August 4, 2016 • Volume 8 • Issue 9
715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate lauren@thejambalayanews.com
On Cover: West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
COVER 16 West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital: Meeting the Healthcare Needs of Women
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Dang Yankee
Contributors Lisa Addison Danny Allain Nicole Shuff Arabie George Cline Mike McHugh Roger Miller Justin Morris Brian Pitre Terri Schlichenmeyer Jody Taylor
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Tips from Tip
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Adoption Corner
Sales
14 The Women of West M
lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk
Business Office Manager Jeanie Rourk
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REGULARS 6 We are SWLA!
10 Fishin’ Tales 12 This Functional Family
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13 Soul Matters
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FEATURES 4 HALOS: Healing After Loved Ones Suicide
THE SPICE OF SWLA 20 Imagination Celebration 22 Event Guide 24 Family Fun Night at the Movies
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25 Bookworm Sez… 26 Roots of Fire: Bringing La Music to the World 29 heART of SWLA: Courtney Prudhomme 31 Nightlife Guide
Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff. The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by Jambalaya Media, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Copyright 2014 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.
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32 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles 35 Cigar Club: Lady of the Leaf
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37 Funbolaya 38 Society Spice
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Old Movie Watching an old movie, especially one that you really like and have seen over and over again, brings back a lot of memories. Especially if you first saw it in the theater, it can transport you back decades. That happened to me the other night when Jaws showed up on cable. I’ve always loved that movie. What’s not to love? Early Steven Spielberg, the menacing soundtrack, lots of flashy ‘70s polyester and an evil killer that must be vanquished at the cost of many lives. Pass me the popcorn. I first saw the movie as a teenager in the theater. All the neighborhood kids would
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pile into the DeMatteo’s station wagon (they had five kids so that’s what they had and it was the envy of the rest of us) and off we’d go to see the latest movie. We’d usually end up at the Parkway Plaza Cinema, located in a strip mall in the blue-collar town of Chelsea about 10 minutes away. I can’t swim so I don’t like the water to begin with. Jaws basically convinced me that I had done the right thing by avoiding the ocean at all costs. All that gore on the big screen, and Spielberg’s masterful direction succeeded in scaring the life out of everyone in that theater.
So I watched it for the umpteenth time the other night and it brought me back to all of us screaming and covering our eyes. I was probably wearing a tube top or a peasant blouse, more than likely purchased at Lerner’s in the Northgate strip mall in Revere (another blue-collar town, because that’s what we were) or down Filene’s Basement. More than likely I was wearing Jovan Musk Oil or Heaven Scent perfume. I had probably had an argument with my father about something before I went out. Teenage years. It’s also fun to look at these old movies and find all the flaws in them that we did not see back then. For example, people are getting killed by this fish, and the mayor goes on the news to state that some people were “allegedly injured” by the shark. And no one corrects him but the chief of police, in private. Don’t the families of the deceased want to get on the news and correct the misinformation? Hello? Dead people here! Oh, the chief is confronted by the dead child’s mother, who looks about 70 and is swathed in mourning garb from head to toe to heighten the dramatic effect. But as angry as she is, she doesn’t speak
to the press either. There are also scenes at the beginning of the movie where the townspeople are going out in their little boats to look for the shark after the first death. It is clearly spring, as the leaves are just beginning to bud on the trees on shore and everyone is bundled up in heavy sweaters and jackets. But Fourth of July weekend is supposed to be right around the corner. And when it does come around, it’s suddenly sufficiently sweltering and everyone is getting burned to a crisp. Every movie has it flaws. No matter, it was simply awesome, a true “summer blockbuster” that I will always remember and love watching whenever it’s on. And for a little while, I’m a teenager again, sitting in movie theater, long ago and far away.
Lauren Abate
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“ T H E WAY A P E R S O N L E AV E S T H I S E A R T H D O E S N O T D E F I N E W H O T H E Y W E R E ”
HALOS
Healing After Loved Ones Suicide By Lauren Abate The loss of a loved one through suicide is a grief that stands apart from others. Those left behind suffer a unique anguish; those of us who have not experienced it can’t quite relate to it. But if you are a suicide survivor, you are no longer alone. Thanks to HALOS, you can find hope and healing with others who have suffered the same loss and feel the same pain. HALOS (Healing After Loved Ones Suicide) is a local grief support group that provides a place to heal in the company of others walk-
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Johnson lost her 13-year-old son to suicide six years ago, and was ready to make a difference. “Jody and I wanted to help Jody Barrilleaux and Amy Johnson the other survivors of a suicide in our community find hope tounded at how many peoand courage in dealing and ple they have helped. living with the most difficult “I had no idea of the tragedy a person can experi- need for this group in our ence,” she says. “We wanted area,” Barrilleaux says. to have a group of survivors “When we first put it out consistently attending our there on Facebook that we meetings with all of us help- were forming HALOS back ing one another through our in August of 2015, 300 grief journeys.” people shared that post on Johnson says their own page. We were the group’s goal is overwhelmed knowing suifinding unity and cide had affected so many compassion in the in the Lake Charles area sharing and carand beyond. The more Amy ing of each other’s and I spoke openly about loneliness, sorour own experiences, the rows, questions and more people would open up heartaches along and tell us their own perwith feelings of sonal stories. That’s what guilt, anger, and I have seen the most this frustrations. year; people who were quiet “At the same before about being a suicide time, we want to survivor now have an outlet find a balance to to open up about their most celebrate each raw feelings, and in doing other’s accomplish- so, can now honor the lives ments, joys, and of their loved ones.” laughter,” she conCalcasieu Tax Assessor tinues. “We want to Wendy Curphy Aguillard is openly honor those a grieving mother who has we have lost to sui- found strength and hope cide, as their lives within the group. were not defined by “Losing a child is the their deaths.” most horrible thing that After a year, the can happen to a family,” she Jody, Amy and Julie Andrepont women are assays. “Losing one to suicide ing the same path. Jody Barrilleaux was motivated to form a group after her own devastating loss. HALOS was formed from a previous group that was started several years earlier. “When my Dad, Kenneth Lynn Tyler, Sr., died by suicide on April 3, 2015, I hit the ground running looking for a group,” she remembers. “I had never known anyone who died in this way, and I needed talk to other suicide survivors. Someone pointed me in the direction of Amy Johnson. She and I met and we connected instantly and reformed HALOS.”
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makes the loss even more devastating. At moments such as these, you get through life not only with the help of God, family and friends but also amazing organizations such as HALOS.” The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Cafeteria Conference Room at the Cypress St. entrance for about an hour and a half. They also support special functions throughout the year including the Out Of Darkness Walk, Survivor Day and Joy Comes in the Morning. “I can’t say enough about this group of ladies!” says Missy Chiasson. “After my brother Dustan died by suicide, I thought I was alone in my journey. Then one day, a ver y sweet lady, Faye Gatte, called me and told me about this group. They have been there to listen to me cr y, shout and never batted an eye when a few cuss words were said! They are and continue to be my rock! In the last year, I have had the honor to call these wonderful ladies my family.” “We have seen some of our newly sur vived members learn coping skills and feel more hopeful about continuing their life’s journey without their earthly relationship with their beloved loved one,” says Johnson. “Each of our journeys looks different, but the commonality of the “how” and the stigma that exists with suicide bring us together to discuss openly things we may not tell others. The emotion and candor Vol. 8 • No. 9
On October 2, 2014, I lost my brother, Steven Andrepont to suicide. From that day forward my entire life changed and I was lost in a sea of emotions and questions. I had never been personally affected by suicide and did not know how I would begin to process this loss much less find a way to grieve, heal and move forward. It was in my search of how to do this that I came across the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and finally knew I was not alone in my struggle and decided I was going to join the AFSP in their movement to erase the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Our Out of the Darkness Walkers, walk to support those who suffer from mental health conditions and raise the money for research and prevention programs that will save lives. I walk to bring others out of the Darkness and into the light, along with other HALOS. This years walk will be October 1st at the Lake Charles Civic Center amphitheater, registration at 3:30 walk at 5 o’clock for more information email Julie at jandrepont18@gmail.com.
Sisters Teresa Holaday Auexpressed often result in a coin and Kari Holaday White freeing feeling.” miss their Dad but are findJohnson went to Chiing strength cago recently to through one formally train other. “We will to be a facilitaalways keep tor through his memories the American alive. HALOS Foundation for has made us Suicide Prevenrealize that we tion. She soon are not alone found out that in this journey she was doing and that eveexactly what they Teresa and Kari ryone is truly trained her to there to help do. “It was nice and support each other.” to know we were going in the “We are here for you right direction,” she recalls.
when you need us and you feel you are ready,” Johnson says. “You can just come and listen to our meetings, we won’t pressure you to speak.” “We formed the motto to be self explanatory,” Barrilleaux says. “Rooted in Love…United as One.” The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Cafeteria Conference Room at the Cypress St. entrance. For more information, join their group on Facebook.
As death investigators, we are often confronted with people at their darkest hour. Throughout the investigation, we hope our compassion aids in making an impossibly hard situation a little more bearable. We have been extremely lucky to meet and become friends with wonderful people working to change the world. About a year ago, we were super fortunate to meet the leaders of HALOS and a great partnership was formed. We regularly use their cards to provide direction and comfort to families.
Detective Beth McGee Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office
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Klenke Named WCCH Employee of the Month West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently named Mike Klenke as its employee of the month for July 2016. As a network support tech in the hospital’s Information Technology (IT) Department, Klenke assists in identifying network issues, troubleshooting and providing technical support and advice to staff to maintain smooth operations of IT applications throughout all areas of the organization. Klenke has been with the organization for four years.
Mike Klenke
Zartler Honored by the La HS Coaches’ Association
Two McNeese Grads Receive Scholarships Two graduates of McNeese State University’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program have received 2016 Wallace Stegner Fellowships for the Creative Writing Program at Stanford University this fall: Dr. J. Bruce Fuller, a 2011 graduate, in poetry, Jenn Alandy Trahan Dr. J. Bruce Fuller and Jenn Alandy Trahan, a 2015 graduate, in fiction. Both report to the California campus on Sept. 23 for orientation. The Stanford Creative Writing Program, founded in 1946 by writer and environmentalist Wallace Stegner, offers 10 two-year creative writing fellowships each year, five in fiction and five in poetry.
