The Jambalaya News, Vol. 6, No. 3 - 05/08/14

May 8, 2014 • Volume 6 • Issue 3

On cover: Lake Charles Vapor

715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.louisianajam.com Publisher Phil de Albuquerque phil@louisianajam.com Executive Editor Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@louisianajam.com Contributors Nicole Shuff Arabie George Cline Erin Thibodeaux Davison Phil de Albuquerque Dan Ellender Braylin Jenkins Eric Manuel Mike McHugh Roger Miller Mary Louise Ruehr Karla Tullos David Yantis Sales sales@louisianajam.com Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk Associate Photographer Johnny Owens Cajun Pirate Photgraphy Business Office Manager Jeanie Taggart

Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by Louisiana Jam columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Louisiana Jam, its editors or staff.

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

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

Copyright 2014 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved.

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

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COVER STORY 28 Lake Charles Vapor REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA! 8 Hospital Roundup 10 The Dang Yankee 10 Adoption Corner 11 Tips from Tip 12 Huntin’ Tales 14 This Functional Family 15 Soul Matters 16 Stir Dat Pot

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FEATURES 4 Keith Chamberlain: New Production Company 18 My Grandmother 20 Staying Healthy After Cancer 24 When Menoupause Arrives Too Soon 26 Targeted Treatment For Breast Cancer 44 Erik Jessen’s Tribute to Elton Louviere THE SPICE OF SWLA 32 Event Guide 35 Family Fun Night at the Movies 36 Summer Camp Guide 38 Red Hot Books 40 Nightlife Guide 43 Lake City Beat!

46 Society Spice 48 Cajun Classifieds 51 Funbolaya

16 18 35

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A Note From Lauren My One True Thing Mother’s Day is always so difficult for me. My mother has been gone for 12 long years, and just writing those words brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Still. I will never get over the fact that she is no longer here.

I think the best thing I ever did was move down here, away from all the places where I would constantly be reminded that she was gone. A new place, where I could make new memories. But we never truly leave the past behind, and I think of her every single day. I think of all of the things that made her so special. I’d like to share a few of them with you.

I loved having her read to me.

There was nothing better than curling up in bed and listening to her voice. She loved those fairy tales and nursery rhymes as much as I did, and she would change her voice to match the emotion of each character. All these years later, I can no longer remember the words, but I can hear the tones, the inflections, in the back of my mind. Some-

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day, it all may come back to me.

I hope so.

Mom had a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh. While my Aunt Jeanette was scrutinizing the walls for fingerprints and stuffing cotton in her ears to block out all the noise, and Gloria was running to the doctor every five minutes and crying about something, Mom found humor in everything, whether it was an odd-looking man sitting across from her on the train or a cartoon that she cut out of a magazine that she just had to share with everyone around the dinner table. She loved life and she loved to have fun—in her own cautious way. Mom wasn’t a daredevil and didn’t like to take any chances. No one in our family did. They were more or less afraid of everything. But she managed to have a great time in spite of these passed-down fears. My aunts could not say the same. They were too busy complaining.

Mom loved to sing. She had a good voice and had taken singing lessons in her youth. She

sang all the time, which drove me crazy when I was a kid and even crazier when I became a teenager. But because of her, I know the words to a lot of old songs that you don’t hear any more. And if by chance I do hear one of these tunes now, I am suddenly back in my bedroom, doing my homework while my mother sings in the kitchen.

Mom’s middle name was Violet, so she loved anything related to that flower. She always wore violet perfume—I think it was called April Violets. It was a very strong scent and I’ve never known anyone else to wear it. I’d buy her violet soap and powder on Mother’s Day, and one time, I was able to get out-of-season purple violets from a florist on Newbury St. in Boston for her birthday. I remember she took a photo of them, with her Kodak Instamatic camera.

Speaking of cameras, Mom got a movie camera back in the 1950s and took movies of everyone and everything. It was a was heavy and I don’t know how she traveled all over Europe with it. But we loved Mom’s

movies and sometimes, usually on a Sunday evening, she’d have the family over and we’d all sit around the dining room table for movie night. Dad set up this huge projector and he would insert the reels of film, one by one. The movies were projected on a portable screen in front of the table and of course, there was no sound back then. So we would all laugh and yell things out, and we each had our favorite scenes that we would anticipate. Those were the days.

What I miss most about my mother was her friendship, her unconditional love. The fact that she was there. Always. Someone I could count on, someone whose love never changed, no matter what I did, or how I disappointed her. She always loved me, no matter what. She was my one true thing.

Lauren de Albuquerque

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By Lauren de Albuquerque There are talented people in Lake Charles who want to make things happen; who put their heart and soul into everything they do. Keith Chamberlain is one such person.

Chamberlain was born in little Oakdale into a very musical family. “We grew up with bluegrass music in the house,” he remembers. “My dad used to perform at the old Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport on weekends with Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Ferlin Husky. That was before my time.”

Chamberlain’s instrument is the piano, which he basically taught to himself when he was a child. “I had some lessons, but it didn’t go well,” he laughed. “I was better off on my own.”

Along with being musically inclined, Chamberlain got involved with theater when he was in high school. Hello Dolly was his first play. He loved the stage and the excitement. He was hooked.

Chamberlain went on to McNeese State University where he received his degree in music education. He then took a detour to Dallas, where he worked at the Apparel Mart “of all places,” he laughs, rolling his eyes.

But he eventually returned to Lake Charles and his first love, music. Chamberlain has been a piano instructor at Lake Charles

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Music for 26 years, where he has a private studio. Thirteen years ago, he was approached by McNeese to teach at the Governor’s Program for Gifted Children during the summer. He began as accompanist for the choir and musical productions in addition to teaching class and private piano to the musically gifted students.

He is now the musical director of the program. “I directed 12 seasons of Cinderella for them,” he said. Always learning, he went on to study script analysis and took directing courses under Dr. Joy Pace.

Jesus Christ Superstar

a close group. We didn’t want it to end.”

KC Productions SWLA So, a new chapter began in the life of Keith Chamberlain: KC Productions SWLA, a production company with Chamberlain at the helm, bringing musical theater to the Lake Area.

“First of all, I want to thank Itinerant Theater for allowing me to direct,” Chamberlain says.

“Without them, none of this would have happened. I am very grateful.”

Approximately 90 percent of

the initial cast, crew and musicians was able to work in the new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which was music to this talented director’s ears. Chamberlain then got in touch with Kerry Onxley, Director of Theatre at Westlake High School. “The theater space at Westlake High is just fabulous,” Chamberlain said.

“I knew I wanted to have the performances there. And Kerry was a great support to all of us.”

While the cast was the same, Chamberlain had a vision for the set design that was very different from the previous production.

“That set design was quite minimal,” he said. “This time, I wanted

Last fall, Chamberlain was asked to direct Itinerant Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar. A large cast and crew were assembled, and worked hard. Two performances were held at the Rosa Hart Theater in November 2013 that met with great success.

But the cast and crew felt that just two performances weren’t enough. “It was just the beginning,” Chamberlain says. “We all wanted to do it again.”

“We needed to,” added Hayley Smith, who played Mary Magdalene in both productions.

“The cast really jelled. It was such

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something richer, something that evoked the time more.” Accordingly, Billy Hogan came on board to design an eye-catching set--which Chamberlain calls “a masterpiece” --that became the perfect backdrop for the performance.

Next on the agenda was costumes. “We needed that ‘70s feel that is integral to the show,” he said. Chamberlain bought most of the costumes but had four seamstresses work on specific pieces.

“Cheryl Kingrey made Judas’ shirt for the Superstar number, Marcy Greg made Jesus’ and the priests’ robes, Sharon Morgan Collins made the ‘Soul Angels’ dresses and cast member Robin Thibodeaux Prejean made several angel shirts and tons of accessories.”

The cast and crew rehearsed for five weeks. I visited them the day before their opening night performance, and their enthusiasm for the play was contagious, as well as their genuine feelings for one another. Gabi Fontenot (Jesus), Tony James, (Judas Iscariot) and Hayley Smith (Mary Magdalene) led the production. “This is the best cast ever,” Chamberlain said.

“They all work so hard, and they’re triple threats—they can dance, sing and act!”

Three performances were held shortly before Easter. The stirring score was conducted by McNeese music professor William Rose, who also played the trombone.

Thom Hager played percussion.

“Keith did a magnificent job,” Hager said. “He has a great temperament and knows how to get Vol. 6 • No. 3

things done without being a bully.

And he’s open to suggestions, which isn’t always the case with directors.”

“He really inspired all of us,” Smith said. “He kept us going. We all wanted to see each other succeed.” A senior at McNeese majoring in Theatre Arts and English, Smith is well on her way to realizing her dreams. She auditioned for a spot in the Open Jar Institute in New York City’s summer program—and was selected to participate in its high-intensity workshops in acting, singing, dance and audition technique--all taught by Broadway pros. She can’t wait.

The Future Next on the agenda for KC Productions SWLA is a summer production of Big for the Governor’s Program at SOWELA. In the fall, Chamberlain hopes to put on Sweeney Todd.

“I’ll be applying for grants shortly and will probably need an assistant soon. I guess I’ll be needing a little help,” he laughed. “But I am really excited about this. I want to bring music and song to this area, and what better way to do it?”

Hager is optimistic about the future of KC Productions SWLA. “Everything Keith touches is going to be successful,” he said. “He’s an encourager; he’s the glue that keeps everything together and he genuinely cares about his performers.

How can he not succeed?”

For more information, go to http://kcproductionsswla.org/ or like them on Facebook.

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Mutual in 2011 and provides expert guidance and innovative solutions for a variety of financial needs. He is a native of Lake Charles and graduated magna cum laude with a Mechanical Engineering degree from McNeese State University.

Tavius Clark Receives PPG Lake Charles Scholarship Tavius Clark, a Barbe High School senior, has been awarded the 2014 PPG Lake Charles Scholarship. The son of Danny and Lucretia Dawn Clark, Tavius will attend Louisiana State University in the fall and will major in petroleum recovery. He was selected based on his grade point average, participation in extracurricular activities and his community involvement. Each year, PPG Lake Charles awards two scholarships to children of employees.

For more information on PPG Lake Charles, visit www.ppg.com.

Local Software Developer Wins Prestigious Microsoft Award Microsoft recently named local software developer Rion Williams as a recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for 2014. Microsoft’s highest honor is awarded to outstanding leaders in the tech community. Williams is currently the Senior Software Developer at Structure X based out of Lake Charles focusing on the Healthcare field.

He is a native of Lake Charles and a graduate Rion Williams of McNeese State University where he received degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Visual Arts. Williams is one of just a handful in the country to receive the honor for software development (ASP.NET/IIS) and the first from the state of Louisiana.

Tavius Clark

Isle of Capri Donates to American Heart Association Isle of Capri recently donated $6,500 to support the SWLA American Heart Association Heart Walk and Heart Ball. The Isle of Capri serves as a table sponsor for the annual Heart Ball and as the “Lifestyle Change Award” sponsor for the SWLA Heart Walk. This award recognizes SWLA citizens who have made healthy changes to improve their overall health.

CPSO Lt. Graduates from National FBI Academy

Elizabeth Zaunbrecher

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office Internal Affairs Detective Lt. Elizabeth Zaunbrecher graduated from the 256th Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia on March 28. She was one of 221 law enforcement officers who participated in the academy. Lt. Zaunbrecher also completed the 6.1-mile obstacle course, which is known as one of the most challenging courses for law enforcement leaders. She has 23 years of law enforcement experience and has been employed at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office since 1998.

Local Financial Advisor Receives Industry Honor Marty DeRouen, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual of Louisiana, has qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Roundtable, an international, independent association of nearly 19,000 leading life insurance producers. MDRT is a coveted career milestone that indicates sales and service achievement and is a highly recognized mark of excellence for life underwriters. DeRouen joined Northwestern 06 May 8, 2014

(L – R): Paul Hutchens, Isle of Capri VP/general manager and Matthew Welsh, American Heart Association regional director.

McNeese Baseball and United Way Take Part in ‘Strike Out Hunger’ Campaign The McNeese Cowboys baseball team along with United Way of SWLA worked together to collect items and raise money for struggling families throughout the Lake Area as they took part in the “Strike Out Hunger” campaign. Fans were encouraged to make a monetary donation or bring non-perishable food items to each game and received free admission in return. The donation also earned fans a raffle ticket to win prizes during a drawing in the seventh inning of Sunday’s game.

The Cowboys were able to collect over 600 food items, and along with donations, will be able to feed 50 children come summer time.

IBERIABANK Names Treasury Management Sales Officer

Marty DeRouen

IBERIABANK, the 127-year-old subsidiary of IBERIABANK Corporation, is pleased to announce the recent naming of Steven Perez Vol. 6 • No. 3

as vice president and treasury management dales officer for Southwest Louisiana. Perez has been with the company five years and most recently served as a branch manager. Perez is a graduate of McNeese State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance, as well as an MBA. He is located at 4440 Nelson Road in Lake Charles and can be reached at 312-7032 or by email at Steven.Perez@iberiabank.com.

LC Chief of Police Don Dixon Observer at Zurich Classic Lake Charles Chief of Police Don Dixon served As Honorary Observer at Zurich Classic golf tournament in New Orleans last Friday, walking with PGA TOUR pros during their round at TPC Louisiana.

Dixon was a guest of Stryker Orthopedics, the official joint replacement company of the PGA TOUR. Dixon walked the course with pros Kevin Stadler, Nick Watney and Retief Goosen. The event came on the eve of his annual Cops and Jocks Charity Golf Tournament. Dixon has two bilateral triathlon knees done by Dr. John Noble of Imperial Orthopedics in Lake Charles. For more information on Stryker Joint Replacement, visit www.stryker.

