The Jambalaya News, Vol. 6, No. 8 - 07/17/14

July 17, 2014 • Volume 6 • Issue 8

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 George Cline Angie Kay Dilmore Dan Ellender Julie Ann Fay Mike McHugh Roger Miller Cindi Broussard Rust Mary Louise Ruehr Jody Taylor Karla Tullos Calvin Tyler Sales sales@louisianajam.com

On cover: CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital

COVER STORY 20 CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital

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REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA! 8 The Dang Yankee 8 Adoption Corner 9 Tips From Tip 10 Fishin’ Tales

FEATURES 4 A Mother’s Story of Survival

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13 The Team of CrossFit Adino 1 4 Yoga for Life 1 5 Eat Healthy Southwest Louisiana 1 6 Amanda Molitor

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Assistant Editor Calvin Tyler Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk Associate Photographer Johnny Owens Cajun Pirate Photgraphy Business Office Manager Jeanie Taggart

THE SPICE OF SWLA 24 Event Guide 26 Family Fun Night at the Movies 27 Acting Up! 28 Red Hot Books 30 Nightlife Guide 35 Jody Taylor Interviews Watchers 36 Society Spice

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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A Note From Lauren ian Punch or lemonade. And Down the Cellar that was our summer hangout.

We are in my favorite time of the year: the depths of midsummer in Louisiana and all that comes with it. At this time, I always remember the heat of a Boston summer without air conditioning, and how, as kids, we’d retreat to the underground coolness of the cellar for comfort on those long Dog Days.

Let me clarify: there were cellars, and then there were basements. A cellar had concrete floors and plaster walls and furnaces and exposed pipes and smelled like old dirt. There was nothing pretty about a cellar.

Think cobwebs and dark creepy corners.

A basement, on the other hand, was remodeled and had carpeting, furniture, a bathroom, and maybe even a small kitchen.

A “finished basement” was the proper name, I think, and was the envy of whoever didn’t have one.

Most of us on Barnes Ave. in our ugly three-deckers had cellars. But my friend Karen Capone, who lived about five doors down, had a very cool finished basement with a full kitchen, a bar, a long couch, a kitchen

Vol. 6 • No. 8

table--you name it. As kids do, I would always go home after a visit and pout about it to my mother.

“Why can’t we have a nice basement?” I’d complain. I don’t know why I even bothered, since I already knew the answer: “We don’t own the house. This is your aunt Jeanette’s house and she makes all the decisions. And she would never do that.”

This was invariably followed by, “Then why do we have to live here? Why can’t we find our own house and do what we want?”

Here it comes: “Because this was your grandparents’ house and Jeanette is charging us very low rent so we can all be together.”

“Why do we all have to be together?”

And so it went.

So my cousin Richard and I made the best of things by going down to our creepy cellar armed with a radio and books and magazines. We found a spot at the very front, behind the furnaces, that could fit some chairs and a table. We hung posters on the crumbling, uneven walls. My aunt Gloria would fix us Hawai-

It did not go well with Jeanette or Uncle Frankie. Back in the Dark Ages, when they were children, they were playing in a relative’s cellar when one of their cousins somehow managed to catch his clothing on fire from the old coal furnace. He burned to death. A terrible tragedy that they never forgot and drove their already neurotic minds to distraction whenever they knew we were down there. It didn’t matter that we had gas furnaces and no one was going to burn up like that unfortunate child did so many decades earlier. Even my mother came to our defense, pointing that out to them and explaining that we weren’t bothering anything. But almost every evening, one of them came downstairs to ask us questions and inspect the premises and make sure No One Was Burning Up, or was in danger of doing so.

Occasionally we would have friends over, but we had to make sure they were out before Jeanette came home from work and never on the weekend, because she didn’t really like us having visitors in the cellar. She always had a Headache and if a bunch of

us were down there, she claimed she could hear us through the heat register in her bedroom wall where she was trying to rest. Of course, being summer, all she had to do was close the register since the heat was off, but that was too logical. I think she was afraid that the neighbor kids would burn up, too and then she’d get sued.

I’m sure you can read the writing on the cellar wall. One day, we went down to our little nook and it was gone: our posters, the furniture, everything. They were tired of worrying about us down there and that was that.

Phil has a name for all the unreasonable fears and phobias that went on at that house. He calls it “Barnes Ave. Syndrome” or its acronym “BAS.” So when I think about this, I just have to shrug and say “BAS.” This was jus a BAS incident. Not the first, and unfortunately, not the last.

Lauren de Albuquerque

July 17, 2014 03

By Cindi Broussard Rust On January 21, 1990, I found myself in a place that no one ever plans for and that every parent fears. I was awakened in the middle of the night with the news that my newborn son had taken a turn for the worse and wasn’t expected to live through the night.

A few months earlier, before his birth, we had learned that Spencer had an omphalocoele, a type of abdominal wall defect in which the intestines, liver and other organs remain outside of the abdomen. Because of this diagnosis, he was delivered in New Orleans where a special-

04 July 17, 2014

ist could be present. Shortly after his birth, we learned that he also had a diaphragmatic hernia, but I truly believed that he would be okay. It was late that night that I got the news that no parent should ever have to hear.

While I lay in bed with this horrible news, the only thing I could think of was Psalm 23. Never had that scripture had such meaning to me. Never had I truly understood what the “valley of the shadow of death” meant, but instantly, I knew. Those moments felt like an eternity while I waited for someone to bring me to my son. How I wished I could run to him!

I was finally able to get to him. I was fortunate to have my parents with

me, and throughout the night we held Spencer. Early that Sunday morning, as the sun was coming up, my little boy died. My baby was only in this world for a few short days. I was not able to do anything for him. I couldn’t feed him, change his diaper, or dress him, but I could hold him while he breathed his last breath. As the sun rose that Sunday morning, Spencer went from my arms to Jesus’ arms in an instant. How blessed I was to have that opportunity.

Eventually, a nurse came and asked if we would like to see Spencer again.

I laid my only child in my lap and studied every feature of his little face.

Even today, 24 years later, when I close my eyes I can picture him in my lap.

The next day we made arrangements to go home. After much consideration, we chose to bring Spencer home ourselves. We packed up all the flowers, the gifts and the “It’s a Boy!” balloons. Words cannot begin to describe my feelings of pain and heartache as I was wheeled down to the car with empty arms. People looked at me with smiles, expecting to see a newborn baby in my arms, but there was no baby.

We drove around to the back of the hospital to pick up our son. Wrapped in blankets, we snuggled him in the back seat as we drove back around the hospital, greeted with the sights of moms and their babies going home.

This gave me a feeling in the pit of my stomach that stayed for far too many months. “Why me? Why MY son?” I would ask, over and over.

In the days, weeks, months and years after Spencer’s death, I could not see how I could possibly survive.

But even worse, I didn’t want to surVol. 6 • No. 8

vive. In my book Remembering Spencer, I attempt to describe how I felt: In the midst of the greatest sorrow I had ever experienced, I wanted to crawl in a hole and die. I truly wanted to die. What was left to live for?

While I didn’t want my family to hurt more than they already did, I wished it had been me that had died. How I longed to be with my son in Heaven!

I have always had a strong Christian faith and truly believe that one day I will see Spencer again. But the idea of not having him with me every day was often more than I could bear.

As the reality that I would not be seeing Spencer any time soon set in, I sank further into my hole.

I didn’t want to be with people, yet I longed for company. I became more depressed and I couldn’t see any way out. How could life ever be better than this?

So, how does a mother go on living day after day knowing that she will never see her child again? Without the hope of seeing her child in Heaven, that is exactly the fate that is to be expected. And I don’t know how that mother survives.

For me, I had Jesus in my life and He carried me through my darkest moments.

One of the best ways I found to cope with my feelings of loneliness, depression, anger, and bitterVol. 6 • No. 8

ness, along with my faith in God, was to journal. In my journal, I was able to say the things I could never say to any person; I was never judged and I could document events as they occurred. As I continued writing, I could look back and see the ways in which I had healed even though it felt like I hadn’t.

Telling my story has allowed me to deal with my grief. Because Spencer was so young, my fear was that he would never be known.

There were no memories of my baby smiling or walking or playing. I never heard Spencer cry and many members of my family never even met him. Who would ever know of him?

Through Remembering Spencer, my fear was relieved. Spencer’s memory will continue and hopefully, help other parents in a similar situation find a reason to

continue to live.

Two years after Spencer’s death, I was blessed with my twins Brennan and Chelsea. I have received so many blessings since Spencer’s death, which include my marriage to Bob Rust ten years ago and the addition of my stepdaughter, Rachel.

Every day was a struggle for me and gradually, I learned to take one day at a time until now I can say that I have survived 24 years.

In the midst of my greatest pain, I clung to anyone who knew my suffering and who had

experienced a similar loss.

Knowing someone who had survived a multitude of years was a glimmer of hope that I, too, could survive.

That hope is what I want to leave with you today. Survival is possible. Not easy, but possible. And you, too, can learn to live again.

More information about Remembering Spencer can be found at: cindibroussardrust.tateauthor.com or the Facebook page, “Remembering Spencer.”

Copies can be purchased at The Christian Book Center, Son Shine Shop or Victoria’s on Oak. Please join us on July 19 at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur from 1-3 as we celebrate the anniversary of the release of Remembering Spencer.

July 17, 2014 05

Antoine Everett Named to All-America First Team McNeese senior offensive lineman Antoine Everett has been selected to The Sports Network FCS Preseason All-America first team.

The 6-foot-3, 325-pounder started in all 13 games last season for the Cowboys last year and earned first team all-conference honors after he helped McNeese post a 10-3 record with an appearance in the FCS Antoine Everett playoffs for a league-record 15th time. Everett will lead an offensive line into the 2014 season that will feature four returning starters.

