The Jambalaya News, Vol. 6, No. 7 - 07/03/14 by The Louisiana Jam

July 3, 2014 • Volume 6 • Issue 7

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 Lisa Addison George Cline Dan Ellender Braylin Jenkins Melony Rue LeMay Mike McHugh Roger Miller Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos Calvin Tyler David Yantis Sales sales@louisianajam.com New Guy Calvin Tyler

On cover: The Lady of the Lake at the Riverside Resort

COVER STORY 26 One Man’s Vision: Riverside Resort

REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA! 8 The Dang Yankee 8 Adoption Corner 9 Tips From Tip 10 This Functional Family 12 Soul Matters 13 Stir Dat Pot! 14 Fishin’ Tales 16 Sports Report

FEATURES 4 How to Get Your Child to READ! 18 Mike McVey: Local Wisdom 22 LSBDC at McNeese 23 SBA Helps Small Businesses Grow

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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THE SPICE OF SWLA 30 Event Guide

32 Family Fun Night at the Movies 33 Funbolaya 34 Red Hot Books 36 Nightlife Guide 41 Society Spice

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A Note From Lauren onion soup topped with gooey on a blustery auMy Old Neighborhood offromage--perfect tumn evening.

I lived in downtown Boston for most of my life. Now I live in downtown Lake Charles. And nothing could be more different. Living downtown in a big city was amazing. I’d step outside and in a matter of seconds I could be at a French restaurant or a gourmet food store. The world was at my fingertips. Shops, eateries, bars, hotels, galleries. The Boston Marathon runners literally sprinted by my door. I could actually walk to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Theater District. I can’t tell you how many times I would be coming home from work only to have a production assistant clutching a clipboard run up to me and tell me I couldn’t get into my building just yet because they were filming a movie or a commercial on my picturesque streets—plural because I moved around a lot in my younger years. I eventually bought a condo in the South End where I think I spent my happiest years of city living. It was a real neighborhood where we all knew one another and watched out for each other, unlike the Back Bay, which was dog eat dog. Survival of the fittest—and the richest. There was an amazing fish

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store around the corner on Shawmut Ave. in the South End where I would buy shrimp and lobster and Dover sole. And next to it, a produce store run by an old Greek man who sold only the best. If you were a regular, he’d throw in extra just because. It was the place to go if you wanted to buy, say, edible flowers or Jerusalem artichokes, but he also had the usual stuff like corn on the cob and peaches. There was usually a line and he moved really fast, so you couldn’t just stand there for a moment and think about what you wanted. You’d better have a list, and you’d better keep talking. It’s Boston, after all. That’s how it’s done there. Mildred Peirce’s was the name of the coffee shop on the corner of my street—Tremont and Waltham. Named after the old Joan Crawford movie, there were huge photos of the star on the wall and they served amazing desserts and huge cups of coffee and tea. It was open very late, so people would wander in after the theater and the clubs closed. On the other corner was a little French cafe’ whose name escapes me now. And it was really French—the menu was in French and the chef was French. I remember the big bowls

Around the corner on Shawmut was the On the Park that served the best Eggs Benedict in town for Sunday brunch. Lisa was the chef/owner and I would always walk my Scottie dog by there every night after work. The door to their kitchen opened on to the street so you could stand in the doorway and chat with the folks in there and see (and smell) what was cooking. And every night they gave Samba a doggie biscuit. I loved sleeping in my oversized On the Park T-shirt, and when Samba had her cancer surgery at that overpriced animal hospital in New York, I put that shirt in her crate and left it with the techs for her so she could have my scent on her. Sad memory… and one I completely forgot about until I started writing about the restaurant. A funky housewares boutique called Fresh Eggs was nearby and was run by a woman from Ireland. She had a pet turtle named Ming who lived quite the life in a big fancy rock garden pool in the shop. But occasionally, Ming wanted to do some exploring. The shop was in the basement of the building, but somehow,

Ming managed to navigate the set of stairs going up to the street and you’d see him heading down Tremont St. going pretty fast for a turtle. One of us would have to pick him up and bring him back, where he’d get a snack of dried shrimp and then go to sleep on his rock. A few days later, he’d make another run for it. I never knew a turtle could have so much personality. All of these places I’ve mentioned are long gone, except for the fish store, which is still there. I’m sure equally fabulous establishments have taken their place that everyone flocks to. The people who bought my condo lived there a few years and then sold it. I wonder who’s there now, sitting out on my deck overlooking the park, cooking in my little kitchen, enjoying a fire on a cold winter’s night. I hope they’re enjoying it, and the neighborhood, as much as I did.

Lauren de Albuquerque

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heroes, etc. Find books that focus on the specific interests on their level. Yes, it is that simple! Half of your “Get ‘em to want to read” battle is won!

Tip 2: Find Reading Materials

By Melony Rue LeMay, MLIS Your child has just told you, “I hate to read!” Help! As a librarian, teacher, and a parent, hearing those words really hurts. My genuine passion is to motivate students to develop a lifelong love of reading. The only way to become a better reader is to READ, READ, READ! Reading just 20 minutes a day helps to develop skills in reading comprehension and following directions,

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along with writing, spelling and vocabulary. Avid readers do extremely well in school because reading and understanding what you read is an essential life skill in the Information Age. For whatever reason, the child who hates reading has somehow been “turned off.” They may feel it is boring, uncool or that it is just something they are forced to do at school. But that can change. Here’s how to get your child to read:

Tip 1: Take an Interest Inventory Spend time together and talk to your child. What interests them? What do they like? Do they have any hobbies? What would they like to read about? Make an interest inventory list: sports, fashion, famous people, favorite school subjects, activities, technology, cars, cooking, art, music, dance, crafts, animals, pets, horses, gaming, mysteries, scary stories, super

Reading is reading! It does not matter what they read about, they are reading! There is a variety of things to choose from: magazines, books, comic books, graphic novels, online articles, newspapers, encyclopedias, eBooks to read on a computer, iPad, Nook or Kindle. The goal is to get them to read!

Tip 3: Buy Books A child will always want to read a book that they have handpicked for themselves. Many stores have a magazine or book section, and a trip to a large bookstore (BooksA-Million, Barnes & Noble) can be fun. Explore! Let

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your child figure out what they like and let them choose what they want to read. Use it as a positive incentive and buy it for them. Get a beverage, sit, relax and read. Hot Tip: for inexpensive used books; shop at thrift shops and book sales.

Tip 4: Public Libraries are FREE! Go visit your local public library. You both need to get library cards! Take a tour to see what is available to read because all of the items are free to check out with your library card. There are wide varieties of fiction and nonfiction books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, audio books, e-Books, computers, Internet access, and much more. Make sure to talk to the Juvenile or Young Adult Librarian for help and for information on upcoming events and programs.

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Tip 5: Talk to Your School Librarian Visit your child’s school library. A librarian is an educated professional trained to help your child read. Let them help you. They track trends and talk to students about what they like. The school librarian can assistance your student to find age-appropriate, high-interest level books.

Tip 6: READ Together Children frequently pick up their parents’ habits. If they see you read, they will learn that you value reading. Read together one-on-one or have “Family Read” time! Read out loud to them and have them read to you. Sharing is a great way to encourage reading and spend quality time together. Just READ…

everything will follow.

HAPPY READING! Melony Rue LeMay, MLIS, is the librarian at Oak Park Middle School in Lake Charles. She was CPSB and LLA School Librarian of the Year 2013 and LSU Project Recovery Scholar. She received her Master of Library and Information Science, LSU 2011and Master of Elem. Education grades 1-8, MSU 1995 + 30

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Red, White, Blue & You Top 20 Event The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored the Red, White, Blue & You festival as a 2014 Top 20 Event for the month of July. The 22nd annual Red, White, Blue & You festival will feature a parade through downtown Lake Charles, an outdoor concert featuring the Lake Charles Community Band and Market Blue Bluegrass, and everyone’s favorite fireworks extravaganza over beautiful Lake Charles. The Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau is a member of STS, an organization that promotes travel to and within the southeastern part of the United States.

New Assistant Baseball Coach for McNeese Cowboys McNeese head baseball coach Justin Hill has kicked off his first full offseason by naming former all-American and Major League Draft pick Roberto Vaz as an assistant coach for the Cowboys. Vaz replaces Matt Collins who accepted a similar position at Stephen F. Austin. Vaz’s duties at McNeese will include serving as the team’s hitting coach, working with the outfielders and coaching third base. He will also assist Roberto Vaz with recruiting. Vaz, a native of Brooklyn, New York, comes to McNeese after serving three seasons as assistant baseball coach at LSU Eunice. His expertise and coaching style helped lead the Bengals to a 151-28 record along with a National Championship in 2012 and a National runner up title in 2013.

SOWELA Receives $50,000 Gift from Era Group SOWELA Technical Community College received a $50,000 gift from Houston-based Era Group, Inc. Era is one of the largest helicopter transport providers in the world and the longest serving helicopter transport operator in the U.S. The $50,000 gift will be used to complete Phase I of the ACT 360 initiative to build a new $8 million Student Success building on SOWELA’s Lake Charles campus in 2015. With Era’s gift, the college has raised over $980,000 to fulfill the 12 percent match required by the State. Phase II will include a $10 million building which will require SOWELA to raise another $1.2 million from the private sector.

Mayor Randy Roach and Denise Fasske with Mike Dees, Board Chairman, LC/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cheniere Energy Donates to National Hurricane Museum The National Hurricane Museum & Science Center announces a generous donation of $200,000 from Cheniere Energy to advance the capital campaign to build the Museum in Lake Charles. Cheniere’s contribution is an important part of the $36 million raised to-date to build the facility. In the 2014 session of the Louisiana legislature, lawmakers approved over $28 million in funding support for the Center.

IBERIABANK Names VP of Business Banking IBERIABANK (www.iberiabank. com), the 127-year-old subsidiary of IBERIABANK Corporation, is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Kyle Duplantis to Vice President of Business Banking for Southwest Louisiana. Duplantis has been with the Company for over a year and has strong business banking and consumer lending experience. He started working in banking and finance in 1996. Duplantis is a graduate of Nicholls State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in government and a minor in manKyle Duplantis agement. His office is located at 2911 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. He can be reached by phone at 312-7107 or by email at kyle.duplantis@iberiabank.com.

