December 15, 2016 • Volume 8 • Issue 17
715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Contributors George Cline Mike McHugh Roger Miller Justin Morris Russell Pawlowski Brian Pitre Terri Schlichenmeyer
REGULARS 4 We are SWLA! 6
Dang Yankee
7
Tips from Tip
7
Adoption Corner
8
Fishin’ Tales
FEATURES 10 Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
Sales lauren@thejambalayanews.com
THE SPICE OF SWLA 14 Event Guide
Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk
On Cover: Botsky’s
COVER STORY 12 Botsky’s
17 Bookworm Sez…
7 8 12
18 heART of SWLA
17
20 Nightlife Guide Business Office Manager Jeanie Rourk
22 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles 25 The Pirate’s Platter 26 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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Must Be The conspicuous consumption of the holidays continues. There are 12 more days of buying and wrapping and decorating and cooking that will come screeching to a halt, followed by another week left of this interesting year that is better off gone. What next year brings is anyone’s guess. I surely don’t want to think about it, so instead I will think about holidays past, celebrated in a climate where snow and ice and blustery winds actually enhanced them. I felt special living up North, because Santa was from the North Pole. I remember my mother telling me that Santa would take care of us Northern children first because he
Vol. 8 • No. 17
Santa
would get to us before he got to the kids, say, in Florida. I convinced myself that he didn’t even want to go to places like that, because he was wearing that heavy suit and boots and he would get hot and sweaty. And the reindeer wouldn’t like it, either. It didn’t seem right. I thought about this a lot. There was something magical about being snuggled safe and warm in my bed on Christmas Eve with the wind howling outside and snow hitting the windows. Santa could make it, no matter what the weather, so there was never a worry that he wouldn’t find my house. He always did. He made it to every house in the neighborhood.
As I lay in bed, the poem “The Night Before Christmas” would be going through my head, and I would have visions of sugarplums as I settled in for my long winter’s nap. For someone who suffered from insomnia throughout my childhood, this was one night where I did not have any trouble falling asleep. It was such a comforting night. I felt so safe. And I especially loved it when the heat came on through the forced hot air vent in the wall. The sound was so soothing that I would get warm chills all over, especially if it was a particularly cold night. I always slept with a pile of stuffed animals around me. I still do, except they are not stuffed and they sometimes cough up hairballs. My family celebrated Christmas Eve, so we didn’t have to go anywhere on Christmas Day, except to Mass. We tried Midnight Mass one year, but it interfered with our afterdinner gift-giving. I think we all went because my cousin Richard was an altar boy and would be serving the Mass that year. But it was too long and too crowded and too late, so we never did that again. After Christmas Day Mass, we would come home and eat
leftovers from the night before and I got to enjoy my gifts the whole day. Daddy would be playing Italian carols on the hi-fi. Mom would probably be on the phone with her friends, exchanging holiday news. There was no school for the week, and not much homework was ever given out, if any, so the entire time was spent in sheer happiness visiting family, enjoying new toys, playing in the snow, and so on. There are only three of us left from the house on Barnes Ave., and we all live in different parts of the country. Christmas as we knew it will never come again, except in our dreams. Wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our wonderful readers. May 2017 bring you and yours good health and happiness!
Lauren Abate
December 15, 2016 3
Byways Foundation and promotes Lake Charles to domestic and international tour and travel markets.
Stelly Donates to Family & Youth The Family Foundation of SWLA accepted a $10,000 endowment from John Stelly, owner of Nissan of Lake Charles. The donation will perpetuate the programs and services provided by the divisions of Family & Youth. Family & Youth is a family service organization established in 1970 to serve children, youth and families in SWLA.
Memorial Foundation Awards Scholarships The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial awarded full tuition scholarships to three students of St. Louis Catholic High School through the Dwayne Henry Scholarship Fund. Alexandria Goodley, Matthew Fontenot and Elisia Smith all received 2016/17 scholarships.
L to R: Julio Galan, President/ CEO of Family & Youth and John Stelly, Nissan Lake Charles.
Dermatology Associates Receives MGMA Status Dermatology Associates was named a “better performer” by the Medical Group Management Association due to superior operational performance compared with similar medical group practices nationwide. The categories of cost management and productivity, capacity and staffing were recognized with honors. Nationwide, only 121 other practices were recognized in two categories. This is the first year Dermatology Associates has received this honor from the MGMA. The MGMA report profiles medical practices that have demonstrated success in one or more areas: profitability and cost management; productivity, capacity and staffing; accounts receivable and collections; and patient satisfaction.
McNeese Foundation Elects 2017 Board of Directors L to R: John Henning, Scholarship Fund Advisor, Alexandria Goodley, Matthew Fontenot, Elisia Smith and Leif Pedersen, Sr. VP of Philanthropy at Memorial.
Klenke Appointed to Advisory Committee Anne Taber Klenke, tourism director at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was recently appointed to serve on the National Advisory Committee for Travel & Tourism Infrastructure on behalf of the National Scenic Byways Foundation. With 28 years of experience in tourism, she will offer extensive experience and knowledge to the committee in intermodal connectivity for travel and tourism. Klenke also currently serves Anne Klenke on the local region’s Complete Streets Advisory Panel, as well as on the board of directors of the National Scenic 4 December 15, 2016
The McNeese State University Foundation board of directors has elected new officers for 2017. Willie Mount will serve as president, Dr. Eric Sanders, vice president and president-elect, William E. Rose, treasurer, and Judy Fuller, secretary. Dale “Butch” W. Ferdinandsen II, Tom Henning, Ben Marriner, Dr. Lee J. Monlezun Jr., Mount, Angela Queenan and Rose were elected to serve three-year terms on the board of directors. Foundation donors vote to elect board members. The McNeese Foundation was incorporated in 1965 with the primary mission of raising funds to support endowments for student scholarships. For more information. visit www.mcneesefoundation.org.
Memorial Opens Todd Terrace Lake Charles Memorial Hospital opened a new courtyard space called the Todd Terrace at the main hospital campus on Oak Park Boulevard. The terrace was built in place of a former designated smoking area and now includes umbrella tables, chairs, outdoor music, sculptures and all new landscaping. Visitors and employees can Vol. 8 • No. 17
use the terrace to step out into the outdoors while enjoying lunch or a snack. When Memorial Health System went tobacco free last year, the Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial began to raise money to renovate the space. Memorial employees donated more than $90,000 towards the project, while Ray and Ann Todd gave a major naming rights donation to the Foundation endowment. Donors are recognized throughout the terrace with individual or corporate brick pavers. The brick campaign is open to outside donors as well by contacting the Foundation at (337) 494-3226.
New CASA Volunteers Sworn In Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a division of Family & Youth Counseling Agency, swore in three new volunteers in November 2016. The newest volunteers in the CASA family are Terry Donovan, Amy Fleury, and Terry Enzenbacher. They were sworn in by Judge Mitch Redd. CASA volunteers are everyday citizens whom judges appoint to advocate for the safety and well-being of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Volunteers are trained and supported by the CASA staff at Family & Youth. To find out more, contact courtney@fyca.org or call Family & Youth at 337-436-9533.
