December 1, 2016 • Volume 8 • Issue 16
715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262
On Cover: Russell Pawlowski
COVER STORY 14 Cooks vs Cons: Russell Pawlowski Takes On New York!
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www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Contributors Nicole Shuff Arabie George Cline Dan Ellender Jason Machulski Mike McHugh Roger Miller Justin Morris Terri Schlichenmeyer Adam Sibille Sales lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk
REGULARS 6 We are SWLA! 8
Dang Yankee
9
Tips from Tip
9
Adoption Corner
10 Huntin’ Tales 12 Tales of the Bayou Pickers 13
Soul Matters
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FEATURES 4 The Felix Vail Trial
THE SPICE OF SWLA 20 Event Guide 23 Delta Downs’ Trees of Hope
Business Office Manager Jeanie Rourk
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24 Scion eSports Tournament 26 Family Fun Night at the Movies
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27 Bookworm Sez… 28 Nightlife Guide 30 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles 34 Society Spice 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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Uncle Ricky Uncle Ricky. When I say his name, it makes me smile. Enrico Visco met my mother’s sister Gloria on a blind date. He claims he was sitting in a rocking chair on his friend’s porch, and when she walked gracefully up the steps—with her long legs and beautiful smile and innate elegance—he stopped rocking. They went dancing that night, at one of the supper clubs that was prevalent in Boston after the war. My aunt Gloria said she doesn’t remember leaving the dance floor for the entire evening. She was on air. So was he. The rest is history. Ricky was a character. He loved to laugh and explore new places and learn new things. He would talk to anyone, and talk their ear off. He was especially fascinated with science, astronauts and outer
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space. I will never forget that hot July evening in 1969 when we all gathered to watch Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. Ricky was glued to the TV. Mesmerized. He kept shaking his head. “Can you believe this?” He’d say, over and over, to no one in particular. When the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey came out, he was one of the first to see it, and talked about it at length (I remember a long discussion he had with my cousin Karen’s then-boyfriend Gene). Ricky ended up satisfying his thirst for astronomical knowledge by becoming a member of the New England Telescope Club, where a bunch of super-geeks got together and actually made their own telescopes. Ricky was beside himself. He had found his kindred spirits and made sure we all came along
for the ride. I remember going to picnics and star-gazing events. Nights at the Museum of Science’s Planetarium! Guys wearing big glasses and pocket-protectors over for dinner! He kept trying to fix Karen up with someone, anyone, from the club but she wasn’t having any of it, even if a few of them had degrees from MIT. We had more laughs with Ricky. I’ll never forget the time he brought home a Christmas tree that was a little sparse on one side. So he cut some branches from the fuller side and tried to glue them on the other side of the tree. He was up on a ladder, not paying attention, when he lost his footing and fell into the tree. Down he and the tree went, with Richard and I laughing hysterically and Gloria yelling from the kitchen. Ricky would get excited about everything, and his enthusiasm was contagious. One year, he created an ice-skating rink in our backyard, spraying water every night over the ice formed by melting snow that had frozen again. All the kids in the neighborhood came over with their skates and we had a blast, until my Aunt Jeannette decided we were having way too much fun and put a stop to it. He and Gloria had a lot of adventures. They drove across the country several times to visit Karen when she moved to Arizona, taking weeks to return home
as they explored America. But their main enjoyment was dancing. Every Saturday night they would be out, and when old age finally put a stop to that, they were inconsolable. Karen finally moved them out to Arizona when they could no longer care for themselves—a move they never really got used to. When Gloria passed away two years ago, after over 65 years of marriage, he was never the same. The last time I saw Uncle Ricky was last month, in Arizona, where we celebrated his 97th birthday. He was in a group home where he was well-cared for, and the staff loved him. I held his hand and we talked about old times. I hugged him goodbye and watched the aide take him away. He turned back and blew me a kiss, and I knew that would be the last time I would ever see him. Rest in peace, Uncle Ricky. You’re a star now.
Lauren Abate
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By Lauren Abate On Aug. 12 of this year, Felix Vail was found guilty of the murder of his wife, Mary Horton Vail, 22, whose body was found in the Calcasieu River on Oct. 28, 1962. Andrew Casanave of Lake Charles represented Vail at his trial. He spoke to The JAM recently about the case.
Felix Vail
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JAM: You were asked to represent a very controversial defendant. What were your misgivings when you took on the case?
I know : flawed. My clients are not presented to the public as someone’s child, someone’s sibling, someone’s beloved. The guilty are presented based on the worst thing they ever did. The not guilty AC: I had no misgivings about are presented based on someone’s having the case. I represent peoincorrect opinion of what is beple that the government wants to brand as horrible monsters. In my lieved to be the worst thing they experience, the majority of my cli- ever did. There was a legendary criminal ents are mostly like everyone else defense lawyer in Texas named Stuart Kinard. His description of the work he did, and I do, was: “Protecting the Lord’s children who have fallen short of perfection from the wrath of those who believe they have attained it.” The most unique difficulty I saw in the beginning was that the people of Southwest Louisiana, Mr. Vail’s jury pool, were tainted by a barrage of media claims, all driven by either the District Attorney, the Sheriff, or Jackson, Mississippi writer Jerry Mitchell. One month before Mr. Vail was arrested in Texas, Lee Peck ran a story about him on KPLC. I don’t even know how Mr. Peck would have known about Mr. Vail, his wife, or other women in his life. Someone fed him that story and their reason was self-serving. I actually represented Mr. Vail twice. Shortly after he was arrested and extradited I represented him. Later, he hired Ben Cormier. Eventually, Ben got off the case and it came back to me. In the early part of the case, every motion filed or hearing held led to the District Attorney or one of his assistants appearing on camera to tell the viewers more horrible things that should never be heard Vol. 8 • No. 16
by a jury. Some of them were debunked and the debunkings never got the coverage. I particularly recall a double murder in Starkville, Mississippi. There were press (including Internet) blasts about the accusation. Felix Vail was cleared of those murders by DNA testing. I’m certain that almost nobody remembers hearing about his exoneration. When I got the case back, things were quieter until a few weeks before the trial. Mr. Vail was arrested for “ReckJAM: You objected to Vail being less Operation.” A grand jury was apparently presented the case in painted as a serial killer. Why is January 1963. They did not indict that? him. The lead detective and one of AC: Because I know of no the toughest ADAs at the time who standard by which one could had a reputation for being thorough fairly call him a serial killer. To were still investigating in 1971. my knowledge, exactly one perUntil 2013, he was never charged son died from his actions, and that could have been an accident. with murder. The only thing that changed was the story of the two Mary Vail died on October 28, other women. If anything, the Mary 1962. The only opinion from exVail case, standing alone, was much perts who actually examined her body was an accidental drowning. weaker than it was in 1963, when the grand jury did not indict him. Two other women who, with Mr. All the contemporaneous evidence Vail, lived outside society’s norms, was lost. All the investigators were and who both traveled under false dead. The case could not be better identities (which was easy before 54 years later. 9/11 and the Internet), could have easily slipped into those identiJAM: You mentioned that there ties and disappeared from their are only two photos of Mary Vail’s pasts. I never even had a fake ID body. Surely there should have for alcohol purposes, and I knew been more? how to “become someone else” by AC: I know two things that conmy sophomore year in high school. vince me there were quite a few Back then, it was actually easy if more pictures. First, the detectives in you knew a few things. There re1962 treated it like a murder. They mains no proof that those women therefore would have taken as many are dead. pictures as they considered necessary. There would have been pictures JAM: Vail was arrested for Mary of her, where and how the body was Vail’s murder at the time of her found, and of the surrounding area. death, but he failed to be indicted Second, as a professional phoby a grand jury at that time. What tographer’s son from that era, most changed through the years? AC: She wasn’t murdered. I think film was purchased in rolls. As long as I can remember, there were 12, she tragically died in an accident. Vol. 8 • No. 16
24, and 36 exposure rolls. I cannot imagine them not finishing a roll investigating the death, possibly murder, of a beautiful young woman. Eastman Kodak does not donate film. As kids, we had our pictures taken when Dad had a couple of shots left on a roll. Once the film was removed from the camera, any unused shots were wasted film. A new case would involve a new roll just to avoid confusion. JAM: You asked for a change of venue, but that was denied. The jury deliberated less than an hour before returning with their verdict. Clearly, your client would have had a better chance elsewhere. What are your thoughts on this? AC: I’m not going to answer that because the issue is possibly coming up on the appeal. JAM: What else do you want readers to know about the trial and the outcome? AC: First, I work in a great office. In spite of the fact that we are broke and the DA has millions of dollars in reserves, we make them work harder than they want to, and occasionally we beat them. I didn’t try this case alone. The entire office contributed to that defense. I was captain of a ship that had a great crew. Everyone from District Defender Harry Fontenot, through David LeBlanc, a law student who interned with us last summer made the defense better. Most notably, Joshua Monroe, who was my second chair attorney and who handled all the forensic science in the trial, was invaluable. If the unsubstantiated stories about the other two women had not been presented, I am fairly certain that Felix Vail would not have been convicted. December 1, 2016 5
Sulphur, earned the Class 3 (201-400 employees) award. The 2016 SAFE awards mark the 20th year that the SAFE Project has quantified safety practices and results at LCA member companies. For more information about the SAFE program, visit the SAFE program website at www.LCASafe.org.
