WWW.TIMESSW.COM • APRIL 3, 2008 / VOL. 13, NO. 7
Playing Koasati Pines • Men’s Health and Fitness Fusion Five: Igniting the Five Parish Fuse • Art Bus Delivers For Spring Art Walk The Shadow: Easter Eggs and Big A** Fans
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GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . 617 Drew St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-439-0995 Fax: 337-439-0418 PUBLISHERS Patrick Marcantel Scot Hebert
. . . . . . .
april 3, 2008 Volume 13 • Number 7
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contents 25
NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . EDITOR Kathryn Bergstrom timesedit@timessw.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Joseph Frazier CONTRIBUTORS Kay Andrews Harry Castle, DDS Geoffrey Collins, MD Darryl Elias, MD Amie Herbert Andy Jacobson Matt Jones Patricia Prudhomme Kenneth Verheeck, MD
10 E N T E R P R I S E B O U L E VA R D A New Day in Louisiana . . . . . . . .5
POLITICS John Maginnis Dan Juneau ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Andy Jacobson
COLUMNS Inside Baton Rouge: Road Home Contract Not Worst Excess . . . .4 Who’s News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Business Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Patricia Prudhomme
COVER STORY Just a Chip Shot Away – Koasati Pines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck
FEATURES Home Grown: Keeping You In Touch – LA Radio . . . . . . .12 Training for a Better Golf Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Getting Men to Wise Up About Their Health . . . . . . . . . .31 Golf Injuries Extend Beyond the Elbow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 What’s Up Doc? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS MANAGER Romona Richard
ENTERTAINMENT Coffee Break Cross Word: When in Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Times Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 The Shadow: Easter Eggs and Big A** Fans! . . . . . . . . . . .41 Parting Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
The Times of Southwest Louisiana is published every two weeks by Patsco Publishing, 617 Drew Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 439-0995. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $25 per year. Bulk mailing permit #9 paid at Lake Charles, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Times of Southwest Louisiana, 617 Drew Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. FAX to (337) 439-0418. The Times of Southwest Louisiana 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. Copyright 2008 The Times of Southwest Louisiana all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. DISTRIBUTION: The Times of Southwest Louisiana is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The Times of Southwest Louisiana may be distributed only by The Times of Southwest Louisiana authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Times of Southwest Louisiana, take more than one copy of each monthly issue from its racks.
Visit us online at: www.timessw.com
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Cover Photo by The Times of SWLA Pictured is Vaughn Richard teeing up at Koasati Pines APRIL 3, 2008
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BIZ BYTES — by Dan Juneau
INSIDE BATON ROUGE — by John Maginnis
A Democratic Conundrum he more conservative elements of the Republican Party started having convulsions after John McCain, the candidate they thoroughly disliked, won primaries in South Carolina and Florida, all but sealing the Republican nomination. Hard-core conservatives in the GOP were despondent when Mitt Romney’s penchant for second-place finishes in the primaries finally knocked him out of the contest. Pundits theorized that conservative Republican voters would become so de-energized that they would tune out the election and hand the White House keys to whichever Democrat secured the nomination. A Democrat may still win the presidency, but the odds on that happening are not as strong as they were a number of weeks ago. The conventional wisdom held that when McCain secured the nomination, he would leave the media spotlight and become eclipsed by the Democrats—especially by the rising star of Obama. It is funny how things work out in politics. As we move on from the Ides of March, McCain now holds solid leads over either Clinton or Obama in national polling, and he also has narrow leads in key states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. McCain is obviously a benefactor of the heated and divisive contest that continues between the Democrats. It is obvious at this point that neither Clinton nor Obama will finish the primaries with enough delegates won to cinch the nomination. It is also rather obvious that Obama will have some margin of a lead heading to the convention. It is further obvious that Hillary Clinton does not plan to leave the race anytime soon. The next big contest is in Pennsylvania, and Clinton is favored to win there, perhaps by double digits. If that happens, Team Clinton will go into a furious push to convince the Super Delegates who will decide the race that she is the only hope to beat McCain. Clinton will point to her victories in large states that are key to any
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Democratic hopes of winning the presidency, especially the crucial states of Ohio and Pennsylvania that are practically a must for Democrats to carry to take over the White House. They will note that many of Obama’s victories came in states that the Republicans will likely carry in the fall. Clinton will claim that older voters and women, who are keys to a Democratic victory, will lose their enthusiasm for the contest if she is not the nominee. Obama, on the other hand, will make the case that if he is the leader in both the popular vote and the delegate count heading into the convention, the party will be ripped asunder if he does not emerge as the nominee.
“... THE PARTY WILL BE RIPPED ASUNDER...” In the meantime, McCain tours Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and other nations in the Middle East looking very mature, savvy and presidential. He will use the time before the conventions to convert as much of the conservative base of the party as he can. Perhaps even more importantly, he will try to strengthen his hold on registered independents by fashioning himself as an interesting contrast to the intra-party strife going on in the Democratic ranks. Six months is an eon in politics. Factors and issues unseen at the moment can rise quickly and transform an election campaign overnight. But given the current trends in the election, the McCain camp must be very pleased with where they are. The heated struggle between Clinton and Obama is not going to end soon. The further it goes, the more McCain can benefit from it. In this case, being out of the spotlight may be a godsend.
Road Home Contract Not Worst Excess ith the political honeymoon of Gov. Bobby Jindal going on rosily, the only political outrage in state government these days emanates from the lasts acts of former Gov. Kathleen Blanco’s administration. Legislators shrieked at recent news that the problem-plagued Road Home program’s much-maligned contractor, ICF International, had received a 20 percent, $156 million increase to complete the job they have performed so unsatisfactorily so far. Lawmakers demanded a full investigation by the legislative auditor, inspector general, independent counsel, attorney general and anyone else with subpoena power to get to the bottom of what smelled like a rotting bad deal. It took Blanco, in France when the news broke, a week to respond adequately in a letter to newspapers, stating that hiring a private contractor was the idea of federal officials and that she did not defend the Virginia firm’s “less than stellar performance.” But when Congress fortunately provided more money in late 2007 to finish the housing assistance program, the state either had to negotiate a contract extension with ICF or interrupt the grant process for months to find a new contractor. Even Jindal’s newly appointed director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority agreed that some increase was warranted though he questioned the amount. So unless the various investigations turn up some impropriety, the Jindal administration might try to dicker on the cost but, ultimately, will have no recourse but to honor the agreement. Whatever the failings of the Road Home, no other state has ever attempted a housing grant/buyout program of anywhere near this magnitude—even Mississippi’s smaller program has had its own troubles. And while Louisiana was probably not the ideal proving ground, the program did more good than harm with the resources available. No, extending the ICF contract was not the worst closing act of the Blanco regime. That distinction goes to the way it loaded up the state’s construction program with projects favored by the previous governor and her legislative allies. They have saddled the state with a large number of politically driven local projects that leave little room within the annual borrowing limit for the new administration to address state priorities for the next four years. The way the Bond Commission works, some projects from one adminis-
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tration always overlap into the next. It took Gov. Blanco a year and a half to work through the commitments made by ex-Gov. Mike Foster & Co. But the Blanco administration reached further, committing lines of credit to three more years worth of projects in its last six months in office. Though it maxed out the state’s credit card, the Blanco administration also left a $1 billion surplus, which Jindal spent mostly for construction in the recent special session. But forecasts call for the surpluses to disappear in another year. To try to make room under the borrowing cap, the new commissioner of administration is going over the list of approved projects to determine which ones are not underway and can be stopped or delayed. Yet that is a politically treacherous option given that legislators have already gone home with the good news of funding for a sewer system, community center or reservoir. To cancel a project makes Jindal the Grinch
…THE JINDAL ADMINISTRATION MIGHT TRY TO DICKER ON THE COST… who took back what Blanco gave, not to mention that it compromises the governor’s relationship with those legislators. Even a new legislator who inherits a project is loath to lose what his or her predecessor secured. If there is a bright side, it’s that the previous administration’s excesses might finally bring to a head dissatisfaction with the state’s broken system of construction finance. All the Legislature has to do, as proposed in several bills prefiled for the regular session, is to discipline itself, instead of its traditional practice of passing on a wish list to the governor, who then picks and chooses what goes before the Bond Commission. It also needs to limit in law the amount of local projects to no more than 20 percent of the annual capital outlay bill. Not only local items are being reevaluated, but supporters of big state projects, like the proposed LSU hospital in New Orleans, are nervous that money for it might be moved around, despite assurances from the administration that its funding will be there when construction is set to begin at some undetermined date.