L to R: Volunteers Terry Donovan and Amy Fleury, Judge Mitch Redd, and Volunteer Terry Enzenbacher.
McNeese’s Richard Reid Re-elected to LAMP Board Richard H. Reid, vice president for university advancement at McNeese State University and executive vice president for the McNeese Foundation, has been re-elected for a one-year term on the board of directors of Louisiana Asset Management Pool Inc. LAMP was created in 1994 as a cooperative endeavor to assist local state governmental entities in the investment of their cash balances. By pooling assets and resources, local authorities can maximize the interest they receive on their funds, incur lower fees and benefit
from the same quality of professional money management otherwise available only to larger institutions.
SOWELA Announces New Board Members SOWELA recently announced four new members to their board of directors for 2017. Taylor Alexander is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones in Sulphur. Daniel Frick is a Financial Advisor at Financial Management Professionals. J. Hardtner Klumpp is the Project and Leasing Manager for The Investors Group of Louisiana, and Elizabeth McLaughlin is the Community Relations Manager at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles.
Phillips 66 & Council on Aging Deliver Baskets Volunteers from the Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex and the Calcasieu Council on Aging delivered Thanksgiving food baskets to 350 elderly residents in Calcasieu Parish. This marks the 10th year that Phillips 66 and CCOA have collaborated on this Thanksgiving project. Each basket contains food items needed to prepare a traditional holiday meal, including meat, canned goods, and dessert. CCOA selected the residents from its “Meals on Wheels” program to received the baskets. Student volunteers from SOWELA, along with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Department assisted with delivering baskets in Lake Charles, Westlake, Sulphur, Carlyss, Starks, Vinton, DeQuincy, and Iowa.
CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation Celebrates Donors The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation held a celebration of thanks for those who made the “Healthcare and Hope…Here at Home” fundraising campaign, which was held from 2014-present, a success. During the campaign, $14 million was donated toward the purchase of the latest technology for Cardiology, Neuroscience and Oncology. To honor donors, the stained glass donor wall by glass artist Frank Thompson was unveiled in in the CHRISTUS front lobby on December 8. Donors gave close to $7 million, and $7 million was matched by CHRISTUS Health toward new technology. Vol. 8 • No. 17
December 15, 2016 5
Lady Yankee’s Blue Christmas The unfortunate side effect of having your house up for sale is that the moment the sign goes up in the yard, the place is no longer yours to live in as you’d like. Suddenly, you’re in a worse situation than if you moved back in with your parents. My parents, at least, allowed me the freedom to do whatever I wanted with my own room short of turning it into a meth lab. Not so with my realtor. Just prior to bringing in the photographer to take pictures for our listing, our agent informed us that just about everything except the furniture had to be removed from view. The family pictures, sports memorabilia, the aquarium full of wine corks Lady Yankee had been collecting for some future craft project—all of it had to go. She even instructed us to take everything
6 December 15, 2016
off the kitchen counters, as if potential buyers would assume that, because we make toast and coffee in the morning, we must belong to some strange cult where we also sacrifice animals in the backyard under the full moon: “Look, Mildred, they have a Keurig coffee maker. We need to check outside; likely they have a blood-stained altar.” Needless to say, my dog, Buster, and I were none to pleased with the idea of having to keep the house pristine while it was up for sale. We both believed that, it being our space after all, we could just leave our things wherever we wanted. A halfchewed rubber chicken under the kitchen table and a halfdozen empty beer cans strewn atop it are part of what gives the place its unique charm, in our opinion. I figured that Lady Yankee,
on the other hand, would be perfectly comfortable with the arrangement, as she cannot stand to have even a paper clip sitting out for ten seconds before she whisks it away into some drawer, of which there are more in our house than your typical major office building. She’s so good at hiding things that she could finance our retirement by operating a shell game on a downtown street corner. She would have been fine, too, if not for the fact that our realtor instructed her to hold off on decorating the house for Christmas until after the pictures were taken. With her, decorating precisely on the day after Thanksgiving is an instinct that’s rivaled only by the groundhog seeking his shadow in February. Our agent dropped this bombshell as a parting shot on her way out the door, as if she’d noticed this instinct in one or two other sellers who listed their properties during the Christmas season. “Why can’t I decorate before you take the pictures?” my wife screamed, chasing the agent’s car as she sped down the driveway. “It may look a bit odd if the house is still on the market in February, and the pictures show the banisters wrapped in holly and red ribbons,” she answered through the window.
The idea that the agent’s phone might not be ringing incessantly with offers from eager buyers within minutes of it being listed is one that probably did not occur to Lady Yankee. She, like many homeowners, sees our property as one of the nation’s greatest landmarks, rivaling in prominence to the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial, and the peach-shaped water tower in Gaffney, South Carolina. “Well, if the house still hasn’t sold in February, they can just come and re-take the pictures after I’ve put up the Mardi Gras decorations,” was her answer. What Lady Yankee doesn’t know is that I purposely chose this time of year to try and sell our house. I figured there might be an issue regarding the pictures, and so I saw it as a great excuse for me to avoid putting up the outside decorations that my wife insists on each year. That ploy failed, however, when she pointed out that lights don’t show up in the daytime, when it is most likely that the photographer would show up. So now I’m out of excuses, save perhaps going out and breaking my arm. Come to think of it, that might not be a bad idea. If the house sells soon enough, I wouldn’t need to come up with a whole other excuse come moving day. Vol. 8 • No. 17
like a conductor controls an orchestra. Prepping in the kitchen, creating his masterful Sicilian dishes, recommending the right wine and making sure the front of the house was aligned with the great celestial movement was his forte. He would visit every table, pass on words of wisdom, and tell a quick funny story, all the while making sure that everyone was happy with their meal. He seemed to always start with “Guess what?” and proceed with a great anecdote. The man was a master at his craft. This long introduction is a prelude to the opening of The Villa by his son Mike, who eventually operThe Villa Returns! ated Italian Villa after the passing of Back in the day, we had a wonderhis father. It will be located downtown ful family owned and operated Italian on Pujo St. and I’m sure it will be restaurant. The Italian Villa, extreme- worth the drive for those of us not in ly popular with so many locals, was the immediate area. Mike is reviving located in the building now function- the spirit of the old place and is going ing as Rikenjaks Brewing Company to use some of his father’s great old on Ryan St. in Lake Charles. The recipes while adding some new and Villa, as it was universally called, was I’m sure exciting dishes of his own. a special place--the kind of restaurant One of my great favorites at the for anniversaries, birthdays, popping- old place was Papa Marco’s crab the-question--you know what I am fingers, an appetizer that you could talking about. The food was so good not pass up. Individual crab claws, that many of us were weekly regulars; cracked out of the shell were served it was our long-time Friday night generously with “Capri” sauce, a place. secret blend of the red and white Papa Marco Sperandeo, chef, racsauces that only Marco made. Let onteur and gregarious proprietor was me tell you, a serving of his Crab unforgettable. He worked the place Fingers was an gourmet experience.