CSE Food Drive a Success
Hunter Dedicares Scholarship to McNeese Professor During the Harlequin Steaks & Seafood’s 60th anniversary, owner Nic Hunter dedicated his McNeese history scholarship to Dr. Robert Forrest, a celebrated professor of history at McNeese State University. Hunter has funded the scholarship for several years by donating his salary as a Calcasieu Parish Police Juror. This year, he wished to name the scholarship in Dr. Forrest’s honor. For more information on the Dr. Robert Forrest History Scholarship, call Nic Hunter at (337) 310-0077.
The CSE Federal Credit Union Canned Food Drive held during the month of November was a success. During the drive, CSE collected canned goods to help those less fortunate in SWLA. By working together, 753 canned goods were collected to provide meals for many of the needy. CSE will distribute the canned goods collected during the food drive to The Lord’s Outreach Ministry, which ministers to local shelters for homeless men, women, and children. For more information about CSE, contact Colleen DesPam Rivers, CSE marketing assistant; Colleen Desselle, CSE selle at (337) 562-3130 marketing director; and The Lord’s Outreach representatives or email cdesselle@ John Miller, Jessica Moulds and Kaitlyn Markham. csefcu.org.
WCCH Honors Two Employees
Nic Hunter and Dr. Robert Forrest
CHRISTUS Receives Heart Failure Accreditation CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Heart Center has received full Heart Failure Accreditation status from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. SCPC’s Heart Failure Accreditation helps facilities manage the heart failure patient population more effectively and efficiently; reduce readmissions and improve patient outcomes. Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Approximately 5 million adult Americans have heart failure. In addition, heart failure patients account for 12 to 15 million physician’s office visits per year, 6.5 million hospital days, and a cost of over $21 billion per year.
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently recognized its September and October Employees of the Month for 2016, Courtney Henagan, RN, and Lindsey Hamilton, COTA. Henagan serves as a registered nurse in the hospital’s Women’s Center where she provides exceptional care to patients and also assists in the training and mentoring of new nursing staff. She has been with the organization for 10 years. Hamilton, who has been with WCCH for Courtney Henagan Lindsey Hamilton 12 years, serves as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in WCCH’s Physical Medicine department where her compassionate and caring nature has made her invaluable to the team.
LAMC Welcomes New Human Resources Director
SWLA Plants Earn Top Safety Awards The Louisiana Chemical Association announced that six of the state’s chemical plants have earned the association’s highest honor as winners of the “Best in Louisiana” SAFE Award, with two in Calcasieu Parish. The Class 4 (over 400 employees) winner goes to Westlake Chemical Corporation in Sulphur. GRACE, also located in 6 December 1, 2016
Hope Leedom Prather
Hope Leedom Prather has been named director of human resources at Lake Area Medical Center. Prather obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University and a Master of Science in human resource management from Central Michigan University. She brings 12 years of experience in human resources and 11 years of healthcare leadership to Lake Area Medical Center. Prather’s major responsibilities include the day-to-day operations and oversight of the human resource department.
CITGO Employees Raise Money for United Way CITGO Lake Charles Refinery employees recently raised 15 percent of the United Way SWLA regional goal of $4 million for Vol. 8 • No. 16
the organization to provide essential programs and services to the SWLA community. The funds were raised by CITGO employees during the refinery’s annual CITGO United Way campaign. The 2016 Give Today Change Tomorrow campaign took place on-site during September and October and raised a grand total of $621,266.32. CITGO Petroleum Corporation employees contribute to United Way at each of the company’s refineries in Lake Charles, Corpus Christi, Texas and Lemont, Illinois. CITGO Lake Charles continues to be the largest benefactor of the United Way SWLA, having donated more than $14 million since 1975.
McNeese Donation A $20,000 donation has been made to McNeese State University through the McNeese Foundation to establish the Samuel Y. Pruitt Scholarship. Virginia K. Pruitt has donated $15,000 to the scholarship and Samuel Y. “Sam” and Susan Pruitt have donated $5,000.
Memorial Honors Dr. Condos Lake Charles Memorial Health System has completed renovations and upgrades to its non-invasive cardiology unit located on the 3rd floor of the hospital’s main campus. It was recently renamed in honor of William R. Condos, Jr., M.D., FACC, FACA, FSCAI, FASA, retired cardiologist who served as Medical Director of Cardiology from 1997-2012, and was an integral part of Memorial’s Cardiology Services for almost two decades. Memorial’s non-invasive cardiology focuses on the detection and treatment of heart disease, using external tests to evaluate and diagnose cardiac disorders.
L to R: Richard Reid, VP/university advancement; Susan Pruitt, Virginia K. Pruitt and Sam Y. Pruitt. McNeese Photo
AAF Donates to SOWELA
L to R: Dr. Christopher Thompson; Board Member Mark Abraham; Board Member Louis Todd; Memorial CEO Larry Graham; Dr. William R. Condos, Jr.; Memorial Chief Medical Officer Dr. Manley Jordan; Unit Director Michelle Smith
Jada Hoffman, president of the Lake Charles Chapter of the American Advertising Federation, presented a check for $1,500 to Dr. Neil Aspinwall, chancellor of SOWELA Technical Community College. The funds are dedicated to support student success through an endowed scholarship for students pursing a degree in graphic art.
Jada Hoffman, AAF, presents check to Dr. Neil Aspinwall.
IBERIABANK Teaches Big Savings to BBBS Littles iBERIABANK launched its first ever Summer Savings Program during the Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA summer program this year. Employees from iBERIABANK volunteered to introduce BBBS-SWLA Littles to financial literacy, encompassing money management, writing checks, and the importance of savings. The classes took place over the entirety of the eight-week summer program and covered six individual lessons. Littles also received play money for good behavior and were taught how to spend and budget when iBERIABANK hosted an auction in July with real-life auctioneer, Hal McMillin. Vol. 8 • No. 16
December 1, 2016 7
The Old Cave A house can be a hard thing to part with if you’ve lived in it for a long time. As time goes by and you decorate it and fill it with all your stuff, it becomes an extension of your personality. It doesn’t matter if you’re the sort of person where friends would rather spend an evening clipping their toenails and following auctions of Pez dispensers on eBay than spend it with you, it’s still your personality, and you’re comfortable with it. That’s they way it is with my house, which I’ve been in now for over a decade. I like the look it’s taken on over the years, one that I like to refer to as the “lived-in” look. It’s a look that I see as comfortable, one where you feel
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good taking your shoes off and putting your feet up. It’s quite opposite the look of those showcase houses you see in the real estate section of the newspaper. Those look more like museums than houses, with chairs you would feel too afraid to sit in and bathrooms you wouldn’t dare use, even to just comb your hair in the mirror. All you can really do in such houses is stand around and admire the draperies. It wasn’t until I decided to put my house on the market that I learned what the term “lived-in” really meant. That’s when I brought in a realtor. Realtors, being in the business of actually trying to sell your home, are obliged to
be brutally honest with you. Not like your friends, who will compliment you on your décor when they visit in the hopes that you will keep your bar open. When the agent came to look the place over, I learned through the context of the discussion that the “lived-in” look is really akin to “carnival funhouse.” As we led her through, she ticked off issue after issue regarding the walls, f loors, ceilings, fixtures, etc., Mostly ever ything she referred to as “dated,” saying it as if the kitchen wallpaper had gone out of style around the time that plumbing had been brought indoors. Of course, it’s easy for a realtor to give you a big list of things to update in order sell your house. That’s because she doesn’t have to do any of it. All she has to do is get in her late-model SUV and drive off to her next client, giving them an equally long list of things to fix, after which she checks on the closing price of her Sherwin-Williams stock. After talking to the realtor, I was sure that my “lived-in” look was one that no potential buyer, not even Herman Munster,
would appreciate. And since Herman Munster is strictly a fictitious character, I decided I’d better get busy. Now, I don’t know a whole lot about home remodeling, but fortunately, in this day and age, we have YouTube. There you can find videos on how to do anything, up to and including how to build a Mars rocket. Sure enough, I found a video demonstration on how to remove wallpaper. It showed some guy spraying stuff on the walls and then peeling the paper off in huge sheets. He made it look easier than peeling a banana. I duplicated his exact method with my kitchen wallpaper, but unfortunately, the job was more like peeling a potato than a banana, the paper coming off in confetti-sized strands. On YouTube, it seems, seeing is not believing. So that’s where I am now in the process of trying to sell my house. At the rate my work is going, the house will again be “dated” by at least three cycles by the time it’s done. Either I’ll need to find a wall color that never goes out of style or hope that a few cavemen are in the housing market. Vol. 8 • No. 16