NEWS
ABOUT
SOUTHWEST
LOUISIANA
ENTERPRISEBOULEVARD
Jindal Tells Chamber There’s
“A New Day in Louisiana” By Kathy Bergstrom overnor Bobby Jindal was the special guest speaker Chamber/Southwest annual banquet in Lake Charles Monday evening, March 13. With successful special legislative sessions on ethics and budgeting behind him, the Governor shared his optimistic outlook for the region and the state during the dinner. “The first step,” said the Governor, “was we declared war on corruption and we proved the skeptics wrong. The skeptics said ‘you’ll never have a new day in Louisiana, you’ll never be able to pass these new ethics rules.’ And yet, we did,” Jindal said. “Dozens of bills were passed moving Louisiana from the bottom of the ‘good’ list to the top of the good list. Indeed we are now #1 in the nation.” He did not take credit for the passage of the ethics package, however. “The people of Louisiana caused that victory to happen,” he said. “That is the reason the skeptics were proved wrong.” He pointed out how the new government is working well together. “Look what they we’re able to get done in just a week,” he said. “We targeted five taxes for reduction or elimination. We got rid of the permanent tax on utilities, sped up the elimination of the tax on debt, and new equipment, created a state tax credit for investment to moderate and low-income areas to spur private investment and gave parents all over the state of Louisiana a deduction to pay for textbooks, uniforms and tuition as well.” The changes in taxes and deductions should spur growth for Louisiana, explained Jindal. “For too long our tax code has been the greatest gift we could give to neighboring states. The reality is that if you were in the state of Texas or Mississippi, if you were one of those Chambers, you were going to love Louisiana’s tax code. They could tell any business, ‘Come invest here; not Louisiana!’” He told the Chamber members and guests, “It’s pretty simple; if you want to discourage an activity, tax it. If you want to encourage an activity, stop taxing it. Why would we want to discourage companies from borrowing money to expand? Why would we want to discourage them from modernizing by investing in new equipment? Or expanding production by using resources right here in Louisiana? Why would we want to discourage them from hiring our people?” he asked. “The Legislature took a bold step. By getting rid of these three taxes, they’re showing the business world, they’re showing employers, they’re showing our people that we want our people to be able to grow up and pursue their dreams right here without leaving home.” Jindal pointed out that for too long, “Our greatest export is not our oil and gas or our plastics or our chemicals. Our greatest export is the sons and daughters of Louisiana that can’t find jobs right here at home. They feel like they have to go to Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and other places to pursue their dreams.” Locally, the changes will be very good for Southwest
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Louisiana and Lake Charles. “Getting rid of these three taxes will save Lake Charles $50million dollars a year,” said Jindal. “Fifty million dollars that can be invested in this economy, in hiring and expanding, and helping grow right here.” Adam McBride, director of the Port of Lake Charles, echoed the Governor’s optimism. “There were four things that came out of the special sessions. The most significant item for the Port was a state contribution of $9 million to a $12 million project we are undertaking to reinvest in our bulk terminal which supports the refinery and millions of tons of export every year. The Port is a 30-year old facility that essentially needs to be rebuilt. So that’s a significant benefit,” said McBride. “Secondly the dedication of transportation trust fund revenues includes a small dedication towards port reinvestment in the future — and it will grow,” McBride explained. “So we have a growing reliable steady source of income statewide (for ports). And thirdly the $300 million for coastal restoration means that the project we’re working on for dredging material can be included and support some of those activities so that when we are dredging, we are supporting coastal restoration activities. Lastly is the removal of taxes on a variety of areas. It improves the business climate overall. So that’s just good for our whole community.” The Governor said that, “The legislature also took the state surplus and decided to invest it responsibly. They took half this money and put it into roads, ports and bridges.” Jindal noted, “We are improving our roads and our infrastructure. In addition to putting that surplus into roads and infrastructure, the legislature also took a very common sense step, they said, ‘Let’s take our transportation dollars and spend it on transportation projects.’ Over the years as these dollars are phased in, we will double what we spend every year on our roads and infrastructure just by this common sense good government reform. “They made other investments as well,” said Jindal. “$300 million for coastal restoration and hurricane protection; more money than we’ve ever spent before as a state. In addition, there were many other reforms, many other investments made in this session. There were dollars put toward the state retirement system for teachers and state workers. Tens of millions of dollars put towards deferred maintenance for SOWELA, McNeese and other higher education campuses. “Now those aren’t ‘sexy investments’” said Jindal, “but the reality is every dollar they put aside, for debt, for retirement programs today, saves over $4 in interest in future payments. This was a responsible legislature. They didn’t take these dollars and put them into recurring expenditures as has been done before. They actually used surpluses to cut down on taxes, to pay down debt, to invest in one-time needs like roads, infrastructure, coastal and hurricane protection.”
Continued on Page 6
Who’s News Kenneth N. Missler, MHA, FACMPE, has been named the new administrator for the Center for Orthopaedics. Arriving from Dallas, Texas, Missler brings over 25 years of experience in hospital and group practice administration to his new position. Missler is a member of Medical Group Management Association and a Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives. Center for Orthopaedics is the region’s largest provider of comprehensive orthopedic services with two offices and five physician specialists on staff.
