The Jambalaya News - Vol.1, No.10 / August 13, 2009 by The Jambalaya News

VOL. 1, NO. 10 / AUGUST 13, 2009

2009 High School Football Schedule â&#x20AC;˘ The Live Music Scene in Lake Charles Fresh at the Charlestown Farmers Market

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Brad West

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AUGUST 13, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 10

GENERAL 826 Ford St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262

contents COVER STORY

PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque

publisher@thejambalayanews.com

REGULARS

NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

EDITOR Lisa Yates lisa@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Kay Andrews Leslie Berman Sara Blackwell George Cline James Doyle Dan Ellender Kelli Fontenot Robert Lofton, D.V.M. Mike McHugh Jeanne Owens Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Steve Springer M.D. ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Patricia Prudhomme SALES ASSOCIATES Sabrina Barker Leslie Davis GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck darrell@thejambalayanews.com

BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews

7 9 10 11 13 14 16 29

The Boiling Pot Tips from Tip The Dang Yankee House Call Doyle’s Place The Zestful Life Financial Forum What’s Cookin’

FEATURES 21 26 27 32

Bayou Biz: Retro-Sports Get Ready for High School Football! Make Hay While the Sun Shines Do Cats Get Heartworm?

ENTERTAINMENT 30 35 36 37 38 42 44 46

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Red Hot Books Funbolaya Killin’ Time Crossword Family Night at the Movies Society Spice The Local Jam Jambalaya Jam Eclectic Company

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 826 Ford 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 selfaddressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Copyright 2009 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

Volume 1 • Issue 10

August 13, 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 10

St. Louis Football: Moving on Up

BUSINESS INTERN Bryce Primeaux

DISTRIBUTION: The Jambalaya News is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The Jambalaya News may be distributed only by The Jambalaya News authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Jambalaya News take more than one copy of each issue from its racks.

On Cover: 31-Matt Viator, 18-Jonathan Doucet, 10-Kenny Brown, 25-Stephen Sylvester, 51-Farid Abu-Shamat, Head Coach Mike Johns, 67-Christian Coody

5 AUGUST 13, 2009

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From the Intern When Time Is Up I’ve had the privilege of being a part of The Jambalaya News team for two months, and in that time, there’s so much that I’ve been able to do. I’ve dealt with sales, learned marketing, worked with graphic design, and written for editorial. I’ve gone along to work in our new office (which may or may not be haunted), driven around in The Jambalaya News truck, delivered papers, attended many social events, met some great people, and discussed the implications of going to college (which the team tells me is so overrated). The entire team has tried to keep me from leaving on multiple occasions, usually by handcuffing me or tying me to my chair, but they’ve been unsuccessful thus far. I’ve managed to escape by 5 p.m. each day, but the very next day, I somehow find my way back to the office at 8:37 a.m. sharp. I’ve had a hard time sticking around here, though, with the constant oppression in the office. You know, that part of the job--the lagniappe that doesn’t belong. Phil has fired me hundreds of times throughout my stay here. “Bryce, you forgot to remind me to call Lauren? Man, Bryce Primeaux

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AUGUST 13, 2009

you’re fired.” Of course, I was hired back seconds later each time I (actually) did something right. “You made those copies? Wow, you’re rehired.” Our sales consultant Patricia has called me “Junior” more times than I can count, and Darrell, our art director, has ratted me out on several occasions on bets I haven’t yet paid up (I currently owe Phil $30, but don’t remind him), so there’s no chance at all for me to thrive. Editors Lauren and Lisa have giggled at the grammatical mistakes I’ve made in my writing, and even our office manager Kay has joined in on the fun. Joking aside, I’ve had so much fun learning all about the processes that go on around here. It’s been difficult keeping up with Phil, though, with all of his energy. On my first day, Darrell asked me if I drank Red Bull, and now I know exactly why I was asked that question. So much gets done in such a short period of time, but the excitement of the entire staff makes the times pass so well. They’re constantly joking, firing each other, and making humorous remarks with the most serious of expressions. I can’t say that I’ll ever forget a thing that’s happened here, and I’ll take all of the skills that I’ve learned with me on my trip to LSU. Whatever I end up doing, wherever I go, I know TJN will be right there with me. Thanks, everybody.

– Bryce Primeaux

Leslie Davis

The Jambalaya News is proud to welcome Leslie Davis to the Jambalaya team as a marketing/sales intern. Leslie is a marketing major at MSU and is expected to graduate in December. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management’s student chapter, where she holds the position of vice president of professional development. She is also the vice president of professional activities for Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity. Welcome, Leslie!

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 10

You can feel it in the air: The sizzling anticipation of another football season that’s sure to be filled with thrills and chills. LifeShare Blood Centers is getting in the swing of the season with its third annual “Tailgate ‘09 Blood Donation Celebration” Aug. 13-15. “‘TAILGATE ’09’ is three days of food, fun and saving lives,” said Kristi Morris, Donor Resources Coordinator. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the football season, and we invite blood donor football fans, their family, and friends to come out and join the fun.” Included in the special promotion is a custom-designed, limited edition t-shirt. This is LifeShare’s third year to offer blood donors customdesigned football season tees. T-shirts are limited and will be offered to donors giving blood during the Tailgate promotion until supplies run out.

Shirts will be available at 214 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive from 8 a.m. -5:30 p.m. on Thurs. and Fri. and from 8 a.m.-noon on Sat. and at all mobile drives. For more information on the nearest Blood Drive location, call (337) 436-4932 or (800) 256-4932. “Being a blood donor is an attitude,” said Kristi Morris. “And what better place to get a life-saving attitude than TAILGATE ’09?” Potential donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs. Donors will be asked to present photo identification at the time of donation. For more blood donation information, or to find a conveniently located mobile blood drive call 439-4932 or (800) 256-4932 or visit www.lifeshare.org. TJN

Mobile Blood Drives Wed., Aug. 12 through Wed. Aug. 26 Thurs., Aug. 13 Jennings American Legion Hospital—Donor Coach—noon-5 p.m. Wal-Mart, Hwy 14—Donor Coach—11a.m.-4 p.m. Vinton Southside Fire Station—5 p.m.-8 p.m. Port of Lake Charles—8 a.m.-11 a.m.

Mon. Aug. 17 McNeese State University—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-3 p.m. Stine’s Lumber, Jennings—Donor Coach—11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Westlake Recreation Facility—9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rosepine Retirement and Rehab—1 p.m.—3 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 14 CVS Pharmacy, Moss Bluff—Donor Coach—9 a.m.- noon City Savings Bank, Moss Bluff—Donor Coach—2 p.m.-5 p.m. Moss Regional Hospital—12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Wal-mart, Jennings—Donor Coach—11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tues. Aug. 18 McNeese State University—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-3 p.m. West Cal-Cam Hospital—11:30 a.m. -5 p.m. Market Basket, Lake Arthur—Donor Coach—10 a.m.-2 p.m. Moss Bluff Fire Station—5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 15 Wal-Mart, Sulphur—Donor Coach—11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wal-Mart, DeRidder—Donor Coach—11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Wed. Aug. 19 McNeese State University—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-3 p.m. PPG—6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. First Pentecostal, DeRidder—6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Christ Community Church—Donor Coach—5 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

Sun. Aug. 16 St. Margaret’s—9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. St. Pius X—9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. New Covenant—9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Volume 1 • Issue 10

Thurs. Aug. 20 McNeese State University—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-3 p.m. PPG—6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. First National Bank, DeRidder—Donor Coach—11 a.m-5 p.m. AUGUST 13, 2009

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Fri. Aug. 21 McNeese State University—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wal-Mart, Hwy 14—Donor Coach—2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Market Basket, DeQuincy—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Brookshire Brothers—Donor Coach—2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat. Aug. 22 Academy Sports and Outdoors—Donor Coach—11 a.m.-4 p.m. Granger’s—Donor Coach—8 a.m.-noon Prien Lake Mall—11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., Aug. 23 First Baptist Church, Moss Bluff—5 p.m.- 8 p.m. St. Luke Simpson—Donor Coach—8:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Replenishment, Mary Fruge—8 a.m.-2 p.m. Our Lady of Prompt Succor—9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, August 24 Reeves High School—9 a.m.-1 p.m. Welsh Fire Department—3 p.m.-7 p.m. Wal-mart, Sulphur—Donor Coach—11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wal-mart, DeRidder—Donor Coach—11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dynamic Dimensions, Moss Bluff—9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 Wal-Mart, Hwy 14—Donor Coach—11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Jennings Daily News—1:30 p.m.- 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 26 First Baptist Church, DeRidder—5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church—Donor Coach—4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wal-Mart, DeRidder—Donor Coach—10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wal-Mart, Nelson Road—Donor Coach—11 a.m.-4 p.m. TJN

A Fond Farewell

All of us at The Jambalaya News would like to bid Bryce Primeaux a fond farewell. Bryce was our summer intern and helped each and every one of us more than we can say. He’s headed for LSU and a brilliant future, we’re sure. Good luck, Bryce, and if things don’t work out, do you have ten seconds?? TJN

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AUGUST 13, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 10

The

Boiling

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Optometry Association of Louisiana Honors Oakdale Eye Doctor At the annual convention held in Lafayette, the Board of Directors of the Optometry Association of Louisiana announced the creation of a new award—the Louisiana Distinguished Service Award; hereafter known as the Dr. James D. Sandefur Award. The Award was named in honor of its first recipient, James D. Sandefur, O.D. Sandefur has worked tirelessly for over a decade as executive director of the O.A.L., represented Dr. James D. Sandefur optometry on a national level, served on the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners, and elevated the practice of optometry in the eyes of Louisiana health care providers and the nation. Dr. Sandefur currently serves on the board of directors of First Federal Bank of Louisiana in Lake Charles and serves as the secretary/treasurer of the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners.

Banner Self-Service. Students who late register must pay fees in Smith Hall by 4 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 20, or all courses will be dropped. Fee invoices will not be mailed to late registrants. Students who late register and receive financial aid must sign a financial aid authorization prior to having fees assessed, even if they have a zero balance. Once they have registered for classes, students can sign the financial aid authorization online. A $50 late fee will be charged for those who participate in late registration. Additional fees for added classes must also be paid by 4 p.m. Aug. 20 or all courses will be dropped. For more information, contact the registrar’s office at (337) 475-5356. David W. Engleking, M.D. appointed to VPMA at CHRISTUS St. Patrick David W. Engleking, M.D. has been named the Vice President of Medical Affairs at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. Dr. Engleking is board-certified in Internal Medicine with broad clinical experience. He joins St. Patrick Hospital from Tarrant Inpatient Associates in Fort Worth, Texas, where he served as Founder/Chief Executive Officer since 1994. Dr. David W. Engleking

Natali Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Northwestern Mutual Aaron Natali recently celebrated his 10th anniversary as a financial representative with The Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in Lake Charles. Natali joined Northwestern Mutual in 1999. He is part of a network of specialists offering a wide array of products, expert guidance and innovative solutions to a variety of needs and goals. A native of Lake Charles, Natali received his bachelor’s degree from McNeese State University in 1999. He and his wife Christy have three sons, Gene, 8, Joe, 4, and Luke, 2. Cameron Communications Public Relations Coordinator, Trina Johnson presenting the $1,000 check to Carl Broussard, President of the Cameron Saltwater Fishing Festival. Cameron Communications Donates $1,000 to Fishing Festival Cameron Communications Public Relations Coordinator Trina Johnson presented a $1,000 check to Carl Broussard for the Cameron Saltwater Fishing Festival. The fishing festival was held at the Cameron Jetty Pier Pavilion on Aug. 7 and 8. Late Registration for MSU Students Students registering late for the fall 2009 semester at McNeese State University can register online or with their faculty advisers Aug. 13-19. Students must be admitted to the university prior to registration. Late registration begins at 7:45 a.m. Thur., Aug. 13, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Wed. Aug. 19. To late register, students can go online to www.mcneese.edu and click on Volume 1 • Issue 10

First National Bank of DeRidder Promotes William J. Holt The board of directors of First National Bank in DeRidder is pleased to announce the promotion of William J. “Justin” Holt to assistant vice president. Holt has served as a mortgage specialist with First National Bank since June 2008, offering an extensive background in VA, FHA, Rural Housing and conventional loan products. Holt received his Bachelor of Science degree in Management from McNeese State University in 2005. After serving as manager of Family First Mortgage Co. for over three years, Holt joined First National Bank in DeRidder. Holt’s knowledge and experience provides First National Bank the ability to offer its customers financing options to meet their needs. First National Bank in DeRidder is proudly celebrating 75 years in the banking industry, and continues to receive superior ratings for financial strength, safety, and stability from the nation’s leading bank rating and research firms. Holt works at the Main Office of First National Bank in downtown DeRidder at 131 Washington Street.

AUGUST 13, 2009

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Chamber Program Donates $10,000 For Local Learning Representatives from the Chamber SWLA and the City of Lake Charles Small Business EXPO presented scholarship checks for $5000 each to Dr. Mitchell Adrian, Dean of McNeese State University’s College of Business, and Dr. Rick Bateman, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Sowela Technical Community College. The $10,000 was raised through booth sales for the Chamber SWLA Business EXPO held on March 18.