Family Foundation Receives Endowment O’Carroll Group Welcomes Katy Rozas The O’Carroll Group is pleased to announce Katy Rozas has been named marketing specialist. A SWLA native, Rozas graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations in 2010. She then worked as assistant marketing director for Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development and Tourist Commission before going on to attain her master’s in advertising from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. O’Carroll Group is a full-servKaty Rozas ice marketing agency in Lake Charles. For more information, email Katy Rozas at krozas@ocarroll.com or call (337) 478-7396.

The Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, the endowment arm of Family and Youth Counseling Agency Inc. received an endowment for $10,000 from Jim & Jean Evans in memory of Edwina Carson Hadley. The endowment will benefit Family & Youth’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

CASAs are volunteers who speak in court for a child’s best interest.

The CASA volunteer helps to ensure that the child receives appropriate care, whether from a foster home or relative’s home while he or she is in the court system. Volunteers are trained and supported

by CASA staff at Family & Youth.

City Savings Bank in Children’s Museum City Savings Bank will open its newest branch this fall in downtown Lake Charles. Located inside the Children’s Museum, it will introduce children to fun, interactive financial learning by providing a wealth of opportunities for learning through play. Children will be able to role play in a lifelike bank comprised of a drive-up window, teller counters, a bank vault and an ATM. Fun and interactive finance stations will be setup allowing children to make pretend deposits and withdrawals, complete with pretend cash, change and deposit slips.

(L to R) Julio Galan, Family & Youth President & CEO, receives donation from Jean and Jim Evans.

SOWELA Receives SACSCOC Accreditation

Glen Bertrand, City Savings Bank CEO (L), Robie Touchette, City Savings Bank President (second from L), and Owen “Red” Pickett, City Savings Bank Sr. VP (R), present a $12,000 check to Children’s Museum Executive Director Dan Ellender.

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SOWELA Technical Community College has been granted accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. SACSCOC is the recognized regional accrediting body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the southern United States. To gain or maintain accreditation with the SACSCOC, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges. All SACSCOC accredited schools are held to a high standard of integrity and academic rigor.

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JD Bank Announces Team at New Westlake Branch JD Bank has hired five new staff members at the bank’s Westlake Branch.

Rochelle Mallett, who will serve as the Westlake Branch office manager, will lead the new team. She has more than 15 years of banking experience working for Cameron State Bank. JD Bank has also hired Eddie (L to R) Rochelle Mallett, Monica Stein, Shelley Gary, Robin McGee and Eddie Wolfe. Wolf, Shelley Gary, Monica Stein and Robin McGee to serve as utility banker and tellers respectively. The team brings several years of banking experience from IberiaBank in Westlake.

Serving Southwest Louisiana for more than 65 years, JD Bank offers full-service personal and business banking with 20 branches. For more information, visit www.jdbank.com or call (800) 789-5159.

L’Auberge Hosts Building for Bucks L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles recently hosted the 4th Annual Building for Bucks Sand Sculpture Contest at Touloulou’s Beach. As the event organizer, L’Auberge donated $6,750 to local nonprofit organizations who participated in the event. Each organization received $350 just for competing and additional cash prizes were awarded to the three winning teams. The Children’s Museum of Lake Charles received $750 for third place, Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue received $1,000 for second place and Ainsley’s Angels of SWLA took home $1,500 for the top spot (in addition to the $350 for competing). This annual event allows local organizations to promote their mission in a fun and creative way.

Fusion Five Elects New Board Members Fusion Five, Southwest Louisiana’s young professionals’ organization, elected three new board members and voted for two new executive board members. Ashli Waldrep, Arts and Humanities Council, will serve as chair and April Altazan, CITGO, will serve as chair elect. Newest board members are Katie Hebert, Chase Bank; Mischa Moore, Springhill Suites; and Lenny Parker, Louisiana CAT. For more information on Fusion Five, go to www.fusionfive.org.

Coushatta Donates to March of Dimes Coushatta Casino Resort General Manager Jacque Romero and Director of Slots Warren Davidson presented a check for $8,490 to the Acadiana Division, March of Dimes Foundation. The sum represents associates’ contributions throughout the casino’s annual “Blue Jeans for Babies” fundraiser promotion. During the check presentation ceremony, Coushatta received awards for Gold Sponsor and 2nd Place Team Fundraising in Lake Charles March for Babies. The March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Sean Demeule, L’Auberge Casino Resort Assistant GM with the first place team, Ainsley’s Angels.

McNeese Receives Grant McNeese State University has received a $102,590 grant from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce to help lead innovation and economic development in Southwest Louisiana. The grant from the EDA University Center program funds the second year of a five-year grant awarded to McNeese in 2013. McNeese was one of 19 universities awarded the grant in a national competition to advance and strengthen regional economies.

Fontenot Joins Moffett Realty ERA Moffett Realty welcomes Shelli Fontenot to their team. She is a graduate of South Cameron High School and attended McNeese State University. Licensed in both commercial and residential real estate, Fontenot brings with her over 20 years of sales and management experience.

For more information, contact ERA Moffett Realty Inc. at (337) 436-6639, or Shelli Fontenot directly at (337) 563-5253.

Shelli Fontenot

Arts Council Celebrates 35 Years

Jacque Romero and Warren Davidson, Coushatta Casino Resort, present a check to Martha Grant, Community Director, Acadiana Division, March of Dimes Foundation.

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The Arts Council of SWLA celebrated 35 years of arts, culture, and a better Southwest Louisiana at a recent patron party held at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Lake Charles. The celebration brought together the Arts Council’s sponsors, members, and supporters as a “thank you” for continually advocating the importance of the arts on the region’s economy, tourism, and quality of life. The Arts Council distributes over $150,000 annually in grants and provides quality of life events and initiatives for the five parish region.

For more information on the Arts Council’s services, visit www. artscouncilswla.org.

July 17, 2014 07

Avocado Queen My diet changes constantly.

That’s because it’s largely dictated by whatever health book my wife happens to be reading at the time.

The one she’s on now has a lot of good things to say about avocados. And so for the past few weeks, everything that she’s fed me has had avocados in it.

I’ve had avocado tacos, avocado salad, and avocado chicken.

She’s even gone so far as to put sliced avocadoes on my corn flakes.

I believe that God’s sole purpose for putting avocados on this Earth was so that we could make guacamole. Ironically, guacamole is the one thing that my wife has not used avocados for since she got onto this kick.

I’d be okay with her book if it were only about the avocados.

Unfortunately, it also makes mention of a number of foods

and food ingredients that are supposedly very bad for you and should be avoided at all costs. It would figure that just about every food on the “do not eat” list is something that I happen to like.

Take noodles, for instance.

According to my wife’s book, any food that contains noodles should carry a skull and crossbones on the packaging. That doesn’t seem right to me. Had it not been for ramen noodle soup (not to mention cheesesteaks— also on the list), I would never have survived my college years.

The soup remains a favorite lunch staple to this day. I get it by the case at the warehouse club. The stuff never goes bad.

If you uncovered ramen noodles at an archaeological site, you could cook them up and feed the dig team with them.

So imagine my dismay when

I went to fix lunch one day, only to find that my stash had been purged from our pantry.

“I threw them out,” my wife admitted.

“Why on Earth did you do that?” I asked.

“The book says that it’s bad for you to eat all those Roman numerals.”

She’s now on a witch-hunt for all food ingredients that the book lists as taboo, carefully inspecting every product label at the store to ensure that no offending item makes it into her cart. This includes granola bars, of all things, which are also on my top ten list.

“Heck, aren’t granola bars supposed to be high in fiber?”

I asked her. “The last book you read, we couldn’t get enough fiber. I was surprised you didn’t mix yarn in with my spaghetti.”

“Yes,” she answered. “But

they also contain high maltose corn syrup. That more than cancels out any benefit of the fiber.”

“Okay then, so what could I have instead in the evening with my glass of one-percent milk?”

“Don’t worry,” she said.

“I’ve decided to make my own granola bars, without the corn syrup.”

“And what are you going make them from? Does the grocery store have anything that’s not on your book’s hit list?”

“Sure they do.”

“Like what, for instance?”

She looked me straight in the eye and said, “Avocados, for one thing.”

Mike McHugh is a syndicated columnist from Lake Charles.

You can follow him on his blog at thedangyankee.com or on Twitter @dang_yankee.

Featured by LAPAW Rescue, contact us at www.lapaw.org Maxie, our gentle giant, is a 6-7 year old Chow mix that was returned to us after six years. He did, however, bring with him excellent manners.

He will “sit,” “shake hands,” and loves to smile. He came to us heartworm positive but has finished treatment and is ready for his new “forever” to begin. He recently finished with yearly shots and was found to need thyroid medication.

Although this makes him a “special needs” dog, we place emphasis on the “special.” The medication is relatively inexpensive, restores the thyroid to normal functioning, and gives the prognosis of a long 08 July 17, 2014

and happy life.

Our Maxie loves all things living and his BFF is a cat that currently lives with him in his foster home. He is perfectly crate and house-trained. He has not been around children but, with such a sweet temperament, our guess is that he would love to have some around as long as they are not small enough to be accidentally knocked over. He needs a fenced yard with some room to run and his own person(s) to call his own. If you are looking for a loyal buddy with years of love to give, this boy could be the one! 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.

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Out with Old, Confused by the New I finally did it. I ditched my old Blackberry and went to an Android Samsung Galaxy S4.

If you happen to notice one flying through the air, you will know from whence it came. I am not saying that I don’t like it, although it may not like me.

It’s just that the learning process is a pain for my old mind.

But, I will adapt and learn the ways of the new phone. I have to; I’m under a contract that has more pages than Funk and Wagnall used in several editions of their encyclopedia.

I am grateful that I am not changing out my computer at the same time, as I use both to keep my life in some kind of order.

I’m sure I can find a 12-year-old that will show me how easy it is to use any new electronic device if I really get stuck. They’re so good at setting the parental controls on electronic devices for their family. I must add that I purchased my new phone from Target. The young lady in their mobile service is, without any doubt, the most patient, helpful person you could imagine.

My frustrations, questions and problems were handled so gently and graciously that I began to apologize for bothering her.

