The Jambalaya News - 07/23/15, Vol. 7, No. 7

July 23, 2015 • Volume 7 • Issue 7

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

On cover: Lake Charles Charter Academy, Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy, and Lake Charles College Prep

COVER STORY 24 The Lake Charles Charter Schools

4

www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

Contributors Nicole Shuff Arabie George Cline Dan Ellender Mike McHugh Roger Miller Jason Machulski Justin Morris Russell Pawlowski Brice Perrin Brian Pitre Britney Blanchette Pitre Terri Schlichenmeyer

REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA! 8

The Dang Yankee

8

Adoption Corner

9

Tips From Tip

8

10 Fishin’ Tales 12

A Ruff Life

13 Tales of the Bayou Pickers 14 Soul Matters 15 The Pirate’s Platter FEATURES 4 HALOS Support Group 16 Back to School Safety

10

18 MusicMakers2U Sales sales@thejambalayanews.com Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk

15

THE SPICE OF SWLA 26 American Cancer Society Presents ‘Jamaica Me Crazy’ 28 Event Guide

Business Office Manager Jeanie Rourk

30 Family Fun Night at the Movies 31 Bookworm Sez… 32 Sakura Sushi

32

34 Nightlife Guide 38 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

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

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

Copyright 2014 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved.

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

2 July 23, 2015

41 Funbolaya 42 Society Spice

38 Vol. 7 • No. 7

A Note From Lauren It Takes a Village “It takes a whole village to raise a child,” is an oft-quoted African proverb. And it makes a lot of sense. A child is not only a product of his parents.

The world around him, and the people in that world, can make or break him, help or hinder him. Our environment plays a huge role in our growth.

But what happens when that child grows into a man? Is the Village still responsible? Are we still our brother’s keeper? Or is it every man for himself ?

If you’re a small city known for caring about its brothers and sisters, you band together, and you help those in their time of need. A perfect illustration of this concept happened yesterday.

A friend of mine, and many others, was walking into Walmart on Nelson yesterday when he was accosted by several men who were purportedly representing a church. They had set up shop by the Walmart entrance and were aggressively demanding donations to their “outreach” program.

Our friend has a physical disability. He walks with a limp and his speech is slurred at times.

Vol. 7 • No. 7

He tried to explain to them that he would give on his way out of the store, which was more than I would have done. If I don’t know the charity, I don’t give. Anyone can set up a table and claim they’re helping those in need. It’s my Boston upbringing: don’t trust anyone until they prove themselves. I notice it’s different in the South. It’s “trust everyone until they prove otherwise.” But I digress.

Our friend was not speaking clearly, and these supposed “men of God” did not understand him. So they immediately began mocking him.

Humiliated, our friend made his way into Walmart. Shaken, he completed his errand. But when he tried to leave the store, he was confronted by these same men, who began harassing him yet again. Feeling threatened, he retreated into the store, and asked an associate to escort him out of the building. But he was so nervous he couldn’t speak clearly. The employee rolled her eyes.

So he went on social media.

He put his plight on Facebook.

The Village moved into action.

Within minutes, friends from all over were posting, asking for clarification on the situation. Shortly thereafter, Walmart’s phones started ringing.

The store manager ended up giving our friend an escort out of the building. Safely home, he related the story to his family.

His teenage son went directly to Walmart and confronted the men, who of course, denied everything and tried to intimidate him. He caught it all on video.

One of the nicest people I know, Eligha Guillory, Jr., made a visit shortly afterwards. Guillory walks the walk and talks the talk. He discovered that these men had no credentials, did not have permission to solicit funds, and could not even produce any paperwork on their “church,” which is supposedly in Dallas. He sent them packing.

Here is a photo of one of the men. They have been seen around the area for a few weeks.

Today, they could be at another Walmart or anywhere else, for that matter. Some research on this “New Life Church” out of

Dallas indicates that it’s a shady operation.

Yesterday, Lake Charles became the perfect example of the Village. And this is why I will not live anywhere else. This is why it’s my home, forever. Because when people are in need, this city comes together. I’ve seen it over and over again here, but never with such immediacy and never with such love.

Lauren Abate de Albuquerque

July 23, 2015 3

By Lauren Abate de Albuquerque The loss of a loved one is devastating to begin with, but imagine learning that the cause of that death was suicide? Sadly, a lot of people have experienced this type of grief, which brings with it a storm of emotions that can be difficult to handle. Thankfully, there is support for those of you who need it.

Local residents Amy Johnson and Jody Tyler Barrilleaux are two women who have come together in their mutual grief to make a difference.

HALOS (Helping All Loved Ones Survive) is the support group formed through the SPICY (Suicide Prevention Intervention Coalition for Youth) coalition. The coalition is a not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders as well as those impacted by suicide.

Since 2009, SPICY has provided education and information through public workshops, trainings, videos, publications and public service announcements. The main facilitators

are volunteer members of the coalition.

HALOS membership had previously decreased, but the members remained available to recent survivors on an-as needed basis. Fast forward a year, and as suicide has gained greater awareness via media, outreach and the unfortunate death of superstar Robin Williams, the need of suicide survivors to speak more openly about their losses has become Jody Tyler Barrilleaux and Amy Johnson even more apparent.

Johnson (the group’s facilitator), Barrilshe had the right person to assist in reaching leaux and the coalition feel that now is the out to suicide survivors. Barrilleaux’s father, time to get the HALOS group back to meetKenneth Lynn Tyler, Sr., committed suicide ing on a more routine basis. this past April.

Personal Loss Leads to Giving Johnson’s only child, Cole, took his life at the age of 13 in 2010. “I don’t want another parent (or anyone else) to go through what I experienced,” she says. She joined SPICY soon after his death to fulfill a need to help the youth in our area realize how much life matters, relaying her message at various youth gatherings.

“There’s no ‘do over’ [with suicide] as in video games,” she tells them.

Working in the healthcare field, Johnson understands how support groups can have a positive impact on those suffering from tragic situations and wants to help others by facilitating neutral, confidential and real life frank discussions.

Once she met Barrilleaux, Johnson knew

“It was very much unexpected,” Barrilleaux says. “He was the toughest man I knew. He was 73 and in good health. The last couple of years of his life he absolutely loved ‘cowboying’ as we called it for the Buryl Baty Cattle Company. No one saw this coming, from family members to his cowboy buddies.”

Barrilleaux knew a month after his death that she had to find “someway, somehow, someone to help get a support group started for survivors of suicide, as there was not an active one in the Lake Area.” Her counselor told her to wait at least three months before she attempted to do anything.

“Well, at three months I had to do something as I waited for the bigger call on what to do next, so I started my Facebook page ‘Suicide Sucks,’” Barrilleaux recalls. “That’s the word I used most as I did my Daddy’s

Cole Johnson 4 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

‘Celebration of Life’ ceremony. I kept saying, “This sucks!”

The Community Relations Director at Hixson Funeral Homes, Barrilleaux had just been trained and certified as a Celebrant a month before her father passed. “I could not have ‘faced the elephant’ in that room if it had not been for that training,” she recalls.

“The grief journey we are all on is long and winding and I for one needed others who have gone through this to talk with,” she continues. “So enters Amy Johnson into the picture. I had put a call out to someone who then referred me to someone else who passed my number to her. She was the call I had been waiting on. After we sat and talked and cried and shared and laughed, we then realized both our husbands names are Dwayne.”

The two women have started the journey. “Amy will facilitate and I will do the PR and anything else we might need to get the word out.”

How HALOS Can Help Barrilleaux and Johnson understand that the positive energy from HALOS will help encourage those who are feeling anger, abandonment, devastation, fear, guilt, loneliness, sadness, and shame express their feelings confidentially with others who probably have felt the same. The group will listen, cry, laugh, encourage and heal all together.

“I want to offer my experiences to help others on their bumpy grief rollercoaster,” Johnson says. “I want to bring some hope and positive solutions to those who are suffering with a broken heart.”

Barrilleaux wants HALOS to be a compassionate support to those who are experiencing the painful journey of dealing with a loved one’s suicide, and to give some hope for those who have newly and unexpectedly become part of the group.

HALOS plans to meet the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in the cafeteria confer-

Kenneth Lynn Tyler, Sr. ence room. The first meeting is coming up Aug. 4. Barrilleaux encourages attendees to bring a photo of their loved one.

“Many who suffer the loss of a loved one through suicide feel isolated and alone,” Barrilleaux says. “They can find hope and encouragement from others who have suffered the same kind of loss.” A grief support group provides a place to heal within a circle of hope and compassion.

“We will no longer whisper the word SUICIDE,” she says adamantly. “We will be loud and proud about Amy’s son Cole and my dad Kenneth. The way a person leaves this world does not define who they were.”

For more information, join the Suicide Sucks Facebook page.

My Father’s Passing

Jody with her sister Susan Tyler and brother Kenneth Tyler, Jr.

Vol. 7 • No. 7

Jody Barrilleaux says she could not have let all her friends and family leave the funeral home with such a heavy burden of how he passed.

“So, I had my two grown sons Trey and Brent come and clear the top of the casket.

Then I said these words loud: ‘My dad committed suicide and I’ll be dammed if anyone leaves today with that being the last thought.”

Barrilleaux provided Marks a Lots for everyone to sign the casket with their love and thoughts of him. “It was like a wind of peace flowed through the room as everyone waited to have their turn. We had my husband Dwayne’s band playing the old country music my dad loved and I asked Greg Blanchard and Brad Brinkley to start singing, and for almost an hour they sang. Everyone was laughing and talking about dad and their love for him.

Anyone passing the funeral home as everyone left would have thought we had all gone mad, because we truly were celebrating KT’s life.”

July 23, 2015 5

Lyons Earns Specialized Certification Haleigh Lyons, a physical therapist with Lake Charles Memorial Health System, is now a Geriatric Certified Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. According to ABPTS, Lyons is only the fifth therapist to receive the certification in the state of Louisiana.

Lyons has worked as a physical therapist at Memorial since 2004. She is Haleigh Lyons also a published author in the International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation.

LC Rotary Donates to SOWELA

WCCH Hospital Honors Two Employees

The Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club presented SOWELA Technical Community College with a donation of $12,500 as a portion of the Club’s proceeds from their annual auction. The funds will be allocated to the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club Endowed Scholarship.