Sydni Dunn, Barbe High School Junior, and Terry Estes, Executive Director of SLAC
On February 18, Barbe High School Junior, Sydni Dunn, presented Terry Estes, Executive Director of the Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council, with a $500 donation to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and education among teens and young adults in 2008. SLAC is a nonprofit community-based organization supported in part by grants from the HIV/AIDS Program of the Louisiana Office of Public Health, Department of Health and Hospitals. SLAC is also a member agency of the United Way of Southwest Louisiana, which provides funding for HIV educational programs. In addition, fundraisers, memorials, and other donations also help support the agency’s mission. St. Theodore Holy Family Catholic School boasts record wins during this year’s Science and Social Studies Fairs.The winners for Social Studies: History—Andrew Darbonne and Natasha Navejar (1st Place tie); Elaine Rider (2nd Place); Nathan Rhodes (3rd Place) and Sarah Jorden (Honorable Continued on Page 7 APRIL 3, 2008
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Rep Chuck Kleckley had high praise for the new leadership in Baton Rouge. “It’s amazing when you have a governor that communicates well with the legislators, and understands what his agenda is and what he would like, and accepts feed back from the legislators. There was some give and take on both sides, but we ended up at the end of the day accomplishing what we set out to do. We accomplished a lot…but it gets back to a governor that communicates with the legislators. He lets them know what his agenda is and he keeps that line of communication open throughout the whole process. It’s an indication of some of the good leadership we have in Baton Rouge.” And Jindal noted further progress, “They (the legislators) made other significant steps in this session as well. For example, they adopted some legislation and put some money into our biotech programs, over $50 million dollars where we know we will get $3 or $4 federal dollars back for every dollar we invest there to create good paying high tech jobs” “I’ll close with a couple of final points,” said Jindal. “One is this: This legislation proved to the military we want to be a good partner. They provided the funding to four-lane LA 28 between Ft. Polk and the airport. The army says they want to put another brigade in Louisiana, but they say they need to be sure to get our troops, our resources and our equipment in and out quickly when we need to deploy….And this legislature showed that we want to be a good partner with the military. This legislature showed the Air Force with a $57million dollar investment in cyber command…to get those new jobs for Louisiana,” said Jindal. “All in all, I think it was a great session for the people of Louisiana. We took a great second step towards creating a new Louisiana. The country is watching us and that’s a great thing because I think they like what they see. Now we have to take a third step. We will be going back into regular session (March 31) and we’ve got to focus on workforce development. One hundred thousand job vacancies exist in Louisiana today. We support our kids who are going to college, but not every child’s going to college. For those we need to make sure they have access to a skilled education so they are ready to hit the ground running…It was a great second special session.” In summation, the Governor noted, “When people ask me, ‘Who won?’ I say the people of Louisiana won. The state of Louisiana won. And the most important thing that we’ve accomplished is that we’ve made it that much easier for our kids to find good paying jobs so they don’t have to leave home.”
Who’s News, Continued from Page 5
Mention); Political Science—Katrina DuBose (1st place); Sociology—Camille Savoie (1st Place) and Aaron Vezinat (2nd place). The “Best of Show” was awarded to Natasha Navejar with Camille Savoie receiving Runner-Up. There were three Commendable Achievement awards going to Andrew Darbonne, Elaine Rider and Katrina DuBose. In the Science Fair, Division I winners: Biochemistry—Jack Aguillard (2nd Place); Chemistry— Bailen Bonin (1st Place), Tyler Devillier (2nd Place), and Paige Walker (3rd Place); Earth Science—Gabrielle Burnham (2nd Place); Engineering—Annie Homsi (1st Place); Physics—Cole Johnson (1st Place) and Anna Chavanne (2nd Place); Plant Science— Emily Deters (1st Place). Team winners were Dylan Deville and Logan Deville (2nd Place) and Adrian Beltran and Crosby Qui (3rd Place). The winners for Science, Division II: Behavioral Science—Landon Deville (2nd Place); Engineering—Adam Vezinat (1st Place). Team winners were Kathryn Hile and Kelly Lavergne (1st Place) and Kimberly Soileau and Megan Barber (2nd Place). Overall Science Fair winner for “Best of Show” was Adam Vezinat. Bailen Bonin and Emily Deters were Runners-Up. Commendable Achievement Awards went to Kathryn Hile and Kelly Lavergne, Cole Johnson and Annie Homsi. Three students went on to place in the Regional Science Fair at McNeese. Bailen Bonin received third place in Chemistry for “Which Popcorn is King?” Emily Deters received an honorable mention in Plant Science for “Plant-amania”, and Cole Johnson received an honorable mention in Physics for “Calling all Hunters.” Sowela Technical Community College Chancellor Andrea Lewis Miller, PhD., has announced four new members to the school’s executive team. Kwo-Sun Chu, Ph.D., joins Sowela as Dean of Instruction, responsible for providing educational and administrative leadership to all instructional programs. Dr.Chu holds a B.S. degree in physics and electrical engineering from Chung Yuan University of Science and Engineering in Taiwan, as well as a M.S. and Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Kent State Dr. Kwo-Sun Chu University in Kent, Ohio. Angele Ozoemelam is Vice Chancellor For Finance And Administrative Services. Ozoemelam is responsible for all fiscal affairs, physical plant and auxiliary services. She earned a B.A. in accounting and an M.B.A. from the Dr. Charles Nwankwo University of the Virgin Islands. She is a certified public accountant with 15 years experience in state and local govAngele Ozoemelam ernment. Charles Nwankwo, Ph.D., is the Chief Information Resources And Technologies Officer. Dr. Nwankwo is responsible for planning, coordinating, designing and providing support for IT-related activities, instructional technology, library and media services for the college; and for identifying and implementing cost-effective technology solutions associated with general campus IT infrastructure. He joins Sowela with a B.S. in environmental biology and an Liz Frugé M.S in environmental toxicology from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. He holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration with a specialization in community college leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. Liz Frugé is the Director of Marketing and Community Relations. She is responsible for directing the college’s institutional efforts with media relations, public information, public affairs, publications and community relations. She comes to Sowela with a B.S. in marketing from the University of Central Florida.
www.banners.org Tickets available through membership, Web site and at the door. $20 adults, $5 students, FREE to MSU students with ID The Amazing Jake Shimabukuro
Lazer Vaudeville
Friday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. F.G. Bulber Auditorium McNeese campus
Friday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. Rosa Hart Theatre LC Civic Center
Bearfoot Bluegrass
Nnenna Freelon
Friday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. F.G. Bulber Auditorium McNeese campus
Friday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. F.G. Bulber Auditorium McNeese campus
Black Heritage Festival would like to THANK All of our Sponsors. Citgo First L’Auberge
du Lac Casino Resort Tobacco-Free Living Whitney Bank Delta Downs SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau ConocoPhillips Capital One
Federal Bank
Budweiser Nissan
of Lake Charles
AT&T Entergy Louisiana
Lottery
FOX
29 of Lake Charles Arts & Humanities Council City
APRIL 3, 2008
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SBDC April Workshops
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HEALING
ome H RIGHTAT
We’re changing the way you think of healthcare close to home. At Jennings American Legion Hospital, we know that meeting your health needs is a vital part of the growth and progression of our community. Having quality healthcare services available locally means a quicker response to your needs and greater comfort and convenience for you and your family. At JALH, we offer a wide range of health services, including: • Emergency Medicine • Orthopedics • Radiology • Intensive Care Unit • Cardiology • Labor and Delivery • Respiratory Therapy • Laboratory • Surgery, including Outpatient Surgery
Jennings
You may have to travel for some things, but quality healthcare isn’t one of them. With Jennings American Legion Hospital, the healing touch is right here at home. PAGE 8
APRIL 3, 2008
Hospital
1634 Elton Rd., Jennings, LA (337) 616-7000 • www.jalh.com
he Louisiana Small Business Development Center will sponsor several programs and workshops in April for potential entrepreneurs or current smallbusiness owners. Here is the schedule: 8(a) Certification Workshop, 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday, April 8, Burton Business Center, room 302, free. This program is designed for small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses that want to compete in the American economy. Tips on accessing the federal procurement market will be discussed. To register, a business must be listed in the Central Contractor Registration database and the enrollee must provide specific documents. For more information on the workshop, how to become listed in the CCR, or what documents to bring to the workshop, call 337-475-5529. HUB Certification Workshop, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, Burton Business Center, room 302, free. This event will acquaint attendees with the HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program, which provides contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses located in distressed areas. To register for this workshop, a business must be listed in the Central Contractor Registration database and specific documents must be provided. For more information on what to bring to the workshop or how to become listed in the CCR, call 337-475-5529. Starting and Financing a Small Business, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, Business Conference Center, $5 at the door. Topics covered will be licensing, business plans, marketing plans, choosing a business structure, tax information and other small business start-up information. Starting and Financing a Small Business, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, DeRidder Civic Center, free, with light dinner included. Topics covered will be licensing, business plans, marketing plans, choosing a business structure, tax information and other small business start-up information. Starting and Financing a Small Business, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, Morgan Smith Technical College Auditorium, Jennings, free, with light dinner included. Topics covered will be licensing, business plans, marketing plans, choosing a business structure, tax information and other small business start-up information. For more information on these workshops or to set up an appointment with a representative at the Small Business Development Center Office, call 337475-5529, 800-622-3352, ext. 5529, or email lsbdc.msu@lsbdc.org/.