She dismissed my hesitations, saying that was what she was there for, and with a warm smile, handled all my befudVol. 6 • No. 8

dlements.

Through my own lack of Android knowledge, I had to return for more assistance. She could not have been nicer and more patient while solving my new phone troubles and then thanked me for my business. If the customer service department in other businesses could follow her lead, there would be more satisfied shoppers.

Traffic Traffic Traffic I receive a good bit of feedback from my column; the vast majority is positive. These comments always make my efforts worthwhile, especially from my regular readers who state how much they agree with the positions that strike a cord with them.

There seems to be overwhelming agreement about the Nelson Road traffic sticks (I have recently heard them referred to as “Idiot Sticks”) as well as the overall general confusion at that McNeese Street intersection. Hopefully, the Sale Road project between Holly Hill and Lake Street will be completed sometime during this decade, which may relieve some additional congestion. The installation of traffic signals at Holly Hill and Prien Lake Roads is finally a reality. I don’t know why there was any hesitation on correcting that fiasco.

The McNeese extension past Hwy 14 going east is lovely, but it reminds me of the 5th Avenue non-development from Prien Lake Road going south, where it has taken decades to even be partially utilized.

Traffic problems are going to increase with additional businesses, jobs, construction and the accompanying population. I hope that some sanity is

brought to the flow and control of our roadways.

Additionally, there are obvious places where no left turns should be allowed. Businesses hate it when vehicles cannot make a left turn into their parking lots, but when the traffic flows smoothly, drivers will reroute and find their desired location. Removing traffic signals from formerly heavily used intersections or changing to some combination of blinking red and yellow could go a long way in easing unneeded congestion.

Supermarket Roundup We’re still in the spirit of summer cookouts, so for our shopping comparison, we report the prices of a few popular condiments. The prices were obtained on July 9 and reflect the posted price on the shelf where the product was placed for sale.

The stores we surveyed were: Albertsons-Ryan Street, Market Basket-Ryan Street, KrogerMcNeese Street and Walmart-

Nelson Road.

Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise, 30-ounce jar: Albertsons $5.29, Market Basket $3.99, Kroger $3.99, Walmart $3.48.

French’s Classic Yellow Mustard, 20-ounce bottle: Albertsons $2, Market Basket $2.65, Kroger $1.79, Walmart $1.77.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup, 38-ounce bottle: Albertsons $3.49, Market Basket $2.36, Kroger $1.99, Walmart $1.98.

Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce, 17-ounce bottle: Albertsons $3.99, Market Basket (did not carry, had Kikkoman Sriracha Sauce, 10.6 ounce bottle $2.55), Kroger (only carried 28-ounce size, $3.99), Walmart $2.78.

Note: Adding Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce to your favorite icecold beer makes for a delightful Michelada. Using a frozen mug and a slice of fresh lime only adds to the enjoyment.

July 17, 2014 09

Stormy Weather Part 2 Just seven days after the “Four Mile Square Death March” fiasco I wrote of in a previous Tale, the now UnKing of the Marsh and his

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sidekick, famous local photographer Victor Monsour, returned to Cameron Parish’s Lacoste Lodge. We were primed and ready. Mud boat evaluated by a certified mechanic. Check. Water in gas line removed and gas tank refitted and refilled. Check.

Gatorade on ice. Check. Mosquito repellant. Check. Set to go.

Vic eased the boat from the Lodge’s landing and down the connecting ditch into Four Mile Square Canal. The sky was blue with fluffy summer clouds. The day was humid August hot, but we sped away with a vessel-created cooling breeze, leaving a muddy watered trail. Roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, mottled ducks and early arriving bluewinged teal fled up and away from the khaki topped cattails and marsh grass. Pre-gator harvest alligators churned and fled from us like crocs in a Tarzan movie.

Being a true Cajun (“If it doesn’t work, work harder”), I once more ignored my own rule: NEVER go in the marsh with just one boat. We weren’t concerned. It was just a check-out run for fun. What could possibly go wrong? We had done everything to ensure our success. After all, “Back up. Back up? We don’ need no stinkin’ backup.”

Vic turned the boat out of the canal into the marsh trail.

He eased the now-repaired mud boat that had water-inthe-gas-line died the week before up to the spillover.

There, he’d spent a hot, horrid and marsh-mosquitoed ten hours anxiously awaiting rescue. Yet, we were jubilant as we turned the mud boat around to head for home and a fresh seafood etouffee’ supper. But out across the marsh and on into the Gulf was a thunderstorm of mammoth proportions. Clawing out of the southeast was a tempest line. Our horizon was a black, churning-to-gunmetal-gray, lightning-bolt-edged beast.

“Vic, let’s beat that storm in, it looks bad,” I said trying to keep the concern out of my voice. I failed at that as Vic caught my fear, spun the boat about and hit the throttle. The motor roared, lifted us up on plane quickly and we sped for home.

Roar. Roar. Cough. Sputter.

Roar. Cough. Cough. Sputter. Sputter. Stop. Marsh boat demise, déjà vu all over again. “&^%#*@&%#!” Vic exclaimed as he scurried astern to the gas can, unhooked the gas line, squeezed the line’s bulb to spew gas to clear it of water or debris and reattached it.

Whine. Grumble. Whine.

Chug. Rattle. Rattle. Then a catching Roar. We were off again, fleeing into the storm but ahead of it for home.

Then, with a cough, sputter and whimper, it died. Deja vu, again. Last week’s distressing film played out anew but with another villain, a clawing-forshore storm from hell darkening everything in front on us.

It was a massive marsh cougar storm with lightning for claws, a gale force wind roar and a wall of gray squall about to bite us. It wasn’t a just-getting-you-wet pluie or a soaking mouiller, but an attrappe une avalesse: an avalanche of rain. Can’t speak for Vic but at that point, I was scared.

Then it hit. At first, it was just a heavy rain that soaked us as we squatted behind the engine in our futile attempt to block the torrent. I had been in Gulfport, Mississippi for Hurricane Audrey so it was the first time in my years afield to see rain fall a wind-driven sideways. Then the torrent pushed the rain in an upward slant, highlighted by strobes and booms that became eye-squinting flashes and ear-paining crashes.

Vic tried. He really did. He unhooked, bled the line, and shook the can repeatedly. We both knew there was water in the gas line. Again. And we were stalled out in this Vol. 6 • No. 8

all-metal lightning rod of a boat adrift high upon a sea of marsh grass and open pond.

We stole behind the engine once more, trying for any shelter, but there was none.

“Vic!” I shouted above the din, my arms tinkling as static electricity raised the hair on my arm.

“What?” he screamed back, the distress obvious in his voice.

Then there was no separation between the flash and boom. Vic’s rain-soaked black hair and mine stood on end.

Terror filled our eyes. The cougar storm swirled and clutched around us and I thought, “Tornado!”

So, we waited, trapped in our own water-in-the-gas-line petard, ignoring rule number one: Never go in the marsh with just one boat. Slowly, the storm began to lessen.

Vic, after many tries, actually

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got the mud boat started. We sputtered and stopped and sputtered and stopped and sputtered on to the landing in a welcoming sprinkle. “Home again. Home again. Sputtery jag.”

I’ve been dead once but that only lasted for three minutes.

Very much alive now, I shivered and shook for an hour from the fear-driven adrenaline rush. It took a long, hot shower and some quiet time on the couch with a consoling fireplace lit for comfort and warmth in the middle of August before I returned to what we call normal. Just undead tired to the bone. And exalted just to be alive.

I never went into the marsh again without being accompanied by another boat.

And Vic, well he never went back to the gas station that sold him gas with water in it.

Twice.

July 17, 2014 11

By Calvin Tyler Diving headďŹ rst into the deep end of a health and wellness issue, I was able to cross paths with a handful of interesting professionals dedicated to helping others to set their goals and then surpass them. They forge bonds of passion and alter perception by bringing positive changes to the day-to-day activities of their clients. The trainers in this section are some of the best in the area and, combined, share more than 35-plus years of experience. I was honored that they were willing to sit down with me and share their stories and ambitions. My hope is that their interviews shed some light on how making a few changes in your life can really count for a better existence.

12 July 17, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 8

By Calvin Tyler Hearing a lot about the intensity of Crossfit training, I ventured over the bridge to meet the team of Adino Crossfit in Sulphur. The building itself is located on Beglis Parkway, and has been refashioned from an old car wash with the helmet of a warrior adorning its face. This facility is incredible for its intended purpose--to mold the ordinary into the extraordinary--with ropes and gymnast rings hanging from the ceiling, a wall of chin-up bars, tall plywood cubes, and a number of other insane doodads. I assume this is the kind of place Batman would train--sans Liam Neeson and the mountains.

years and tells me that they just did five pounds more than they could last month on a lift. It’s amazing.

WILLIAMSQUELLE: A friend of mine invited me to try out three years ago and at first, I thought it was like a fitness boot camp and I said, “I’m not doing it, I’ve done a hundred of them before, and you can’t make me go.” After three weeks of my friends begging me to try it out, I finally went in. I worked out, and it wore me out. Then my friends said, “Well, that’s the warm-up. Let’s get to the workout.” I couldn’t finish the workout. I wanted to throw up. I hated my life that first day.

WILLIAMS-QUELLE: Or, “I finished a workout with a time-cap 30 seconds under the time-cap.”

TYLER: Well it seems, to me anyway, that there are different gyms for different things. If you want water aerobics, go to Average Joe’s Gym. But, if you want to revisit the

feeling you had when you used to play sports with your best buddies, and you want an intense workout, a community-based physical outlet like Crossfit is a better match.

WELCH: It’s like we say around here: “Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?”

For more information, contact CrossFit Adino 1022 Beglis Pkwy., Sulphur, LA 70663 DONALD WELCH: Hey (337) 496-7173 TYLER: What made you want Calvin, I’m Donald.

Learn more at www.Facebook.com/CrossFitAdino CALVIN TYLER: Hi Donald, to come back? it’s nice to meet you. You own this joint?

WELCH: [Laughs] Yeah, that’s me. All of what you see.