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has named its May and June Employees of the Month for 2015: Mary Craig, radiologic technologist and Donna Landry, benefits coordinator. Craig conducts x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and bone density screenings and is Mary Craig Donna Landry the McNeese student coordinator for WCCH’s radiology department.

She has been with the organization for eight years. Landry manages all enrollments, changes and coverage terminations and also provides assistance to those who may be faced with worksite injuries.

She has been with the organization for eight years.

Dr.Kalil Ieyoub Honored Family, friends and former students of Dr. Kalil P. Ieyoub have established the Dr. Kalil P. Ieyoub Scholarship in Science with a $12,591.25 donation through the McNeese State University Foundation to honor his 48 years of service at McNeese as a retired chemistry professor, chemistry department head, dean of the college of science and vice president for administration and student affairs. He was also honored by the university with Professor Emeritus status.

Marianne White, executive director of Institutional Advancement at SOWELA, Frank Webb, past Rotary Club president, Patricia Philmon, president of the SOWELA Foundation board of directors, and Sean Vidrine, Rotary Club auction chairman.

Magnolia LNG Supports ACTS Theatre Magnolia LNG has donated $2,000 to ACTS Theatre’s Celebrity Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. Funds raised at the event, which will take place Sept. 17 at L’Auberge Casino Resort, will help fund repairs to the theatre’s nearly 100-yearold building in Lake Charles. The mission of ACTS Theatre is to present quality theatre productions and promote theatre education in the Lake Charles community.

For more information, visit www.

Tammy Truax of Magnolia LNG with ACTS Theatre Board President Michael Ieyoub. actstheatre.com.

New President of Port Board of Commissioners (L to R) Gretchel Grout, Kalil Ieyoub, daughter Allison Davis, sons Chris and John Ieyoub, and daughter Laura Yonich.

6 July 23, 2015

Barbara McManus, a director of Eagle Federal Credit Union, was recently elected president of the seven-member Board of Commissioners of the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District, Vol. 7 • No. 7

which operates the Port of Lake Charles. Dr. Daryl Burckel, a professor of accounting at McNeese State University, was elected vice president. Former mayor of Westlake, Dudley Dixon, was elected secretary/treasurer. Michael Eason was elected assistant secretary/ treasurer for the commissioners.. For more information on the Port, call (337) 439-3661 or visit www.portlc.com.

McDonald’s of SWLA, Navarre Chevrolet Cadillac Support Calcasieu Soccer Club Efforts McDonald’s of Southwest Louisiana and Billy Navarre Chevrolet Cadillac recently donated $15,000 to the Calcasieu Soccer Club to support its youth recreation program, which serves over 800 area youth 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.

more than 20 area educators as they participated in the Nautilus Exploration Program CITGO STEM Academy at the CITGO Park. The continuing education program for teachers is a part of the CITGO Caring for Our Coast initiative dedicated to coastal restoration and long-term recovery in the Gulf Coast region. The public can follow the 2015 Nautilus expedition 24 hours a day on social media at NautilusLive on Facebook and Instagram, @EVNautilus on Twitter and online via www.nautiluslive.org.

Memorial Names Employee of the Year Myrtle Brown has been named the 2015 Rosie Thompson Employee of the Year for the Lake Charles Memorial Health System. She is a 16-year veteran of Memorial, working in the environmental services department. Brown was recognized through fellow employee nominations and continues to receive compliments because of her commitment to doing a good job and her caring and compassionate attitude. Her dedication to Lake Charles Memorial is evident every day.

Myrtle Brown

Meyer & Associates Sponsors Airshow at $25,000

(L to R) Ryan Navarre of Billy Navarre Chevrolet Cadillac, CSC board member Charles Stewart, CSC league administrator Paul Burgess and McDonald’s of SWLA owner/operator Doug Gehrig.

Simancas Named Media Professional of the Year

by Geaux Blue

Local engineering consulting firm, Meyer & Associates, Inc., has recently committed to a $25,000 premiere level sponsorship for this year’s Chennault International Airshow, which is set for Oct. 24-25, 2015, at Chennault International Airport. The sponsorship will be dedicated to the aerobatic and pyrotechnic act, Tinstix of Dynamite of Permberton Aerosports. The family-friendly airshow will also feature a nostalgic array of aircraft of all vintages and kids activities. For tickets or more information, visit www.chennaultairshow.com.

Sofia Simancas, a CASA Volunteer with Family & Youth’s Court Appointed Special Advocates, was awarded the Media Professional of the Year award, given by Geaux Blue for Kids!

Simancas received her award during the Annual Geaux Blue for Kids! Awards Ceremony.

Many CASA and CAC staff, volunteers and community partners, who made extraordinary efforts in serving Louisiana’s abused and neglected children in 2014 were honored during the ceremony. Simancas became a CASA volunteer in 2012, clocking 53 case hours (L to R) Faith Vincent, CASA Coordinator of Family while advocating on behalf of & Youth; Sophia Simancas, CASA Volunteer; and nine different kids in the court Chae Johnson, CASA Coordinator of Family & Youth system.

CITGO Hosts Educators CITGO Petroleum Corporation recently hosted a group of Vol. 7 • No. 7

(L to R) Meyer & Associates President Vernon Meyer, Office Manager Tammy Broussard and Airshow President Randy Robb.

July 23, 2015 7

Living on the Dead Earlier this year, my wife signed us up with a new doctor. “All in all, I’d say you’re in decent health for your age,” he told me at my first appointment.

“Whatever you’re doing, keep it up!” That sounded good to me, but there was a problem. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing that was keeping me healthy.

Certainly, it couldn’t have been my fondness for Louisiana foods such as gumbo and boudin, although I’ll admit I was tempted to latch onto that one as the primary factor. I’ve spent these past few months racking my brain for answers, only to conclude that, given my lifestyle, the only thing that my body should be good for right now is to fertilize our tomato plants.

The answer came to me suddenly last weekend, while I was watching the Grateful Dead on pay-per-view, performing one

of a series of farewell shows in Chicago in honor of their 50th anniversary as a band. “So, what’s the Grateful Dead got to do with staying healthy?” you might ask.

The question is legitimate.

After all, four (count ‘em, four!) of their keyboard players, in addition to front man Jerry Garcia, have gone to that great gig in the sky over the band’s tenure.

Statistically, it makes playing for the Dead among the world’s most hazardous professions, easily eclipsing Alaskan crab fishing and a close second to suicide bombing.

But fortunately, this risk of mortality doesn’t carry over to the band’s fan base. Thinking back over the 40 years that I’ve followed the Dead, it’s easy to see why.

First off, “Deadheads,” as they’re called, have to be the

healthiest eaters on the planet.

As proof, one only needs to peruse the offerings of the food vendors in the parking lot outside any show. Every single item on every menu is prepared from hummus. You’d be hard pressed to find a funnel cake outside of a Dead show, and if you did, odds are it would be made from hummus.

I’m sure this is one reason that I’ve never seen many overweight fans at a Dead concert.

Hummus contains fewer calories than the equivalent weight of air. Moreover, whatever calories Deadheads do consume get quickly burned off by their dancing. Fans never stop moving the entire show, dancing even while the band is tuning up, something they’ve been known to spend 20 minutes doing between songs. If you look down from an airplane at a

stadium during a Grateful Dead show, it would bear a striking resemblance to a fire ant mound that had just been kicked over.

Now I can finally tell my doctor what it is that’s been keeping me going. But with the band now officially retired, my fear is that I might fall victim to what could become a national health crisis (not to mention the devastating impact on the hummus industry). Luckily, their music lives on in the form of a huge library of live audio and video recordings. I wonder if I could get my doctor to write me a prescription for the box set from the farewell tour so I can charge it against my health insurance.

Mike McHugh’s column has appeared in “The Jambalaya News” since 2009. You can read more from the Dang Yankee on his website, thedangyankee.com.

Timmy is 4 ½ years old, 25 pounds, housetrained and great with people of all ages! Fully vetted, he was returned after four years when his elderly owner passed away. Call Cyndi’s Adoptive Dogs at (337) 496-9911 for more details. Hurry, Timmy is waiting!

8 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

We should hope the good officers of Kinder have higher talents and abilities than merely operating a speed trap. Kinder has always been regarded as a friendly community; it would be shameful to lose its reputation. Police patrolling should be about protecting and serving, not profiting.

Mallard Cove Golf Course: History?

Watch the Screen!

You read an advertisement, you see a commercial on TV, you hear a promotion on the radio, you clip a coupon from the newspaper, or you get a certificate in the mail. Somebody is trying to interest you in purchasing their products. You go to the store and check out with that price in mind--and? More often than you would think, the price rings up higher than you expect and the hassle begins.

There are people behind you waiting to pay for their stuff and get on with their lives, and there you are, holding up the line for a quarter. Heaven forbid that you saw a price posted that said one thing and it rings up differently.

The line is now at a standstill while the checkout person goes across the store to see if the price you saw is the price you saw, and the hassle continues.

The people behind you start grumbling, shuffling, looking around and there you stand.

That is one of the most aggravating occurrences that happen too routinely at our neighborhood markets.

At many stores, the register screen where you watch your purchases ring up doesn’t show the promotional price until the end of the transaction. So everything comes to a standstill while you see if your pricing is correct; hopefully, before you have paid and have to go to the Vol. 7 • No. 7

customer no-service counter for correction.

It is understandable that if you must purchase a specific quantity of a product to receive a certain price, enough items must go through to show the discount, but it should be immediately after the quantity has been met, not after the rest of your items have been rung up. To make sure you get your money’s worth, you have to closely check the method your store uses and be on top of the transaction. It is your money, so get what you are supposed to get.

Protect and Serve– and Profit The powers that be in Kinder have decided to merge their police department with the department of revenue. It has been announced that in an effort to generate more revenue, they have established a “Special Traffic Enforcement Detail,” referred to as “STED” (reminiscent of something you need to go to the doctors and get a shot for). We do not endorse any disregard for traffic laws and are always supportive of highway safety but specifically preying on motorists as a source of financing municipal funding leads to many abuses of power. The police chief was quoted as saying that this allows officers to “Earn additional money doing what they do best.”

Mallard Cove Golf Course as we know it may be history.

The Chennault International Airport Authority is working on plans to utilize the area including the golf course grounds to expand their operations. There is talk of using the old Pine Shadows Golf Course to replace the lost course at the airport. I am not a golfer; therefore, it makes very little difference to me where the municipal golf course is. The area golf crowd may welcome the combination of Pine Shadow into Mallard Cove II or not; that remains to be seen.