LC Symphony Announces 2014-2015 Board Patricia Philmon, VP of the SOWELA Foundation Board, SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Paul White, Sr. VP Domestic Era Group Inc., and Ben Hulshoff, Era Helicopters LLC 06 July 3, 2014

The Lake Charles Symphony ushers in the 2014/2015 season with new and familiar faces to its Board of Directors. Barbara Bailey, President, welcomes back to the Executive Committee Karen Drewett, President-Elect, Beverly Schalon, Recording Secretary, Laura Monk, Pat Gallaugher and Marty Thompson, Members Vol. 6 • No. 7

at Large. Newly elected Board members are Dr. Dennis Donald, Angela Guth, Joyce Mendelson, Laurie Martin, Willie Mount, Janet Ritchie, Paula Stebbins and Barbara Swan. Returning Board members are Jayde Butler, Stan Chapman, Susan Cormier, Linda Dalgleish, Emery DeSonier, Bill Dutridge, Miller Flynt, Angela Guth, Debbie Howrey, Tiffany Jones, Dr. Sandra Leder, Angie Manning, Dorothy McDaniel, Corelie Pohorelsky, Patricia Prudhomme, Collette Bulber Tanner, and Kacee Tate.

Citgo Signs on as Fusion Five Corporate Sponsor

LC Coca Cola Bottling Gives Back LC Coca Cola donated $5,000 as part of their ongoing support to the SWLA Alliance Foundation’s SWLA on the Move campaign. The current plan of work under the Campaign is to address the critical issues facing our region: workforce development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, regional marketing, and building a single voice for a true regional partnership. The Chamber and the SWLA Alliance Foundation are part of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance.

CITGO is the new corporate sponsor of Fusion Five, Southwest Louisiana’s young professionals’ organization. CITGO presented Fusion Five with a $3,000 CITGO Engineers and Fusion Five members, Jon Paul check to promote Zimmerman, Morgan Mestas and Mandy Michalko with continuous commuFusion Five Chair Ashli Waldrep and CITGO Communications nity involvement for Specialist and Fusion Five Vice Chair April Altazan their current and incoming young employees. Fusion Five plans to use the sponsorship dollars to continue providing professional development opportunities and regional involvement for young professionals and positively impacting Southwest Louisiana through networking.

Family & Youth Receives Children’s Law Award Family & Youth Counseling Agency, Inc. was chosen as the recipient of the 2014 Children’s Law Award, presented by the Louisiana State Bar Association, during an awards ceremony held recently at the Louisiana Supreme Court Building in New Orleans. Only one award is given each year to an organization that has made significant contributions to the provision of services on behalf of the children of Louisiana. Family & Youth was selected to receive this award because of its business model that promotes and supports the integration of key service models under the “Family & Youth” umbrella.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson; President and CEO of Family & Youth, Julio Galan; and LA State Bar Association President, Richard K. Leefe Vol. 6 • No. 7

George Swift (SWLA Economic Development Alliance President & CEO), Ken Francis (LC Coca-Cola) and Blaine Royer (LC Coca-Cola)

BancorpSouth Opens LakeCharles, Louisiana Loan Production Office BancorpSouth Bank, subsidiary of BancorpSouth, Inc. (NYSE: BXS), has announced the opening of the bank’s loan production office in Lake Charles at 4660 Lake Street. BancorpSouth’s new office is staffed by a group of financial services industry veterans including Don Morris, first vice president in commercial banking, and Tammy Murchison, senior loan administrative assistant. Morris is a native of Lake Charles and graduated from McNeese in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He began his banking career with Texas Commerce Bank and most recently joined BancorpSouth as First Vice President of Commercial Banking. Tammy Murchison is a Lake Charles native and graduate of SOWELA Technical Community College. Her previous banking experience includes positions with First National Bank and First Federal Bank of Louisiana. She most recently joined BancorpSouth as Senior Loan Administrative Assistant of Commercial Banking.

Don Morris

Tammy Murchison July 3, 2014 07

Silence of the Monkeys One of the best fundraising concepts to have come along in recent years is the “silent auction.” Just about every organization nowadays has one at its events, and it’s proven to be a gold mine, especially at functions where alcohol is served. At a silent auction, people write their bids on a piece of paper rather than answer to the call of a live auctioneer. It’s a better way of doing it, in my opinion, since most auctioneers are about as intelligible as Alvin the Chipmunk on crystal meth. Because of this, buyers rarely know what they agreed to pay until it’s time to write the check, when it’s too late to back out. This makes the silent auction a big improvement over traditional auctions. Come to think of it, there are a lot of things in this world that can be improved by making them silent. The exhaust system on my redneck neighbor’s monster truck immediately comes to mind.

Most of the items at a silent auction are donated from local businesses. It’s a great deal for a business, as it gets a tax write-off while shedding inventory that no one in his right mind would normally pay good money for. But when it goes for auction, the competitive spirit kicks in, and people end up in wild bidding wars over stuff that a Goodwill store would turn down. Sometimes, though, you’ll find an exceptional item for bid at a silent auction. In such cases, it’s an advantage to have your banker on speed dial when closing time approaches, and the bidding gets as fierce as the stock exchange trading floor at the height of the dotcom bubble. A heavy club also comes in handy at such times as you make your way to the bidding sheet. Recently, I had the fortune to score a fine item at a silent auction without having to resort to such heavy-handed tactics. The

prize was a beautiful bar, built of hardwood with an acrylic top that was decorated with various drink coasters. When I first laid eyes on it, I thought it was just part of the décor, but when I saw the bidding sheet taped to it, I knew it had to be mine. Never mind that winning it would mean having to take it home that day, in spite of us having come in my wife’s sportscar. It would be like trying to transport a grand piano on a bicycle, but when that competitive spirit takes over, you don’t seem to consider such trivialities. The person I most thank for my good fortune is a musician by the name of Sunny Jim. He was performing that afternoon, and just as the auction was about to close, he broke into his signature number, a song called “Monkey Party.” Whenever Jim plays “Monkey Party,” everybody in attendance mobs the dance floor like crows in a Wal-Mart parking lot on a bag of French

fries. They throw stuffed monkeys back and forth for the duration of the song, which keeps them busy. It was the perfect diversion. While everybody else was flinging monkeys at each other like schoolgirls at a pillow fight, I swooped in and entered the winning bid. It happened so fast that I still had time to retreat to the dance floor and toss a monkey or two. I’m happy to say that my new bar looks great in the garage. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it when the car comes back from having the shocks replaced. 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 Lucy is one of our newest additions. This little one is our mystery girl--she appears to be primarily dachshund but it is anyone’s guess what the rest of her heritage is. Although she looks serious in her photo, she is quite a happy girl and loves playing with other dogs, large or small. She is about 18 months old 08 July 3, 2014

so is full grown with a weight of about 14-15 pounds. With regular walks, she could be an excellent apartment dweller. For more information, call or email (337) 478-7294; lapaw@bellsouth.net. Vet check and home visit required prior to all adoptions. Can’t adopt? Consider fostering. Can’t foster? Consider sponsoring! LAPAW dogs (and cats) can be seen at www.lapaw.org. Vol. 6 • No. 7

Fun on Nelson Road Anyone traveling in the Nelson Road and McNeese Street intersection area has encountered the new traffic poles glued down to the road surface that really screw up the flow of traffic there even worse than before. There must be a hex on Nelson Road, which becomes an agility course from the Target Shopping Center to Gauthier Road. The new traffic poles are a guaranteed accident waiting to happen (some of them are already damaged), the Walmart and Panera dodge‘em cars are a free for all, then there’s the maze of school traffic at Prien Lake Elementary and Don’s Express Car Wash. And don’t forget the chaos of traffic being shut down to one lane southbound at McNeese Street when too many vehicles want to turn east. That route is as funfilled as any heart patient would ever want. Y’all have fun out there, ya hear?

Read the Fine Print “It’s like getting it for free,” or so the advertisement reads. Well yeah, but as always, there’s the fine print. The requirements have been set up so that in order to realize your savings, you will have to return to that merchant and wind up spending even more money (which is their intent). The marketing world has made some promotions so difficult, yet touted as such a great deal, that your eyes Vol. 6 • No. 7

will glaze before you finish reading all the information. It would be great if BOGO (buy one, get one) offers were not at double the normal price or nearly so; if you didn’t have to shop with a calculator to keep track of the number of items you need to buy to get a decent price, and if the signage on the shelf was clear and concise so that you don’t grab the wrong product when you’re trying to get the item that’s on sale. Having been in business for many years, I know that making a profit is necessary to survive, but treating your customers fairly and squarely will make them lifetime satisfied customers.

of July. Our prices were gathered on Thursday, June 26 and reflect the posted price on the shelf where the product was placed for sale. The stores we checked were: Albertsons-Country Club Road, Market Basket-Nelson Road, Kroger-McNeese Street and Walmart-Nelson Road.

Budweiser Beer, 12-ounce bottles, 12-pack: Albertsons $9.99, Market Basket $9.99, Kroger $10.99, Walmart $9.99.

Coca Cola, 12-ounce cans, 12-pack: Albertsons $2.96 (3/$8.88), Market Basket $4, Kroger $3 (4/$12), Walmart $3.

Crown Royal Whiskey, 750 ml bottle: Albertsons $24.99, Market Basket $29.75, Kroger $25.99, Walmart $26.47.

E&J Brandy, VS, 750 ml bottle: Albertsons $9.99, Market Basket $9.89, Kroger $9.49, Walmart $9.97.

Increase in Crime We can’t help but notice the increase in crime everywhere. You must be a wary citizen. Remember, the bad guys have already taken the time to plan how to get you, but you may have less than a second to react. We commend Chief Dixon and Sheriff Mancuso for their diligence in catching the folks that prey on us. Recent arrests show that we have more criminals in our midst than we like to believe, but it is up to all of us to be careful and be aware of our surroundings. The police roadblocks, where 1,200 vehicles are stopped and grandma gets a ticket for an expired inspection sticker need to be reassessed. There has to be a better use of overtime police hours to protect citizens from serious crime.