Let’s go inside and you can get to work.

I walk into the main building to meet two of Crossfit Adino’s trainers, Samantha Taylor and Lori Williams-Quelle. We gather some chairs together and get to the meeting.

TYLER: I’m not much of an exercise guru and am very unfamiliar the Crossfit movement.

What is the appeal of Crossfit?

TAYLOR: Every single day, somebody walks through the door and accomplishes something they couldn’t do yesterday. Something they thought they might never be able to do in their whole life. Whether it’s the person that walks in off the street and it’s their first Crossfit class, they rejoice when they make it through. Or, if it’s someone who’s been in for two

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WILLIAMS-QUELLE: I loved it. I knew that if I went back to my regular gym I wouldn’t feel that. I’ve been involved with sports since I was five years old, and never in my life have I felt like that after 30 minutes.

TYLER: It seems like someone would have to be a savage to be involved with Crossfit.

WELCH: It’s more than that.

Crossfit is more communitybased. When you come in here, we’re a family. These members here, we want them here, and they know it. We kill ourselves during workouts, and laugh about it afterwards. That’s because Crossfit is more than just results based on weight loss.

TAYLOR: Exactly. It shifts your mindset from: “I haven’t lost all the weight I want to lose,” to “I just ran a mile, and I’ve never done that before.

July 17, 2014 13

Sitting at a desk all day, working in the construction field, or even sleeping in your bed can cause serious aches and pains.

As we age, we tend to become stiffer and stiffer. Stress also takes its toll. One way to alleviate that stress is to stretch. Yoga as exercise or alternative medicine is a modern phenomenon which has been influenced by the ancient Indian practice of hatha yoga. It involves holding stretches as a kind of lowimpact physical exercise, and is often used for therapeutic purposes. I met with Chris Livergood to discuss his journey as both a student and teacher of the yoga practice.

CALVIN TYLER: How long have you been into the art of yoga?

CHRIS LIVERGOOD: Since 2000. I would pass the Yoga Center in downtown Lake Charles as I was going through an extremely trying time in my life emotionally.

My only sibling had passed…. Well, I won’t use the word “pass.” She was murdered. She was 25.

TYLER: What were your first impressions?

LIVERGOOD: The atmosphere was so tranquil and serene. No phones ringing, no traffic going by, and I paid my money and have been hooked ever since that first class.

But it wasn’t what most people think it is. A lot of people think of the stereotypes.

TYLER: Yoga pants?

LIVERGOOD: Exactly! That wasn’t the case at all. I’m a naturally anxious person, so I’ve never liked a lot of silence. Even when I would get home and notice that it was quiet, I would turn on a television just to have background noise. When I first began attending yoga sessions I was forced to listen to the sound of my own breathing and gasps. It forced me to be okay with that, face things, and savor the moment. It’s okay.

LIVERGOOD: So, I decided to walk into the Yoga Center because I had been hearing good things about it.

LIVERGOOD: That’s exactly what I tell my “Yogies” when they’re in a posture and I can see sweat dripping off of their elbows.

I’ll say, “Notice what’s on your mind right now. Breathe.”

TYLER: How long have you been instructing?

LIVERGOOD: I have been a certified yoga instructor for about 4 and a half years. I attended classes for almost 10 years and couldn’t get enough of it. [Laughing] I remember a time when more than half of my paycheck would go to yoga classes.

There were times that I would sit in for 3 or 4 classes. I just wouldn’t leave.

TYLER: Existing?

LIVERGOOD: That’s it.

Livergood holds back tears. Strength and patience are apparent as this gentle soul continues.

was your day? What are you doing tomorrow?” We’re either reminiscing or trying to make plans. But, stretching your body to the max puts you directly into the exact moment of existence.

TYLER: That’s something that seems to be recurring in the fitness world, but is especially prominent in yoga.

Almost all humans focus their energy on memories and predictions. “How

TYLER: So, one day you just said, “Wait a minute. I’ve been doing this awhile. I’m good at this. I could teach this!”

LIVERGOOD: It’s funny you say that, that because a few people would approach me because they didn’t have the time and/or the money for what facilities would charge.

They would ask if I could teach them a private lesson, and I didn’t see why not. I was more than flattered that anybody would ask me.

TYLER: That’s how it all started? One private lesson at a time?

LIVERGOOD: Yes. That was it. And I am so honored to be a part of my students’ lives, and hope to continue learning along with them.

14 July 17, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 8

We eat out about four times a week, according to studies on American eating habits. In fact, we spend half of our disposable cash on those eatery excursions.

Couple that with the fact that nearly all entrees eaten out are higher in calories, fat and sodium, versus meals cooked at home. So it’s easy to see how our collective waistlines have grown.

Eat Healthy SWLA is part of a shrewd plan for beating back obesity numbers here in Southwest Louisiana, where obesity rates for the adult population is at 37 percent — higher than the national and state average.

“That is a sobering number,” said Janice Ackley, with the Dare to be Healthy program.

The idea? If you want people to eat better, start with where they eat — at the restaurants. Eat Healthy Southwest Louisiana is a push to encourage restaurant owners and chefs to put healthy meal options on the menu. What’s considered healthy? Low calories (under 600), low sodium (under 800 mg), low fat (under 10 percent from saturated fat). Guidelines for appetizers, soups, salads and desserts are even tighter. Entrees meeting the standard will be highlighted on the menu with a green fork icon It’s no joke earning that icon, participating chefs say. Dietitians must carefully scrutinize each new meal option — and will kick it back, with helpful recommendations, if the entree isn’t within the guidelines. Wait staff is trained on the Eat Healthy program and supports diners making healthy

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choices.

“Frankly, our guests are beginning to demand these changes,” said Executive Chef Chad Jackson with the Lake Charles Country Club, one of four Eat Healthy SWLA flagship restaurant partners with the program.

And it’s not just country club food fare involved in the initiative.

Even joints offering comfort foods — like pizza — can do better, says owner Rocky Keeley with Gatti’s Pizza.

“Why is a pizza buffet restaurant here in the first place?” Keeley asked the crowd. “I’m surprised myself. But I went to them and said I want to participate and they said I could. And I’m glad to be here.”

Both Gatti’s Pizza locations— Sulphur and Lake Charles--are offering small changes, but changes that can add up to a big calorie difference (low-fat cheese on pizzas, low sodium sandwiches, low fat dressings and a “how to build a healthy salad” display to educate diners on selection and portion

control at the salad bar).

Luna Bar and Grill in Lake Charles is participating and has designated many menu items on his Eat Healthy menu. The next goal is to create a healthy kids menu. Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino and Hotel is partnering with Eat Healthy to bring healthier menu choices to over 700 Delta Down employees and to diners at Vista Restaurant and Food Court.

“It’s starting with us,” Jackson said to the crowd. “And hopefully, we can start pushing each other, as chefs and restaurant owners, to say, ‘Hey, we can do this.’ We just have to stay focused on the goal.”

The Eat Healthy SWLA program kicked off in late June at the Lake Charles Country Club, with an official “ribbon” (actually, a vegetable-strewn string) cutting ceremony, followed by a tasty lunch of chilled avocado soup (280 calories), seared lemongrass Ahi tuna over melon (340 calories), and a mixed berry crisp (300 calories).

Dare to be Healthy is the latest Challenge Grant supported ini-

tiative made possible by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. The restaurant partnership programs underscore the true purpose of the Challenge Grants, as noted by Lydia Martin, strategic initiatives manager for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. Speaking to the crowd of community supporters, dietitians, restaurant owners, managers and chefs gathered at the kick-off, Martin said, “We asked everyone to focus on two things — to eat healthy and live an active lifestyle. And this program really fits that focus. With luck, what happens here in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana will catch fire and touch not just lives here, but those in surrounding communities, too. And we’re proud to be part of that effort.”

To learn more about the Eat Healthy Southwest Louisiana Restaurant Initiative, contact Janice Ackley at (337) 478-4822 Ext. 12 or healthy@swlahec. com. Check out www.healthierswla.com and on Facebook, Eat Healthy Southwest Louisiana.

July 17, 2014 15

I recently met with local personal trainer Amanda Molitor, who shared her views on the connection between lifestyle choices and happiness. She opens up about her past and what put her on the path to helping others overcome their own physical hurdles.

Calvin Tyler: How long have you been into fitness?

Amanda Molitor: For a good five years.

CT: What initially got you into fitness?

AM: Number one, I wanted to look good. But I also wanted to live a healthier life for my son and my stepchildren, and just have better lifestyle choices.

CT: What’s your morning routine like?

AM: I always start my day off with a healthy breakfast, usually egg whites and toast. After breakfast, I’ll go to work and do a first round of training, then a second round of lifting weights, and (laughs) then I’ll come back and train all day.

CT: So, as a fitness trainer, you have the privilege of being able to work out all day. How about your clients? They probably have typical mundane jobs that require them to sit in an office all day under fluorescent lighting.

Between their 9 to 5, what would you recommend that they do?

AM: If you get a lunch break, go for a walk, go to a park, get a gym mem-

16 July 17, 2014

bership, do anything really. Just be aware that the body and mind are connected. If you’re miserable at work, it might be that you’re just not fueling your body properly and your mind is suffering. Take any chance you get to do something today that will better yourself tomorrow.

CT: Speaking of lunch breaks, any suggestions for staying on track?

AM: Pre-pack your meals for a week.

That is the key. If you don’t pre-pack your meals, then you are going to want to go out to eat, or you’ll indulge in what everyone else is having.

CT: Impulsively drive through a fast food chain and eat the burger in your car like a troll.

AM: Exactly! But even if you go out for fast food, or even to a restaurant, there’s still a healthier way of eating.

Order a grilled chicken salad or order a grilled chicken and a wheat tortilla. Just remember that wherever you go, you can request to have your meals prepared any way you’d like. I personally bring my own meals with me to a restaurant and ask if the person waiting on my table wouldn’t mind having it heated up. I still tip very well and usually stick to drinking water.