Golden Nugget LC Donates to BBS of SWLA Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA received a donation for the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser from Golden Nugget Lake Charles. The Top Ten prizes, an in-kind donation valued at $3,000, included golf and an overnight stay at the casino; concert ticket packages; H20 cabanas and much more! All the prizes donated were given to the Bowl For Kids’ Sake top bowler-fundraisers. All donations raised are invested locally into programs run by BBBS-SWLA that impact children and families in the Southwest Louisiana community.
Eric Zartler, sales director at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was recently honored with the 2016 Distinguished Service Award as presented by the Louisiana High School Coaches’ Association in Baton Rouge. Zartler was awarded for his commitment to excellence with Eric Zartler, sales director at the Lake Charles/Southwest coordinating the hosting Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau receives the Distinguished Service Award by the Louisiana High School efforts of many LouisiCoaches’ Association (LHSCA) as presented by Terrence ana State High School Williams, LHSCA executive director. Championships. He was recognized for always going above and beyond for the coaches and student athletes as well as his behind-the-scenes work with bid preparation, presentations and overseeing the implementation of the events from start to finish. For more information on events throughout Southwest Louisiana visit www.visitlakecharles.org.
IBERIABANK Names Greenough as Loan Portfolio Manager IBERIABANK, the 129-year-old subsidiary of IBERIABANK Corporation, is pleased to announce the recent naming of Kelsie Greenough as Loan Portfolio Manager for Southwest Louisiana. Greenough joined IBERIABANK in 2015 as an intern working closely with the Commercial Banking team. She is a graduate of McNeese State University where she earned an MBA and also a Bachelor of Science in accounting. Her office is located at 4440 Nelson Road in Lake Charles and can be reached at 312-7050 or by email at Kelsie.greenough@iberiabank.com.
Kelsie Greenough
Craig Greenman, MD, Joins Memorial Medical Group
Elizabeth McLaughlin, Community Relations for GN Lake Charles and Heather Hohensee, Executive Director BBBS of SWLA 6 August 4, 2016
Dr. Craig Greenman
Memorial Medical Group welcomes Craig Greenman, MD, an internal medicine physician to its staff. He will see patients at Internal Medicine Clinic of Lake Charles located at 2770 3rd Avenue. Dr. Greenman is a graduate of LSU and received his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. His post-graduate training includes an internship/residency in internal medicine – pediatrics at LSUHSC in Shreveport, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. In addition to providing primary care services, Vol. 8 • No. 9
Dr. Greenman specializes in treating diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to www.lcmmg.com.
Dr. Cormier Marks Milestone Michael Cormier, MD, board certified dermatologist, marks 30 years of service in July at Dermatology Associates in Lake Charles as well as 39 years with Moss Memorial Health Clinic. Dr. Cormier, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, received his undergraduate degree from McNeese State University and his medical degree from LSU Medical Center in New Orleans. He completed his internship at Moss Memorial Medical Clinic (formerly Moss Regional Hospital) before serving as a general medical officer at Dr. Michael Cormier Fort Polk. He completed his family practice residency at Moss Memorial Medical Clinic and his dermatology residency at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans. He served as chief resident from 1985 – 1986.
ASBO Awards CPSG Certificate of Excellence The Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International has awarded Calcasieu Parish School Board its Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award for having met or exceeded the program’s high standards for financial reporting and accountability. The district was recognized for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending 2015. Sponsored by VALIC, the Certificate of Excellence (COE) award confirms the school business office’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency.
Arts & Crabs Fest SE Tourism Society Top 20 Event The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored the Arts & Crabs Fest as a 2016 Top 20 Event for the month of August. Celebrating the arts and culture of the region as well as the culinary arts found in SWLA, Arts & Crabs Fest will take place Sat., Aug. 20, from 5 – 8 p.m., at Burton Coliseum. The event will offer an extensive crab dish and beer tasting and also showcase live regional music as well as an eclectic art market. Tickets are available to purchase online at www.EventBrite.com.
Ashli Waldrep (center), executive director for the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA receives the award from Elizabeth Eustis (left), digital media manager at CVB and Arts & Humanities Council board member and Annette Richey (right), chairman of the board of directors of the CVB. Vol. 8 • No. 9
Howard Foreman Receives the JLLC’s 2016 Della Krause Thielen Voluntarism Award The Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. announced that Howard Foreman is the proud 2016 recipient of the Della Krause Thielen Voluntarism Award. Established in 1992 by Thielen’s family to honor her memory and loving work as a dedicated volunteer in the Lake Charles community, the award is presented each year to a person, project or organization that exemplifies a true, impactful commitment to voluntarism. A resident of Vinton, Foreman was acknowledged for meeting five points of award criteria: variety of community service; outstanding leadership; effectiveness of community service; tenure of community service; and perseverance in accomplishing an outstanding project. To name a few of his numerous voluntarism initiatives across the Lake Charles community, Foreman has: • Mentored numerous young men through his passion, scouting. In fact, Boy Scout leaders say there would be no Boy Scouts in Vinton had not Foreman gone diligently from door-to-door talking to mothers and fathers about the leadership qualities the organization would bring out in their sons. • Volunteered at the Lake Area Medical Center where he has graciously given more than 1,600 hours of compassionate time and service to patients, visitors, physicians and hospital employees. • Championed a fresh start program with the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s office to review and expunge years-old criminal records for men convicted of minor offenses so that they might more successfully re-enter the job market. Because of the program, 29 people were able to clear their record in one day and nearly 100 people are currently in the process of obtaining a clean slate. “Knowing the purpose of the Della Krause Thielen Voluntarism Award is to honor those who are committed to impactful philanthropic efforts in the community, we could not think of a more deserving recipient than Howard Foreman,” said Laurie Martin, President of the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. “His incredible and successful voluntarism efforts marry the mission and values of the Junior League of Lake Charles and it is our privilege to bestow this high honor upon him.” In addition to the recognition, Foreman received a $500 grant from the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. to be given to a nonprofit organization of his choice. August 4, 2016 7
The People's Choice Many voters seem to be unhappy with the choices that the two major political parties have served up as this year’s presidential candidates. They feel this way because they see the candidates as being too extreme in their views, on either side, whereas most people see themselves more in the middle. Take immigration, for instance. The Republican candidate, Donald Trump, wants to keep out everybody whom he sees as a possible terrorist threat, which sounds okay except that his list includes all foreigners except for attractive women from Eastern Europe. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, wants to open express drivethru lanes at all the border crossings where they take a picture of your license tag and mail you a Social Security card.
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What most voters don’t seem to realize is that there are other choices in this presidential race. There are other parties besides the Democrats and Republicans who have nominated candidates. The reason you don’t know about them is because the mainstream press doesn’t talk much about them. The reporters tend to avoid their conventions, which are held at places like the Motel 6 in Mattoon, Illinois. The complimentary morning coffee (sugar or saccharine only; don’t even think about Splenda) and free dial-up Internet don’t quite compare to the top-shelf liquor and similar perks offered in the hospitality suites at the big conventions. But I am not most reporters (meaning, my credentials have failed so far to get me into these posh shindigs). It’s not beneath me to report
on those lesser-known, third party candidates, just because they read their acceptance speeches from paper napkins rather than Teleprompters. I will talk about them! Somebody has got to let the voting public know that, unlike coffee sweeteners at the Motel 6, they do have other options for President. For one, there’s the Libertarian Party. The Libertarians might appeal to you if you favor a smaller government. Their candidate, Gary Johnson, has promised he would reduce the size and scope of the federal government to where he would run the whole thing out of his garage. The Green Party is another option. If you haven’t heard of them, you’re not alone. In fact, their candidate, Jill Stein, hadn’t heard of them either when offered the nomination. She attended the convention thinking she was going to a St. Patrick’s Day bash, and, possibly with the help of a few Irish whiskeys, ended up heading the party’s ticket. But the Green Party is more than just fun and games. They see themselves as the “people’s party,” refusing cash donations from corporations and political lobbyists. In fact, they don’t accept cash at all, relying instead on donations of canned goods and secondhand clothing.
If you search the Internet, you will find literally dozens more names of people seeking the presidency. If folks would spend as much of their time online researching this election as they do playing Pokemon GO, they wouldn’t be complaining about a lack of choice. And it’s not just people you’ll find. I believe that I even noticed my dog’s name, Buster K. Neyne, on one political blog. Now, there would be a good candidate, and one that I’d likely vote for. Sure, he mainly sleeps, chases squirrels, and slobbers on the furniture, but he’s definitely more loveable than Hillary and doesn’t bark as loud as the Donald. So take heart, America! It turns out you have plenty of choices in this year’s election. And if you don’t have the time to thoroughly research each one of the 163,459 candidates, just remember that you can learn a lot just from the campaign slogans. For instance, tell me which one of these tugs at your patriotic heartstrings the most: 1: Make America Great Again! 2: Hillary for America! 3: Woof ! Take your time; I know each has its own subtle appeal. Vol. 8 • No. 9
would be awaiting me. I found out that the results are up to me; they have the skill set to get me on the path but it ultimately falls back to the guy in the mirror. Just one of those facts of life that pops up, keeping you on track.
many of us to be stern, but please remember that they are after your money. They do not care about you, only what they can get out of you. Hang up when you realize the call is not from someone you know and trust.
Bravo Waitr!