BUSINESS Federal, state and local leaders celebrated the Grand Reopening of South Cameron Memorial Hospital, March 18. The 49-bed facility is Cameron Parish’s only full-service hospital, providing 24-hour, 7-day per week emergency care and inpatient and outpatient hospital services. In September 2005, Hurricane Rita devastated Southwest Louisiana, completely destroying the hospital. The new facility features a full emergency room, 25 inpatient beds and a rural health clinic, which includes a dental program. The hospital also houses a retail pharmacy and other ancillary services. The South Cameron Memorial Hospital was funded through combined commitments from the State of Louisiana, the Bush/Clinton Katrina Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). On Friday, March 28th, ConocoPhillips General Manager John Gott, and the founders and executive directors of Friend Ships operations, Don and Sondra Tipton received a $60,000 philanthropic check to be used to construct a large steel warehouse to store supplies of food, clothing, building materials and medicine. Friend Ships is a non-profit international relief organization, which is funded through private donations and corporate gifts, and has a staff of unpaid volunteers. Lake Charles is the headquarters for the Friend Ships operations. Governor Makes Dental Appointment! Governor Bobby Jindal appointed Dean L. Manning, D.D.S., of Sulphur, and Wilton Guillory, D.D.S., of Alexandria and to the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. They will fill the vacancies for the third (Guillory) and ninth (Manning) Dental Districts. The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry is responsible for registering, examining, licensing, and regulating the practices of dentistry and dental hygiene. Nominees are submitted by the State Board of Dentistry and appointed by the governor. Dr. Manning, has been a dentist in private practice since 1975. He served as a lieutenant in U.S. Naval Reserve in 1973 and then entered into private dentistry in 1975. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, and the Southwest District Dental Association. Manning has a pre-dental degree from McNeese State College and has a D.D.S. degree from the LSU School of Dentistry. Through the generosity of Japanese engineers who toured the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road in 2004, the distinctive alligator crossing signs lost in Hurricane Rita have been replaced. Representatives of the Hokkaido, Japan Scenic Byways program toured the Creole Nature Trail in an effort to learn from the success of the America’s Byways program. The Hokkaido team was impressed by the warm welcome and hospitality with which they were greeted at every stop along the trail. “What we love the most in Lake Charles are the kind people there,” said Chigako Yamamoto, member of the 2004 Scenic Byway team from Hokkaido. L-R Members of the Creole Nature Trail When Hurricane Rita hit Southwest Scenic Byway Board of Commissioners, Louisiana, the Creole Nature Trail was Monte Hurley, chairman Jim Brown and devastated, including total loss of all Captain Sammie Faulk, vice chairman trail signs. Team members of the stand with one of the alligator crossing Hokkaido group asked what they signs along the Wetland Walkway. could do to assist in recovery. The The signs were made possible by a Hokkaido team sent $1,000 to the donation from the Hokkaido, Japan Creole Nature Trail to reprint the Scenic Byways Program “Alligator Crossing” signs with which they had been fascinated on their trip. The new signs were installed in late January. For more information, contact the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-456-7952 or visit www.CreoleNatureTrail.org.
notes Marshes to Mansions, the newest cookbook from the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc., has been named the 2007 Southern Regional Tabasco Community Cookbook Award Winner. First established by McIlhenny Company in 1989, the Tabasco Community Cookbook Awards recognize the best of the thousands of cookbooks published annually to generate funds for charitable causes while preserving America’s rich culinary history. Marshes to Mansions was a finalist in the regional cookbook category for the USA Book News’ National Best Books Awards, and has been named as a finalist for Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year award. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go directly to funding the efforts of the Junior League of Lake Charles. During the last five years, this organization has performed over 120,000 hours of community service and has funded over $600,000 in community projects and volunteer training. Marshes to Mansions is available for purchase at www.jllc.net for $28.95. For questions, or wholesale opportunities, contact the Junior League of Lake Charles, (337) 436-4025. The Chamber SWLA has been honored to be a part of three grand openings around the lake area in March and a special presentation by United Home Health Care. On March 1, Club Tabby opened at the Prien Lake Mall with Chamber SWLA Vice President Michelle Edwards, Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach, owners Natalie Comeaux and Christie Harmon, and staff, family & friends. Chamber SWLA President George Swift and Ambassadors were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of Vision Source in Sulphur on March 7, with Sulphur Mayor Ron LeLeux, Dr. Janot and Vision Source staff. Vision Source is located at 2245 Maplewood Drive in Sulphur, LA. Call owner Becky Janot, CPO at 337-625-2020 for more information. Also on March 14, Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach, Chamber SWLA staff and Ambassadors marked the grand opening of Hem It & Go with owner Gladys Sapp, friends and family. Hem it & Go is located at 973 Manchester Road in Lake Charles, LA. Call 337-436-2050 for more information. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Laboratory is one of the more than 6,000 CAP accredited laboratories nationwide. The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Laboratory is under the clinical directorship of Tiffany Martin, MT and medical directorship of Dr. Robert Rumsey with The Pathology Laboratory in Lake Charles. Right: The McNeese State University Banners Series is annually supported by donations from area corporate sponsors. Jeff Davis Bank & Trust Company has donated $10,000 for this year’s Banners Series and the McLeod Lecture Series, which is part of Banners. This year’s McLeod Lecture, featuring a panel discussion that includes former U.S. Representatives, is scheduled at 7 pm April 3 at the Central School Arts and Humanities Center. Dan Donald, left, president and chief executive officer of Jeff Davis Bank & Trust Company, visits with McNeese Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jeanne Daboval and McNeese President Robert Hebert at the opening reception of the Banners Series.