I have visited with Mike and strongly hinted that he should not begin to continue this venture without that dish. Good luck, Mike. I’ll see you down there; get my order of crab fingers ready!
Looking Ahead This year has been one to remember. So many things, both good and bad have occurred. Having experienced great loss, yet having been most fortunate in so many other ways, we can all look forward to the New Year and hope that 2017 is a year of progress and stability. We’ve had enough variability in 2016 to carry us forward for quite awhile. Whether life worked out in your favor or not, that is the past and only the memories remain. The future awaits us and we only can make it better or worse. With those two options available, let us choose to make it better for all of us. Let’s get past the downside of the prior and look for love, prosperity and betterment for our collective future. I have been blessed to be able to write this column for you since almost the very first issue of The Jambalaya News and have gratefully received many kind and complimentary remarks from you, my readers. (Well, I did receive a few less than complimentary, but that goes along with the territory!) I want to wish all of my readers the Merriest of Christmases and an extremely Happy New Year as we continue on together. See you next year with more Tips from Tip!
This handsome boy is two years old and is a wonderful guy! Great on a leash, loves people, likes to play with other dogs and is catf riendly. He loves to go to the dog park or play outside in the yard. His foster mom describes him as a “love” who will be a great family dog. He would love to be in his new home by Christmas! For more information, call (337) 244-4563, or email lapaw@bellsouth.net. Vet check and home visit required prior to all adoptions.
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December 15, 2016 7
Photos by Chris Romero
Grand Slam Fishing After teal season or during the split between waterfowl seasons, I fish. I used to re-string decoys, brush blinds, do boat repair, work my retriever, prep Lacoste Lodge, save money for the next season, etc. Since Lacoste Lodge was obliterated by Hurricane Rita into a no-more, I can now just fish to fill the time between duck seasons. Mark Fontenot fishes. Year round. The epiphany I get from wa-
Mark Fontenot’s Fine Speckled Trout
8 December 15, 2016
terfowling, he gets from fishing. I mean I like it and all, but Mark loves, loves, loves it. It’s a delight just to be on the water with him. This time, we caught the first cool front of the year. We launched from Calcasieu Point. The seas were flat with clear water pushed by the wind and tide. That meant it was time for the speckled trout, flounder and redfish migration run. We headed to Spicer’s in Hackberry to get live shrimp for bait and then sped to Lambert Bayou to start the day. I always follow Mark’s lead on rigging my line. Actually, he does it for me. I know what to do, I’ve been at it a truly long time, but Mark REALLY knows better, so I stay out of the way and do what he does. One of these days, I’ll get him in a duck blind and then I can show him what to do for a change. But today, it was a live shrimp hooked in back of the head with the line out on a popping cork. Casting into the clear calm running tide we popped and waited, popped then waited, popped, waited again ,and then pop BAM! Mark’s cork took off, and down. Then it was my turn. We both brought in throw-back redfish. We hit the first of the speckled trout next to a riptide. Like most of the reds, many were not keepers. Re-baited, we cast out and worked the popping corks. Pop. Wait. Pop. Wait. Pop. Wait. Then Mark hit, fought, and boated the fine speckle trout in the pic. We cast out again. Popped waited. Popped waited. Then, my cork just took off and dived. I set the hook and forced my rod tip up as the line streamed out, pulling against the reel’s drag. The biggest red fish I ever caught went 28 pounds and this one truly felt the way the other had. Mark maneuvered the boat with the trolling motor and I the fish. Every time I got it close, it took off and took line. After another few runs, the red seemed to tire. Carefully and cautiously, I fought him. Mark had the landing net at the water’s edge. We finally saw him and Vol. 8 • No. 17
Mark readied. I reeled him close and as Mark bent down to net the fish it exploded a last time and broke my 20 pound test line right at the boat. Like Santiago in Hemingway’s The Old Man And The Sea, I lost my great fish. Not to the sharks but to a fish that was a better sport fish than I am a fisherman. Yet, there was no remorse or curses, just a great fish that beat me. Yet and all, it just wasn’t the right day. Yet, it was. Freed for the first time this year from the summer swelter, we floated and fished in the cool of the day, basked in a mild sun with a sky so blue it hurt your eyes. The sport fish migration was just at its beginning. Then, there’s the matter of that fine flounder. A small shrimp boat extended a dual kindness as it passed slowly and to our surprise tossed us a flounder. I grabbed it and tossed it on ice. By a vast stretch of the imagination one can say I caught the flounder. We had our grand slam: a spec, a flounder, and a redfish. Mark was ecstatic. As was I. Such enthusiasm is a joy well worth the sharing. Local fisherman like Richard “Coonass” LeDeux, Randy Phillips, Jerry Debarge, Hugh Manuel, Bart Blakelock, Todd Gorman, Dwyane DuBard, Frank Conrad, Chad Shuff, Charles Johnson, Judge Jamie Bice, Charles Roberts and so many more share Mark’s epiphany. To be fishing with them is a joy that makes killing time between duck seasons unforgettable.
Master Angler Mark nails a Redfish
Mark’s Redfish, Flounder and Spec Grand Slam Vol. 8 • No. 17
December 15, 2016 9
L A K E
A R E A
Obesity in the U.S. has reached epidemic proportions, and is now considered the number one cause of diabetes and heart disease in the nation. For many people, traditional methods like calorie restriction and exercise have failed to produce initial or sustained weight loss results. If you have failed to lose weight through other methods and are considering a more aggressive approach to deal with the issue, you are not alone. Nearly 200,000 people underwent weight loss surger y in the U.S. in 2015, an increase of more than 25 percent over 2011 figures. Current estimates are that 1 in ever y 3 Americans have obesity, and 6 percent are “extremely obese,” with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40. A recent study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) revealed that those living with obesity are likely to die an average of 14 years earlier than if they lived at a healthy weight. “While the most obvious frustrations around obesity are often cosmetic, the real impact of excess body weight is on the patient’s health and longevity,” said Dr. Keith Chung, general and bariatric surgeon and an independent member of the medical staff at Lake Area Medical Center. “The majority of people living with obesity also deal with associated 10 December 15, 2016
M E D I C A L
pain, diabetes, high blood pressure or depression, and experience a significant impact on their energy levels and quality of life.” Is 2017 the time for a change for you or a loved one? There are a variety of procedure options in weight loss surger y and many can be done through small incisions for minimal scarring and faster recover y.