Supermarket Roundup As our issue comes out on one of the holidays we love to celebrate, our shopping survey selects a few of the more popular beverages that are consumed as we gather with friends and family on the 4th July 3, 2014 09

The Livin’ is Easy An ode to summertime has been making the rounds on Facebook and I love it: SUMMER “Hair gets lighter, skin gets darker, water gets warmer, drinks get colder, music gets louder, nights get longer, life gets better!” Even though most of us still have to work during the summer, there is still something

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very special about long, sunsplashed days and the slower, more relaxed pace. I try to take a little time off and I work my schedule around whatever adventures my kids and I come up with. I recall so many memorable times with family and friends from summers past when I was growing up: trips to Galveston, long days in the water at Ouiska Chitto that ended with watermelon, sunburns, sand everywhere and smiles on our faces, Vacation Bible School,

going crabbing, Holly Beach, swimming every chance we got, slip ‘n slides and picnics. And, every summer came something special: our annual trips to AstroWorld in Houston, where we waited in line for rides in the hot sun knowing that relief was coming in the form of two favorites: the Log Ride, where we looked forward to getting splashed, and the Alpine Sleigh Ride where a delicious blast of cold air would hit us just as the roller coaster entered the cave-like

structure. A huge, hairy Abominable Snowman would make an appearance about halfway through the experience and my siblings and I just loved it even though we shrieked every time he jumped out. At lunchtime, we did what many other families did back then: we exited the park and went to our car and unloaded lunches that Mom had packed the night before. Most larger families (we had five kids in ours) couldn’t afford both the ticket admission as well as

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the expensive park lunches. We always looked forward to Mom’s because she always lovingly tucked in something extra along with our sandwiches, such as homemade Rice Crispies treats or chocolate chip cookies. We would eat while sitting on blankets under a shade tree before making our way back into the park for a few more hours of fun. Sometimes, just before going back in, we would cut open a watermelon and my brothers would start a watermelon seed fight with us girls. My brothers are both gone now but oh, the memories of those precious long-ago days! In later years, summer meant lying out by the pool with girlfriends. We’d set up a boom box, coat ourselves with baby oil, spritz Sun In all over our hair, talk about boys, and just wait for that golden tan that would help us look so cute in our adorable sundresses and sandals. Now that I’m a mom, I try to give my kids wonderful summer experiences as well and it’s never about spending tons of money or seeing if we can have a better vacation than someone else. It’s about the moments and just being together. One of my favorite memories was the summer my daughter was about 14 months old. We had a little baby pool in the backyard with a slip ‘n slide right next to it. Looking back at the pictures and seeing her chubby little legs toddling along the slip ‘n slide while my 4-year-old son stood in the baby pool eating watermelon while looking at her never fails to make me smile. So far, this summer has been just perfect with trips to the library, lots of swimming, Vacation Bible School, riding bikes, visiting the parks, picnics, baseball, Holly Beach, times with family. And we have a few more things planned before the kids head back to school in early August. Some friends Vol. 6 • No. 7

that live in the country have invited us to spend a day with them and pick blackberries, ride ponies, go four-wheeling. We may squeeze in a day trip to Galveston. A trip to the zoo may happen. I think we’ll have to visit Ouiska Chitto too before summer’s end. After all, it’s one of Louisiana’s most scenic waterways, beginning near the southern boundary of Fort Polk in Vernon Parish and meandering for some 70 miles through Vernon, Beauregard and Allen parishes before entering the Calcasieu River. On our trips there, my dad would always find the perfect spot in the cold water to “bury” a watermelon. We’d return to the spot after a few hours of swimming and sunning and enjoy icy slices of delicious, sweet, ruby-red watermelon. I think we’ll start the same tradition for my little family because it’s all about creating memories. Actually, our home is even paying homage to summer. The freezer is stocked with popsicles and other yummy treats and the kids have set up a small tent in our living room where they pretend to camp out. My daughter’s “dress up” costumes are all over the dining room, stacks of library books are on a corner table, bottles of sunscreen are scattered everywhere, swimsuits are hanging on hooks in the bathroom. There will be plenty of time for a tidy house someday, but I have young children and we are just too busy living right now to worry about a perfect home. Like the song goes, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” I hope you have a great summer and make lots of wonderful new memories! Lisa Addison writes for local, regional and national publications. She has two schoolaged children, never gets enough sleep, enjoys trying new recipes, is an avid reader, and loves going on adventures with her kids. July 3, 2014 11

Let Your Words Be Life The lyrics of this song are so true: “Words can build you up, words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart, or put it out. Let my words be life, let my words be truth. I don’t wanna say a word unless it points the world to you.” I recently experienced a personal attack in a way I never would have expected. Someone wanted to hurt me using their words in the form of two letters written with a typewriter and

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delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Instead of allowing this person’s words to darken my life I stood up proudly. I will not respond in a way that is not of love. Instead I gave the letters to the authorities. I will not carry this person’s words with me. I find that people seem to be pointing the finger at others rather than loving the sinner right where they are. When asked a question, speak the truth in love. Don’t ever hold back the word of God

that can set a person free. I thank God that He sent beautiful people my way who were attractive in Spirit. Loving, kind, gentle, compassionate, non-judgmental. Loving me right where I was at, and speaking the truth to me when I asked. I would take what they told me, and search the scripture they gave me. They were always the voice of God’s grace, not fire and hate. That is really super important to remember. It’s a way to measure, to know that it’s of God’s grace. None of us knows what a person has gone through in their life. So, we need to be very careful and gentle with the people God sends our way. I count it a great honor to serve God, and “the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13: 13). God knows the proper time He is going to present Himself to someone, and quite often these days, He is using me to do it. I’ve learned to wait on that feeling within my spirit, because it won’t go wrong if I do. The approach can make all the difference in the world to that person. I made a personal choice to love God with all my heart, and be guided by Him on how to treat the lost and wounded. I always had religion in my life, but that doesn’t compare to this love relationship I have now. We all need someone who loves you no matter where you’ve been, or what you’ve done, but doesn’t want you to stay where you’re at. I have so many friends, and people I meet every day, who are filled with heartache and pain, including myself. People who are struggling with sickness, death, divorce, or who are losing hope because of unanswered prayers. I’ve seen chains that were broken from addictions, or someone living a not so good life style completely turned around. God sometimes desires to do more than heal our situation. Whether it be physical, or a painful situation we are going through, God uses suffering to develop our character and spir-

itual growth. I personally have experienced this, and have seen things go from bad to worse. I know now that God used everything to redirect me toward a desperate dependence on Him and to show me my purpose in life, and how to help others. Maybe you choose to live life your way because it’s easier than asking God to change you. I can tell you, even though the sun is shining, you’re still in the dark. You may pray and want His light, but you’re still keeping one hand on the world. Deep inside, down in the deepest part of your heart, you try to hide what you’re ashamed of. You will even start to believe there’s no way that the pieces of your life that you hate are ever going to change. Give Him your broken heart. Lift it up and let Him empty you of all your foolish pride. Let it go and live a life full of His GRACE. Push back the dark and see the light in your life. Go walk into your life and show no fear. Start loving and giving every chance you get. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone that has been part of my life in the past thee years. On July 4, 2011 my life changed forever. I could not see before then. God reached down and picked me off the floor that day. I laid myself down and while I was there, I was found. I was tired and worn, I was lost and broken. My soul was crushed and dying inside. I rose up and have been reborn. I lifted my eyes up and God gave me the rest I needed desperately. He flooded my eyes with new vision. I no longer see through my eyes, I see through His eyes. He gave me wings that day and whispered, “I want you to fly, my love, you no longer have broken wings.” I now live and love with all my heart. I’ve let go of who I used to be. I’m embracing who I have become. 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 Vol. 6 • No. 7

friend was a big fan. Here is a slight twist on the dish that I use to impress. It’s also a great way to use leftover grits and if you double the recipe for the topping, it goes nicely on top of rice or pasta shells (I prefer the shells). Now let’s get started. First thing you are going to do is make some grits, and if you’re using instant grits, shame on you. I like to use Bob’s Red Mill Corn Grits.

Grits with Cheesy Shrimp Bacon Topping Today we’re going to follow some of my basic rules: Rule No. 1: Bacon + Anything = Better. Rule No. 2: Anything with garlic has got to be good. Rule No. 3: Butter makes things tasty. Wow!! Three rules in one day. That’s a good start. I’m asked from time to time to whip up some shrimp and grits. Even an old girl-

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What You’ll Need 6 cups of water 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups grits 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

What You’ll Do Bring the water, salt and butter to a boil. Add the grits and stir, then stir in the cheese. Cook on low heat, covered, for about five minutes, then remove from heat. The grits will continue to cook. What You’ll Need One package of good bacon One pound of peeled and deveined 21-25 shrimp 2 fresh jalapenos (seeded and diced) 2-3 cloves minced garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter ½ an onion (diced) Your favorite season-all 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese Chopped green onion for topping (optional)

Tonya Meche Wants Your Recipes!

You’ve all enjoyed “Tonya Meche’s Kitchen” in every issue as she brings us quick and tasty recipes that have been passed down in her family. Now, Tonya is asking for YOUR recipes! Just email them to lauren@thejambalayanews.com. She’ll try them out in her kitchen, and if she likes them, they’ll appear in The JAM! So pull out those cookbooks and send some good cookin’ ideas our way!