CT: You’ll do this every time you go out to eat?

AM: Every single time. Plus, I’m training for a contest right now so I’ve got to be prepared.

CT: That seems intense, but what about the people who get out of work and would rather just plop down on

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HELP FOX29 AND THE LAKE CHARLES CW ‘PACK THE BUS’ WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES

the couch and binge-watch Breaking Bad on Netflix?

What would you tell them to do immediately after work?

AM: Don’t go home right after work! Once you’re home, you’re going to want to stay home. When you get off work, go for a walk or hit the treadmill at the gym. Do something to get your heart rate up. If you do nothing after working a full day in the office, your body will be sluggish and tired. And if you are going to go home to veg out on the couch, don’t eat chips. Snack out on vegetables. Cucumbers, celery and carrots make great treats once you’ve broken your body’s addiction to sugars and salts.

CT: What happens when you absolutely cannot live another a day without the sweet taste of chocolate?

AM: Grab up a protein bar or make a sweet shake.

Just be mindful that these snacks are meant to curb your desires while also bringing you the benefits of a tight body.

CT: Aside from vanity, how would you say fitness has changed your life?

AM: That’s a tough one Vol. 6 • No. 8

(she pauses). Over five years ago (before committing to fitness) I was in a terrible relationship, so, of course I wanted to eat and eat to gratify myself immediately, which was making me very unhappy. My joints were constantly hurting, I never felt good. I was tired all the time. Sluggish. I chose to change my lifestyle.

CT: I recently stumbled across an Internet meme that read, “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” It made me think about the human body as a meat-wagon for the consciousness. Most people fuel their meat-wagons with garbage and never understand why they’re so miserable all the time. What advice do you have for someone who desperately wants to make lifestyle changes, but feels they can’t?

AM:You’ve got to make the leap. You’ll feel better and better every day that you do something good for yourself. Stay on top of how you’re feeling and make new, positive changes to your routine every single day. Like I tell all of my clients: “Get your mind right, your body tight.”

Join FOX29 and the LAKE CHARLES CW Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wal-Mart on Nelson Road as they Pack the Bus with school supplies for the upcoming school year. The collected school supplies will be distributed by the Salvation Army to area students in need. For a list of the 2014-2015 Calcasieu Parish school supplies needed, visit www.watchfox29. com. You can also drop the supplies at the FOX29/ CW station located at 129 W. Prien Lake Rd. weekdays between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FOX29/ CW Pack the Bus event is made possible by the Salvation Army, McDonald’s of SWLA, Christian D. Chesson Law Corporation, Nissan of Lake Charles, First Federal Bank, 107JAMZ and KISS FM. The Salvation Army will be taking applications for families whose children need school supplies. Please call ahead at 433-4155 for eligibility information.

July 17, 2014 17

The Partnership for a Healthier Southwest Louisiana and the City of Lake Charles will offer a free health screening on Saturday, August 16, 2014 from 8 a.m.

– noon at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall.

Healthcare professionals with CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, Lake Area Medical Center, Lake Charles Memorial Health System, and West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital are partnering to bring this comprehensive wellness screening program and provide 1,000 free health

screenings. Screenings will assess risks for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes due to the high prevalence of obesity in Southwest Louisiana.

Participants are required to fast (no food) a minimum of FOUR hours. Water and black coffee are acceptable.

Daily medication should be taken prior to the screening. Each will have access to on-site diabetes, nutrition and lifestyle change education as well as high-risk navigation services. Information will be available on eligibility

for Medicaid and Medicare services.

Wait time will be minimal, so come at any time during 8 a.m. – 12 noon to take advantage of this valuable, free screening.

The Know Your Numbers Health Screening is a Dare to be Healthy initiative, made possible by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation’s $760,000 Challenge Grant. It is matched by approximately $832,000 in matching funds from collaborating organizations in the Southwest Louisiana area. The Dare to be Healthy program is a three-year grant,

2013 – 2015, administered

by Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center in cooperation with the Partnership for a Healthier Southwest Louisiana. For more information on the Know Your Numbers Health Screening or Dare to be Healthy, please check out healthierswla.com.

Lake Area Medical Center’s Girls’ Night Out Event August 2 Lake Area Medical Center, located at 4200 Nelson Road in Lake Charles, will host Girls’ Night Out on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This informative session is facilitated by local OB/GYN physicians and other healthcare professionals and is designed specifically for girls ages 9 to 16. A series of presentations will be offered throughout the evening on topics ranging from anatomy and self-esteem—to puberty, hygiene

18 July 17, 2014

and nutrition—and much more.

Cost is $20 per person and preregistration is required. Seating is limited. Dinner and door prizes will be offered. For more information, or to register, call (337) 475-4716 or go to www. lakeareamccom/girlsnightout to download registration forms and mail with payment to: Girls Night Out/Education Department 4200 Nelson Road Lake Charles, La 70605

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July 17, 2014 19

By Angie Kay Dilmore As Southwest Louisiana industries plan for proposed expansions, the healthcare industry is also anticipating the economic boom expected with an increase in our population. At CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, they want to meet the needs of all their patients.

The administration understands that patients prefer to remain local for medical diagnosis, treatment, and

Dr. David Chang Radiation Oncologist

20 July 17, 2014

therapy rather than travel out of town for healthcare, and they are committed to this goal. They call their new concept The Healing Power of Home.

“We embarked a little over two years ago on an assessment of our community,” said Donald Lloyd II, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Administrator.

“We conducted two feasibility studies.

One we do every three years is called a community needs assessment. We go out into the entire region and talk to people of all walks of life; people who have access to healthcare, people who do not, people who might have chronic health conditions and those who are healthy.

And we asked them their perspective: what do they see as the medical needs in this community? We do the study independently – we don’t conduct it ourselves -because we want truly scientific results. The business faculty at McNeese State University conducts the study on our behalf.”

In a second study, CHRISTUS St. Patrick asked area business leaders and philanthropists what the hospital could do to improve the health status of the community. Interestingly, the results of both studies were identical. People want improved services

in the areas of cancer diagnosis and treatment, neuroscience/neurosurgery, and cardiology. And they want access to these services here at home. They want quality healthcare without having to travel to Houston, Baton Rouge, or other large cities.

Lloyd tells of a local businessman who was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. The man told the hospital administration at CHRISTUS St. Patrick he was blessed with great resources and had the means to go anywhere for diagnosis and treatment. But his friends and family were in Southwest Louisiana and no money could match that kind of support. He wished he could have stayed in the area for medical care. Those sentiments resonated with the hospital administration and helped reinforce their commitment to The Healing Power of Home campaign. “I credit this gentleman and his family for helping us to launch this initiative because he told such a compelling story,” said Lloyd.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick has pledged to invest $12 million dollars over 36 months in the areas of those three critical specialties: cancer diagnosis and treatment (oncology), neurology and neurosurgery, and cardiology.

Advanced Oncology Technology According to Lloyd, there are cancer services in Southwest Louisiana, but no truly integrated cancer center. “It’s not currently a holistic approach to cancer,” he said. But CHRISTUS St. Patrick is working on changing that. “We’ve already started revamping the cancer services we provide. We’re expanding Vol. 6 • No. 8

our medical oncology practices and relocating our chemotherapy services to a new space. We’ve brought in new physicians, new specialists, and have invested $4.5 million dollars in a new linear accelerator [used to treat cancer via radiation therapy].”

Lloyd said it is extremely intimidating for cancer patients to navigate the healthcare system. There are specialists, sub-specialists, and a myriad of treatments and protocols. How can a patient know what is the best course of action?

“We hired a nurse, called a navigator, who specializes in cancer treatment to help patients through the process,” explained Lloyd. “She’s a cancer survivor herself, so she has a unique perspective working with these patients. She cuts through a lot of the red tape in order for patients to access care quickly. She researches the current best treatments to give the patient multiple options.

We’re taking a look at how we deliver cancer care. Not only by providing the clinical science, but doing it in a more holistic integrated way. We’re bringing in nutritionists, music therapists, and looking at palliative (comfort) services for patients.”

Dr. David Chang, a radiation oncologist, was recently brought on board the team at CHRISTUS St. Patrick. He explained the progress they are making in the oncology department.

“We’re modernizing all the treatment we can offer, including a $4.5 million dollar upgrade to all the equipment in our clinic,” Dr. Chang said. “We are fully up and running with partial breast irradiation. That technology allows doctors to treat women with early stage breast cancer in just five days instead of five or more weeks. No one else in Southwest Louisiana has that capability.

In the next month or two, we’ll be starting stereotactic radiation treatments, which are very focused, very high doses of radiation that are used to treat brain or lung tumors and have been shown to be more effective than other radiation techniques.”

The hospital is also installing a new software suite called Velocity. This allows doctors to fuse and manage medical images from many different sources. Patients may have x-rays from their personal care physician, mammoVol. 6 • No. 8

The O-Arm grams from St. Patrick, and other imaging done at other hospitals. Velocity imports these images, X-rays, CT scans and MRIs and correlates them into one unified system. “The more information we have, the more confident we are that we are treating the areas with tumor and not normal tissue,” Dr. Chang added.

Meeting the Area’s Neurosurgical Needs Eighteen months ago, Lake Charles had only two neurosurgeons who were not able to adequately serve the entire region. So CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital recruited Dr. Brian Kelley, a talented young neurosurgeon from Kansas City. Dr. Kelly collaborates with the other two area neurosurgeons to provide coverage in the region.

He brings advanced cranial surgery to Southwest Louisiana, performing major brain cancer and trauma surgeries.

“We have seen a dramatic improvement in survivability of patients in the region,” said Lloyd. “We’ve invested two million dol-

lars in neurosurgical suites, including an imaging system called the O-Arm, which is an inter-operative CT scanner that can scan the full body in thirteen seconds. It helps the neurosurgeon and spine surgeon to navigate instrumentation, implants, and other stimuli used during surgery.”

Ushering in the Next Generation of Cardiologists CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital has always had a strong cardiology program and they are proud to usher in the next generation of cardiologists who bring with them the skills and knowledge of the most advanced cardiac technology.