Surgical Solutions Here are some important facts if you’re considering a surgical solution: Gastric Bypass is considered the gold standard of weight loss surgeries, and is the most commonly performed of the procedures worldwide. The procedure creates a new stomach pouch that is considerably smaller than before, facilitating smaller meal portions and resulting in fewer calories consumed daily. Advantages of gastric bypass include its ability to promote significant long-term weight loss (up to 60 to 80 percent), and its ability to physically restrict the amount of food that can be consumed. It also induces beneficial changes in gut hormones that reduce appetite, reduce the risk of type II diabetes, and may lead to feelings of increased energy. Typical patients maintain weight loss of greater than 50 percent after gastric bypass. The Adjustable Gastric Band
C E N T E R
procedure – also known as lap band or “the band” – places an inflatable band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch above the band, and the rest of the stomach below the band. The size of the stomach opening can be adjusted by filling the band with sterile saline, which is injected through a port placed under the skin. Advantages of the lap band procedure include a reduction in the amount of food the stomach can hold, and the procedure is both reversible and adjustable. It involves no cutting of the stomach or rerouting of the intestines, and has the lowest rate of complications among the approved bariatric procedures. Sleeve Gastrectomy – often referred to as “the sleeve” – is a procedure performed by removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach is a tubular pouch that resembles a banana. Similar to band and gastric bypass procedures, the size of the new stomach pouch reduces the amount of food that can be consumed. But research suggests that the greater impact may be the effect the surger y has on gut hormones and blood sugar control. Advantages of the sleeve include a more rapid and significant weight loss, similar to results of the gastric bypass. TypiVol. 8 • No. 17
cal patients experience and maintain a loss of excess body weight at 50 percent or greater. It also requires a relatively short hospital stay (approximately two days), no foreign objects, and no re-routing of the food stream. It’s estimated that half of the weight loss surgeries conducted in 2015 were sleeves, as this procedure has steadily grown in popularity in recent years. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch – also known as the “duodenal switch”– is a procedure with two components. First, a smaller stomach pouch is created by removing a portion of the stomach. Next, approximately three-fourths of the small intestine is bypassed. Similar to the other surgeries described above, the duodenal switch initially helps to reduce the amount of food that is consumed; however, over time this effect lessens and patients are able to eventually consume near “normal” amounts of food. There are two notable advantages to the duodenal switch procedure.
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First, typical patients experience greater weight loss compared to the other procedures – an average of 60-70 percent of excess body weight at the five-year point. Second, this procedure is the most effective of the four procedures in fighting diabetes. However, it also has a higher rate of complications than the band, the sleeve or gastric bypass surger y, and requires a longer hospital stay. “As with any health issue, surger y should be considered only after other, less invasive methods have failed,” said Dr. Niazy Selim, General, Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon, and an independent member of the medical staff at Lake Area Medical Center. “The patient’s compliance with pre-surgical education and post-surgical nutrition and follow-up guidelines are the key indicator for initial weight loss success and long-term maintenance. The long term success is ver y much within the patient’s control.” Changes to the body after weight loss surger y are mostly positive, and
are an important benefit of the surgical weight loss route. But some of the physiological changes can lead to long-term vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Patients must commit to a lifelong plan of healthy food choices and vitamin and mineral supplementation. And while there is risk associated with any surgical procedure, the 30-day mortality rate for bariatric surgeries is actually only 1 in ever y 1,000 patients, much lower than the number of deaths caused by obesity itself. If you are considering a surgical solution for your weight loss goals, Lake Area Medical Center offers many resources to help you understand your options, and assist you throughout your entire journey. Weight loss support group meetings take place at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the boardroom at LAMC. Support group meetings are open to all bariatric patients and a support member, even if you did not have your weight loss surger y with us.
December 15, 2016 11
By Lauren Abate Matthew McGlathery and Israel Lowery are two young professionals who decided to embark on a business venture together. They purchased Botsky’s in downtown Lake Charles, a local eatery started by Michael Krajicek offering specialty hot dogs and sausages with all the trimmings. We caught up with the guys to find out why he and his friend decided to become part of the restaurant scene in Lake Charles, and what we can expect from their ownership.
These Dogs are Having Their Day.
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JAM: When did you and your partner buy the business and what made you decide to do this? MM: Botsky’s has been in business since the summer of 2013. We purchased the business back in March of 2016. Israel is a CPA and I am an attorney, so we decided to bring Chef Andrew Green on to be a part of the team as he has the culinary experience that is needed to run a restaurant. First and foremost, we were obviously big fans of the food and loved the fact that this business was completely different than anything else in the area. Israel and I both like business and being a part of the small business community in Lake Charles, especially in the downtown area. The previous owner, Michael Krajicek, had done a good job creating the concept and building a strong brand and we saw a lot of opportunity for growth. JAM: Were either one of you in the restaurant business prior to this? MM: Neither one of us had restaurant ownership or management restaurant experience prior to buying Botsky’s. We both believed it had a lot of potential from the business side, but we needed some assistance on the culinary side, so we brought in Andrew to assist with that part of it. We also have a great group of employees that are pas-
sionate about Botsky’s and take a lot of pride in their work from day to day, so that definitely helps keep the operations running smoothly. JAM: Botsky’s is an established, successful eatery. What were the challenges in taking it over? IL: Our main concern was making sure the quality of food and customer experience stayed consistent with what was already in place, but at the same time, making some improvements and additions to make things even better. The main challenges are the same as almost any other restaurant in the fast casual industry: delivering great food as quickly as possible to the customers. People might assume that we would just have a warmer drawer full of franks ready to go since we’re “only” selling hotdogs, but since we currently have ten different types of sausages and franks to choose from, our food is basically cooked to order to make sure we aren’t throwing anything away at the end of a shift. Another challenge is just being located downtown where a majority of residents don’t live or work. Most of the people we run into have never heard of us, or have heard of us but don’t regularly venture downtown to hang out. That’s been improving over the last few years, though, and now being on the Waitr app, we can deliver to people who don’t want to make the trek into town. JAM: Have you made any changes to the menu since you both took over? MM: We’ve brought back a few of the old specials that had been taken off the menu, such as the smoked duck sausage and buffalo sausage, and added a few new items like a veggie dog and a jalapeno cheddar pork sausage. And although we have been exclusively a hotdog restaurant in the past, we recently added a premium burger option as well as a pulled pork sandwich for Vol. 8 • No. 17
people who don’t want a dog or sausage. Of course, these items can be customized just like our hotdogs with a variety of toppings such as fried eggs, bacon, homemade coleslaw and much, much more. We’ve also expanded the beer list to include a wide variety of local and craft beers including several brews from Crying Eagle Brewing here in Lake Charles. We’re also in the process of adding a freezer for Pops and Rockets in the shop to get a quick dessert option as well. JAM: What do you attribute to the success of Botsky’s? IL: We have a loyal following of regular patrons that help make us successful. Our customers appreciate the quality of our ingredients and toppings and know that they can get something from us that they can’t get anywhere else. A lot of other fast food chains are jumping into the hot-
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dog game, but what they are offering isn’t comparable in terms of quality. The wholesale cost of our comparable menu items are more than the retail sales price of their offerings, so that should tell you something. In addition, our past customers have left us great reviews online so we get a lot of people from out of town that find us on Yelp or Google and stop in to see what we have to offer. JAM: What are your plans for the future? IL: We are planning a few further menu changes to add some additional signature dogs and burgers, as well as adding a combo deal. We’ve received a lot of inquiries about expanding to other locations, so we are definitely looking into that, as well. Botsky’s, 104 W. Pujo St., Lake Charles. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. (337) 491-1155. Like them on Facebook!
December 15, 2016 13
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.
ACTS Theatre Presents Scrooge! December 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 433ACTS (2287) or visit www.actstheatre.com.