What You’ll Do Place bacon on a lined sheet pan and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 1520 minutes. (You can do this first before you make the grits if you’d like.) After the bacon is done, remove from pan and set aside. Pour the grease from the pan into a skillet. Add the olive oil and butter. Bring to heat, and add everything except the bacon and cheese. While all that goodness is cooking, chop the bacon and then add to mixture. Once the shrimp are done, stir in the cheese and season to taste. Pour the grits into a large shallow bowl, top with the “Goodness,” garnish with the green onion and serve while hot. Great as an appetizer or as a side dish for brunch. See y’all later and don’t forget to…. STIR DAT POT !!! July 3, 2014 13

Stormy Weather Part I Heading out of the Cameron jetties with the first blush of dawn in our wake, Dr. Rocky Kent’s new 23-foot Robolo boat bounced over and splashed through the jetties’ churning waters. Chilled Heineken in hand, I knew life didn’t get any better than the 1985 July 4th Southwest Louisiana Fishing Rodeo. I raised my beer in a toast to warm breezes, sun, fun, and salt water fishing: ah La joie la vie! The seas were a bit rough as we headed out to the in-close Gulf oil rigs. The waves usually evened out and lessened as you left the jetties behind. Usually. This time, the water went from rough chop to here-comesseasickness six-foot swells. Trying the in-close structures for speckle trout and redfish, we boated little and none of size. So, we decided to head out to the far rigs for clearer calmer seas and keeper fish. While Rock guided us across

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wave after wave, I hummed “Unchained Melody” perfectly off-key: “Lucky fishers flow to the sea, to the sea, to the open arms of the sea….” My apologies to the Righteous Brothers and Elvis. Another Heini in hand and standing knees bent to absorb the swells, I watched admiringly as Rocky maneuvered through the six-foot swells. He had grown up in Florida, fished the Gulf and The Keys, and was a master at saltwater fishing excursions. We had to find blue water, calmer seas and fish. Soon. Instead, we found rising seas, wind and a summer thunderstorm. Rocky, ever the seasoned sea captain, decided to come about before the storm. If we were to drown, it would be much closer to home. Easier to find the bodies. It wasn’t until after Halloween of 1991 that The Perfect Storm was written and I had no desire to write

my own early version. Had to later, but that comes in my next tale: Victor Monsour and me in “Stormy Weather, Part 2.” Greeting our flight back through rising seas was a storm coming out to meet us. “Oh, joy,” I thought. Rocky glanced back at me with that “Oh s____!” look. We plowed on, trapped in a fast failing evasion. Passing one of the close-in oil rigs, we rode the waves nearer and spotted a loading rope hanging from it. “Use the bow rope to tie on to it,” Rock shouted above the wind and wall of rain trailing us. “Let’s see. He wants me to scramble up the spray-slick bow, ride a wave up and use the bow rope to tie to the rig rope that’s swinging in the wind. All this on just three Heinekens,” I thought. I gave him my best are you out of your frickin’ mind scowl. What I got was a justdo-it! glare. Thus encouraged, I actually did it. My sister’s least favorite phrase is “God takes care of drunks and fools,” and He must. We were now tied off away from the oil rig with one storm upon us and another raging toward us from shore. Rock said we could ride it out there. Thus assured, we put on life preservers and ski belts. Were this to be our demise, they would find our fish-chewed corpses. A case of mostly Roger-diminished Heineken, two-fifths of gin, tonic, fresh limes, bitters and shaved ice for Hemingway

Coolers remained. We were set to show that “courage is grace under pressure.” The two storms merged and we rode in our own perfect storm in a world turned gray and darkening. Dylan Thomas said, “Rage, rage, against the dying of the light.” Lightning flashes lit us and while we cursed the darkness, we did not rage. We just endured that dark night, bow hidden, as our tempest pelted, blasted, and bolted. Lightning flashes lit us up like strobe lights as we sipped coolers for courage. Just as I was about to lay my head down on a boat cushion and politely pass out, there was a truly loud crack, a sonic-like boom, and a blinding streak of light. It was the only time in my drinking career that I went from drunk to sober in a flash. Momentarily dazed, the Rock gazed about him and then knew what to do. “Get up on the bow and cut us lose. We’re riding the waves in,” he told me. I scrambled up the bow, filet knife in hand and with a slash Jean Lafitte would have been proud of, cut us free. Rocky hit the throttle and we surfed the waves all the way into the mouth of the jetties where the seas finally abated. We had endured and survived and shown grace under pressure. Ernest Hemingway would have been proud of us. When he stopped laughing. Vol. 6 • No. 7

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National Champions The second loss, the one in its own tournament, the one to the school’s personal athletics tormentor West Monroe, went virtually unreported in the local media back on March 14. But, for a baseball team with national championship aspirations like the Barbe Buccaneers, it blared like a head-

line in 100-point Times New Roman. “Early, we dropped a couple games and we knew it probably wasn’t going to be possible for us to win it all,” Barbe pitcher Kennon Fontenot told Baseball America magazine. “(But) all of a sudden we hear that everyone else is losing

one, two games. Then, when that national title was back in our grasp, we took off with it. We knew we were not going to lose again. That was our goal, and we achieved it.” Late last month, the Barbe Bucs were named the National High School Team of the Year by Baseball America

Henderson Implement & Marine is a family affair. And the company is a prime example of one that has experienced both growth and diversification. In 1967, Charles Henderson, Sr. purchased Taylor Implement, an International Harvester Equipment dealership in Welsh. The company’s name was changed to Henderson Implement, and it eventually grew to three locations in Lake Charles, Welsh, and Abbeville. In 1976, Henderson’s son Chuck returned to the family business after earning a bachelor’s degree from LSU. “In 1995, I became owner and CEO of Henderson Implement,” Chuck said. But he didn’t stop there. “In 1999, we diversified the company and established TK Pizza as a distributor for Hunt Brother’s Pizza,” he said. TK Pizza now serves over 500 retail Hunt Brothers Pizza locations from Laredo, Texas to New Orleans, with Chuck serving on the executive management

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magazine and the National High School Baseball Coaches Association. The Bucs (39-2) took over the top spot in the poll on April 22 and never relinquished it, ending the season on a 28-game winning streak and a Class 5A state championship victory over No. 43 Live Oak.

team of Hunt Brothers Pizza Corporation, which is located in Nashville. There was still more to come. “In 2007, we changed its name to Henderson Implement & Marine when we became a Tracker Marine Dealer at all three of our locations,” Chuck said. “We now offer a full line of Tracker Marine products and Mercury Outboard Motors and service.” In 2011, they became a Polaris dealer as well. Henderson Implement & Marine offers a variety of product lines including Kubota & Kioti Tractors, Hustler Zero Turn mowers, Class Hay Equipment and Woods & Modern Agriculture Equipment. Today, this company continues to grow—with the whole family involved! Chuck and his wife Karen’s two children are an integral part of the business. “Our daughter Kelly Hurt is Henderson Implement’s recruiter,” he said “And our son Tyler is a Pizza Territory Consultant. He lives in Baton Rouge with his wife Kelly. And last but definitely not least, our son-in-law, Lance Hurt, is VP of TK Pizza!”

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It is the area’s first national championship in a high school sport since the St. Louis Saints boys soccer team was crowned champs in 2006. It wasn’t, however, the first time many of the Bucs’ seniors had been in the national spotlight. Back in 2008, South Lake Charles Little League was one inning away from winning the national championship and advancing to the world championship at the Little League World Series. The team featured five of Barbe’s nine seniors including Fontenot, Gunner Leger, twins Beau and Bryce Jordan, and Nicholas Abshire. Also included on that team was the national high school football record-holder in receiving yards and LSU signee Trey Quinn. Everyone knew this team was going to be special, though no one really knew how special. Besides, Barbe had had special teams before. This was a program that had won six state championships, produced four Major League Baseball players, two firstround draft picks, and 21 total draftees after all. Well, almost no one knew outside of the team. Coach Glenn Cecchini knew and he set goals (state champion, national champion) that he knew his team could reach. “People can say, ‘Gosh dang, that’s over the top. That’s really arrogant,’ ” Cecchini told Baseball America. “But we really believe in goal-setting. You got to make your goals visible where you can see them every day.” The Bucs players knew and bought into the promise of a national title. And working overtime, double-time, practically all the time, the Bucs began to reel off victories while rarely facing much resistance. Barbe steamrolled through District 3-5A play, scoring 10 or more runs in half of its district games and scoring less than six runs only once, on Vol. 6 • No. 7

its way to the top seed in the Class 5A playoffs. Even a new format for the largest classification couldn’t knock Barbe off the championship trail. After an easy win over Grace King in the bi-district round, Barbe faced off with hated rival Sulphur in the first of two, two-game rounds before the state semifinals and finals. The Bucs made quick work of both Sulphur and Catholic High of Baton Rouge, sweeping both two-game series before shutting out St. Amant in the semifinals and knocking off Live Oak in the finals. It was the culmination of an unprecedented season that saw the Bucs outscore its opponents 371-94. Barbe, which put added emphasis on fielding this season, finished with a .974 fielding percentage that is practically perfect when you consider most high school baseball teams average at least one or two errors per game. The Bucs averaged almost 10 runs per game and, as a team, hit for a ridiculous .384 batting average. Additionally, of the Bucs’ nine seniors, six signed letters of intent to play Division I college baseball. Fontenot, who originally committed to play at Oklahoma State, signed with Louisiana-Lafayette alongside pitcher Gunner Leger. Pitcher Erin Baldwin signed with the University of Houston while Beau and Bryce Jordan both signed with LSU. Braeden Barrett signed with Northwestern State. It was the first time in the program’s history that six players signed D-I scholarships. Amazingly, though, not a single one was drafted in Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft in early June. I doubt this was a comment on the senior Bucs’ playing ability. More likely it was a signability issue where big league teams saw a group of players committed to playing college ball and not likely

to be tempted by anything but contracts offering life-changing amounts of money. That commitment should be the hallmark of this titlewinning team. The players knew what they were capable of and dedicated themselves to making this year special. They worked hard, shrugged off a couple of early losses, and brought home the biggest prize in high school baseball.