Don Dixon com/en-us/index.html

for a 12-month period ending Dec. 31, 2013. The bank recently announced its expansion in Calcasieu Parish with the acquisition of a new branch in Westlake scheduled to open in summer 2014. For more information, visit www.jdbank.com or call (800) 789-5159.

Starks Mayhaw Festival SE Tourism Society Top 20 Event The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored the Starks Mayhaw Festival as a Top 20 Event for the second quarter of 2014. This year’s festival is May 15-17 and will have it all from Mayhaw jelly and Mayhaw butter to Mayhaw berries and more. The SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau is a member of STS, an organization that promotes travel to and within the southeastern part of the United States.

For more information, visit www.visitlakecharles.org.

JD Bank Ranked Among Top 100 Best Community Banks JD Bank ranked among the top 100 best community banks in an annual report performed by SNL Financial. The rankings included only three banks headquartered in Louisiana. To compile the ranking, community banks were evaluated nationwide using six core financial performance metrics focused on profitability, asset quality and growth

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(L – R): Michael Dees, chairman of the Lake Charles CVB; Evelyn White, Starks Mayhaw Festival; Shelley Johnson, executive director of the Lake Charles CVB.

May 8, 2014 07

LAMC Honors Volunteer of the Year

Rachal Receives CHRISTUS Physician Group Promotion CHRISTUS Physician Group recently announced the promotion of Krista Rachal to executive director, Physician Services – Louisiana. In this new position, Rachal has primary administrative responsibility and provides executive direction for multiple regional physician practices in Northern Louisiana, Central Louisiana and Southwestern Louisiana.

Rachal joined CHRISTUS Physician Group four years ago as Regional Director Physician Krista Rachal Alignment for the Central Louisiana Region and subsequently was appointed to oversee the Southwestern Louisiana Region.

Memorial Hospital Foundation Honors Students at the Daffodil Tea The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital recently honored local seniors for their accomplishments in the six art disciplines.

The recognition took place at The Daffodil Tea event at L’Auberge Casino Resort. A panel of experts chose one student from each of the six disciplines. The six students chosen were Sydney Bergeron for creative writing, Carli Guillory for visual arts, Rebecca Grosset for vocal music, Megan Raftery for dance, Abigail Guillory for theatre and Jacob Bridges for instrumental music. Each student received a $500 scholarship. All proceeds from The Daffodil Tea are dedicated to the Cancer Care Fund and scholarships are contributed through the support of Ralph and Debbie Lewing. For more information about events benefiting The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, call 494-3226.

L to R: Olivier Grosset, father of Rebecca Grosset, vocal music; Karen Drewett, Daffodil Tea co-chair; Carli Guillory, visual arts; Susan Hebert, Daffodil Tea co-chair; Sydney Bergeron, creative writing; Debbie Lewing, scholarship patron; Abigail Guillory, theater; Jackie Lundy, patron; Jacob Bridges, instrumental music; Karen Kleinman, Daffodil Tea co-chair; Megan Raftery, dance; Colleen Benoit, Daffodil Tea co-chair.

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Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC), located at 4200 Nelson Road in Lake Charles, recently honored Alvin Credeur as Volunteer of the Year. Credeur, who retired from the United States Army after 27 years of service and served in both Vietnam and Desert Storm, has volunteered his time and efforts at Lake Area Medical Center since 2011. Over the years, he has offered volunteer support in various areas of the hospital. For more information about volunteer opportunities at Lake Area Medical Center, call (337) 475-4002.

Alvin Credeur

Local Audiologist Guest Speaker at Diabetes Support Group Meeting On May 13, Dr. Jake Cavanaugh, AuD, audiologist, will be the featured speaker at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s monthly diabetes support group meeting. Dr. Cavanaugh will speak about the importance of hearing as well as things individuals can do to protect their hearing and prevent hearing loss. The diabetes support group at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the hospital’s cafeteria conference room. There is no charge to attend. For more information, call (337) 527-4282.

Lake Charles Physician Named to the LSMS Hall of Fame Dr. Keith DeSonier of Lake Charles was elected to the Louisiana State Medical Society (LSMS) Hall of Fame at its annual House of Delegates meeting. The LSMS established its Hall of Fame to recognize members, both living and deceased, who have contributed long-term meritorious service and valuable leadership to the LSMS. Currently, Dr. DeSonier is the chair of the LSMS Council on Legislation as well as the LSMS’ political action committee, LAMPAC. His positive influence is evident through his work as chair of the Louisiana Delegation to the American Medical Association.

Keith DeSonier

Louisiana Law Enforcement 2014 Torch Run The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office will host the 2014 LA Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Thurs., May 22, beginning at the Civic Center steps at 8:30 a.m. and ending at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office at 5400 E. Broad Street, for a distance of approximately 5 miles.

The Torch Run is an international series of torch relays run by law enforcement officers leading up to each state or nation’s Special Olympic Summer Games. The Special Olympics Louisiana State Summer Games will be held May 23-25 at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. Law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg and the lighting of the cauldron to officially

open the Special Olympics Louisiana Summer Games in Hammond.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office is the hosting agency for the Southwest Region Torch Run, which is the second largest run in the state. The Southwest region is made up of law enforcement officers from Calcasieu, Cameron, Beauregard and Jeff Davis Parishes who will run the “Flame of Hope” for Special Olympics Louisiana through Calcasieu Parish. It will be picked up by adjoining parish law enforcement agencies until it reaches the Opening Ceremonies.

All law enforcement officers in the Southwest Region who are interested in participating can contact Kayla Vincent at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office at (337) 491-3791.

Vol. 6 • No. 3

Vol. 6 • No. 3

May 8, 2014 09

For Golf and Country Some friends recently joined the local country club and invited us to join them there for Easter brunch. We accepted their gracious invitation, and so I strolled into the clubhouse that day, wearing the mandatory dinner jacket with a questionable Big Gulp in hand. (Hey, I was thirsty on the ride over and couldn’t find a trashcan.)

I’d not known Phil to be a golfer, and so I wondered what prompted them to join. For that matter, I’ve always wondered why anybody would take up golf, given the frustrations that I hear from people who play the game.

There are many other things in life to be frustrated about, few of which require lugging around a bag full of expensive equipment.

One need only to call customer service at our local cable company or become a Houston Astros fan.

“I’ve played from time to time.”

Phil told me as we sat at the table.

“I’m thinking about playing a bit more often now. Do you think

you can do something with that Styrofoam cup?”

“I couldn’t find a trash can,” I answered.

He also said that he owns his own clubs, only a few of which are bent. That’s because Phil rarely allows himself to become frustrated over his game.

I own a set of clubs, too, and I have found good use for them lately as stakes for my tomato plants.

It’s a much better use than their intended purpose, which, as far as I’ve been able to tell, is to launch balls into heavily wooded areas, and then to fend off wild animals as you desperately search for them in the underbrush.

Since I don’t envision playing much golf, at least during the growing season, I’m not inclined to follow Phil’s lead and apply for membership in the club. I was at first intrigued by the “country” part of “golf and country,” but Phil tells me he has yet to hear any Willie Nelson music played in the clubhouse.

That would leave only the “golf ” part—a game that I’d never been able to get the hang of, at least as concerns the first 18 holes. It’s that way with me for all sports. As I explained to Phil, if I could only exchange my golf score with my bowling average, I’d be a world champion in both.

Phil, ever the salesman, made a point. “You know, Mike, you’d end up with the best deal of any club member in terms of dollars per stroke. Oh, excuse me, waiter, could you please take this cup away?”

The waiter took our empty plates, but the cup sat.

Don’t get me wrong; I’ve got nothing against golf. In fact, there are many positive aspects to the game, not least among them being the jokes. Golfers must have the best sense of humor of all sportsmen, as I have heard more kneeslapping, roll-on-the floor golf jokes than I have about all other sports combined. Even fishing, which has its share of good jokes, takes a distant second to golf in

the laugh category. On the other hand, I’ve yet to hear so much as a groaner on the topic of archery.

We all had a splendid brunch. I thanked Phil for his invitation and told him I’d consider applying for membership, adding that it would help if they at least played a little Blake Shelton once in a while. He promised he’d speak to the management about it.

I glanced back at our table as we exited the dining room. The empty Big Gulp was gone, but not for good--it had been picked up and placed on the table behind us.

I think the Club plans on using it as evidence against me in case I do attempt to join.

Mike McHugh’s column has appeared in “The Jambalaya News” for nearly five years. He also contributes stories to the “Not Your Mother’s Book” anthology series and makes public speaking appearances. To inquire about having him speak to your group, contact Mike at thedangyankee@ mail.com.

Featured by LAPAW Rescue Contact us at www.lapaw.org Little Britney is just that—little!

She came to us from a kill shelter. We can’t figure out why someone could lose a dog like this and not look for her. She is about a year old and weighs about 8 pounds. The vet thinks she is a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix but her sweet temperament does not match that of either breed. She is a little shy at first, but after warming up, she will be yours! She bonded quickly with her foster and loves playing with her two small10 May 8, 2014

er dog friends. She has done well with housetraining and will sleep in her kennel but she prefers sharing a soft bed with her person. Vet check, home visit, and commitment to heartworm prevention required prior to adoption. If you need a sweetheart to steal your heart, little Miss Brit may be the one for you.

For more information, email or call: lapaw@bellsouth.net; 337-478-7294.

Can’t adopt? Consider fostering.

Can’t foster? Consider sponsoring!

LAPAW dogs (and cats) can be seen at www.lapaw.org.

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Visiting Natchitoches After the long run from the Thanksgiving to Easter period, we hopefully will all assume what I consider to be a lessrigorous pace of life. School is winding down and our activities become more casual and less structured. Taking advantage of the opportunity, we recently headed to our favorite retreat in Natchitoches for a mini-vacation. We enjoy the relatively short 130-mile trip up through the Kisatchie National Forest, which always provides tranquilizing scenes of the natural beauty of the area. Over the years, we have made a number of good friends that we enjoy visiting when we are there.

Natchitoches is the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase--even older than New Orleans. They have worked diligently to preserve the historical nature of the place that in many ways reflects much of the feel of the Vieux Carre’ of their also very Frenchinfluenced Southern neighbor.

They are celebrating their 300th anniversary this year, so you may just want to check it out.

On the June 6-8 weekend, the second annual “Girls Getaway-Steel Magnolias Style” will be sponsored by the Historic Downtown District Development Association.

This just happens to coincide Vol. 6 • No. 3

with the “Cooking on the Cane BBQ Competition and Festival” hosted by the Natchitoches Area Jaycees.

Do I see a plan coming together for both him and her?

Information for the Girls Getaway is available at www.natchitocheshdba.org or by calling (318) 6527078. The registration cost is $25 per person and includes a number of activities, eats, discounted shopping and discounted hotel and Bed & Breakfast accommodations, all with an outdoor showing of Steel Magnolias. BBQ Festival information can be found at www.natchitochesjaycees.com or by calling (318) 357-5341.

I heartily recommend taking the three-hour (or less) trip and find out for yourself what a fun place it is.

friend used for frying kale.

The prices were obtained on May 2 and reflect the posted amount on the shelf where the products were placed for sale. The stores surveyed were: Albertsons-Country Club Road, Market Basket-Lake Street, Kroger-McNeese Street and Walmart-Nelson Road.

Kale, fresh, per bunch: Albertsons $.99, Market Basket $1.39, Kroger $.99, Walmart $.98.

Wesson Oil, 1 gallon container: Albertsons $11.99, Market Basket $10.99, Kroger $10.09, Walmart $7.48.

Salt, Morton Iodized, 26-ounce container: Albertsons $.99, Market Basket $.79, Kroger $.72, Walmart $.72.

Kraft Shredded Parmesan Cheese, 6 ounce package: Albertsons $3.99, Market Basket (did not have), Kroger $4.99, Walmart $4.28.

Fried Kale I know we get accused of frying everything, but I found another item that I have never experienced fried before (or even heard of, for that matter). A restaurateur friend of ours recently tried something new. Fresh kale was cut into chunks, dropped into a deep fryer, briefly fried and lightly salted. She tried sprinkling Parmesan cheese (grated) on some batches and left others plain. The amazing thing about frying kale is just how it almost evaporates in your mouth. I don’t know how else to describe it but the kale dissolves on your tongue, leaving a most pleasing taste in your mouth. I know this could be done at home.

Supermarket Survey For our shopping survey this time, we will check out pricing on the ingredients my May 8, 2014 11

Prez ‘Et Tous Les Autres’ (and All the Others) Most of us have had a family member called “Pet” and are very pleased about it, thank you very much. This is Calcasieu President’s Gamble‘s tale, but as you read it. you’ll recognize yourself and Prez. A pet by any other name would be as swell.

Prez’s tale begins soon after my election to the Police Jury in 1980. Seems a constituent’s drainage ditch hadn’t been cleaned in 20 years and he was just a tad “facher.” I sidetracked his disgust by mentioning that I used to hunt just south of his place and was looking to replace my Irish Setter, Rhett “The Flatulent.” Age and arthritis had forced his retirement. I needed a hunting water dog.

Meanwhile back at the ditch, after I told him whom to call, what to ask for, and what to expect, my constituent informed me that his neighbor had some Golden Retriever puppies for sale. “Hmmm, that‘s interesting,” I thought. I bid him adieu and off to the neighbors I went. In the shed in back were the all so cute cute cute fuzzy Golden puppies snuggled 12 May 8, 2014

up to Mom. Seven of them!