The supermarket promotions get more confusing each time they start a new one. The app for each chain is the current fad; you are solicited to The robodownload their new and wonderful calls keep comprogram to your phone (as if you don’t ing, nothing but have enough programs slowing down scams. Congratulations on winning a free your phone already). The merchant then wants to offer exclusive deals to trip, credit opportunities their app users, which always look like and the IRS filing actions against you are just some of the you’re getting the best of the best but unwanted phone interruptions by the time you go through all the shewe face each day. The “Do not nanigans involved, you could almost care less. They are attempting to build call lists” don’t seem to have much effect on these telemar- customer loyalty; for my money, they are building contempt in the long run. keters in their relentless purPT Going Well Even fast food chains are jumping suit of your wallet. In the continuing saga concerning You know it’s a robo-call when there in on the trend for online ordering, my total right knee replacement resuch as Taco Bell. Interestingly, Lake is a gap in the time after you answer covery, I am now in outpatient physi- the phone and say hello. The wait Charles is the home of a business that cal therapy. I am glad that there is a combines your phone and a huge varibegins for some fraudster to jump on day between sessions, as these good and begin the routine. Remember that ety of restaurants under an app by the people know how to push you to alyou are not Pavlov’s dog; one does not name of “Waitr.” This approach does most the very point of saying “Uncle” have to jump to answer the ring. Caller not tie you to a single source offering and the day off is a welcome recovery ID lets you know if it is someone you but allows one app to select from your from the recovery. I am grateful for know. If it is an unknown number, let favorite eateries. This approach is an their skills, talents and abilities; they it go to voice mail and thereby screen improvement over the merchant-issued have brought me a long way since I app that ties you down to them. We the call. If it is an important call and first started with them. salute the “Waitr” approach and conyou miss it, they will call back. The I experienced months of physical gratulate our home grown app which is fraud calls do not deserve your contherapy a few years ago with shoulder cern. We were brought up to be courhas started to expand into other cities issues, so I had a good idea of what and states. Yea for the home team! teous on the phone and it is hard for
Hang Up on Them
Cleo is a super sweet rat terrier mix that is about a year old. She has lots of playful energy and loves to give kisses! She does great with other dogs and kids. She is about 25 pounds and would make a great addition to any size home and family. She is spayed, heartworm negative, vaccinated, on monthly preventives, and is microchipped. For adoption application, visit www. lakecharlespitbullrescue.com/adopt. A home visit is required to ensure a good match for Cleo and the adopter. Hurry! Cleo is waiting! Vol. 8 • No. 9
August 4, 2016 9
Photos by Chris Romero
GPS Fishing It’s a four-hour trek just to arrive at David O’Keefe’s Toledo Bend Lake camp if you use a GPS. It’s days otherwise. Russell Ewalt’s GPS is a fine one but even with that, we got lost at least once, twice, three times a trek. Once you leave Hwy. 171 north and cross the west railroad tracks, even the GPS gets befuddled. After twists and turns and turnarounds, there is a sign that says DAVE’s CAMP, but that’s after you turn north on an unmarked dirt road and wind around until you spot the damn sign. The loaded Charles Johnson with grapple hooked bass
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with pears trees in front are the only real giveaways. Gear stowed and Dave’s 15 rods and reels hanging from the gun rack counted, we settled in. The next day and way before dawn, crappie fishing was our quest. Of course, we had my old podna and the very best Toledo Bend guide Charles Johnson. But then, at least he knows where he is. Russell and I were still lost but at least David knew where he was. I was still soooo very lost. So, we loaded up in Charles’s boat and watered to his secret white perch hole. Actually
nothing is sacred any more at the Bend as maps with GPS sites marked can actually be purchased at the local tackle shops. Nonetheless, we beat the crowd and what a success we had using live shiners. It also helps to have an onboard GPS/Fish and Brush finder. Add to that, Charles always dropped a red buoy to mark the brush. He also used his foot peddle trolling motor to hold us on spot. We soon had our 15slab white perch so it was time to head in to the best BBQ ever in Hemphill’s apply named Hemphill’s BBQ.
I recommend the entire menu. A much needed long nap latter we guzzled French Roast coffee and headed to relaunch Charles’s high tech wonder rig for our afternoon bass trip. We had no more left the launch site and in five minutes we were on the bass using Carolina rigs, with the color altering spray and garlic fish attractor aroma. I would say where we were but you have to buy your own tourist fisherman’s map. One hint: we were on the Texas side of the lake. We ended up with 13
Russell Ewalt’s 6 and 3/4 lbs. biggest bass ever. Female, so it went back in for breeding stock.
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keepers and tossed back the lessers. It was a hoot that this was Russell’s first bass fishing trip. Oh, he’s fished salt water but bass fishing is a whole different gamesmanship. Between the quips, jokes, and disparaging remarks, the fun was on all afternoon. Before you could say awaken it was time to head out again. Of course it was O’Dark thirty but it was time for our next bass excursion and Charles surprised me with a whole new experience: fishing schooling bass. Our guide extraordinaire put us on bass breaking the water in numbers. Yep, schooling bass. It was spot the school and throw shadlike lures into them and bam! It was on. Charles had a lure that was so beaten up it had had to be retooled and we soon knew why. Oh, we caught ours but Charles put on a Bill Dance exhibition that nothing in our tackle boxes could match. Re-glued, re-hooked, re-flecked, and repainted, it was a secret Kentucky lure no longer in manufacture, not even to be found on eBay. Then the magic of begin-
ners luck struck, Russell hooked a lunker that had to be ever so carefully netted. On board and weighed it hit 6 and ¾ pounds. Surely it was a mount for first-time bass fisherman Russell. Well, it would have been but Charles noted it was a female, so the biggest bass Russell had ever caught was tossed back. Spawning stock. Even then,
we had over 15 keepers and tossed back as many that were too small to keep. As the sun rose and the heat with it, the schooling bass went to cooler water and we headed back to the launch. Fish fileted and ice boxed, we headed for the AC, too. With three trips in one and a half days, we were as beaten as the fish we landed. I still have my
share of white perch and bass filets to bake or fry. My chronic pain was winning too. Leaving Charles and David was tough but this old coot needed to head home. To Russell’s credit, he only got his GPS guided path sidetracked once. And I, I had the cherished memories and Russell had his thrown-back mount to lament.
David O’Keefe with white perch
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August 4, 2016 11
Take Your Kids to the Polls
If kids see their parents go to the polls and vote during elections then it’s more than likely that they will do the same thing when they are old enough. Voting is a privilege and it’s important that our children learn that and who better to learn it from then their parents? I have been taking my kids to the polls with me since they were babies. The voting commissioners know them by name and always ask them how they’re doing and remark on how wellbehaved they are in that arena. Registering to vote is another
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one of those milestones that’s right up there with getting a driver’s license. And in my opinion, it’s just as important if not more important. The goal with teaching kids about voting isn’t to get them to think the way that you do or to always vote the way that you do when the time comes. It’s to teach them about and expose them to the process so that they will understand the issues of our world on a deeper level and know that they can make a difference. I’m always baffled that voter turnout is so low in our area
with virtually every election. I’m sure my kids get tired of hearing me say this but sometimes, when we go to our precinct to vote and I see that there is no line and only two or three people milling about, I’ll tell them, “It’s important to vote! If you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain about who gets elected!” When you cast your vote, it’s making your voice heard. And it’s a teachable moment for your children as well. They see the respect that you have for the process, they see you actually go into the voting booth, they realize that you have made time for this important civic duty. And sometimes, just the act of voting leads to great discussions, giving your children a chance to ask questions and for you to answer them to the best of your ability. This particular presidential election is a tough one and there has been a lot of name-calling and mud-slinging on all sides. Thankfully, my kids don’t watch a lot of television and don’t see much of the ugliness. And neither one of them has social media accounts yet. That’s a good thing because social media has gotten pretty ugly with people bashing each other in an effort to get people to believe in their chosen candidate or issue. It’s so counterproductive and such a waste of time because the majority of people already know who they are voting for and have their own opinions. But on Facebook I have seen situations quickly spiral out of control as adults argue with one another, bash candidates, spew
hate, and storm off as they announce that they are blocking or unfriending people. Is this what we want to teach our kids? “Believe the way that I do or I won’t be your friend?” That’s not what I’m teaching my children. It’s a work in progress but I am teaching them to be respectful and tolerant of others and their beliefs and opinions while at the same time being true to their own. This week, I asked my 8-year-old daughter if she’s glad that I take her and her brother with me when I go to the polls and she said, “Yes, I’m so glad! I learn a lot and it has also made me want to be the first woman president of the United States! I think a lot of people would vote for me because I really want the very best for everybody in the entire United States! I don’t hate even one person and I love everyone and believe in everyone!” Every election is important, but the presidential election coming up in November is extremely important. Do your own research on the candidates and form your own opinions. Be grateful that we live in a country where we are free to vote. And make plans to bring your children with you when you vote in the next election. See you at the polls! Lisa Addison wrote her first short story when she was 7 years old and hasn’t stopped writing since. She has two young children, enjoys trying new recipes, and loves going on adventures with her kids. She blogs at: http://swlamama.wordpress.com. Vol. 8 • No. 9
The Beautiful Oxymoron An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. Let’s talk about that for a moment. Before you blink your eyes the future is the past. One day you’re here and the next day you’re there. Where is “there” located, exactly? Is there right where you should be? This topic has me clearly confused. Clear is the opposite of confused. That is an example of an oxymoron. It clearly seems to me that most of us have experienced being like an oxymoron at some point in our lives. I was told recently that I was like an oxymoron. My curiosity stepped into the conversation and wanted to know why. This is how my writing topics begin. It’s as if something grabs hold of me and invites me to dig in and not stop until I have unearthed every last bit of understanding. Conversations go further, and then I start researching the topic. I feel being called an oxymoron to be a beautiful thing. I find it beautiful to use my curiosity as I do so often to see the beauty of the world. When I experience those moments, they begin to pour themselves into my heart. Seeing more allows you to see beauty and the more beautiful you become. Let yourself just be. It will bring you to a higher plane of understanding. Understanding of what? Is it love? If it is, where did the love go to? In the Gospel of John chapter 13 beginning with verse 34, Jesus Vol. 8 • No. 9
said, “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another; as I have loved you that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Why would this seem like an oxymoron to some? I think it is because we have been molded and shaped by our culture (music, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, TV, movies, etc.) to think of love as a silly, sentimental “feeling.” How did this happen? What happened to love? It’s almost as if we can go into our favorite store and shop all the racks and purchase love. But what exactly are we shopping for? Some things looks good on the rack. That doesn’t mean it’ll fit you the way you want it to, or make you feel good about yourself. You will really have to be truthful with yourself and probably need to step out of the dressing room to look at yourself in the three-way mirror. Be truthful. Do you really like it when you get back home to see the truth in your own mirror? Why are we always selling a version of ourselves to others? I am so over the selling part. I don’t want to sell myself. I don’t want to convince you to like me, or not. That isn’t my job. I just want to go about my day and maybe stumble across people who don’t want to sell themselves either. I have learned to just let things become what they will be in time. It made my life a bit easier when I finally figured that out. I want to write again and