Leslie Harless, left, vice president of Cameron State Bank, presents Valery and Jim Jordan with a framed, signed and numbered print by Elton Louviere as part of the July package in the Outdoor Adventure Giveaway. July Winner Announced in Cameron State Bank Giveaway Jim Jordan of Ragley won a guided duck hunting trip for two, a custommade duck strap, and a signed, numbered and framed print by Elton Louviere, the July prize package given by Cameron State Bank as part of their Outdoor Adventure Giveaway going on now through November. Jordan registered at the Moss Bluff banking center on Sam Houston Jones Parkway. A different hunting or fishing trip is given away each month. August’s giveaway is a guided trout fishing trip for two. The giveaway is open to the public, with registration slips available at all Cameron State Bank locations. The grand prize, a 17-foot fishing boat, motor and trailer, will be given away in November. LC Transit Division begins Fifth Route at the Ernest/Prien Mall Stop. On Monday, Aug. 10, The Lake Charles Transit Division started a fifth bus route. Buses now depart once every hour from the Ernest/Prien Mall stop beginning at 6:20 a.m. It continues throughout the day, making 11 runs, which depart every 20 minutes after the hour. The departure times run from 6:20 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. The new route travels north to 18th Street, then west on 18th Street to Lake, south on Lake to W. Prien Lake, west on Prien Lake to Nelson, south on Nelson to Country Club, and east on Country Club to the Guardian. The route then travels back west on Country Club to Nelson, north on Nelson to W. Prien Lake, east on West Prien Lake to Ernest. The route begins and ends at the Ernest/Prien Mall stop, and joins the four existing routes in providing transportation within the city limits of Lake Charles.

TJN

Jazzercise One-Day Sale August 17 $99 pays for the rest of 2009 Jazzercise is having a One Day Sale on Aug. 17 from 7:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Jazzercise combines a cardio workout, strength training, and stretching in a one-hour class. By using every genre of music, and great moves, participants don’t even realize they’ve worked so hard until they go home sweaty. No dance background is necessary, and PAGE 8

AUGUST 13, 2009

EVERY fitness level is welcome. Here’s the deal: On Aug. 17, you can buy a membership to Jazzercise for $99, which will pay for the rest of 2009! For more information, call 477-2114 or e-mail lcjazzercise@yahoo.com. TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 10

By George “Tip” Cline

Hang on to Your Debit Card Several readers have told me that they’d been thinking about some of the different things that have been discussed in these columns. One reader said, “I was just thinking about — and there it was in the last issue!” Well, folks, it’s all about common sense: Stepping back and letting the ole grey matter do its thing. You all have ideas, you all see and hear things, you all visit with your friends about stuff, and that’s all I’m doing here. We all know the old proverb: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. There is a companion saying that adds even more meaning: You don’t want to kill the golden goose. Those thoughts seem to have flown off into outer space in too many instances. I understand the profit motive, but when businesses keep excessively reducing value, they ultimately hurt themselves and drive away their loyal patrons. Just remember, when a customer goes to another source, he has broken the pattern of whom he does business with. Make the vendor keep a wary eye upon the goods and services you use so you can receive the maximum return for your expenditures. Too many times I see good value become a victim of what the traffic will bear. Have you noticed the big pushes to get you to use your debit or check card? For the life of me, I cannot understand why people are in such a rush to get rid of their hard-earned money. It amazes me how the immediate withdrawal of funds from your bank account has the charm and lure that it does for some people. We all have to pay our bills, which can be accomplished in variVolume 1 • Issue 10

ous timely ways. Giving the recipient of your funds all the power and retaining nothing for yourself does not add up. By law, credit card losses are limited to $50 IF you properly notify your card issuer that your card has been stolen, etc. There is no legal protection for debit or check cards used in this manner. By practice, the issuers of these cards have been waiving losses to cardholders, but there is no legal backing as there is by the laws governing credit cards. The evildoers could empty your bank account and you would then be the one left to have to put your world back together. Another concern I have is that when the debit/check card is used, the money is transferred virtually immediately from your account into the recipient’s account. If you have a problem with the product or service purchased, an unscrupulous seller has little incentive to rectify an unsatisfactory sale, since they already have your dough. With a credit card, the money does not leave your bank until you settle your monthly statement. If a problem occurs, you notify the card issuer and challenge the charge. You still have the money, the card issuer is involved and the seller has to prove that it was an aboveboard transaction. I feel this is a more prudent method of doing business. Now, some people say that they cannot use a credit card because they will overspend. I guess they are the same people that overdraw their checking account and pay the outrageous fees generated when that occurs. Self-discipline must be acquired, and that can be the hard-

est part for some. Your checkbook doesn’t operate by itself. You have to use good sense in many areas of life and money matters are one of them. School is getting ready to start back up, so let’s all remember the school speed zones. We forget where they are over the summer while school is out. You just couldn’t live with yourself if you caused harm to a child. It would be nice if we could afford to have those flashing yellow lights to alert us when the school zones are in effect—maybe some

day they’ll be there. That would help make life a little safer for the kidlets as well as less stressful for adults, wouldn’t it? If you find this column of interest, let The Jambalaya News know. Comments, suggestions, ideas, info, etc. are welcome. Send to lauren@thejambalayanews.com.

TJN

Family & Youth Festival 2009 Family & Youth Festival 2009 will take place on Sat., Aug. 22, at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $2 for children and $3 for adults. Featured again this year is Career Paths, a place for teens to explore career choices in a handson environment. Paths include culinary arts, aviation, commercial art, chemistry, pipe-fitting and more. Participants can register to win a 32-inch flat screen TV, Nintendo DSi, or an Apple iPod touch. They can also meet players from the Swashbucklers. As always, kids of all ages will enjoy face painting, petting zoo, live music, cookie decorating, hat making, and much more! Family & Youth Festival is a fun event promoting family life and family values in a safe and exciting environment. It is a day of appreciation to the people of Southwest

Louisiana, as well as a United Way Community Impact Day. Tickets are available from Family & Youth at 220 Louie Street, Lake Charles, by calling 436-9533, or at the door the day of the event. The festival is an alcohol free event. Family & Youth, a United Way agency, has been serving the community since 1970. Family & Youth Festival 2009 is a thank you to the community for its support. Family & Youth’s mission is to provide professional and affordable support to children and families through programs and services that are dedicated to advocacy, counseling, and education. For more information call (337) 436-9533, or visit www.fyca.org.

TJN

2009 CVB Christmas Brochure Call for Entries – Deadline Aug. 21 Looking for the perfect way to get the word out about your Christmas event or festival for free? If so, you’re in luck as the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau is currently taking information to be featured in its 2009 Christmas brochure. Each year, the bureau prints 10,000 copies of the popular piece, which covers events held in Southwest Louisiana during the Christmas season. In addition, information gathered for the calendar appears on www.visit-

lakecharles.org in the Visitors Guide to Southwest Louisiana. Events are also submitted for inclusion in Louisiana Life magazine and the quarterly events calendar produced by the Louisiana Office of Tourism. The deadline for entries is Fri., Aug. 21. To submit an event, contact Cindy Johnson, special projects manager at the bureau, at cjohnson@visitlakecharles.org or (337) 436-9588. TJN

AUGUST 13, 2009

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Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

Weed Trimmer Woes I don’t know about you, but when things break down around my house, it seems to happen in bunches. Case in point: Just a few weeks ago, my car, my lawnmower, and my weed trimmer all decided to go on the fritz within a few days of each other. I don’t know why it happens this way. It’s almost as if there’s some sort of contagious virus that goes around and only infects mechanical equipment. This may very well be the case, and I believe that it is wrought by the same cosmic forces that gave us Murphy’s Law. (“Whatever can go wrong, will.”)

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday Oct. 17, 2009 at the Lake Charles Civic Center

The 6th Annual Ethel Precht

HOPE BREAST CANCER 3K Walk/Fun Run www.ethelbreastcancerwalk.org

It was evident that I couldn’t fix these three broken items with duct tape, so off to their respective repair shops they went. I have learned two things from this experience. First, before you buy anything more complicated than a box wrench, you need to find out where you’ll need to take it to get it serviced. Face it, you can buy anything under the sun over the Internet, but you can’t send a weed trimmer back by e-mail when it happens to need work. In my case, I discovered much too late that the closest

authorized repair shop for my weed trimmer was 40 miles away. Second, I have come to the conclusion that the easier the repair, the longer the item will be in the shop. For example, you would have thought that the car, which needed a new alternator, would be the most complicated problem to fix. However, in my case, I got the car back first. Here is the data: • Car: Three days (would have been two if the parts delivery truck hadn’t been held up by inclement weather, or at least that’s what the shop claims). • Mower: Ten days. • Weed Trimmer: Three weeks and counting. Engineer that I am, I trended this data and came to a startling conclusion. If I were heating my home with a nuclear reactor, and it melted down, I’d probably be able to get it fixed, and the surrounding community decontaminated, within an hour. Now, here’s where Murphy’s Law joins the mechanical virus theory to create the perfect storm. The weed trimmer, which is taking the longest to get fixed, is what I happen to

need the most. The urgency even got ratcheted up a few notches when, no sooner did it break, the month- long dry weather pattern we were experiencing did the same. The weeds in my drainage ditch were getting so high that Boudreaux and Thibodeaux approached me about putting up a duck blind in there. It had actually gotten so bad that a neighbor left a note in my mailbox to point out the issue with the weeds, as if I didn’t notice. The neighbor used a polite enough tone, but he did not sign it. That made me feel bad. Here I am thinking that someone in my neighborhood imagines me sitting on my sofa drinking a case of beer and watching Texas Hold-em’ tournaments on ESPN Twelve. Meanwhile, my weed trimmer sits in the shed collecting cobwebs. I don’t even know who he is, so I can’t even explain the mitigating circumstances. Hell, if I had known the darned weed trimmer would have taken so long to fix, I’d have already hired somebody to do the job. Fact is, the weed trimmer is collecting cobwebs. It’s just not doing so in my shed. So, I called the shop to inquire when the weed trimmer would be ready. They said they had no idea. Boy, the repair must be incredibly simple. I probably could have fixed it myself with duct tape, after all. At that, I finally caved in and called someone to come out and trim the weeds last weekend. So here are two things I could have done by myself that I had to pay somebody else to do. Whoops! Gotta’ go now. I think the pump on my pool just went up. Is it because I’m a Yankee that this kind of stuff happens to me? I can see you all nodding your heads. Mike McHugh is an engineer at Sasol North America, Inc. He and his wife Susan hail from the border state of Maryland and thoroughly love living in Southwest Louisiana. He is also the author of "Road Kill Gumbo," a newly created blog containing satire about news and life in Louisiana. You can find it on the Internet at www.roadkillgumbo.com.

TJN

Sponsored in part by

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AUGUST 13, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 10

By Steve Springer M.D.

Elevation—Raising your ankle to or above the level of your heart will help prevent the swelling from getting worse and will help reduce bruising. Try to keep your ankle elevated for about two to three hours a day if possible. Will I need to wear a brace? If the sprain is mild, you likely will not need one. If the sprain is moderate or severe, I really love using an “Air Cast.” An air cast is essentially a plastic brace with air pads on the inside that keeps the bones and injured ligaments from moving, which reduces pain and speeds healing. I find that patients are able to bear weight sooner, and can actually get the air cast inside of a tennis shoe or even a loosely tied dress shoe.

Ankle Sprains:

The Many Uses of RICE You have to love that time of year when two-a-day football practice is back in gear and those resilient teenagers are limping around the house like us old people! Actually, the “love” is really the fact that I’ve been there, done that, and I don’t have to endure the August heat that way every again. One of the most common injuries in sports, whether it be fall or spring activities, is the ever-present ankle sprain. Let’s look at a few common questions and see if RICE can work on an ankle. What is a sprain? A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. Ligaments connect one bone to another bone at a joint and help keep the bones from moving out of place. The most common site of sprains is the ankle. An ankle sprain can happen when you fall, when you suddenly twist your ankle too far, or when you force the joint out of its normal position (for example, when I landed on top of another basketball player’s high-top shoe coming down from a rebound). As many of you know, this is not a fun experience, and you will usually have some or all of the following: • pain or tenderness • swelling • bruising • inability to walk or bear weight on the joint • stiffness The severity of an ankle sprain depends on how badly the ligaments are stretched or torn. If the sprain is mild, there may not be much pain or swelling, and the ligaments may only be stretched. If the sprain is severe, one or more ligaments may be torn, and the joint may be severely swollen.

What is the best way to use ice? Putting ice on your ankle can be very helpful, but you also need to be careful. The cold can damage nerves if the ice is left in place too long. Ice can be left on your ankle for up to 20 minutes at a time. When your skin feels numb, it’s time to remove the ice. Use ice treatments every two to four hours for the first three days after your injury. Ice treatments can consist of ice packs, ice slush baths or ice massages. What’s up with an ice massage? Handy trick! Ice massages—Freeze water in 4-to 8-ounce styrofoam (coffee) cups. Tear the top part of the cup away from the ice. Hold the covered end and slowly rub the ice over the sprained area with a circular motion. Don’t hold the ice on one spot for more than 30 seconds. How soon you go back to sporting activities will be between you and your doctor and essentially is determined by the severity of the sprain. With severe sprains, you can actually start to lose joint position sense and set yourself up for repeat injuries. We have many talented physical therapy facilities in town than can work with you on all the above, as well as the prevention of future injuries. So happy August two-a-days, and remember to have a good helping of RICE if an ankle sprain limps your way!