Following Richard Wolter’s learned advice in Water Dog; I picked the reddish one because I liked the color. Wolter’s “pick of the litter is just sheer luck” philosophy is soooo true.

At that point, the constituent’s neighbor mentioned that he was selling them for $500. Five hundred dollars! He took note of my ghostly-nauseated pallor and chuckled. I was not amused. He then informed me that his neighbor had called. If I didn’t tell anyone about the price cut and paid the $50 vet bill, the pup was mine.

As fast as you can say, “I’m not going to faint,” I wrote the check. I now owned an AKC retriever!

With a reddish Golden pup in my lap, I shifted the Land Cruiser’s gears in canine owner delight all the way home to my pup’s new kennel, the apartment‘s courtyard. It didn’t take the rambunctious youngster long to break his leg by unstacking my everso-neatly-placed firewood.

Undeterred, he romped about, one plaster cast,

stiff-legged, tennis-ballretrieving wonder.

Prez swiftly learned single, double, and hidden retrieves. His first real test came when he was six months old, the opening of teal season. Twenty-four retrieves and not a bird lost. It was then that he earned the moniker of Prez “The Wonder Dog” and it stuck.

Hunting “Old 1” duck blind with Ron Foreman and me that year was the turning point of his hunting career. As usual I was shouting “Fetch, Back, Over, and No” to instruct my dog. Ron had had enough.

“Shut the **** up, Roger.

That dog is smarter than you anyway!” Ron opined.

Prez and I learned a lesson. I shut up. The dog did marvelously well, without my sagely advice.

For the next 13 years, he was my partner afield, strolled on the beach with me, and was my boon companion on the 45 minutes to Lacoste Lodge and seemingly longer trek back to Lake Charles. He proved to be a marvelous listener

to my profound soliloquies, rants, off-key singing, and seemingly endless tales.

Prez did this by either sitting up in the Jeep seat, seat belt loosely about him, or head out the window in the breeze blissfully ignoring me, or just curled up asleep. Yet, he refused to sleep in the camp, the kennel, or the barn. He slept in my Jeep on the passenger seat; window rolled down, and bowls next to the door.

On nights when I couldn’t sleep for a zillion inane reasons, he’d leap out and join me in a moonlit walk to serenity on the beach.

On our last hunt together, Prez leapt out and walked, as he could no longer run to pick up the birds, yelped once, retrieved and returned to his dog hide next to me. Leaning into me, he gazed up at me, his eyes filled with the joy of the hunt. Then the light left his eyes and much of me died too.

Later, back at the camp, I put him in a gunnysack and tried to bury him in the spot we’d pick out for him next to the launch. I couldn’t. Sobs racked me. Donnie LaVol. 6 • No. 3

coste, Dr. Alan Lacoste’s brother, came to help. We couldn’t bury Prez. Alan came and it still took three men 45 minutes to bury a 15-minute dog.

When I got back to the camp, the Louisiana and the Ducks Unlimited flags were at halfmast. Some ten other hunters were wearing black armbands to honor Prez. They had taken up a collection and handed me an envelope stuffed with money.

My gear had been packed and placed in my Jeep. Alan, redeyed, told me to go home and grieve. I did.

Yet in my dreams, I am visited by the Golden who stole Dr. Rocky Kent’s ribeye, could tell the difference between a walnut and a pecan and fetch either, and to whom I still tell the truth. Dean Koonce was right in Dark Rivers of the Heart.

“Never lie to the dog.”

Vol. 6 • No. 3

Above: Zachary Jackson on leave from the Army / Afghanistan 2010, with his dog Rocky

Right: The LeBlanc family.

Standing: Susan LeBlanc and Sean LeBlanc Seated: Their dog Beedeaux, David LeBlanc and Cole LeBlanc.

May 8, 2014 13

Mother’s Day Reflection Sometimes, I think about how fast time seems to go, especially when you have kids. One day, your son is two years old and watching “Wiggles,” collecting toy cars, giving you little kisses, telling you he loves you all the time, and running at full speed. But in seemingly no time at all he’s eight years old and inquiring how old he has to be to start a lawn care business so that he can earn enough money to take his future girlfriend to Casa Manana.

Oh, how these precious years fly by!

I love reminiscing and looking at all of the things that my six-year-

14 May 8, 2014

old daughter and eight-year-old son have made for me over the years, such as the plaster handprints that they each made a few years ago.

Their handprints look so very tiny and it’s hard to believe that their hands were ever really that small.

In another container is a priceless batch of things my son made when he was two, including my very first handmade Mother’s Day card. It has his sweet, little handprint and the poem reads: “Roses are red, plants are green, if I were a prince you’d be a queen. If your floor was too cold, I’d buy you a rug, if a bee tried to sting you, I’d

catch the old bug. If it’s coffee you wanted, I’d find you a mug. But the best gift I’ve got is to give you a hug. Mother dear, please tell me this, will be you be glad if I gave you a kiss?”

When I walked into my son’s daycare on that Friday afternoon a couple of days before Mother’s Day almost 7 years ago, he came running to me and handed me a card. As I read it and looked at his handprint, I felt so happy. It was my first Mother’s Day card ever! It meant the world to me and I told his teacher through tears that I would treasure it and keep it forever. And I will.

Let’s face it. Nobody else is ever going to want these little scraps of life that I’ve carefully preserved. All of these memories have been delicately woven together by my son, daughter and I. And I know that when my son falls in love with an amazing woman someday and they start a life together, she isn’t going to want my son’s plaster handprints, pieces of construction paper, a lopsided gingerbread house, handmade Valentines, etc. Surely, she will want to start her own traditions and save the precious mementoes of her own children.

By the same token, I know that when my daughter falls in love with a great guy someday and they start their life together, he isn’t going to want the little construction paper apple with glitter all over it with her photo, and a torn and fading paper stem that says: “I’m the apple of your eye.” Or the little note that says, “I love you very mush my sweet momy.” Or, any of the other wonderful mementos she has made out of Popsicle sticks, construction paper, pipe cleaners, and more.

It does really warm my heart to know that long after my children have left my home and are leading their own happy, independent

lives, I can take these mementoes out whenever I want, especially when I’m missing the kids, and spread the treasures around me like a comfortable, old quilt and savor them. I know that when I leave this world someday that these precious treasures will likely be tossed out and forgotten. Because to anyone else they are just things; but to me, they are everything.

I like to think that I’ll live to old age – beyond my 90s - like both of my grandmothers and that I’ll have an alert mind and be able to still recall these brief, poignant, very special years that I have with my children. Who knows, maybe I’ll even be blessed with grandchildren.

But for now, for today, I’m going to relish the wonderful chaos of being a single mom to a very active 8-year-old and an equally active 6-year-old.

I’m going to continue loving every minute of our busy, loud, boisterous lives in our home that’s cozy but cluttered. On the evening that I’m writing this, there are clothes on the couch that need to be folded and put away. Supper needs to be prepared. Both kids have homework. It will be bath time soon. Lunches need to be packed. My daughter’s hair needs to be braided. But my son just asked if I could play catch with him. It’s still light outside and I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than play catch with my son. Everything else can wait. These are the moments to be treasured with more memories to be made. Life is good. Life is beautiful. Happy Mother’s Day! Lisa Addison writes for local, regional and national publications. She has two school-aged children, never gets enough sleep, enjoys trying new recipes, is an avid reader, and loves going on adventures with her kids.

Vol. 6 • No. 3

A Letter of Love to My Younger Self This week I gave myself the assignment of writing a letter of love to myself. I highly recommend doing this assignment for yourself. It wasn’t easy.

Many tears ran down my face.

Dear Nicole, I love who you are. I love everything about you. I love that you try to think lovingly about the world. I love that you get teary-eyed when you think about the people you love or have loved in the past because you loved them that much. I love how deeply you love your children. I love how you’ve remained loving towards what and who you’ve let go.

I know how hard it’s been for you. I see and feel your heart breaking. Love is kind. Love does not hurt. It’s those wounds that have turned into scars that are unbelievably painful. They are so deeply rooted inside of you. You are so brave, pulling up those roots and choosing to give them to God. People die. Love doesn’t. Always sharing one heart; you had so much of each other as husband and wife - more than most have ever had - but the burden of parenthood is always to love more, to give more. In a choice between that and the children, the children came first.

“I love you.” You never said it as much as he did. He knew anyway.

Even when they didn’t know their own minds, they knew their hearts, because love never dies. I love how you resolve to make the best of a bad situation. I love that you care…and you’ll keep trying even when others have walked away. You want others to see the light inside themselves so badly. I write this to remind you that you deserve to shine, too. That you are seen.

I’ve seen you going from day to day, fighting and struggling, battered and bruised from some of your experiences. I write this to remind you of your beauty, your beautiful light and spirit. I write this to remind you to keep looking for the ray of sunshine in your dark moments. I love that you are learning that you can be alone and enjoy your solitude. I love that you constantly second-guess yourself, because you Vol. 6 • No. 3

want to be the best you can be.

I love everything about you. Even the not-so-glamorous things. Because I see the places inside you that they stem from, and I love those places. You matter. You are you. Own it. I know you’re broken. I know the cracks still bleed.

I know you’re going to be something amazing when those cracks heal, but you’ve got to stop beating yourself up.

You’ve got to start living. You’ve got to start loving. Be you. It’s the only person you’ll ever be.

You are kind, considerate, selfless, and beautiful. Who cares what everyone else think about you? You are going to reach your dreams. I can already tell. You’re the brightest star I’ve ever seen. I love the way your smile can make people question their lives and the way you breathe new life into them.

The way your eyes light up when you make someone laugh. The confidence you feel when you’ve helped someone.

When you are right. And you are right-you know that, right?

There is nothing wrong with being who you are. You may doubt yourself.

But you can do it. Take it day by day and you’ll reach your goal. Can you feel your heartbeat? It means you’re alive, so live your life--to the fullest!

You may not be famous, but you’ll end up doing something you love.

Maybe you’ll be famous for that love.

And if you can just remind yourself every once in awhile that you are so totally worth it, as I know you are, you’ll love yourself. And when you can love yourself as much I do, then I know that someone is going to see that and love you for it.

You’re going to be all right. So let yourself cry a little with relief. You spent a lot of years thinking happiness requires someone else to validate you.

Sometimes, you’re depressed and your self-esteem is low. In those moments, be strong. You’ve lived through worse.

Remember, you are a survivor. You’ve let your heart get beat up. Sometimes you worry that it’s too broken to ever open again. It’s not.

You have such strong will. Don’t be ashamed of yourself, ever. You’re a

force to be reckoned with. Stand tall in your beliefs and your faith. Your eyes, even when full of sadness, are genuine and bright. I love you. You’re absolutely amazing. Don’t ever lose sight of that again. You deserve more than you’ve previously allowed yourself to hold.

Keep fighting hard. Keep breathing deep. Keep dreaming forever.

Never settle, not ever. You deserve the world, and you can only obtain it within yourself. I promise to not put limits on your abilities, and to allow you to rest when you need to. I promise to be completely honest with you, even when it’s hard. I promise to allow you to make mistakes and to under-

stand that some days, you just won’t be super woman. I promise to challenge negative self-talk and encourage you to always try your best. But I guess my biggest promise to you is to love you, not for who you could be, but for who you are right now.

I love and adore you, Nicole So, what’s your letter of love to yourself going to say?

To book a Soul Matters Session with Nicole Shuff Arabie, call (337) 540-6573. You can also go to her Facebook page at www.facebook. com/DeclutteringYourSoul

May 8, 2014 15

years that this is the perfect size for an entrée. If you’re making them for crab cake sandwiches, you may want them a little smaller and not as plump. Also, if you’re making them for an appetizer, such as mini crab cakes, you might want to use a combo of one pound of claw meat and one pound of regular lump crab meat.

Crab Cakes Hello y’all!

Every time I make crab cakes, I get the same two questions from all of my friends and fans. Number one: where’s mine? Number two: how do you make them? Well, to answer both questions, your crab cake is right here--where are you? And here’s how I make them.

This recipe makes about a dozen sixounce crab cakes. I have found over the

What You’ll Need 2 lbs. jumbo lump crab meat 3 large eggs 1 ½ cups Blue Plate mayo ¼ cup Creole mustard ½ tablespoon salt (or your favorite seasoning) ½ tablespoon Old Bay seasoning Juice of ½ lemon 3 cups seasoned bread crumbs What You’ll Do In a medium-size bowl. mix everything except the breadcrumbs and crabmeat. Once mixed, drain the crabmeat and fold into mixture. Be careful not to break up the crabmeat too much. While mixing by hand, slowly add the breadcrumbs.

Form into 6 oz. patties and place on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

I like to serve these up with a vegetable like asparagus and drizzle a little spicy hollandaise sauce on top. Enjoy any way you like--and don’t forget to Stir Dat Pot!

Let’s talk about

SEX

FOX29 NEWS EXPRESS TALKS ABOUT SEX! Stories that will help you find natural alternatives to viagra, tips to spice up your marriage, sex after 60, how to address teen abstinence and more... www.watchfox29.com 16 May 8, 2014

WEEKDAYS AT NOON Vol. 6 • No. 3

After a long, cold winter, Southwest Louisiana is embracing the warm weather and looking forward to a wonderful summer.

And what better way to enjoy the hot days and nights than cooling off in a sparking pool?

Tony and Kari Bailey own Cool Water Pools in Moss Bluff. They’ve been in business for 26 years.

“The best time to put in a pool is early in the year so that you are ready to jump in when summer is here,” says Tony. “But, we actually put in pools all year long.