Saturday, December 10 Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Sasol continues its 5S Project with “Pressure” at 11:30 a.m. Roberta Rabaioli and Travis Corbello will demonstrate the properties of pressure, including crushing a soda can without touching it, egg in a bottle, plumber’s magic and other pressure demonstrations. Saturday, December 17 Beaded Jingle Bell Necklace Workshop Make your own beaded jingle bell necklace to wear for the holidays! Class begins at 11:30 a.m. and is limited to 20 children, ages 4 and up. Monday, December 19: Holiday Fun: Wooden Nutcracker Workshop Paint a wooden nutcracker. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 22 children, ages 5 and up. There is a $1 additional workshop fee for non-members. Movie Time At 1 p.m., we will have popcorn and watch Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, The Little Drummer Boy and Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol! Tuesday, December 20: Holiday Fun Reindeer Ornament Workshop Create a reindeer ornament using stickers and foam cutouts. Classes begin at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and are limited to 20 children, ages 3 and up. Story Time with Nana and Pappy Elf At 11:30 a.m., we will have one of Santa’s elves read the classic story of Rudolph! Kids will receive a candy cane after the story. Christmas Pasta Necklaces Make a red and green pasta necklace in the ArtSpace from noon-1 p.m.
Shepherds and Kings December 16-18 Maplewood First Baptist Church presents Shepherds and Kings Christmas Musical, with show times at 7 p.m. on 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. Admission is free. For more information on Maplewood First Baptist Church, visit www.maplewoodfbc.com or call 337-625-5899.
Miracle on 34th Street December 16-18 Based on the 1947 movie, this stage play is a Christmas comedy-drama which focuses on a department store Santa at Macy’s in New York who claims to be the real Santa. Presented by the Mines Sulphur Community Theatre, 565 N Crocker St., Sulphur. $25 Reserved seating, $15 Adult, $7 Child (17 & younger. For times and more information, go to www.theminestheatre.com.
Movie Time At 1 p.m., we will have popcorn and watch Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Frosty Returns!” Wednesday, December 21: Holiday Fun DIY Ornament Workshop Create an ornament for your tree using various materials. Classes begin at 11 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. and are limited to 20 children, ages 3 and up. Stretch-N-Grow Join Lydia and Susan Woodward with Stretch-N-Grow at 11:30 a.m. We will learn about healthy lifestyles, exercise and play games. Movie Time At 12:30 p.m., we will have popcorn and watch The Santa Clause! Thursday, December 22: Holiday Fun Christmas Trees Workshop Make your own Christmas tree using tissue paper and foam cutouts. Classes begin at 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and are limited to 20 children, ages 4 and up. Movie Time At 12:30 p.m., we will have popcorn and watch “The Grinch!” Friday, December 23: Holiday Fun Kid’s Choice Christmas Crafts Join us in the ArtSpace from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Kid’s Choice Christmas Crafts! Movie Time At 1 p.m., we will have popcorn and watch Elf on the Shelf! The Museum will close at 4 p.m. Saturday, December 24-Monday, December 26 The museum will be closed. Merry Christmas! Tuesday, December 27: Tissue Paper Snowman Workshop Make a tissue paper snowman. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and are limited to 16 children, ages 4 and up.
Wednesday, December 28: Winter Mitten Wreath Workshop Decorate a winter mitten wreath. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 24 children, ages 4 and up. Thursday, December 29 LifeShare Blood Drive The LifeShare donation bus will be here from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Give the gift of life and donate! All donors will receive a buy one, get one free child/adult admission coupon. Activities will be provided and a small presentation for the children will be given at 11:30 a.m. Kids Choice Projects Available 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis. Limit one project per child. Friday, December 30 Meet the Dr. Dogs Join us at 11 a.m. and meet the Dr. Dogs Pet Therapy Team! These therapy dogs have wonderful temperaments that provide comfort and affection to people in stressful situations. The group volunteers at nursing homes, hospitals, area schools, counseling centers and various community events. Eskimo Workshop Make an Eskimo using various materials. Classes begin at 11:45 p.m. and 12:30 and are limited to 20 children, ages 3 and up. Saturday, December 31 The museum will be closed. Happy New Year! Monday, January 2 Snowman Workshop Create a snowman using paper plates and construction paper. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 20 children, ages 4 and up.
The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $8.50 for children and adults. Admission applies to all workshops and activities. (337) 433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org. Vol. 8 • No. 17
December 15, 2016 15
The Polar Express December 17 This free event at the Rosa Hart Theatre is the perfect way to kick off this holiday season. Children can wear their pajamas! Concessions will be sold. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., movie will start at 6:30. Tickets are available at the Civic Center Box Office. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Holiday Break Free Yoga Class December 19 Free all level Holiday yoga class at 5:30 p.m. at the Yoga Center of Lake Charles. Enjoy a stress-free evening of yoga. Whether you’ve never tried yoga or you’re a seasoned yogi, come melt away holiday stress and give yourself the gift of peace and healing. Will also be accepting canned goods for local food banks. (337) 497-0017, www.yogalakecharles.com.
Cajun Christmas Concert December 22 The City of Lake Charles will present “A Cajun Christmas Concert” on Thurs., Dec. 22 in the Rosa Hart Theatre at 7 p.m. Grammy winner Steve Riley will perform with his famous Mamou Playboys and the legendary Hall-of-Famer and Grammy winner, Wayne Toups will appear as a special guest. The show will open with the New Orleans-style Dixieland band called Pelican 212. Admission for adults is $10; students are $5; and kids 12 and under are free. Starts at 7 p.m. Visit www.mamouplayboys.com for ticket information.
mation and guides. The show will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center in Louisiana and parking is free. Adults $8; Children 15 and under free (with paid adult). www.centralgulfcoastboatrvshow.com.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival January 13-16 The Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival honors the courageous effort and sacrifices of Martin Luther King, Jr. The festivities kick off with a memorial breakfast, held at Christian World Ministries, 2001 E. Gauthier Rd. on Fri., Jan. 13, at 7:30 a.m. which honors outstanding individuals in the community. This year’s guest speaker will be Lake Charles native, the Honorable Judge Ron Ware of the 14th Judicial District Court. On Sunday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m., performers from all over Louisiana will come together for the Gospel Extravaganza held at Throne of Grace Fellowship, 2401 6th St. The celebration continues on Monday, Jan. 16, with Family Day where you can enjoy live local and national entertainers in the R&B, Zydeco, Blues and Southern Soul genres. Don’t miss the Celebrity Gumbo/ Sauce Piquant Cook-Off contest as well as the exhibition by hundreds of local vendors featuring arts, crafts, Creole and Cajun food. Kids of all ages will get a chance to catch throws at the parade, which leaves the Martin Luther King Center, 2009 N. Simmons St. at 11 a.m. Details on these events and admission can be found at www.kzwafm.com, or by calling (337) 491-9955.
Twelfth Night January 6 Mardi Gras makes its flamboyant entrance with the Twelfth Night Parade Extravaganza inside the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. There will be a lively, mini-parade featuring members of Krewe of Krewes under the direction of Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 in advance or $7 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the following locations: Joseph’s Electric, Gordon’s Drug Store, Moss Bluff Flower Shop, Hamilton House in Sulphur and Party Time Store on Lake Street.