TJN

How are ankle sprains diagnosed? Usually an ankle sprain is a “clinical” diagnosis, meaning that a good physical exam is usually all that is needed along with a good patient history on how the injury occurred. However, there may be signs on exam that would lead to checking x-rays and, therefore, it’s a good idea to let your doctor take a look. How can ankle sprains be treated? Now, here is where our Cajun culture really saves us! You may have already heard of the RICE approach—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation—for treating ankle sprains: RICE approach Rest—You may need to rest your ankle, either completely or partly, depending on how serious your sprain is. You may even need to use crutches if the sprain is severe. Ice—Using ice packs, ice slush baths or ice massages can decrease the swelling, pain, bruising and muscle spasms. Keep using ice for up to three days after the injury. See below for a handy trick with ice. Compression—Wrapping your ankle may be the best way to avoid swelling and bruising. You’ll probably need to keep your ankle wrapped for one or two days after the injury and perhaps for up to a week or more. Volume 1 • Issue 10

As we enter Hurricane Season, we are dedicated to informing you of any weather threatening Southwest Louisiana. Part of our dedication to keeping you informed and up to date is our KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart sponsored by Cameron State Bank and Aggreko. The KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart will be available June 1 at our sponsor locations or at the KYKZ 96 station. More information at www.kykz.com

AUGUST 13, 2009

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Volume 1 • Issue 10

Doyle By Jim

The Spice in My Stew If life is change, I must be living out loud. By the time you read my next column, I will have moved my home and my office. Whew. Both are good things, I hope. I’m leaving my beautiful, windowless office in the country for one with a view from the 18th floor of the tallest building between Baton Rouge and Houston (yes, the Calcasieu Marine/Hibernia/ Capital One Tower, the Green Building with all the lawyers in it). And I’m leaving my beautiful, but fey, house for God knows what at this point, probably an apartment for the first time in 35 years. Hey, when I change things, I change them. It is a popular belief among my many children that my house is built on an Indian burial ground, like the one in the movie Poltergeist. Well, I haven’t seen any haints here, at least none that I can classify as “ghosts.” But without question, there has been a whole lotta drama since I built this place in 2002. I once counted 17 life-changing experiences since then, including death, accidents, life-threatening illnesses, job movement, hurricanes, and four family divorces. Lots of change. Lots of life. Some good, most not-sogood. My favorite former law partner Rick Norman once compared me to Joe Btfsplk, the character from the comic strip “Li’l Abner” who had a perpetual rainstorm of bad luck brewing over his head. All things considered, I’ll be glad to get out of there. Life is change, granted, but it is also balance. On the plus side of the ledger, when I pay off my mortgage, I won’t have any debt left, at least, none to speak of. That’s a first since, hell, I don’t know, since I was 19 or so. If debt is slavery – and make no mistake, it is – this move represents a liberation of sorts, a new start, a chance to begin Volume 1 • Issue 10

again. Exciting prospect. Lots of choices open to me, and I’m going to take my time making the best ones. God knows, I’ve had enough experience to recognize the worst ones. I hope. Since last we visited, I’ve been to two of the largest cities in the country. I was headed, you may remember, to the top of the Empire State Building to find my lost youth. It may be there. The line was way too long for my patience to last, so instead of searching for it, I walked across the street to a Korean barbershop (Man, I love New York!). Got a trim off the fringe on top, then crossed the street and paid $25 to ride on the top deck of a tour bus. It was great. All I really wanted to do was experience the city, and there’s no better way to do it. I’ve seen all the sights many times, so I never got off the bus. But I had a delightful three hours riding past the Flatiron Building, Lincoln Center, the municipal complex, the Woolworth, Ground Zero, Trinity Church, and all the rest. It was a comfortable 80 degrees and sunny, no rain in sight. Wonderful way to spend an afternoon. My hotel in New York was on the Upper West Side, essentially a neighborhood where I was able to get a little of the “feel” of living there. I had dinner in a diner, takeout from the Chirping Chicken (steamed veggies and corn on the cob, for those of you wondering about my current vegan commitment), and a night in a comedy club watching mediocre standup. Spent a great afternoon with the folks from The Documentary Group, who interviewed me extensively for the film they’re putting together about one of my cases, and then got to use some of my thespian skills as they directed me in multiple body movements they’re going to integrate into the final

product. Can’t wait to see it. On a whim, Harry and I took a whirlwind trip last weekend to see my brother Thomas and his family in Chicago. We rode the train, which I recommend you do, if you haven’t already, before we lose all the long-distance train routes in this country. The trip to Chicago is easy and satisfying. We caught the City of New Orleans in Hammond to avoid city parking and hassle, and it’s an effortless overnight trip from there to Chicago’s Union Station, arriving at 9 a.m. We did all our favorite Chicago things. Dinner at Portillo’s, a famous hot dog restaurant (where I stuck to my veggie diet by the hardest), then spent Sunday downtown. Harry wanted to go to the top of the Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower, it’s owned by one of the world’s largest insurance brokers) and step out on The Ledge, one of three Plexiglas boxes protruding from the 103d floor. But like the other tall building experience, the line was too long. Two hours. We settled for a water taxi ride down the Chicago River to the Navy Pier, which protrudes out into Lake Michigan and has restaurants, an IMAX, amusement park rides, and a whole shedload of people. The weath-

er was great in Chicago, too. Funny, I thought summer was always 98 degrees and 99 percent humidity, with an occasional hurricane! Guess the Yankees have some advantages, after all. Harry rode the supersized Ferris wheel with his cousins and took a picture from the top on his phone, which he sent to his brother Stratton, calling it a “view of the ocean.” Stratton promptly insulted his brother’s intelligence, and I gave Harry an impromptu geography lesson. My travels this summer, and my good luck on my current health issues, give me a renewed sense of well-being and hope for good things to come, wherever I may live and wherever my office may be. I am constantly reminded that life is what you make it, friends and loved ones are everything, variety and change are the spice in the stew. In other words, everything you’ve always heard is true. I am a staunch advocate of living life to the fullest. Get every drop out of it. Don’t give up. There’s something great around the corner. And on that note, dear readers, I’ll see you on the flip. In an undisclosed location. Move over, Dick Cheney!

TJN Locally Owned & Operated

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AUGUST 13, 2009

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The

Life

Moms: To Work or Not to Work By Sara Blackwell The intensity of the love and passion a parent feels for their child is unimaginable if you don’t have one yourself. From the moment of birth until the end of our lives, the incredible feeling of love is ever present. Similarly, the struggle of a working mother cannot be fully understood unless you’re going through it yourself. Luckily, a lot of women believe that returning to work is initially challenging, but not as bad as they anticipated.

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AUGUST 13, 2009

They’ve learned to enjoy their career while still having time with their children in the evenings and on weekends. They get a sense of independence and strength that comes from a flourishing career. There are different schools of thought when it comes to working mothers. Some people believe that separating children from their parents increases their social skills and assists in future separation issues. Others argue that a parent should be the person responsible for raising and teaching their children the basics of life that are mainly learned at young ages. As your children mature, and especially after they begin school, their needs change—and so does the experience of motherhood. There are now extracurricular activities your children should be involved in, so you have more kid-free hours during the day if you want to work. Of course, if you decide to return to work after your children begin school, you’ll have to address the school holidays and summer months.

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Mothers choose to go back to work for various reasons. The present day requirements of life force many women to work whether they want to or not. Then, there are peer pressures that may sway a mother to either return to her career or to stay at home. Or, their husbands may be opinionated and influence their decision—one way or the other. Ultimately, it is the mother who must make the difficult choice of whether to return to her career, how many hours to work per week and whether to participate in after-hour work activities. Shannon Comeaux Fontenot and Anissa Darbonne are two successful local moms who decided to return to their careers and are happy with their decision. Both feel that their children benefit, as well as the family as a whole, from their financial contributions. Fontenot, a sales manager for C&L Aqua Professionals, Inc. in Sulphur, said that she is blessed to have an exceptional caregiver for her ninemonth-old daughter, Sophie. “There is no way I would be able to enjoy my job if it weren’t for Sophie’s caregiver. She honestly loves and cares for our little girl. She keeps Sophie on a routine that I have adopted, and benefited from, on the weekends,” she said. Fontenot said she’s worked since her daughter was six weeks old. “I think it is important that I work, because I don’t want to burden my husband with all of the financial responsibilities. I want to contribute,” she said. “But I am also very independent and enjoy having a job outside the home.” Fontenot takes pride in her work and the position that she’s built for herself within her company. However, it was very hard for her to go back to work initially. “Every day when I leave her, I feel like I am leaving a piece of my heart behind. My job makes me appreciate the time I do have with my daughter even more,” she said. Like Fontenot, Anissa Darbonne, a certified laser technician in Lake Charles, feels that working is the best choice for her family. Her two daughters, Madison, 11, and Kennedy, 9, attend a private school and are heavily involved in dance— attending classes several hours each week. “I work so that I can send my children to private school, and so that the girls can enjoy any extracurricular activities they desire. I like to contribute in giving my children a comfortable life,” Darbonne said.

Volume 1 • Issue 10

She is also fortunate that her parents and in-laws assist in caring for the girls during the summer, or if one of them misses school due to an illness. Darbonne admits that summers are harder because the girls are home all day and are bored by the time she gets home from work. “They’re ready to go and do something. I, on the other hand, still have to clean and cook supper. By the time I’m done with everything, it’s either too late

or I’m too tired to take my children anywhere,” she said. But Darbonne and her children work through it and plan fun activities for the weekends. “Being a mother is the hardest job in the world because it’s not a job, it is your life,” she said. “From the time you conceive, everything you do revolves around your child. A mother never stops being a mother for one second of the day. It’s also the most rewarding

Save the Children’s Museum Fund

thing I will ever have in life—seeing your children grow and experience life with every step they take.” Life and work are never the same after you become a mother. Whether you choose to return to work or to stay home, it’s a personal decision. If you’ve gone back to work and need some help coping, check out www.momsrefuge.com, a Web site chock full of helpful tips for the working Mom. TJN

0 0 0 , 50

Devastated by a recent fire, the Children’s Museum needs your help to reopen. The goal is $450,000. So far, $160,744.08 has been raised! The museum would like to thank all of you who have contributed, including the following: Prien Lake Elementary St. John's Elementary A.A. Nelson Elementary Combre Fondel Elementary Westwood Elementary Vincent Settlement Elementary Dolby Elementary Henry Heights Elementary Lebleu Settlement Elementary South Beauregard Elementary Frasch Elementary Brentwood Elementary T.H. Watkins Elementary Barbe Elementary First Methodist Day School Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School St. Margaret's Catholic School McNeese State University Psi Chi Chapter SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau

Iggy the Iguana says: Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing all of you in my new home!

8 0 . 744

, 0 6 $1

AUGUST 13, 2009

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Free Credit Reports: What You Need to Know

Financial

Forum With Chase Wilson

Investments Financial Planning

You’ve probably all seen or heard the humorous and catchy commercials that advertise a free credit report. You’ll want to use caution when visiting these sites; they don’t spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on advertising to give you something for free. The good news is you are entitled to a free credit report each year and I’ll tell you how to get one – for free! It’s important for you to establish credit, build your credit, and know what your credit is so that you can work to maintain it. Why is your credit so important? Your credit report is used to determine whether you will qualify for a mortgage and what interest rate you’ll pay. The better your credit, the easier it will be for you to qualify, and more important, the lower the interest rates you will be charged. Having good credit can save you hundreds of dollars each month on your mortgage payment. By law, you are entitled to receive one free credit report from each of the three national creditreporting agencies each year. The

agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It’s important that you take the opportunity to check your credit report for accuracy, especially since you’re entitled to do so for free. Just use caution and make sure you are not signing up to purchase some other service when you are trying to obtain your free copy. How to get it for free Good news! There really is a way to get your basic credit report for free. To get the basic credit report, which is all most people need, go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com. This is a quick and easy way to get your free report, and you probably won’t hear any clever commercials promoting this Web site because they’re not trying to sell you a bunch of stuff you don’t need. Once you are at www.AnnualCreditReport.com, you’ll be asked for some personal information to verify your identity. After which, you will request your report from Equifax,

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Securities offered through Questar Capital Corporation. Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered through Questar Asset Management. Backhaus Financial Group, LLC is independent of Questar Capital Corporation.

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AUGUST 13, 2009

2350-09 2/6/2011

Volume 1 • Issue 10

Experian, or TransUnion. Once you have made your selection, you will be sent to that company’s Web site. This is where you can expect a marketing offer or two. All you have to do to get your free credit report is select “No Thanks!” to their marketing offers. What to do now that you have it Your credit report will show you a number of different things. It will show your payment history for any credit cards you have, your current mortgage, and any other loans you may have taken. It will also show you a list of anyone that has run a credit check on you. You should look over this information carefully and make sure that everything is accurate. It’s not uncommon for individuals to find mistakes on their credit report. The soon you can catch them, the better. If you do find a mistake, you should notify the credit agency immediately. You will then need to send the agency a certified letter along with any supporting documentation you may have to get the mistake corrected. Remember that each creditreporting agency is required, by law, to provide you with a free credit report each year. So, you can view your credit up to three times a year as long as you don’t use the same credit agency more than once in a 12-month period. It only takes a few minutes to get the report online, and it won’t cost you anything as long is you click “No Thanks” to any offers that may come up. Remember that just because commercials are promoting a free credit report, doesn’t mean they are not trying to make money off you. Please use caution when using these other Web sites. If you’re not comfortable with the Internet, call AnnualCreditReport.com at (877) 322-8228 and get your free credit report through the mail. Chase Wilson works for ConocoPhillips as the U.S. refining representative on a crude oil system project in Houston. TJN

Chase Wilson Volume 1 • Issue 10

AUGUST 13, 2009

PAGE 17

A Greener

At the Farmers Market

RLD

By Kelli Fontenot

A familiar sight – juicy green watermelons piled high in the back of a pickup truck – lures shoppers to the end of Bilbo Street at the Charlestown Farmers Market early Saturday morning. Scotty LeBleu of DeQuincy has been selling these Charleston Grays and Jubilees from Singer for a few months, but he plans to grow his own watermelons next year. It’s a good thing, too. When he came to the market in the spring with his homegrown lettuce, customers couldn’t get enough. “It stays fresh much longer,” he said. “I picked it like the day before. That’s what’s so good about the market – everything’s fresh.” Buying natural produce from local vendors is also a simple way to go green. Farmers markets offer products that are not tainted by hormones or pesticides. Unlike a supermarket, a farmers market takes place outdoors and requires a minimal amount of electricity. The vendors live nearby, so they consume less fuel than it would take to transport goods from a farm across the country. The Charlestown Farmers Market has moved three times since its opening in March of 2005, but it now takes place each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. behind the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center in Lake Charles. It is one of about 4,800 farmers markets currently operating in America, according to the U.S.

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AUGUST 13, 2009

Agricultural Marketing Service. On Aug. 1, just before the start of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 10th annual National Farmers Market Week, people from all walks of life came to the market to form a diverse crowd of local farmers, professionals, retirees and students. “It’s like a family here,” said Carolyn Smith, president of the market. “You get to know everybody, but they know that they can come to the market and they can shop and just about get everything they need for the week, for their meals.” Smith tries to select vendors who sell homegrown vegetables, handmade crafts and freshly baked goodies. She also goes to the market every Saturday to observe, catch up with fellow vendors and faithful customers, and sell her own homemade jellies, jams, and soaps. “You don’t have to go to the grocery store and stand in line, and you can socialize with the vendors, and you can get all of the information you want,” Smith said. “Eventually, these customers get to know us, and you’d be surprised how they come right back to us again.”