Our calendar fills up quickly in the spring and carries us into the winter. Anyone who wants to get a pool in the winter usually does not have to be put on a waiting list. So there really is no bad time to put in a pool.”

Cool Water Pools can build your pool and begin filling it with water in three days as long as they don’t run into any unforeseen problems

Vol. 6 • No. 3

or extreme weather conditions.

“We typically start on a Monday and by the weekend, you can begin swimming,” Kari says. “However, we do have to allow about four weeks for the dirt to settle around the swimming pool before we pour the cement deck. So start to finish is about a month.”

Their pools do have a warranty.

“By law, a contractor’s workmanship has to be warrantied for one year,” Tony explained. “And then, every aspect of the pool has a separate warranty, such as a pump, filter, cleaner, generator, liner, etc.”

Having a pool should not be a big chore, as long as you have the above-mentioned equipment. “We highly recommend saltwater chlorine generators for easy and effective pool care,” Kari says. “Having your water tested by a professional is also recommended. Chlorine pools will need to be tested more frequently but with a salt genera-

tor, every six weeks is a good rule of thumb.

You cannot be too safe when it comes to your pool. Fencing with childproof locks are advised and children should never be left unattended. Infants, toddlers, and any child that cannot swim well should always be within reach of an adult.

Also, a homeowner should always check with their insurance company before entering into a contract with a pool builder since every insurance company has different rules and policies. “Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured,” Kari advises. “Always get plenty of references and be clear on the conditions of your contract.”

Cool Water Pools’ specialty is vinyl liner swimming pools. “I got into the swimming pool business at the age of 15 as a summer job and have been building pools full

time ever since for the past 26 years,” Tony says. “There aren’t many pool companies in our area that are building vinyl pools with that much experience.”

The Baileys’ goal is to honor God, both with their lives and their business. “I work as if I am working for Him and always try to work toward excellence to go beyond our customers’ expectations,” Tony says. “We have done very little advertising over the years and we rely heavily on word of mouth. We try to honor and trust God with every area of our lives and He continues to provide for us each and every year.

“We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our customers who have trusted us with their swimming pool needs for the past 12 years.

We feel very blessed for such a loyal group of customers, many of whom we can now call friends.”

May 8, 2014 17

I have been fortunate to have always had my grandmother, Elizabeth Jesina Sobczak, in my life all these years. So many of my friends have lost their grandmothers and some never even knew them, such as my wife. I am one of the lucky ones.

Whenever I flew home to Michigan, I would always visit Grandma at her home in Detroit – not too far from where we grew up. “I’m so glad you’re here, my eldest grandson!” she would say (she always loved to call me that). “How would you like to hear all about my life?” I would looked down at her big smile and into her sparkling eyes. “Of course, Grandma!”

I would reply. “That’s why I’m here!”

Grandma was born on December 5, 1908. They didn’t

18 May 8, 2014

have a whole lot but they had a roof and food on the table.

“And we were happy.” she said.

“I think we were happier having less than some people today who have more!”

My grandfather was a carpenter. So, when they got married, he and some friends built their house. It was on 9 Mile Road, which meant it was 9 miles away from downtown Detroit. (So now you know where 8 Mile is…made famous by hip hop star Eminem.)

Grandpa and Grandma were both 100 percent Polish. They loved polish sausage loaded with mustard and grandma would make it often. Grandma was taking care of six children so she always made enough food for an army to carry them through the week! Sandwiches

were a big staple item at the home and Grandma would toast the bread for Grandpa as a special treat. Many times, she remembered burning the bread because she forgot about it in the toaster. She would try to give it to the dogs and Grandpa would grab it. “There’s nothing wrong with that bread,” he’d say and proceed to eat it. (I must get that from him. There really isn’t much I won’t eat, including burned toast!)

My first real memory of Grandma is her tucking me in for my nap when I would visit with my family. She had these two huge couches in the living room that doubled as a climbing mountain when we weren’t napping. I would get one side and my brother Frank would get the other. Grandma would get a blanket, give us a little kiss on the forehead and tuck us in.

I can still remember that cozy

Vol. 6 • No. 3

feeling, lying on the couch with a blanket and hearing the “big people” talk and laugh in the kitchen. I could always hear my Dad laugh. But he wasn’t always welcome at my grandparents’ house.

My mother was introduced to my Dad by my uncle, who was a priest. Dad was from India, and was studying at the University of Michigan. Grandpa wasn’t too happy about it. When Dad asked my grandfather for Mom’s hand in marriage, he said no. “You’re too dark” he said. Dad started putting white powder on his face to make himself look lighter.

Grandpa finally said yes--and poor Dad continued to powder his face for the rest of his life. “I always wanted your Mom and Dad to get together, but what was I going to say?” Grandma said. “In those days, it was the man’s decision and you accepted it. I’m glad he finally said yes!”

Grandma used to make a special dessert for the holidays. It was the finishing touch to a perfect meal. She called it “Heavenly Hash,” and consisted of small marshmallows, whipped cream, and mixed fruit. I’ve had something similar since then, but it was nothing like Grandma’s.

Grandpa was a tough guy, but he was always smiling. He played the violin and encouraged me to pick it up, so I did.

Grandma and the rest of the family always sang along as Grandpa and I played Christmas carols. He was in great shape and always swam at the local YMCA—a mile every week. That’s why I couldn’t comprehend what I heard when I came home from school one day: Grandpa went to sleep and never woke up.”

But Grandma kept plugging on and didn’t seem to miss a beat. “That’s what your grandfather would want me to do,” she’d say “So I’m going to just keep on going!” She came to my high school graduation where I graduated in the top 10 percent of my class and to my graduation from Michigan State University. She even knitted me a special quilt for my bed when I was away at college. She Vol. 6 • No. 3

came to see me in the Ringling Brother’s Barnum & Bailey circus when we played in Detroit. “I’m so proud of my eldest grandson!” she’d tell everyone.

I’ll never forget her 80th birthday. We all went to her house and had a cake for her.

I turned on my new video recorder as she took a breath to make a speech. She smiled her usual big smile and with a twinkle in her eye, she looked at each and every one of us.

“Before I blow out my candles I want to tell you something about your great grandmother,” she announced. “She said she would never purposely hurt or embarrass anyone and that we all should do the same. That’s my wish for all of you, too!” She blew out the candles to a round of applause.

But our friendship wasn’t always smooth sailing. Grandma, along with most of my family, did not approve of the way Lauren and I got married. My sister said she actually cried all night when she heard that we were getting married outside in the White Mountains of New Hampshire under “God’s Cathedral” instead of inside a building.

Afterwards, she would send me letters telling me to pray and come back to the church.

I answered her the best way I knew how, but it was hard for her to understand that everyone has different ideas, and her way was not necessarily my way.

Her daughter, my mother, was the most vocal in her disapproval of us. And since she was often at Grandma’s, this made it difficult to call her, or see her when I went back to Michigan.

The family wanted to throw a 95th birthday party for her, and Grandma insisted that I be invited. My mother told everyone that if I was invited, she would not attend. Grandma never got her party.

It was my uncle George, my godfather, who told me that Grandma was now in assisted living . “Grandma wants to talk to you” George said. “She wants to put things behind her.”

Grandma has lost her sight and much of her hearing. She is

now 105 years old. I called her immediately. “Hi Grandma! It’s your eldest grandson!” She was thrilled to hear from me. She talked about old days and days to come. “I’ve tried to put the family back together, Phil” she said. “But some people are just too stubborn. Even your mother won’t bring me communion anymore because I’m talking to you again.”

“I’m so sorry that it’s come to this,” I said with a heavy heart.

“You know I love you.”

“I love you too, my eldest grandson. Tell Lauren I said hello,” she said softly.

Happy Mother’s Day, Grandma. I miss our conversations, your stories, and your Heavenly Hash. Thank you for all the happy memories. Thank you for tucking me in. I love you and hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day! Sending you hugs and lots of love across the miles, Phil Your “eldest grandson”

May 8, 2014 19

Staying Healthy After Cancer

By Erin Thibodeaux Davison, Cancer Survivor My health is very important.

Eating right and exercising are a daily occurrence for me. Which is why I was very shocked when I was diagnosed with Stage IV Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in July of 2012. Before my cancer diagnosis, I followed a lean diet, eating “clean” as much as possible.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats were staples (an occasional cheat here and there but you have to live life). I instructed Zumba Fitness and SPIN classes, and worked with weights to sculpt lean muscle. I considered myself relatively healthy.

Living through a cancer diagnosis and two years of chemotherapy treatment put a new perspective on what “healthy” means. During my chemo treatments, it was very important for me to remain as physically active as possible. I walked, I weight trained, and I instructed Zumba Fitness whenever I was strong enough to do so.

I feel that being physically active and eating a healthy diet prior to my cancer diagnosis allowed me to feel better and respond better to my medical treatment plan.

Plus, staying as active as possible during treatment had many effects on both my physical and mental well-being.

Sometimes, physical activity needs to be in a relationship with a positive mental awareness to develop a healthy, whole person.

The social interaction I had with my gym friends was just as important as my physical well-being through exercise and eating healthy.

As women, we tend to put ourselves last in the priority list of life.

Bone Cement Helps Treat

Arthritis

There is a new tool in the fight against arthritis, a procedure called Subchondroplasty® (SCP®) developed by Zimmer Knee Creations. The procedure is a minimally invasive surgery designed to access and treat bone defects by filling them with a bone substitute material commonly known as bone cement.

This special cement, known as Accufill ™, is basically calcium phosphate, the principle form of calcium found in milk.

“The people who will benefit most from this new bone cement are adults of any age who 20 May 8, 2014

have arthritis associated with bone marrow edema, essentially a bruise inside the bone. Many times, arthroscopy is just not enough. Often patients are too young or don’t want to have a total knee replacement. This is a bridge between the two procedures,” says orthopaedic surgeon Chief of Surgery at Lake Charles Memorial, Dr. Brett Cascio.

People with arthritis often develop an associated bone edema where the bone is painful and irritated inside the bone. The bone cement is injected into the bone right under the arthritis and

Our spouses, children, and careers come before our personal happiness and health. I choose to put myself first, because I believe that when I am healthy and happy, my relationships are healthy, my career flourishes, and my physical and mental selves are successful.

Yes, I was diagnosed with cancer; yes, I beat cancer; and yes, I am fearful my cancer will come back.

But I know that before cancer, I was healthy and happy. And, after cancer, I am striving to be healthy and happy. So, regardless of cancer coming back, I will continue to put myself first and exercise and eat a wellbalanced diet because I owe it to ME to be the best and healthiest version of myself. Being healthy is a choice that I make every day.

Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose in the healthy battle, but in the grand scheme of things, living a healthy life lends to being a healthy wife, mother, and friend.

And that is the reward I want.

it displaces the edema that is in the bone.

Preliminary clinical studies have shown that a Subchondroplasty® is very effective in resolving pain a lot better than just scoping the knee. The procedure leads to healing as the bone cement is re-absorbed and replaced with new, healthy bone. It also comes with a very low complication rate.

Lake Charles Memorial is one of about 30 sites throughout the United States participating in a clinical trial sponsored by Zimmer to prove the effectiveness of Subchondroplasty®. Also participating in the study is fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Robert Duarte. Dr. Duarte specializes in joint replacement.

“It is a multi-year trial where

we follow patient progress after having a Subchondroplasty®,” says Dr. Duarte. “We collect data on patients, which will be combined with data from the other trial sites across the country. They will then combine the results and be able to tell who is being helped by the procedure and who it is helping the most.”

A Subchondroplasty® is a same day procedure for knees, hips, ankles and shoulder arthritis patients. It takes about 20 minutes for the bone cement to harden and patients are able to walk with crutches and put weight on that joint immediately. The procedure also does not affect any future treatments the patient may need, such as a joint replacement.

For more information on this procedure, call (337) 494.4900.

Vol. 6 • No. 3

Vol. 6 • No. 3

May 8, 2014 21

Hope Therapy Center Presents

Fight Falls with Hope Fall prevention classes offered twice a week focusing on increasing strength, improving standing balance and reducing risk of falls.

Open to any adult with an increased history of falling, this is a one-hour, general exercise class led by a physical therapist capable of adapting exercises to a participant’s specific needs. You will perform a variety of exercises that focus on improving strength and standing balance, and learn ways to prevent falls in the home. It’s a fun and safe workout environment.

Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday starting June 3 from 11 a.m. – noon at Hope Therapy Center, 1717 East Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles. Cost is $100 for 10 sessions or $15 per session.

For more information, call Hope Therapy Center at 478-5880 during business hours, Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. – noon and 1-5 p.m.

22 May 8, 2014

Max CAT Scooters A New Way to Ride!

With millions of Baby Boomers beginning to slow down, the many little injuries that have accumulated over the years are starting to make themselves known. “No one wants to be labeled anything, much less called disabled, an invalid, broken down, or just plain old,” says Max Trost. “Even though we’re all feeling 21 inside, the fact remains that we’re getting older.

And sometimes, we need a little assistance.”

This is one of the reasons Max C.A.T. Scooters was started. C.A. T. is the acronym for Compact Adult Tricycle.

“It is not a Hover-round or anything resembling that,” Trost explains. “This scooter is the latest in design for anyone that would like to have a little bit

more mobility, without the stigma of being disabled. If you can’t enjoy a walk on the boardwalk with your spouse, or a nature trail, fair, festival, or any other activity, this might be just what you need.”

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According to Trost, the scooter is quiet, lightweight, compact and will transport up to 300 pounds for up to 25 miles on a charge. “With two speeds (0-6 miles per hour and 0-16 miles per hour in high gear), it can be absolutely sporty. You can stand up like you would in a Segway, or sit down and take it easy.”