We are in the beginning stages of area-wide expansion, but we must be careful about what we do away with and what replaces them.

I had wondered about the wisdom of building the Lake Charles Regional Airport when it was constructed many years ago; we had Chennault Airport functioning as the Lake Charles airport when I was young and had flown in and out of there many times (Chennault has a large enough

runway to have been an alternative landing site for the Space Shuttle).

Supermarket Roundup Shopping survey this time is for a few random items that I frequently purchase. The prices were obtained on Thursday, July 16 and reflect the posted amount on the shelf where the product was placed for sale.

The stores were: AlbertsonsCountry Club Road, Market Basket-Nelson Road, KrogerMcNeese Street and WalmartHwy 14.

Eggs, large, Grade A, per dozen: Albertsons $2.79, Market Basket $2.44, Kroger $2.36, Walmart $2.86.

Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, per pound: Albertsons $2.49, Market Basket $3.39, Kroger $2.49, Walmart $1.99.

Butter, unsalted, house brand, per pound: Albertsons $2.50 (2 for $5), Market Basket $3.69, Kroger $3.69, Walmart $3.24.

Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, 12-ounce box: Albertsons $3.69, Market Basket $2.99, Kroger (18-ounce box $2.99), Walmart $2.68 (18-ounce box $2.98).

Wolf Brand Chili, no beans, 15-ounce can: Albertsons $2.99, Market Basket $1.89, Kroger $1.99, Walmart $1.98.

July 23, 2015 9

Crabbing Earl’s Pier Sung to the tune of “Old Man River.” “Lift that line, Tote dat chest, Drink a little Gator-aide, You gonna land dem crabs.”

It all started with Mark

Fontenot’s (from my “La Pair Extraordinaire” column) request for us to go crabbing at Jimmy Bel’s Hunting and Fishing Lodge.

Can do. Quick call to Jimmy’s

Roger and Glenn

10 July 23, 2015

wife Lana and Jimmy gave the OK. We’re set to go. Wrong!

Mark wimped out with a lame “I gotta work” excuse but told me that Jake Shaheen (the other half of La Pair Extraordinaire) and David O‘Keefe can go. Fine by me. My podna and former president of the Thrifty Nickel Glenn Bordelon signed on, too. Just the four of us and big blue crabs, right? Wrong again.

Jake wussed off with that same lame “work” excuse and David claimed a “conflict.” Fine. Glenn and I will harvest crabs all by our lonesome. We’re retired.

Glenn’s coming along could certainly prove interesting. You see not only is he three months older than I, he only has one and a half legs. He lost the lower part of his left leg to diabetes. Sure, he has a prosthesis, but he can’t exactly hustle from crab line to crab line using a cane, much less his walker. As he puts it, “The only thing healthy about me is my head and I’m not too sure about that.” Agreed, especially the last part. After all, he has me for a podna.

As for expertise, he hasn’t been crabbing since he and his son Shannon went 35 years ago.

I think Eisenhower was president the last time I went. Glenn assured me he had everything it took for the trip. He did have a net, two ice chests, and chicken, but alas, no string for crabs. So

with one quick excursion for string, we were set to go.

We left at the crack of dawn with visions of crab boils dancing in our heads. We soon pulled into Jim Bel’s Hunting & Fishing Lodge southwest of Hackberry. I mean, crabbing is fishing, right?

I snapped some pics for The Jam and Glenn sneaked a look at the near 100 paired waterfowl mounts hanging from the ceiling in the great room. He was suitably impressed. We pulled out and followed the signpost that marks the turn to Bel’s. It also says, on a higher different directional slat, “God’s Country.” We were truly there. Eight thousand acres of pristine marsh and a veritable army of crabs awaited us.

At the first culvert, we leaped out. Well, I did anyway. Glenn sort of extracted himself. We happily noted the water pouring through the culvert. The God of Tides was with us. The crabbing is better if the water is moving with the tide. Glenn tied the chicken parts bait on the lines.

I quickly put them out and we awaited our harvest. And waited.

And waited. And sweated. And I soaked through my T-shirt after a mere 15 minutes of waiting.

It was time to haul our zero crab butts to the pier just beyond Jimmy’s boathouse. The wharf is a memorial to Earl Barger. Earl was a beloved local pharmacist and sportsman. His Barger’s Vol. 7 • No. 7

Drug Store/Shop on Lake Street was a marvelous shopping mecca that went with the prescriptions cheerfully dispensed. Earl was also an avid hunter, fishing fanatic, and gin player exceptionaire. The sign on the side of the pier’s roof says “Barger Pavilion.” Somehow, I could feel Earl’s smile and amiable nature as I hurriedly threw out the lines.

It was now 9 a.m. I had managed to sweat through my shirt, too. But Earl’s wharf has a roof.

And chairs. That means SHADE. Somehow, with the SHADE and the breeze off the Gulf it felt 20 degrees cooler. Did I mention the SHADE? Anyhow, I was already one quart of Gatorade down and grabbing for another, but thankfully, I was out of the boiling sun.

I had six crab bait lines out.

Oh yeah, Glen’s chicken bait was backs and legs defrosted the night before, so we had only the finest of backs and legs for our still-in-the-water crab supper.

Exhibiting their appreciation, our big blue crustaceans began

Vol. 7 • No. 7

pulling our lines taut in their greed to feed. The harvest had begun.

As our ice chest began to fill, I noted a friendly six or seven foot gator had arrived to observe our harvest. Reminded me of why my girlfriend Rue was not along. Seems the last time she went, about 35 years ago, one of those friendly reptiles took her bait and damn near pulled her in. Thus, no Rue. That, and redheads have no love for Louisiana’s burning summer sun.

As we, or should I say I, hustled in our harvest, Glenn decided he simply had to pull some in, too. He rose from his chair and limped to a crab line that was tied off to one of the roof supports. I had visions of him tumbling into the canal, prosthesis, bad shoulders and all.

Then I’d have a treading water human serving as gator bait with our too-friendly gator about ten yards away.

Having been disabled once myself, I know how clumsy one gets trying to haul reluctant body parts about, much less on a wharf. I knew better than to say anything to Glenn. No problem, though. Glenn was sufficiently cautious as he hauled in one big blue crab after another. As I dumped the netted crabs in the ice chest, I noted that it probably couldn’t hold any more. I already had to open and close the lid hurriedly; crabs were climbing over the chest’s edge. I even had to chase a couple of the escapees down.

It was then that I turned back to Glenn.

The last nine years were seemingly gone, his body whole again and his smile expansive. It is not often that one has an epiphany but Glenn was having so much fun it was catching. I was a kid again and Eisenhower was president. On Earl’s Wharf.

At Jimmy’s. A lasting epiphany for two.

July 23, 2015 11

Force-Free, Science-Based Training: It Works!

Psychology can be defined as “the science of mind and behavior.” So, dog training IS a form of science, and science is ever evolving. Force-free science-based trainers must keep up with this science.

Once they become professional dog trainers, they must constantly educate themselves on the latest research about dog behavior and training techniques.

This evidence is what is called “empirical evidence”—it has been experimented and retested using the scientific method.

“Anecdotal evidence” is based on non-scientific observations. A statement such as, “This worked with my other dog so that’s why I do it,” is a prime example of using anecdotal evidence—it’s based off one or a few personal experiences, rather than scientific data.

We know that cigarettes cause cancer based on empirical evidence. Just because someone smokes cigarettes all of his or her life, and never gets cancer does not mean that cigarettes do not cause cancer.

The same concept applies with dog training. Just because Fido responded to something does not mean that Cooper will.

This is another reason as to how positive force-free science-based dog trainers can help pet parents and dogs.

There was a time when people did not believe that dogs could think. That sounds insane now, doesn’t it? There was also a time when people did not believe dogs had complex emotions like humans. That has also been proven to be false. Then,

there was that long period of time that dogs were believed to be pack animals that were constantly struggling over hierarchy. Dog owners were taught to “dominate” their dogs by using physical force so that the dogs would understand that the humans were “alphas.”

Well, science, has, yet again, proven that dogs are not pack animals and they are not seeking human (and world) domination! We now know that dogs do what works for them—a lot like humans, really.

This is why reward-based training is so effective, with no negative side effects—unlike old-school dominance-theory-based dog training.

Hiring a force-free science-based trainer will help you save time, stress, and money.

It is always best to be proactive, rather than reactive. Just as it is easier for us to develop a habit than it is to break an established habit, it’s the same with dog training. It is easier to teach Fido acceptable behaviors and reward him for those behaviors, than it is to physically punish him for unwanted behaviors. So, don’t think twice about it. If you have a dog, or you are getting a dog, find a good POSITIVE, FORCE-FREE, and SCIENCE-BASED dog trainer!

Here are a few

websites that I recommend to find a dog trainer near you!

www.ccpdt.org www.petprofessionaguild.com www.apdt.com www.karenpryoracademy.com www.academyfordogtrainers.com www.positively.com Until next time…HAPPY TRAINING!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Britney (Blanchette) Pitre, CPDT-KA BONS CHIENS Dog Training, LLC. 337.422.4703 • www.bonschiens.com Facebook.com/BonsChiensDogTraining 12 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

I have been giving my last few lectures out of a trashcan.

I use the trashcan to symbolize that some people’s trash can be another person’s treasure.

I always start by opening the trashcan and separating the trash from the treasures.

Picking is always an adventure. Every turn may lead to treasure, but also to danger.

I’d like to tell you a story about a pick I was on that has a little bit of adventure to it.

It all started one stormy night when I received a call to look at an old house that was slated to be demolished. I was excited that it was inside (it was raining cats and dogs), so I rushed into the picker mobile and headed out. When I pulled up to the dilapidated house I noticed the weeds were so high that they had started to creep up the side of the home.

An older man was waiting on the porch. He invited me in and apologized about the weather. Lightning struck and thunder shook the old house

Vol. 7 • No. 7

filled with dust and debris. Of course, such places hold a lot of treasure and history, just waiting to be uncovered, and I was happy that the house had been locked up for years. The man said he was going to take a seat and let me do what I came to do. He pointed the way to the attic with a grin on his face.

Every crash of thunder made the lights flicker. I proceeded to dig through the spider webs that were covering every item.