And now the headline reads: National Champions. Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than a decade for various publications. Coaches or parents with story tips or comments may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@ yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

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By Calvin Tyler The Lake Charles scene is fun and exciting, even without the upcoming industrial expansion. Our city breathes an emotion all its own. Nothing here is boring or contrived, like so many other larger cities I’ve visited. Other than the chain stores in town, everything else feels spontaneous and full of character. Running a business in this environment can be tough, and many small businesses have opened and closed in their first year. Having met and spoken to quite a few leaders in the business community, I find that many agree on a lot of the same points. Going deep into my investigation of what it takes to create and run a successful venture in this city caused me to cross paths with a man who has an interesting story. His name is Mike McVey, and his work history ranges all the way from refineries to car stereos. He currently operates three different businesses and owns rental property. The man has chewed his way through brick walls and come out the other side smiling. I am meeting with McVey at Mary’s Lounge on 4017 Broad St in Lake Charles, an establishment his father founded after retiring from the US Air Force. I arrive on time for the meeting and walk in to find that McVey is running a little late. This doesn’t bother me as it gives me time to meander around the bar a bit to look over what it has to offer. This place is intriguing. Dimly lit in the way a cozy, hole-in-the-wall bar should be but much larger than anyone would expect from the kind of bar one would describe as a hole-in-the-wall. Large wraparound bar, televisions, a pool table, and flags hanging from the ceiling indicate that this a fun spot. After a few minutes McVey strolls in and introduces himself. “Hi Calvin, sorry for getting here late. I was running some crawfish,” he says with impressive energy. McVey is a man of principles and focus, although you wouldn’t know it by looking at him. His wardrobe consists mostly of cargo shorts and baseball caps and he has a flare for the casual. He explains his decision-making when it comes to the aesthetics of Mary’s Lounge. “This place is a honky tonk,” he says. “I could have torn it down years ago and replaced it with a nice, brand-new metal building but then it wouldn’t be what it’s been since day one.” The origins of this honky tonk are humble and close to McVey’s heart. His mother and father founded the place in 1975, and it was only a third the size it is today. “We took down the long wall here in two pieces,” McVey points above, straight across the center of the bar. “On the far side, where the pool table is, we used a tractor to hold the ceiling up, tore down that wall, and put the beam in.” What’s amazing is the bar never closed during this renovation. “People were coming in while we were tearing the wall down,” he said. “I decided to help the staff out with tips and started charging folks to use the sledgehammer. Later on, after that section of wall came down, people were sitting around the tractor sipping on beers.” Talk about loyalty! Mary’s is frequented by regulars who’ve been coming in for years. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 5- 7 p.m. and there’s live music 18 July 3, 2014

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every Sunday with no cover charge. It’s open every day, from 9 a.m. until. When it comes to business, McVey has been involved with quite a few. He owned and operated the original Pro Tech Audio and a successful ditch-digging company, along with multiple daiquiri shacks, and a bar. The advice he lends seems to come from lessons he learned as a child. “When I was about 10 years old, I knew somebody who sold fireworks,” he recalls. “Back in those days, there weren’t big chain stores and giant tents where people could go and buy fireworks. There were just these little sheds in the country, and I was one of those. I told my dad what I was wanting to do, so, he and a friend built me a little building on wheels. My dad bought me $50 worth of fireworks and said, ‘get to work,’ and that got me started. My first day I had sold $80 worth of merchandise, paid my dad $20 on the loan, and put the rest back into the business. By the time I was 17 I had employees!” McVey is a laugher and loves to joke around. He seems to enjoy his life quite a bit. Looking at his phone, he shows me a picture of a wood-on-metal fence where it is apparent that someone attached 1” x 6” boards to the decorative metal fence to add privacy. I compliment his engineering. “I’ve always done stuff like that,” he says. “No matter what it is, I will look at it and ask myself how it could be better.” He points to the little fluorescent lights under the bar. “Before I installed those lights, it was almost completely dark. Bartenders were using flashlights to find whatever they were needing, and that had to change. Anything can be improved. That’s just Vol. 6 • No. 7

common sense, really.” I ask how he’s kept it all together through the years and he says that the number one thing every business owner needs to understand is sacrifice. “There were so many times in my life where I never got paid,” he says. “I would pay all of my employees, write myself a paycheck, look at it and think that the business might need this money, and slide my check into the desk. Too many people open up a business thinking the money will be great, and, don’t get me wrong, it can be. The problem is this: There is absolutely no security. Things could be going good for a couple of months, and then things suddenly stop. Did you save money or spend money during the good months? If you spent it, it’s gone and can’t save you. You’ve got to be willing to sacrifice.”

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LA Small Business Development Center Entrepreneurs, innovators, and small businesses are key players in the economy of Louisiana. They make up most of the employer firms in the state, and their contribution is indispensable. The LSBDC at McNeese can assist you in your preparations for opening your own business. Once a month, the

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organization presents a seminar with valuable information to help you toward this goal. The “Starting and Financing a Small Business” seminar is presented at various locations in the Southwest Louisiana region and is a very good first stop in planning your business venture. In addition to this seminar,

the LSBDC offers free one-on-one counseling in their offices on the McNeese campus and at other locations in Southwest Louisiana. Counselors can help you with tasks such as writing a business plan, guiding you in marketing or accounting strategies, or directing you toward local resources. Two very important sources of financing for small businesses are commercial banks and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Many entrepreneurs don’t consider other funds available to them such as home-equity loans or savings. The better prepared a business owner is for oper-

ating and managing a business, the better their chance of being a success and not part of the failure statistic. The best strategy for avoiding termination of your business dream is to plan BEFORE opening your doors. Have a good business plan in place as your roadmap to the future of your business. Have all licenses and certificates up-to-date and on record with the appropriate agencies. Be sure your business taxes and personal finances are separate and fully accountable. To make an appointment, call (337) 475-5000 or email LSBDC.MSU@lsbdc.org

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What SBA Offers to Help Small Businesses Grow What does the Small Business Administration offer to small business owners? The programs are many and varied, and the qualifications for each are specific. SBA can help facilitate a loan for you with a third party lender, guarantee a bond, or help you find venture capital. Understanding how SBA works is the first step towards receiving assistance. SBA’s Role SBA provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses that have been specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing. Guaranteed Loan Programs (Debt Financing) SBA does not make direct loans to small businesses. Rather, SBA sets the guidelines for loans, which are then made by its partners (lenders, community development organizations, and microlending institutions). The SBA guarantees that these loans will be repaid, thus eliminating some of the risk to the lending partners. So when a business applies for an SBA loan, it is actually applying for a commercial loan, structured according to SBA requirements with an SBA guaranty. SBA-guaranteed loans may not be made to a small business if the borrower has access to other financing on reasonable terms. SBA loan guaranty requirements and practices can change as the Government alters its fiscal policy and priorities to meet current economic conditions. There-

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fore, you can’t rely on past policy when seeking assistance in today’s market. Bonding Program (Surety Bonds) SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) Program helps small business contractors who cannot obtain surety bonds through regular commercial channels. A surety bond is a three-party instrument between a surety (someone who agrees to be responsible for the debt or obligation of another), a contractor and a project owner. The agreement binds the contractor to comply with the terms and conditions of a contract. If the contractor is unable to successfully perform the contract, the surety assumes the contractor’s responsibilities and ensures that the project is completed. Through the SBG Program, the SBA makes an agreement with a surety guaranteeing that SBA will assume a percentage of loss in the event the contractor should breach the terms of the contract. The SBA’s guarantee gives sureties an incentive to provide bonding for eligible contractors, thereby strengthening a contractor’s ability to obtain bonding and greater access to contracting opportunities for small businesses. SBA can guarantee bonds for contracts up to $5 million, covering bid, performance and payment bonds, and in some cases up to $10 million for certain contracts.

is a public-private investment partnership created to help fill the gap between the availability of growth capital and the needs of small businesses. The SBA does not invest directly in small businesses, relying instead on the expertise of qualified private investment funds. The SBA licenses these funds as SBICs and supplements the capital they raise from private investors with access to low-cost, government-guaranteed

debt. With these two sources of capital backing them, SBICs search across the United States for promising businesses in need of debt or equity financing. SBICs are similar to other investment funds in terms of how they operate and their pursuit of high returns. However, unlike other funds, SBICs limit their investments to qualified small business concerns as defined by SBA regulations.

Venture Capital Program SBA’s Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program

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Small Business Seminar in DeRidder July 15 Are you interested in starting your own business but don’t know where to begin? If so, a free seminar titled “Starting and Financing a Small Business” will be presented from 3-5 p.m. July 15 at the First Street School (401 W. 1st St.) in DeRidder. The seminar will be presented by the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University. It will offer information on financing a start-up, learning how to write a business plan and understanding what a banker really wants to know. To pre-register or for more information, call (337) 475-5529 or email lsbdc.msu@lsbdc.org.

Small Business Health Options

Program Workshop AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Employee Health Coverage Choices for Small Business Owners 2 FREE SESSIONS SESSION 1 Tuesday, August 12 5– 8 p.m. SEED Center, Rooms D & E 4310 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605 Jacob Schei, Certified Region 5 Navigator for SWLA Area Health Education Center, will present an overview of the Federal SHOP Marketplace for Small Busi-

ness Owners. Small Business Owners will learn how to access health insurance for their employees. SESSION 2 Wednesday, August 27, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. SEED Center, Rooms B & C Small group counseling sessions will be scheduled so you can learn more about specific SHOP Marketplace enrollment choices for your small business. Seating is limited. Please pre-register on-line at lsbdc. org (search under events) or call 337-475-5529 or email: lsbdc.msu@lsbdc.org.