The scooter folds down for ease of transport, and weighs only 54 pounds.

And it has many uses. “If you employees are riding a bike in a plant, think of the savings in time and energy if your workers could make better use of their time by riding to the site while towing their tools or parts in the cart behind them,” Trost points out. “And, RV-ers can really utilize them as they can transport them on the cargo rack behind the vehi-

Vol. 6 • No. 3

cle they’re towing. So, when you want to go on a longer nature walk, everyone can go and enjoy each other’s company.”

Trost says that at 27 inches wide, the scooter will fit in any doorway in your hone.

It goes across gravel, grass, concrete and can be used on any secondary road just like a bicycle. “And, it’s ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliant, so it can be used at any public event, or store,” he says. “This unit has so many uses in ordinary life, plus the mobility that it gives is almost endless.”

The Max C.A.T. Scooters website is www.maxcatscooters.com. “If you think you might like a test drive, give me a call, and we’ll come to you,” Trost says. “And then we’ll see your eyes light up, and put a smile on your face!’

May 8, 2014 23

When Menopause Arrives Too Soon

The effects of a period aren’t a picnic, from bloating to cramps, but having a regular menstrual cycle is, for the most part, a sign that all things are functioning normally for women. The absence of it can be a symptom of much larger problems.

Premature menopause occurs more often than once thought, and can lead to devastating consequences. Diagnosing it can be difficult, but as with all health conditions, understanding what is happening can bring relief on its own.

In the United States, the average age for menopause is 51. But for about 1 in 100 women, menopause knocks on their door earlier than normal,

24 May 8, 2014

before the age of 40, resulting in premature menopause. “It’s also referred to as premature ovarian failure,” said Scott Bergstedt, MD, ob/gyn with OBG-1 of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “These two aren’t exactly the same, but the symptoms are similar.”

The research can be varied when it comes to defining ovarian function. Most of the studies show that with true premature menopause, the ovaries cease to function, thus eliminating the possibility for pregnancy. There is some research, though, that suggests a small percentage of women have become pregnant, usually with the help of hormone replacement therapy. With

premature ovarian failure or POF, the ovaries in about half of the women may ovulate occasionally. So, although the name implies a complete shut down in the ovary department, some women with POF can successfully get pregnant.

“Because these ovarian disorders affect women in their childbearing years, their 20s and 30s, it can be devastating to hear that having children or expanding their family may be much more difficult, or even impossible,” said Dr. Bergstedt.

In some cases, women have been able to conceive through egg donation and then go on to experience a normal pregnancy and delivery. Other women opt for fertility treat-

ments to induce ovulation. It doesn’t usually reverse premature ovarian failure, but it may help them realize a dream to have a child.

For women facing premature menopause, decisions about expanding the family is a serious issue, and so is managing menopausal symptoms that arrive about 15 years early. When hot flashes, mood swings and major headaches begin happening in a woman’s 20s or 30s, it causes major concerns, to say the least. “Symptoms of menopause can be difficult to deal with, but women know it’s going to happen and sort of psych themselves up for it,” said Dr. Bergstedt. “Because

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premature menopause is not as well known, women can be alarmed by the symptoms and unsure of the cause.”

Causes for premature menopause include: • Genetics. Women with a family history of premature menopause are more likely to have early menopause themselves.

• Autoimmune diseases.

Thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis are two diseases related to the body’s immune system. Instead of fighting off diseases, the body mistakenly attacks a part of its own reproductive system.

• Chemotherapy or pelvic radiation treatments for cancer. This depends on the type of chemotherapy used, and the age of the woman when she gets treatment. The younger a woman is, the less likely she will go into menopause.

When the ovaries shut

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down, there are increased health risks in women. “The reality of premature menopause is that women are facing these health risks at an earlier age. Serious conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease become more of a possibility,” said Dr. Bergstedt. The risk of thyroid disorders also increases, as does the risk for Addison’s disease. This autoimmune disorder suppresses the body’s ability to handle physical stress from injury or illness due to problems with the adrenal glands.

A blood test measuring the follicle-stimulating hormone is usually the determining factor in diagnosing premature menopause. If this value is over 40 mIU/ml on at least two occasions over a fourweek period, then the diagnosis is made. Other diagnostic tests may be used to determine if there are any other related

abnormalities.

Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment method that gives women the estrogen and other hormones their bodies are not making. Young women taking HRT may return to having normal menstrual cycles, and their risk for osteoporosis is decreased.

There have been controversial studies about the long-term effects of HRT, so women are

advised to thoroughly discuss the pros and cons with their physician.

Premature menopause causes serious concerns both physically and emotionally for women facing this medical crisis. Talking through available options with a qualified physician, as well as relying on a strong support system, will help women make choices that are right for them.

May 8, 2014 25

New Equipment Delivers Targeted Treatment for Breast Cancer Thanks to the new linear accelerator at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, radiologists are now able to provide targeted treatment for some patients with breast cancer.

The treatment, known as partial breast irradiation, provides localized radiation directly to the area of the breast where the cancer was found.

“After a lumpectomy surgery, patients may require radiation to eliminate any cancer cells that weren’t removed through surgery,” explained David Chang, MD, radiation oncologist with CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital’s Regional Cancer Center. “With this partial breast irradiation, we

26 May 8, 2014

can target the area, delivering radiation specifically to, and only to, the affected area of the breast.”

When the surgeon is re-

moving the tumor, a small catheter is placed in the area where the tumor was removed.

After a week of healing, the radiologist places the radiation within the catheter, delivering it to the precise area where the cancer was present in the

breast.

The advantage is that less tissue is affected; sparing healthy tissue from any damage from unnecessary radiation. Also, the previous treatment time of six weeks is reduced to five days with fewer side effects.

“The best part is we’re shielding other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and other organs, from unnecessary radiation.

We’re delivering the precise medication needed to the area affected. This increases the quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Chang.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital is the only hospital between Houston and Lafayette offering partial breast irradiation. The treatment is recommended for patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer in the early stages. “For women who wish to preserve the breast, this is a great option with successful results,” said Dr. Chang.

Dr. David Chang is a physician with the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Regional Cancer Center. If you are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer or want more information on partial breast irradiation, call the Regional Cancer Center Nurse Navigator, Michelle Hurley at (337) 431-7916.

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May 8, 2014 27

About two and a half years ago, at the age of 40, Ken Levingston was a hopelessly addicted cigarette smoker. After 25 years of smoking a pack or more per day, he was starting to feel the effects of all the toxic poisons he’d been ingesting for all of those years.

“I knew I had to quit, but I honestly perceived it to be, well, darn near impossible,” he recalls. “In a way, I accepted my fate, and just hoped and prayed I wouldn’t become a statistic.”

But through some research he did on the Internet, he found a possible solution – the electronic cigarette, or “e-cig.” “I could still get my nicotine, but without the carcinogens and other deadly poisons found in a traditional cigarette,” he says.

Levingston is wise enough to know that nicotine was only half of his addiction. “For 25 years, I had been going through the ceremony of lighting up, bringing the cigarette to my mouth, and watching that beautiful smoke plume every time I exhaled,” he says. “The e-cig would potentially address both addictions – the physical AND the mental. Could this really be a solution for me?”

He decided to order an e-cig starter kit off the Internet. As he anxiously awaited its arrival, Levingston wondered if he would know how it use it properly. “Was this just some Internet scam designed to play on a smoker’s desire to put down cigarettes? My questions were endless, but I was

28 May 8, 2014

determined to give this thing a wholehearted effort.”

Levingston recalls that when the kit arrived, his life changed forever.

“I remember looking in the mirror after the first two weeks of familiarizing myself with my starter kit and using it religiously,” he says. “I thought, ‘You haven’t smoked a cigarette in two weeks!’ At that point, I became passionate about the product…so passionate, in fact, that I gave the website address to every smoker I knew.”

His two brothers, Ryan and Paul, also quit smoking. Their passion became as deep as his. “My sisterin-law, then my fiancée, then friends by the dozens all started using e-cigs and succeeding.”

At that point, Levingston and his brothers decided to bring these products to the community in the form of a local retail shop. On August 1, 2013, Lake Charles Vapor was born.

Ken and Ryan are co-owners and Paul is the sales manager. Since then, they have seen upwards of 2,000 people stop smoking and start vaping.

“Every day, we hear the success stories of our customers who are genuinely amazed, as I was, that they have been able to put down the cancer-causing traditional cigarette and replace it with the e-cigarette alternative,” Levingston beams. “We are so proud to be a part of that. And to our customers, we simply say ‘Vape on with confidence! And congratulations to each and every one of you!’”

Other Industries Affected When exponential growth takes place in one industry, it can adversely affect other industries, which naturally lose business as their products are replaced by healthier and better performing alternatives.

“Big Tobacco

and Big Pharmaceuticals are watching gross sales drastically decrease,” Levingston says. “I am not a scientist.

I am not a big time professor. I am certainly not a medical doctor. These fields are all well above my pay grade and demand a level of skill and talent much greater than what was given to me by God. That being said, when I need to know information about possible harmful effects of products, I rely on scientific studies, not speculation. I rely on real data, not media propaganda. And finally, I rely on the source of these studies and I want to be sure to verify the credentials of the persons involved in collecting the data before signing off on their findings.”

Levingston says the e-cigarette industry threatens the makers of traditional cigarettes, a product that will kill a reliably predictable 480,000 people this year in America.

“It also threatens the makers of nearly worthless smoking cessation products such as the patch, the gum, and the pill,” he says. “Both of these industries, each of which have huge lobbies in Washington D.C. and in every state, have launched a campaign of misinformation, disinformation, and total misdirection in a last-ditch effort to create fear and hysteria among the general public. I’d like to engage their tactics with a campaign of my own based on facts, scientific studies, and real data.”

E-Cigarette Ingredients Cigarettes contain about 50 known carcinogens and thousands of other chemicals, some that are toxic, some that are not. One such substance is nicotine. While nicotine is a factor in addicting a smoker to cigarettes, it is not a toxic substance.

“Nicotine isn’t what kills people,” Levingston explains.” The health risk of nicotine is similar to that of caffeine, another addictive substance.

While the juice used in electronic cigarettes contains nicotine, it does not contain any carcinogens, toxins, or other poisons. The liquid, or ‘ejuice,’ is essentially a mix of nicotine,

vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and flavoring. The flavoring can be organic or artificial. Vegetable glycerin (VG) is found in the vegetables you cook and eat every day. In fact, you ingest much more VG inhaling the fumes from the vapor emanating from your stove than you ever would by inhaling secondhand e-cig vapor.”

Propylene Glycol (PG), is found in items we all use on a daily basis, as well, Levingston says. “Your hand lotion, shampoo, perfume, and many foods you eat all likely contain PG, a fact that will be spelled out on the back of those bottles when you read the ingredients. Both VG and PG are FD-approved substances and, obviously, cannot be harmful to your health. These are the only four ingredients in a bottle of e-juice. Compare that to the ingredients found in the traditional cigarette – substances like tar, formaldehyde, methane, carbon monoxide, arsenic, ammonia, and the list goes on. That makes you want to fire up a nice smooth stogie right about now, doesn’t it?”

Scientific Studies “Earlier, I stated that I am no scientist, professor, or medical doctor,” Levingston says. “Luckily for me, there are folks that are. Many of them have performed extensive studies in the past year on the firsthand and secondhand effects of e-cigarettes on users and non-users. There are some pretty bold and confident statements made by these highly qualified people.”

In a report released by Business Insider on November 12, 2013, Robert West, a professor of health psychology and director of tobacco studies at the University College London, boldly proclaimed at London’s Royal Society that “E-cigarettes have the potential to save millions of lives.

The big question is whether that goal can be realized and how best to do it…and what kind of cultural, regulatory environment can be put into place to make sure that’s achieved.”

In February, 2013, FAME Laboratory in Greece released a research Vol. 6 • No. 3

report designed to study the effects (if any) of e-cigarettes vapor on human lung functioning.

Both smokers and non-smokers participated in the test, which also focused on the effects of firsthand and second-hand smoke versus vapor.

They found that vaping causes much smaller or non-existent changes in lung functioning and that secondhand vaping is completely harmless and also results in such a minute intake of nicotine, it’s barely worth mentioning. First and secondhand smoking, conversely, yielded the same results as all previous studies done on the dangerous effects of smoking. And those results aren’t pretty.

Finally, Dr. Gilbert Ross, MD, the executive and medical director of The American Council on Science and Health (ACSH.org) in New York, wrote an article in Forbes published on October 11, 2013 entitled “Why Is The FDA Shielding Smokers From The Good News About E-Cigarettes?” Dr. Ross pulls no punches.

He writes, “The worldwide death toll of cigarette smoking is predicted to hit one billion this century. Despite this depressing fact, the measures implemented by the FDA thus far, ostensibly to reduce the toll of smoking, have been almost entirely lip service, without making any real impact. A relatively new method of helping addicted smokers quit has been adopted by millions of smokers – many of whom are now ex-smokers — over the past few years. I refer of course to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

Concurrent with the dramatic spike in sales of this device comes word of historic declines in the sale of real cigarettes.

“Astoundingly, this nascent public-health miracle has been met with something between derision and hysteria by anti-tobacco groups worldwide and many nations are sparing no effort to discourage smokers from trying them, employing misleading (even false) alerts and dire website warnings, phony surveys, and exaggerated concerns about youth being led astray.

Unfortunately, and embarrassingly for sciencebased public health policy, our FDA and CDC have been willingly complicit in this widespread disinformation campaign. Meanwhile they purposely ignore studies that indicate the benefit of e-cigarettes for helping smokers quit. I ask, ‘How could this be?’