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For Smith, the market provides a unique cultural experience and a little extra spending money. For LeBleu, though, it’s a living. “I always enjoyed farming, and I decided I was going to quit my job and start doing this,” he said. “You’re your own boss, and you can do what you want to do. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of.” Other vendors share LeBleu’s sentiment. Carvert Guidry has been at the farmers market each Saturday for about three years. At the market, he sells crape myrtles, dynamite crape myrtles (the richest red you can get, he said), blueberries, jasmine, and banana plants. He also offers his customers advice on how to care for the plants once they’re in the ground. Guidry’s love of botany comes from a long-standing family tradition. “I’ve always had a green thumb. I grew plants all my life, and I got that from my Grandpa and Grandma Guidry. They had beautiful plants in their yard. And that was like, 50 years ago,” he said. Those days of cultivating fruit trees, flowers, shrubs, citrus plants and fig

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Watermelons sold by LeBleu's Pure Country Farms. trees paid off and provided Guidry with a gratifying pastime. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor at the farmers market can contact Carolyn Smith at 526-4100. There are some limits to what sellers can bring to the market, but a few vendors offer less traditional farmers market fare. Candy dolls – made of Jolly Ranchers, Tootsie Rolls and baby doll

faces from the craft store – peer out at customers who walk past the table of Margie Davis. If the customers could eat the chocolate fudge brownie candles at her table, they probably would. Davis says making these fragrant candles – as well as dolls, barrettes and layered cookie mix in jars – is a fun, productive hobby.

Items like this don’t exactly scream “farmers market,” but that’s part of their appeal. Dozens of vendors set up their tables to prepare for the day’s buyers, and each tent offers something different. One vendor, Virginia Mathis, brings her homemade sugared pecans, oldfashioned teacakes, sweet potato pies, ginger snaps and gingerbread cookies. “Sometimes, they’re sold out by 10:30,” Mathis said. Many of Mathis’ baked goods are made without sugar. Her diabetic customers asked her to bake something for them, and she was happy to oblige. Like Mathis’ pies, LeBleu’s watermelons are a sweet summertime treat almost anyone can enjoy. Besides the benefits of buying natural products and supporting local folks, the farmers market offers another obvious plus: flavor. LeBleu’s melons, cucumbers, cauliflower and broccoli have what he calls a “completely different” taste in comparison to the produce at local grocery stores. “It’s hard to explain,” he says with a smile. “You just have to eat it to see it.”

TJN

AUGUST 13, 2009

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www.etcyouth.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS ARE $50 PER PERSON IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A SPONSOR OR WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE EVENT, PLEASE CONTACT BETH AT

337-433-1062.

Let's laugh and enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz while sampling even sweeter desserts! Please join us on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 6:00 pm for Jokes, Jazz & Just Desserts. L'Auberge du Lac will once again graciously host this one-of-a-kind evening. This year's event will be filled with the soulful jazz music of the Justin Pierce Trio and a delicious dinner prepared by the amazing catering staff of L'Auberge du Lac. There will be plenty of scrumptious desserts provided by our area's finest restaurants and our always popular auctions, silent and live. The evening will be complete with the talents of Mark Robinson ~ one of the hottest magical comedy acts in the country.

Trio Pierce Justin

son Robin Mark PAGE 20

AUGUST 13, 2009

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All proceeds benefit ETC Volume 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 10

By Lisa Yates

Retro-Sports owner, Darrell Driskell.

Retro-Sports Plays to Die-Hard Sports Fans Fan gear is a sure way to let the world know what team you support. T-shirts, jerseys and hats are items no die-hard sports fan can do without. If you’re a sports fan, you may want to visit Retro-Sports, located at 935 E. McNeese Street in Lake Charles. Owner Darrell Driskell said RetroSports is totally devoted to the sports fan. He said store merchandise includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA and NASCAR apparel, décor, watches, DVDs, stadium and tailgating gear. “We have the biggest variety of pro sports merchandise in the entire area,” he said. The 2,000 square-foot store is organized, clean and well-stocked with thousands of team-licensed sports and collectibles, ranging from its popular LSU and McNeese lines to the latest champions like Super Bowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers. The products also include local favorite teams, the Saints, Cowboys and Astros, as well as perennial fan favorites, Braves, Red Sox and Yankees. “Our biggest sellers are our hats and shirts,” Driskell said. “Everybody needs a hat, especially living here in this climate.” Young sports fans love McFarlane action figures and Riddell mini helmets, he added. These half scale versions of full size helmets feature authentic team logos and face masks, made to look like the real thing. “A lot of people collect conference

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sets or use the mini helmets to collect autographs,” Driskell said. “It’s easier to spend $20 on a mini helmet to be signed without going to the expense of buying a jersey.” Fan gear is an integral part of the sports experience, a way of showing team spirit. So how did Driskell get started in this business? “I started in Austin, when I was in the Air Force,” he said. “I worked part-time at a shop that sold sports cards and collectibles.” When he finished his military service, Driskell stayed in Austin working at another job, where he met and married Connie, a McNeese graduate. The couple moved to Lake Charles in 1996, and started the business three years later. “We started the business with our own money, money we saved,” he said. “We started small. At the beginning, the business was less than half the size it is now.” Driskell, 43, opened the business, originally located on Prien Lake Road, in 1999. It has been at its current location since 2004. There’s also a Web site: www.retro-sports.com. Entrepreneurship comes easily to him. “My grand dad in Alabama owned a general store and gas station,” he said. “I grew up there and worked for him.” Driskell researched the market before opening Retro-Sports. “I scouted around and found there was a need for it,” he said. “There’s

nothing else here like it. Most sports stores sell equipment; we don’t have equipment. We are a sports fan store.” Driskell said in addition to local team favorites, the store also sells a good variety of pro and college sports gear. “We have a good variety without overkill,” he said. “We have a lot of transplants in the area following their favorite teams.” He said many fans will follow a popular college player into the pros, becoming fans of their favorite player’s teams. “For example, I did that with Ken Stabler,” Driskell said. “He and my dad were friends and played football in high school. He played football for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, the New Orleans Saints, the Houston Oilers and then the Oakland Raiders.” The name “Retro” can be used to mean “timeless” or “classic” as in throwback to earlier times. “RetroSports” is a unique name, according to Driskell. That’s why he chose it. He did not mean to imply the store’s merchandise is used. “All of our merchandise is new, but we do have some throwback helmets and jerseys, like this Archie Manning sports jersey,” he said. If you are looking for some unique gifts

for friends, family members and coworkers, Retro-Sports has gift cards. Sports décor items make terrific gifts for both children and adults. Is there a college student on your gift list? NCAA trash cans and wall clocks make great gifts. Both of these items feature bright college team logos and colors that would look great on display in a dorm room. Retro-Sports’ NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA and NASCAR merchandise is so cool, even your children will want their rooms decked out with rugs, blankets, posters and banners. You can take the meaning of fan to a whole new level by styling your car with a laser cut license plate of your favorite team! Driskell said there is a perfect item for everyone. “We have things you won’t find anywhere else,” he said. For more information, call (337) 474-9565, e-mail retrosports@aol.com, or visit Retro-Sports at 935 E. McNeese Street in Lake Charles. Store hours are from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Fri., and 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.; or, visit online at www.retro-sports.com. TJN

AUGUST 13, 2009

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It was picture day and most of the St. Louis Saints football players were sweating as though they had just gone through a full practice. More than 80 varsity players, dressed in their game day best, gleaming white jerseys with big numbers the same bright blue as their uniform pants, sat waiting for the photographers to take a group picture, squinting against the morning sun rising in the east. It was truly the beginning of a new day for St. Louis Catholic High athletics.

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Gone will be the familiar district opponents like Westlake (though the Saints will play the Rams in non-district play) and Iowa. After spending 12 seasons in Class 3A, the Saints, along with former district rival Jennings, are moving up to Class 4A for the next two seasons as a result of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s spring reclassification meetings. Jennings’ move up marks the first time in 39 years that the Bulldogs will not be a part of Class 3A. Jennings moved up to then Class AAA in 1970 when the LHSAA expanded to a five-class system. The move to District 5-4A will introduce both teams to new district rivals like DeRidder, Sam Houston and Washington-Marion. “It’s going to be a big change for us,” said St. Louis head football coach Mike Johns. “I mean football is football, but, when you go up a level, the numbers start to get you. The good thing is our numbers are up as far as football.”

The LHSAA divides, as evenly as possible, its member schools into seven classifications (Class 5A is the largest; Class C the smallest) based on the populations of each school. And, generally, this breakdown provides fair competition between the schools. One 5A team is usually the same size as another 5A team, and so on. But the numbers also mean depth, and the numbers alone can help turn the football game in one team’s favor and against another team. A team with more players can substitute more fresh players for tired players. A team with fewer players may have some play an offensive and a defensive position, meaning the players never leave the field. The LHSAA holds reclassification meetings every two years to determine districts and move schools into classes based on updated population numbers. Typically, five or six schools per class move up or down based on the new information. For St. Louis, the numbers meant a move up, the first time the school has grown up into a new classification since 1997 when it moved from 2A to 3A. St. Louis will be the sixth-smallest 4A school in the state. The Saints

were the ninth-smallest 3A school when it moved to that class in 1997. By comparison, new district rival Sam Houston is the third-largest 4A school with 1,035 students. DeRidder is 33rd with 762 students and Washington-Marion has 715 students. Since 1997, St. Louis’ enrollment has doubled from 328 students to nearly 650 students. What caused that jump in student enrollment? “I think in the past two or three years, we’ve been getting most of the kids from our Catholic feeder schools,” Johns said. “In the past, we’d lose some of those kids to the public school system. This past year we had 190 freshmen come in, the biggest freshman class we’ve ever had here, and that threw us over the top (of the 3A-4A threshold). This coming year, we’re going to have somewhere around 170 freshmen.” Back in 1997, the transition between classes wasn’t so smooth for the Saints’ football team. Despite reaching the playoffs in each of its first three seasons in 3A, they managed just one winning season in football (7-4 in 1998) in its first seven years at the 3A level. The Volume 1 • Issue 10

Saints won just one playoff game (28-20 over Kaplan in 1997) in its first 10 seasons in 3A. But since 2004, when St. Louis tied with Jennings for the district championship, the Saints have had a winning season each year and reached the quarterfinal round of the playoffs in 2007. “Early on, our numbers got way down,” Johns said. “But when I came in, I was fortunate to get a large freshman class coming in. We had 30 freshmen that year. The numbers continued to grow year in and year out and, when that big freshman class was seniors, we were co-district champions. Since 2004, we’ve made the playoffs every year and we learned how to get past the first round of the playoffs. “Now we’ve got to start all over again in 4A.” But what according to Johns helped make the Saints football program into consistent winners in 3A, a climb in overall numbers and a familiar coaching staff will also help the program in its transition to 4A as well. “Two things: Our numbers are up over the last two or three years and we have stability in our coaching staff,” he said. “That makes a big dif-

Volume 1 • Issue 10

St. Louis Head Coach: Mike Johns St. Louis Assistant Coaches: Ross Blankenship, Wayne Cespiva, Joe Crawford, Tommy Johns, Tony Johnson, James Kirkendall, Pat Neck, Jason Oertling, Phillip Reynolds and Damin Schexnayder.

ference. We’ve got a good mixture of coaches who have a lot of experience down to coaches who are young. “(The move up) is not an earthshattering experience. It definitely surprised us. The numbers caught us but we accept it as a positive. We’re going to practice hard and play hard on Fridays. We accept the challenge.” Starting quarterback Drew Francois said that the jump in class will also bring a jump in the quality

of opponent his team will face over the course of the season. “The level of competition is going to get better,” Francois said. “They are going to have some bigger guys, but we’re going to be ready for it. We have a tough schedule and we’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be a good season. I think the team is looking good.” Wide receiver Kenny Brown also said he thinks the hard work the

team has put in during the offseason will help when it comes to taking on its 5-4A district foes. “In 4A, they are going to have some bigger, stronger dudes than we’re used to seeing. But if we keep working hard and doing better in practice, then we’ll be alright.” Brown, who was the leading receiver on the team last season, has a scholarship offer from McNeese State but has yet to commit to a college. “They want to wait until they see what I do my senior year,” Brown said with a smile. This year, Brown and his teammates will face tough opponents in district as well as in non-district competition (Cecilia, Catholic-New Iberia, Notre Dame, Westlake, Opelousas). What will happen for St. Louis this season? The future cannot be told except to say that the Saints are ready to fight to prove they can compete at the 4A level. “We have to see how it goes and see how much depth we’ve got,” Johns said. “We’re leaving one good district and going into another. But our tough 3A district, I think, prepared us for a good 4A district.”