It was so hot that sweat was running down my eyes and I could barely see. Dirty from head to toe, I pushed forward.

With my headlamp on, I slowly opened the closet under the staircase. As I peeked inside I noticed bins full of what appeared to be old records—a great find. There wasn’t much on the second floor, which left me only one place to go: the attic. I opened the door and a musty odor hit me. There were no lights at all up there, only

the lightning that sporadically lit my way. My headlamp grew dim, but of course, I pushed on.

The air was so dry and stagnant it was as if I had opened King Tut’s tomb. From a distance I could see a little shimmer, but it was nothing more than some old, built-up debris. The cobwebs were so dense they were almost unbreakable. I dug and dug as I pushed forward but so far-nothing at all. As I turned, I found myself face to face with the biggest spider I have ever seen on a pick before. I pushed the web and the spider out of the way so I could get to the end of attic.

I was reaching the end of my adventure. With a little battery power left, I saw a cigar box and what seemed to be a metal foot. When I got closer, I realized that what I had thought when I arrived at the house was

true. The treasures I found were well worth the effort.

I ended up uncovering an old tin robot from the 1940s, a cigar box filled with baseball cards dating back to the early 1960s and an old tin construction toy from the early to mid ‘60s. I quickly grabbed my loot and went down to negotiate my finds. The gentleman was pleased with my offer and I was pleased with my finds.

This particular story illustrates the importance and adventure of uncovering artifacts in my day-to-day life. There can always be an adventure out there—so get out and uncover some history!

July 23, 2015 13

believe that when Here is the thing about this happens, we placing expectations on othare disconnecting ers: expectations seem to fit in our hearts from God. the category of selfish needs, Do you truly feel that such as the need for others to God believed in you accept you, to validate you, to so much that He gave tell you that you’re good and you life? If so, then worthwhile and strong. And if why aren’t you you can do that for yourself, fulfilling your job if you can live up to your own requirements? expectations and desires, then What if God the need for other people to was your emdo it for you begins to disapployer? What pear. would your Learn to love yourself first. yearly review Then, the transformation of look like? Would love begins. Love is something you get a raise? freely given from the heart, Would you get a and whatever is given from the promotion? You heart is a gift. The heart is the have a purpose here and it is center of us and the essence of to LOVE! If you can look at who we all are. Knowing that everything with loving eyes, you are loved and that you are the world around you becomes love is so important. Once you beautiful. Love is not sometruly believe this, then noththing that you do; love is the ing can ever take it away. way you are.

“There is no fear in love; but How do you define love? We perfect love casteth out fear: are how love enters into this because fear hath torment. He world. How do we view love? that feareth is not made perMost of us view love through fect in love.” 1 John 4:18 our eyes. We should view To book a Soul Matters Seslove through our hearts. Our sion with Nicole Shuff Arabie, hearts speak and see the truth call (337) 540-6573. You can of all that is in this world. also go to her Facebook page But we have learned to act as at www.facebook.com/Declutthough we are being loving teringYourSoul towards one another and in doing so, ignore our hearts.

What is Love?

You must learn to I recently asked my Facebook love yourself first. To friends what love is, and I am sharing love without expectaa few of their answers below: “Love is infinite in its possibilition, you have to be ties. It touches and motivates each of okay with yourself, us in different ways. It provides an okay with opening abundance of Joy at times and endless your doors, spreadsorrow at others. It can be the breath ing your arms, barthat wakes you every morning or the ing your heart and tears that put you to sleep at night. It understanding that is patient and suffering, while glorinot everyone is goous and faithful. It will hurt at times ing to be gentle with but it is also the most important gift it. You have to know GOD gave us. Love covers all.” ~Tina that you can recover from those aches, that “To me, love is knowing someone you can heal your own and all their imperfections…and still wounds, that you can seeing how perfect they are. ~Liz trust yourself to walk away from the situa“Love is to love self first and then tions that do not grow let God lead you. Then you can love or assist you. another.” ~Mara

Wounds Of Love The wounds of love can run so very deep inside. Betrayal, Denial, Judgment, Separation and Abandonment…their purpose is to faithfully connect you with God, our soul and our human heart. My experience with all of them have led my soul to what I truly feel is now its job description, which is to love.

Love opens the way into the interior of the soul’s home and guides us on a tour of each room.

The soul advances according to its level of love. Wouldn’t that make you want to love with everything that you are?

Most of us have experienced the limitations of love. Sometimes, the love in our heart is never fully shared because of the pains and hurts we may have experienced in our lives.

This may lead us to turn off the loving side of ourselves, and we only make the hurtful part of ourselves available, since this is what life has taught us. We never really turned the love in our heart back on. So, when we enter into a relationship, the damage 14 July 23, 2015

that we inflict upon another can be devastating. Eventually, we walk away from the relationship and create deep wounds in that loving-hearted person. Now, this person who was hurt will probably close their heart off from love. Can you see the cycle that happens?

The heart is the part of us that God wants the most.

These wounds of love can lead to God dependence, or self-dependence.

The choice that reveals itself within is the soul’s desire to either walk the path of Earthly Love or Divine Love. I believe the purpose is to build the courage within that will lead to love.

We yearn deeply for love because love is the glue that connects everything together.

Love should be full of sweetness. It brings with it the knowledge that despite all of the pieces, we are all part of a greater whole that is defined by goodness.

Pay attention to your life and notice when you are disconnected to being, giving and receiving love. I truly

Vol. 7 • No. 7

Lemon Zest Chicken Chicken with lemon is the perfect summer meal. We are going to cook this tasty dish on indirect medium heat.

Indirect grilling is a barbecue cooking technique in which the food is placed to the side of the heat source instead of directly over the flame. This can be achieved by igniting only some burners on a gas barbecue or by piling coals to one side of a charcoal pit.

Ingredients

For the Paste

1 whole chicken, 4-5 lbs.

Kosher salt Fresh ground pepper 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary ¼ cup white wine

1 head of garlic 1 tsp. olive oil Lemon zest from three lemons 2 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice 1 ½ tsp. finely chopped rosemary 1 tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. fresh ground pepper 1 tbsp. Cajun Redhead Seasoning

remaining lemon juice and wine into cavity. Coat the outside of the chicken with the remaining paste, pressing into skin.

Grill the chicken breast side up over indirect medium heat until all the juices run clear or internal temperature of 180 degrees is reached. Should take approximately 1 hour 30 min.

Enjoy this summer treat!

Prep for Paste

Remove the papery loose outer skin from the garlic head and cut about ½ inch off the top to expose the cloves. Place on large sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle olive oil over it. Fold up the sides leaving a little room for air similar to a pocket. Grill over indirect medium heat until the cloves are soft (30-45 min.) Remove the garlic from the grill and allow to cool. Squeeze the garlic from the individual cloves into a small bowl.

In the bowl with the garlic, combine the lemon zest, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, rosemary, salt, pepper and Cajun Redhead Seasoning. Mix well.

Prep for Chicken

Remove and discard the neck, giblets and any excess fat from the chicken. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry with paper towel. Loosen the chicken skin gently with your fingers and brush half of the paste under skin. Season the inside of the chicken with salt, pepper and Cajun Redhead seasoning and place rosemary sprigs inside cavity. Pour Vol. 7 • No. 7

July 23, 2015 15

Traveling

To and From

School Safely!

School will be in session before we know it. Time to review some basic travel rules with your children:

SCHOOL BUS • Always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.

• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.

• Make sure they walk where they can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see them, too).

• Look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street, just in case traffic does not stop as required.

• Do not move around on the bus.

CAR • All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.

• Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat.

• Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4’ 9” in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age). This means that the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat;

16 July 23, 2015

the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and not the stomach.

• All children younger than 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the rear seat (when carpooling, for example), move the front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it.

• Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, and do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations, texting, or other mobile device use to prevent driver distraction. Limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather.

BIKE • Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.

• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.

• Use appropriate hand signals.

• Respect traffic lights and stop signs.

• Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility. White or light-colored clothing and reflective gear is especially important after dark.

• Know the “rules of the road.”

WALKING TO SCHOOL • Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.

• Identify other children in the neighborhood with whom your child can walk to school. In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider organizing a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.

• Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.

• If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely.

• Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Vol. 7 • No. 7

Partners in Education A Step Towards the Future Our children deserve the best education and the best opportunities to plan for that future. That’s why the Partners in Education program is so important. A project of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, it creates a partnership between a business and a school by enriching the educational process with the company’s direct involvement. The goal is to improve education with the assistance of the private sector.

The program, established in 1988 as a collaborative project between the CPSB and the Chamber/Southwest Louisiana, is an opportunity for the school system and the business sector to share its resources, time, talent and expertise. It connects schools and businesses to improve student achievement and foster lifelong learning for the students.

The following businesses have partnered with schools in Calcasieu Parish:

Vol. 7 • No. 7

LAIA Member Company Air Liquide Alcoa Carbon Basell GRACE CertainTeed Chemical Waste Management CITGO

Trunkline LNG Phillips 66 Entergy Firestone Grace Davison PPG

Sasol North America Westlake Group

Partner in Education R. W. Vincent Elementary, Sulphur Henry Heights Elementary, Lake Charles Cooley Elementary, Lake Charles Barbe High, Lake Charles W. T. Henning Elementary, Sulphur Our Lady’s School, Sulphur W.W. Lewis Middle School, Sulphur Calcasieu Alternative School E. K. Key Elementary, Sulphur Sulphur High, Sulphur Sulphur High 9th Grade Campus, Sulphur Oak Park Middle, Lake Charles LaGrange, Lake Charles Westlake High, Westlake S. P. Arnette Middle, Westlake Moss Bluff Middle, Moss Bluff Barbe High, Lake Charles Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Lake Charles Sam Houston High, Moss Bluff Vinton High, Vinton Western Heights Elementary, Westlake Westwood Elementary, Westlake Maplewood Middle, Sulphur Vincent Settlement Elementary, Carlyss

July 23, 2015 17

MusicMakers2U Instrument Drive July 27-31 Dust off and donate your musical instruments for area students! Drop off instruments at any CSE Federal Credit Union location between July 27-31 and be assured that your musical instrument will be given new life with a deserving music student.