“The possible explanations are not pretty: willful ignorance, dogma based on experiences garnered in the 20th century, or greed. I accuse those responsible for impeding truthful communication about the real risks of e-cigarettes of

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collaborating in a ‘cigarette-protection campaign,’ whose effects will be to discourage smokers from quitting, leading to more dead smokers.

“Consider this: those who stand in the way of acceptance of e-cigarettes are acting from motivations that are far removed from public health.

The nonprofit groups in the forefront of antie-cigarette activism are also heavily funded by pharmaceutical companies in the business of selling near-useless cessation drugs-- a fact which they conveniently neglect to disclose. Meanwhile, the net result of the official campaigns: cigarette markets protected, worthless cessation aids promoted. Who profits? Not addicted smokers.

“Quitting cigarettes is extraordinarily difficult — most smokers want to quit, but of the millions who try each year, less than one in ten succeed for long. This abysmal result is improved only minimally by the currently available FDA-approved therapies. Despite these undeniable facts, the officials at our CDC and the FDA continue to tell smokers to stick with the “approved” products, and warn them against e-cigarettes — based on hypothetical fears, while perversely ignoring the body count.”

Levingston thinks these three studies sum it up pretty nicely. “And besides, don’t you think if there was real incontrovertible evidence that e-cigs posed a significant health risk, the tobacco and pharmaceutical companies would have discovered it and pressured every media outlet to make it a front-page story for the next six months? He asks. “It hasn’t happened. So without the truth as a weapon they can use, they are left to the only remaining alternatives…fear, lies, and misinformation.”

Proposed Ordinance Cause for Concern Levingston is concerned about a proposed ordinance by the Lake Charles City Council that would ban the use of electronic cigarettes in public places such as restaurants and movie theatres.

“Myself, my brothers, my family, and many Lake Charles Vapor customers showed up in force about six weeks ago at the City Council meeting prepared to fight this ban with some of the facts I have presented above,” Levingston says. “The City Council chamber was standing room only and, upon the start of the meeting, the members decided to delay the vote for 60 days… why, I do not know. There will assuredly be another meeting very soon and a vote will likely take place. Before that, I will present a mountain of evidence showing that there is no public

health risk from secondhand vaping and we will respectfully ask that the council vote a resounding ‘nay’ on this ordinance.”

Levingston said the reason is simple. “This city would be setting the dangerous precedent that there is no real difference between smoking and vaping. E-cigarette users will once again be herded outside with the smokers, possibly discouraging some vapers enough that they will simply give up and resume their cigarette smoking. Also, smokers who may have considered making the change to vaping might decide that there’s really no point since vapers and smokers are both treated like lepers.”

While the proposed ordinance may not seem Earth-shattering, when you look deeper, it actually is, Levingston says. “I am not overstating it when I say that if this ordinance passes, lives will be lost in our community. Do we want to be the community that buys into the ignorant lies of the tobacco and pharmaceutical companies? Or do we want to be the forward-thinking city that welcomes vapers to Lake Charles? I choose the latter. I hope the City Council in its wisdom will do the same.”

Final Thoughts Levingston hopes that if you have been on the fence about trying these products until you know more about them, that you pay a visit to Lake Charles Vapor and allow them to open your eyes to what they know is a lifechanging product.

“Our customers and our professional staff have helped make us the largest retailer of high quality electronic cigarettes in the entire state of Louisiana, to our knowledge,” Levingston said. “There’s a really simple reason for that. It’s because electronic cigarettes saved our lives.

And we are passionate about showing you, your family, and your friends how dedicated we are to your success.”

Lake Charles Vapor 1413 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 564-6895 Email: VaporroomLC@gmail.com

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The St. Nicholas Center for Children offers services to children with autism, developmental delays, and neurological disorders in a fun, loving, and educational environment. With the increase of autism in children in the past few decades, places like the St. Nicholas Center are needed more than ever.

You can contribute to a good cause by attending A Brewer’s Plate at the historic Cash & Carry building on Enterprise Blvd. in downtown Lake Charles on May 17 at 6 p.m. Presented by Hoffoss Devall, LLC, the sixcourse meal will be prepared by local chefs, and each dish will be paired with a special beer. Proceeds from this popular annual event will benefit the St. Nicholas Center.

St. Nicholas Center The Center offers a wide range of services including Applied Behavior Analysis

(ABA), Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Skills training, and Barton Dyslexia Tutoring.

Over 40 years of research demonstrate the effectiveness of ABA in increasing communication, social skills, and academic skills while decreasing problematic behaviors. At St. Nicholas Center, the principles of ABA are incorporated into both teaching and play. Each child has an individual curriculum designed specifically to suit his or her needs.

St. Nicholas Center provides assessment, individual and group ABA intervention, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to children with a variety of developmental delays. Parent and staff training on ABA techniques are also offered along with school shadowing, if needed.

Support for the entire family can be expected.

A Brewer’s Plate The May 17 event promises to be a fun evening. Who wouldn’t enjoy a six-course dinner, with each course paired with an interesting beer that you’ve probably never heard of? In addition, there will be a live and silent auction AND entertainment by one of the hottest local bands around—the Flamethrowers! So get ready to eat, drink and be merry, and support a great cause!

• • • A Brewer’s Plate is sponsored by: Hoffoss Devall, LLC Southwest Beverage Company, Inc. FOX/CW Lake Charles Mudd & Bruchhaus Townsley Law Firm Center for Orthopaedics The Brown Foundation

May 17, 6 p.m. Historic Cash & Carry Building Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles For ticket information, call Stephanie at (337) 491-0800.

Tables of 8 are $800.

St. Nicholas Center is located at 2519 Ryan St. in Lake Charles (337) 491-0800 www.stnickcenter.org 30 May 8, 2014

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Gulf Coast Bird Club May 8

Friday, May 9: Play Dough Fun Join us in the ArtSpace from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and build something fun with Playdough!

Saturday, May 10: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Join us at 11:30 a.m. for “The Science of Soap!” Kids will learn the importance of soap, the different types of soap and do fun experiments with soap and bubbles.

Friday, May 16: Swirl’n Fun Join us from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the ArtSpace and experiment with exciting designs using our Swirl’n Spin art machine!

Friday, May 23: Finger Paint Fun Get creative with finger paint in the ArtSpace from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 26: Memorial Day Workshop Join us at 2:30 p.m. and make your own Patriotic fan.

Class is limited to 24 children.

Tuesday, May 27: Tropical Fish Choose your own colors and paint a tropical fish!

Class begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to 24 children.

Wednesday, May 28: Pineapple Enjoy delicious pineapple chunks served between 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Thursday, May 29: Story Time with Peggy Borel Local children’s book writer/illustrator Peggy A. Borel will read her book, “Teach Me! ABC,” at 11 a.m.

Afterwards, there will be a book signing!

Friday, May 30: Pasta Necklaces Make your own pasta necklace in the ArtSpace from 10:30 a.m.-noon.

The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Admission is $7.50 for children and adults.

Call 433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org 32 May 8, 2014

The Gulf Coast Bird Club announces its regular monthly birding program “Shore Birds” at McNeese State University’s Frasch Hall Auditorium’s Room 101 on May 8 at 7 p.m. Field trips are scheduled for May 10 (regional area) and May 24 (Sam Houston Jones State Park Bird Walk). For more information, contact David Booth at 4747325 or visit www.sites.google. com/site/gulfcoastbirdclub/

Baseline Stars Lake City Classic May 9-11 The Baseline Stars Lake City Classic will take place May 9-11 for girls and boys divisions ages 10-17 and under at a variety of Lake Area facilities: Barbe High School, Ward 3, Lake Charles Charter Academy, Hamilton Christian Academy and Our Lady Queen of Heaven. General admission is $10 per day for adults and $5 per day for children. For more information, call 491-1466, (909) 720-8978 or 781-9513.

Masterworks Chorale’s Spring Concert May 9 and 11 The Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale will present its Spring Concert entitled Spirits of Wisdom and Unity on Fri., May 9 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Sun., May 11, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church located at 1500 Country Club Road. The Chorale is under the direction of artistic director Darryl Jones and will be accompanied by Abbie Fletcher.

Tickets are available at $15 for adults and $5 for students and

may be purchased in advance from a Chorale member, Swicegood Music, or by calling (337) 491-9348. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

CTC Presents The Land of Oz May 9-11 The Children’s Theatre Company presents the The Land of Oz. Performances will be held at the Central School of the Arts and Humanities Center, 809 Kirby Street May 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 11 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. For tickets, call the box office at 433-7323 or by visiting www.childrenstheatre.cc.

Hairspray May 9-18 The 1950s are over and change is in the air. It’s 1962 Baltimore and Tracy Turnblad has only one desire--to dance on the Corny Collins show! Hairspray is ACTS’ final show of the season, a family-friendly musical and winner of 8 Tony Awards filled with laughter and romance galore! Will be performed every Friday-Sunday at ACTS Theater May 9-18. For times and ticket info, call 433-2287.

Anniversary of Battle of Calcasieu Pass May 10 The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1390 will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Calcasieu Pass on Sat., May 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Court House, 119 Smith Circle.

There will be Civil War reenactors in uniform firing period rifles and cannons, several brief historical presentations and proclamations, and a remembrance of the men who participated in this event. For more information, call SCV ComVol. 6 • No. 3

mander Elect Dr. Andy Buckley at 274-6206.

Starks Mayhaw Festival May 15-17 The 22nd annual Mayhaw Festival will be held in Starks on La. Hwy 109 on May 15-17.

Enjoy arts & craft booths, good food, carnival rides, a car and truck show, a live auction and live entertainment including gospel, swamp pop, and bluegrass music. For more information, go to www.mayhawfest.com

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf May 16-17, 22-24 Itinerant Theatre proudly brings to the Lake Area its production of the Edward Albee masterpiece Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. This fastpaced production runs for two weekends at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, co-host for this production. Performances are

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May 16 and 17 and May 22-24 in the Gibson Barham Gallery of the Museum, 204 W. Sallier Street, Lake Charles Tickets are $15 or $10 for students. Curtain is 7 p.m.; play is for mature audiences.

Downtown at Sundown May 16, 23, 30 & June 6 Downtown at Sundown will take place among the beautiful streetscape within the 700-800 blocks of Ryan Street (between Division and Pujo Streets) from 6-9 p.m. There will be food and beverages, tabletop galleries, merchandise vendors, and activities for kids as well as a variety of entertainment and music. Main Stage headliners will be Louisiana Express, May 16; City Heat, May 23; Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars, May 30; and Boomerang, June 6. Beverage sales will benefit the Literacy Council of

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Event Guide (Continued) SWLA. For more information, call 494-9159.

Relay for Life May 16 The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Lake Charles will be held from 6 p.m. -6 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center grounds. This year’s theme is “Birthdays Under the Big Top” with entertainment, activities, team relay events, and KPLC’s Britney Glaser and John Bridges will be the honorary Masters of Ceremonies. Relay For Life events raise over $4 billion dollars globally for much-needed funding for cancer support programs, advocacy, and research. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society Lake Charles office at (337) 433-5817 or “like” the Facebook/Relay For Life of Lake Charles page.

com/events/1458221064399728/.

Sailing for Survivors May 17 Sailing for Survivors, a charity benefit for Oasis, a safe haven for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, will take place on May 17 from 6-9 p.m. on the Lady of the Lake. This moonlit river cruise will include delicious food, live music, and a silent auction.

Tickets are $150 per person.

Corporate sponsorships of $1,000 are still available and include free tickets and sponsor recognition.

For more information, call 3121320.

LCCB Spring Performance 2014 May 18

The Lake Charles Civic Ballet is proud to present its Spring Performance on May 18 at 3 p.m. at the Rose Hart Theatre. Students of Toys for Tots Golf Lady Leah Lafargue School of the Tournament May 16 Dance showcase their brilliance in ballet, tap, and jazz. Among The Toys for Tots Golf Tournathe featured pieces that afternoon ment will take place on Fri., May will be Base Hit, Prayer for Peace, 16 at The National Golf Club of Louisiana in Westlake. Four-player Sittin’ Pretty and a pas de deux scramble for only $125 per player, from Don Quixote. Admission is free. For more information or to or $500 per team. Only the first become a sponsor, visit www.

32 teams will be accepted. Hole lakecharlescivicballet.com or call sponsorships are $100 (basic) 802-5779. or $250 (party hole). Call John Lamar at 515-2639 or 419-1833 to set up your hole sponsorship Blue Dog Concert soon.

May 30

A Brewer’s Plate May 17 Join St. Nicholas Center for Children for A Brewer’s Plate presented by Hoffoss Devall on Sat. May 17, at 6 p.m. at the Historic Cash & Carry Building in Lake Charles.

This six-course meal and beer pairing will feature live entertainment by The Flamethrowers, as well as a silent and live auction.

Call 491-0800 or email Stephanie@stnickcenter.org to reserve your table of 8 for $800. For more information, visit www.facebook.

34 May 8, 2014

A fundraiser for Foundation for Fairplay (F3) and the George Rodrigue Foundation for the Arts will be held at the home of John and Shannon Condos on May 30 from 7-9:30 p.m. The event will feature Ken Peplowski, leader of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, Leif Pedersen, former vocalist with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and many others. Catering by Blue Dog Café, Lafayette; live auction of a Blue Dog print. Tickets are $1,000 per couple. Contact The Foundation at LCMH for ticket information at 494-3226.

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frankly looks like something out of a bad movie or video game.

Heaven is for Real may seem like one of those unsophisticated Christian movies intended to confirm Christian beliefs, but it doesn’t play like one.