July 17, 2014 21

“What’s most exciting for us is that some of these young men and women are originally from Southwest Louisiana and are coming back home,” said Lloyd.

“Just this month, two new cardiologists joined us, in addition to the seven we already have, and they are both Lake Charles natives. Dr. Corey Foster and Dr. Jake LeBeau both come to us from world-renown cardiology centers and are returning home to practice. In order to attract that kind of talent, we have to invest in the technology that these physicians are accustomed to using. We pledge to invest $4.5 million dollars in

cardiology technology over the next 36 months.”

An example of this latest technology is what Lloyd calls a cardiac “hybrid room.” It is a combination cardiac catheterization lab and cardiac surgery suite. This allows the cardiac surgeon to work hand in hand with the cardiologist on a patient. In most hospitals, when a patient undergoing a cardiac catheterization develops complications, surgery may be required immediately. Typically, the procedure is stopped and the patient is moved to an operating room for open-heart surgery, wasting valuable

time. With the hybrid suite, the surgery can be performed on the same table as the catheterization.

“This is a tremendous clinical benefit to the patient,” Lloyd emphasized.

“We’re also doing more work with peripheral vascular disease. Some of the work that Dr. Carl P. Fastabend is doing to improve the lives of cardiology patients is fascinating. We’re very committed to investing in that technology.”

This dedication and commitment from hospital administration means a lot to these physicians. Dr. LeBeau said, “Having trained at several larger hospitals, I appreciate the strides that CHRISTUS St. Patrick is making in improving our technology in Cardiology.

Updating our catheterization suites and building a hybrid lab gives us the ability to start and build a program for structural heart and complex interventions.

The opportunity to be there at the start of that process is part of why I came back to Lake Charles.”

A Committed Hospital Serving a Committed Community “We’re incredibly grateful to the community for supporting us,” said Lloyd.

“We currently have a capital campaign that we launched a year ago and we’ve received outstanding support from the community, businesses, industry, and individuals. We are blessed to live in a gifted and generous civic-centered community. We’ve already raised 40 percent of our goal. Our investments will be in technology and clinical services to meet the needs of our community, today and in the future.”

Lloyd said it’s an exciting time for CHRISTUS St. Patrick. “A lot of people express concerns about the state of medicine today. We believe that, in all of this adversity, and all the change occurring in our healthcare system, there’s tremendous opportunity. If you look at the talent of the young men and women who are coming here to practice and serve this community, you can’t help but feel good about the future of medicine. Over the last two years, we’ve recruited 20 physicians to this community. We are committed to bringing the right clinical expertise and the right technology here to prevent patients from having to leave the area for healthcare. We do all this to bring the power of healing home.”

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Vol. 6 • No. 8

Party By the Pool July 17, 24, 31 It’s time to Party By the Pool at L’Auberge Casino Resort! Don’t miss Chubby Carrier on the 17th, Neon Trees on the 24th and Better than Ezra on July 31! Purchase your tickets at www.ticketmaster. com, the L’Auberge Business Center, or Legends at L’Auberge the night of the show. Must be 21 to attend.

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, live and silent auctions, 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.

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 familyfriendly 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.

Remembering Spencer Reception and Book Signing July 12 Cindi Broussard Rust will be hosting a reception and book signing for the year anniversary of Remembering Spencer which outlines the intimate moments of her emotional and spiritual journey over the loss of her child. Will be held at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur on Sat. July 19, from 1–3 p.m. (337) 527-0357.

Gridiron Through 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 local 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 583-4766 or email gridironshow@yahoo.com.

Marshland Festival July 25-26 Enjoy our Louisiana heritage, music and cuisine at the Lake Charles Civic Center! Local and national artists will be playing both days of the festival. There will be vendors, food booth and so much more. Ticket info, per person: Friday ($10) Saturday ($15) 12 and under FREE. (337) 540-3182.

Monday, July 28: Creative Beading Join us at 2:30 p.m. for a beading workshop in the ArtSpace. Limited to 25 children.

Thursday, July 17: MAD HATTER Science MAD HATTER, Joan Vallee Rettke will present “Exploring Science at the Beach!”

Learn about wave motion and why we should wear sunglasses and make a “wave in a bottle.” Begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to 20 children 4 and up.

Tuesday, July 22: Wooden Photo Holder Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 1 noon and are limited to 20 children 4 years and up.

Wednesday, July 23: Popsicles Enjoy a cool refreshing Popsicle from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tuesday, July 29: Snakes and Lizards Paint either a wooden wiggly snake or lizard.

Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 20 children 4 years and up.

Wednesday, July 30: Ice Cream Ice cream will be served from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Friday, July 18: Pasta Necklaces Stop by the ArtSpace between 10:30 a.m.noon and make a pasta necklace.

Thursday, July 24: Storytime with Ms. Orchid Orchid Robinson, from the Calcasieu Parish Library, will present “Make a Splash!” Storytime will include books, songs, and activities related to water and hydrology at 11 a.m.

Thursday, July 31: Wildlife Conservation At 11 a.m., Dan Everett and his Friends of the Refuge will talk about keeping the habitat of our animals clean and show different animal furs confiscated from poachers.

Monday, July 21: Choose a Project Workshop Choose to paint either a giant pinwheel or a Domroo drum. Begins at 2:30 p.m. and is limited to 25 children.

Friday, July 25: Spirograph Fun Join us from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in the ArtSpace and play with this classic geometric drawing toy that produces mathematical roulette curves.

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.

24 July 17, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 8

Tournament of the Stars Brunch July 26 Brunch to honor the 2014 Tournament of the Stars scholarship recipients. The event will feature live music, food and local celebrity servers. It will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center on July 26 at 10 a.m. Admission is $50 per ticket.

(337) 405-9130.

Movies in the Square July 26 Bring the whole family (along with lawn chairs and blankets) to Heritage Square in Sulphur on Sat., July 26 to see Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Free admission! Begins at dusk. (337) 5274500.

choose the winning chef. Tickets are $25 and only those 21 years of age or older are allowed. They can be purchased online at www. artscouncilswla.org or at the Arts Council office at 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles.

Imagination Celebration August 23 It’s time for the Children’s Museum’s 12th annual Imagination Celebration! It will be held Sat. Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center featuring the Celebrity Karaoke Contest, a Restaurant Showcase with fabulous food from 20+ area restaurants, a cash bar and music and dancing from the 1980s with the Other Blues Brothers! (337) 433-9420.

Shine Flournoy Golf Tournament July 26-27 Call for sponsors and teams! It’s the 37th annual Shine Flournoy Golf Tournament sponsored by First Federal Bank to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center. Entry deadline is July 22. Will be held at Mallard Cove Golf Course. (337) 436-9533.

Cameron Fishing Festival August 1-2 Sponsored by Cameron Lions Club the first weekend in August, there will be a saltwater fishing rodeo, live music venues, good local food, children’s activities, and a Queen’s contest. Staged at end of Davis Road at the Cameron Jetty Pier Pavilion at 799 Davis Road, Cameron. For more info, check out their FB page.

Mad Hot Ballroom August 2 The Mad Hot Ballroom Celebrity Dancing Gala is a fundraising event for The Whistle Stop’s Dancing Classrooms program. It will be held at L’Auberge Casino Resort Aug. 2. Event starts at 6 p.m.

For more information, go to celebritydancingswla.com.

National Night Out August 5 National Night Out is designed to heighten community awareness of safety and fire prevention issues and of crime and drug prevention. There will be entertainment, free food and drinks, antique cars and crime prevention displays! It will be held at the West Cal Arena in Sulphur on Tues., Aug. 5 from 6-8 p.m. Call 527-4500 for more information.

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.

Arts & Crabs Fest August 16 Arts & Crabs Fest celebrates SWLA’s seafood and its culture at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum on Aug.16 at 5 p.m. Local chefs compete for the Best Crab Dish of 2014, and you get to Vol. 6 • No. 8

July 17, 2014 25

next clue that shows up on their phones. Yep, we’re on a scavenger hunt.

What follows is a trek where the boys find that the capsule is pulling metal pieces onto itself, building itself into what?

(2014, Disney, Relativity Media) Along This summer, kids get a new telling the way, it opens and inside is of the extraterrestrial experience, upa cute robot-creature that comdated for the digital native generation. municates to them in yes-no beeps, Earth to Echo starts with three boys, a technological Twenty Questions. who are preteens as well as best friends. They name it Echo, because it echThe boys are being split up because a oes the sounds of their voices. They freeway is being built right through find out Echo is trying to get back their neighborhood and two of their to its home planet. houses are being bought out.

Yes, it sounds like a movie you’re Their cell phones all receive a strange all thinking about, but Earth to message. After searching the Internet, Echo is filmed as a multi-camera they find out that the weird design on home movie, in a style like The Blair their phones is a map of a desert area Witch Project or Cloverfield. Like a outside of town. Grownups aren’t takvideo game, it’s fast-paced and quickly ing them seriously, so the trio decides changes angles and scenes. to go on one last adventure before they The story twists and turns, with are split up forever. That’s right, they other people (adults, of course) after follow the map. the capsule. The boys’ search for items Tuck is a techie and arms himself in their hunt takes them into the home with a video camera and other devices to document the nighttime adventure.

(They go in the night because the cameras work much better that way.)

Munch is a hoarder and brings all kind of things in his backpack that may be needed later, and will.

Alex is a foster child. They follow the map and find a strange capsule made of metal, about the size of a small shoebox. The road construction crew and police are also in the area (I guess it’s like Louisiana and they are required to work in the dark), so the boys sneak away to the

Earth to Echo

26 July 17, 2014

of a sort of crush from their class, Emma. Of course, she catches them and of course she ends up going along with them. As in all well-meaning kids’ movies, relationships count, and the trio learns through their last night together how bonding and trust work.

The boys are very loyal to one another, but their loyalty is put to the test during the evening, and they come to realize how important true friendships are, a lesson that prepares them for life and Facebook.