Fur and Wildlife Festival January 13-14 The 59th Annual Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival will highlight our local, natural resource industries. Enjoy parades, a gumbo cook-off, pageants, a 5k and 1 mile run/walk, dances, Cajun music, exhibits and a carnival complete with amusement rides. Don’t forget the unique contests such as duck and goose calling, trap setting, nutria and muskrat skinning, oyster shucking and skeet shooting. The dog trials are always a favorite among hunters! The festival will be held on the fairgrounds in downtown Cameron(located at the former Pat’s of Cameron, 513 Marshall Street). For festival times and more information, visit www. lafurandwildlifefestival.com.
Boat Show January 13-15 The annual Central Gulf Coast Boat Show will be packed with the latest selection of boats, fishing tackle, boating equipment and products, jet skis, golf carts, ATVs, scuba gear, resort infor16 December 15, 2016
Vol. 8 • No. 17
Unlikely Companions
The Adventures of an Exotic Animal Doctor Fluffy’s not feeling very well. It’s terrible when a pet gets sick; he can’t exactly tell you what’s wrong, but he’s your baby and you know when there’s a problem. You really need to get Fluffy to the vet – but not just any veterinarian. He needs a specialist because, as in the new book Unlikely Companions by Laurie Hess, DVM (with Samantha Rose), little Fluffy isn’t exactly fluffy. Moving out of their apartment was the start of a dream. When Laurie Hess and her husband, Peter, left Manhattan, they knew upstate New York was where they’d put down roots and raise a family. They’d found community there, and the perfect place for Hess to open her Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics. Iguanas might not seem like your everyday pet, but Hess might see them in a normal workday. Pigs aren’t furry like dogs, but their owners love them all the same. Parrots might not pounce, but they play and can even purr. These are her Vol. 8 • No. 17
patients but, says Hess, caring for their owners is half her practice. Sleuthing is likewise an important part of what she does. When car-tire-vs.-turtle happens, she discovered a way to repair the unfortunate victim’s shell. When an adorably tiny piglet grows into a full-bore boar, she knows how to keep that little piggy from going to market. When a dangerous “pet” comes to her clinic, she understands how to stay safe while caring for it. And when a whole herd of beloved area animals were in trouble, Hess leaped to find out why. Comical, active, and popular with kids and adults, doeeyed sugar gliders were in crisis in Hess’s area: she had five dead patients, no clues, and research showed that the animals were succumbing quickly in many areas of the country. Nothing added up, but in the midst of finding a solution, Hess also found herself immersed in controversy… Tipping the scales with a snake, catching a Nile monitor, boarding a bunny, and
finding a “pet” that shouldn’t be a pet, they’re all in a days’ work for author Laurie Hess, as she writes in a memoir that’s part pet-lover, part personal. That latter angle is great – we get to know Hess and her family well – but let’s face it: the former is why you’d want this book, and Hess doesn’t disappoint her readers. Get ready for stories of an autistic boy and his pets, taste-testing pet food, and a fussy cockatoo. Read about birdbrains, bird brains, and a pig who loves having his nails painted. You’ll laugh about fourfooted escapees. You’ll cry for the husband whose wife hates
his pets. And you’ll thrill at a mystery that weaves throughout. That makes this perfect for animal lovers of all stripes and scales, fans of dogs to hogs. Furry, purry, or if you’ve got a Fluffy who really isn’t so much, Unlikely Companions is a book you’ll like very well. “Unlikely Companions: The Adventures of an Exotic Animal Doctor” by Laurie Hess, DVM ©2016, Da Capo Press $24.99 / $32.50 Canada 256 pages December 15, 2016 17
Amanda Gentry: Jeweler and Painter By Brian Pitre For many artists, the true nature of their inspiration is in their journey. However, the journey from home beneath their lamps and spotlights and out into the marketplace to offer their passion to the world for criticism and cash is one many artists never dare to take on. Presenting your time, feelings, and thoughts to the world on canvas is bold for anyone, much less those who wish to earn a living from it. They are worthy of more than just a tip of the hat; they know themselves and their passion, and they aren’t afraid to pursue it. We got a chance to sit down with local artist Amanda Gentry to find out more about where her passion for art has led her.
JAM: Are you a native to the Lake Area? AG: Born and raised in Westlake. Alum of EDS, St Louis Catholic and McNeese. JAM: How long have you been dabbling in the art world? AG: I Majored in music. Dabbled in “non-performance art” all my life. I love to create and craft. JAM: How would you describe your art/crafts? AG: Whatever pops into my odd little mind. I make jewelry that I would love to wear: elegant, colorful, quality materials. My painting and sketching is entirely self taught, never had any formal art classes. So it has a easy, whimsical quality. I want to entertain, make you smile. JAM: Have you always aspired to be an artist by trade? AG: Not at all. I originally planned to be a teacher. Life took over and I found myself with a desk job. Art is my therapy and escape. JAM: When did you begin to take your art seriously, and why? AG: I only had the courage to “go public” and take my crafts to art markets and festivals in this last year. JAM: What inspires you to create? AG: My favorite pastime: gift giving. I love to give gifts, whether they are bought or handmade. When I create, I am thinking that somewhere, someone would like to receive this as a gift from a loved one. It makes the art somehow more personal that way. JAM: Your images are well rooted in pop culture and nostalgia. What are some of your favorite pieces you have created? AG: I always love my jewelry. But I have recent started making journals with covers inspired by “Heroes and Villains.” Some come from movies, some from books,
18 December 15, 2016
Vol. 8 • No. 17
video games or TV. What I love is how I can nerd out with my favorite comic book heroes and art at the same time. And you meet some really interesting people with funky things like this. JAM: What do you feel is the most rewarding part about being a vendor artist? AG: The people I’ve met. I’ve met some incredible artists as well as the most kind, enthusiastic and generous clientele. JAM: What advice would you give someone who is looking to make the leap from hobbyist to merchant? AG: Just do it! Don’t worry about whether your art is good enough or mainstream enough to sell. Don’t ever compare yourself to other artists. Just because your craft isn’t the same as someone else’s, or liked by certain people, doesn’t mean it isn’t good or worthwhile. Somewhere out there, someone expresses that same little zany corner of their mind the same zany way you do. You just haven’t found them yet. So get out there. You create it, they will come! SWLArt Group is a collaboration of a variety of local groups & artists, to support the development and improvement of their quality of life & business as well as strengthen the over cultural growth of the community. For more information about SWLArt Group, artists, or events visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/swlart. Also be sure to follow them on Instagram and Twitter @swlart. Vol. 8 • No. 17
December 15, 2016 19
Thursday, Dec. 15
Friday, Dec. 16
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Ronnie Fruge
John Cessac
6 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
& the Texas Outlaws 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Julie Williams
Louisiana Express
Julie Williams
7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Coy Planchard
After Party
BB & Company
8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
Joey & the Jumper Cables
The Slags
9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
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 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Josh Taylor 10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
SATURday, Dec. 17
Loretta Lynn 8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. Tickets can also be purchased on performance day beginning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Office.