This film exposes the doubt and misgivings that underlie the faith (Sony, Tri-Star, 2014) of all Christians A few years back, a bestselling book, at some point in life. I mean, if my son Heaven is for Real, told a true story about came home with a fairytale vision of a a young preacher’s kid. The tyke came out near-death experience, the most moving of appendicitis surgery with a vision in experience of his life, wouldn’t I want to his head: He’d seen Heaven. Out-of-body believe him? Especially if I’m a minister experiences have been reported when pa- and my son is a cute kid? tients come back from the dead, but ColBecause make no mistake, the castton Burpo hadn’t been brain dead. Now ing crew went for super cute when they made into a movie, Heaven is for Real picked child actor Connor Corum to play manages to skirt the sensationalism you Colton. This kid leaves stars of the Litwould expect from an admittedly churchy tle Rascals and Dennis the Menace in movie. Instead it makes Colton’s journey a the dust. His voice even sounds like he’s lesson in faith and tolerance. straight out of a Charlie Brown special.

Colton’s father Todd Burpo (Greg KinYet at the same time, his cuteness makes near) is a part-time preacher, repairman, his story seem even more unbelievable. firefighter, and all around nice guy. He keeps his family afloat financially, barely, so his wife can stay at home for her two children. Then Colton has a ruptured appendix and almost dies on the operating table. Almost. When he comes out of anesthesia, he has an incredible vision of Heaven in his head. And being a four year old, he doesn’t mind talking about it. I mean, what happened, happened. Right?

The first person he approaches is his Dad. Todd, although a man of the faith, has a hard time believing Colton. Maybe he feels this way because the boy’s vision sounds like an impressionable child’s dream. We are even treated to a view of his trip to Heaven, which

Heaven is for Real

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As one character in the movie says, his visions, detailed as they sound, are actually logical, expected even, given that his Dad leads a church.

I knew this movie had me when Colton started creeping me out. At one point, the setting just seems eerie, and Colton walks through his house toward his Dad in a stiff-legged lurch. It’s most likely just a child actor trying too hard, but it was more like The Shining.

In a masterful exposition, Colton’s vision upsets people in is small hometown as well. Most of them don’t want to become the next reality fare as seen on TV. Fortunately, that’s not the way the movie plays out.

As Colton’s mom, Kelly Reilly plays Sonia Burpo, the confused, angry, and sometimes choir soprano for laughs as well as tears. Greg Kinnear as Todd stands out with his charm and baiting jokes. Heaven is for Real finds time to laugh at itself, and carries us along. (Colton: Hymns are OK, but can you sing “We Will Rock You?”) I expect everyone will get what they want from this movie. Christians and families will love it, and critics will have a fine time pointing out its simplicity. For my part, it resonated with my own belief and questions. Stick around at the end for photos of the real life Burpo family and friends. Rated PG. Praise God. Enjoy.

May 8, 2014 35

held at Tuten Park in Lake Charles and focus on naturethemed outdoor activities Education Day Camp at about gardening, flowers, Kids College/McNeese Teens native plants, insects and is starting May 27 and will hiking. Through crafts, run through August 9. This games and badge activities McNeese Day Camp of girls will get an introduceducational and enrichment tion to nature while having opportunities is for Grades 2 fun! The camp is from June - 7. If your child has an in2-6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for terest in science, art, dance, only $60. The deadline to writing, folklore, music or register is May 12. Call Kara higher level computer skills, Guillory at (800) 960-2093 or need an educational boost ext 312 or email kguillory@ in math, reading, speech, gslpg.org for details. science, or thinking skills, Another specialty day sign up. They can also learn camp is Girls Power Up at a new instrument, craft, the University of Louisiana sewing, magic, photography, at Lafayette - Madison Hall golf, or tennis. Each camp from June 9-13. The camp is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Registration is $40 plus the campers will be exposed to weekly/monthly fees, which various types of Energy, deinclude a camp T-shirt. For sign, build and test a consermore information see www. vation device in preparation mcneese.edu/leisure. To en- for a STEM competition, tour roll, call (337) 475-5616. a solar energy power plant and lots more. Call Genny Vaughn at (800) 960-2093 Girl Scouts ext 105 or email gvaughn@ The Girl Scouts of Louisigslpg.org for details. ana - Pines to the Gulf recently announced the following camps: Beau Camp 2014 Handwriting is an overnight camp at the with Hope Uskichitto Retreat Center in Hope Therapy Center LeBlanc from June 29-July presents a four-day summer 4. The deadline to regishandwriting camp to introter is May 29 and camper duce or refine letter formafees are $125. Call Leslie tion, improve hand strength, Rougeau at (337) 340-0753 increase visual-motor cooror email ebgstroop420@ dination and enhance utensil yahoo.com for details. management. New groups now forming for Summer Specialty Day Camp: Adventures in Nature will be Sessions.

Education Day Camp at McNeese

36 May 8, 2014

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Pre-School Readiness Camp: June 3-6 Focusing on kindergarten readiness skills including grasps/utensil management; coloring/cutting skills; fine motor and visual motor skills; and letter identification.

Rd. Ste. 1, Lake Charles. Cost is $160, included four sessions and take-home materials. Call (337) 478-5880 or email hopetherapy.ot@gmail.com for more

information.

There will also be a Language and Literacy Camp, June 24- 26 and July 8 -10. Call (337) 478-5880 for details.

Printing Camp for Kindergarten to Grade 2: June 10-13 Focusing on the following skills to improve printing and functional writing: letter recall; letter formation/orientation; sizing/spacing; sequencing; fine motor control.

Printing Camp for Grades 3-5: June 17-20 Focusing on increasing speed and legibility for written expression, including letter memory; sizing/spacing; sequencing; fine motor control; visualmotor coordination.

Each group will meet from 8:3010:30 AM Tuesday-Friday at Hope Therapy Center, 1717 E. Prien Lake

Vol. 6 • No. 3

May 8, 2014 37

Send Mom Some (Literary) Love I’m willing to bet that your mom likes a good love story.

Here are a few ideas for Mother’s Day. Eloisa James has become one of today’s most popular writers of historical romance. Her latest, Three Weeks with Lady X, is a wonderful treat for romance fans.

In 1799 London, Lady Xenobia India St. Clair (“India”) is the daughter of a marquess. Although she is an aristocrat, she enjoys redecorating the homes of friends, creating “order from chaos” in mixed-up households.

Now, at 26, she has decided it’s time to marry, and there are plenty of suitors, but she doesn’t like those who have put themselves in her way. She looks for somebody rich and powerful, believing “Love was a terrible reason for marriage.”

So, along comes Thorn

38 May 8, 2014

Dautry, handsome (of course), rich (naturally), arrogant, and the son of a duke (but “born on the wrong side of the blanket”).

He also has decided it’s time to marry, and he thinks he has found the perfect, exquisite, China-doll-lovely but witless young lady. To impress her (and win her mother’s approval), Thorn has purchased a large estate, but because it was a former brothel, he needs to have it spruced up and made presentable. India is recruited to do the redecorating, and Thorn has given her three weeks in which to do it. Thorn and India are attracted to each other, but don’t like each other. India is strong, smart, independent -- all the things Thorn thinks a woman should not be.

The book is funnier than I anticipated. There’s a five-year-

old who speaks like a stuffy adult and had me in stitches.

The written notes back and forth between Thorn and India are filled with clever verbal sparring.

In my younger days, before all “bodicerippers” started to sound alike to me, this is exactly the kind of book I would have liked: a good story, characters with a sense of humor, and just enough steaminess. If all romance novels were like this one, I’d line my shelves with them. Adult situations.

The final volume in Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish Vines and Orchards series has been released, but let’s start with the first book: A Season for Tending, which introduces several families and intersecting story lines.

In Amish country, Rhoda has more than just a green thumb.

She loves her herbs and berry plants and seems to “know” just what to do to make them produce

better. She also has premonitions about people in need (“I just have a little intuition, that’s all. And at times it’s clear enough for me to follow without botching up someone’s life,” she explains) and what herbs they need to feel better, but her behavior is looked upon as witchlike by some of her Amish neighbors.

The nearby King family owns a large apple orchard, and two of the King brothers decide, after meeting Rhoda, that she’s just what their apple trees need to help them recover from an infestation of insects. Jacob has a mysterious past, which Rhoda can relate to, as she has her own secrets. Samuel, 24, has a girlfriend, Catherine, who is just waiting for him to make up his mind about getting married: “Every girl she’d Vol. 6 • No. 3

graduated eighth grade with was already married; most either had a baby or were expecting one. but here she was at twenty-one still waiting to be officially engaged.”

And several teens are going through Rumschpringe -- enjoying new music, new clothes, and newfound freedom -- and may not want to be Amish anymore.

The orchard brings them all together and will lead them to build a new community. Will Mother Nature or jealousy or misunderstanding tear them apart? Will any of the couples find true love? Will the teens remain Amish, or will they decide to join “the English”?

I just did not want to put down this faith-based love story. Naturally, as soon as I finished it, I grabbed onto the other three in the series: The Winnowing Season, For Every Season, and the brandnew one, Seasons of Tomorrow. Woodsmall is probably my favorite writer of Amish romances. My suggestion: Get Mom the first of the series. If she loves “bonnet books,” get

Vol. 6 • No. 3

her all four.

Thursdays in the Park by Hilary Boyd is a different kind of love story that affirms the notion that life doesn’t stop at age 60; there are plenty of beautiful moments to come.

Jeanie and George have been married 32 years. They’re still friendly, but the intimacy has been absent from their relationship for more than 10 years. Jeanie, 59, takes her granddaughter to the park on Thursdays, and it is at the park where she meets Ray, who has brought his grandson to play.

Jeanie and Ray hit it off immediately.

George has decided they should sell their house and retire in the country. Jeanie says no, she doesn’t want to leave the health food store she owns, and she wants to stay near her daughter and granddaughter.

Completely ignoring her protests, George puts the house on the market. (I think I used to date this guy.)

Jeanie continues to see Ray in the park. “She was living two separate lives now: part of her was functioning, going through the motions in exactly the way she had for decades, but her real life, the life that lifted her soul, existed entirely separately in the secret place Ray inhabited.”

Will Jeanie stay with her manipulating husband?

Or will she find satisfaction in controlling her own life? I enjoyed the older characters — I really liked Jeanie’s feisty friend Rita -- but some just infuriated me with their passive-aggressiveness.

Copyright © 2014 by Mary Louise Ruehr.

May 8, 2014 39

Thursday, May 8 Brad Brinkley & the Comfort Zone 8 p.m.-midnight @Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake Stratton Doyle & Mike Doland @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Thursday Dollar Night 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer & Bar All Night!

5329 Common St. Lake Charles Flipping Thursdays!

10:30 p.m. @ My Place Bar Free shot, Heads or Tails!

630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles

Friday, May 9 Streetside Jazz Band 10 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan Street, Lake Charles Dustin Landry 7-11 p.m. @ Loggerheads Bar/Grill 3748 Hwy 3059 (Old Town Rd.) Lake Charles

Steelshot 8 p.m. @ Yesterday’s 5313 Common St. Lake Charles

Blake Sticker @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan Street, Lake Charles

Saturday, May 10

DJ Swing 9 p.m. @ American Legion #551 632 Enterprise Blvd.

Lake Charles

Kory Fontenot 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan Street, Lake Charles Paul Gonsoulin 7-11 p.m. @ Loggerheads Bar/Grill 3748 Hwy 3059 (Old Town Rd.) Lake Charles Wayne Dillon @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles William Christian 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd Lake Charles Herbie Stutes and the Grand Shin 8 p.m.-midnight @ Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake

Sunday, May 11

Monday, May 12 Cheese & Wine Night!

1/2 OFF WINE! 7 - 11 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke Night 8 p.m.-midnight @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles Lucky Monday!

Midnight @ My Place Bar Win a $50 Bar Tab! 630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles

Tuesday, May 13

Saturday Night Party Time 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer & Bar 12 - 2 a.m.

5329 Common St. Lake Charles

Happy Hour 2 - 6 p.m.

Trivia Night!

Winner gets a $50 gift certificate 7 p.m. @ MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub 417 Anne St., Lake Charles

BB & Company 9 p.m.@ Gator Lounge at Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton

Joe Harmon & the Harmonics 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Street Side Jazz Band 5-8 p.m. @ Loggerheads Bar/Grill 3748 Hwy 3059 (Old Town Rd.) Lake Charles

Downfall Rising 10 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan Street, Lake Charles

DJ Swing 9 p.m. @ American Legion #551 632 Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles

Live Team Trivia 8 p.m. @ OB’s Bar & Grill 1301 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Twangster’s Union 8 p.m.-midnight @Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake

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Tom Brandow 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles

Vol. 6 • No. 3

Karaoke Night 8 p.m.-midnight @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles Ladies Night!

8:30 p.m. @ My Place Bar Women receive $1 Well & Wines 630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles Live Piano with Kevin Lambert & Paul Gonsulin @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Wednesday, May 14 Happy Hour 5-8 p.m.

Kory Fontenot 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles Ladies Night!

Acoustic set from Night Shade Cover free for ladies until midnight 7 - 9 p.m. @ OB’s Bar & Grill 1301 Ryan St., Lake Charles

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Kris Harper @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke Night 8 p.m.-midnight @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles Karaoke 2014 @ Mikko Live 8 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Static 8 p.m. – midnight Ladies Night! Free Drinks 5 p.m.midnight @ Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake Robby Herbert 8-11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles “Comedy Night” 10-12 Comedians Josh Hessier, Leo Morgan, & Nick Cronan

8:30 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Wasted Wednesdays w/ DJ Dispo!