Registration Open for Youth Recreation Soccer Programs Registration is now open for the youth recreational soccer programs offered by Calcasieu Soccer Club (CSC). The youth program is available for ages four to 17 years old. Registration is also open for the Screamin’ Eagles program, a league devoted to introducing the littlest soccer enthusiast to the sport. To be eligible, the child must be three at the time of registration. Registration is open through Saturday, July 26. The fall season will run September 6 through October 18. CSC is the area’s largest youth soccer club with more than 750 area children playing recreational and competitive level soccer. They also coordinate an adult co-ed recreational league and a men’s 7v7 league with approximately 250 registrants. To register, visit www.cscsoccerclub. org. For more information, call (337) 474-6131. 24 July 3, 2014

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Being native to the area, I’ve been exposed to tons of outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, etc. Louisiana is known as “Sportsman’s Paradise,” and it earned its title honest. With the state having no lack of rivers and bayous and an abundance of wildlife, what more could a wild man/woman ask for? Well, that’s not really a question a sane person would ask because that would imply that the word “paradise” wasn’t fitting enough as a definition. But every once in a while, someone comes along and challenges the status quo. Sometimes, it takes a visionary maniac to see new possibilities where the average person sees perfection that cannot possibly be improved upon. This is the story of one such visionary. Driving north up HWY 171, the views are incredible. If you’re from the area, you probably don’t even notice it, but imagine seeing this landscape through the eyes of someone visiting here for the first time. The green from the trees is deep in color, giving the environment a feel of timelessness. As though everything has stopped. Even though there’s a Wal-Mart off this highway—a business that usually takes over the aesthetic of its surroundings--it’s no match for the natural beauty of this area. A little further up the road, I turn right onto Louisiana 3059, and drive deeper into the mystery of Cajun ambience. The smell of the river and moss is noticeable now, delightfully carrying me back to the times in my childhood spent getting lost up and down these inspiring waterways. It’s not long into this drive down memory lane that I notice a sign like no other, alerting me to the fact that I have arrived at my desired 26 July 3, 2014

location. The sign reads: “Loggerheads.” I turn into the trees, not sure what to expect. The first thing I notice is a large, well-designed, parking lot. Off to the right are two quaint cabins: one blue, one yellow, both bright and fun. At the far side of the lot are a collection of rather large, but quite beautiful brick buildings sitting on the riverfront. It’s too early in the morning for visitors, so I park my car close to a bricked archway with a sign that reads Riverside Resort and set off to find the person responsible for what I see before me. I walk into the larger building to discover one of the most stunning bars I’ve ever seen in my life. There are stacked stone columns at the ends of the massive granite bar top at Loggerheads, seemingly to support the ceiling but also as an aesthetic choice to break the openness and convey a sense of intimacy. Earth-tone bricks and lightly stained beadboard level the contrast a bit, bringing the style back to Southern comforts and traditions. Every inch of this area, which includes bar tables and chairs and plenty of TV screens, is brilliant. When you step through the doors at the rear of the bar onto the large covered porch, the vision of this space comes to fruition. There are tremendous views of the river running by and forking around a large island. Tied off to the dock is a triple-deck, 105-foot-long yacht with the call sign “Lady of the Lake.” The calming breeze blows in, reminding me why porchtime storytime is so popular in Louisiana. I lean against the rail for a moment, taking it all in. “Who did all of this?” I ask myself. It’s time to find out. The Bait Shop is down a small hallway,

and it is here that I find Jim Mistretta, sitting casually in the office scrolling through pictures of his property. “Hi,” Jim says abruptly. I assure him that I am supposed to be here, and he laughs. “What would you like to know?” he asks. “Everything,” is my answer. He gets up and signals me to follow him. I happily oblige as he takes me back over to that great bar. “I wanted it to smell nice in here, so I made the porch large enough for the smokers to have a place to go,” he says. “Keeps things nice.” Loggerheads Bar has been open since February of 2013 and is the perfect place to unwind at night or on the weekend. The bar opens at noon, and there’s entertainment Friday through Sunday evenings and also on Tuesday. It’s closed on Mondays. (Check them out on Facebook.) I ask about the style choices and who designed everything. “Me,” Jim says. “I drew it all up.” He’s a developer, but he is not a trained designer. It all comes naturally to him. “Calvin, I can look at something and see what it can be. A piece of land, a building, anything, really. Some people can understand music. That’s not my gift.” Jim has a way about him. For our meeting, he’s wearing Levi blue jeans, a plain white T-shirt, and baseball cap. He’s relaxed and in charge. We go outside and face the water, and he points slightly to the left. “The sun sets right there, just over that tree line. It’s one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen, and I live five minutes from here.” Then, there’s that magnificent yacht. “Lady of the Lake right there?” he says. “She’s not staying there. I’m building her a slip down the cove a bit where she can be Vol. 6 • No. 7

Cabins out of the way.” When then walk over to a brick Tiki bar. This smaller bar is close to the water and away from the larger crowd. “It’s just little something extra for the guests,” Jim says with a proud smile. But there is so much more to come. Next to the Tiki bar is an open patch of riverfront land where over 80 pilings have been planted to make way for something massive. This is the location of what will become the Riverside Bar & Grill. A nice restaurant will take up most of the first floor, and there will be a large space upstairs for events. Jim points to the blueprint. “The event center upstairs will be perfect for high school reunions or wedding receptions,” he says. He drags his finger across the page to a point outside, on the second floor deck. “This will be a separate bar for the guests upstairs if they need it.” Jim really does see things in a different way, where nothing is left out. It’s almost as if he’s walked through this building that doesn’t even exist yet. We make our way across the beautiful property and Jim points out every little flowerbed and tells me the story behind each of them. The place is lush with palms, hibiscus and other semitropical plants. Then there are the cabins. As of right now, there are only two, but eventually, there will be 75. “All of them are 900 square feet of living space and can be rented for a night or even a whole month,” he says. “This piece of property will have a little bit of Vol. 6 • No. 7

everything: restaurants, bars, fishing, boating, a store, a spa and pool…” I cut Jim off. “A spa? Restaurants? Plural?” He pulls his head back with a chuckle and says, “Oh yeah, Calvin. This place is going to be like a little city when I’m done. People will be able to stay here and enjoy their vacations without ever having to leave the property.” In addition, Jim intends to create an RV park along the southeast side of the property. “Nice and private,” he says. “From small spaces to large drive-thru spaces, the RV park will be able to handle any size RV you’ve got with ease.” Riverside Resort is an ambitious project, filling 50 acres of riverfront with cabin rentals, restaurants, an RV park, swimming pool, docks, boats, fuel pumps, a convenience store, oyster bar, and more, but Jim takes it all in stride. “Everybody wants a date. ‘When will it be done, Jim?’ they ask. I’m taking my time. Little by little this place will come together, and when it does I expect every function of Riverside Resort to operate smoothly.” So far, all that is built and open for business is elegant and charming. Much like its surrounding scenery, Loggerheads Bar, the bait and tackle shop, the Tiki bar, and the dock and fueling station are just right. From my morning spent with Jim, it’s obvious that he is doing what he enjoys the most: Looking at something, seeing it for what it can be, and recreating that image into something real.

Loggerheads

View of the river

Dockside

Jim with his assistant Lori July 3, 2014 27

Lady of the Lake The beautiful Lady of the Lake is available for cruises. The three-deck yacht accommodates up to 150 people and offers the perfect venue for corporate functions and special events such as holiday parties. River/dinner cruises are offered once a month (call for information), but the current focus is on the corporate, special event, and association market. For pricing, go to www.lakecharlesdinnercruises.com. Please direct inquires to info@lakecharlesdinnercruises.com or call (337) 491-6794, and like them on Facebook (Lady Of The Lake, Lake Charles Dinner Cruises, LLC).

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Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles. This McNeese 75th anniversary event will pit teams against each other in a “Thinkfast” It’s time to Party By the Pool at L’Auberge Casino Resort! game show format with multiple choice and speed rounds for Don’t miss Kenny Wayne Shepherd on July 3, the fabulous cash and prizes. There will also be a dinner buffet and cash bar. Flamethrowers on July 10, and Chubby Carrier on the 17th! Purchase your tickets at www.ticketmaster.com, the L’Auberge Tickets are $30 per person. A table of eight is available for $250 Business Center, or Legends at L’Auberge the night of the show. that includes reserved seating and wine. Tickets are on sale now at http://75th.mcneese.edu Must be 21 to attend.

Party By the Pool July 3, 10, 17

Red, White Blue & You July 4

Pops Goes to the Movies! July 12

Happy 4th of July! At 6 p.m., the parade will roll from Mill Street heading south on Ryan Street toward Lock Park/7th Street. Line the streets for beads and candy. Following the parade is a patriotic musical program beginning at 7:15 p.m. in front of the Civic Center along with face painting, balloon clowns and food vendors. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs. If inclement weather prevails, the program will be moved into the Civic Center Coliseum. The ﬁreworks extravaganza will begin at 9:15 p.m. Tune into Fun Radio 92.9 FM or Gator 99 for the soundtrack simulcast. Call 491-9147 for more information.

Lights! Camera! Action! The Lake Charles Symphony goes to the movies (with videos projected above the orchestra) with Hollywood favorites including Gone with the Wind, Rocky, Forrest Gump, Titanic and Pirates of the Caribbean. Guest conductor Carl Topilow combines his experience as a conductor, skills as a clarinetist, and outgoing personality to present an innovative concert for the whole family on Sat., July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theater. Visit www.lcsymphony.org for ticket info.

Navajo Weaving Exhibit Through July 12

McNeese Trivia Night July 10 Get ready for a Trivia Night ﬁlled with both McNeese history and local trivia at 6 p.m. July 10 at the Cash & Carry at 801

Discover works of art created by Navajo weavers and how styles were inﬂuenced by tradition and trade at the Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Texas. Open Tues.- Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

box. Class begins at 2:30 p.m. and is limited to 25 children. Wednesday, July 9: Popsicles Enjoy a cool refreshing Popsicle from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, July 3: Lowe’s Workshop for Kids Lowe’s employees will help children build a wooden project they can keep! Class begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to 25 children.

Thursday, July 10: “Teach Me! ABC” At 11 a.m., local children’s book writer/illustrator Peggy A. Borel will read her book, Teach Me! ABC Afterwards, she will have a book signing.

Friday, July 4: CLOSED for Independence Day

Friday, July 11: Experiment with Paint Just come to the ArtSpace between 10:30 a.m.-noon and experiment with paint!

Saturday, July 5: CyPhaKids Get Animated At 11 a.m., children will learn about Walt Disney and do some fun crafts involving Disney’s Frozen! The program is limited to 20 children ages 4-10. However, if more than 20 children are expected, there will be a second event at noon! Monday, July 7: Giant Guitars Make a cool giant guitar! Class begins at 2:30 p.m. and is limited to 20 children.

Saturday, July 12: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show “What can you do with pressure?” Sasol’s Mary Idlett will perform experiments designed to show the cool things that can be done with pressure. Examples include: inﬂating a balloon with lemon juice and baking soda, the balloon blow-up challenge and the hanging water experiment. The show begins at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, July 8: Tropical Fish Paint a pretty tropical ﬁsh. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 20 children.