McNeese Photo
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Fusion Five Board Members: (Top row, l-r) – Charles “Vic” Vicknair, Adam Benoit (Vice-Chairman), Chris Bacarisse, Cody Vicknair, Michelle Edwards (Chamber Liaison) (Bottom, l-r) – Courtney Hearod (Chairman), Deb McCormick, Sharon Galicia (founder), Andrea Bacarisse Photo by The Times of SWLA
Igniting the Five Parish Fuse By Amie J. Herbert
From Humble Beginnings Great conversations are often done over a cup of coffee, and so it was in early 2007 when several friends began meeting regularly to discuss ways to improve their businesses and better themselves. After many ‘eureka!’ moments and good old fashioned grunt-work, Fusion Five, the area’s first Young Professionals Organization, was born with a mission of taking a leadership role in the economic and social future of Southwest Louisiana. The nine-member board leaders, who are something of a ‘Who’s Who’ among area young professionals, spent a full year of careful planning and consideration in drafting Fusion Five’s mission, by-laws, and have garnered a partnership with the Chamber Southwest. And they want all young professionals from the five parish area PAGE 10
APRIL 3, 2008
to ‘experience the energy.’ With their focus trained on three concepts; education, facilitation, and illumination, Fusion Five seeks to not only improve awareness of key issues facing young professionals in SWLA, but through community involvement, create a better place to live, work and play. “This organization is membershipdriven,” says Board Chairman Courtney Hearod, “and we want to hear the needs of all our area’s young professionals.”
YPO’s Young Professionals Organizations, or YPO’s, have become increasingly visible in recent years. Baton Rouge’s YPO, Forum 35, boasts approximately 850 members, and not surprisingly; 21-45 year olds now make up the
largest demographic in the workforce. Fusion Five recognizes this as a huge voting block. “We hope to hear from our membership, the issues they are facing, “ says Hearod, “and be able to take these things to the policy makers, to say to them ‘this is what matters.’” With quarterly meetings planned with the 705 Group out of Lafayette, Fusion Five hopes to see an annual summit between the statewide young professionals’ organizations focusing on business, professional and personal development. “This is a huge voting block,” says Hearod, “all along the I-10 and I-12 corridor, we want to hear the differences, the challenges our state’s young professionals are facing.” Through Fusion Fives monthly “Lunch and Learn” series, the group
hopes to accomplish its mission of educating their members with topics ranging from professional development to business marketing techniques, with the goal of slowing the continuing problem of out-migration of young professionals from SWLA. “We are looking to have a sustainable, positive effect on our area,” says Meeting Facilitator Deb McCormick,” by bringing in guest speakers (on topics such as) website development, guerilla marketing, and professional and personal financial planning, we hope to contribute to our members personal and professional success.”
Why Fusion Five? The team behind Fusion Five was formally introduced by The Chamber Southwest at a breakfast held March 20, and made it clear that they are
about the big picture. Working with the five parish Imperial Calcasieu area, the group hopes to act as a catalyst in creating a full region where the 21-45 age group can thrive. “We are unique, because we are thinking regionally,” says Hearod, “and while we have started out in Lake Charles as the parish seat, we are branching out into Sulphur, Hackberry, etc.” Fusion Five hopes to eventually act as regional ambassadors, creating a full network of representatives showcasing all that SWLA has to offer. “We want to not only offer a regional voice for our generation,” says McCormick, “but to be a resource for our generation. One of our dreams is to be among the top ‘go-to’ organizations for legislators wanting to know what young professionals need.” Among the groups long-term goals is to be able to sustain a network of offices across the five parish region, offering their ‘Lunch and Learn’ series all around the area with satellite offices from DeRidder to Hackberry. “This is not just about Lake Charles,” adds Hearod, “all of them (the five parishes) supplement us, and we want to offer true regional representation for city and parish issues.”
What are Young Professionals? Fusion Five doesn’t seem to be splitting any hairs when it comes to who qualifies as a young professional, fostering inclusiveness at all levels. From blue-collar workers to attorneys, entrepreneurs to musicians and wait staff, the group explains that it isn’t about what you do or how much you earn, but the way in which you conduct yourself. “We want to see someone who takes what they do seriously, and does it with pride,” says McCormick, “offering a high level of service. We want to see the ‘difference makers.’” While Fusion Five membership is open mainly to those aged 21-45, they
make it clear that they want to hear from everyone interested in making a difference in their community. “Fusion Five is for the young, and the young at heart,” says Hearod, “if you are passionate about what you do, we want you to be involved. We also want to learn from those who have gone before us to make a difference today.”
“Experience the Energy” During the recent Small Business Expo, Fusion Five moved into action by partnering with The Chamber Southwest in making $10,000 worth of scholarships possible, with plans on facilitating the Small Business Expo in 2009. As one of the group’s key initiatives, they hope to bring together the many valuable businesses and resources in SWLA to create a first class annual convention in order to better market the region. “It is vital to us to give back to the community,” says Hearod, “and we plan on a minimum of one annual community service project, which will be chosen based on membership feedback. We hope to reach all high school and college students, (through initiatives like scholarships) and (view these young people) as a future resource for the area.” Fusion Five cites education as being one of the biggest challenges facing the area’s young professionals, and as such requires members to attend at least one Police Jury, City Council, Downtown Development, or Calcasieu Parish School Board meeting. “As it says on our websites FAQ’s, the best way to be affective is to be informed,” says McCormick, “and we want to be involved.” For more information or to join Fusion Five, visit their website at www.fusionfive.org.