again about love and what pulls my attention in a certain direction. I want to write about my daily encounters with all the interesting people I meet. Some say that I find everyone interesting. I say I want to read your story. I want to open your book and turn the pages. I’m a writer, that is what I do. I love stories. I love...love. I am a beautiful oxymoron that at times might be a cause of confusion within another person that God places along my path. When I experience encounters with these people, I study them over in my mind and begin to connect with their hearts, attempting to declutter the layers that God is revealing to me. I am their mirror. I am being shown through the eyes of my heart what is creating the layers of confusion within them. This is when I begin to see clearly what they have been unable to see and feel. I am shown the impressions of what is in the hearts of others to help them understand
the meaning of all of the layers beneath the surface that are hidden and hurting. “Our works, here and now, are not all transitory. The good that we have done will not simply disappear and be forgotten. This world is not a passing and futile phase; it will be taken up in God’s new world. Our good buildings, our great inventions, our acts of healing, our best writings, our creative art, our finest clothes, our greatest treasures will not simply pass away. If they represent the greatest works of God’s image-bearers, they will adorn the world to come.” ~ Paul Marshall Just be you. It’s more than enough. With All My Love, Nicole Shuff Arabie - aka The Beautiful Oxymoron
To book a Soul Matters Session with Nicole Shuff Arabie, call (337) 540-6573. You can also go to her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DeclutteringYourSoul
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By Brian Pitre Working in the property management industry is not a field that we would consider to be filled obstacles and curve balls. But, that restrictive way of thinking could not be further from the truth. The vast majority of leasing offices are jampacked with day-to-day tasks that not only challenge the individuals who work in the field but cause them to develop skills that benefit their lives, both in and out of the office. Crisis control, incident resolution, and investigative intuition are just a few of the unique qualities one gains while working multifamily housing and community living. Finding the right employee with just the right amount of natural skills and trainability to fill these challenging positions is similar to looking for a needle in a haystack. Many candidates have the skills, but lack the ability to adapt them to the job. Others are dedicated and disciplined but lack the natural gift of interaction. Finding the perfect balance of the two is like hitting a grand slam in baseball, and a local residential community, West M Apartments, is really knocking it out of the park. 14 August 4, 2016
West M’s doors were opened in 2012 by Cortland Partners. The community serves as one of Lake Charles’s premier properties, tucked quietly away alongside McNeese Street. West M has become Lake Charles’ go-to property for luxury, value, and community involvement, which can be credited to its amazing office staff showcasing a star-studded lineup of some of the leading ladies in leasing. These women really go above and beyond in their field. Assisting people from all over the world with their transition into the Lake Area is just the tip of the iceberg
when it comes to what these women in business face every day. Krista Pousson has been the community manager for the last 3 ½ years and says that West M is home for her. With over 15 years of property management experience at her fingertips, Krista believes “the value of living offered, and the focus on customer service and relations” is what makes West M and Cortland Partners unlike any other site or company she has been part of developing. “The diversity in the community and welcoming nature of the property brings me joy in my position,” says Assistant Manager Sharda Jackson. “People come into the office needing something different every day, and it lifts me up to be able to work with dedicated co-workers who want to help others just as much as I do,” says Leasing Consultant Kelsey O’Donnell. The commitment to
service doesn’t stop at the front door. Newest Leasing Consultant Danielle Dennington joined the West M family this year and really values her creativity. “Marketing and getting out into the community is something I really enjoy, and West M gives me the opportunity to explore new things!” she exclaims. These ladies take their job seriously, but never hesitate to have fun. Hosting and organizing monthly resident events and getting involved in the community as much as possible in ever y way they can is their daily mission. Using all of their talents in harmony with each other, they have created a formula for leasing that minimizes stress and maximizes customer satisfaction. They care about their city, their property, and what they do, and it’s evident when you walk in their office. When you live at West M, you aren’t just a resident, you’re family.
West M Apartments Community Rental Agency
1330 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605 (337) 478-8449
L to R: Kelsey O’Donnell, Danielle Dennington, Krista Pousson and Shanda Jackson Vol. 8 • No. 9
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W E S T
C A L C A S I E U
C A M E R O N
H O S P I T A L
Nurses Station
Meeting the Healthcare Needs of Women,
At Every Age and Every Stage
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) has been committed to meeting the healthcare needs of women in our community for over 60 years. From childbirth and breastfeeding education to routine mammograms and cancer navigation, the goal of physicians and hospital staff is to make each experience as pleasant as possible.
Sallye Jean Toniette, MD Women’s Center Named after a well-respected physician of obstetrics and gynecology and the first female obstetrician in Calcasieu Parish, the official name of the department is the Sallye Jean Toniette, MD, Women’s Center. “Dr. Toniette started practicing in 1959 and was the cornerstone of labor and delivery in this area for years,” says Jessica Buxton, maternal childcare manager with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “We’re proud to honor the memory of Dr. Toniette in the naming of our women’s center. It inspires us daily to carry on her dedication and passion for women’s care.”
Personalized Care Recently, the Women’s Center underwent a complete renovation and expansion. “The $2 million project that finished
in early 2015 has complimented our continued growth,” Buxton explains. The unit has a very modern, comfortable feel. Patient rooms and the waiting area are family friendly and the space is open and comfortable. “Along with the aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environment, the unit houses updates that provide benefits for the patients, physicians and staff,” says Buxton. A new high-tech central patient monitoring system allows physicians to access real time progress of their patients via a secured smartphone. “It’s like having the patient’s chart in front of them,” Buxton explains. “Doctors can evaluate a patient’s labor pattern, and if there is an emergency, preparations can be under way for the patient to be ready when the physician arrives.” This technology provides patients with increased safety and a sense of security and peace of mind. The physicians serving WCCH’s labor and delivery unit are Ben Darby, MD, OB/GYN, a member of the WCCH medical staff since 1976, and Scott Bergstedt, MD, OB/GYN, a member of the WCCH medical staff since 1995, both of whom practice at OBG-1 of WCCH. Their team also includes Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Allison Hansen. During a delivery at WCCH, the patient is assisted by a physician and two nurses; one for the mother and one for the baby.
More than Birthing Babies A wide range of services is offered at the Women’s Center at WCCH. In addition to labor and delivery services, they provide routine and high-risk pregnancy care, outpatient monitoring with a physician’s order, educational classes, general gynecological surgeries, and Level II nursery care 16 August 4, 2016
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for infants born between 32-40 weeks gestation. These babies may require help with weight gain, feedings, IV therapy, jaundice treatment, or oxygen therapy. WCCH has a breastfeeding counselor on staff to help mothers who may be having lactation issues or infants who are struggling with breastfeeding. Quarterly breastfeeding classes are also offered. They also have a breast pump rental program, using the most up-to-date Medela hospital-quality pumps and supplies. Childbirth classes are offered online. Expectant couples meet with the childbirth educator to get materials and review how to access the course. They can watch the educational segments that accompany the course in their own home at their convenience. Online classes offer several benefits including convenience and the ability for mothers on bed rest to continue the class, and the ability for each couple to learn at their own pace. Sibling classes are also available to ease the transition for older brothers and sisters who are welcoming a new baby into the family.
Midwifery Services Allison Hansen is a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner at OBG-1 of WCCH. As a midwife, Hansen assists expectant mothers with alternative natural labor and delivery techniques, but also attends and delivers mothers who choose epidurals or medication for pain control. According to Buxton, a large number of all vaginal deliveries at WCCH are assisted by Hansen. “Allison loves her patients, and her patients love her,” adds Buxton. “We have dedicated resources to ensure this option is
LDR Room Vol. 8 • No. 9
available for those who want to take advantage of it,” says Buxton. “What makes midwifery at WCCH so great is that Allison is fully supported by Dr. Darby and Dr. Bergstedt. When needed, she has the expertise of these doctors, as well as the nurses, to assist her.” Delivery rooms were designed with the patients in mind. One delivery room has a spacious modern shower with a bench to help soothe women in labor, while another room has a special tub for women in early labor. Other equipment, such as birthing bars on the beds and birthing balls (like exercise balls that women can lean, sit, or rock on) assist women in labor. Portable fetal monitors allow the patient freedom to get out of bed and walk around. For more information or to schedule a tour of the Sallye Jean Toniette, MD Women’s Center, call (337) 527-4361.
Breast Health Navigation WCCH offers a variety of women’s health services throughout every age and every stage of life, including the Breast Health Navigation team. They provide women with a comprehensive overview, diagnosis, and treatment plan for breast health issues, including cancer. The team is comprised of surgeons, radiologists, certified mammographers, nurses and certified breast health navigators that combine the use of advanced technologies with information from reliable, trusted sources to help women on their journey through their diagnosis. Patient navigation begins with the discovery of an abnormality and continues through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. With an advanced team of physicians, mammographers and certified breast health navigators, the fast track program is designed to give answers, treatment options, compassion, and hope. August 4, 2016 17
The breast health navigators at WCCH are a single point of contact for the patient. They provide support and links to community resources. They help establish and facilitate doctor and consult appointments, and keep patients’ physicians updated of their progress. According to Angie Jones, APRN, CN-BN, breast health navigator and transitional care coordinator, the program has many goals. “A diagnosis of any kind is life-changing,” says Jones. “One of our main goals is to be available to the patient, regardless of the time of day or concern. We’re here to provide education, support, and eliminate any barriers to care,” she says. Breast health navigators work to ensure that all patients with suspicious findings receive timely resolution. “Nothing can be more frightening than knowing an abnormality was found during your exam, and waiting to find out if the abnormality could indeed be cancerous,” says Rhonda Ryker, BSRT (R) (M), CN-BI, breast health navigator. “We work to streamline appointments and paperwork so that if something comes back positive, the issue is resolved promptly and the patient isn’t left waiting or wondering where to go or who to turn to next,” she says. Breast health navigators are dedicated to saving lives by ensuring all patients who have a suspicious finding receive resolution through timely diagnosis and treatment, eliminating barriers to care, assisting with follow-up appointments, and ensuring each patient efficiently moves through the care delivery system. In addition, a variety of cancer support services are available to meet the unique needs of cancer patients and their
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families, including a monthly breast cancer support group called Pink Crusade.
