and Mike up to his elbows in the thing.

I asked him what was wrong and he chuckled “Yeah, well, this old beast is in pretty rough shape, but, hell, I’ve fixed ‘em before.” I laughed and replied “You know, this would usually be the point that I would have a tour manager reading me the riot act and instead, you’re fixing the rented console yourself.”

He laughed again and said “Well, you didn’t break it! Besides, we got a show to do.” I thanked him profusely for his understanding and told him that he was officially the tour manager for any Vol. 8 • No. 7

609 Ryan Street, LC

Box Office.

Pas Bon Playboys 7 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC

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

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

And Now This 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

other act that came through my room, if I had any say. He was absolutely my kinda guy.

The funny bit came later as we were backstage before show time. I’d gone to the green room to confer with Mike on how we were going to start the show, since I had some announcements to make before turning the stage over. He deferred me to Louise. So we walked over and I politely asked whether or not she wanted me to introduce her or how she wanted me to transition from my announcements to her arrival onstage. Her answer came quickly and naturally and with nothing but kindness, but the words that came out were not exactly as she intended…

“Well, clearly this isn’t your first time….”

The unintended innuendo was instantly apparent to everyone in earshot except Ms. Mandrell. I’m sure the corner of my lip turned up somewhat, but my sense of professionalism held strong--until Mike doubled over and started cackling like a hyena. It was then that she realized her intended comment, which was supposed to be along the lines of “Clearly you’ve done this many times and I’m sure that however you do it will be fine” came out sounding a wee “suggestive.” As she started babbling and turned several shades of red, Vol. 8 • No. 7

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

9 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. LC Dance Night Drink specials starting @midnight

The show was great and the artists were talented,

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

Saturday, July 16 Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Ouiser

I smirked and dropped the pitch of my voice, replying “Well, Ms. Mandrell, I had no idea….” at which everyone in the room (the songstress herself included) had one hell of a pre-show laugh.

9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

Katelynn Johnson 7 p.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe

professional and absolutely cool. We all had dinner afterwards and it felt like we were old friends. After a great meal and some epic wine, we parted ways. I made a special effort to thank Mike for his stratospheric level of understanding and commitment to a great show and to Ms. Mandrell for (inadvertently as it may have been) charming the socks of this long-haired Southwest Louisiana boy. The charm and sense of humor didn’t flag for a second as we hugged and she kissed me on the cheek, thanking me and my crew for a wonderful show day experience. And then they were all loaded on the buses and, just like all the others before and since, were quickly gone in a cloud of exhaust and a blur of motor coach tail lights.

July 7, 2016 31

609 Ryan Street, LC Louisiana Bad Habits 8 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC

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

Classix Band

9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton And Now This 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Mezzanine 9 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. 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.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort

I was Born in the USA Now, while that’s a nice story, it does seem to fall a bit short when talking about our country’s most patriotic holiday. We barbecue, visit family, have parties and, hell, sometimes we have a concert. How you celebrate the day holds little importance as long as you remember its meaning and celebrate that freedom however you choose. That’s the whole

2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Cage 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Sunday, July 17 Wayne Dylan 10:30 a.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan Street, LC Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC

FREEDOM bit, right? Use it and enjoy it and allow it to help you live what years you have in this world to the fullest and make them all they can be.

I think that is a truer message about the greatness of our country than the messages that any of the goofballs running for President are selling: That your life is your own and you are able to make it whatever

Chester & Jarius Daigle

JD’s Whiskey Brunch @ 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Rod Richard 4 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Brittany Pfantz 7 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC High Rollers 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Server Industry Night

you choose it to be. With yet another Fourth come and gone, I hope you all found some way to make it memorable and that you find a way to hold onto that feeling of pride and fidelity to our humble nation until the big old marble spins round long enough to bring us back to this day again next year. Until then, keep those flags waving and enjoy the freedom of being a citizen of the good ol’ US of A.

Something is Happening Here...

And now, let’s take a look at what’s coming up in Chuck Vegas in the next few weeks...

Thursday-Saturday, July 15- 17: 29th Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival The tradition returns to the Burton Complex for a weekend full of food, fun and Cajun music. Friday will feature Brent Denais and T-Rouge and Ellis Vanicor, while Saturday welcomes Lesa Cormier, LoLo Boudoin, Donny Broussard, and Robert Jardell before closing out with Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys. Admission is $8 and children 12 and under get in free! For more information, visit cfmalakecharles.com.