TJN

AUGUST 13, 2009

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2009 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES CLASS 5A – DISTRICT 3-5A ACADIANA 9-4 at Northside 9-11 vs. Parkview Baptist 9-18 vs. McDonogh (35) 9-25 at Comeaux 10-2 vs. St. Thomas More 10-9 at LaGrange* 10-16 at Barbe* 10-23 vs. Sulphur* 10-30 at Breaux Bridge 11-6 vs. Lafayette BARBE 9-4 at Tioga 9-11 vs. Carencro 9-18 at Washington-Marion 9-25 at Sam Houston 10-2 vs. Evangel Christian 10-9 at Lafayette* 10-16 vs. Acadiana* 10-23 vs. Rummel 10-30 vs. LaGrange* 11-6 at Sulphur* LAFAYETTE 8-29 vs. Cohen 9-11 vs. Terrebonne 9-18 at Eunice 9-25 vs. Carencro 10-2 at New Iberia 10-9 vs. Barbe* 10-16 vs. Teurlings Catholic 10-22 at LaGrange* 10-30 vs. Sulphur* 11-6 at Acadiana*

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LAGRANGE W 9-4 at Washington-Marion ❏ 9-11 at Opelousas ❏ 9-18 vs. East Ascension ❏ 9-26 vs. St. Augustine ❏ 10-2 at Sam Houston ❏ 10-9 vs. Acadiana* ❏ 10-16 at Sulphur* ❏ 10-22 vs. Lafayette* ❏ 10-30 at Barbe* ❏ 11-6 at Booker T. Washington-Shreveport ❏ SULPHUR 9-4 at St. Thomas More 9-11 at Evangel Christian 9-18 vs. Leesville 9-25 vs. Ruston PAGE 24

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10-2 10-9 10-16 10-23 10-30 11-6

at Abbeville vs. Scotlandville vs. LaGrange* at Acadiana* at Lafayette* vs. Barbe*

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CLASS 4A – DISTRICT 4-4A LEESVILLE 9-4 vs. West Monroe 9-11 vs. Sam Houston 9-18 at Sulphur 9-25 at Washington-Marion 10-2 vs. DeRidder 10-9 at Peabody* 10-16 vs. Alexandria* 10-23 at Grant* 10-30 vs. Tioga* 11-6 at Huntington

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DISTRICT 5-4A DERIDDER W 9-4 at Natchitoches Central ❏ 9-11 vs. Northeast ❏ 9-18 at Abbeville ❏ 9-25 vs. Westlake ❏ 10-2 at Leesville ❏ 10-8 at St. Louis* ❏ 10-16 vs. Peabody ❏ 10-23 vs. Jennings* ❏ 10-30 at Washington-Marion* ❏ 11-6 vs. Sam Houston* ❏ JENNINGS W 9-4 vs. Crowley ❏ 9-11 vs. Eunice ❏ 9-18 vs. Iowa ❏ 9-25 at Rosepine ❏ 10-2 at Livonia ❏ 10-9 at Sam Houston* ❏ 10-16 vs. St. Louis* ❏ 10-23 at DeRidder* ❏ 10-30 at Port Allen ❏ 11-6 vs. Washington-Marion* ❏ ST. LOUIS W 9-4 at Mansfield ❏ 9-11 vs. Cecilia ❏ 9-18 at Catholic-New Iberia ❏ 9-25 vs. Notre Dame ❏ 10-2 at Westlake ❏ 10-8 vs. DeRidder* ❏ 10-16 at Jennings* ❏ 10-23 vs. Washington-Marion* ❏

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10-30 at Sam Houston* 11-5 vs. Opelousas

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SAM HOUSTON W 9-4 vs. St. Martinville ❏ 9-11 at Leesville ❏ 9-18 at Westlake ❏ 9-25 vs. Barbe ❏ 10-2 vs. LaGrange ❏ 10-9 vs. Jennings* ❏ 10-16 at Washington-Marion* ❏ 10-23 at Tioga ❏ 10-30 vs. St. Louis* ❏ 11-6 at DeRidder* ❏

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WASHINGTON-MARION 9-4 vs. LaGrange 9-11 at Peabody 9-18 vs. Barbe 9-25 vs. Leesville 10-2 at Redemptorist 10-9 at Plaquemine 10-16 vs. Sam Houston* 10-23 at St. Louis* 10-30 vs. DeRidder* 11-6 at Jennings*

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CLASS 3A – DISTRICT 4-3A CHURCH POINT 9-4 vs. Beau Chene 9-11 at Avoyelles 9-18 vs. Parkview Baptist 9-25 at Rayne 10-2 vs. Erath 10-9 at Northwest* 10-16 at Crowley* 10-23 vs. Iowa* 10-30 vs. Westlake* 11-6 at Eunice* CROWLEY 9-4 at Jennings 9-11 vs. Abbeville 9-18 vs. Bolton 9-25 vs. Peabody 10-2 at Rayne 10-9 at Iowa* 10-15 vs. Church Point* 10-23 at Westlake* 10-30 vs. Eunice* 11-6 at Northwest* EUNICE 9-4 at Opelousas 9-11 at Jennings

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9-18 9-25 10-2 10-9 10-16 10-23 10-30 11-6 IOWA 9-4 9-10 9-18 9-25 10-2 10-9 10-16 10-23 10-30 11-6

vs. Lafayette vs. Westgate at Notre Dame vs. Westlake* at Iowa* vs. Northwest* at Crowley* vs. Church Point*

vs. Abbeville at Bunkie at Jennings at South Beauregard vs. Kaplan vs. Crowley* vs. Eunice* at Church Point* vs. Northwest* at Westlake*

NORTHWEST 9-4 at North Central 9-11 vs. Opelousas Catholic 9-18 OPEN 9-25 at Port Barre 10-2 at Jeanerette 10-9 vs. Church Point* 10-16 vs. Westlake* 10-23 at Eunice* 10-30 at Iowa* 11-6 vs. Crowley* WESTLAKE 9-4 at Marksville 9-11 vs. Beau Chene 9-18 vs. Sam Houston 9-25 at DeRidder 10-2 vs. St. Louis 10-9 at Eunice* 10-16 at Northwest* 10-23 vs. Crowley* 10-30 at Church Point* 11-6 vs. Iowa*

10-30 at Pickering* 11-6 vs. Vinton*

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EAST BEAUREGARD 9-4 at Oberlin 9-11 vs. Elton 9-17 at Merryville 9-25 vs. Basile 10-2 vs. Ville Platte 10-8 vs. DeQuincy* 10-16 at Rosepine* 10-23 vs. Pickering* 10-30 at Vinton* 11-6 at South Beauregard*

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PICKERING 9-4 at Logansport 9-11 vs. Merryville 9-18 at Basile 9-25 vs. South Cameron 10-2 at Elton 10-8 at South Beauregard* 10-16 vs. Vinton* 10-23 at East Beauregard* 10-30 vs. DeQuincy* 11-6 vs. Rosepine*

ROSEPINE 9-4 vs. Rayne 9-11 vs. LaSalle 9-18 at Mansfield 9-25 vs. Jennings 10-1 at South Cameron 10-9 at Vinton* 10-16 vs. East Beauregard* 10-23 at DeQuincy* 10-30 vs. South Beauregard* 11-6 at Pickering*

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CLASS 2A DEQUINCY 9-4 vs. South Cameron 9-11 at Kinder 9-17 at Oberlin 9-25 vs. North Caddo 10-2 at Many 10-8 at East Beauregard* 10-16 vs. South Beauregard* 10-23 vs. Rosepine*

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Volume 1 • Issue 10

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SOUTH BEAUREGARD 9-3 at Merryville 9-11 vs. Oakdale 9-18 at Iota 9-25 vs. Iowa 10-2 at Gueydan 10-8 vs. Pickering* 10-16 at DeQuincy* 10-23 vs. Vinton* 10-30 at Rosepine* 11-6 vs. East Beauregard* VINTON 9-4 vs. Iota 9-11 vs. South Cameron 9-18 at Welsh 9-25 at Kinder

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10-2 10-9 10-16 10-23 10-30 11-6

vs. Hamilton Christian vs. Rosepine* at Pickering* at South Beauregard* vs. East Beauregard* at DeQuincy*

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DISTRICT 5-2A IOTA 9-4 9-11 9-18 9-25 10-2 10-9 10-16 10-23 10-30 11-6

at Vinton at St. Edmund vs. South Beauregard at Welsh* vs. Oakdale* at Kinder* vs. Lake Arthur* vs. Livonia at Pine Prairie* vs. Mamou*

KINDER 9-4 at Elton 9-11 vs. DeQuincy 9-17 at South Cameron 9-25 vs. Vinton 10-2 at Lake Arthur* 10-9 vs. Iota* 10-16 at Pine Prairie* 10-23 vs. Mamou* 10-30 at Welsh* 11-6 vs. Oakdale* LAKE ARTHUR 9-4 vs. Hamilton Christian 9-11 at Delcambre 9-18 vs. Hanson Memorial 9-25 at Oakdale* 10-2 vs. Kinder* 10-9 at University 10-16 at Iota* 10-23 vs. Pine Prairie* 10-30 at Mamou* 11-6 vs. Welsh* MAMOU 9-4 vs. Port Barre 9-11 vs. Ville Platte 9-18 OPEN 9-25 vs. Pine Prairie* 10-1 at Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 10-8 at Welsh* 10-16 vs. Oakdale* 10-23 at Kinder* 10-30 vs. Lake Arthur* 11-6 at Iota*

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OAKDALE 9-4 vs. Many 9-11 at South Beauregard 9-17 at Ville Platte 9-25 vs. Lake Arthur* 10-2 at Iota* 10-9 vs. Pine Prairie* 10-16 at Mamou* 10-23 vs. Welsh* 10-30 vs. Ringgold 11-6 at Kinder*

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WELSH W 9-4 vs. Loreauville ❏ 9-11 at Rayne ❏ 9-18 vs. Vinton ❏ 9-25 vs. Iota* ❏ 10-1 at Pine Prairie* ❏ 10-8 vs. Mamou* ❏ 10-16 at Episcopal-Baton Rouge ❏ 10-23 at Oakdale* ❏ 10-30 vs. Kinder* ❏ 11-6 at Lake Arthur* ❏

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PINE PRAIRIE 9-4 at LaSalle 9-11 vs. Basile 9-18 vs. Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 9-25 at Mamou* 10-1 vs. Welsh* 10-9 at Oakdale* 10-16 vs. Kinder* 10-23 at Lake Arthur* 10-30 vs. Iota 11-6 vs. Bolton

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CLASS 1A – DISTRICT 4-1A BASILE 9-4 vs. Gueydan 9-11 at Pine Prairie 9-18 vs. Pickering 9-25 at East Beauregard 10-2 vs. White Castle 10-9 vs. Hamilton Christian* 10-16 at Oberlin* 10-23 vs. Merryville* 10-29 at South Cameron* 11-6 vs. Elton* ELTON 9-4 9-11 9-18 9-25

vs. Kinder at East Beauregard vs. Delcambre at East Iberville

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10-2 10-8 10-16 10-23 10-30 11-6

vs. Pickering vs. Oberlin* vs. South Cameron* at Hamilton Christian* at Merryville* at Basile*

HAMILTON CHRISTIAN 9-4 at Lake Arthur 9-11 vs. Vermilion Catholic 9-18 vs. St. Edmund 9-25 at Gueydan 10-2 at Vinton 10-9 at Basile* 10-16 vs. Merryville* 10-23 vs. Elton* 10-30 at Oberlin* 11-5 at South Cameron* MERRYVILLE 9-4 vs. South Beauregard 9-11 at Pickering 9-17 vs. East Beauregard 9-25 at Hanson Memorial 10-2 vs. Montgomery 10-8 at South Cameron* 10-16 at Hamilton Christian* 10-23 at Basile* 10-30 vs. Elton* 11-6 vs. Oberlin* OBERLIN 9-4 vs. East Beauregard 9-11 at False River 9-17 vs. DeQuincy 9-25 at Vermilion Catholic 10-2 vs. Northwood-Lena 10-8 at Elton* 10-16 vs. Basile* 10-23 vs. South Cameron* 10-30 vs. Hamilton Christian* 11-6 at Merryville* SOUTH CAMERON 9-4 at DeQuincy 9-11 at Vinton 9-17 vs. Kinder 9-25 at Pickering 10-1 vs. Rosepine 10-8 vs. Merryville* 10-16 at Elton* 10-23 at Oberlin* 10-29 vs. Basile* 11-5 vs. Hamilton Christian*

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GOOD LUCK ON THE UPCOMING SEASON Volume 1 • Issue 10

AUGUST 13, 2009

PAGE 25

High school football season is almost here. That means on Friday nights, there is going to be another game, besides high school football, playing out on sidelines all over the state. Unlike the football game, you can’t see this other game’s action. It’s the numbers game, and most of the time, the numbers players, not uniform numbers, can help turn the football game in one team’s favor and against another team. The numbers mean depth. A team with more players can substitute more fresh players for tired players. A team with fewer

players may have some play an offensive and a defensive position, meaning the players never leave the field. Every team, to some extent, plays the numbers game. This season, the St. Louis Saints will be no exception. After spending 12 seasons in Class 3A, St. Louis is moving up to Class 4A for the next two seasons as a result of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s spring reclassification meetings. St. Louis will be the sixth-smallest 4A school in the state. The Saints were the ninth-smallest 3A school

when it moved to that class in 1997. Since 1997, St. Louis’ enrollment has doubled from 328 students to nearly 650 students. “Ourselves and Jennings are going to be at the very bottom of 4A (sizewise),” Johns said. “That makes a difference down the line. It took us a few years to where we could compete in 3A and now we’re going to have to start over in another class.” Jennings, a former District 4-3A opponent of St. Louis, is also moving up to Class 4A. It marks the first time in 39 years that the Bulldogs will not be a part of Class 3A. Jennings moved

PLAYERS TO WATCH A couple of issues ago I pointed out some games to watch in this upcoming high school football season. This time, I want to highlight some of the area’s impact players, guys who you may see playing on Saturdays in the coming years. Risean Broussard, DT, LaGrange (6-2, 289): The Gators, who are moving back up to Class 5A for the first time since 2002, are led on defense by Tennessee commitment Broussard, a transfer from Washington-Marion High. Broussard sat out all of last season because of transfer rules, but look for the big man to be a big presence in the middle of the Gators’ line. Rivals.com lists him as the state’s third-best defensive tackle… Ivan Robinson, DT, South Beauregard (6-4, 260): ...right behind this guy. A Rivals four-star recruit, Robinson committed to Texas A&M over Ole Miss and is easily the star of the Golden Knights’ defense. An All-Southwest Louisiana team selection as a sophomore, Robinson is listed by Rivals as the 15th best defensive tackle in the nation. Leon Francois, CB, Barbe (5-9, 160): Francois, a Rivals three-star recruit, is smallish but fast (runs a 4.5-second 40yard dash). He will go up against some of the area’s most high-powered pass offenses this season, so he will see plenty of action. He has scholarship offers from Arkansas and Louisiana-Lafayette.