Earth to Echo is a pretty serious movie considering it’s intended for elementary school children.

Don’t worry, they like it. The found footage format of the movie, along with all the modern tech is pretty much enough to keep them interested.

Parents may not get into it as much, and I predict grandparents will really find the movie challenging. Let’s face it, movies are changing, and today’s approach will likely leave behind some of the older crowd. Earth to Echo is the wave of the future. Rated PG for a discussion of kissing, mild language, and intensity. Enjoy!

Vol. 6 • No. 8

Local Filmmaking and the Greatest Adventure Movie of All Time With the Fourth of July behind us and the school year not yet begun, what better way to enjoy lazy summer days than behind a film camera.

The Lake Charles Film Festival is expanding to become the Lake Charles Film and Music Festival and it’s taking contest entries on everything from feature films to live music performers. For both filmmakers and musicians, the regular deadline to enter is August 13 and the late deadline is September 15. While it may not be enough time to complete a feature, it is enough time to complete a short film or write a new song!

Filmmakers will be able to enter feature films, documentaries, short films, foreign films, homegrown Louisiana films, student films, music videos and animation. Solo artists or bands can enter in rock, pop, heavy metal, country, bluegrass, Cajun, Zydeco, rap, R&B, folk, Christian and instrumental categories. So, if you’re looking for something to do during summer vacation it may be time to dust off your video camera or guitar! You can find more information at Vol. 6 • No. 8

www.lakecharlesfilmfestival.com.

CyPhaCon Now to take a trip across the globe. The group behind the area’s local anime convention, CyPhaCon, is hosting an anime screening night at the end of July. But this is not a night of clichéd Japanese schoolgirls battling giant squid creatures while spouting crazy American pop culture references.

Although, the movies might follow some of the other anime rules in which all objects of any shape are aerodynamic and characters will have hair able to withstand any catastrophe with indestructible perfection.

One of the films being shown at the shindig will be the directorial debut of anime fan favorite Hayao Miyazaki. He’s known for inventive visuals and they are used to great effect in Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro. If that’s not enough to tempt you, Steven Spielberg has been quoted saying it’s “one of the greatest adventure movies of all time.”

The “Summer Shindig with CyPhaCon” takes place at 7 p.m. on July 30 at 3Topia in Lake Charles. Admission is

free. Lupin III is about a flamboyant thief and his gang as they struggle to free a princess and learn a secret that connects her to a magnificent treasure.

A few trivia bits to watch for include the Count’s boat, which is based on the world’s first steam turbine powered steamship. The character Clarisse’s automobile is a French Citroen 2CV, which was the director’s first car he ever owned. Last, in November 2001, the readers of Animage manga magazine voted this film as the best anime in history. Not bad for a movie made in 1979! For information on all the anime movies showing that night, visit CyPhaCon on Facebook.

Summer Film Series at the ICM Another great way to get out of the summer heat is with the Summer Film Series hosted at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum located on Sallier Street

in Lake Charles. They will be showing films hand-picked by local film buffs who will lead a brief discussion of the movies after each screening. Doors open at 5:30 for all films and the presentation will begin at 6 p.m. The price of admission is a steal at only $4 for nonmembers. Museum members get in free.

This year’s films include El Cid on July 17, hosted by Mark Judson. Charles St. Dizier will discuss The Caine Mutiny on July 24 and Bill Shearman will host One Eyed Jacks on July 31. The series continues August 7 with The Manchurian Candidate hosted by Lonnie Beene and the last screening will be The Way Home on August 14 hosted by Reed Mendelson.

Whew, that’s a lot of special screenings, film buff gatherings and unique movie shindigs for the summer! Until next time, save me some popcorn!

July 17, 2014 27

Reimagining Classic Children’s* Stories *But not for kids How would you like to travel back to the fantasy realms of Oz and Neverland, only older and wiser?

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige is a modern-day sequel to The Wizard of Oz. It begins in Flat Hill, Kansas, where teenager Amy Gumm (a bit of fun: “Gumm” was Judy Garland’s real last name) is bullied by kids who call her “trailer trash.” She dyes her hair pink to make her gray life seem less drab. Rather than the good witch’s adage in the Wizard, “There’s no place like home,” Amy thinks to herself, “There’s no place like anywhere but here.”

Amy’s irresponsible mother drinks, steals her savings, and, when tornado sirens warn of a coming storm, leaves Amy alone to fend for herself.

The tornado takes Amy to Oz, of course, along with her mother’s pet rat, Star. Oh, it’s Oz, all right, complete with a road of yellow bricks.

But Amy discovers this isn’t Dorothy’s Oz. Everything has 28 July 17, 2014

“a faded, washed-out quality.” The plant life is decidedly hostile, and even with the fantastic creatures she encounters, “There was something dead about all of it.”

The first person she encounters is a boy about her own age, who saves her life.

He tells her: “This is where it all began for her, you know. I don’t know why you’re here or who brought you, Pink Hair, but if you’re here, it means it’s all beginning for you, too.

You’re like her in so many ways, but I can tell you’re different. I can’t help you. I’m not powerful enough. But you can help yourself. Prove me right. Don’t make the same mistakes she made.”

The “her,” of course, is Dorothy Gale, of Wizard fame. Statues of Dorothy can be found everywhere. It turns out that Dorothy had indeed gone home to Kansas, but was brought back to Oz and made a princess. Once given a taste of magic, she wanted more, and then couldn’t get enough.

It’s because of her that Oz is dying.

Amy is recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked to destroy Dorothy and save Oz in a rather complicated scheme.

Amy sums it up: “So this was what I was up against.

A psychotic Midwesterner with a reservoir of magic who was never alone, surrounded by loyal killers that would disfigure one of their own without a second thought.”

Here are the Tin Woodman, the Not-So-Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow — all completely loathsome in their new roles. Here are the Munchkins, the Flying Monkeys, Glinda and the other witches, half-metal people, living trees and eavesdropping cows.

It’s actually a pretty good story. I read it right through and enjoyed it, but I was

completely disappointed with the unexpected cliffhanger ending. Nowhere did it say it was the first of series, even in the promotional material for the book. It really just stops.

There’s a lot of cringeworthy violence, but my main gripe is the unnecessary profanity in a book aimed at young adults. Using terms such as “badass” is one thing; repeated use of the “f ” word and others is another. I recommend it, but for older teens and adults.

Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen reimagines Captain Hook, who is “still trapped in the Neverland, the nightmare that never ends.” He tells us that in the final battle in PeVol. 6 • No. 8

ter Pan, the boys had killed his entire crew and left him to the jaws of the crocodile.

But the croc spat him out and let him go. That was 200 years ago. Hook, you see, is doomed; he cannot die, and he cannot escape Neverland.

The clever backstory explains how James Benjamin Hookbridge, in the 17th century, became the captain of a pirate ship. As a young man, he was bullied and found that “Affection made a person vulnerable, and so I learned to mask whatever feelings might be seen as weak in myself behind a show of bravado.”

We learn how Hook came to Neverland and how and why he lost his hand. We also see a new side to Peter Pan: When someone says Peter “is youth and joy and innocence,” Hook replies, “He is sorrow, guile, death.” We see the boy’s evil machinations from a new perspective.

Vol. 6 • No. 8

Hook describes Pan’s island: “There’s witchcraft in it, the low fog that encircles the bay and prevents escape.

Only Pan knows the way through, and none of the Lost Boys he’s guided out of the Neverland ever remembers the way out when they come back to me as men.”

But at the heart of this story is a romance. A grown woman named Parrish, about 30 years old (Hook appears to be 43), is discovered on the island. This is new. “No other grown woman has ever been seen in the Neverland.

Never, ever.” The boy won’t permit it. Why is she there?

Whose side is she on? Hook is smitten.

The book brings back the fairies, the Indians, the mermaids, the ticking crocodile, the pirates, and, of course, the Lost Boys. The premise is unique, the action is interesting, the writing is good, and the book can be funny. There is quite a bit of bloody violence.

But here’s my complaint: It is NOT for children — not in the slightest.

If the adult language and explicit sex scenes were removed, the book would lose none of its effect and would then be acceptable for younger readers.

I picked it up thinking it was targeted toward the YA audience, but as it is, I recommend it only for adults.

These are both good reads, but how silly: reimagining classic children’s stories that children can’t appreciate.

Copyright © 2014

by Mary Louise Ruehr.

July 17, 2014 29

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

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

The Crush 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

Chubby Carrier

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

7 p.m @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society, Admission: $25 L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

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

DJ Knubz 8 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

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

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

Bernie Alan 8:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Flashback Friday 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles

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

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

Big Jimmy and Reckless 7 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles Stratton Doyle & Mike Dolan 10 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles DJ Mata 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

30 July 17, 2014

Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Logan Soileau 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles Rootbeer & Mermentau, Sonic Pellets, and Lochness Mobsters 9:30 p.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

Saturday, July 19 Live Piano 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Ave. L’Auberge, 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

Friday, July 18

Grind (Alice In Chains Tribute) 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Brian Racca Jr. & Toe-up 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

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

John Guidroz & Kevin Lambert 10 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Saturday Night Party Time 9 p.m. @ Cowboys Night Club $1 Beer and Bar until Midnight Vol. 6 • No. 8

Free Cowboys Kool-aid 5329 Common St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Wayne Dylan 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles The Yams and Cane Breakers 9:30 p.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles Ashes of Babylon 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles David Joel 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Bill & Kev’s Excellent Adventure 10 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Vol. 6 • No. 8

The Crush 10:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Karaoke Night 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

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

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

Tuesday, July 22

Louisiana Night $2 Louisiana Beers $3.50 Louisiana Spirit/Cocktails 6 p.m. - Midnight @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

Sunday, July 20 Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Legends in Concert 5 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Street Side Jazz Band 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

Wednesday, July 23

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

Justin James 5 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles

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

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

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

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

Monday, July 21

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

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

$5 Wine & Martini Night 7 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles

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

July 17, 2014 31

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 Music 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Friday, July 25 Legends in Concert 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder 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