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S O U T H W E S T
L O U I S I A N A ’ S
H O M E G R O W N
B U S I N E S S E S
Keeping You in Touch... Louisiana Radio Communications By Amie J. Herbert or 50 years, Louisiana Radio Communications, Inc., located at 701 Martin Luther King Highway, has served the community on the cutting-edge of all facets of communications. From the modest beginnings of providing communications service and equipment to the police department and oil industry, specializing in Motorola Communication Equipment, to today providing what President Perry Vincent calls “mission critical” communications systems, the Vincent family business strives to stay on top of the latest technologies. Most people give little thought to what happens when they turn on the radio or flip open their cell phones, but for Robert Vincent, back in the early days of broadcast radio, the process was endlessly fascinating. At 86 years young, Robert Vincent is something of a pioneer in the field of radio communications, and continues to be a major influence in the way radio communications are used in SWLA today. “Radio was kind of a mystery, I guess, because people didn’t know a lot about it. I just always found it fascinating to know how to get a voice from one part of the country to another,” says Vincent. “Radios have been a hobby for me from the time I was seven or eight years old. I read all the radio magazines on the newsstands and ordered books out of the magazines, just trying to find out what I could figure out.” Radio communications was a slowly evolving enterprise in the early days, and Vincent boasts installing the United States’ first paging system at the Olen Matheson Chemical plant in
the late 1950’s. He recalls the company having an outdated rotary telephone, and the monumental task in setting up a 100 ‘beeper’ paging system. “It was unique at that time,” Vincent says. “I had to set up an in-house system, and with the stepping relays and interconnecting relays, and setting up the paging terminals, and all they had was this rotary phone. It was quite a deal.” Robert Vincent also proved instrumental in setting up radio communications and maintenance on oil rigs. Displaying a high level of ingenuity, Vincent recalls that in the 1950’s he had to invent a power supply to keep up with the two-way radios on several off-shore rigs running for fifteen minute intervals. Using highwattage light bulbs, Vincent was able to keep the batteries for the radio system charged. “We had some unique setups on those drilling rigs,” says Vincent. “It took 6 or 8 amps to run that old radio at that time —a lot of power to run it. The battery
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APRIL 3, 2008
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was charged up for 10 or 15 minutes of talking. If they talked more than that, well, they’d just have to shut up for a while.” Perry Vincent was 11 years old when his father acquired Louisiana Radio Communications in the summer of 1967, and can recall the many hours his father dedicated to the industry. “I cut my teeth on oil rigs,” says Vincent, “I can remember hanging out at the shop, sweeping the floors, and absorbing everything. I learned a lot from Dad.” The company has survived two major storms and each left an indelible mark on both the company and the family. 1957’s Hurricane Audrey found Robert Vincent and company struggling to get battery operated radios into the hands of the emergency responders, and Perry Vincent cites 2005’s Hurricane Rita as being the single-most influential event in pushing the industry forward. “9/11 pushed things forward and created a general awareness of the needs and challenges (in communications,)” says Vincent, “but for our area, Rita pushed the industry forward, by my estimate, about 18 months. (The storm) pushed the wireless demands forward and gave action to the reality of making things happen for the recovery effort.” Perry Vincent describes the push in radio communications using a faucet analogy, saying that challenges in the early 90’s created a sink faucet, with a trickle-flow. “9/11 turned the faucet up and when Rita hit, the bowl was full of water, and the moment had come,” says Vincent. “I look at it this way; everything is a challenge, and every challenge is an opportunity.” From sales and development, to product and infrastructure, Louisiana Radio Communications is focused on ‘mission critical’ communications systems, and with 60 employees (whereas 5 years ago they employed 35) dedicated to the twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week industry, the company is poised to look at expansion projects. “We have recently doubled in size, and have outgrown our current location,” says Vincent, “We are in discussions with our architect on expansion.” With the first thirty years of the company’s focus on service, the late 1970’s and early 1980’s saw the expansion into sales, and today La Radio Communications is a one-stop shop offering sales, service, installation, infrastructure construction, and recently branching into the wireless industry, with no end in sight. “This is a family business built on personality and dedication,” says Perry Vincent, “my father has always stayed on top of the latest technology, and I do the same. We are going to keep the momentum going.”
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Photos by The Times of SWLA or submitted by Koasati Pines
Koasati Pines at Coushatta, Kinder 800-584-7263 www.koasatipines.com Our third installment in The Times of Southwest Louisiana’s “Just a Chip Shot Away” series found our foursome heading north on U.S. 165 to Kinder, Louisiana. Our sights were set on the beautiful Allen parish gem, Koasati Pines of Coushatta golf course. We arrived the evening before tee time at the Grand Inn of Coushatta, a 208 room resort hotel located on the grounds of the gaming facility, Coushatta Casino Resort. After check-in, we retreated upstairs to find spacious, well appointed rooms. We then headed to the driving range and putting green at Koasati Pines at Coushatta. It’s a course nestled in the natural wetlands of Southwest Louisiana, surrounded by stately pines and huge live oaks, and offers an experience unlike any other. Combine the beauty of nature with a dynamic 18-hole, par 72 champi-
onship layout, six sets of tees, multiple approaches on three holes, plus a unique "Gambling Hole" -- now you've got a hint of what Koasati Pines is all about! But more of the course in a moment. We headed back to the resort for a very satisfying dinner at the Big Sky Steakhouse. The group was divided between steak and salmon, so both entrees were enjoyed. The filet mignon could be cut with a fork, and the lemon-pepper salmon was simply fantastic! After a relaxing night of peaceful sleep, the time we had been waiting for had come. Tee off was 8:20. Meeting us at the clubhouse door was Director of Golf, Matt Jones. He and his entire staff go out of their way to ensure a fantastic time is had by all who have the opportunity visit the championship course.
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The weather could not have been better; sunshine, highs in the mid-60s and light winds. They did pick up a bit on the back nine, but for the most part it was a gentle breeze. We teed off and right away you notice the serenity of gently rolling terrain. The 65 acres of looking-glass lakes were specifically designed to submerge you in a relaxing, yet challenging, golf experience. Our spectacular greens extend a velvet invitation to skilled and novice golfers alike. You'll be glad it's the longest course in Louisiana— you'll want your round to last forever! The course was ranked number four in Louisiana by Golf Digest for 2007-2008. After playing the course a number of times, we certainly agree. We definitely experienced an award-winning round of golf on that day. Here are the particulars of the 18-hole, par-72 Kevin Tucker designed course: • 7,617 yards from the championship tees. • 6 sets of tees to accommodate all players. • Unique 19th hole (gambling hole) is ideal for tie-breakers. • 12-acre practice facility with dedicated teaching area. • Instruction available from PGA staff. • Latest GPS technology from UpLink featuring dash-mounted GPS units. • Latest golf cart technology from Club Car - The Precedent. • Full service pro shop with the latest equipment and finest apparel. • Pro-line rental clubs available. • 9,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with bar and grill, locker rooms and meeting space. The clubhouse features locker rooms for men and women complete with showers. Meeting space is available in the Chairman's Boardroom. The Veranda is an indoor/outdoor facility that can be used for event registration, scoring and awards ceremonies. The Koasati Pines pro shop has everything you need to enjoy your round of golf! They offer the latest in golf apparel from Ashworth, Nike and Cutter & Buck. Their rental clubs feature the very latest from Nike Golf and Mizuno. Before or after you've hit the links, relax and unwind in the Eagle Bar and Grill. Their attentive staff is ready to serve your favorite beverage along with sandwiches, burgers, a salad or just a snack. Comfortable club seating creates the perfect atmosphere for both business and pleasure. Just a chip shot away to Allen Parish is Koasati Pines of Coushatta Championship Golf Course, a course that you’ll want to play time and again.