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AUGUST 13, 2009

up to then Class AAA in 1970 when the LHSAA expanded to a five-class system. What does this all mean for the Saints and the Bulldogs? With the way these two programs have performed over the last few years, it looks like they will be able to shake off the numbers game and get down to what’s most important. Winning the football games. “It’s not an earth-shattering experience. The numbers caught us but we accept it as a positive,” Johns said. “We’re going to practice hard and play hard on Fridays. We accept the challenge.”

Kenny Brown, WR, St. Louis (6-0, 155): A Rivals twostar recruit, Brown is the latest in a string of talented Saints wide receivers. Coach Mike Johns calls him “very explosive” after the catch. He is garnering interest from state schools and schools from around the SEC and Southland Conferences. Ricky Irvin, LB, Westlake (6-1, 219): Irvin started on the Rams’ state runner-up team as a sophomore in 2007. A Rivals two-star recruit, he is listed as the second-best inside linebacker in the state. He has a scholarship offer from McNeese State and is getting interest from Football Bowl Subdivision schools as well. Derek Bellard, QB, LaGrange (5-11, 165): Bellard has really shown progress in the offseason, helping LaGrange qualify for the National Select 7-on-7 Championships. A Rivals two-star recruit, he is getting interest from Tulane, Southern Miss and Louisiana-Monroe. Orlan Lockhart, QB, Sam Houston (6-2, 201): He is a good-sized quarterback who can do it all, be it pass or run. He’s also a champ in the classroom, too, which may be a reason Stanford has an interest in him. Michael Guillory, RB, Barbe (5-10, 212): He’s a bruising runner with good speed. He could be a steal for a school like McNeese. Will Graves, TE, Leesville (6-7, 250): A Rivals two-star recruit, he’s built in the David LaFleur mold. His grades open up possibilities at some more academically-challenging schools like Baylor, Duke and Stanford. TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 10

By Jeanne Owens, Charleston Gallery and Antiques

The Reverend and Mrs. W. H. Owens in the pasture where they prayed the rain away so they could make hay while the sun was shining.

Some antiques we have to just remember because we can’t possess them. Reminiscing about my fatherin-law causes me to appreciate this. He was a good man, a gentle man, a farmer, and a preacher who raised his family mostly on the land in Rosepine, just north of DeRidder during much simpler times. I have his 65year old corn sheller which retails for about $125 and his hand plow that goes for about $400. However, more important, I have memories and stories that are priceless, and I want to tell you one. Paw Paw was sitting on the porch one noon letting his dinner settle, waiting for the mail truck. He’d wave at the slow passing drivers, and they’d wave back as they rounded the top of Flat Creek hill and slowly rolled on by. Suddenly, the sound of an unfamiliar car punctured the noon silence, wheeled into Paw Paw’s driveway, and jerked to a stop before the gravel smoke could fall back to the ground. The slick-headed driver pulled himself out of the car, strode towards the porch, and asked Paw Paw if he would be willing to assist the government in a cloud-seeding experiment. Well, he didn’t know about all of that, said Paw Paw, but he’d be willing to listen. The man dug in his pockets, made circles with his arms, and pointed to the sky while Paw Paw stood nodding. After awhile, the government man opened the trunk of his car and ginVolume 1 • Issue 10

gerly lifted out steel, gray box about the size of a biddie coop. He hooked it up next to the truck barn, and a long explanation followed about boosting 110 volts to 25,000 volts, silver iodide, arcs of electricity and phone calls from California. We understood later this was part of government experimentation in cloud seeding with an artificial ice nucleus like silver iodide that resulted in massive flooding and deaths in some places like England and Canada. In the long run, Paw Paw’s experiment was simple though. Somebody from California called and told him to switch on the rain machine. The electricity inside the box crackled and made a puff of smoke about the size that rises when a cow stamps her back hoof. A little fan pushed the smoke through a hole in the top of the rain machine and sent it to the sky. Later somebody else from California would call and say to turn off the rain machine, and, generally, it would rain after that. Paw Paw, however, declared the clouds were ready to burst anyway. But he was happy for the $10 check the government man sent him every now and then for the use of his electricity. Then the experiment ended one day as suddenly as it had begun. The government man drove in the driveway again, packed the machine back into his trunk, and peeled out leaving his last puff of smoke. AUGUST 13, 2009

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To hold this rolling pin is to hold a specific chunk of history in the Louisiana backwoods during the timber boom in Lake Charles.

But that wasn’t the end—or the beginning—of Paw Paw tampering with the rain. During dry spells when the corn was like scarecrows, he walked to the back pasture, stood atop the highest rise, lifted his arms to God, and sent his rain prayers to the sky. And it would rain. But his most impressive sway with the weather was during hay season. When rain threatened to send its lead shots to sour the hay before it could be hauled in, Paw Paw stood in the center of the field, raised his arms to the sky and held back the heavy clouds for an afternoon. This happened more than once, and the reason we know is because we witnessed it firsthand. While rain

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pummeled DeRidder, Leesville, downtown Rosepine and all the way down Lewis Road to Paw Paw’s property line, it stopped there and did not pick up again for 85 acres, just past his hay field. Then it rained beyond and all over Beauregard, Vernon, and Calcasieu parishes. So while the government experimented for a short time with its rainmaking machine, Paw Paw lived a lifetime of praying for rain to begin and for rain to stop. When he stood in the wide open, arms and face lifted to the sky, his voice arced for all of us to hear from one end of the farm to the other—then on to Heaven. The government man believed his machine might make it rain. Paw Paw, however, knew he could not make it rain, but he knew the one who could. I wish I could have one of those rainmaking machines today, but they don’t seem to even be on the antiques radar. In fact, I wish I could have many old things—my grandmother’s tatting shuttle, the cap my grandfather wore when he worked for Southern Pacific Railroad, my go-go boots, our first 1954 television, a million other things that no one can place their hands on because they don’t exist anymore. Perhaps the reason we cherish antiques is because we can wrap our hands around something that is already wrapped up in our hearts and minds. On the other hand, if we can’t possess the thing, we do own the heritage, the love, the lesson. I have my father-in-law, The Reverend W. H. Owens, to thank for that realization.

TJN

I watched my great grandmother and my grandmother make butter in this hand cranked butter churn.

826 Ford Street, Lake Charles, 70601 PAGE 28

AUGUST 13, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 10

If you have a recipe and story you would like to share, e-mail us at lauren@thejambalayanews.com

What’s Cookin’ Comfort Food From the Blue Duck Café The Blue Duck Café is a downtown Lake Charles eatery that has had diners flocking to its Broad St. location since it opened in March of 2007. Chef/owner Briant Smith said that while his influences are many, including classical French, Southwestern, Asian, and Italian, his first love is New Orleans Creole cuisine. “The flavors are built in strong, bold layers. If it’s done right, every bite will give you a little something different. That’s the way I try to cook everything that we serve at the Blue Duck.” Meat loaf is high on anyone’s comfort food list—and once you’ve tried the Blue Duck Café version, you’ll have to put Mom’s recipe aside. According to Smith, this is one of his most popular dishes, and his daily special on Thursday. He serves it with mashed potatoes and gravy and corn maque choux—which is a spicy corn side dish. Make this at home and let us know how it turns out! Blue Duck Café 345 Broad St., Lake Charles (337) 721-1967

Blue Duck Meat Loaf a La Creole INGREDIENTS 2 lbs. – ground chuck 1 lb. – ground pork 1 large bell pepper – small dice 1 large onion – small dice 8 cloves garlic – crushed and finely chopped ½ cup – finely chopped green onions 2 medium eggs 1 cup– Italian seasoned bread crumbs 2 tblsp. – vegetable oil ½ cup – Worcestershire 1 tblsp. – Tabasco 1 tblsp. – kosher salt 1 tblsp – black pepper 2 tsp. – cayenne 2 tsp. – oregano 2 tsp. – basil ¼ cup– ketchup – for topping Volume 1 • Issue 10

TJN Briant Smith Chef/owner - Blue Duck Cafe

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell pepper and cook until onions are translucent (5 – 6 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 – 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Mix eggs, Worcestershire, and all seasonings together in large bowl. Stir in bread crumbs, green onions, and cooked vegetables. Add meats and blend all together. Form mixture into a 2-inch thick loaf in the middle of a roasting pan. Spread ketchup on top of loaf. Bake until done - about 1½ hours (meat thermometer should read 160 - 165 degrees in the center). Remove from oven, drain fat and allow to cool slightly before cutting. Enjoy! AUGUST 13, 2009

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By Mary Louise Ruehr

Memorable Friendships Stories of friendship, real or fictional, can introduce us to memorable characters. One of my new favorites is The Housekeeper and the Professor, a novel by Yoko Ogawa set in modern Japan. As this warm and gentle story begins, a young woman takes a job as housekeeper to a man she suspects may be an ogre; she is something like the tenth woman to attempt the job that no other housekeeper has kept for long. It turns out that her new employer is a former professor of mathemat-

“For him, primes were the base on which all other natural numbers relied; and children were the foundation of everything worthwhile in the adult world.” This is a strange and unusual love story and a unique character study. Though not a romance, it is a testament to the love of friends. It is a moving, unforgettable gem. The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women & a Forty-Year Friendship by Jeffrey Zaslow is the true account of 11 childhood friends from Ames, Iowa. All the girls were born in 1962-63, and several have known each other all their lives. The author presents each one’s story, separately and as they relate with the other girls.

ics who was injured in an accident and now has very limited short-term memory. He is also quite eccentric. His first question on meeting her is, “What’s your shoe size?” She tells us: “Every morning, during the entire time I worked for the professor, we repeated this numerical Q and A at the front door. To the professor, whose memory lasted only 80 minutes, I was always a new housekeeper he was meeting for the first time, and so every morning he was appropriately shy and reserved. He

would ask my shoe size or telephone number, or perhaps my zip code, the registration number on my bicycle, or the number of brushstrokes in the characters of my name; and whatever the number, he invariably found some significance in it.” The 64-year-old professor pins notes to his clothing as reminders. He has a doctorate in mathematics; she never graduated from high school, but she can appreciate that “There was something profound in his love for math.” She sometimes brings her 10-year-old son to work with her, and the professor instantly brightens up every time he sees the boy, whom he nicknames “Root” because his hair is shaped like the square-root symbol. The mother and son share the professor’s love for baseball and come to consider him a friend. They also come to love numbers, to appreciate them through the professor’s eyes. “He treated Root exactly as he treated prime numbers,” the narrator tells us. PAGE 30

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“Not every girl was close to every other girl in the same way … but like a corporate flow chart, all were linked to one another through someone else,” writes the author, “meaning there were 99 different one-on-one relationships between them.” Volume 1 • Issue 10

There is plenty here for readers of any age to relate to, from preschool and kindergarten, to learning about the birds and bees and first crushes on boys, to becoming adults. The girls share stories from minor problems, such as not fitting in and having bad haircuts, to the big issues of marriage and divorce, birth and death. “They ended up moving in or out of 17 different states. Between them, they found nine first husbands and two second husbands, and brought 21 children into the world. They have buried five parents.” The author also talks about friendship in general, pointing out that studies have shown that “women — and the Ames girls are proof of this — are likely to connect early and then hold tight to each other.” Says one of the women, “We root each other to the core of who we are, rather than what defines us as adults — by careers or spouses or kids. There’s a young girl in each of us who is still full of life.” The author writes, “When they’re together, the girls almost have to be their most authentic selves.” Another of the women says, “These women seem to have an extraordinary capacity for strong connections, and not just with their families and the group of us, but also with their newer friends and colleagues. Maybe through our strong friendship we have learned how to more deeply care for others.” A lighter story of friendship comes from Claire Cook in her novel The Wildwater Walking Club. Baby boomer Noreen has been downsized from her job and dumped by her boyfriend, on the same day. She was once a workaholic, she tells us, “And then one day, I awoke to find myself not only jobless, but … oldish and fattish. And … seriously alone.” To overcome the ensuing depression, she buys walking shoes and hits the pavement,

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hiking around her “pretty little beach community” on Wildwater Way in Marshbury, Mass. While walking, she encounters one heretofore unknown neighbor, and then another. The three women start walking together each day, and as they walk they talk, becoming entwined in each other’s lives. “I’d taken that first step because I’d wanted to look better. I’d wanted my clothes to fit. But it hadn’t taken me long to figure out that the biggest benefit was less about vanity than it was about sanity. Walking always helped,” says Noreen. “In a world full of disappointment, walking was becoming the one thing I could

actually count on.” One of the women owns a lavender farm, and we learn quite a bit about the uses for lavender as the ladies attend a lavender-growers’ convention. Another woman has involved herself in support of a teacher in New Orleans. And one humorous subplot involves an all-too-real current problem: Neighborhood backyard clothesline wars. I have to admit that I was sometimes confused about the women’s motivation for their actions. But the book has a happy ending, so it makes a nice summer read.

Copyright (c) 2009 Mary Louise Ruehr. Mary Louise Ruehr is the Books Editor for the Record-Courier in Ravenna, Ohio. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Kent State University. Mary Louise is interested in all subjects and has many favorite authors, including Pearl S. Buck, James Michener, and P.G. Wodehouse, as well as mystery writers Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich. She blogs at http://blogs.dixcdn.com/shine_a_light/ and you can write to her at Books@recordpub.com. TJN

AUGUST 13, 2009

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The answer is definitely “Yes,” but the disease in cats is drastically different from the infection in dogs. Feline heartworm infection has recently been found to be more widespread than previously believed. The incidence of feline heartworm infection rate may range from two percent to 14 percent. This is a higher rate of occurrence than the Feline Leukemia Virus or Feline Immune Deficiency Virus. The common factor that determines the rate of occurrence of feline heartworm disease is the incidence of canine heartworm disease and the high population of mosquitoes. And multiple studies have shown a significant number of feline heartworm cases of cats living exclusively indoors. Dogs may have 25-50 or more adult heartworms when infected. The disease is often slowly progressive, and gradually begins to make the dog sick over several months. Cats, on the other hand, usually only have 1-3 adult worms. They are five-to-eight inches long and may live up to three years in a cat.