Monday, July 14: Choose a Project Workshop Choose to decorate either a plane or a jewelry

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Tuesday, July 15: Choose a Project Workshop Paint your own aboriginal boomerang or a Chinese fan. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 20 children 4 years and up. Wednesday, July 16: Popsicles Enjoy a cool refreshing Popsicle from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, July 17: MAD HATTER Science MAD HATTER, Joan Vallee Rettke will present “Exploring Science at the Beach!” Children will learn about wave motion and why we should wear sunglasses. Children will make a “wave in a bottle”. The program begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to 20 children 4 and up.

The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. Call 337-433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org for more information. Vol. 6 • No. 7

Located at 712 Green Avenue, Orange. Go to www.starkmuseum.org for more information.

Weddings With Style Bridal Show July 13 Planning a wedding? Then head to the Calcasieu Marine Bank Building on July 13 at 1 p.m. for the Weddings With Style Bridal Show. Meet photographers, wedding cake designers, caterers, musicians, wedding consultants, hair and makeup artists, and other creative wedding professionals. Admission is $5. Call 652-4101 or 310-0405.

Cajun Music & Food Festival July 18-20 Burton Coliseum will be jumping with lively Cajun sounds July 18-20 for the 27th Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival, presented by the LC Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association. Enjoy continuous Cajun music, dancing, arts and crafts, food, sweet shop, ice cream, live auction, silent auction, rafﬂes, and cake walks ending with free admission to a Cajun Mass on Sunday morning to end the festival. For more information, call 274-2482.

cal and state newsmakers and the media through skits, songs, monologues and videos. It will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Sat., July 19. For tickets or to inquire about corporate sponsorships, call the Gridiron voicemail hotline at 583-4766 or email gridironshow@yahoo.com.

Whitetails Unlimited Banquet August 9 Southwest Louisiana Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will hold their annual banquet on Sat. Aug. 9 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Games/ Rafﬂes & Social Hour – 4:30 p.m. Dinner – 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $40 single, $25 spouse, $15 child (15 & under). Contact Misty Kelly for more information @ (337) 263.8682 or mistykelly@bellsouth.net.

NAMI Family Fun Day July 19 National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Louisiana is excited to announce the First Annual Family Fun Day to be held on July 19 from 4-7 p.m. at the Pinederosa Park in Westlake. This family-friendly event will feature entertainment, great food, prizes, and lots of family fun. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information visit www.namiswla.com; to RSVP call (337) 433-0219.

Gridiron July 19 Gridiron, the annual night of skits, songs and laughter, is the show that the American Press called “the ‘Saturday Night Live’ of Southwest Louisiana.” The fundraiser pokes fun at lo-

Shangri La Botanical Gardens Wednesdays through August 13 Make your summer a little more “wild” and attend a family program that explores a variety of interesting topics about nature, the environment, science and the world around us. Included with general admission. Members free. Runs from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

July 9: Habitat Safari Travel through swamps, forests and meadows to explore the different habitats of Shangri La critters

July 16: Ants, Bees and Crawfish Find out where animals go at the end of the day!

July 23: Guerilla Gardening Make a seed ball to take home and see how native plants work in your garden

July 30: Wonders of Wetlands A family program to discover how wetlands help people and wildlife. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center 2111 West Park Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 www.shangrilagardens.org (409) 670-9113 Vol. 6 • No. 7

July 3, 2014 31

their owners and ready to protect them. And that’s really all you need to know, because your kids are going to love this movie. Hiccup and his friends try to uncover evil Drago to change his dragonhating ways. The leader of Berk is Hiccup’s father, Stoick and he (Dreamworks, 20th Century Fox, 2014) simply wants to A few years back, How to Train Your find Drago and take him out. So really, Dragon was a runaway hit with kids. the plot of this sweet animated movie This year, the sequel arrives, and prom- revolves around a world at peace versus ises to take children’s movies to a new a world embroiled in fighting and war. level with its action and drama. And as Vikings, war is the people of Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), the young Berk know how to do. Hiccup, the nedragon trainer from the first movie, has gotiator and peacemaker, gets himself aged five years. The dragon-fighting and his friends in pretty hot water as he Vikings in his village have become tries to reason with Drago. dragon-loving Vikings, flying them for This heavy theme is considerably sport, for transportation, and because lightened by Hiccup’s friends and a it’s just cool to fly dragons. mob of cute baby dragons. Tuffnut and Berk, the village where Hiccup lives, Ruffnut are fraternal twins, and Ruffis full of characters, I mean, they’re all nut falls for a hunk of a dragon-trainVikings, with hair braids and everyer named Eret. Her comic overtures thing. I guess Vikings are known for are straight out of an old Warner their mechanical savvy, because these Brother’s cartoon. (Flex those musfolks have more machinery and gadgcles again, Eret!) ets around than Fred Flintstone, all of As we’ve come to expect, Dreamthem geared toward raising, training, works’ animation is stunning, and grooming dragons. with flying scenes that take Hiccup has a sweetheart now, Astrid, up where Avatar leaves and he’s having issues with his Dad off, and clueless cartoon who wants him to take over his role as sheep that were feathe village chief. Other than that, life is pretty good, and Hiccup flies his personal best friend dragon Toothless all over the countryside, looking for other lands. During one such flight, he comes across dragon trappers and hears about the movie’s villain, a guy called Drago who is trying to capture and own all the dragons in the world. Ok, time out. The dragons are really the whole appeal of this movie. They’re cute, adorable, and potentially deadly. Children have always been fascinated by dragons, but these creatures actually remind me of loveable dogs, totally devoted to

How to Train Your Dragon 2

32 July 3, 2014

tured in the first movie. Oh, and did I mention cute dragons? From what I gather, this film is the middle movie of a trilogy. How did they ever come up with the idea of a trilogy? That’s so original. Anyway, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is easily the most popular kids’ movie I’ve seen in theaters. Children sitting near me were riveted on the dramatic plot and the dragons. They applauded spontaneously during the movie and especially at the end. During the few slow scenes, they were asking their parents questions about the movie, so parents, remember to keep up. Contrast this with so many of these kids’ movies where Mom and Dad have to constantly bring the tykes down to get popcorn or some other treat to keep them quiet. Not this time. The movie itself is the treat, so enjoy your kids enjoying it. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is rated PG for intense dragon action.

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Automobile Axle Car Classic Dashboard

Engine Gasoline Mechanic Oil Change Steering Wheel

Tires Transmission Trunk Vehicle Windshield

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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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July 3, 2014 33

Normal Families (or Not) At least once in a while, many of us complain that our families are dysfunctional. But your family has nothing on these people. I thoroughly recommend all three of these books. In North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both, Cea Sunrise Person relates the remarkable circumstances of her youth. In 1971, only 18 months

34 July 3, 2014

after baby Cea was born, her grandparents decided they needed to get away from society and moved the whole family to the Canadian wilderness of Northern Alberta, where Cea’s grandfather convinced the chief of the local Stoney Indian tribe to let his family live on their land. They stayed in a teepee: “We were five adults and a toddler living in a twenty-foot circle, so to say quarters were cramped was an understatement,” writes Person. But in the beginning, they had little idea how to survive. “The work involved was much more grueling than even they had expected. Our diet consisted mostly of wild game, so my grandfather spent hours each day hunting bear, moose and grouse. ... Every day there was water to haul, laundry to wash in the river, wild berries, mushrooms, onions, and edible flowers to pick, and endless amounts of wood to collect and chop for the upcoming winter.” And in the winter, “We slept beneath lay-

ers of bearskins with heated rocks in our beds, but even then, we woke up with icy ears and snot frozen to the tips of our noses.” Marijuana played a major role in the “hippie” family dynamics, writes the author, as did inappropriate adult behavior in front of a child. After they moved into an actual house and a kindergarten friend of Cea’s popped in to say hello, “I wasn’t sure what was worse: the fact that Mom was standing before us with a joint in her hand, or the fact that she was doing it topless.” At least, Cea realized the adults’ behavior was wrong, and she later found a unique way to escape to a life of her own. Julie Gregory’s autobiography is titled Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood. Munchausen by Proxy is a form of child abuse, “the falsification or induction of physical and/or emotional illness by

a caretaker of a dependent person. In most cases, the perpetrator is a mother and the victim is her own child.” The goal is to “gain sympathy, nurturance, and control over others.” “My first memories of medical mayhem,” Gregory writes, began when she was three. Her grandmother would give her “Cracker Jacks that taste funny, or some strange warped candy melded to its wrapper.” Her mother would offer her “suckers”: “Mom pulls out a new book of matches and carefully bends back the cover to expose two fresh red rows of the minipops she’s been giving me for as long as I can remember. My mouth waters when I see their shimmery crimson tips. The first Vol. 6 • No. 7

one is always the best, and I pluck it out and get it fast on my tongue, waiting for the metallic zolt to rush my taste buds.” Her mother would give her inappropriate medication, invent symptoms for her, and drag her to doctors again and again. “She reads late into the night, long after we’ve all gone to sleep, keeping an eye out for our symptoms so she can suggest the right tests and meds to the doctor.” When one doctor prescribed a special diet for little Julie, her mother went out and bought every single thing on the forbidden list. “I never stop feeling sick and I never get better,” she writes. Her parents moved little Julie and her brother to a trailer in “a backwoods patch” where no one would bother them. They took in elderly veterans and foster children, for the money, “and sooner or later, each of those foster kids seemed to develop a medical mystery of their own.” When the adult Gregory learned about MBP, all the mysteries of her past clicked into place. She now wants to spread the word about its dangers: “Doctors are the unwitting accomplices in MBP, conditioned to have blind faith in what they are told by patients and families.” Normal Family by Don Trowden is a novel that reads like a memoir. But this one -Vol. 6 • No. 7

because it’s fiction -- is funny, and made me laugh out loud. “All I ever wanted was a normal family -- whatever that might be -- free from the constant insanity and fighting, to be raised in a supportive environment along the lines of what I saw in other respectable homes,” young Henry, our protagonist, tells us. “Why was my family so bizarre? Had I been secretly adopted? Was I being punished for the sins of some previous life?” Henry’s grandfather had a bomb shelter next to his New England home, “a subterranean hideout where he frequently slipped away for solitude and gin.” His mother suffered from depression, but each person in the family had quirks. “My mother, brother and grandfather were similar in one significant way -- each had little use for other people. Each had an investigative mind, the scientist’s mind. Input from others was always wrong; no one could possibly do anything as well as they could.” The book has tender moments surrounded by hilarity, along with some wonderful one-liners: “Albert (his brother) had drolly remarked our mother was someone who preferred to burn her bridges before she got on them”; “Grandpa swerved up the lawn looking like Frankenstein in search of unsuspecting villagers.” Copyright © 2014 by Mary Louise Ruehr. July 3, 2014 35