Best Range Balls in Town Miniature Golf Course Also visit our Sports Bar after a workout on the range
Another Success Story... I have advertised with The Times of Southwest Louisiana for over ten years. Having a degree in advertising, I know The Times definitely reaches my target audience and the quality of the paper is impeccable. — Susie Book, Owner, Expressions
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APRIL 3, 2008
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Training for a
Better Golf Game
Golf takes time, patience and endurance to master. First, however, there must be simple understanding – for a beginner, this could mean learning how a club interacts with a ball; for a more seasoned player, it could mean understanding how to make an adequate golf swing spectacular. Either way, the Neel DeRouen Teaching Academy at Gray Plantation works. The Teaching Academy, which sits amidst a lush, 18-hole, 7,200-yard semi-private golf course, was designed after most of the top teaching facilities in the U.S. It is a climate-controlled facility with video analysis, which allows students to watch the ball soar after every swing – each of those swings, according to Director of Golf Neel DeRouen, can then be observed from all angles. As Director of Golf, DeRouen has an opportunity to witness others’ progression from beginning golf enthusiasts to passionate and obsessive golfers. He trains aspiring athletes of all ages, from the littlest tykes to curious retirees. “Golf isn’t for everybody, but if you have a passion for it as a pastime, it can certainly fulfill the
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APRIL 3, 2008
time. Once you understand the equipment and are able to start the mechanics of the game, there’s usually an inherent drive to get better and better,” DeRouen said. “It doesn’t surprise me at all when I watch people become unbelievably hooked, because it happened to me.” When DeRouen was growing up, golf barely made a blip in the lives of young athletes, most of whom played football. So when he learned how to play for the first time at age eighteen, he hardly expected that the sport would become his life and didn’t expect that he would one day oversee a golf course that was recently named a “Best Place to Play in 2007” by Golf Digest magazine. “Lake Charles has made a turn when it comes to golf. We’ve got an influx of people coming here from Texas to play. The natural beauty of this area makes it an ideal place for it,” DeRouen said. In 2003, DeRouen was awarded Gulf States Teacher of the Year. A member of PGA of America, he has attended numerous teaching and coaching summits and was named as one of the top five golf
instructors in Louisiana by Golf Digest. According to DeRouen, it’s natural for him to pass along his enthusiasm for golf because it’s something he’s passionate about. “The game takes a lot of time to learn and master, so you have to be patient. Whether or not you’ll be successful depends on how much time is devoted to it,” he said. “Golf is almost something that you have to plan your life around.” He instructs boys, girls, men and women, at all skill levels, and says the course at Gray Plantation provides for a quality game because it is user-friendly, the greens are big and the bunkers can be avoided, he said. The course received the highest rating in Louisiana by ZagatSurvey’s 2007 edition of “America’s Top Golf Courses,” ranking in the “extraordinary to perfection” category. The facility also provides custom clubs, club fittings and has the ability to check ball speed and launch angle. “It takes a while for people to understand the function of each of their clubs,” he said. “But once you understand that, you can keep developing your game. The good thing about golf is, you can always get better.” DeRouen admits to at least one downside of the game, however. “Because of the time it takes to practice and play, you’re not afforded a bunch of hobbies besides golf. Golf consumes most of your leisure time,” he said. “But once you play, you’re hooked before you know it.” To learn more about the Neel DeRouen Teaching Academy at Gray Plantation, please call the Pro Shop at 337-562-1663.
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Time to tee off and take a look at Louisiana golf courses that are “just a chip shot away” – perfect for a day’s outing or a weekend getaway. From Kinder to Carencro, there’s a destination for every golfer, from the duffer to the pro.
The Lake Charles Country Club
The Lake Charles Country Club 3550 Country Club Drive, Lake Charles Golf: 337-477-0047 • www.lakecharlescc.net The Lake Charles Country Club ranks in the top five percent of all clubs nationwide for the number of amenities offered. Golf, tennis, marina, swimming, pier, dining and banquet facilities all combine to offer more to the membership than is usually found in a club. Their renovation project, completed in 2003, brought the golf course up-to-date with stateof-the-art Tif-Eagle Grass on the greens and Tifsport grass on the fairways. Golf Course Architect, Jeff Blume, designed a masterpiece on the #8 hole featuring new bulkheading and a peninsula green – a beautiful addition to this fantastic golf course. Steeped in tradition and history, the Club looks forward to welcoming new members. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Lake Charles Country Club, call 337-477-5511.
The Bluffs
The Bluffs, St. Francisville (888) 634-3410 • www.thebluffs.com Arnold Palmer was granted complete freedom to route his golf course at The Bluffs in St. Francisville through the diverse landscapes of the property, and eight separate routings were staked and walked before the best 18 holes were discovered. After the most dramatic golf holes were found was the surrounding residential community planned. Designed for championship play from Grey tees (over 7,100 yards), the Palmer course at The Bluffs has hosted numerous Louisiana State Championships, the Southeastern Conference Golf Championship, United States Senior Challenge, and several other prestigious events since its opening in 1988. The flexible design makes the course equally enjoyable and challenging for average golfers from its other three sets of tees. The Bluffs is just a short drive to Feliciana Parish in eastern Louisiana. The Bluff’s dress code is enforced for anyone on the golf course, driving range, putting green, or chipping green, and applies to anyone playing golf or riding along with a player. The dress code policy requires collared shirts. Denim, wind or running suits, sweat pants, jeans and cut offs are prohibited. Bermuda-length shorts and slacks for ladies and men are permitted, but no tank tops. After a challenging game, hungry golfers can choose from the Bluffs fabulous eateries. “Eighteen,” a casually elegant restaurant, offers creative Louisiana cuisine. The “Creekside Grille” features hearty traditional sandwiches for a quick lunch or snack.
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Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge L’Auberge du Lac Casino & Resort, Lake Charles (337) 395-7220 • www.ldlcasino.com
Gray Plantation
Gray Plantation 6150 Graywood Parkway, Lake Charles (337) 562-1663 • www.graywood.net Gray Plantation, a beautifully landscaped 18-hole, 7,200-yard semi-private golf course, is formidable enough to challenge the pro and entertain the amateur. Gray Plantation has received the highest rating in Louisiana by Zagat Survey’s 2007 edition of “America’s Top Golf Courses”. Golf Digest recently named it “Best Place To Play In 2007”. Gray Plantation is an 18-hole, 7,000-yard Par 73.6 course designed to challenge the pro and amateur alike. The greens are TifEagle. Veteran course architect Rocky Roquemore’s course on the Calcasieu River takes full advantage of the area’s natural surroundings with 60 acres of lakes coming into play on 12 holes, 94 bunkers and moss-draped pines at most every turn. Particularly impressive are the club’s four dynamic par 3s, two of which feature island greens. Instructions are available from Neel DeRouen or Chris Gentry. Gray Plantation is a teaching facility. There is a driving range, GPS, and club repair available. Gray Plantation is open to the public Daylight Hours, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Winter) and 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Summer) Dress Code: Collared shirts are required. Shorts must be Bermuda length. Blue jeans or denim are not allowed on the course. (Driving range and practice facilities included). Golf shoes must have soft - spikes only, metal spikes prohibited. Memberships are available.
Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge, designed by world-renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, is noted for its emphasis on the marsh and lowland features of Louisiana’s natural environment. The unique 7,000-yard, par-71 championship 18hole golf course is the only public Fazio course in the state, and features a combination of aquatic and natural vegetation among eight spectacular lakes. A choice of at least four different tee boxes per hole, an impressive clubhouse and dedicated beverage cart service enhance your game. The tees, fairways and roughs are 419 Bermuda. The greens are Tifdwarf. The course is an 18-hole, par 71. The longest hole is 611 yards par 5, and the shortest is 169 yards par 3. Contraband Bayou also boasts a driving range and a short practice range. Four sets of tee boxes on each hole provide a challenge for all skill levels. The golfer’s experience will be complete with beverage cart service that includes sandwiches and a visit to the clubhouse, featuring a variety of golf apparel. Dress code includes collared shirts for men, soft spikes only, and no denim or cutoffs. Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge is open daily. The Club includes a driving range.
Contraband Bayou Golf Club
PERSONALIZED TITLEIST GOLF BALLS FREE Name until June. Great for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Birthdays. We do Corporate Logo Shirts, Golf Balls, Hats & More We go to the top, no middle man = BIG SAVINGS *We take Trade-Ins & Sell Used Clubs
4200 Hwy 14 Lake Charles 480-0700
•Full Line Pro Shop, Club Repair, Regripping and a Friendly Atmosphere. •We have McNeese Leisure Learning Classes, Kids Clinics, Ladies and Co-ed Golf Clinics. APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 19
Largest Selection of DVD’s, Lingerie and Adult Novelties In Southwest Louisiana!