national campaign season is behind us. This has been the most irregular The holiday season has begun election season in anyone’s memory. and shoppers are out and about making their purchases. It’s time It matters not whom you voted for; I to rethink your shopping safety ; really hope you participated and exthe bad guys have 24/7 to plan ercised your franchise. About half of their actions while you have the country is happy, the other half is not. That is just the way it is for mere seconds to react. all of us, even more so this election. Personal awareness is the biggest factor on It is time to look to the future and get this nation together again. There your side. Don’t let will always be some conflict, some your focus get disdisagreements, but we need to have tracted; make sure a functioning government with comyou are always conscious of your surround- promise and stability. There have been elected officials that I felt were ings as you return to your wrong and some I really thought vehicle. Park in a highly visible spot and be aware of vehicles that were the right ones to lead us, not only at the national level but in state block your line of sight. Rememand local bodies as well. ber, the evildoer has planned it The obstructionism in Washingout with your money as the goal ton needs to cease and responsiand will not hesitate to take adTurkey Gravy Tip ble heads need to work together to vantage of an unwary shopper. The Many of us routinely make stock out legislate workable programs and sheriff and marshal’s offices go to of our chicken bones. Since we have laws that will provide the maximum great lengths to provide an addijust finished Thanksgiving, the turkey benefit for all of us. Our Constitutional level of safety, but they canbones make for a really great stock, as not be everywhere. (You might want tion was crafted by extremely wise well. Some use the stock for a turkey men that foresaw a republic that to thank them when you see them.) gumbo if that is their preference. We Responsibility falls upon us to look would be able to be viable, not only have occasionally made gumbo, but for the last 200 plus years but for out for our own safety. Before you the turkey stock is also useful for exit a building, stop and survey your centuries to come. The stalemates in making the gravy for the next turboth Washington and Baton Rouge surrounds; do not let yourself get key dinner. I just boil the bones with into a position of danger where you have not provided a stable situation, some celery tops with leaves, parsley, are a vulnerable prey. Please be safe. which has fostered increasing divisalt and pepper and freeze it for the sion in our society. It is time for us Christmas turkey gravy. And, the to come together for the common Christmas bird makes the stock for The Blessings of Liberty good. I wish all our elected officials next Thanksgiving’s gravy; just packNow that the elections are althe very best and hope that they will age it tight and freeze it. You have most over, we still have a Senator put aside animosity and work for us already paid for the bones, so why not and a Congressman to be voted on; to “insure the blessings of liberty to put them to use? but thankfully, the rest of our long ourselves and our posterity.”
Be Aware Out There
This little senior Yorkie mix girl joined us a couple of weeks ago. She was found wandering, alone, in a mobile home park and looked like she had been “on the road” for a while. She had no tag and was not microchipped. After a good bath, she settled into her foster home like she had been there forever. She is around 7-8 years old and, once she realizes she is safe, she is very social and interacts well with her person(s). She also loves to snuggle at night. She is now spayed, heartworm negative, and fully vetted. She is ready to find her forever home. If you are in need of a new BFF, call (337) 244-4563 or email lapaw@bellsouth.net. Home visit and vet check required prior to all adoptions. Vol. 8 • No. 16
December 1, 2016 9
Photos by Chris Romero
‘Tis The Season
The white board at Jim Bel’s Hackberry Hilton Hunting Lodge told me what I needed to know. Limits. Limits. Limits everywhere. Every day. All the blinds. Now, on this fourth day of waterfowl season, retired Army Major and McNeese professor George S. Kuffel and I ventured forth for our 46th year of hunting together. It was un-duck weather, clear and mosquito warm with a slight southeast wind that barely moved the decoys. My pipe lit, I expect-
Santa Charlie and Roger 10 December 1, 2016
ed little despite the white board every-blind-limits proof. As the first teal set into our decoys, I mumbled, “Oh ye of little faith.” Three teal splashed down. An hour and a half later, we had 15 more ducks and our hunt was over. We loaded up and headed in at 8:07. I noted at the wharf that all the other boats were in ahead of us and it wasn’t even 8:30 yet. George and I had been afield one more time. That was a blessing, but the greatest thrill was yet to come. Arriving by a Ford Excursion sleigh was my best friend for 48 years, Santa Charlie Crady and his two sons, Chad and Chris. If you read my column last year, “Teal Hunting With Santa,” you’d already know that Santa Charlie and his wife Meg, Mrs. Claus, along with their granddaughter elf Maddie, play the Claus Family for the Christmas season in and around Houston. Thus, Santa has to arrive before Thanksgiving as they are always booked up for the Christmas season. The Crady bunch and I had had some marvelous hunts when I was at Lacoste Lodge. Now, after a 20-year hiatus, the boys, now men, were set to renew our days afield. This time, they were to have the Jim Bel’s Lodge experience their Dad had told of. They probably didn’t quite believe Dad. But nothing can truly prepare you for the hundred some odd mounts hanging from the ceiling, the delightful appetizers, the fine cuisine supper or the hunt that follows that morning. But before all that, we headed out before the cold front’s arrival to fish. The boys had a delightful time and Chris even caught one fine red fish. The rest were throw backs. With the impending arrival of the first real cold front of the season, we headed in to watch the gun barrel gray front line’s lightning show in the safety of the great room. The guys and I heartily munched on appetizers, the meatballs of which were the best the Cradys ever had. Chad even pried the recipe from the cooks. Vol. 8 • No. 16
My hunting lodge podna for 20 years, Dr. Alan Lacoste, ophthalmic laser surgeon for The Eye Clinic, had been there when I had hunted with Major Kuffel three days prior. Alan kindly agreed to return Friday to surprise and renew his friendship with Santa Charlie and his sons. After a delightful baked teal supper we gathered in the great room to share old times that were not forgotten. Then it was off to bed. After a leisurely two grande cups of Community Dark Roast Coffee, Charlie, I and guide Blaise McCoy made the short ride to the launch. When we got to the blind, we Chad Crady, me, Chris Crady & Santa Charlie barely had time to load our guns before the first flight set into the high north wind and hovered over the decoys. We Lodge Experience. And I, well I’m still smiling contentbrought three ducks down and the war began. Almost as fast edly. When your best friend is Santa Charlie and his sons as we could load we brought down ducks. Charlie had to have the hunt of a lifetime, you know Jim and I gave them adjust to his friend’s shotgun, but soon was back to his old the seasonal “cup of kindness that will not be forgot.” knock ‘em dead self. Blaise’s Lab had cut her paw earlier so it was up to him to play retriever. Forty-five minutes into the hunt, he took the GoGator powered bateau and went to round up the ducks. Charlie and I missed an easy decoying shot while he was out. “How many do we have?” I asked. “Sixteen,” Blaise replied. With two more ducks to go, Blasie had barely had time to reload before he decoyed two pintail drakes. Bang! Bang! Two came down and our hunt was over. It had been a “they’re everywhere, they’re everywhere” day. To my surprise I was once again the last boat in. Surely, no one could have had a better hunt. They all had, especially Chris and Chad. Their hunt lasted 22 minutes. As Chad told me, with Chris emphatically nodding in agreement, it was the best hunt they had ever had. But the Jim Bel experience wasn’t over yet. Next came the sharing by the other hunters about their truly marvelous hunts. Six blinds and each blind had a three-man limit, 18 ducks. Pictures of exhilarated hunters in front of the Jim Bel’s Hunting Lodge sign with all the limits on display were next. The piece de resistance was a hardy and delightful brunch where all diners swapped tales of their special hunt while gorging ourselves on a veritable cornucopia of breakfast cuisine. Satiated and happily weary, it was time for us to leave. Chad headed back to Rio Plato Management of Austin and Chris to Houston’s Hunting Energy Services. And Charlie, well, it was time to exchange camo for Santa suit red as “Ho! Ho! Ho!” replaced quacks. They’d all had their early Christmas treat, the Jim Bel Vol. 8 • No. 16
December 1, 2016 11
Pocket Change
A while back, I wrote an article on collecting coins. This time, I decided to go a bit further into it and fill you in on current circulation pocket change that could bring in big bucks. I list each coin and a bit about how to identify each one. Won’t be a typical write up, but more of a guidebook for a picker’s use in the field. 1. 1969-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse This coin is exceedingly rare. The early specimens were confiscated by the Secret Service until the U.S. Mint admitted they were genuine. Counterfeits abound, but usually have the wrong mint mark. How to Detect: Look for clear doubling of the entire obverse (“heads” side) except for the mint mark. If the mint mark is doubled, it is probably a case of strike doubling, rather than a doubled die, which isn’t worth much. (Mint marks were punched in the dies separately in 1969, after the doubled die itself had already been made.) Approximate Value: Around $35,000 or more. 2. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse As with virtually all true doubled die varieties, only one side of the coin shows doubling. If both sides exhibit doubling, the coin probably exhibits strike doubling instead, and is worth little.