Genetic Testing One of the most recently added services at WCCH is hereditary testing or genetic testing. Genetic testing has many potential benefits. Test results can provide a sense of relief from uncertainty and help allow people to make informed decisions in regards to managing their health care. A negative result may give an increased peace of mind and eliminate unnecessary checkups and tests in some cases. A positive result can direct a person toward available prevention, monitoring and treatment options. A family history is needed to see if a patient qualifies. Testing is done on a small sample of body fluid or tissue, usually blood, but sometimes saliva. This 23-panel test checks for increased risk of eight cancers, including breast cancer, and takes 14-21 days to receive results. Each qualified applicant will be guided through the process with a health navigator and counseling sessions. It’s important to remember that a normal test result does not necessarily mean an individual will not develop breast cancer down the road. “This is where genetic counselors are useful. Since the genetic test is a blood test, it’s fairly simple to get that sample and send it in. However, the most important aspect is their ability to interpret the results along with your family history,” Jones says. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is located at 701 Cypress Street in Sulphur. For more information on the Breast Health Navigation Program, genetic testing, or for more information on resources available to those diagnosed with breast cancer, please call (337) 528-7320. Vol. 8 • No. 9
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Imagination Celebration at the Movies Aug. 27 The Children’s Museum is throwing a celebration! Their annual fundraiser, Imagination Celebration AT THE MOVIES, will be held Saturday, August 27 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. They would love for you to be a part of the fun! Don’t miss the music and fun by the Flamethrowers, Lake Charles’ favorite party band! Enjoy mouth-watering appetizers, entrees and sweets from over 20 of the area’s best restaurants and bakeries, including restaurants like Coushatta Casino Resort, Harlequin, 1910, Botsky’s, Peking Gardens, Pronia’s, Reeve’s
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Uptown Catering and many, many more! There will also be a cash bar. Dress as your favorite movie character or come ready for the red carpet! There will be prizes given away throughout the night. Hal McMillin and Phil de Albuquerque will auction off some fabulous packages and artwork
during the live auction. There will also be unique, must-have items in the silent auctions! Gary Shannon will emcee the event. The Children’s Museum is a vital part of our community and is a resource for area schools and families. The museum is committed to helping at risk children and offers scholarships to children
in Title 1 schools and other area organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Literacy Council, the Women’s Shelter and the St. Nicolas Center. They continually expand their support base and update exhibit areas. For the past 28 years, the children’s museum has provided a safe and educational place to explore, learn, play and imagine while encouraging curiosity and creativity through hands-on programs and exhibits. Part of the money raised this year will go towards refurbishing the Science Central area and increasing special programs and outreach to area families. With help from people like you, they can continue to bring smiles to future generations. Doors open for this adult-only event at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the museum or by phone at (337) 433-9420. Museum hours are Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The museum is located in downtown Lake Charles at 327 Broad Street. For more information on monthly events, birthday parties, memberships and Imagination Celebration, please visit www.swlakids.org. The Children’s Museum will be closed on Saturday, August 27 to prepare for the event. Vol. 8 • No. 9
Tuten Park: Fall Gardening Workshop Series Aug. 11-Sept. 1 Tuten Park’s Fall Gardening Workshop Series will take place on Thursdays from 6–7 p.m., Aug. 11-Sept 1. Space is limited to 25 participants for each workshop. Presenters Pam Langley and Golden Tradewell are local master gardeners and members of the Friends of Tuten Park. All prospective participants are required to register for one or more workshops either online (bit.ly/TutenGarden16) or by contacting the program manager at irvin.louque@cityoflc.us or 491-8770.
Gleaux Run Aug. 5 Get ready to Gleaux on Aug. 5 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater with a fun run 5K. You can run, walk, or crawl, just GLEAUX! Warm up will be at 7:30 p.m., race starts at 8. All registered finishers receive a Gleaux-in-the-dark medal! All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. www.gleauxrun.org.
Operation Kidsafe Event Aug. 6 Keep your child safe! For one day only, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Aug. 6, Operation Kidsafe captures your child’s photo and fingerprints using a digital capture devices and specialized software. The date is assembled and a printout is given to the parent, who can use the info received to provide to law enforcement anywhere in the world to instantly aid in an investigation. All children one year and older and special needs adults are encouraged to attend. Totally free and private. Will be held at Billy Navarre Auto, 1310 E. College St., Lake Charles.
Music Fundraiser for Family in Need Aug. 6 There will be a music fundraiser on Sat., Aug. 6 at Crossroads Church, 338 Hwy. 171 North, Moss Bluff for a family who lost everything in a fire. There will be a cover charge at the door, which opens at 10 a.m. Enjoy free food, beverages and entertainment—even
poetry--throughout the day, including Hip Hop Gospel artist SorLive performing LIVE from 6- 7 p.m. Don’t miss the diversity of sounds and music and come out for a great cause!
Mad Hot Ballroom Aug. 6 Nine local celebrities partnered with dancing professionals will compete for the Mirrorball trophy. An elegant evening at L’Auberge Casino Resort includes a champagne social, fine dining, and entertainment. Open dance floor after the competition until 1 a.m. Black tie preferred. Admission: Reserved table of eight: $1,200. Individual tickets $150. Benefits Whistle Stop’s Dancing Classrooms. (337) 515-9619.
Prêt-à-Portea Fashion Show Aug. 6 Fashion Week Lake Charles presents the Summer Resort Prêt-àPortea fashion show, Sat., Aug. 6, 2016 at the Lake Charles Country Club, located at 3350 Country Club Drive. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fashion Week Lake Charles supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Ticket prices start at $25. Visit www.fashionweeklc.com or contact Julie Branden at info@ fashionweeklc.com.
Whitetails Unlimited Banquet Aug. 13 Whitetails Unlimited is sponsoring the Southwest Louisiana Banquet on Sat., Aug. 13, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Features dinner, auction, and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting and outdoor related equipment, artwork, and collectibles. Proceeds will go toward projects that uphold WTU’s mission. Tickets will not be sold at the door, deadline is Aug. 12. For more information, go to www.whitetailsunlimited.com/events/banquets/lake-charles-la-southwest-louisiana-chapter-banquet.
Friday, August 5: Meet the Dr. Dogs Join us at 11 a.m. and meet the Dr. Dogs Pet Therapy Team! These therapy dogs have wonderful temperaments that provide comfort and affection to people in stressful situations. The group volunteers at retirement and nursing homes, hospitals, McNeese State University, Calcasieu Parish schools, counseling centers and various community events.
Tuesday, August 2: Cool and Crafty Tuesday Kona Ice will be here from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the ArtSpace Workshop as we make wacky aliens. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 25 children, ages 4 and up.
Tuesday, August 9: Cool and Crafty Tuesday Kona Ice will be here from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the ArtSpace Workshop as we decorate a wooden chalkboard. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon. and are limited to 24 children, ages 4 and up.
Thursday, August 4: Mad Hatter Science Join the Mad Hatter, Joan Valle Rettke, at 11:30 a.m. for “Science Out of this World!” This program will consist of hands-on activities exploring our galaxy. The program is limited to 20 children.
Thursday, August 11: Kids Choice This is a workshop to use extra projects that were leftovers from previous workshops and weekly projects. Projects will be available from 10:30 a.m.-noon. on a first-come first-serve basis. Limit one project per child.
Saturday, August 13: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Sasol continues its 5S Project with “Exploring the Human Senses” at 11:30 a.m. Rebecca Sanders will perform demonstrations that include tasting, touching, hearing, seeing and smelling. Tuesday, August 16: Kids Choice If you missed last week’s Kids Choice program, join us. Projects will be available from 10:30 a.m.-noon on a first-come first-serve basis. Limit one project per child. Saturday, August 20: Playdough Build something fun using Playdough from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in the ArtSpace. Saturday, August 27: Imagination Celebration Join us at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum for the 14th annual Imagination Celebration fundraiser! Enjoy an evening just for grown-ups dancing to music from the FLAMETHROWERS! Sample fabulous food from 20+ area restaurants and shop the live and silent auctions! Call 433-9420 to reserve your table or buy tickets today. (Volunteers and sponsors are needed.)
The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street, downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $8.50 for children and adults. Admission applies to all workshops and activities. Call (337) 433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org. 22 August 4, 2016
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August 1,2 Anadarko Conference
August 17 Coastal Protection and Restoration Meeting
August 3 Beatles vs Stones: A Musical Shoot Out August 5 Gleaux Run 5K August 7, 8, 9 Rhea Lana’s Premier Children’s Consignment event
August 19, 20, 21 Jurassic Quest: North America’s Largest Dinosaur Show August 23, 24 Lake Charles Police Department Amber Alert Training
August 8, 9 CPSB Early Childhood In-service August 25 United Way Campaign Kickoff Breakfast August 10 CPSB High School Social Studies In- service August 10 Technical Professional Meeting
August 27 Imagination Celebration Children’s Museum fundraiser
August 13 Whitetails Unlimited Banquet
August 27, 28 Don Rich Gun and Knife Show
August 15, 16 CPSB Early Childhood In-service
August 27 Wendell B Concert
August 16 U.S. Coast Guard Area Committee Meeting
August 27 Order of the Eastern Star Luau
Cowboy Kickoff Dinner and Showcase Aug. 18
Imagination Celebration Aug. 27
McNeese State University will host the second annual Cowboy Kickoff Dinner and Showcase fundraiser for the McNeese Band travel fund Thurs., Aug. 18, in Burton Coliseum. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a barbecue dinner. The showcase begins at 7 p.m. with performances by the Pride of McNeese Marching Band, Cowgirl Kickers and cheerleaders along with guest performances by the Sulphur High School Band of Pride and Twisters Dance Team. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under and are available for purchase Aug. 1-11 at the McNeese Athletics Ticket Office, the McNeese Band Hall Office and the Sulphur High Band Office.
The Children’s Museum’s Imagination Celebration will be held Sat., Aug. 27 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. The evening will feature fabulous food from 20+ area restaurants, auctions, music and dancing. Dress up as your favorite movie character or come ready for the movie premiere as they celebrate Cinema Magic! Go to swlakids. org for more information!
Jurassic Quest Aug. 19-21 Jurassic Quest is coming to the Lake Charles Civic Center—the largest, most realistic dinosaur event on the continent. Enjoy lifesize, animatronic dinosaurs and an exhibit that walks you through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, fossil digs, dinosaur rides, dinosaur cinema, science station, dinosaur bounce houses, and more! For times and ticket information, call (951) 818-5390.
Boozoo’s Labor Day Festival Sept. 5 Our rich musical heritage continues to live on with Boozoo’s Labor Day Festival on Sept. 5 at KC Hall, 503 US-90, Iowa. Come out and celebrate the festival’s 32nd year in grand style and enjoy the sounds of local Zydeco favorites. No ice chests or outside drinks permitted. Doors open at 10 a.m. and music starts at 11 a.m. Admission: $15 at the door, 12 and under free. There will be a blackpot cook-off beginning at 7 a.m. with judging at 10 am. Entry fee is $50 per team, 2 person teams. Team members get in event free. (337) 853-2350.