MusicMakers2U, Inc. is an organization devoted to providing youth with access to musical instruments. The 501-(c)-3 non-profit group collects used musical instruments, has them refurbished and cleaned, and with the help of area school band directors and music teachers, pairs them with students who otherwise might not be able to realize their dreams. Students in

elementary, middle school, high school and college are eligible.

CSE locations are collection points year-round, but will be ready to receive lots of instruments during the instrument drive. Donors will fill out a brief information form, which the receiving student can use to send a note of thanks or to invite the donor to a future recital or concert. The student and parents sign a contract agreeing to care for the instrument and if the instrument is no longer needed, to return it to the group for reassignment to another student.

CSE locations are at 4321 Nelson Road in Lake Charles, 2154 Swisco

Road in Sulphur, and 1170 Sam Houston Jones Parkway in Moss Bluff.

Instruments may also be dropped off at any of the Sax in the City concerts on the last Sunday of each month July through November, 7 p.m. at Chateau du Calcasieu, 932 Enterprise Blvd.

For more information, visit their Facebook page, www.musicmakers2u. org or call (337) 244-9314. Monetary donations are always needed to cover the cost of refurbishing and cleaning the instruments and may be mailed to MusicMakers2U, P.O. Box 7964, Lake Charles, LA 70606.

Keep the music playing in Southwest Louisiana!

(L to R) Mickey Smith, Jr., VP of MusicMakers2U; Rick and Donna Richard of Empire of the Seed and Trinity, a new MusicMaker receiving her very own tuba. Rick and Donna made the purchase of two tubas, two trumpets and two trombones from Mack Brass of Virginia possible.

18 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

SOWELA Orientation

SOWELA Technical Community College is offering new student orientation sessions to prepare incoming students for the fall 2015 semester. All sessions will be held in the Arts & Humanities Building, Multi-Purpose Room 145.

Incoming students are required to participate in orientation to provide a smoother transition to the College. Faceto-face sessions are offered during morning, afternoon, and evening sessions on campus to provide greater flexibility.

Upcoming sessions include: • Friday, July 24, 9 a.m. – Noon • Friday, July 31, 1 – 4 p.m.

• Thursday, August 6, 4 – 7 p.m.

• Friday, August 7, 9 a.m. - Noon • Friday, August 14, 1 – 4 p.m.

• Friday, August 21, 9 a.m. – Noon

Orientation will help students learn about the programs offered at the college, as well as admission, registration, placement exams, financial aid, and tuition and fee payments.

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/sowela-newstudent-orientation-fall-2015-tickets-7069796953 and select the session that works best for you. Walk-ins, parents, and guests are welcome.

For more information, visit www.sowela.edu/orientation or contact Dedria Walton at (337) 421-6967 or Dedria.Walton@SOWELA.edu.

Vol. 7 • No. 7

July 23, 2015 19

20 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

A Message From the Principal

About Us Our Lady Queen of Heaven School offers high-quality education for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Since its founding in 1958, OLQHS continues to set the pace for excellence in Catholic education, focused on its mission of learning and living the Good News; fostering academic success for all students. OLQHS challenges each student to develop his or her greatest potential – intellectually, culturally and spiritually through meaningful educational experiences. Students are encouraged to use their God given talents, building a life-long commitment to Christ-like leadership.

Faculty & Staff With a gifted and dedicated faculty of 30 classroom teachers, as well as full-time Art, Spanish, Music, Band, Technology, and Physical Education teachers, OLQHS offers excellent learning opportunities,

Location & School Hours 3908 Creole Street Lake Charles, LA 70605 (337) 477-7349

www.olqhs.org Hours: 7:50 am – 3:15 pm Vol. 7 • No. 7

enhanced by enrichment studies and activities. Teachers are dedicated to the spirit and the tradition of OLQHS. There are currently 29 faculty/staff members have been serving this school community for 15 years or more and 15 faculty/ staff members are OLQHS alumni.

Both of these numbers are evidence of the importance of community and the bonds that are created and continued at OLQHS. Curriculum From pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, teachers present a highquality and advanced curriculum, designed to challenge and open children’s minds. Middle school students have unlimited opportunities for hands-on learning with the school’s new state-of-the art science and technology lab. In order to best prepare students for the future, OLQHS seventh and eighth grade students are provided with Google Chromebook laptops to use for

all class work and assignments, allowing technology integration with classroom curriculum. Eighth grade students are given the opportunity to enroll in math and Spanish courses for high school credit, providing them another way to stay on track and plan for their education after OLQHS. Foundation of Faith OLQHS is not only a school, but a faith community. Together children gather to pray, celebrate, and share their gifts. Daily prayer and religion classes, along with weekly liturgies at OLQH church help students to grow together in faith.

Faculty and staff at OLQHS work daily to provide children with an atmosphere of love and community, working with families to create a foundation for faith development.

Please contact Our Lady Queen of Heaven School or the Early Childhood Center, for more information on programs or enrollment.

UPCOMING DATES • August 5–7: Back to Business Days for Current OLQHS Families • August 17: First Day of School • August 25 (6:00 p.m.): PTC Open House • September 11 (9:00 a.m.): Opening School Liturgy (grades Pre-K–8)

OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE For information on enrollment or to schedule a tour, please contact Megan O’Quin, Director of Advancement, at moquin@olqhs.org or 4777349.

OLQH School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, nationality or ethnic origin.

Our Lady Queen of Heaven School is a wonderful place to be! For more than 50 years, we have been providing excellence in Catholic education for children in the Lake Charles area. Our mission of living and learning the good news has remained constant and our vision focused on providing the best learning environment for our students.

Beginning in 2012, our community began working together to raise funds through our Cornerstone Capital Campaign, actively planning for the future of our school. As a result of this very successful campaign, last August we started the school year with a new middle school building, as well as newly renovated classrooms for our pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and fourth grades. The Center will have new, larger classrooms, an administration building and an activity room.

This year, we look forward to the continuation of the growth and development of our school. Phase III, the construction of a new Early Childhood Center and the final phase of our Capital Campaign project, is now underway. The Early Childhood Center provides loving care and the beginning of faith and educational development for the youngest members of our community, ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years of age. The new Center will have new, larger classrooms, an administration building and an activity room, as well as room for classroom expansion.

By the fall of 2016, the Center will be able to nearly double its enrollment, providing two classrooms for the following age groups: infant, one-yearold and two-year old. The new facility is scheduled to be completed in spring of 2016. The Early Childhood Center is the future of OLQH School and I am thrilled to see this new Center becoming a reality!

We are ready to accommodate the new families who are choosing to make Lake Charles their home, and look forward to introducing them to our wonderful community here at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School. The gift of Catholic education provides children a strong foundation built on faith, family and community. At Our Lady Queen of Heaven, we prepare our students for living independently and successfully in a rapidly-changing world. The values children learn here will last a lifetime and prepare them to live their dreams and fulfill a world of potential.

If you are interested in joining our school and faith community, please contact the main office at 337-4777349. We would love to share with you what Our Lady Queen of Heaven School is all about!

Sincerely, JoAnn Wallwork Principal, Our Lady Queen of Heaven School July 23, 2015 21

22 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

Vol. 7 • No. 7

July 23, 2015 23

When the doors opened at Lake Charles Charter Academy (LCCA) in 2011, it was the first charter school in Southwest Louisiana. Information sessions were packed with parents interested in learning about this new educational option available to them. At the time, parents were most excited about the fact that they would be permitted and yes, even encouraged, to participate in their child’s education. They were intrigued by the promise of consistent, fair and enforced disciplinary actions that attempt to alter behavior instead of just punish. The concept of a school that would provide personal learning plans for every student seemed almost too good to be true.

Now, four years later, there are three charter schools governed by the Lake Charles Charter Foundation and the Southwest Louisiana Charter Foundation. The SWLCA was in the top 15 percent of schools statewide and in the top 13 percent in Calcasieu Parish for progress points earned

for growth. The LCCA was in the top 18 percent of schools statewide and in the Parish for progress points earned.

These schools are not only providing an educational option for students; they are providing a better option for students.

The third charter school to open is Lake Charles College Prep, or The Prep, as it’s commonly called. It’s the charter high school that is currently accepting students in ninth and tenth grade. It opened last year as a ninth grade, and each subsequent year, the school will open the next grade. Currently, The Prep is located in the former Bridge building until the new high school is built. However, the lack of a modern facility has not slowed progress with students at all.

Three Schools One Goal As part of the Charter Schools USA family-of-schools, LCCA, SWLCA and The Prep all focus on one

thing and one thing only – students.

Based on the Marzano educational model, every student’s success is based on data. Each child works along with his or her teacher and parents to determine reasonable and stretch goals in every classroom. They meet frequently to determine where the student is and what he or she still needs to do to reach their goal. The impact this has made on economically disadvantaged students is remarkable.

“We serve a very high percentage of students who live in an economically challenged home,” said Pam Quebodeaux, principal of Lake Charles Charter Academy. “Although economic disadvantages can and do affect student outcomes, we are thrilled to see that 66 percent of our students who received free and reduced lunch performed at or above grade level. We want that number to reach 100 percent and will not stop until we have brought every student to their highest potential. We offer intensive and remedial courses to every child who struggles.”

Each School Has Its Own Personality: Lake Charles Charter Academy Lake Charles Charter Academy With core values of leadership, character, commitment and attitude, LCCA’s staff employs an attitude of doing whatever it takes to make sure students succeed. They literally work year-round to help students from tutoring after school, on Saturdays and during holiday breaks. Some teachers are conducting summer camps or are involved in professional development to further ensure student success. At LCCA, eve-

24 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

ryone feels like a family who takes great pride in knowing each student individually and helping them reach their highest potential.

“We are a Leader in Me school, which helps students learn and use the Covey Foundation’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People model for students,” added Quebodeaux. “We also offer advanced learning opportunities with two Cambridge University’s Program of Studies classes in every grade from K-8. We can’t do it alone, though. We greatly appreciate the active role our parents have taken in their child’s education.”

One parent, Tara Nicole Simien, who has served as room mother for five out of the past six years, was chosen by the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana as a 2015 Volunteer of the Year. She has served as the school’s Parent Teacher Cooperative (PTC) chairperson for the past four years.

Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy has a new principal at the helm this year and there are certain to be many new and exciting programs offered. LaTonia Harris, who came from Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy in Lafayette, holds a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University.

She has extensive experience leading a diverse student population and is looking forward to bringing students to the highest level of their potential.