BB & Company
Sunday, Dec. 18
John Guidroz
7 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
After Party 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
No Idea
DJ Jose Mata
9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
The Slags
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
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
7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
Julie Williams
Flashback
Paws teh Cat
9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Monday, Dec. 19 Bryan Trahan
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Roger Tienken
After Party
8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Tuesday, Dec. 20 Kevin Lambert
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar
20 December 15, 2016
Vol. 8 • No. 17
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
Charlston & Derek 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Wednesday, Dec. 21 Chester Daigle 5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar
Vol. 8 • No. 17
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 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
Kris Harper & Frankie Randazzo 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
Thursday, Dec. 22 Kevin Lambert
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Encore
Friday, Dec. 23
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini 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
DJ Jose Mata
Kevin Lambert
Performance after Country Party @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Tony Faulk & Chaos
9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Larry Tillery Duo
Rapture
Burnham Road
Bernie Alan
8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Travis Thibodeaux
Clint Faulk
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
DJ Jose Mata
Rapture
9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort
9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
10 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
SATURday, Dec. 24 Kevin Lambert
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Philip Glyn Band 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
December 15, 2016 21
Jack Nelson
Clint Faulk
8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton
9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
Pop Fiction 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Encore 9 p.m.– 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort
You Walk Into the Room With a Pencil in Your Hand... Well, here we are folks. We’ve somehow made it to the end of the veritable whirlwind that has been 2016. This cruel mistress did the entertainment world few if any favors not to mention how she treated the rest of the world at large, but I digress... However, that old clock keeps turning and we all sully forth. But somehow, I find myself ending the second year of JMLC coming full circle to where I started it... with the inimitable Bob Dylan. As many of you are aware, the Minnesota-born musical icon is still making headlines and breaking barriers even today, certainly after being added to a list of names with such auspicious company as William Butler Yates, George Bernard Shaw, T.S. Eliot, and William Faulkner when he was named the recipient of the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature, the first songwriter ever to receive the honor. Further ink was generated when the ever elusive and private Dylan all but seemed to ignore the announcement initially and eventually released that he would not be attending the awards ceremony in Stockholm. Needless to say, this drew some rough opinions of the 75-year-old Dylan, including a bit of ire from members of the Nobel Committee itself. This also came after many critics frowned upon the nod, saying that “he didn’t belong,” essen22 December 15, 2016
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Rapture
777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
DJ Jose Mata
9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Sunday, Dec. 25
9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Paws teh Cat 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort
tially. And while many others rallied behind the choice (Steven King, one of the most vocal supporters) Dylan himself sounds like he would be more inclined to agree with the dissenters. Speaking to The Telegraph in October, Dylan said “It’s hard to believe. Whoever dreams of something like that?” and he furthered that sentiment greatly in his Nobel Banquet address that was presented by U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, Azita Raji in his absence. “I was out on the road when I received this surprising news, and it took me more than a few minutes to properly process it. I began to think about William Shakespeare, the great literary figure. I would reckon he thought of himself as a dramatist. The thought that he was writing literature couldn’t have entered his head. His words were written for the stage. Meant to be spoken, not read. When he was writing Hamlet, I’m sure he was thinking about a lot of different things: “Who’re the right actors for these roles?” “How should this be staged?” “Do I really want to set this in Denmark?” His creative vision and ambitions were no doubt at the forefront of his mind, but there were also more mundane matters to consider and deal with. “Is the financing in place?” “Are there enough good seats for my patrons?” “Where am I going to get a human skull?” I would bet that the farthest thing from Shakespeare’s mind was the question “Is this literature?”. But like Shakespeare, I too am often occupied with the pursuit of my creative
Kevin Lambert
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge
endeavors and dealing with all aspects of life’s mundane matters. “Who are the best musicians for these songs?” “Am I recording in the right studio?” “Is this song in the right key?” Some things never change, even in 400 years. Not once have I ever had the time to ask myself, “Are my songs literature?” So, I do thank the Swedish Academy, both for taking the time to consider that very question, and, ultimately, for providing such a wonderful answer.” To add to the oddness of it all, Dylan also sent along early New York scene contemporary Patti Smith (of “Because the Night” fame) to accept the award on his behalf and to perform the Dylan classic “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” However, the early punk rock queen actually forgot a lyric of the famous tune, prompting her to stop and apologize to the audience saying that she was “so nervous” before taking the song back and finishing out the performance.. Just one more little quirky little hiccup in this altogether unusual tale. And, there’s more still to be written. Just today, Dylan announced three new Swedish dates on his upcoming European tour and that leads many to believe that he may be getting a bit more public on the issue. Every Nobel laureate is supposed to give a lecture on their field of expertise in Sweden within six months of receiving the award. Now, that would seem odd, with as stand-offish as he’s been, but it would be the requirement for him to receive the $870,000 cash prize Vol. 8 • No. 17
Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Rapture
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
DJ Jose Mata
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Monday, Dec. 26
8 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Tuesday, Dec. 27
DJ Jose Mata
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort that comes with the award, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see whether he takes advantage of the opportunity while he is over there this coming April. Knock, Knock, Knocking On Heaven’s Door... I can only say that this seems a fitting end 2016 for me. So many great losses and so much dreary news couldn’t be
Kenneth Espree
Roger Tienken 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort
punctuated by something as epic as Bob Dylan winning a Nobel Prize without weirding it all up a bit. But I’ll admit, I’d rather go out on weird good note than another bad one. Another Prince. Another Leonard Cohen. Another Glen Frey. Another Paul Kanter. Another David Bowie... No sir. We’ve had quite enough of those to fill many years’ worth of “In Memoriams” in
Chip Radford
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
these dastardly last 12 months now. And while 2017 will no doubt have its own perils and pitfalls, for my sake and the for the sake of us all, I do hope the brighter days outnumber the darker ones this go round and give us all something to smile and sing about.. something worth writing a song about, maybe. You never know. I hear those things can win you the Nobel Prize, these days.