Boudin Wars Sept. 10
SWLA’s only Arts and Crab festival brings regional cuisine, culture, and art to the forefront at the Burton Complex on Aug. 20 starting at 5 p.m. For a $35 ticket, festival-goers take part in an extensive crab and beer tasting which features area restaurants each offering a crab dish representative of their cuisine’s styles. Dishes are then paired with Louisiana craft brews. Live music, local art displays, and interactive cultural activities will also accompany the event. (337) 439-2787.
Local restaurants and stores will be allowing visitors to sample their boudin recipes and visitors will get to choose the area’s best boudin! Tickets are VERY limited, and must be purchased in advance at the Henning Cultural Center or online at www.brimstonemuseum.org. Each ticket allows the bearer to get a small sample from each boudin vendor. The ticketholder will then be able to cast their vote for their favorite boudin in a “People’s Choice” category. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. @ Henning Cultural Center, 923 South Ruth Street, Admission: $10 (337) 527-0357.
Iowa Arts and Crafts Festival Aug. 27
Stars and Stripes in the Park Sept. 10
The Annual Iowa Arts and Crafts Festival will be held on Sat., Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Iowa Multi Purpose Center located at 207 U.S. Hwy. 90 W in Iowa. Free and open to the public, includes live entertainment by local musicians, arts and crafts demonstrations by local artisans, pony rides, Shriner Clown “Hobo Bill & friends” and more! Free refreshments provided by Coca-Cola and Capital One Bank. (337) 721-7101.
The event will feature hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, trucks, and motorcycles at Heritage Square in Sulphur from 9 a.m-4 p.m. Entry for show vehicles and spectators is FREE. Door prizes will be awarded, with food booths, music, and kids’ entertainment. There will be an awards presentation following the show, featuring Stars and Stripes Beauty Pageant winners. The classic cars and hot rods will be cruising on Ruth Street after the show. (337) 527-4500.
Arts & Crabs Festival Aug. 20
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Star Trek Beyond (Paramount, 2016) In Star Trek Beyond, we get the third (or is it fourth?) installment of the latest adventures of young Captain Kirk, Spock, and friends aboard the Starship Enterprise. Basically, you have Kirk, three years as a Captain, ready to transfer to a desk job. He’s tired, and Priceline Commercials are a long way off. Sorry, wrong Captain Kirk. Anyway, the Enterprise is docked at an outpost metropolis space station called Yorktown for repairs, etc. You know, the crew needs some shore leave.
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As a space city, Yorktown is really cool. Gravity is sort of local, so all the buildings are pointing up, down, all around. This doesn’t keep thousands of pedestrians from walking through the plazas and malls spread in every direction. Anyway, an alien woman with wormy hair magically appears in a spaceship in the sky above Yorktown’s atmosphere. She says she’s escaped a horrible attack and her whole crew is either dead or alive. Everything happened beyond the Nebula. Yes, the Nebula. That’s what
we’re going beyond in this movie. If you go there (to see the movie) get ready for a really uneven ride, to put it mildly. Starting with a cartoonish beginning, Star Trek Beyond moves to a voiceover of Kirk (Jason Pine) ruminating on his last three years in space. The crew has settled in and everything is pretty boring. The problem is, we’re also bored by this time. After the Enterprise leaves Yorktown to go explore beyond the Nebula, the action cranks up to a relentless pace. In maybe 20 minutes of computer graphic space battle, I don’t think a single line of dialogue is spoken, as Kirk and his crew fight for their lives with screams, grunts (I consider aaarrrrgh! a grunt,) and shaky screen. Finally we get to a plot, with a villain with real issues. I won’t go into the details, but let’s just say this guy is a literal parasite. All of our characters, regardless of issues, seem irritated by the bad script they’ve been stuck with. (“Dammit Jim, I’m a Doctor not a fu-aaarrrghh!” Cue the transporter music as Dr. McCoy is sent somewhere else he doesn’t want to go.) The only one who seems to be in a good mood is Scotty (Simon Pegg), constantly beaming. Probably because Simon Pegg got to write all his own lines. Even Spock and Uhura have cooled their romance, although we do get some real humor from Spock’s attempts at being partly human.
Now, let me say that the second half of Star Trek Beyond is much better than the first. Which is to say it becomes tolerable and even entertaining, in a geekish sort of way. I think the real Star Trek fans will love this movie, but for the rest of us, it’s not the best of the series. To me the most entertaining part was when Yorktown went through 30 minutes of a space attack and at the end there were still hundreds of citizens trying to finish their shopping (with their kids in tow!) as they ran across the open plazas. It was like Southwest Louisiana when school is starting. (I don’t care how many ships he has up there. Glue sticks are on sale at Home Depot! Let’s go!) I’ve left out a lot so as not to spoil the ending, so you wouldn’t have any reason to go see this immense yet goodnatured mess. But I think we can safely predict there will be another Star Trek movie after this one. Star Trek Beyond is rated PG-13 for relentless 3D graphic violence and use of the word “horseshit.” (Which nice people like me pronounce “horses hit” every time. Yep.) Enjoy! Vol. 8 • No. 9
Thank You, Teacher
You can read! What a wonderful thing! You can write, too. Math skills come easily, you live with science, history is a passion of yours – and those are all skills that you weren’t born with. No, somebody had to teach you, and in the new book Thank You, Teacher, edited by Holly and Bruce Holbert, you’ll see where to send your appreciation. Holly Holbert believed that there are a lot of teachers that “no one hears about.” Few know the personal and financial sacrifices of teaching, the work or the heartbreak. It was time to remedy that, so Holbert and her husband Bruce, a teacher, asked people from all industries about the educators who impacted their lives. Teachers, said Maya Angelou, give children their voices – even if, according to chef Daisy Martinez, the voice is in another language. Says rocker Gene Simmons, teachers instill self-esteem. Author Chris Offutt writes about libraries, learning, and payback. Says political economist Robert Reich, just one teacher can inspire for a lifetime. Adolescence is hard, and teachers know that. At that Vol. 8 • No. 9
time in a kids’ life, a teacher can be a silent crush, a stoic rock, or a fearsome adult who, says author Derek Alger, probably is “by no means a tyrant,” but who demands discipline anyhow. Teachers make uncanny predictions about their students, and they celebrate student successes. They know when it’s time for nose-to-thegrindstone behavior, and when it’s time to admit that there are things they don’t know. By high school, teachers see adult potential in their kids. They know how to guide a student with natural talents. They know how to keep school fun without losing control. They listen, and they know the skills life demands. As you’ll see in this book, teachers can surprise their students – sometimes, many years after graduation. Some teachers are called “Mom” instead of Missus….. and some are even now called “friend.” What teachers most inspired you? I’ll bet that without a whole lot of trouble, you can name at least two of your own, or perhaps your child’s teacher. Without a doubt, he or she has made a huge difference in your
life, and giving Thank You, Teacher is a great way to show you’re grateful. Editors Holly and Bruce Holbert collected a wideranging group of people from all walks of life, and asked them to tell their stories. Some tales are heartfelt, some are funny, a few of them come with surprises, and all are tied to memories of something a teacher did to impact a young life. Readers will be happy to see that those tales range from grade school to college, proving that you’re never too old to learn from someone who cares. If you’re a student or about to be one, remember this title; you’ll want it for later in the year, at gift-time. If you are an educator, you’ll want to keep this around for those challenging days. And if you just want something that’ll make you
smile, Thank You, Teacher is a book you can read. “Thank You, Teacher” edited by Holly and Bruce Holbert ©2016, New World Library $21.95 / $32.50 Canada 280 pages • • • • • • • • • • • If you’re a teacher, you might also want to look for I Wish My Teacher Knew by Kyle Schwartz. Based on the viral video, this is the story of what a group of third-grade students taught their teacher when they were asked to fill in a very innocent blank: they answered with tough, not-so-innocent words. This book could change your career. Look for it. August 4, 2016 25
By Jody Taylor The Roots of Fire documentary film project is the brainchild of husband and wife team Jeremey and Abby Berendt Lavoi. Currently in the production and casting phase, the couple travel between their adopted home and base of operations in San Francisco, to New Orleans and other hot spots of Louisiana culture where they interview Cajun and Zydeco musicians such as Lil’ Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, the four-time Grammy-nominated Pine Leaf Boys and Grammy winners Feufollet. These groundbreaking artists, among many others, are the current generation of Louisiana French music, based in a culture that’s not only alive and well, but distinct and vibrant, ever evolving from a foundation already rich with history. With Roots of Fire, Abby and Jeremey Lavoi aim to bring Louisiana’s progressive French music and its story to the world. Jeremey grew up right here in the Lake Area, and his wife Abby is originally from Colorado, offering her a complementary outsider’s perspective, along with fresh enthusiasm in exploring Louisiana’s distinctive culture. Having both native and non-native viewpoints are a valuable asset for the Roots of Fire project: “It works really well. Jeremey knows Louisiana, which helps us navigate the stories,” Abby said in a recent phone interview. “And I can see what the rest of the country is going to find interesting, so we highlight that. We don’t know about boudin, but down there, it’s your life.” TeamJADED, the Lavoi’s commercial production company 10 years running, creates all varieties of branded video content, much of it for progressively-minded tech companies around the Bay Area. The couple originally met in the mid 2000’s while working for Al Gore’s pre-YouTube, user-generated content network Current TV, and has since stacked up awards and video production projects with household names like Google and Pandora. Together, the couple is a stacked deck of skills: “We have a well-rounded background for creative writing, lots of TV work, shooting and producing, marketing,” Abby said. “Plus Jeremey’s from Louisiana and I really like gumbo.” Roots of Fire originally grew from Jeremey’s personal migration and ensuing homesickness. After living away from the South for a few years, he began to realize how unique it truly is: “You start to yearn for the culture and realize there’s something special in southern Louisiana,” he said. “We started looking at Louisiana and found these young Cajun bands that were really interesting and dynamic.” Despite the standard backwoods portrayal from most modern media (think Swamp People), “this culture is actually very cosmopolitan,” Jeremey said. “It exists because this overlapping cultural stew went on for hundreds of years, and I don’t think that’s the 26 August 4, 2016
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story people hear about Louisiana, but that’s the story that created and trailblazers. this music.” While researching, the couple was also amazed to discover a Many of their interview subjects attribute this surge of interest large Louisiana presence in northern California around the legin progressive Cajun and zydeco music to the French Immersion endary Queen Ida and Grammy-nominated Zydeco artist Andre program, as well as a small contingent of folks who refused to let Thierry. “The NorCal thing is really interesting because they’re it pass away. from southern Louisiana but from two generations ago,” Jeremey State agencies and cities across Louisaid. “They still identify as Louisiana “Every Cajun band that’s out there surviving siana have invested in tourism. Lafayette Creole, speak French, and play Zydeco right now is bringing in other influences, itself boasts game-changing support music.” not because they feel they have to. systems that cater to young people, like Louisiana’s lifestyle endures, digging We just want to. What really keeps it going Artmosphere and the Blue Moon Sain deep against cultural homogenizais allowing the music to be free.” loon, which offer an inviting and unique tion. “Knowing where the music comes stage for Louisiana bands. NPR station from and the challenges it’s faced, it – Wilson Savoy of the Pine Leaf Boys KRVS loyally supports the community feels like one of the last original Amerithrough its programming. “There’s more access in recent years,” can cultures still living,” Abby said. “We want people in Louisiana Abby said. to really enjoy this film, but we also want people outside of LouiWhile some traditionalists want to preserve our heritage music siana to watch this film and want to go down there, experience it within a glass dome, this growing group of young Louisiana bands themselves. Ours is a culture worth saving, sharing, and freeing.” began introducing fresh new elements: “The musicians playing it For more information on TeamJADED and Roots of Fire (plus today, a lot of them are city kids,” Jeremey said. “They listened to preview videos!), visit the official website at www.rootsoffire.com, indie rock, hip hop, and those are influences in the music they’re then share your email in the “Get Involved” section to receive making right now.” updates. Jeremey and Abby have also interviewed veteran musicians like Any level of donation is needed for development and productwo-time Grammy winner Terrance Simien, who offers a seasoned tion. You can support the film through a PayPal account on the perspective and a context for cultural evolution. site, and tax deductible donations are accepted through fiscal Many of the younger Louisiana musicians are the newest gensponsor NOVAC (New Orleans Video Access Center) at www. eration of a family legacy. Wilson Savoy of the Pine Leaf Boys is novacvideo.org. son of Marc and Ann of the Savoy Family Band, and Lil’ Nathan’s Jody Taylor is the Project Coordinator at the Arts & Humanifather is Nathan Williams of Zydeco Cha-Cha’s fame: torchbearers ties Council of SWLA / jodyt@artscouncilswla.org.