“Every single child has his or her own personality, strengths and weaknesses,” said Harris. “We want to meet every child where they are and bring them to places they’ve only dreamed of being. What I have personally found as a school leader is that students will step up to a challenge. If you tell them they can achieve something and give them the right tools and the plan to get there, they will consistently meet and exceed expectations.”

The SWLCA has started a Responsive Classroom program where students start their day ready to learn. They have morning meetings to encourage students to transition their thoughts and actions from home to school. Then, they Vol. 7 • No. 7

are given opportunities to choose the way they will learn different concepts.

For example, if students are learning to count, they may be given a choice to use buttons, magnets or marbles.

When students can actively choose their method of learning, they are more likely to retain the material they are learning.

Lake Charles College Prep As a growing high school, The Prep has some unique opportunities and challenges. As students wait for their new school to be built, they are busy creating the culture for which this school will be known for in the future.

“We are developing a reputation as a new kind of high school experience,” said Lorette Bass, the school’s principal. “The students who are starting here at The Prep realize that their legacy will forever be imprinted in the history of this school. They are the pioneers who are creating a culture of excellence in academics that will bring success to students now and in the future.

We place a heavy emphasis on college preparation and keep students focused on setting and meeting goals.”

Although still in its infancy, the school is already developing an active sports programs that many students desire. This year, LCCP student athletes will begin competition in varsity football, basketball and track as members of the Class 1-A. The LCCP also has implemented a very popular school supply program. All parents pay a one-time $25 registration fee that is used to purchase all the school supplies students need.

“What we have found with students at the Prep is that they have a strong desire to succeed. Some are extremely gifted and some have had difficulties,” added Bass. “We take each student and start fresh. We are all about creating new beginnings for those who need something different than what they’ve had in the past and stretching those who are already succeeding to reach heights that they only imagined before.”

A Governing Board That is Truly Involved Judge Gene Thibodeaux is the president of both governing boards and has

gotten personally involved in the success of each of these schools from the very beginning. Board members can be found on any given day walking the halls and encouraging students. His board includes high-profile community members: Charles Honore; Clyde Mitchell; Aneeta Afzal, M.D.; Patricia Kelty; Drew Ranier, J.D. and Mark Boniol.

This team has worked tirelessly to assure that students in Calcasieu Parish and beyond are given a high quality choice in their education. After successfully negotiating approval for the first charter, they built Lake Charles Charter Academy. Then, as promised, they secured another nearby site to meet demand and built Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy. Now, they are actively working on building the high school to move the current students to their final destination.

“Our continued goal is to provide the highest quality educational opportunities possible to the students here and we will do everything possible to continually improve our schools,” Thibodeaux says. “I am so impressed with the quality of the leaders and educators at all three of the schools. When you walk the halls, you can see the absolute dedication our staff has to these students.

They guide them with consistent and caring discipline and encourage them with enthusiastic praise when deserved.

They know that students are more than just a number – they are children who are eager to learn and who will stop at nothing to make their mark on this world.”

How to Apply It is easy to apply to the three schools. There is limited availability, but there are a few seats open, especially in kindergarten at the two elementary schools. There are also a few seats available in 9th and 10th grade at The Prep. You can apply online for Lake Charles Charter Academy at www.

LakeCharlesCharter.org; Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy at www. swlouisianacharter.org; and at Lake Charles College Prep at www.lakecharlescollegeprep.org.

July 23, 2015 25

The American Cancer Society’s “Jamaica Me Crazy” is expected to be attended by a large crowd on August 14. This social event is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel to raise dollars toward the fight against cancer.

This year’s event will feature a magnificent dinner prepared by the chefs at the Isle of Capri, silent and live auctions, photo booth fun, and much more. Live entertainment will be provided by the Flamethrowers, Louisiana’s number one party rock cover band.

“From a mouth-watering menu, the best entertainment in town, to Jamaica-style fun – it is sure to be a

26 July 23, 2015

night to remember!” says Katie McCarty, senior director of the American Cancer Society. “This special event is an opportunity for guests to kick back and enjoy a wonderful evening – while helping raise dollars to eliminate cancer.”

The tropical feast includes ceviche, blackened grilled shrimp, roasted pig, pork loin, jerk chicken, blackened redfish, rum cakes, Pina Colada bread pudding with a rum glaze—and the list goes on!

“We are fortunate to have the Isle of Capri in Lake Charles as the presenting sponsor each year for our social party, and they have gone above and beyond with everything from remod-

eling the event center to a unique menu you will not want to miss,” McCarty continues. Other sponsors are Hertz Investments and First Federal Bank of Louisiana.

Braylin Jenkins will emcee the event, with Phil de Albuquerque running the live auction.

There are currently 200 seats reserved for the event and tickets are going fast! Tickets are $75 per person, $125 per couple or $800 for a reserved table of 8. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and resort-wear attire is suggested. Attendees must be 21 years of age to enter.

“Not only is the American Cancer Society continuing to make history in cancer-treatment breakthroughs with research, but we also continue to provide services to local patients and families during their cancer journey,” McCarty says. “Last year alone, the Society provided over 1,300 services to more than 700 people in SWLA. The success of events like ‘Jamaica Me Crazy’ makes these efforts possible.”

For more information, call the American Cancer Society at (337) 433-5817 ext. 5 or email Katie.McCarty@cancer.org.

Vol. 7 • No. 7

Governor’s Program Events July 23-26

tion – 3 p.m., Thurs.-Fri.; Art show – 2-7 p.m., Fri., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.; Student recital – noon Fri.; Choral/large ensemble concert – 3 p.m. Sat. www.gpgc.org.

The 2015 Governor’s Program for Gifted Children at McNeese will present two theatre productions, an art show, a student recital and a concert as a finale to its summer program Wed.-Sat., July 23-26.

Performances are free and will be held in the Tritico Theatre while the art show will be held in the Grand Gallery of the Shearman Fine Arts Annex. The schedule is as follows: Xanadu, a musical production – 7 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; Terminal Terror and Gargoyles, a drama produc-

Ainsley’s Angels 5K July 25 The Second Annual Ainsley’s Angels “Roll with the Wind” Sunset 5K is scheduled for July 25 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The fun and festivities will kick off at 5:30 p.m. The 5K run will begin one hour before sunset. Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to participate. Following the 5K Run, a post-race celebration for participants ($10 fee for non-participants) will take place at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater. To register, go to www.

AinsleysAngelsRaceSeries.com.

NAMI’s Family Fun Day July 25 National Alliance on Mental Illness of SWLA is excited to announce the Second Annual Family Fun Day to be held on July 25 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pinederosa Park in Westlake. This event will feature entertainment, great food, prizes, and lots of family fun. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www. namiswla.org.

Movies in the Square July 25, August 8 Bring the family out to Movies in the Square at The Grove at Heritage Square, 1211 Ruth St., Sulphur. Starts at dusk around 8 p.m. and admission is free! Everyone will enjoy Disney Animation’s adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics series Big Hero 6 on July 25 and Grease on Aug. 8! www.sulphur.org.

Full Throttle Wrestling July 25 Habibi Temple presents Full Throttle Wrestling, Sat., July 25! The FTW heavyweight title will be on the line, as Champion Houston Carson faces challenger One Man Mike Dell. Also on the card will be Nigel Rabid, and the Rabid Empire, featuring Kore da Kajun, The Iraqi Madman TK Riot, FTW Lightweight Champion Crymsyn, and a mystery newcomer to FTW. Also on the card will be The Southern Gentleman Teddy Nall, Hambone and Moonshine Mantell, among others. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $5; kids 6 and under get in free.

Habibi Temple, 2928 Pack Rd. Lake Charles. (337) 436-9782.

Marshland Festival July 25-26 Continuing our Louisiana heritage of great food, music and fun, the 26th annual Marshland Festival will be held July 25-26 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. There will be entertainment, craft booths, vendors, games, exhibits and so much more! Proceeds go towards 28 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

August 1 Real Cowboy Association presents The Black Rodeo August 8 Whitetails Unlimited 2015 Banquet

AUGUST

August 14-16 Jurassic Quest, The Largest Exhibition of Life size, Moving museum quality dinosaurs in North America August 15 VFA presents Mixed Martial Arts Fighting featuring female and male fighters

August 22 Full Throttle Wrestling August 29 Imagination Celebration, Children’s Museum Fundraiser August 29-30 Don Rich Gun and Knife Show

Lake Charles Civic Center 900 Lakeshore Drive Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 491-1256

Hackberry youth activities. Go to www.marshland.com for band schedule and admission information.

reserved table of 8. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Attendees must be 21 years of age to enter. (337) 433-5817.

Sax in the City July 26

Arts & Crabs Fest August 15

Sax in the City featuring GRAMMY-nominated Mickey Huber Smith, Jr. will take place the last Sunday of every month July-November at Chateau du Calcasieu Event Center, 932 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles. The catered dinner at 5:30 is followed by the concert at 7 p.m. The SITC season will kick off July 26 with Mickey Smith, Jr. and friends such as vocalist Kenosha White, who most recently performed at the 2015 Country Music Awards show! Tickets are $30 (includes preferred seating, dinner and show (MUST be purchased in advance), or $15 concert only (available at the door starting at 6:30 p.m., no dinner). Tickets can be purchased at Swicegood Music (308 E Prien Lake Rd) and at Bearden’s Music (202 Cities Service Hwy). www. mickeysmithjr.com.

Arts & Crabs Fest brings regional cuisine, culture, and art to the forefront. Festival-goers take part in an extensive crab and beer tasting which features area chefs and restaurants each offering a crab dish representative of their cuisine’s styles and personalities. Dishes are then paired with Louisiana craft brews. Enjoy local art displays, interactive cultural activities and live music. Serving for the general public is from 5-7 p.m. at Burton Coliseum. Ticketholders must be 21 years of age or older. (337) 439-2787.

National Night Out August 4 National Night Out is a fun event to heighten community awareness of crime and drug prevention. Enjoy musical entertainment, free food and drinks, antique cars and crime prevention displays! Local and state law enforcement agencies will participate in this community block party at the West Cal Event Center on Tues., Aug. 4 from 6-8 p.m. to help spread the importance of neighborhood safety to the public. Local Louisiana antique car chapters will display hundreds of the finest antique cars along with Sulphur’s own monster truck, Southern Sunshine. Free admission. www.sulphur.org.