Saturday, July 16: 44th Annual Gridiron The Ad and Press Club’s night of zaniness is upon us for the 44th year and fans can rest assured that NO local newsmaker or leader will be spared in this annual roast-like event. The affair begins on the LCCC’s mezzanine level with a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres from the area’s best restaurants, followed by “Louisiana Bail Out” on the Rosa Hart stage. Tickets start at $25 and all proceeds go towards local and press-related scholarships. For more information, visit www.adpressclub.com/gridiron.

They Got a Dream to Take Them There. They Comin’ to America...

Again, I hope you all had a great holiday weekend and are SOMEHOW surviving the brutal heat of an ol’ fashioned Louisiana summer! Speaking of some ol’ fashioned Louisiana, I’ve got a lil’ treat comin’ up fo dat next issue! So pick youself up a copy of dat Jambalaya in two weeks, sha! Mais I think you gonna like it, me. Until then... I’LL SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!!!

32 July 7, 2016

Vol. 8 • No. 7

Sunday Funday Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC Angel Garcia 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Monday, July 18

Stacy Bearden

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

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

Street Side Jazz Duo 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

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

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

Superstar Wednesdays

Tuesday, July 19

Good Wood 9 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. LC

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

Mickey Smith 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. DJ Verrett 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC High Rollers 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Vol. 8 • No. 7

Drag Show starts at 11:30 p.m.

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

After Party 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 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 Paws teh Cat 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Thursday, July 22 Julie Williams 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Mike Krajicek & The Killawatts 7 p.m. @ Rikenjaks 3716 Ryan St. Mike Fulmer 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Paul Gonsoulin 7 p.m. @ Blue Dog Café 609 Ryan St. LC Big Jimmy and Reckless 7 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse 2600 Moeling St. LC BB & Company 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton After Party 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Thursday, July 21 Julie Williams 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Old Aces 7 p.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan Street, LC

Liquid Society Party by the Pool

The Fray 7 p.m. @ L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles Poolside 777 Avenue L’Auberge LC Tickets are available at ticketmaster. com or at L’Auberge Box Office or by calling (800) 745-3000.

QRISIS 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC July 7, 2016 33

GULF COAST SHRIMP & JAZZ FESTIVAL This year’s edition of the festival saw food vendors aplenty with just about any variation of shrimp dish you could find, the first ever Food Truck Fest and more jazz than ol’ Satchmo could stuff his epic cheeks with. It was an afternoon of music and mange’ that was worth every penny to get in the door.

Can’t wait for next year!

Vanessa Ardoin and Eugena Smith

David Nodier, Hans Funk and Jessica Yonich

Eligha Guillory and Nora Popillion

Damon and Keiana Thibodeaux

Sean Ardoin, Mickey Smith Jr. and Michael Davis

CRYING EAGLE BEER LAUNCH PARTY Crying Eagle Brewing kicked off a series of launch parties giving locals the first tastes of their brews as they prepare for the upcoming grand opening. The first was held at the newly returned Rikenjaks and beer fans turned out in droves. Check your local watering holes to see if you can get a pint of Crying Eagle for yourself! Cheers!

34 July 7, 2016

Erik Griffin, Joel Pudhomme and Bill Mungai

Jeremy Chafin, Krista Burrell and Ashley Chafin

Holli Soileau, Kaci Mueller and Sarah Woodley

Adam Richard, Daniel Castro and Chad Peloquin Vol. 8 • No. 7

AMERICA AT GOLDEN NUGGET LAKE CHARLES If you are going to have a show for Independence Day weekend, you’ll be hard pressed to find any act more fitting than the one and only America. Fans packed the house and even got to meet some newer additions to the lineup who happily posed for pics and signed memorabilia. Now THAT’S how you start a 4th of July weekend!

Nada El Homsi and Kathy McMillan

Hal McMillin, Dot Andry, Sandy Anderson and Shirley Hymel Jones

Tony and Jo Ann Hanks

Anthony Davis, Paula Spano and Patricia Elaine

Dana Mack, Susan and Rusty Cart with Ben and Melissa Herrera

RED, WHITE, BLUE AND YOU 2016 Patriotism showed in full force as crowds filled up the Civic Center grounds and seawall to celebrate 240 years of American independence. After the parade, Market Blue and The Lake Charles Community Band played patriotic classics from the Arcade Pavilion stage, and then spectators fell quiet as the fireworks lit up the night sky. Hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July!

Jay, Liz, Ayden and Lane Addison

Alexander McNair, Meghan Verette and Elijah Fruge

Elizabeth and Erika Jarrell, Grace Richert, Lauren Gayle and Christian Sweezy Vol. 8 • No. 7

Gary Young, Amber Robertson, Joyce Wales and Shannon Robertson July 7, 2016 35