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How to Detect: The rarer small date variety is most easily distinguished from the common type by the weakness of LIBERTY. The doubled die obverse is best demonstrated by doubling in LIB and IN GOD WE TRUST. Approximate Value: Around $3,000 3. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with an Extra Leaf Variety experts disagree about the cause and long-term value of this type, but I’ve included it in the list because it is very findable in pocket change and worth hundreds of dollars right now. How to Detect: There is some defect on the die that makes it appear as if there’s an extra leaf on the lower left-hand side of the ear of corn on the reverse. The leaf is very clear. Known in two varieties, the High Leaf and the Low Leaf type. Approximate Value: $200-$300 4. 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Lincoln Cent This variety is known for three dates: 1998, 1999 and 2000, with 1999 being by far the rarest. The mint erroneously used a proof die to strike normal circulation coins. How to Detect: The AM in AMERICA on the reverse is clearly separated in the wide variety. In the normal variety for these dates, the letters AM are very close or touching. Approximate Value: $5 to $25 in circulated condition, $75 to $600 in MS-63 or better depending on color. 1999 brings the highest prices, with 2000 being second. 5. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime At the time that these coins were made, the dies sent to the individual branch mints would be punched with the proper mint mark letter for that branch. This variety is believed to have occurred because one or more non-punched dies were used to make coins. (The letter P was being used for Philadelphia on dimes at this time.) How to Detect: The 1982 dime is missing
a mint mark. Approximate Value: About $30 to $50 in AU-50, more for higher grades. 6. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent This doubled die variety generated a lot of mainstream interest when it was featured as a cover story in USA Today. Specimens are still being found in circulation all the time! How to Detect: Clear doubling in LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Approximate Value: About $20 to $50 in uncirculated condition. 7. Silver Half Dollars, Dimes and Quarters Most people think that the silver in U.S. coins ended in 1964, but this isn’t true. These coins contained silver until 1970. People just spend these coins from 1965 to 1970, or sell them in rolls that they take to the bank, not realizing they are 40 percent silver. How to Detect: If the coin is dated 1964 or earlier, it is 90 percent silver. The coins dated from 1965 to 1970 are 40 percent silver. You might also find silver proofs, which are 90 percent silver and dated to current. Silver proof coins have very shiny, mirrorlike surfaces and there is no copper color when you view the edge. Approximate Value: Value is based on silver spot price and rarity. The above information is more of a guide, but there are many other types of coins in circulation that are worth money. There are error coins that include defective dies, off center, laminations and others. Do a Google search for collecting coins and you will find a wealth of information. I still don’t know everything about coins, but it’s always fun to learn new things. Go through your coin jars and pockets, because you never know what you could find. Feel free to email me if you find one and need me to find a buyer for it at bayoupickers@gmail.com.
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the star, which represents the special star that shone above the manger; the same star that the shepherds saw and the same star that the Wise Men followed when they came in search of the Baby Jesus.
Gifts
Christmas: The Meaning Behind the Images What do you visualize when you close your eyes and imagine Christmas? Lights, shopping, and Santa are just some images that are associated with the season. A tree twinkling with lights and gifts underneath represent the season and focus for many of us, while the true meaning of Christmas seems to be fading away. What messages are we sending to our children? Perhaps to you, Christmas is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends and exchange gifts. A time to express love to everyone, including those who are alone and have less than us. Some families give back at this time of year by volunteering and donating to the less fortunate.
Santa Claus Who is Santa Claus, really? Also known as St. Nicholas, this giving man helped the poor, including three sisters who had no money for dowries and therefore, could not get married. To help them, St. Nicholas dropped Vol. 8 • No. 16
three bags of gold coins down their chimney in the night – enough for dowries and a wedding for each of them. This gave way to the legend of Santa Claus bringing gifts to good children through the chimney.
Decorations and Traditions Christmas trees are evergreens that do not die during the winter and represent the eternity of God. They are often decorated with a red ribbon, which represents Christ. The lights signify the candles used long ago, and also the stars. Candles were traditionally put in the windows of Christian homes on Christmas Eve to guide the Christ Child to those doors. If a stranger came to the door on Christmas Eve, they were never, ever turned away. Candy canes, a popular treat, are also a reference to the story of the first Christmas and are a reminder of the crooks the shepherds carried when they visited Baby Jesus. The next decoration is
Last of all are the gifts that we put under our trees. Our gifts are a symbol of our love for one another, but our love should always be given for free. Jesus gives us His love for free every day, if we have surrendered to Him. We cannot experience that love until we accept it and receive it as a part of our daily lives. In the same way, we are all reminded at this special time of year that God sent the greatest of gifts to us: His Son, Jesus Christ. In our world, Christmas has become more than a religious holiday. It has become more of let me see how many gifts I can pile under the tree. I do believe in gift giving. I don’t believe in spending money I don’t
have to spend, or the stress and rush of it all. Keeping stores open, in some cases almost 24/7 is all about the dollar. Society has forgotten that it is a time for family and friends to be together and to renew their bonds, to celebrate the ending year and to look forward to another year together. What should truly matter to us this holiday season as it begins and before it sweeps us away in a whirlwind of shopping and wrapping, is to take time to remember what it is truly about – the birth of Jesus Christ.
My Christmas Wish for You So while celebrating the special joys all around us, take a moment to celebrate the special joys of you. Because the real gift of the holidays and Christmas is the love and joy we can choose to share with one another. You and the love you have to give are what make this world around you special. 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 Lauren Abate Russell Pawlowski, Bancorpsouth president and the creator of Cajun Red Head S easoning, embraces life to the fullest. Originally from Michigan, this family man loves traveling, cooking (he writes “ The Pirate’s Platter” column in The JAM) and giving back to his adopted community. He could not have been more shocked when he received a call from the Food Network to be on one of their shows. We sat down with Russell to hear all about it—and to find out where he gets his passion. JAM: What star te d your interest in co oking? What foods did you grow up w ith? RP: I’m from Michigan, where I grew up eating British and Polish cuisine. However good it was, it lacked some pizzazz. When I was 14, I washed dishes for a local steakhouse. The chefs like me and would reward me with a wonderful meal. At this point, I got a true taste of good food. After all, who eats filet mignon at the age of 14? I continued working in restaurants throughout high school and college, eventually ending up in management. I attended a local college for accounting and got my first job working for a payroll company. The pay wasn’t ver y good, so I would often moonlight bartending. When I applied for a bartending job at a local countr y club wearing Vol. 8 • No. 16
a shirt and tie, they kept asking me to be the next cook. The pay was $2.50 per hour more than my accounting job, so I took it. One of the chefs got sick and they needed someone to fill in. They quickly realized I actually had some talent, especially when it came to combining seasonings. After a a couple of years at the countr y club, one of the chefs told me that I had too much talent to continue working there and said I needed to terminate my employment. I was shocked—until he introduced me to a recruiter for Johnson & Wales University. She showed me how I could apply my time working with the chefs, along with my associates in accounting, into school credits so I could attend Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, SC. In addition, the university h e lp e d w it h m a ny s tu d e nt l o an s . O n my l a s t e v e n i n g at t h e c ou nt r y c lu b, t h e c h e f s a l l ow e d m e t o cook the meal. A f t e r d i n n e r, t h e m e mb e r s p a s s e d a g i f t i n g p l at e a n d pre s e nt e d m e w it h ov e r $ 2 , 5 0 0 JAM: What brought you to L ake C harles? What’s made you stay? RP: My beau-
tiful wife brought me to L ake Charles. We met through chance when her best friend set us up while she was planning her wedding in Philadelphia. Yes, among other things, I was a wedding planner for the Crowne Plaza in downtown Philadelphia. As soon as I met Michelle, I was done. I asked her to marr y me on our second date and told her we were going to have a baby in spring of 2004. Well, we got married April 5, 2003 and Sydney was born May 21, 2004. I made the decision to move to L ake Charles so that her daughter from a previous marriage could maintain a relationship with her biological father and family. Ever ything in SWLA revolves around family and cooking and the celebration of food which obviously I have a passion for. This is what keeps me here. JAM: How did Cajun Re d Head get star te d? How long have you had it? Where c an it be found? RP: We literally started Cajun Red Head over a bottle of wine and beer. My wife was drinking wine and I was having a specialty beer while we were in C olorado called True Blond. I’ve always seasoned my own food and came up with a mixture that I use regularly. December 1, 2016 15