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The Art of
Courtney Prudhomme By Danny Allain JAM: Tell me a little about what you do. CP: I’m a transplant from the mountains of West Virginia and am completely self-taught. My Maw Maw Emma inspired me to have the courage to try anything my heart desired. She learned to cook, play piano by ear, sew, etc., all on her own. My Paw Paw Jess taught himself to be an electrician and could work on anything you put in front of him. You can say it’s in my blood. All the artistic skills I have come from hours of trial and error, practice, and taking in all the info I can get on a particular art form. I do very detailed pen and ink drawings with lots of dimension added with pencil shading. I tend towards abstract but from time to time I do something more realistic. I also make unique jewelry with leather, gemstones, and various metals. My style there is def hippie Bohemian, things I would love to wear myself. I like to offer pieces that can’t be found anywhere else. The name of my business is Namaste Y’all. The Namaste refers to the Zen part of my pen and ink pieces and my Bohemian jewelry, while the Y’all is a nod to my WV upbringing. I offer everything from adult coloring books to jewelry and pen and ink work. JAM: How long have you been creating? CP: Since I could pick up a crayon. As I get older, I refine and narrow the sort of projects I work on so that I can really hone my craft. JAM: Your artwork ranges from pixel art to jewelry to detailed ornate images. What process is your favorite? CP: My favorite right now is definitely the detailed images. I really take my time to plan and sketch things out before I ink them in. I try to use my instincts to put patterns together that not only look right but also help tell a story. I had a piece hanging at Henning House for the Works of Women exhibit that is an outline of the state of Louisiana. So I selected patterns
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that looked like shellfish, beads, long bridges (like the Causeway), a piano, etc. All things relatable to Louisiana. Everything is chosen carefully to “fit” and that’s part of the fun. I recently started doing watercolor backgrounds with inspirational quotes and such with hand lettering . JAM: What different mediums do you use? CP: Pen and ink, watercolors, alcohol ink markers, leather, gemstones, Perler beads, etc. I’ve used practically every supply out there in various projects. I love to experiment and try new things. It’s even more fun to use them in unconventional ways, such as putting pixel art on painted canvases. JAM: Do you find using various mediums easier or more difficult? CP: It’s not really easier or difficult, it just takes practice figuring out the behavior of the mediums and what things work or don’t work together. When I work with watercolor backgrounds, I have to know what sort of pen will work on top of the watercolor. Or, if I do a detailed image first, then I have to see what sort of ink won’t bleed when colors are applied. JAM: Your two boys can often be seen with you selling their own artwork. That’s gotta be a cool feeling, knowing you got them creating and selling their own stuff. CP: It really is awesome. My twin sons Eli and Jay always used to tell me, “Momma I want to be a ‘maker’ like you when I grow up.” As they have gotten older, it was important to my husband and I to help them find something to start as their own business. So, since art is my specialty, and they had the desire to be a “maker” from early on, it just made sense to get them started
with an art business. They started small with rubber band bracelets and as they began to make pixel art with me I handed that side of the business over to them. Plus, when I get booths at different shows, I can give them their own table to sell their stuff. They even have their own business Facebook page: Chub & Bub. JAM: You also head up a group of adult coloring sessions. What’s that about? CP: It’s been a lot of fun and very popular. It’s a monthly gathering (free) at Stellar Beans. I provide a new, exclusive coloring page freebie at every event plus some cool door prizes. I also have some coloring supplies, pages, and my self-published coloring book available for purchase. You can also bring your own coloring books and whatever you color with and we enjoy a couple of hours coloring, drinking coffee, and talking. If you like my business page on Facebook, I create Facebook events where you can keep up with dates and times of future coloring events. I will also be hosting some in Kinder as well as at a new coffee shop that’s opening soon. JAM: Is there anything else that we should know? CP: When you buy art, you aren’t just buying art but investing in someone’s dream. As artists, it’s such a personal thing to share the art that comes from our souls, more so than many might think. So when someone purchases my art it’s an honor. Keeping that in mind, everything I offer is made with great care, thought, and attention to detail. I am happy to make custom items of any of the mediums I work in: one of kind jewelry customized to your tastes, watercolor and ink pieces with your favorite quote, or a more detailed, custom ornate drawing, large and small.
Courtney Prudhomme www.SWLArt.com www.facebook.com/namasteyall222 Courtneymsp@gmail.com
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Thursday, Aug. 4 Rusty Yates 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
The Decades 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC High Rollers 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Paws hte Cat 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Friday, Aug. 5 Rusty Yates 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
No Idea 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder LA Express 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Sunday, Aug. 7 Renn Loren 10:30 a.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan Street, LC
Chester & Jarius Daigle JD’s Whiskey Brunch @ 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Kris Harper & Matt Moss 7 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Swagger 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
Saturday, Aug. 6 Rusty Yates 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Clayton Rougeau & the Wild West Band 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC Philip Griffin 8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
Travis Corbello & Dustin Landry 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Joe Harmon and the Harmonics 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
Joe Harmon & the Harmonics 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
No Idea 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
High Rollers 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
High Rollers 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
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DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
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2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Monday, Aug. 8 Bryan Trahan 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
The Fuse 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Rosalitbone 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. LC
Gotta Catch Them All... In today’s ever-changing world, the ways in which we find entertainment are sure to change just as rapidly. From ancient Greek theater to opera to vaudeville to sock hops to mosh pits and beyond, we can clearly see, even within our own lifetimes, that the ways of providing and enjoying what we find entertaining is limited in its number of incarnations only by the amount of creativity that we possess. Technology has now come to bear heavily in these regards as it creates new possibilities and makes content incredibly accessible. It is the latest of these technical phenoms that has brought me to my writing table today. Ok, yes. I’m talking about Pokemon Go. I Wanna be the Very Best, Like No One Ever Was... Now hold on. Stay with me for a second here. I will preface this by saying that I am NOT a PoGo player, but I am certainly no stranger to the augmented reality game world. In fact, I have spent just shy of the last two years as an active player in its spiritual (and quite literal) father, Ingress, the original international ARG franchise from John Hanke and his team at Niantic Labs, now closing on its fourth year. Being that Niantic based the PoGo 32 August 4, 2016
Tuesday, Aug. 9
Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
map and locations on a direct clone of the Ingress map, not only are Ingressers already familiar with the vast majority of the pokestop and gym locations, but most of those locations worldwide were created and submitted by Ingress players, themselves (we have maps of those, btw). Not only that, but we’re also pretty familiar with Niantic and all its Niantic-y ways having been a part of the massive, active, connected and passionate group of players that is the world of Ingress. For those not familiar, perhaps I should explain. The game play of Ingress is relatively simple. The virtual world is populated with portals that can be attacked, controlled or taken by members of either faction: The Resistance (blue) or the Enlightened (green). When a faction controls multiple portals, they can be linked together if no other existing links block the link. When portals are linked to close a triangle, a control field is created turning the area within the field the controlling factions color. The points gathered from fields determine which faction is in the lead. Simple enough, right? Yeeeeah…no. I mean, it can be if that’s how you choose to play, but the rabbit hole goes way deeper than that. Even with that simplicity, those creative human beings we were talking about earlier wanted to make bigger triangles--and I mean REALLY big. Cities and states are one thing, but agents have fielded countries, continents, oceans, the Arctic Circle and even from Australia
Trivial Tuesdays Live Team Trivia 7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. DJ Verrett/Karaoke 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub
and New Zealand to Antarctica. They found ways to work and communicate on international levels to coordinate the often incredibly detailed operations that require large and secure intelligence networks that operate with high scrutiny to insure that the opposition doesn’t get wind of their plans. This activity has been going on all around us for years now and, to me, this is where the true “augmented reality” begins to happen: in the communities, and through teammates near and abroad. It’s a community that has proven to be one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever been part of. AND it’s even better when you get to meet these friends, and there’s no better way to do that than at an anomaly…. I Will Travel Across the Land... Four times a year, a dozen or so cities spanning the globe welcome thousands of Ingress agents in the live events known as anomalies. In the augmented reality (which is still largely released through social media posts /videos, etc. from Niantic and from the story arc’s character pages on Google Plus), anomalies are massive events related to Exotic Matter, or “XM” which was discovered by the Niantic Project crew via the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland. In the REAL reality, agents work in coordinated teams to win the city (and direct the games storyline) for their respective factions with a four-hour event that will often send agents running through cites Vol. 8 • No. 9
L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC The Fuse 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Wednesday, Aug. 10
Chester Daigle 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
as they attack and defend and watch the second game on their phone jump into real life as they square off against the other faction face to face. I have personally participated in four of these events: on the ground in Austin for “Shonin,” New Orleans for “Abbadon,” San Antonio for “Obsidian” and remotely helping on intel for the Nashville site of “Persepolis” last fall. I am hoping to make my way to either St. Louis or Denver for the next anomaly “Via Lux,” this coming September. So…okay. What does this have to do with Pokemon besides the fact that the same people made it and the maps are basically the same? So what? Well, quite a lot, actually. As it is, the “team element” of PoGo is minimal at best and the live events aren’t expected to be seen for quite sometime (quite a bit longer than originally anticipated due to a player volume that dwarfed even Hanke’s and Niantic’s biggest expectations upon launch). If these other elements take their cue from Ingress as
Chris Miller & The Bayou Roots 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC Lucky Hour Buy One, Get One Drinks 8-11 p.m. @ Texas Longhorn Club 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
well, that promises events that will have Convention and Visitors Bureaus ‘round the world salivating for a PoGo event. We’re talking MAJOR events with potentially tens of thousands of players turning out. Having seen firsthand how big anomalies get and to scale that to the number of PoGo players, it is simply staggering. Then, there’s the team community side of it, as well. Faction and cross faction meet-ups happen everywhere all the time that often aren’t even about playing as much as it is about having a barbeque and just spending time together. Locally, we’ve seen everything from cross faction memorial operations after the passing of a local agent and friend last year to a faction party bus tour down the Cameron coastline here just recently. I see these same things happening in PoGo in time, but I think the game and in many ways the players will have to grow into this new “universe” that Niantic has delivered. Even if it takes awhile to get to that stage, real fans of the franchise will be well met with the big
Brian Moore 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Encore 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush
things that I imagine are in store for them in the days to come. As for me, I wish all those players well, but I just don’t see myself really getting into it. There are some elements that I would like to see carry over to Ingress as far as the app itself goes, but at the end of the day, we’ve already got a larger-than-life world where we get to play and work together and see new places and experience great and wonderful things. We can be a big asset to the new generation of ARG’ers and most agents you find out there will be happy to help you in any way they can. In fact, you may find yourself peering down that same rabbit hole at some point ,and should you choose to follow it down, whether you choose Resistance or Enlightened, you’ll find a great group of locals that will be happy to help you on your way to understand why and how “the world is more than it seems.” I, for one, choose to Resist. I hope you do too! Either way, you tell ‘em Reverend Gonzo sent ya and I hope to see you in the field! It’s time to move, agents...