‘Jamaica Me Crazy’ August 14 Get tropical for a good cause! Head to the Isle of Capri on Fri., Aug. 14 for “Jamaica Me Crazy,” the American Cancer Society’s premier fundraiser! Enjoy delicious Caribbean-style food and desserts, live and silent auction ,photo booth fun and music by SWLA’s top dance band, the Flamethrowers! Come in your resort-wear attire and get ready to party! Tickets are $75 per person, $125 per couple or $800 for a Vol. 7 • No. 7

Jurassic Quest August 14-16 Jurassic Quest is the LARGEST, most realistic dinosaur event on the continent and it’s coming to the Lake Charles Civic Center! This exhibit walks you through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and includes fossil digs, dinosaur rides, dinosaur cinema, science station, dinosaur bounce houses, and much more! These are huge, life-size, animatronic dinosaurs and they are coming August 14-16 (Fri.-Sun.)! Don’t miss out on all of the dinosaur fun! For ticket information, go to www.jurassicquest.com/lake-charles-la.

Children’s Museum Imagination Celebration August 29 The Children’s Museum presents the13th annual Imagination Celebration! This evening is just for the grown ups... and will be “the cat’s meow!” Celebrate the rip-roaring 1920s with the Celebrity Karaoke Contest and sample fabulous food from 20+ area restaurants!

Come dressed in your “bee’s knees” 1920s attire! They’re hoping the bids for the unique, must-have items in the live and silent auctions will bring in a lot of “clams.” There will be dancing to follow and you might take home a fabulous prize as winner’s names will be drawn throughout the night! Reserve your table today. www.swlakids.org.

July 23, 2015 29

Minions

(Universal, 2015) So, what are Minions? The short, they’re cartoon charthird installment in the Des- acters. And now they have their very own movie. picable Me franchise hopes In Despicable Me, the to answer that question. The Minions serve Gru, the movie begins at the very beginning, with the creation greatest villain of all time. of life on earth. Even as one- But Minions happens before Gru comes along and it celled animals, the Minions makes all the difference in are drawn to the biggest, this movie. The beginning of baddest creatures around.

Fast forward to the 1960s, Minions seemed to go slow and three Minions are in the to me. It was all about the Minions’ history, full of little USA, headed for Villainjokes that just didn’t come Con, to find the ultimate off as funny. boss for their tribe.

However, most of the Here’s the thing: the movie concentrates on Bob, Minions have evolved into Stewart and Kevin, who have smallish yellow pill-shaped been sent from their tribe creatures with a language to find the biggest, badthat sounds like gibberish. dest villain in the human They’re childlike and cute, world, so their tribe will with big have a larger purpose. Our eyes behind three Minions quickly atgoggle-like tach themselves to the evil glasses. In

30 July 23, 2015

Scarlett Overkill, who lives in England and gives them the task of stealing Queen Elizabeth’s Crown. (Scarlett showing Bob a picture of Queen Elizabeth:” Do you know who this is?” Bob:” La Cucaracha?”)

From this point on, the movie becomes unpredictable, outrageous, and much funnier than the slow beginning. In particular Bob, the youngest of the Minions, keeps pouring on the cute and humor factor. Bob is extremely fond of the occasional ba-na-na, (one of the few words we can understand) and seems to think yellow fire hydrants are attractive females. Figure that one out yourself.

During their quest for the Crown, the Minions make several detours, which I won’t divulge here, but let’s just say the British culture is the butt of most of the jokes.

My favorite character was a young Queen Elizabeth, with a cultured accent and stunning overbite that define her speech and appearance.

The British are especially funny, drinking tea at every turn and always properly polite. Scarlett Overkill is voiced by Sandra Bullock, and is definitely powerful with her red dress that hosts rocket power, nuclear power, and all sorts of

weapons.

Those who are fans of the earlier films will want to watch for younger versions of characters from Despicable Me, and many other jokes that the younger audience probably won’t get.

Since this is the ‘60s, Minions is lifted by songs from the Beatles, Animals, Rolling Stones, and others.

For those of us who think characters like the Minions are best suited for Saturday Morning Cartoons (which I understand don’t exist anymore,) the climax of our movie is at least very logical and complete, with our tribe running off to meet its singular fate.

A lot of you will be wondering if smaller children will enjoy this film. I would say yes. Most of the humor is geared for them and while there is some violence, it’s mostly cartoonish and hardly ever suggestive. Adults may find it quite ridiculous, but if you liked the Minions in Despicable Me, you’ll be amused here.

So bring some little ones to see the Minions and you can talk to them about it for years to come. Or at least ‘til Minions 4 comes out.

Minions is rated PG for nothing that I could figure out. Some people swear they heard the Minions using foul language, but really, how would you know? Enjoy.

Vol. 7 • No. 7

Big Top Burning For months now, you’ve been growing out your hair.

One day, it will be long enough so that you can become an aerialist who hangs by her locks, looking like a mid-air ballet artist. And if that doesn’t work, you could be a lion tamer, for sure, or maybe a clown. But no matter what you choose, read Big Top Burning by Laura A. Woollett and stay safe.

In the middle of World War II, when resources and money were both scarce, a trip to the circus was a huge treat.

Families sometimes saved for months for the chance to see big cats, elephants, trapeze acts, and clowns.

That was the case for many residents of Hartford, Connecticut, when the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus came to town that day in early July 1944. Everyone was excited – even the government knew the circus was good for morale – and they quickly took their seats on bleachers or in fold-up chairs lined up on boards.

“More than 6,000 people atVol. 7 • No. 7

tended the circus on that hot July 6 afternoon,” says Woollett. The Big Tent (which was “massive” and weighed over 75,000 pounds) filled quickly with circus-goers, clowns and horses, bears and lions, tigers, chimps and elephants.

Large chutes at the entrances whisked the animals in and out, the air smelled like popcorn, and the afternoon promised to be a fun one.

It’s likely, then, that few people noticed the tiny flame on the side of the tent in the corner by the men’s room.

Those who did probably thought the circus workers would take care of it; fires were pretty common at circuses at that time. The tent was waterproofed with wax and gasoline, but nobody gave that much thought… … until the fire spread, and so did panic. Screams filled the air and circus-goers raced for exits, some of which were blocked by animal chutes.

A few people escaped beneath the circus tent. Others fell to the ground and were crushed. Within ten minutes,

the Big Tent had burned to the ground, injuring more than 480 people and killing 167 people, 59 of whom were children under age ten.

But how did the fire start, and who were the people whose bodies were never claimed? The answers to those questions are still unknown.

It’s summertime. Who wants to read history books in the summer, anyhow? Give your child Big Top Burning, and rest assured that he will.

With a sense of urgency and just the right setting in time, author Laura A. Woollett presents this true story in a way that will resonate well with the age group for which

this book is intended (10 and up). I was riveted by the personal accounts of this tragedy, and I think the lingering mystery at the end will capture kids’ interest.

While the photographs inside this book aren’t terribly graphic, some of the narrative might be a bit much for sensitive young readers. Just be aware because, even for an adult, Big Top Burning can be a hair-raising book.

“Big Top Burning”

by Laura A. Woollett ©2015, Chicago Review Press $18.95 / $22.95 Canada 167 pages July 23, 2015 31

By Brian Pitre Originating in Southeast Asia, contemporized in Japan, and popularized all over the world, sushi has become a new favorite for the Lake Area over the last decade. With sushi houses popping up all over the city, the demand for quality plates with reasonable prices is a growing issue for enthusiasts looking to explore the cuisine. As daily consumers, we tend to equate the quality of goods and services to how much they drain our wallets, but anyone who has ever eaten

32 July 23, 2015

at Sakura Sushi can tell you that could not be further from the truth .

Opening their doors just two months ago, Sakura has already begun building a long list of regular customers. Offering a variety of sushi, sashimi, and authentic Japanese appetizers served by a professional and knowledgeable staff are part of what keeps their customers returning day after day. From the soups to the specialty rolls, every bit of every bite on every dish is plated beautifully with a style and design that is unique to Sakura’s sushi

chefs.

The chefs are dedicated to making each roll with precision and care, priding themselves on their customers’ happiness. Using their extensive knowledge on flavors and fish, they have also begun blending age-old traditions with those rooted here in our own kitchens. Masterpieces such as the “Big Easy Roll,” a rice-out roll of yellow tail, and Cajun spicy tuna covered in sweet but bold honey wasabi are a perfect example of the blending of cultural flavors.

The mixing doesn’t stop

with sushi; Sakura runs a full bar complete with wines, wells, and top shelf selections as well as a talented staff who are blending a lot more than just culture in a cup. Mai Tais, daiquiris, sake bombs and more, Sakura has everything you’re looking for at a Japanese-themed bar. The drinks are known to make you hungry, so if you find yourself needing to load up on finger foods, be sure to sample one of their many appetizers. Items such as their soul-warming miso soup and their deliciously pan-seared gyoza make the

Vol. 7 • No. 7

perfect drinking companions for you and your friends. Friends are something you can never have too many of at Sakura.

Boasting a grand party room with an assortment of seating arrangements, Sakura’s party section allows you to host any type of event for up to 75 guests. And remember, when you order within a large group you can enjoy the made-to-share specials. Any four orders of sushi and/ or sashimi are built into a specialorder boat with a variety of toppings and side sauces that make sharing and sampling the entire menu a real possibility. Paired with one-of-akind cocktails and plenty of room to mingle, the event room is one of Sakura’s most attractive features.

Vol. 7 • No. 7

In addition to sushi and sashimi, Sakura also offers Bento boxes, Udon rice dishes and Mongolian bowls.

All of the greatness of the décor, cuisine, and service seems to be trumped by their greatest selling point…the sushi and sashimi are HALF OFF! Bring your friends and jump on these outstanding prices.