Thursday, July 24

Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, 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

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

Live Music 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Linda’s Lounge 4338 Lake St., Lake Charles Flashback Friday 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Tom Brandow 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Dance Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

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

Neon Trees 7 p.m. @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society, Admission: $10 L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Legends in Concert 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder DJ Knubz 8 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Backyard Boys 8:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Karaoke Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystals 112 Broad St., Lake Charles DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles 32 July 17, 2014

Vol. 6 • No. 8

Jason & The Kruegers, Defilement and Femaregionsix 9:30 p.m. @ MyPlace 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles John Guidroz & Kevin Lambert 10 p.m. @ Micci’s Piano Bar 3606 Ryan St., Lake Charles George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles At Fault 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 Dancing 11:30 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

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

Dancing 11 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., Lake Charles

Members Only Band 9 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Monday, July 28

Karaoke with $3 Cover 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles DJ Night 9 p.m. - Close @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Acoustic Pie 9 p.m. - Midnight @ The Cigar Club 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles Live Music 9 p.m. @ Yesterdays 5313 Common St., Lake Charles

Saturday, July 26

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

Crossroads V Festival 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. @ The Pavilion Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

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

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

At Fault 10:30 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

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

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

Firehouse, Warrant, and Dokken

Sunday, July 27

Live Music 8:30 p.m. @ Cooler’s Ice House 3622 Ryan St., Lake Charles Vol. 6 • No. 8

Tuesday, July 29 Street Side Jazz Band 6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles Karaoke Night with DJ Verrett 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

Louisiana Night $2 Louisiana Beers $3.50 Louisiana Spirit/Cocktails 6 p.m. - Midnight @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles Mic Night 8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Mark Henry 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 Music 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s

Large Marge 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St, Lake Charles

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

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

Karaoke Night 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ My Place 630 W Prien Lake Rd # G Lake Charles

Wednesday, July 30

Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St, Lake Charles Ed Theriot 5 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s 3748 Louisiana 3059 (Old Town Rd.), Lake Charles July 17, 2014 33

112 Broad St., Lake Charles Kory Fontenot 10 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Thursday, July 31 Better Than Ezra 7 p.m. @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles

DJ Knubz 8 p.m. @ Luna Live 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Coming Soon...

Thursday, August 7

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

Thursday, August 14

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

Molly Ringwalds Weezer 7 p.m. @ Party by the Pool’s Liquid Society L’Auberge Casino Resort Pool 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles

Read, Write, Swim at the Calcasieu Parish Public Library!

Recently, the Calcasieu Parish Public Library teamed up with the Sulphur Parks and Recreation (SPAR) Waterpark to give children a reward for visiting their libraries.

The Friends of the Library purchased 288 tickets, which

34 July 17, 2014

were distributed to the 12 branches that make up the library system. To enter, patrons had to write a brief description of how SPAR Waterpark and the library can be a part of their summer fun.

Submissions were entered in weekly drawings that were

held at the 12 library branches from June 9 through July 18.

“This community partnership pairs two great summer pastimes—reading and swimming! It’s more than just a drawing,” said Esther Pennington, branch manager for the Sulphur Regional Library.

“The entrants have to think about what is important for them at our libraries and our waterpark. Participants have expressed enthusiasm and pride in their writing for our libraries and our waterpark in each week’s entries. Promoting reading, writing and fun at the waterpark is an exciting partnership.”

“Sulphur Parks appreciates the opportunity to participate in Calcasieu Parish Public Library’s Read Write Swim summer reading program partnership,” added Norman Farr, Executive Director of SPAR. “It’s a unique way for us to help contribute to creating healthy minds and bodies for our children.”

For more information on the SPAR Waterpark, visit www.sulphurparks.com. To learn more about the Calcasieu Parish Public Library system, go to www.calcasieulibrary.org.

Vol. 6 • No. 8

By Jody Taylor The guys of Lake Area rock band Watchers (Chris Brennan, Clint English, Benjamin Ezell, and Joshua Bretton) stepped onto a pitch-black stage at Luna Live for their first show. The band’s latest record, “Fighting Patience,” had been released two years prior, and they were finally ready to put the material to the test at a live concert.

On that night in January of this year, they stepped into position with their instruments and looked out over the dimly lit crowd, a sea of heads almost 400 strong. They heard the barroom sounds of voices mingling, glasses and bottles clinking. Then, the lights came up and an organ melody, the intro from the album’s leadoff single “The World We Live In,” cut through the din. The crowds sang along and it was all timed perfectly.

Brennan describes this moment from Watchers’ first show as the highlight of his time with the band so far.

“Just to hear the crowd erupt when the organ started, I was like ‘Holy s—t, this is awesome,’” he said.

At its beginnings in the summer of 2008, Watchers was just Brennan and English, writing songs together, then recording in a Woodlands, Texas studio with Chris Eric, a Christian artist whose production, Brennan said, is “really smooth” but Vol. 6 • No. 8

still hits hard with an accessible modern rock edge.

English recorded lead guitar, bass, and drums, while Brennan laid down keys, organs, and lead vocals. They did the whole record as a duo, released the thing, and then got in the business of putting together a full band that could play these songs live.

“It was a lot easier that way,” Brennan said. “Clint and I never really disagree musically and we write really well together.” The songs of Watchers are a product of each member’s influences, bands like The Wallflowers, Coldplay, The Dunwells, and their buddies in Switchfoot.

The band is moving into different directions in their latest songwriting efforts.

Brennan described some songs they’re writing as “acoustic country folk with a live rock and roll sound, radio friendly and more mature.”

He expressed worry over the source of his newer lyrics, however.

“Now that I’m engaged and happy, it feels like, lyrically, I’m screwed,” he said. “I’m going to tap

into something different with the new writing.”

Watchers will soon be joining a buddy in the studio. Joshua Wells, the bass player for the band Royal Teeth (who recently performed with Harry Connick, Jr. on American Idol’s Top 10 Results Show) invited Watchers to a friend’s studio in Lafayette to collaborate on new recordings. This will be the first step to the band’s next album.

Concerning skills contained within Watchers, Brennan refers to them as the “one-stop shop.” English does websites and T-shirt designs and logo work for some of the biggest names in the biz, including Britney Spears, Blake Shelton, and Lil Wayne. Much of his work can be seen at merch tables

and Hot Topics all over the country. Brennan is a professional photographer, and the duo produces their own music videos. “The last thing we have to conquer is being able to record our own record,” he said.

Of course, the goal of every gigging musician, if they’re being honest, is to get heard and make money.

Watchers is no different, but Brennan’s personal goal is to perform on any late night show, Conan, Fallon, or Letterman. “That’s a life changer there,” he said.

Keep up on their Facebook page or at watchersband.com.

Jody Taylor is a vinyl collector, Braves fan, and editor at TheChuckLive.com, a hub site for Lake Area entertainment info.

July 17, 2014 35

OUR LADY QUEEN OF HEAVEN CHESS CAMP Boys and girls had some great indoor fun at Our Lady Queen of Heaven’s Chess Camp held at the Family Life Center. For two days they were instructed on all stages of the game such as game opening, positional motifs, and endgame positions and tactics. Then, it was time for tournament competition with game analysis after each round. Checkmate!

Malakai Turner and J’Shyrick Glodd

Mathew Acunn, Camden Young and Jake Smith

Conner Breaux, Jack Vanhoose and Aiman Mobhani

Andrew Long, Ethan Long and Mathew Alshire

Kendrick Pete and Zach Lambert

CHEWS MULTICULTURAL HAIR AFFAIR EXPO Hair professionals and students from various states set up shop for the three-day Hair Affair Expo held at the Lake Charles Civic Center. You name it, they had it: beauty, fashion, entertainment, exhibitors, training classes, barber wars and professional and student competitions! Attendees enjoyed the VIP Social Dinner and the Praise & Worship service.

Mahoganii Essence, Amanda Sapp and Ashley Briscoe

Lisa George and LaShonda Mouton Jeanbatiste 36 July 17, 2014

Emmarie Anderson and Karen Davis

Desiree Mingo and Tamarria Daniels

Wiley Stewart, Jr., Kaitlin Thompson, Amaya Mitchell, Arlene Thompson and Deja Slaughter

Vol. 6 • No. 8

SUMMER POPS GOES TO THE MOVIES The Lake Charles Symphony took a trip down movie memory lane at the Civic Center for their annual Summer Pops event! The audience enjoyed music from classics such as Jaws, Rocky, Titanic, Forrest Gump, Gone With The Wind, Pirates of the Caribbean and many other fan favorites while scenes from the ďŹ lms played on giant screens.

Guest conductor Carl Topilow and the orchestra received a standing ovation. Hooray for Hollywood!

Alice Fang and Mrs. J Huang

Maria Lamotte with Paul, Kathy and Elizabeth Barrilleaux

Theresa Romero, Claire Richert, Michael Romero and Juliette Richert

Vol. 6 • No. 8

Laine Chaisson and Gail Burley

Jillian Engel, Malloree Newell, Clay Corley and Abigail Guillory

July 17, 2014 37

WEDDINGS WITH STYLE The Weddings With Style “Martini Masquerade” Bridal Show was held at the Calcasieu Marine Bank Building. A crowd of blushing brides-to-be, bridesmaids, moms and even a few grooms met wedding consultants, cake and invitation designers, caterers, photographers, and other wedding professionals. There were food and sweets to sample, a fun fashion show, music and great door prizes. Here comes the bride!

Mikha and Adrienne Romero

Malakeh Hijazi and Courtney Ravia

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Shannon Wentworth and Callie Vidrine

Trey Stoma and Jenna Young

Harley Coker, Mellitanya Stephenson and Waranqkana Smithers

Vol. 6 • No. 8

Aerobics Biking Exercise Fitness Gym

Healthy Marathon Meditate Nutrition Relax

Spin Treadmill Vitamins Yoga Zumba

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Players take turns connecting two dots.

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

Vol. 6 • No. 8

July 17, 2014 39