Thursday, July 3 Live Piano 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Live Music 6 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles Bernie Allen 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Kenny Wayne Shepherd 7 p.m. @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 p.m. @ Crystals 112 Broad St., Lake Charles Stratton Doyle & Mike Dolan 10 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Thursday Dollar Night @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar all night Free cover ‘til 10 p.m. w/College ID 5329 Common St., Lake Charles

Friday, July 4 Fireworks Cruise with Kadillacs 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Call for price 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Live Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles 36 July 3, 2014

Bag of Donuts 8 p.m. - Midnight @ Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Flashback Friday 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles BB & Company 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles Marvelous Wonderfuls & Large Marge 9:30 p.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles John Guidroz & Kevin Lambert 10 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles Isis 10:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Saturday, July 5 Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar

777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Live Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles Lucy In Disguise 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Ashes of Babylon 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Live Music 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Karaoke with DJ 8 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles DJ Night 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Joe Harmon & The Harmonics 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Saturday Night Party Time 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar until Midnight Free Cowboys Kool-aid 5329 Common St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Ryan Bunch 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Vol. 6 • No. 7

Rebel Cruiser 9:30 p.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles Bill & Kev’s Excellent Adventure 10 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles Isis 10:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Sunday, July 6 Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Andrea Marie & The Magnolia Band 6 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

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Music 10:30 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

DJ Verrett & Karaoke 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Live Music 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Movie Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Tuesday, July 8

Wednesday, July 9

Legends in Concert 5 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Legends in Concert 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Music 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Live Music 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Kris Harper 8 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Monday, July 7

Tab Benoit 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Thursday, July 10

Karaoke Night 7 p.m. - Midnight @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Mic Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

John Autin 6 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Kevin Lambert 8 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Kory Fontenot 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles

Live Piano 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

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Legends in Concert 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

The Flamethrowers 7 p.m. @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Admission: $10 Shane Rodriguez & Hillbilly Trick Show 8:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Free cover ‘til 10 p.m. w/College ID 5329 Common St., Lake Charles DJ Mata 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Friday, July 11

Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Live Music 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

John Autin 6 p.m. @ Jack After Dark Nightclub L’Auberge Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Night Ranger

Legends in Concert 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Live Music 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Thursday Dollar Night @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar all night

Live Music 7 p.m. @ Stellar Beans Coffee 319 Broad St, Lake Charles

8 p.m. @ The Pavilion Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Flashback Friday 9 p.m. – until @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Louisiana Express 9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Hold Fast Fables 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Dance Night 9 p.m. - 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles John Guidroz & Kevin Lambert 10 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles Oh Rhien 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles Isis 10:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

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DJ Mata 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Live Music 8:30 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Brian Racca, Jr. 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles

Chad Fisher Group 7 p.m. @ The Delta Downs Hotel Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton

Karaoke Party 9 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles

Howard Sonnier 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Saturday Night Party Time 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar until Midnight Free Cowboys Kool-aid 5329 Common St., Lake Charles

Temptations and The Four Tops

Firehouse, Warrant, and Dokken

Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles

Special Event Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

7 p.m. @ The Delta Events Center Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton

8 p.m. @ The Pavilion Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

DJ Night 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Chubby Carrier Band 10pm @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Dancing 11:30 p.m. @ Crystals 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Saturday, July 12 Legends in Concert 5 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Live Music 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Happy Fourth! Lake Charles! If you live here and consider it to be your home, you have a connection and hopefully, some kind of love for this city. If you don’t, I must still have a lot of work to do. I’ve said many times that I no longer hear anyone say that there is nothing to do in Lake Charles. The disappearance of that statement alone shows just how much we have progressed lately. One of the biggest events to place at this time is Red, White, Blue & You put on by the City of Lake Charles, which always draws a huge crowd. July 4 is on a Friday this year, which means attendance will be even better than usual. The parade begins at 6 p.m. At 7, the bluegrass band Market Blue will perform at the Amphitheatre before the start of the program, which includes the Lake Charles Community Vol. 6 • No. 7

Band with the Louisiana Choral Foundation and Friends “Salute to Armed Forces” at 8. Then, walk over to the seawall where the fireworks blast off over the lake at 9:15. This great evening of fun is completely free to the public. You can’t beat that. There are so many more events that are scheduled for the remainder of the summer and at least one of them is sure to appeal to you. Visit The JAM online at www.thejambalaynews.com if you need an overview. Over the years, I have developed a greater appreciation for the work that goes into showcasing the arts community. We are very fortunate to have such a distinguished and eclectic arts scene with a large support system keeping it alive and growing. Summertime also means outdoor fun. Being outdoors is great for you, although you should be smart about it, so stay hydrated and don’t over-exert yourself. If you’ve come up with some interesting outdoor activities, please share them with The JAM on Facebook. This leads me to my next observation, which was confirmed to me by a friend and his wife during a late-night dinner recently. He brought up the fact that we are used to creating our own fun here in the Lake Area. He was absolutely right. While there are many things to do, we ultimately have to get creative to keep things from getting

stale or repetitive. As you know, I love to share the new and often exciting businesses or attractions that are coming. Lately, I have been hearing tons of rumors. A few, in my opinion, would change the landscape of some of our districts. However, I want to confirm them before I get your hopes up. You would be surprised to know how many businesses almost came to our area, but due to a detail or two, the entire plan was scrapped.

Music Artist Showcase We have begun our MAS (Music Artist Showcase) Summer Series and I would like to thank everyone who made the first showcase such a success. We did not want to sit idle this summer and wanted to engage a group of people that normally are not able to showcase what they love to do. We even added a live audience. If you are interested in attending, e-mail laonairwithbrayj@ gmail.com for more details and stay tuned to www.heybrayj.com and our online radio show, LA ON AIR with BRAY J to see the progression of the six-week series. It’s a brief introduction to the showcase we will present to Southwest Louisiana in September. I believe that community matters greatly and I am honored to use what I’m passionate about and enjoy assisting others in getting a few steps closer to fulfilling their goals. It bothers me when people have all the potential in the world and stand in their own way. Fight that urge and allow those who genuinely want to support you to help. I am almost positive you have nothing to lose by taking those steps of faith. July 3, 2014 39

Isis 10:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder DJ Mata 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Sunday, July 13 Live Music 5 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Dancing 11 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Tuesday, July 15 Karaoke Night 7 p.m. - Midnight @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Dancing 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles DJ Verrett 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Mic Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles William Christian 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Monday, July 14

Wednesday, July 16

Music 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. @ Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino 100 Westlake Ave, Westlake

Sad Sam Blues Jam 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Thursday, July 17 Chubby Carrier 7 p.m. @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Coming Soon... Thursday, July 24 Neon Trees

Thursday, July 31 Better Than Ezra

Thursday, August 7 Molly Ringwalds

Thursday, August 14 Weezer 7 p.m. @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles 40 July 3, 2014

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BAYOU BOMBSHELL BIKINI CONTEST 3Topia Bar & Grill was the place to be for the Bayou Bombshell Bikini Contest. The ladies strutted their stuff before a crowd of energetic onlookers enjoying a great evening of fun and cocktails. Cash prizes were awarded to the winner and runners-up rocking their teeny-weeny bikinis! A fun time for everyone!

Kerry Buch, Amanda Hymel and Blair Lackey

Laurie Clark and Brandy Hendricks

Courtney Fruge, Mallory Derouen and Gabby Boudreaux

Amber Pauley, Mike Bennett and Kylie Wall

Shalae Chachere, Ashleigh Wells, Chaynna Little, Catherine Dronet and Marylin Janicaek

LOUISIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOXING HALL OF FAME LHSBA Boxing presented the second annual Boxing Hall of Fame and Reunion at the Sunset Event Center in Sunset, Louisiana. The 2014 Hall of Fame inductees were presented and a showcase of uniforms, trophies, statistics, pictures and variety of memorabilia told the story of boxing in Louisiana from 1931-1958. Thumbs up to a championship event!

Liz and Calvin Clary, Jr. with Melba Clary Christ and Melda Clary Tridico

Susanne Granier, Michelle Granier and Jerry Besson Vol. 6 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 7

Eric Leger and Joe Biundo

Kenny Bazer, Winston Broussard and Barry Trim

Sonny Brunson, Poochie East, David Papania, Carl Williams, and Floyd East July 3, 2014 41

LIQUID SOCIETY PARTY BY THE POOL Rain or shine, Party by the Pool at L’Auberge Casino Resort was on! The crowds came out for an evening of indoor and outdoor fun, food, cocktails and entertainment by blues/jazzman Andy Frasco. It was the steamiest Party ever! We’ll be there next week—will you?

Kathryn Cardone and Allie McNeely

Lindsey Myers, Jim Brown and Siri Fontenot

Mohammed Mohammed and Luca Brais

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Chris Dougherty and Kate Moore

James and Gwen Babineaux with Fred and Joanette Jones

Vol. 6 • No. 7

BAYOUCON BayouCon is a three-day event that brings out all the sci-ďŹ , gaming, comics, and anime enthusiasts in the area, many in costume! Held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, there were plenty of photo ops with featured media guests Cliff Simon, Noelle Hannibal and more, a dealers room, BayouCon merchandise and a variety of vendors. It was an unforgettable, action-packed experience!

James Fail, Joshua Suit, Dominique Fleitas and Kim Beierl

Heather Browning, Andrea Perez, Jessica Higgins, Jennifer Soenksen and Destinee Richardson

Vol. 6 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 7

Steve, Monica and Kaitlyn Huddle

Krysis and Buddy Jefferson

Emily Fults and Jessica Backes

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