8:30 p.m. @ My Place Bar Get $1 Pitchers & $2 Wells 630 W. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles RKW Acoustic 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Thursday, May 15 Philip Glyn 8 p.m. – midnight Ladies Night! Free Drinks 5 p.m.midnight @ Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake Rock The Clock!

Get domestic beer for $2.50 9 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory

4688 Common St., Lake Charles Thursday Dollar Night 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer & Bar All Night!

5329 Common St. Lake Charles Flipping Thursdays!

10:30 p.m. @ My Place Bar Free shot, Heads or Tails!

630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles

Friday, May 16 Ryan Harris and the Killin’ Time Band 8 p.m.-midnight @Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake Brian Moore 8-11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Geno delaFose & French Rockin’ Boogie 8 p.m. @ Yesterday’s 5313 Common St. Lake Charles

May 8, 2014 41

Prime Time Band 9 p.m.@ Gator Lounge at Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton Bujie and the Highrise 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles Live Piano with Kevin Lambert & Paul Gonsulin @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder

Mark Reeves and Twisted X 5RM 5-8 p.m.@ Loggerheads Bar/Grill 3748 Hwy 3059 (Old Town Rd.) Lake Charles

The Gillis Silo 8 p.m.-midnight @ Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake

DJ Swing 9 p.m. @ American Legion #551 632 Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 8 p.m.-midnight @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St. Lake Charles

Monday, May 19

Saturday, May 17

Karaoke Night 8 p.m.-midnight @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St. Lake Charles

Paul Gonsoulin 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan Street, Lake Charles

Tuesday, May 20

Karaoke Night 8 p.m.-midnight @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St. Lake Charles

Happy Hour 2 - 6 p.m.

Trivia Night!

Winner gets a $50 gift certificate 7 p.m. @ MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub 417 Anne St., Lake Charles

Orphan Annie 8 p.m.-midnight @Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake Ryan Bunch 8-11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles Saturday Night Party Time 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer & Bar 12 - 2 a.m.

5329 Common St. Lake Charles DJ Swing 9 p.m. @ American Legion #551 632 Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles Josh Hyde and the Hitchhikers 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Sunday, May 18 Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 42 May 8, 2014

719 Ryan Street, Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 8 p.m.-midnight @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St. Lake Charles Live Team Trivia 8 p.m. @ OB’s Bar & Grill 1301 Ryan St., Lake Charles Ladies Night!

8:30 p.m. @ My Place Bar Women receive $1 Well & Wines 630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles

Wednesday, May 21 Ladies Night!

Acoustic set from Night Shade Cover free for ladies until midnight 7 - 9 p.m. @ OB’s Bar & Grill 1301 Ryan St., Lake Charles Joe Ecker 8-11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Karaoke 2014 @ Mikko Live 8 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort

“Comedy Night” 10-12 Comedians Josh Hessier, Leo Morgan, & Nick Cronan 8:30 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Wasted Wednesdays w/ DJ Dispo!

8:30 p.m. @ My Place Bar Get $1 Pitchers & $2 Wells 630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles

Thursday, May 22 Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society: The Wallflowers 7 p.m @ L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool, @ 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles, Admission: $25 Pookie Marceaux Band 8 p.m.-midnight @Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave. Westlake Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Thursday Dollar Night 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer & Bar All Night!

5329 Common St., Lake Charles Flipping Thursdays!

10:30 p.m. @ My Place Bar Free shot, Heads or Tails!

630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles Vol. 6 • No. 3

Good Stuff Happening!

Let’s talk about some cool hangouts in town that are getting lots of attention.

Right now, Regal Beagle Bar & Lounge located at 2200 Ryan Street is the newest trend-setting late night venue on Ryan. It’s a small establishment with an intimate, pub-like feel. I have not fully explored this bar, but plan to do so soon. According to their Facebook page, you might get to know Jonathan Farraro behind the bar. Lots of drink specials, too!

Another late-night venue is Martini Lounge located at 2330 Broad Street.

It’s spacious, and its layout is unique compared to other establishments in town. Harold Guillory introduced me to this space and I’m sure you will see him there when you visit.

It amazes me when I am at a latenight establishment and run into familiar faces that are surprised to see me. Apparently they don’t realize that I am suppose to be out and about seeing who’s performing, where the most people choose to hang out and if any new additions have been made to the venue.

I am a columnist and the name of my column is “Lake City Beat” – therefore, I cover “The Beat” of the Lake City.

I usually attend events several nights a week and on weekends, I frequent at least three venues. I like seeing how the scene shifts and how different groups travel. I enjoy spending the most time with the DJs. There are different types in the Lake City and I particularly love those that interact with the crowd. I’m friendly with many of the music maesVol. 6 • No. 3

tros and it’s a highlight of my weekend to enter their territory and watch them entertain.

Switching gears, it’s no secret that I love food and I love to discover new places. At the moment, Tasterite Jamaican, located at 2305 Opelousas Street is on my list of top food cravings. I’ve also been on a burger kick lately and I usually stop by Coyote Blues, although I’ve been told I have to visit Bourbonz on Ryan. If you have a particular place you think I should check out, let me know.

I often hear about the old days when people would cruise and hang out on Ryan St. When I drive down there now, I look around and wonder what happened. There are a good number of spots there, and yet I rarely see many people cruising; that’s definitely something I hope will return.

I have to say that I do not love the new lighting businesses are placing around their windows and the trim of their rooftops. I understand the point, but it almost seems like some salesman passed through town and business owners purchased them at a wholesale price or something. I honestly think it is a bit tacky and does the opposite of what they are hoping will happen.

Normally, I visit the lakefront to relax and unwind, but during this time of year I have to resort to another location.

Waterfronts really do have a huge impact on my life and our community. I am so glad that we have Prien Lake Park and the beautiful waterfront. Of course, a quick fix for me is visiting a café and lounging around while catching up on local and national papers.

Where do you normally go to unwind?

If you did not know, I host an online-based radio show called LA ON AIR with BRAY J that airs on LouisianaIndieRadio.com and I’m live on indmusicmedia. com. These two platforms have been very supportive and help me further one of my main goals, which is to highlight music artists from in our area as well as

throughout the state and beyond. We recently interviewed Timothy Rafferty and Tyler Walker, who just began their campaign called “Rent Tim” which raises funds and awareness of their new film production. We also recently interviewed AF THE NAYSAYER, an amazingly talented producer who is doing some groundbreaking work for our area and state. You can find out much more about those guests and more by visiting heybrayj.com.

Now that the good weather is here, you should choose at least one community-oriented project to become involved in this summer. You would be surprised at what an impact your commitment can make. Get creative; the opportunities are endless and it is as easy as making a call. Be sure to express what type of time commitment you can make and find out what will be expected of you.

I am so proud of the Lake City and our surrounding communities. I’ve noticed a completely different attitude from a few years past. Positive, supportive, upbeat and involved people make for a better and stronger community.

Many thanks to all of you who make our community better--no matter what role you play.

May 8, 2014 43

By Eric Manuel Local artist Erik Jessen took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his career and the recent Elton Louviere tribute poster he created for Contraband Days.

Jessen spends most of his time as a program coordinator and instructor of graphic arts at SOWELA Technical Community College helping aspiring graphic designers to develop their skills and talents.

He also attended SOWELA and spent many years working alongside some of the great creative minds of Southwest Louisiana.

“There are lots of people in the advertising and art field, but there are a few I consistently reach out to,” he said. “Peter O’Carroll and Chuck Ehlers have always been there to answer my questions. I always find good counsel and advice in those two.”

O’Carroll and Ehlers have long served as creative beacons for local designers and artists alike, giving many designers their first taste of work on a professional level. But how does one become an artist in the first place? The art bug usually bites early in life and sets many artists on a lifelong path of creativity.

“I’ve been immersed in art since a young age,” Jessen said. “I mostly drew whatever my imagination told me. I sought out every art program at every school I went to. Sadly, there are still schools out there without art programs.”

As an educator, Jessen knows firsthand how important it can be to have a mentor and programs that encourage creativity. But sadly, creativity is rarely enough to make someone a professional artist.

“While having a conversation with Pat Louviere, Elton’s wife, she mentioned the importance of presentation, confidence, and hard work,” Jessen continued. “Some of these traits may be apparent or lacking in aspiring artists. Ever since middle school, I always remembered getting 2nd or 3rd place in contests. In college, I lost. I

44 May 8, 2014

didn’t understand seeing and appreciating art through another person’s eyes. I was doing art for me, hoping that someone would like it. Once I changed my perspective on who the art is for--the people--that changed everything. It’s a gift you give others. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it the first twenty times.

Learn from your mistakes, make lots of mistakes, and then, you should have learned a lot!”

And learn he did. Jessen has many impressive projects in his portfolio. He’s a part of a fourperson art team called CYMK, whose members include his wife Kaela, along with Chris and Shonda Manuel. Every year, they participate in The Art Battle, which helps to raise money for The Arts and Humanities Council. Jessen’s work is also featured in the annual Chaos Theory and Works of Men art show at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur.

Two years ago, a fire destroyed Millennium Park in downtown

Lake Charles. Jessen worked with a committee and volunteers on different design elements in the new park. The park has re-opened, but Jessen is still involved.

“I just finished up a deerinspired piece, and I’ve got some ideas for a Louisiana-themed piece.”

He said. “I’m wanting to get into art installations and finishing up more at the Park.”

In 2014, Jessen also helped create a new computer lab for the Calcasieu Parish Public Library. His designs in the “Innovation Studio” inspire creativity in its many visitors.

While 2014 has been a busy year for Jessen, he felt honored to be asked to create a tribute piece for local art legend, Elton Louviere, who passed away recently. This cherished artist inspired many, and he is known around the world for his paintings of Louisiana wildlife and culture.

Contraband Inc.’s Jeannette Willis contacted Jessen and com-

missioned him to create a poster featuring Louviere and his work over the many years.

“The concept of the poster focused on four past posters created

by Mr. Louviere.” Jessen explained.

“The poster years were 1987, 1993, 2004, and 2011. My initial task was to include each of these posters into a single poster. I included some part of each poster into the final composition. I chose to keep Elton in black and white, so as not to distract from the color of his paintings. I feel the result tells a story of Louviere’s process and how his imagination became reality on canvas.”

The 2014 Contraband Days posters are $40 and can be purchased by calling the Contraband Days office at (337) 436-5508.

“Life will challenge us,” Jessen said. “Elton Louviere answered that challenge with perseverance, and determination. His success stems from a promise he kept to himself to become an artist.”

Vol. 6 • No. 3

Vol. 6 • No. 3

May 8, 2014 45

WESTLAKE FAMILY FUN & FOOD FESTIVAL

Barbara Banks, Azrial Lowe and Alexis Moss

Chellan, Maribel, Shannea and Dane Mouton

Kade Langley, Joleigh Cradure and Kaycie Langley

The annual Westlake Family, Fun & Food Festival at St. John Bosco Church, Westlake is a favorite springtime event! Folks enjoyed live music by Louisiana Scramble and delicious Bosco burgers, fried fish, shrimp on a stick and sweet treats!

Kids hopped on the train rides and moon walks and played some fun games. Happy Spring!

Joseph and Debra LaFleur

Louisiana Scramble

SPRING SCENTSATIONAL! Dillard’s Department Store held a Kentucky Derby-themed event for the ladies recently.

Everyone wore their best spring hats and were treated like royalty with free services, including manicures, eyebrow-waxing, and the latest hot trending fashion tips and techniques. There were drawings for gift baskets, fragrance samples and cake and finger food.

A scentsational day!

Shavette Smith and Emily Granger

Amy Harrison, Bridgett Vanderziel and Debra Willard 46 May 8, 2014

AJ Fontenot and Kara Leger

Tiffany Wolfe, Venissa Celestine and Katie Haley

Ashley Broatschko, Eva Williamson, Jessica Gardner and Joan Duhon

Vol. 6 • No. 3

CONTRABAND DAYS Ahoy, Mateys! It’s Contraband Days 2014, and Ye Olde Pirates came out to take over the town and make the mayor walk the plank! It was all held at the Lake Charles Civic Center: Food booths!

Carnival! Pirate Marketplace! Arm-wrestling tournament! Live music and boat and land parades with those gun-firing Buccaneers parading the grounds and throwing beads! Aaarrrggghhh!

Hailey, Nicole and Macie Wachtarz

Alexis Winbush, Christopher Meeks and Jada McReynolds

Robert Zeno, Yvette Bree, Carolyn Lovely and Dana Wyckoff Rideaux

Julie Mack and Jodi Deville

Connie Kennedy, Amber Deville and Natalie Atwell

AN EVENING WITH MUSICMAKERS Local students who have received MusicMakers2U instruments put on quite a performance at McNeese, along with Young Band Nation, McNeese Trumpet Ensemble, concert pianist Lina Morita accompanying LC Dance Academy and Mickey Smith. A reception and silent auction accompanied this event. Bravo!

Cole Henry, Logan Meaux, Wyatt Mallett, Noah Mech, and Gus Sole

Stephanie Vidrine and Lindsay Stamper Vol. 6 • No. 3

Eva LeBlanc and Kenneth Espree, Jr.

Jay Kacherska and Lina Morita

Andy Hedrick, Victor Medina, Jordan Moore, Zachary Alcontara and Brandon LaFleur May 8, 2014 47

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Vol. 6 • No. 3

Appreciation Celebrate Family Flowers Grandma

Honor Love Maternal May Eleven Mom

Mothers Day Special Strength Sunday Thank You

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Players take turns connecting two dots.

When you make a square, put your initials in the box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.

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May 8, 2014 51