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The presence of the adult heartworm in a cat can cause a severe inflammatory reaction in the lungs. Actually, feline heartworm disease would be better termed Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease, according to Dr. Roy Dillon of Auburn University. This lung disease may cause complete respiratory distress, chronic coughing and vomiting (Note: We don’t know why cats vomit with this disease), and may appear to look like feline asthma. Sudden death may occur with infected cats. There is no reliable test for diagnosing heartworm disease in cats as there is with dogs. Feline heartworms usually do not produce enough off spring to produce a positive antigen blood test. A positive test is good evidence that the cat does have heartworms, but a negative one may not rule out the presence of an infection. There is also an antibody test that can help in the diagnosis, along with a good set of chest x-rays. Sadly for the cat, diagnosis is difficult and treatment is dangerous. Canine adulticide should be used as a last resort. It is best to treat your cat with Prednisolone to control the symptoms. The

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American Heartworm Society recommends attempting to wait out the wormsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; two-to-three year life span so that the worms die a natural death. The good news for our feline friends is that the feline heartworm infection is 100 percent preventable. There are currently four products on the market that are reliable and effective. Two of these products are given orally, and two are applied topically between the shoulder blades. It is recommended by the American Heartworm Society that all cats in endemic areas (areas with a mosquito population and occurrence of canine heartworm disease) be on a monthly preventative. (It is NOT necessary to test prior to starting prevention.) At our practice, we recommend that all cats, indoor and outdoor, be on monthly heartworm prevention. It is relatively inexpensive and will give you great peace of mind. Be sure your feline friend is protected from this potentially fatal condition. If you have any questions about feline heartworms, please call your veterinarian.

TJN

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JAMBALAYA COOK-OFF IS OPEN TO INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS. First prize is $200 for teams and $100 for individuals; trophies will be awarded to second and third place in each category. Entries will be judged on flavor and presentation. Entry fee is $100 for teams and $50 for individuals. All proceeds will benefit The Imperial Calcasieu Museum. 7:30-8 AM: SET-UP 8 AM: COOKING BEGINS NOON-12:30: JUDGING BEGINS; PUBLIC INVITED TO SAMPLE 1:30 PM: WINNERS ANNOUNCED

ON-LOOKERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME AND SAMPLE THE FARE. Music, beverages, and lots more. Admission is $10 to sample all the entries; and, there will be a cash beverage bar. For more information on entering your special recipe, please contact the Imperial Calcasieu Museum at 439-3793.

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FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING - WORD SEARCH N J R U H H A L F T

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Killin’ Time Crossword

Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission. PAGE 36

AUGUST 13, 2009

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der useum n e l l n E dren's M a D By e Chil I couldn’t keep up of th r o t c e with all of this family, except r i D

Aliens in the Attic 20th Century Fox, PG Mars Attacks! Meets Home Alone It’s the end of summer. The Pearson family decides to get one more vacation in before the school year starts. They rent a big house on the lake so they can go fishing. Everyone’s there: Dad, Mom, Tom and his two sisters. Even their cousins come along, with Grandma Nana, Uncle Nathan and two people I never could identify. (In Hollywood, they’re called extras. In Louisiana, we call them Dog Kin.) Also, an uninvited guest drops by—sister Bethany’s boyfriend, Ricky. In fact, there are so many characters that this movie starts to resemble Home Alone and Cheaper by the Dozen combined.

for Tom, who’s a math genius about to flunk out of school (What the heck?). Most of the movie centers around Tom’s frustration over basically everyone else at the lake house, but especially his sister Bethany (Ashley Tisdale) and her heart-throb boyfriend, Ricky. Tom’s parents, on the other hand, love Ricky because he drives a sports car. The Dad (played by Kevin Nealon) is especially believable in his role as Dad. Enter four miniature, animated aliens, part E.T. but mostly Gremlins. They’ve landed on the roof of the lake house, knocking out the Dish TV and setting up camp in the attic. Their goal is nothing less than domination of Earth, starting with the Pearson family (a good Hollywood estimate of the average American family). The aliens have rows of sharp teeth and a mean streak, except for their technician (more the E.T.- type)

named Sparks. The first thing they do is implant Ricky with a mind-control device, which actually improves his personality. Now here’s the most original part of this movie: The mind-control only works on adults. Got it? It works on Ricky because he’s really in college, lying about his age, and just about everything else so that he can cozy up to sister Bethany, who’s only sixteen. So, guess who has to save the world from the aliens? The kids! Yay! And thank goodness for that, because the adults in this film give a new dimension to the word “stupid.” Most of the movie consists of the kids battling it out with the aliens while the adults are drinking beer and eating barbecue on the back porch. The only grownups that figure in the plot are Ricky (barely an adult) and Nana, the kids’ Grandma, who also gets implanted with a mind-control device. In fact, the high point of the movie comes when the kids get their hands on Nana’s remote control device and put her in a kung fu battle with Ricky, who’s controlled by the aliens. So where does it go? What does it all mean? It means you will be wretched trying to sit through this movie, while your middle-school kids will probably love it. Bring plenty of

soda and popcorn and try to get a nap. Then you can expect your youngsters to come home saying “What the?” (short for “What the heck?”—an inventive phrase used over and over in this film, and destined for kid slang). Prediction: This is going to be the sleeper of the summer movie lineup, because every child is going to be lining up to buy a mind-control device at the toy store. In fact, we already have several at my house. (Hint: they have video screens.) There is a moral to Aliens in the Attic, a lesson for kids and adults alike: As Tom learns, it’s OK to have brains and make good grades, because then you can fight off aliens and save the world. In fact, smart people can even learn to avoid movies like Aliens In the Attic, and live happier lives as a result. What the? TJN

Every Monday night, feast on juicy mouth watering Prime Rib. Rubbed with our own mix of seasonings and roasted to perfection. Enjoy a 8, 12, or 16 oz. Prime Rib with aujus and horseradish cream sauces, a loaded baked potato and mixed vegetables. Come early, supplies are limited.

901 Ryan St., Lake Charles • 439-2054 • pujostreet.com Volume 1 • Issue 10

AUGUST 13, 2009

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Children’s Theatre Ultimate Shakesperience! Romeo and Juliet and a strong supporting cast expounded on the works of the world’s greatest playwright – William Shakespeare. The results of the Summer Starz Theatre Workshop were delightful to see as the students participated in the production, makeup, costuming, lighting and dramatization of one of the most famous works by Shakespeare. The Children’s Theatre Company has something for all ages, whether you want to produce, act or just watch. O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

Alijah Banoit, Mia Jonas, Samantha Brown and Webb Mallett

Eric Dilmore, Chloe Dore and Jordan McCann

Nick Dupuis, Jessica and Carla Breaux, Carlyn and Gaylyn Fullington

Emily and Carolyn Boudreaux

Liz Duhon, Sheila Pounders, Ethel Precht, Denise Foster and Charles Precht

Sid and Kellie Hutchinson and Peter O’Carroll

Molly Morgan and Allen Abshire

Jack Hebert and Debbie Dartez

Gridiron 2009 The Ad and Press Club’s 37th edition of Gridiron rolled out with lots of surprises. The show’s theme this year “As Seen on TV” spoofed TV shows and commercials and other current-events satire. Directed by Brett Downer, the show featured some old favorites such as “Dear Jim” and the L’Auberge Lounge Ladies, and introduced some new ways to poke fun at TV and many of our elected officials—and even the Spice Girl! An evening of extra special fun! Proceeds go to students at McNeese and the Commercial Arts Department at Sowela Tech. The winner of the Pan Award was KPLC TV. Congratulations, I guess?

Erin Beth Hanks and Garrett Carter PAGE 38

AUGUST 13, 2009

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Ramby Cormier and Susie Book

Pamela Seal, Vincent Lupo and Ginny Fontenot

Gray Little and Denise Norsworthy

Lindsey Janies Opening Reception Lindsey Janies Photography, located in the Charleston Hotel, had a grand opening and ribbon cutting for guests to come see her work. Food, fun and fellowship were the order of the evening as Lindsey and her family welcomed friends and acquaintances to her studio. Lindsey has capitalized on the Ardoin family trade and now provides full photographic services in and around Lake Charles. Congratulations, Lindsey! Tova Oustalet, Megan Willis, Colleen Desselle and Lauren Manuel

Steve Lyons, Russell Cart and Adam Janies

Christine and Beverly Machulski

Amanda Reeves and Jay Winterbottom

Daneeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Kelly and Denise Caraway

Parker Janies, Charles Ardoin and Patsy Manuel

Bobbie Cart and Sarah Lyons

Kevin Brassette and Meredith Ford

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Marshland Festival It was fun for all as the 20th Annual Marshland Festival opened at the Lake Charles Civic Center. With a strong lineup of good Cajun and Zydeco bands, fun and games for the kids, arts and crafts and plenty of Louisiana eats, everyone was sure to pass a good time. An event that celebrates the music and culture of Southwest Louisiana also gives back to its community as all festival proceeds benefit the youth of Hackberry through various school, church and summer recreational events. Tylan Gass, Deborah Watson and Tanner Gass

Jenna LeBlanc, Elizabeth Moss, Jace LeBlanc, Erin Moss, Carson Stringer and Emily Moss

Theresa Guidry, Krystal LaBove, Randi Theriot, Kim Hornsby and Betsy Welch

Dalton, Paullette and Kinley Szymanski

Caitlin Theriot, Chuck Babineaux, Kirstyn Vincent, Kinnon Vincent and Kristly Voge

Prescriptions for the Soul...

Louisiana born painter and musician, Tony DuPuis, is a very unique artist. As a drummer, pianist, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer, Tony has emerged as a very “different” artist with his unorthodox methods of painting. Utilizing acrylics on canvas with his unusual “no-brush” techniques, Tony is wowing art lovers everywhere with his very original style and subject matters. From spiritual to whimsical, modern to eclectic, each creation brings you directly into the essence of the paintings as they relate to Art and Life.

429 Ryan Street, Lake Charles • (337) 721-3447 PAGE 40

AUGUST 13, 2009

www.tonydupuis.com Volume 1 • Issue 10

Moonlight and Magnolias The Volunteer Center of SWLA, Inc., held its annual fundraiser recently in the Evergreen Room at the Gray Plantation. An array of silent auction items greeted guests leading into the main area where the evening’s entertainment and refreshments were located. Pianist and vocalist Kay Miller entertained as guests mingled, sampling beverages and buffet items while making frequent trips to check their silent auction bid status. The Jambalaya News’ Phil de Albuquerque was the auctioneer for the live auction, presenting some great items to bid on in his inimitable style! A lovely evening in a grand setting for a worthy cause. TJN Jason and Trisha Martinez

Kathy Link, Arlene Bostick and Gene Link

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Valerie David, Diane Bauer and Regina Thomas

Roxanne Baggett and Carrie Navarre

Theresa Kilburn, Joshua Hebert and Kimmie Saucier

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To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com

The

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m. • Mike Zito @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 • Jamie Berzas & The Cajun Tradition Band @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Tim Norris @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m. • Mojeaux @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, Lake Charles, 7 p.m. • Mike Zito @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Otenki @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. • The Von Dukes/The In & Out Laws @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. • Brad Brinkley & Comfort Zone @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 8 p.m. FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • August Broussard & Friends @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • Steel Shot @ Cameron Fishing Rodeo, 7 p.m. • Veneno Mortal/Fallen Embers @ Escapades, Sulphur, 7 p.m.

• Blake Shelton @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 p.m. • Blues Tonic @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. • Magnolia Sons/ Mechanical Boy/The Last Chalaron @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m. • City Heat @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m. • Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m. • No Idea @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Leon Chavis & The Zydeco Flames @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 9 p.m. • Kris Harper/DND @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m. • Butt Roxx @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 • Steel Shot @ Cameron Fishing Rodeo, Cameron, 2 p.m. • The Hotel Cazin Band @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Pam Tillis @ Isle of Capri Casino, 7 p.m. • August Broussard & Friends @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • Etched In Stone @ Strand Theatre, Jennings, 7 p.m. • Plump (Houston) @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Rock 4 A Cure @ Ripperz Skate Park, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. • No Idea @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Charles Mann & Louisiana Pride @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 9 p.m. • Mother’s Anthem/2nd Party Program/The Silent Planet @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Choke/Broken by the Burden/Slow the Knife @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. MONDAY, AUGUST 10 • Singer/Songwriter Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Neal Smith @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dance @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m. • Mike Zito @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Tim Norris @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m. • Lil Malcolm & The House Rockers @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Blue October/Switchfoot/Ours @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 8 p.m. • Laurel & The Edge @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 8 p.m. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • The LakeSide Gamblers/Ganey Arsement @ Big Daddy’s Sports Grill, 7 p.m.

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• Mike Dowers @ VFW Post 8107, Sulphur, 8 p.m. • Southbound @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m. • Research Turtles/The Gills @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m. • Louisiana Express @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 9 p.m. • Crooks Carnival @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m. • In Liquid/Last November @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 • Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Chris Miller & The Bayou Roots Band @ VFW Post 2130, Lake Charles, 7 p.m. • Jimmy Pardon @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m. • Crooks Carnival/DJ Gump @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Ashes of Eden/Two Shots Fired @ Hawg Wild, Westlake, 9 p.m. • Louisiana Express @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 9 p.m. • Devil and the Details @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m. • Live Oak Decline (Austin) @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 • Whiskey South @ Mary’s Lounge, 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 • Felton LeJeune & The Cajun Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Neal Smith @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m. • Magnolia Sons @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Neal Smith @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m. • Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m. • Thingfish @ Caribbean Hut, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 • Homer LeJeune @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Neal Smith @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m. • Da Classics @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • T-Broussard & The Zydeco Steppers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 8 p.m. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • ISIS @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • Jerry Jeff Walker @ L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 8:30 p.m. • Sugarhouse @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m. • Blues Tonic @ Sam’s Cove, Westlake, 9 p.m. • Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.