Sakura Sushi 211 W Prien Lake Road Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 564-6922 Open seven days a week

July 23, 2015 33

Thursday, July 23 Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Kay Miller and Aaron Horne 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Alfred Doucet 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Candlebox

@Party by the Pool

Kay Miller and Aaron Horne 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Mr. DJ 9 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC

Red Republiq 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

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

Tanya Tucker

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

8:30 p.m. @ The Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

7 p.m., L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

RKW Acoustic Show 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

Jukebox 8 p.m. – midnight @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

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

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

3-H-G 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

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

34 July 23, 2015

Friday, July 24

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

Saturday, July 25 Kay Miller and Aaron Horne 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Brian Racca 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Josephine 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

Isis 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

3-H-G 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

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

Josephine 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

Jukebox 9 p.m.– 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Vol. 7 • No. 7

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Isis 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder DJ CaGe 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Sunday, July 26 Chester & Jarius Daigle 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

@Jack Daniels’ Whiskey Brunch

Vol. 7 • No. 7

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC Kenzie Newman 4 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy, 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Kris Harper 5-9 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Monday, July 27 Wednesday, July 29 Harper MÁS Summer Series Kris 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini 6 p.m. @ Tipitina’s Music Co-op 2128 Hodges St. LC Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC

Tuesday, July 28 Guys Night @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Jazz Night with Mickey Smith 6:30 @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC Two for Tuesday on Everything!

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

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

Chris Miller & Bayou Roots 6:30 @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.), LC Joe Ecker 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

July 23, 2015 35

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

Thursday, July 30 Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Amanda Walker 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Leroy Thomas & Zydeco Roadrunners 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

An Evening with 311 @Party by the Pool 7 p.m., L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Swagger 9 p.m. – midnight @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Rapture 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC 36 July 23, 2015

Friday, July 31 Amanda Walker 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Swagger 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 DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Bigg Redd & Creole Soul 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton No Idea 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Coolers 3622 1/2 Ryan St. LC Dance Night 9 p.m. – 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Albert Simpson 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

Larry Tillery & the Vagabond Dreamers 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

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

Saturday, August 1 Amanda Walker 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Albert Simpson 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

Bigg Redd & Creole Soul 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Swagger 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 No Idea 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Vol. 7 • No. 7

Sunday, August 2 Chester & Jarius Daigle 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

@Jack Daniels’ Whiskey Brunch L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC Kris Harper 5-9 p.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

Vol. 7 • No. 7

2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Monday, August 3 MÁS Summer Series 6 p.m. @ Tipitina’s Music Co-op 2128 Hodges St. LC Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC

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

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

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

Kade Fontenot 8- 11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

Tuesday, August 4

Wednesday, August 5 Karaoke with DJ Cornbread

Guys Night @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC

7 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC

Jazz Night with Mickey Smith 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC

Dead or Alive 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., LC

Karaoke with Avid Sounds 9 p.m. @ Coolers 3622 1/2 Ryan St. LC Talent Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC

Thursday, August 6 Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC

July 23, 2015 37

Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Bernie Alan 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Blues Traveler & Winner of Battle of the Bands @Party by the Pool 7 p.m., L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Rockbox 8 p.m. – midnight @ Blue Martini

Ramble On… Musical legacies can come from the strangest of places and, oftentimes, the humblest of beginnings. Were he still with us, Luderin Darbonne could tell you all about that. At the age of 17 he met a guitar player by the name of Edwin Duhon and started just such a legacy that spanned nearly 80 years.

Even though their namesake is a small town in northern Cameron Parish by the name of Hackberry, it’s a name now known the world over because of the music of the Ramblers.

Started in 1930, The Hackberry Ramblers found themselves riding the airwaves by 1933 under the auspices of RCA’s Bluebird Records and produced music that became defining of the Cajun genre with the famed “Jolie Blonde”. It became one of their trademark songs by the end of the decade, some 30 plus years before the oftcalled “Cajun National Anthem” was officially adopted as the fight song for our beloved McNeese State Cowboys.

38 July 23, 2015

Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Brandon Green 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort

The band was Cajun, to be sure, but with the musical influences of Darbonne’s time growing up in Texas and the influences of other Ramblers that came and went over the decades, their sound was more than Cajun. It was blended with blues, country, rockabilly, folk and swamp pop that remain part of this area’s inherent musical sound and led to a versatility that saw them breaking generational gaps in their

2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

audiences. They eventually took their music around the world, playing at the International Cajun and Zydeco Festival in Holland, The Country Rendez-Vous and Nuits Des Cajun and Zydeco Festivals in France and (of course) the famed New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in good ol’ NOLA. Darbonne and his fellow Ramblers did a bit more than put Cajun music on the map, but they made

Vol. 7 • No. 7

Friday, August 7

Gordie Brown

Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

8:30 p.m. @ The Event Center

Killawatts 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

a few innovations that not only set them apart, but have influenced the genre as a whole in ways that remain in effect to this day.

Cajun music of the 1930s was hardly anything for large stages and crowds, but even the little dancehalls they frequented in the early days got a surprise when they got a taste of what a public address system sounded like.

Granted, it was powered by the idling engine of Darbonne’s Model-A, but it was amplification and it was the first time it had ever happened to Cajun music. Couple that with his lead fiddle instead of the more traditional diatonic accordion, and one can see that this was something musical the likes of which no one had ever heard before and something that just hasn’t quite been replicated since.

By World War II, things had begun to slow down for the Ramblers and though they dropped out of sight and considered hanging it up altogether by the time the ‘60s arrived, a relationship with Arhoolie Records led to the reissuing of older recordings and the release of new work from the band.

Vol. 7 • No. 7

Limited Engagement from Vegas!

Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

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

DJ Jose Mata

Allison Collins

At Fault 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Luke Cooper 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

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

A resurgence in popularity of the genre through the ‘80s gave the longtime performers more of a foothold and led to the release of two albums in the 90s: 1993’s Cajun Boogie that featured collaborative efforts from famed country artist Rodney Crowell and Beausoleil’s Michael Doucet and the 1997 release Deep Water, which welcomed back Doucet and Crowell and added native Blues artist Marcia Ball and Jimmy Dale

Gilmore of the Flatliners in what became the band’s first GRAMMY-nominated effort.

Sadly, Mr. Luderin isn’t here to tell you all about it himself. After 95 years on this big blue marble, he finally laid his fiddle down and has left us wanting more for the seven years he’s been gone. I never had the pleasure of meeting the man, but I feel I have gotten a good idea of him from people who did know him and grew up with

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

the music of the Hackberry Ramblers on the radio.

I know he loved his music and he loved his home and that he was proud to not only put little ol’ Hackberry on the map, but to have spent his long life doing just what he loved: playing music and making people dance. That’s a legacy to be proud of, if ever I heard one. It’s certainly one worth remembering. I certainly will and I do hope that you all will, too.

Something’s Happening Here...

Though it is a veritable lifetime that has passed since Hackberry got its Ramblers, that little town is still just as plucky and vibrant as ever, and still passionately embraces the music and cuisine of the Cajun culture. And this is the 26th year that the community has banded together for an annual event designed with three primary intentions: Continue their Louisiana heritage of Cajun music and cuisine, help promote the tourist industry of Southwest Louisiana and support the surrounding business community. You may know this event as the Marshland Festival.

Friday and Saturday, July 24-25: The 26th Annual Marshland Festival - Lake Charles Civic Center Once again, the Marshland Festival takes over the Civic Center and delivers a weekend full of wonderful Cajun food and music. Over a dozen acts fill this year’s roster and including Brad Brinkley and Comfort Zone, Keith Frank and The Soileau Family Zydeco Band, Louisiana Express with T.K. Hulin and Johnny Allen, Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns, Lil Nate and many more! Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday with music starting at 6. Gates and music are both at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Admission is $10 on Friday and $15 on Saturday for adults. Kids 12 and under and active members of the military get in for FREE! For more information, visit www. warshlandfestival.com.

I’m Just a Living Legacy to the Leader of the Band...

Maybe not me as much as the fine folk and musicians who make this thing happen year after year. All the proceeds go toward non-profit youth organizations in and around Hackberry, so they too are making a mark on that small community in their own way as well. I’m sure Mr. Luderin Darbonne would be proud. Right proud, indeed. Until next time gals and gents! I’ll see you at the show!

July 23, 2015 39

LA Express 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Mr. DJ 9 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC

Dance Night 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Saturday, August 8 Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Gordie Brown 8:30 p.m. @ The Event Center

Limited Engagement from Vegas!

Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

Reece Sullivan 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

LA Express 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

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

Rockbox 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

At Fault 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

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

Sunday, August 9 Chester & Jarius Daigle 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

@Jack Daniels’ Whiskey Brunch L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC 40 July 23, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 7

Vol. 7 • No. 7

July 23, 2015 41

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE The LC Symphony’s Summer Pops took flight in an evening of wonder and music that turned the Civic Center into a strange and magical place.

Cirque de la Symphonie featured the symphony joined by aerialists, strongmen, jugglers, dancers and more that swept the entire house up in a breathtaking experience on par with even the best-known Vegas show. Bravo!

Kayla and Jody Taylor

Kelley Saucier with Angie and Trent Peshoff

Burn and Jeanie Rourk

Hannah Werner and Jackson Leach

Mary Nelle and Jerry Sinitiere with Jim and Jean Evans

SASOL’S SECOND SATURDAY AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The summer rolls on at The Children’s Museum and the good folks from Sasol made their way out recently to teach the kids a thing or two about science. This installment of Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show focused on magnetism and electricity.

It was a “hair-raisingly” good time!

Austin and Danielle Brown, Mallory Hay

Xavier and Ryan Levy 42 July 23, 2015

Farrah and Oakley Black

Donnie, Darian and Taylor Hardin

Ashley, Chuck, Dean and Bennett Ardoin Vol. 7 • No. 7

CAJUN MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL Good Louisiana food, music, friends, beauty queens and air-conditioning were the staples at the annual Cajun Music and Food festival this past weekend. The Burton Complex was home to two days of dancing, laughter and good eatin’! REALLY GOOD eatin’!

Jean Estes and Jerry Cardiff

Brittany Fabacher and Grayson

Barbara and Theresa Cox

Lacey Piraro and Janet Piraro

Pepper Manuel, Kaelyn Guillory and Ella Arabie

GRIDIRON 2015 Not to be outdone, the annual Gridiron, put on by the Ad and Press Club of SWLA, had a healthy menu of grilled politicians, local celebrities and newsmakers. Hundreds attended the pre-show social hour at the Rosa Hart Theater and snacked on tasty treats from local restaurants. There were also a few laughs to be had, and that, my friends, is an understatement!

Shelley Johnson and Monty Hurley

John Bridges and Brittany Glaser Vol. 7 • No. 7

Ronnie and Michelle Johns

Pat and George Swift

Joe Cironi and Lauren Perrin July 23, 2015 43