She told me that I should start my own seasoning company and I asked her what we should call it. She thought it needed to have Red Head in the name as we were looking at the beer bottle. I wanted it to be Cajun, so we put it together and Cajun Red Head began. We also decided we wanted something easy to pronounce along with a cartoon character in our logo. Michelle wondered if we could make a sexy cartoon pepper. S o, we mimicked the character from Roger R abbit “Jessica R abbit” and combined her with a pepper and sent it to a friend to sketch out. The rest is histor y. JAM: You have contribute d so much to this community. Giv ing back is clearly imp or tant to you. RP: I believe passionately in the celebration of food. I’ve donated countless dining experiences to non-profits that have raised thousands of dollars for great causes across L ake Charles. I started with the American Heart Association here in SWLA based on my background when I could not find a job in my primar y field of study. I was unaware that I would meet ever y major decision-maker and the CEOs of large companies in a short
amount of time while spreading the mission of the American Heart Association. Having been in the nonprofit sector, I realized the need for communities to help out where they can. I continue with this mission and mentor several young men to carr y this on as they move for ward with their careers. JAM: How did you get involve d in the co oking show? RP: Never in a million years did I expect to get a call saying this was such and such casting company and they found me through my Cajun Red Head website. They were actually looking for companies to go show called Billion Dollar Buyer. Unfortunately for me, the director decided to go to New Orleans instead. Fortunately for me, I made such an impression on the casting director that he called on another me four weeks later to ask if I knew how to cook and would I be interested in going on a show C ooks vs C ons. Through several Skype inter views with this director and that culinar y expert from the Food Network, along with vigorous questionnaires to ensure I had what it took to pull off a C on, I got the call! JAM: Tell us ab out your exp eri-
Michelle and Russell 16 December 1, 2016
ence on the show. RP: C ooks vs C ons is where two professional chefs go against two “cons” or ordinar y folks. Although I attended culinar y school, I am no chef. They loved the fact that I am originally from Detroit (“the North”), married a Cajun gal, somehow created a great spice, became the president of a bank and had his stepdaughter ask him to adopt her legally. In addition to going to New York, they f lew a production manager down here to film me for half a day showing the “reveal segment”: that I was a C on and actually a bank president. That in itself created a little havoc when New York called and told the film crew to finish at my home and have me cook something with my seasoning! My wife had 45 minutes to go to Market Basket and pick up ever ything I needed to make some SWLA Cajun Red Head Fried Po B oys with homemade potato chips fried in grapeseed oil! The visit to New York was great. Obviously, I could not tell anyone! We had no idea what we were going to cook until the day of the show. We had 30 minutes to cook French toast with the secret ingredient of pumpkin. I prepared a Pumpkin French Toast Bread Pudding with a
Daughters Sydney and Chynna Vol. 8 • No. 16
Bourbon Maple Whipped Cream and Candied Pecans. I thought it was brilliant and that there was no way I could lose. But the competition was good and the bread pudding was just a little undercooked because the oven didn’t cook it fast enough. I was the first contestant to leave and I was disappointed for 30 seconds until I realized what a blessing and a true opportunity this was. I became friends with the other contestants and it was a great national plug for little ole me and Cajun Red Head.
The Pawlowski Family
JAM: Do you have any adv ice for some one str uggling to make their dreams come tr ue? RP: Along the way to my success, there were some people that doubted the path that I took. I have often been asked how someone who is not from Lake Charles can move here with little money and 13 years later, become president of a bank and create a successful local seasoning. I can answer that very simply. You have to care about people, not just go to work to get a paycheck. You have to give back and never forget where you came from. Finally, never, ever listen to anyone who says you can’t do something. If you believe and do the right thing ever y time, doors will open. But don’t wait for someone to open them for you--grab the handle and open them yourself.
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SWLA Gumbo Cook-off December 1, 2016 17
Maplewood First Baptist Church presents Shepherds and Kings Christmas Musical, with show times at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17, and a Sunday morning show at 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 18. All performances take place inside the church sanctuary located at 4501 Maplewood Drive. The story takes place in modern times, and the musical touches upon the trials and triumphs of modern life with the overarching message of love and extending mercy to others. Set inside an Italian restaurant during the Christmas season, the story unfolds with Susanna King, a waitress in the restaurant and her relationship with Mrs. Shepherd, an older woman who has a cold heart through years of difficult times. “The church is excited to pre-
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sent this modern Christmas musical, including actors, carolers, a full choir, colorful set designs and a musical score sure to touch your heartstrings this Christmas season,” said Monty Jones, minister of music. Principal cast members include Angie Manning as Susanna King, Martina Hanson as Mrs. Shepherd, Joey McNamara as Mr. Mattiello, owner of the Italian Restaurant, along with a cast of characters performed by Dr.
Bryan Manning, Mendy Vaughn, Hailey Stanley, Nicholas Louviere and Mark Valentine. Admission is free. For more information, call (337) 625-5899.
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McNeese Annual Faculty Exhibition Through December 8
The Annual Faculty Exhibition features 45 recent works by visual arts faculty members through a variety of media including ceramics, drawing, graphic design, illustration, book arts, painting, photography, printmaking and mixed media. This exhibit will be on display in the Grand Gallery through Dec. 8. The gallery is open to the public from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. MondayFriday. (337) 475-5060.
Lake Area Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker December 1-2
The Nutcracker is a beloved classical ballet that incorporates elaborate sets and costuming. A wonderful production danced to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score, this enchanting holiday classic is sure to please! Don’t miss this Lake Area tradition at the LC Civic Center! School performances held on Dec. 1 & 2 @ 9 a.m.; public performances Dec. 1 & 2 @ 7 p.m. For tickets, call (337) 477-1510 or go to www.lakeareaballettheatre.com.
Christmas Under the Oaks December 2-3
There is plenty to put you in the holiday spirit at the Christmas Under the Oaks Festival in Sulphur. The Kiwanis Christmas Parade will kick off on Fri. at 6 p.m. with the arrival of Santa, followed by the live nativity and bands at the Grove at 7 p.m. Don’t miss the Lighting of the Christmas tree, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. On Sat., bands will be playing from noon – 8:30 p.m. and Heritage Square will be filled with food booths, a carnival, bands, dance groups and more. One hundred percent chance of snow at 7:30 p.m. Event hours: Friday 6-8:30 p.m. and Sat. noon-9 p.m.
Cinderella’s Holiday Dining December 3
Children will join their favorite storybook characters for an unforgettable experience. Character meals include pizza, dessert and a drink. The seating incorporates a visit, photos and autographs from each of these famous characters. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costume. Seating is at noon, cost is $25 per person (everyone must have a ticket including adults and infants). Seating is limited and reservations must be made by calling the theatre box office at (337) 433-7323.
ACTS Theatre Presents Scrooge! December 3, 9-11, 16-18
ACTS Theatre Presents Scrooge! Dec. 3, 9-11, 16-18 Artists Civic Theatre and Studio presents Scrooge! at the One Reid Street Theatre, based on the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol For more information, contact ACTS at 433-ACTS (2287) or visit www.actstheatre.com.
Handel’s Messiah December 4
A moving experience for the entire family, it continues to be a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. One of the longest running productions of the Messiah in the world, one hundred-plus voices will sing this famous work. The eight soloists are McNeese vocal students Tyler Brumback, Amy Phillips, Kaitlin Colby, Ashley Traughber, Taylor Trahan, Emmie Lancon, Layton Bergstedt. and Kevin Delaney. Performance is at 3 p.m. at the Bulber Auditorium, McNeese State University, 4205 Ryan St. (337) 477-0662.
A Very Merry Christmas Party for Seniors December 8
A festive day for seniors 60+ who reside in Calcasieu Parish begins with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Music will 20 December 1, 2016
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Dec 1,2 Lake Area Ballet Theater presents “The Nutcracker” Dec 3 Light up the Lake Christmas Lighting Dec 3 Debutante Cotillion Dec 8 SPARK Young Entrepreneurs Event
Dec 13 Home Health Christmas Dec 15 CCOA Very Merry Christmas Party Dec 16 Santa Claus Make Me Laugh Comedy Show Dec 16 SOWELA Graduation Dec 16 LCFD Academy Graduation
Dec 8-10 Lake Charles Civic Ballet Christmas in Louisiana “ Once Upon a Time”
Dec17 Lake Charles Cinema presents Polar Express
Dec 10 Bishops Gala
Dec 19 Toys for Tots
Dec 11 Compassionate Friends Candlelight Vigil
Dec 22 Steve Riley Christmas Concert
be provided by Ed Jardell & the Louisiana Scramble Band. A nutritious lunch will be served and bingo will be played for prizes until 1 p.m. (337) 474-2583 (ext. 1050).
Iowa Christmas Parade/Christmas in the Park December 10
Christmas Parade begins at 3 p.m. from the VF Mall and travels to the Lawrence Toups Memorial Park.