Something is Happening Here... Of course, you can’t welcome the New Year without properly seeing the old one off, so that means it’s time for some New Year’s Eve celebrations! Good ol’ Chuck Vegas has a number of different hip and happening “So Long ‘16” events going, on so depending on your speed and rhythm, there sure to be something out there for you! Such as.... December 31 - The Void: Year One This unusual little gathering caught my attention and is something that only seems to fit the odd and unusual vibes of this outgoing year. Year One is an all-night camping, art and music experience happening somewhere here in the Lake Area. That’s right--somewhere. The location is secret and password protected and is limited to 200 attendees. Seems safe to say that at least some of the entertainment will be courtesy of The Iceman Special (as they are the ones that created the Facebook event) but I see a few other names I recognize attending, so you never know. But if this “chance to be surrounded by likeminded individuals seeking new change via “positive, creative and artistic influence” and some early winter camping sound like your cup of tea search “The Void: Year One” on Facebook to find the event page. December 31 - JD’s New Years Eve Party with DJ Paws teh Cat – Jack Daniels L’Auberge’s Jack Daniels is ready to turn it up this New Year’s with their annual NYE party, this year featuring beats from Paws teh Cat. This one always fills up fast, but the party starts at 8 p.m. and admission is $25. December 31 - New Year’s Eve With Frankie Moreno – Blue Martini The Nugget’s hot nightspot is bringing Las Vegas to the Lake City with two- time “Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year” Frankie Moreno on NYE. This child prodigy pianist and Star Search winner has had lengthy residences in Sin City and has toured the world and sold out such famed venues as Carnegie Hall with his all original “Sinatra-styled” show. Admission is $55 and the party kicks off at 8 p.m. And for any of you not left completely ruined from the previous night’s activities... January 1, 2017 – The Temptations and The Four Tops – Golden Nugget Start the year off right with not one, but TWO acts that were easily among the cornerstones of the Motown sound: The Temptations and The Four Tops! This dynamic soul duo will be taking you back with countless classics like “My Girl,” “I’ll Be There,” “Can’t Help Myself,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and sooo many more! Tickets start at $45 and are available at ticketmaster.com
Any Day Now, I Shall Be Released... Well, I guess that about wraps it up, folks--both 2016 and the second year of JMLC! A heartfelt thanks to all of you who keep up with us here and I am very much looking forward to bringing you all of my various and sundry artistic musings again in 2017. Until then, I’m wishing you all a Happy Holidays and a safe and Happy New Year’s! I’ll be looking forward to seeing you at the show!!! Vol. 8 • No. 17
December 15, 2016 23
Mickey Smith 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
Trivial Tuesdays Live Team Trivia
Wednesday, Dec. 28 Chester Daigle
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St.
Chris Miller & The Bayou Roots
DJ Verrett
6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
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
Charlston & Derek 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Kory Fontenot 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC
The Fuse 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Thursday, Dec. 29
Wayne Toups
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
9 p.m. @ Delta Event Center Free Concert for B Connected Members Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
Kay Miller
Ronnie Fruge 6 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
City Heat
GG Shinn
9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton
7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
The Fuse 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Frankie Moreno 10 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
DJ Jose Mata 10:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
The Fuse Frankie Moreno 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Friday, Dec. 30 Kay Miller
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Zackery Clinton 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC
9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
Triggerproof 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
Kevin Johnson & Ryan Bourque 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Satursday, Dec. 31 Kay Miller
5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC
Louisiana Express 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder
24 December 15, 2016
New Year’s Eve Party with Flashback 8 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC New Year’s Party with Bronco Jr. 8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton New Year’s Eve Party! Paws teh Cat $25 cover, bottle service packages available Door open 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC City Heat 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Triggerproof 10 p.m. @ 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 The Fuse 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Frankie Moreno 10:30 p.m.@ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC
New Year’s Eve with Grand Funk Railroad
FREE IN CONCERT 11 p.m. @ Delta Event Center Space is limited. Pick up your admission wristband at the box office beginning at 7 pm on Dec. 31 Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Vol. 8 • No. 17
Roast Ham and Lima Beans The Pirate admits when he’s beat in the kitchen and this time, I had to steal my wife Michelle’s recipe. She grew up in the South, where cooked beans is an art. She divulged her secrets and let me write them down. Enjoy this wonderful family treat during the holidays.
Ingredients 1 (1 lb.) bag regular lima beans or 1 (1 lb.) bag baby lima beans 1 medium red onion, chopped 1 bunch of chopped green onions 2 ham hocks or 1 leftover ham bone, with some meat still on it 2 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ cup white wine 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 cans of beef broth (low sodium) 2 tablespoons Cajun Red Head or other seasoning (low sodium)
Add two tbsp. Cajun Red Head or equivalent. Make sure you do not add too much salt or products that contain additional salt. Use low sodium beef broth and low sodium seasoning. Bring to a boil; stir, reduce heat and cover and simmer for about two hours. Keep checking the water level and stirring every once in a while. Add more water if needed, but not too much--just enough to keep about one inch of water above the beans as they cook. Cook until beans are tender, adding more seasoning if needed. The water will turn into a wonderful gravy. Serve over rice. Serves eight. Bon Appetit and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Preparation
I know the bag says to soak the beans overnight, but you really don’t have to. We do like to rinse and soak them for a couple of hours. Wash the beans, and then put them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for three to five minutes, then turn off the heat, cover and let sit for one hour. After an hour, drain the water and set the beans to the side. Add the oil to the pot and sauté the ham hocks and onions together, until onion is clear and tender. Add garlic and sauté about two minutes more. Pour in a ½ cup of white wine to deglaze your pan, getting all the flavors that stick to the pan into the beans. Add two cans beef broth. Add the beans and cover.
Vol. 8 • No. 17
December 15, 2016 25
CCDECADE MEETS PERDOMO CIGARS Carrying on with their 10th Anniversary Celebration, Cigar Club teamed up with Perdomo Cigars. Perdomo’s own John Allen was on hand for a big night of deals and giveaways, including that of a $5,000 Perdomo 20th Anniversary Humidor. Congrats goes out to David Green of Orange, TX who was the lucky winner!
Samantha and Tylyn Landry
James Rougeau and Ali El-Khansa
Matt Sadler and Logan Guidry
Kathy and Michael Rhodes
John Allen and Steven Halker
LCCB’S CHRISTMAS IN LOUISIANA: ONCE UPON A TIME The Lake Charles Civic Ballet brought the holiday spirit to the Rosa Hart Theatre with their performance of Christmas in Louisiana: Once Upon a Time, a historic journey through Southwest Louisiana Christmases gone by. Bravo and happy holidays to you all!
Stephanie Menou, Clara Wade and Ameera Kattash
Anne Helms and Chloe Camel 26 December 15, 2016
Katie Dobis and Phil Brashear
Leon and Maraguerite LeDoux
Virginia-Kate and James Jessen Vol. 8 • No. 17
THE BISHOP’S GALA
Heidi Gruspier, Elizabeth Barilleaux and David Hardey
Danny and Selene Landry and Jeff and Carolyn Dupont
Dick and Mary Stine and Kim Connor
Melinda and Keith Hardy
The Diocese of Lake Charles rolled out the red carpet for this year’s edition of The Bishop’s Gala. Priests and church officials joined Bishop Glen John Provost to welcome parishioners and guests to a night of food, fellowship and fantastic big band tunes courtesy of Lake Charles native and globe-trotting musician Rory Partin and his Big Band Orchestra. Cheers to you all!
Larry and Gayle Smith and Wanda and Mike Duran
THE BUCCANEERS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY Contraband Days may still be five months away, but those fun-loving Buccaneers surely couldn’t let the holidays pass without passing a good time of their own! Aptly held in the Civic Center’s Buccaneer Room, these swashbuckling socialites danced, drank and partied down for their annual Christmas Party. ARRRGGHHH!
Christy Jones and Kristine Lopez
Randy and Hydee Veillon and Rhonda and John Ney Vol. 8 • No. 17
Rebecca Spears and Briggs Becton
Jackie Bastow and Nina Brock
Sammie Carlton and Phil de Albuquerque December 15, 2016 27