Something is Happening Here... And now we can snap back into the reality of LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, so put your phones down, chase dat Krabby another day and keep reading.
Saturday, August 6: Mad Hot Ballroom Gala – L’Auberge Casino Resort The annual whirlwind that is the Mad Hot Ballroom Gala is spinning its way into the L’Auberge Ballroom on Saturday August 6 starting at 6 p.m. See local movers and shakers cutting a rug in a showdown that is sure to please! The best thing is that all the proceeds go toward The Whistle Stops Dancing Classroom program. Tons of fun and a great cause to boot? I’d better SEE YOU AT THAT SHOW!
Saturday, July 13: Ron White – Golden Nugget Lake Charles The cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funny man is returning to the Lake City for a night of laughs! The Blue Color Comedy Tour alum will take the stage at 8 pm and tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. If you like to laugh (and who doesn’t?), GO SEE THIS SHOW!
There’s No Better Team... Thanks again for joining us for another edition of the ol’ JMLC! If you are interested in joining the local Ingress community or finding out more about it, you can find the SWLA Resistance by searching “SWLA Ingress Resistance” on Google+ or the SWLA Enlightened by visiting ingress.servegame.org. For Justin Morris’ Lake Charles, I’m Justin Morris. I’LL SEE YOU AT THE SHOW! Vol. 8 • No. 9
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Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Orphan Annie 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Thursday, Aug. 11 Kevin Lambert 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Joe Harmon & the Harmonics 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Throwback Thursday and Lucky Hour Buy One, Get One 8-11 p.m. @ Texas Longhorn Club 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
3-H-G 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC ENCORE 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Crush 10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Friday, Aug. 12 Kevin Lambert 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort
777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Ron White
Double Play DJ 8 p.m. @ Texas Longhorn Club 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office.
Wynonna & the Big Noise 8:30 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office. Flamethrowers 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder LA Express 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton 3-H-G 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC ENCORE 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
LA Express 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton ENCORE 9 p.m.– 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Orphan Annie 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ CaGe 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Tugboats 10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Sunday, Aug. 14
Saturday, Aug. 13
10:30 a.m. @ Blue Dog Cafe 609 Ryan Street, LC
Kevin Lambert 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC 34 August 4, 2016
Flamethrowers 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Michael Krajicek Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC Vol. 8 • No. 9
Chester & Jarius Daigle 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC JD’s Whiskey Brunch Monday, Aug. 15 @ 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Kris Harper 5-9 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Brittany Pfantz 7 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC QRISIS 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
Kenneth Espree 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Jim Payne 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Mickey Smith 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Trivial Tuesdays Live Team Trivia 7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. Back to School Cash Bash 5 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton DJ Verrett 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Tuesday, Aug. 16 Kevin Lambert 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
The Strangers 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Wednesday, Aug. 17 Chester Daigle 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Chris Miller & The Bayou Roots 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC Michael Kracijek 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Rapture 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
By Brian Pitre Raul Julia, Mark Twain, Winston Churchill: we have all heard the stories about famous men and their deep affection for premium cigars. From harvest to hand, their love for the leaf is one that has withstood the test of time and is now idolized through quotes. While we can quote famous cigar-smoking men from foot to head, we rarely hear about women who know their smoke. Tobacco enthusiast and local business owner, Robbin Halker, not only knows her way around a humidor; she owns the largest walk-in humidor in Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Halker opened the doors of her brick and mortar cigar club in 2006 shortly after recovering from Hurricane Rita, and has been drawing a buzz ever since. Paying close attention to detail, she and her family have hand-crafted a special blend of well-trained professional tobacconists and a top-notch lounge and cocktail bar, wrapped tightly together with the perfect atmosphere for every cigar lover. The Cigar Club of Lake Charles staff prides themselves on being the most knowledgeable team in the area, specializing in cigars, pipes, tobaccos, e-cigarettes and hookah products. They are celebrating their 10-year anniversary this year with a huge event coming up in November called “Decade,” which will be packed with guest appearances, prize giveaways, live art, and much more! The club is revving up to kick off another amazing 10 years, and Halker couldn’t be more ready to stake her claim in history books as one of the women known for her love of cigars without ever taking a puff. Cigar Club, 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., Ste. 5, Lake Charles (337) 562-8889, www.cigarclublakecharles.com, www.ccvaporlakecharles.com, Facebook: LACigarClub, C.C.VAPOR
Vol. 8 • No. 9
August 4, 2016 35
Thursday, Aug. 18 Amanda Walker 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Backyard Boys 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Rapture 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC GoGo Dolls 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Paws hte Cat 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Friday, Aug. 19 Amanda Walker 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Vince Gill 8:30 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day begin-
ning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office.
BB & Company 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
BB & Company 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
GoGo Dolls 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Safira 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
GoGo Dolls 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
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
Safira 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Rapture 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
LA Yard Dogs
Iceman Special
10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Saturday, Aug. 20 Amanda Walker 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Kellie Pickler 8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office. 36 August 4, 2016
John Cessac 8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St. LC DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Sunday, Aug. 21 Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC
Chester & Jarius Daigle JD’s Whiskey Brunch @ 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Vol. 8 • No. 9
Vol. 8 • No. 9
August 4, 2016 37
Dr. Dale Archer, Wendy Lastrapes, and Kitty and David Decareaux Lisa Yates and Lauren Abate
Kelley and Trent McCarthy with Danielle Trostorff
MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER It was a night of food, fellowship and epic Jazz as the Memorial Hospital Foundation served up an evening to remember at Lake Charles’ beloved Pioneer Club. Dinner was accompanied by a very special musical ensemble featuring clarinet virtuoso Ken Peplowski. It was a great night for a great cause!
Nancy Coffey, Christy Blalock & Page Coleman
Dr. David and Darlene Wallace
Dennis and Mary Donald with Kevin and Susan Young
LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 58 @ GOLDEN NUGGET Legacy Fighting Championship 58 turned the Golden Nugget Ballroom into a battleground for local and regional fighters. The preliminary rounds offered up a number of fights and at 9 p.m., the fights went live on AXS TV with the Main Event and Light Heavyweight title going to undefeated Robert Drysdale. It was a big and entertaining night at the Nugget!
Charisse Chafin and Zach Hayes
Lagwen and Kalem Miller 38 August 4, 2016
Kim Geraci and Steven Madden
Dan Grantham and Cody Downs
Eric Reeves, Russell Cox, Billy Nelson, Stephan Stanton and Cordell Walter Vol. 8 • No. 9
26TH ANNUAL MARSHLAND FESTIVAL After 26 years, the Marshland Festival continues to draw folks for a weekend of music, dancing and some of the best Cajun cooking around! As always, the proceeds go to help numerous youth and public organizations throughout Hackberry and beyond. Aiii Yee! Luke Rougeau and Sydnee Guillory
Jolene and Lauren John with Holly Simmons
Kayla and Charlie Ortego, Myla and Zach Gonzales with Piper and Drew Hyatt
David Kaye (Nash 97.9) and Ashley (KYKZ 96)
Brandy and Johnny Picard, Crystal Rogers with Misty and Cody Tyler
CRYING EAGLE BREWERY SOFT OPENING EVENT The long-awaited Crying Eagle Brewery has had a series of soft openings in advance of their grand opening, but that hasn’t slowed down the bevy of beer drinkers already lining up for a pint. Good people, a beautiful brewery and some killer suds in the pint glass made for a great evening. Cheers!
Jody Taylor and Amy Perkins
Dean Domec and Raybo Marlow Vol. 8 • No. 9
Brandon and Amanda Cooksey
Johnathan Jones, Joe Kraska, Corey Parker, Justin Knoll and Lauryn Sudduth August 4, 2016 39