Masterworks Chorale Concerts December 9 & 11
Masterworks Chorale of the Louisiana Choral Foundation will perform two Christmas concerts Fri., Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral in Lake Charles and Sun., Dec. 11, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Sulphur at 3 p.m. Adult tickets ($15) can be purchased at Swicegood Music. Students with ID and children are admitted free.
Central School’s Holiday Art Market December 9-11
The Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana invites the public to shop local art for Christmas gifts during our festive Holiday Art Market. Set in historic Central School Arts & Humanities Center, the Holiday Art Market offers an array of fine and handmade items by local artisans, with 10% of the proceeds benefiting SWLA arts, and live performances from area arts organizations. Admission is free. (337) 439-ARTS (2787), www.artscouncswla.org.
LCLT Presents 90 Years in Review December 9-18 (Weekends)
Beginning on a front porch in 1927 into the 21st century, the LCLT has been providing live entertainment to the Lake Area for 90 years. This original show features favorite characters and scenes of past shows, songs, dances, and a little Christmas. Enjoy this uplifting evening of traveling through LCLT’s colorful past and into our exciting future. Guaranteed to enhance your holidays! www.thelclt.com. Vol. 8 • No. 16
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Christmas in the Park will be from 5- 7 p.m. and includes kid events, arts and crafts, shopping and more. (337) 309-7914. www.iowala.org.
Bishop’s Gala December 10
The fifth Annual Bishop’s Gala will be held in the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall on Dec. 10 starting at 6:30 p.m.. Tickets will be $125 each and special sponsorship opportunities will be available. Come out and enjoy “Big Band” sounds, wonderful food and dancing along with other fun events. A silent auction with many marvelous items will also be held. For ticket information, call (337) 439-7400.
LCCB’s Christmas in Louisiana December 10-11
This beautiful ballet tells the story of the early settlers of SWLA. It is choreographed by Lady Holly Hathaway Kaough, artistic director of LCCB, with settings by Fred Stark, technical director. Children of all ages will delight as they experience Santa’s journeys to Louisiana throughout the state’s history. Christmas in Louisiana: Once Upon a Time offers a timeless quality sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit! Dec. 10-11: School performances at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Dec. 10 - Matinee at 11 a.m. and Gala at 6 p.m. www.lakecharlescivicballet.com.
The Mines Theatre’s Once Upon a Christmas December 11
The second annual Christmas dance production to take place with The Mines Theatre in collaboration with Kress Dance Revolution, this show features over 60 talented dancers. The show is based on two little girls and the Christmas stories read to them by their grandfather, which magically come to life! Beautiful choreography makes this show an exciting event for kids of all ages! Tickets on sale at www.theminestheatre.org.
Pet Photos with Santa December 11
Many pet owners view their pet as an integral member of the family and are just as committed in caring for their pets as their “human” family members. Come to Prien Lake Mall and your pets have their photos taken with Santa! Event is from 6-8 p.m. in Sears Court. For more information, call (337) 477-7487.
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Bulber Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert December 12
Join the members of the FGBYO as they celebrate the season with familiar Christmas classics, as well as new pieces! All are mastered by youth musicians age 7-18 throughout the fall semester. Concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Tritico Theatre at McNeese State University, Lake Charles Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. (337) 855-6049. www.fgbyo.org.
CPSO Implements Robbery Prevention Mobilization at Mall for the Holidays The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office implemented the Annual Robbery Prevention Mobilization (RPM) in an effort to deter crime and assist shoppers in the parking lot at the Prien Lake Mall during the holiday season, which began Friday, November 25 and will continue through December 26, seven days a week from noon until one hour past mall closing. The deputies will be on marked ATVs and patrol cars in the parking lot, as well as manning the CPSO Mobile Command Center located in the front parking lot of the mall on Prien Lake Road. Deputies, who will be wearing orange Sheriff ’s Office traffic vests during the evening hours, will be available to assist shoppers with such things as helping them find their car, jump starting their car if the battery is dead, changing a flat, assisting employees and shoppers by walking them to their car after dark, or any other assistance they can provide. “The CPSO Robbery Prevention Mobilization has always been instrumental in, not only assisting shoppers with their problems and concerns, but keeping crime
to a minimum at a time of year when it is usually on the rise,” says Sheriff Tony Mancuso. “We are very pleased to be able to offer this service to the public.” CPSO deputies are working this special detail to provide assistance to the public during the busy holiday season. They are not hired by the mall or nor will they be doing security for the mall. However, the presence of law enforcement on the premises is expected to deter crime in the parking lot. This is the thirteenth year the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office has provided this service to the shoppers in the parking lot at the mall. Deputies will also be conducting regular visits to all convenience stores in the parish during the holiday season to check with store clerks to see if they are experiencing any problems or if they have any special needs. Also, deputies will be conducting these same checks with store clerks at businesses in the Southgate Shopping Center on Ryan Street, the Power Center on Highway 14, and the Target Shopping Center on Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. Vol. 8 • No. 16
Delta Downs’ 9th Annual Trees of Hope Set to Light Up the Holiday Season A popular holiday tradition has returned to Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, as the Vinton, Louisiana property hosts the 9th Annual “Trees of Hope” display. Each year, non-profit organizations from acrossSsouthwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas are invited to decorate 12-foot trees displayed in the Promenade at Delta Downs. Members of the public then have the opportunity to visit the display and vote for their favorite charity. Delta Downs will award a total of $10,000 in cash to all participants, including a firstplace prize of $5,000. “While it’s always great to help out many worthwhile charities in our community, Trees of Hope provides something else as well: A beautiful display that the entire community can enjoy,” said Steve Kuypers, VP and general manager of Delta Downs. “Trees of Hope has quickly become a tradition here at Delta Downs. Thousands of people come through our doors each December, looking forward to seeing displays that grow more creative and festive each year.” This year, the trees will be on display from December 3 – 26. The public is invited to view the trees and vote for their favorite from now until December 15, and then attend the annual awards ceremony in the Delta Downs Promenade at 7 p.m. on December 16. Participants in this year’s contest are: The Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana, International Rett Syndrome Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association of Louisiana, DeQuincy Memorial Hospital Auxiliary – Pink Ladies, CASA of the Sabine Neches Region, Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana, Inc., Orange County Special Angels Rodeo, Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana, Dreams Come True of Louisiana, and Family & Youth Counseling Agency. Vol. 8 • No. 16
First Place: Dequincy Memorial Hospital Home Health
Second Place:
Third Place:
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana
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By Adam Sibile Scion Esports held its sixth annual Thanksgiving Open on November 27, drawing in players from Houston to Baton Rouge to compete in video games such as Smash Bros., Overwatch, and Halo. With the introduction of Overwatch, a game requiring six players to form a team, and the surge of Rocket League teams, the event was a huge success. In the fighting games area, Smash Brothers for Wii U was a huge hit again this year. Hayden Barnes has done a great job bringing the Smash community together for these events resulting in the most players registered for the event. In the team games, Overwatch and Rocket League had the largest player counts mainly due to the size of the teams. Overwatch requires six players per team and a total of six teams registered for the event, bringing the player count to 36 total participants. Rocket League also drew in six teams with three players per team. Scion Esports would like to thank everyone who attended, continuing to make these events so successful. The next Scion Esports event will be held at Cyphacon and will be stunning. Games planned for the Cyphacon event will include Overwatch, Smash Brothers for WiiU, Heroes of the Storm, Starcraft 2, Hearthstone, Street Fighter V, Smash Brothers Melee, Halo 5, and Rocket League. Please follow Scion Gorilla on Facebook for all the latest news on Esports in Southwest Louisiana.
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Warner Brothers, 2016) Long before Harry Potter was born, there lived a wizard named Newt Scamander who was a sort of Charles Darwin naturalist type. He wrote a book called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. At least, that’s the subject of this movie, the newest in J.K. Rowling’s world of magic. Set in the 1920s, the story follows Newt to America, where he is returning several creatures to their natural habitats. Along the way, he runs into the senior officer of the American Council on Magic, Percival Graves. Evidently, Newt is breaking magical laws
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by importing his Fantastic Beasts to the new world. Meanwhile, New York City is being terrorized by destructive forces that are tearing the city apart, one neighborhood at a time. A creepy woman who runs an orphanage is protesting the carnage as the work of wizards and is handing out pamphlets with her equally creepy adopted children. And that’s about all you need to know and just about all I remember from this detailed, curious movie. Fantastic Beasts is the latest in what I call “Dog Kin” movies that
have only a distant relationship to the blockbuster movies they are spun off from. It turns out that Newt was a friend to young Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwart’s School of Wizardry in the Harry Potter Series. I forgive you if by now you’re hopelessly confused and wondering what happens in this movie. But at least, to play such an eminent wizard, Warner Brothers and Rowling went back to England in their choice of Eddie Redmayne. This young man won the Oscar for Best Actor in his role as Steven Hawking in The Theory of Everything. As Newt, Redmayne comes off as a shy but intense defender of Magical Beasts’ bestial rights. We are supposed to become sympathetic to his noble cause, because LOLCats and all that. During his adventures in New York, Newt teams up with a non-wizard New Yorker and baker, Jacob Kowalski, who helps Newt evade Percival Graves (played by Colin Farrell.) Actually, Kowalski is the only character in this movie whom I remember, mainly because he is so likeable and good-natured in an everyman sort of way. And I believe he punches Colin Farrell in the nose, something we’ve all wanted to see for some time.