• Ridin High @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 9 p.m. • Loser’s Reunion/The 94’s/ Midnight Sons @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m. • Do Not Destroy/Matthew Moss @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. • Red Letter Reverb/Targeting Aorta/ Godspeed the Jackle @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • ISIS @ Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m. • The LakeSide Gamblers/Ganey Arsement @ VFW Post 2130, Lake Charles, 7:30 p.m. • Michael Dolan/Cold Sweat @ The Brick House, 8 p.m. • Black Feratu @ Hawg Wild, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Jerry Jeff Walker @ L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 8:30 p.m. • Bernie Alan @ One-Eyed Jack’s, Elton, 8:30 p.m. • Craig Mouton & Slingshot @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 9 p.m. • The Von Dukes/Blues Tonic @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m. • Twangster’s Union @ Yesterday’s, 9:30 p.m. • We Were Wolves/Cheater Pipe/2nd Party Program @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

TJN

MONDAY NIGHTS: Abita Beer Night

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Mondo Martini Night

THURSDAY NIGHTS: Be Well Night

Fri. Aug 14 @ 9:00 RESEARCH TURTLES & THE GILLS Sat. Aug 15 @ 9:00 LIVE OAK DECLINE (from Austin, Tx.) Fri. Aug 21 @ 9:00 6 PACK DEEP (from Baton Rouge, La.) & MORE! Sat. Aug 22 @ 9:00 MYNAMEISJOHNMICHAEL & GIVERS Fri. Aug 28 @ 9:00 SUSAN COWSILL BAND Sat. Aug 29 @ 9:00 CROOKS CARNIVAL & RIVERLEFT Fri. Sep 4 @ 9:00 SUGARFOOT (from Monroe, La.) Fri. Sep 11 @ 9:00 OUTLAW NATION Sat. Sep 19 @ 9:00 CROOKS CARNIVAL Sat. Sep 26 @ 6:00 DU LAC LIVE

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AUGUST 13, 2009

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LA FAMILIA EXTRAVAGANZA FASHION SHOW/DINNER AUG. 14 There will be a fashion show/dinner at the Lake Charles Country Club on Fri. Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. to benefit the La Familia Resource Center in Lake Charles, which provides information, services, and resources to the Hispanic community of Lake Charles. The fashion show will feature the designs of Lourdes Chavez, along with a performance of Latin dance by Maria and Jay Cotto. Dress is semi-formal. Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple, and $15 for students with Student ID. For more information, call the Sylvia Stelly at the Resource Center at 312-2906.

Frederick Denys - Grand Canyon along the South Rim

JAM

10 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and are available by calling (433) 5817. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (337) 433-5817.

JAZZ, JOKES AND JUST DESSERTS AUG. 20 Enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz during a wonderful dinner followed by sweeter desserts! On Thurs. Aug 20, Harbor House/ETC presents their annual fundraiser at L’Auberge du Lac. There will be live and silent auctions and entertainment by comedian Mark Robinson and the Justin Pierce Trio. Tickets are $50 per person for general admission, and there are sponsorships available. For more information, call Beth at 433-1062. JERRY JEFF WALKER AT L’AUBERGE AUG. 21-22 Tickets start at $30 to see Lone Star country rocker Jerry Jeff Walker at L’Auberge du Lac. Walker has developed a style that he calls “Cowjazz,” and penned the memorable song “Mr. Bojangles.” Call (800) 745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com for ticket information.

THE NEW REALITY EXHIBIT AUG. 14-OCT. 17 The City of Lake Charles is proud to present “The New Reality, The Frontier of Realism in the 21st Century, International Guild of Realism” at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street. The exhibition is scheduled to open Fri., Aug. 14 and run through Sat., Oct. 17. An opening reception will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. on the 14th. All ages are invited at no charge; refreshments will be served. This the first traveling museum show of this century to not only look at the state of Realism painting around the world, but to also compare those artworks with their historical predecessors. For more information, please call 4919147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 11TH ANNUAL JAMAICA ME CRAZY GALA AUGUST 15 Tables are available for the American Cancer Society’s eleventh annual Jamaica Me Crazy Party for a Cure Gala to be held on Sat., Aug. 15, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. The doors will open at 7 p.m. with “Bayou Katz” providing live music from 8-11 p.m. Admission is $50 per person and $90 per couple in advance and $50 per person at the door. Tables of eight (8) are available for $400. Food will be provided by O’Charley’s Restaurant. A Patron Party honoring Dr. Michael Bergeron will be held on Fri., Aug. 14 at the Gray Plantation Clubhouse from 7 p.m. –

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DISCO PARTY TO BENEFIT ARTS & HUMANITIES AUG. 21 Put on your bell-bottoms and platform shoes and head to the Brickhouse on Fri., Aug. 21 at 7 Jerry Jeff p.m. for a night of disco fever. Walker Groove to the sounds of Boomarang and enjoy free refreshments and soft drinks. There will also be a cash bar. Anyone sporting 70s attire will be entered in the door prize drawings. Proceeds go to the Arts & Humanities Council. Tickets are $15 each; or reserve a table for six at $125. For more information, call 4392787 or e-mail director@artsandhumanitiesswla.org. BREATHE AUG. 21-22 BREATHE, the Lake Area’s Dance and Performance Collective, will have its second annual show at 8 p.m. in the Civic Center’s Rosa Hart Theater Aug. 21-22. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. “Circular Connections” focuses on relationships with friends, family and loved ones. BREATHE received a Decentralized Arts Funding Grant for the project. Tickets are $10 in advance at Expressions and Gordon’s Drug Store, or can be purchased at the door. MAHALIA AT ACTS THEATRE AUG. 22-23 ACTS Theatre will host the biographical musical “Mahalia” at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 22 and 2 p.m. Aug. 23 at its 1 Reid St. Theater. The production is by

Volume 1 • Issue 10

the Upstage Theatre Company, a community theatre in Baton Rouge. Tickets are $25 in advance at the Civic Center Box Office. Lakeshore Drug Store or online at actstheatre.com. They can also be purchased at the door. For more information, call 433-2287 or 436-5908.

Brice Perrin and the Electrotones IOWA ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION AUG. 22 An Iowa Arts & Crafts Exhibition, sponsored by the Calcasieu Parish Public Library, the Town of Iowa, Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Friends of the Library, will be held 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sat. Aug. 22, at the Iowa Multipurpose Community Center, 207 W. Highway 90. The festival is free and open to the public. Includes live entertainment by Brice Perrin and the Electrotones, refreshments, arts and crafts demonstrations, a make-and-take craft, and more. For more information, please call the Iowa Public Library at 721-7101, or 582-3597 if calling from Iowa. SESAME STREET LIVE AT THE CIVIC CENTER SEPT. 4-6 Bring the whole family to Sesame Street Live’s “When Elmo Grows Up.” Performances will be held at the Civic Center at 7 p.m. on Sept. 4, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 5, and 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 6. Tickets are $12 and $16, premium $20, Gold Circle $25. For more information, call the Civic Center at 4911432, or go to the Web site at www.sesamestreetlive.com. LOUISIANA SHRIMP & PETROLEUM MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPT. 4-7 Head on down to the Morgan City area for the annual Shrimp and Petroleum Music Festival. Enjoy live music, fabulous food, children’s entertainment, a horseshoe tournament, cultural and heritage expo, fireworks, a car show, carnival, arts and crafts and so much more! For more information, call (985) 385-0703 or go to www.shrimp-petrofest.org. FUNDRAISER FOR USS ORLECK SEPT. 12 The USS Orleck, DD-886, a gearing class destroyer, served this country in both Korea and Viet Nam. She was built in Orange, Texas in 1945. After her service to the US Navy, the Orleck then served the Turkish Navy for many years. She has been returned home, and is now looking for a permanent berth in Lake Charles. There will be a fundraising dinner on Sept. 12 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 1 on 1530 Ninth Street, Lake Charles. The cost is $20 per person. Make checks payable to USS Orleck Naval Museum and send to Ginger Beningo, P.O. Box 4470, Lake Charles, LA 70606-4470. Please RSVP by Sept. 9 to (337) 474-815.

TJN

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AUGUST 13, 2009

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Where Live Music Lives In Lake Charles By Leslie Berman

Admittedly, I grew up spoiled for musical choice. New York is one of the big music cities, and any night of the week you can hear new and traditional rock, blues, jazz, folk, classical, and world music of many lands, in clubs, concert halls, church basements, museums, department stores, and on the street. So, when I moved down to the land of Cajun, Zydeco, and swamp pop, I assumed I’d be able to get as blissed out on old and alternative music here as I’d been in New York. Well, I was wrong. Every kind of music fan is here, and occasionally, the musicians pop up to play for them, but it’s been surprisingly hard to maintain a consistent music scene in this town. In the nine years I’ve lived in Lake Charles, numerous live music clubs have started up to great fanfare, only to lead brief lives of increasing desperation, and then to disappear, replaced by clubs with even less staying power. This very hard to understand, what with the wide variety of musical tastes down here, plenty of college kids, and hardworking bar owners willing to give original music and inventive cover bands a shot at fame. I’ve debated the meaning of this conundrum over the years with dozens of musicians, club owners, and random pundits, and no, we haven’t solved the riddle of why not just yet. But I’m a believer, and I’m not willing to throw in the towel so long as the lady is willing to sing. So I’m going with this theory: If you build it, they will come, if you let them know it’s there, show them a good time, and then keep reminding them to come on down. And as a reminder, here’s a lightly annotated list of some venues where live music lives in Lake Charles. In another issue, I’ll let you know where to go in places just a little further out of town. Let me urge you and yours to seek out live performances, in any of the many clubs listed below. Just make sure you call before you go, because musicians and club owners lead complicated lives, and I’d hate for you to be disappointed.

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AJ’s BAR AND GRILL, 710 Ryan Street, 433-4388. Rock in many forms, with occasional forays into other music. ANNIE’s, 6212 Common Street, 474-3943. These days, the funky bar on the way to the airport is mostly home to karaoke and DJs, but owner Bonnie’s extraordinarily talented vocalist sister Miss Molly might play with a backup band, and occasionally, a singer/writer night with acoustic musicians from Lake Charles and out of town holds forth on the easygoing stage. Worth keeping an ear out for. BLUE DUCK CAFÉ, 345 Broad Street, 721-1967. On Friday, owner Briant Lloyd Smith and his Hot Gritz will blow you away with tasty blues and some stellar female vocalists. On Saturdays, Pork Chop Express takes over from the Gritz. Blues, blues, and more blues in this popular restaurant. FRED’S LOUNGE, 9080 Big Lake Road, 598-2692. Hard and harder rock Sundays, and loyal locals holding down the barstools. Always its unpretentious and easy good-timing self. ISLE OF CAPRI CARIBBEAN COVE, Westlake, 4300711. Saturdays. This casino stage and dance floor pass-through space is up the escalator and between a late-night eatery and a usually closed party room, on the way to the gaming boats. But despite the stage’s location, it manages to hold an all-ages crowd who come to dance to covers of favorite country, rock, Cajun, Zydeco and blues tunes, and holla at the best of the Lake Area’s bands. L’AUBERGE DU LAC HOTEL & CASINO, JACK DANIELS’ BAR & GRILL, PARTY BY THE POOL, 395-7596. DJs have taken over at Jack Daniels weekend late nights, but live bands hold sway Thursdays by the Pool, with the cool tubing setup. National touring acts like the Beach Boys, Ann Margret, Jerry Jeff Walker and even Tony Bennett come through the Business Center Theater regularly. The casino business center staff aren’t the friendliest or most forthcoming folks around, and sometimes it can seem like they’re hiding news about upcoming touring acts, but you can usually find out who’s coming to play there by catching their billboards around town.

LUNA’s BAR & GRILL, 719 Ryan Street, 494-5862. Various types of music including open mic Mondays, acoustic music Wednesdays, and various rock styles Thursday through Saturday. They used to have little bands crushed into a space barely big enough to turn around in, until they took over the outdoor patio area that runs the full length of the restaurant, and put in a stage and sound system that makes them audible on a good night for several blocks around. Now they can showcase local and out-of- town alternative and indie rock bands on a stage large enough to contain them. And they do. A younger, noisier, and dare I say it, hipper crowd hangs out here in most weathers. OB’s BAR AND GRILL, 1301 Ryan Street, 494-7336. The mostly rock and blues bands who take to the tiny corner stage in this otherwise sports bar get stiff competition from TVs showing multiple sports events. It’s a favorite hangout for the old Lake Charles High School crowd, who always hold their reunion social in this loud, friendly place. SYLVIA’S BISTRO, 329 Broad Street, 433-8028. Barkeep Sylvia Hankin is not so secretly a great percussionist, who even turned her former restaurant into a club, just so she could have a band to sit in with. In her new place, she hosts local and outof-town musicians of various musical styles, including jazz, piano bar, blues, singer/writer, rock, oldies, Motown and torch songs, just to name the most obvious. TOUCANS, 1016 East Prien Lake Road, 477-2224. Young touring bands leaning toward rock and blues bring out a younger crowd to this venue, which only gives over about a quarter of the place’s floor space to live or recorded music – and that’s a goodsized space nevertheless. VFW POST 2130, 1900 Country Club Road, Cajun music Saturdays. This is one of the liveliest dancehalls in town – running continuously since the 1960s – with older regulars dancing to the music of younger regulars. The Cajun French Music Association members who hang out in this friendly place are more than willing to show you how to do the Cajun two-step, and to recommend other dances where you can learn and practice on other nights of the week. YESTERDAYS, 5313 Common Street, 474-7333. Lake Charles’ biggest dancehall, featuring live bands playing country covers, Cajun and Zydeco, and all forms of danceable (mostly oldies) rock.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 10

AUGUST 13, 2009

PAGE 47

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