Two sorcerer sisters also help out Newt, with a few shy romantic scenes thrown in, all suitable for children. The real stars of Fantastic Beasts thus become the Computer Graphic Beasts themselves, who range from a tiny plantlike insect to gigantic snake dragons and rhinoid mammals. As a film, the crowd I was with found it somewhat slow, even crawling, but there’s no denying the care and craft that went into its creation. (Yes, that was on purpose.) J.K Rowling herself wrote the screenplay, and of course, it’s already out in print--get it now. Regardless, I have no doubt the movie will be popular with the millions who adore Harry Potter, its intended audience. Perhaps the sequels (there are supposed to be four) will pick up the pace to levels our American audiences are more comfortable with. Meanwhile, Fantastic Beasts is certainly worth a look, if only to see how far the wizardry movies have come since the early Potter films with their endearing but awkward child actors and their magical yet cheesy special effects. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is rated PG13 for no reason whatsoever. Enjoy!
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Holiday Gift Guide The gift list was easy this year. For once, you knew what to get everybody. Every. Single. Giftee. Easy-peasy… except, oops, that one person who vexes you each year. What to get? Well, books are always good gifts, and they’re supereasy to wrap, too. How about one of these great selections for that One Person… FICTION For the independent traveler on your list, Paris for One & Other Stories by Jojo Moyes might be a great bon voyage gift. It’s a collection of short stories about change, opportunity, independence, and life in general. Pair it with The Jungle Around Us: Stories by Anne Raeff. It’s a collection of tales with the jungle, its mystery, darkness, and richness, as both metaphor and connecting force here. The reader on your gift list who prefers books set in other time periods will love Cruel Beautiful World by Caroline Leavitt. It’s a 1960s-era story of a woman who chooses a man over the sister who basically raised her, and the dynamics of family. Put it together with Jazz Moon by Joe Okonkwo, a book set in Harlem, 1925, where Paris is where it’s at, baby. The person who loves a little mid-century drama will enjoy The Jealous Kind by James Lee Burke. It’s a bit of a Romeo-and-Juliet novel set in the 1950s in Texas, at a time when the line between the “haves” and the “have-nots” was drawn Vol. 8 • No. 16
in the sand with danger, and money talked a lot. Definitely wrap it up with another great drama-mystery, Manitou Canyon by William Kent Krueger. Cork O’Connor is back and sleuthing. Fans, rejoice. I’m guessing there’s a mystery fan on your list. Imagine his face when he unwraps Seduced: A Hannah Smith Novel by Randy Wayne White. In this novel, fishing guide and part time PI Hannah Smith goes in search of heirloom orange tree seeds – or maybe even rootstock – to save an industry. But what she wants, so do others, whose intentions aren’t as pure. Historical novel lovers will devour News of the World by Paulette Jiles, a book set in Texas in the years following the Civil War. When a downand-out former Captain of the military is hired to deliver an orphan girl to her distant relatives, he partakes an adventure – not just through rough terrain, but through rocky childcaring, too. Wrap it up with The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa, a multigenerational novel about home, based on a true story. Dog lovers will howl over Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff. It’s the story of a man who’s at the end of his leash, and his brother’s dogs, who begin to show him that dogs are smarter than they seem. Wrap it up with another perfect book for your dog
lover: Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley, the story of a man, his aging, best friend, and love. And won’t the pet lover on your list love getting A Guinea Pig Oliver Twist in that package, too? Yes, it’s Dickens as you’ve never seen him before… GENERAL NONFICTION For the true crime buff, Trials of the Century by Mark J. Phillips & Aryn Z. Phillips is a great go-to gift. What made Sam Sheppard’s case, the Lindbergh baby, and Charles Manson leap onto the headlines? This book looks at those famous cases, and more…Wrap it up with I Will Find You by Joanna Connors, a story of a reporter who finally reveals a crime she had to hide, and the man who committed it. The new homeowner will love opening Detroit Hustle: A Memoir of Love, Life & Home by Amy Haimerl. It’s the story of a couple who bought a fixer-upper in one of the country’s most economicallyhard-hit areas, and how four walls can become a place to call home. Wrap it up with Detroit Resurrected by Nathan Bomey, a book about that city, its bankruptcy, and its path toward getting back on track. Is there someone on your gift list who loves nothing
more than to be scared? The one who longs for a different holiday? If so, The Monster Book by Nick Redfern is what you want. Using quick chapters and scattered photos, this book informs, entertains and (good for your giftee) scares! Definitely add Real Visitors, Voices from Beyond, and Parallel Dimensions by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger. Ooooooh, then shiver! The new mother on your list – or, for that matter, the experienced Mom – will love opening Navigating Live: Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me by Margaux Bergen. It’s a meditation on things to know, and things to share. Wrap it up with Corsets & Codpieces by Karen Bowman, a book about the things we wore (and wish Mom had warned us about!) throughout history. For the know-it-all on your list, Head in the Cloud by William Poundstone might make a great gift. Why, Poundstone asks, do we know celebrities but not mathematics? When we can look things up online, why should we know things in our heads? You can’t go wrong with this gift if you also wrap up A Field Guide to Lies by Daniel J. Levitin, a book about critical thinking and believing (or not) everything you see online. December 1, 2016 27
Thursday, Dec. 1 Country Party Tribute to Country Music 7:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Amanda Walker 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 Allison Collins 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Ronnie Fruge 6 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Orphan Annie Performance after Country Party @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Backyard Boys Performance immediately after Country Party @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Dead or Alive 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Anteeks 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Saturday, Dec. 3 Swamp Pop Festival at The Pavilion
David St. Romaine 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Friday, Dec. 2
Doors open @ noon, music starts @ 1 p.m. Enjoy non-stop music on two stages until 9 p.m. and a huge 3600 sq. ft. dance floor! Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
com” 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. The Fruge Family 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
Orphan Annie
Right after Country Party @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder AM/FM 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 Allison Collins 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Country Party Tribute to Country Music 5 and 7:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Country Party Tribute to Country Music 5 and 7:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Amanda Walker 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Amanda Walker 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Sunday, Dec. 4
Mike Dean Band 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
The Envies 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
11 a.m.-3 p.m. @L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
The Fruge Family 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton AM/FM 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC 28 December 1, 2016
Loverboy 8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at HYPERLINK “http://www.ticketmaster.
DJ San-D 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Chester & Jarius Daigle
JD’s Whiskey Brunch Brittany Pfantz 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC The Stangers 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Monday, Dec. 5
Kenneth Espree 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Roger Tienken 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Tuesday, Dec. 6
Kay Miller 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Clint Faulk 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Trivial Tuesdays Live Team Trivia 7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St.
DJ Verrett/Karaoke 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Angel Garcia 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Wednesday, Dec. 7
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 Whacky Wednesday with DJ Mark Vol. 8 • No. 16
7 p.m. @ Cajuns Wharf 3500 Ryan St, Lake Charles Dane Monic 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Josh Taylor 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Thursday, Dec. 8
Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Country Party Tribute to Country Music 5 and 7:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Joe Harmon & the Harmonics Performance after Country Party
Vol. 8 • No. 16
@ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Zipties 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Linda Kay & the Kool Kats 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Stephen Chadwick 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Troy Laz Band After Country Party Performance @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
T-Broussard 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
Friday, Dec. 9
Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Country Party Tribute to Country Music 5 and 7:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Katie Whitney & Chip Radford
The 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.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Blake Sticker & Jared Foreman
10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Saturday, Dec. 10 Country Party Tribute to Country Music 5 and 7:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Frayed Soul 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
December 1, 2016 29
Francie Krienitz 8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton Troy Laz Band Immediately after Country Party @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
T-Broussard 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
The High Rollers 9 p.m.– 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Broken Bones… and Pocket Change. It’s All She Left Me With... As much as I like to keep the theme of my little diatribes here local in nature, a new album from some ‘Bama boys has caught my ear in the last couple of weeks and I figured that I would go ahead an introduce any of you not yet acquainted to St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Hailing from Birmingham, the sixpiece band fronted by power vocalist Paul Janeway first hit the scene in 2013 with two early released EPs Greetings From St. Paul and The Broken Bones and its follow-up Live and In Person, which were enough to garner the young soul band some good attention. By early 2014, the first full-length album Half the City hit the shelves and featured the earliest hits from the EPs: the upbeat shouter “Call Me” 30 December 1, 2016
and slow soul-burner “Broken Bones and Pocket Change,” which first put the fellas on the map and were strong enough to move them on to appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series, Jools Holland, Craig Ferguson, and Letterman and put them in position to open for The Rolling Stones on a couple of dates in the summer of 2015. You Got Your Limit, Baby I got Mine... Now, “Half the City” delivered what early adopters heard in the EPs: Powerhouse soul vocals akin to Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and even a bit of James Brown, all from this bespectacled white dude from B-Ham. It was hitting right about
DJ Hyphee 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Sunday, Dec. 11
Chester & Jarius Daigle
JD’s Whiskey Brunch
the time that wave of new soul was starting to roll out and take hold with acts like our beloved (and sadly, recently departed) Sharon Jones and her Dap Kings, The Screaming Eagle of Soul Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires and the sassy Lee Fields and The Expressions and that put Janeway and crew in exceptional company and likely helped the debut record land in the Billboard Top 100. However, now is not as soulful a time as it was a few years back. Charles is off the road fighting cancer and Sharon just lost her battle with it. Those two were easily the true flag bearers of this “new soul revival.” Just as their sophomore effort is coming to bear, the St. Paul fellas are finding themselves a bit out there and on their own and frankly, I don’t think they could have been any more ready for a chance to stand out and shine. You Got Me Feeling Like... I Can’t Hold Ya... September 9 saw the release of their second LP Sea of Noise. Its name takes inspiration from an altered Churchill quote and is featured in the three-part recurring anthem of the album Crumbling Lightposts. Its sound is very familiar yet very different from their first long play effort. The Paul ButlerVol. 8 • No. 16
11 a.m.-3 p.m. @L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Tricky Dickies 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Kris Harper & Matt Moss
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
7-10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
produced album transitions from the more ‘60s soul sound to a funkier ‘70s styled-vibe with Janeway himself changed. He’s still delivering that powerful soul voice but now with a mature restraint that is often as evocative as the guttural shouts of “Half The City” in its boundaries, tension and intensity. It’s delivered in a way that gives this record a sexy darkness that invokes the feel of acts like Bobby Womack, Al Green and Curtis Mayfield. The previous brass-soaked sound gives way to string-driven somberness that creates so much of the intense and deep feel of the album. “Flow With It (You Got Me Feeling Like)” is the standout hook of the record, kicking off after the first intro of the “Crumbling Lightposts”
Monday, Dec. 12
DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Stacy Bearden
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar
theme with a funky horn and organbacked feel that is all but infectious in its groove. The funk continues into the next track, “Midnight on The Earth,” that seems almost a union of Sly Stone soul and funky Prince-like vocals before slipping into the gender-defying “I’ll Be Your Woman,” which smashes Al Green and The Guess Who together with a burner worthy of greats such as Nina Simone or Aretha Franklin. Other standouts include “All I Ever Wonder,” “Sanctify” and “Waves,” but the whole album, despite really not being intended as a concept album, is only made the better in its entirety as it moves and transitions through the sounds of so many artists and times in a way that showcases the
L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Roger Tienken
8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
emotional ebb and flow that makes this effort such a standout to me. It shows an attention to detail and a profound sense of musical maturity that only reinforces my earliest of notions: that these guys were really on their way to being something special. It further solidifies the presence of new, rich and compelling soul music that pulls from the roots but does so with a modern panache that has created some truly remarkable music from an act that I very much am looking forward to hearing more from. Sea of Noise is produced on the RECORDS Label is available at your local record store, Play Store and iTunes and at stpaulandthebrokenbones.com.
Something is Happening Here... Well, technically something HAS HAPPENED here and now it’s time to tell you who WON!!! JMLC Pet Sounds Giveaway! A huge thank you to all the groovy folk who participated in the JMLC Pet Sounds Giveaway! Glad to know that so many of you are still rockin’ and rollin’ out there with me after almost two whole years now! Thanks so much for taking the time to grab each new issue of The Jam and seeing what’s going down in “Justin Morris’ Lake Charles.” I really do appreciate you all! SO… In case you missed it, our Beach Boys Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Giveaway offered up a Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Mono Vinyl Repressing (courtesy of the groovy dudes at The Round About) and a hardbound copy of the brand new Brian Wilson memoir I Am Brian Wilson (courtesy of De Capo Press) to one lucky reader who knew the correct answer to the following question: “While Brian Wilson did use the legendary ‘Wrecking Crew’ to provide his orchestra for this record, he brought in some other studio musicians, including one artist who as of today has released 70 albums under their own name, netted numerous Grammy awards and charted over 80 times, and is credited with offering guitar and/or banjo tracks to 5 of the 15 tracks on Pet Sounds. Who is this artist?” The answer is Glen Campbell, who not only guested on Pet Sounds but even toured with the boys on occasion after Brian left the road. Our BIG WINNER is Taylor G of Lake Charles! Congratulations, Taylor!
Oh, But I Want To Feel Something Real... Thanks again to everyone who sent in their emails for a chance to win! Stay with me here and I’m certain that we’ll be doing it again soon! Also thanks to Kevin Lambert and Eric Daigle at The Round About and to De Capo Press for their support of JMLC. I appreciate you all greatly! Let’s do it again, sometime! That’s going to wrap up yet another JMLC. Check us out again in two weeks for our FINAL ISSUE of 2016! Until then….. I will SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!!! Vol. 8 • No. 16
December 1, 2016 31
Tuesday, Dec. 13
Chip Radford 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Clint Faulk 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Trivial Tuesdays Live Team Trivia 7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live
Dec. 15 Charlston & Derek Thursday, Julie Williams
9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Wednesday, Dec. 14
Josh Taylor 10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
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
710 Ryan St.
DJ Verrett 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC DJ Jose Mata 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Streetside Jazz Trio
8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Dane Monic 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Ronnie Fruge 6 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC Louisiana Express 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder After Party 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Joey & the Jumper Cables 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Friday, Dec. 16
Julie Williams 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
John Cessac & the Texas Outlaws
7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC Coy Planchard 8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton BB & Company 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton The Slags 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 After Party 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC No Idea 32 December 1, 2016
Saturday, Dec. 17
Julie Williams 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Flashback 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Loretta Lynn
8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at HYPERLINK “http://www.ticketmaster.com” 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. BB & Company 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 The Slags 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 After Party 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Paws teh Cat 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Vol. 8 • No. 16
Vol. 8 • No. 16
December 1, 2016 33
TASTING ON THE TERRACE This year’s edition of Tasting on the Terrace to benefit Family & Youth was not one to miss! Wine vendors a-plenty served up glass after glass of varietal goodness and guests wined and dined on roast pig and other decadent food offerings of the L’Auberge culinary staff. It was a stellar evening, indeed!
Anita Vasquez and Corey Sexton
Kyra Savoy, Julio Galan, Ann Rodriguez and Brenda Leger
Garren and Jessica Saxby
Phillip DeVilbiss, Tiffany Fontenot and Stephanie Pearce
Kristen Todd, Melissa Navarra and Kate Sanchez
WILLIE NELSON AT GOLDEN NUGGET The Red Headed Stranger filled up the Golden Nugget Grand Ballroom with fans young and old anxious to see the veritable Country Music legacy that is Willie Nelson. If you had any doubts, Willie has still got it and I hope you get a chance to see him when he passes back this way.
Ricki and Candy Gilbert
Bonni and Freety Parker 34 December 1, 2016
Jill and Mike Kunst
Franz Garcia and Lauren Bell with Joe and Emma Pennington
Layken and Jensen Richard and Trey Foster Vol. 8 • No. 16
FALL FEST AT THE EAGLE’S NEST Crying Eagle Brewing’s first Fall Fest brought out beer fans all afternoon and evening for food, music and, of course, BEER! The CE crew rolled out a few tasty new treats while folks grubbed, played washers and dug the music of Kinky Vanilla and The Chris Shearman Experience. It was the kind of party I’d raise a pint to any day!
Bill Mungai and Daniel Castro
Zach Whitbeck, Ross Soileau and Hogan Stelly
Julian Green and Mickey Smith Jr.
Ben and Emily Williams
Brandon Racca and Cody Cross of Crimson Fin
JEFF D AT LUNA LIVE Native Lake Chuckian and New Orleans resident funnyman Jeff D brought a cornucopia of comics and a gravy boatload of funny to the Luna Live stage. Joined by host Zack Locke and guests Beth Primeaux, Chase Bonin, Michael McHale and Ethan Kane, the stage and screen vet took the stage and left everyone there in stitches. Keep your eyes open for the next show!
Tammy Ancelet and Kemba Werner
Kayla Johnson, Erica Nelson and Marylin Janicek Vol. 8 • No. 16
Jeff D and Carlo John Manalansan
Addie and Jamie Young
Michael McHale and Chase Bonin December 1, 2016 35