All $12.95 DVD’s are BUY 3 FOR $20
700 E. Prien Lake Road • 337-478-3566 Between Common and Kirkman
Cypress Bend Golf Resort and Conference Center 2000 Cypress Bend Parkway, Many, La. (877) 519-1500 • www.cypressbend.com
R A N K S
GrayPlantation O N E O F T H E N AT I O N ’ S
TOP 100 Again! One of the greatest courses in the United States is still right in your own back yard. Golf Digest has once again ranked Gray Plantation One of the Nation’s Top 100 Public Courses. Positioned 88th on a list with courses as prestigious as Pebble Beach, The Gray placed top scores in catagories including superb playability for all skill levels, design variety, memorable holes, course conditioning and ambience. Golf Digest also ranked Gray Plantation the 3rd Best Course in Louisiana.
Reserve your tee time today by calling 337.562.1663. Also, visit us online at www.graywoodllc.com. ®
Gray Plantation This is thePlace you want to play. www.graywoodllc.com
6150 Graywood Parkway, Lake Charles, LA
Among the Greatest Courses in the U.S. 2007 2007 3rd in State of
Louisiana among all courses
2007 - 2008
"One of the country's Top Golf Clubs" ranking:
Extraordinary in all catagories
PAGE 20
2007
APRIL 3, 2008
Top 10
courses for affordable golf in the country
#88 GRAY PLANTATION #89 PGA WEST STADIUM - Designed for the Skins Game #90 TORREY PINES - Host of the US Open 2008 #94 BAY HILL - Arnold Palmer’s Home Course
Just two hours from Lake Charles on the shores of Toledo Bend Lake, Cypress Bend golf resort is considered Louisiana’s destination resort. Cypress Bend offers breathtaking views of the serpentine shorelines of Toledo Bend Lake, with winds sweeping across the open water and through beautiful mature hardwood forests. Cypress Bend Resort an Conference Center offers guestrooms, suites and condominiums for a family getaway or the ultimate event experience near beautiful Hodges Gardens. It is one of two southwest Louisiana courses on the prestigious Audubon Golf Trail, named for artist John James Audubon. All the courses on the trail are members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Courses, a program dedicated to protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of the game of golf. (Visit www.audubontrail.com.) There are Golf Getaway packages for every price range and group, and lessons with experienced golf professional Ken Rams. Ken is available for instruction on all facets of your game. Golf lessons are more than just hitting the ball. The professional staff can also assist you in the proper mental preparation necessary to hit a good shot as well as help you “find” your short game and putting. A 45 minute lessons is $30. All lessons are by appointment and can be made by call us toll- free at 888-256-4366. Shop Cypress Bend for the latest in golf apparel and accessories from manufacturers such as Nike, Titleist, Gear, Foot Joy, Ashworth, and more. The PGA Professional staff can custom fit you “personally” with all of your equipment needs, including custom fit irons and woods by MacGregor, Ping, Cobra, Cleveland and more. The staff can also help you find the correct shaft, lie angle, swing weight, and grip to produce maximum results.
Bayou Oaks Country Club, Sulphur, Louisiana (337) 583-7129 Bayou Oaks Country Club is located on the Choupique Bayou in a 100-acre grove of live oaks. The 18-hole course features 6,203 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 69.4 and it has a slope rating of 109. The greens are TifGreen. There are water hazards on seven holes, but no sand bunkers. Terrain is predominantly flat, but at times you may find an uneven lie on some of the course’s slight undulation. The large greens are maintained at medium speed. Bayou Oaks allows private carts and has facilities to accommodate private carts. The facility also has a locker room and swimming pool. The dress code is liberal and denim is allowed, however, you must have a sleeved shirt and caps must be worn with visor forward. Golf instruction and club repair available. Bayou Oaks is a semi-private club, established in 1971, and it has opened up for general play to promote and build membership. A bar and grill and a banquet room are available.
The Farm Golf Club, Carencro (337) 886-2227 • www.thefarmlinks.com Farm D’Allie, located in South Louisiana, just north of Lafayette, is a spectacular eighteen-hole championship golf course crafted by golf course architect Jeffery D. Blume. Farm D’Allie is a spectacular eighteen-hole championship golf course crafted by Golf Course Architect Jeffery D. Blume. The Farm Golf Club offers a PGA and LPGA golf course and combines professional instructors with a top notch teaching
facility. The Farm is an 18 hole course with a 137 slope. Par rating is 74.4, and course yardage is7098. The greens are TifDwarf. Fairway and tee boxes are 419 Bermuda. Instruction by professionals is available at this golf teaching facility, for individuals or groups. The 215 acre course is situated in bottomland or Beaubassin, which was once the riverbed of the Mississippi. Farm D’Allie was named for the rich history of the land.The upper bank, the Coteau Ridge runs north and south and the 55-foot above sea level elevation is the highest point in Lafayette Parish. The gumbo-type soil was sculpted to show elevation change within the rolling fairways. Fourteen lakes are interconnected below ground to serve as one reservoir for irrigation. The Farm D’Allie is open six days a week (closed Tuesday) and there is a driving range. Memberships are available, but The Farm is open to the public. Dress code allows for “golf active” wear, collared shirts required, but no denim. The Pavilion Bar and Grill offers lunch or refreshments and “Steak Night” the first Monday of each month.
Beauregard Country Club Cecil Doyle Drive, DeRidder (337) 463-4444 www.library.beau.org/~cclub The Beauregard Country Club is located in northwest DeRidder near the Grabow community. It boasts an 18hole regulation course, tennis courts, pro-shop, on site PGA golf Pro, restaurant, and a swimming pool. The Club is semi-private, but non-members are welcome to play the course up to six times per year. Course is a 72 par for 6,343 yards with slope ratings for men 67.8 / 113, and 68.6 / 113 for women. There are 15 tees on the driving range. Green fees include the use of a
gold cart (where available). Danny Tilton is the resident golf professional. Hours are Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Mallard Cove Golf Course Chennault Air Park, Lake Charles (337) 491-1204 www.cityoflakecharles.com Operated by the City of Lake Charles, Mallard Cove Golf Course is a public, 18-hole, par 73 course with a 128 slope. Course yardage is 6,977. TifEagle greens add to the enjoyment of the game. Mallard Cove provides Lake Area citizens and visitors the best possible facility and services needed to enjoy golf at the most reasonable cost to the players. The beautiful Mallard Cove hosts many tournaments each year and offers summer youth camps for young golfers. Derek Smith is the PGA professional on staff. Mallard Cove also offers a snack bar, pro shop, and a tournament pavilion and is open 7 days a week. Golf instructions, club repair, driving range and carts are available. Annual passes are available, but memberships are not necessary. Golfers are asked to wear shirts with sleeves, and no cut-offs and shorts must be hemmed. For more information, visit the Mallard Cove website at www.cityoflakecharles.com and click on the “Departments” tab and ‘Mallard Cove Golf Course.”
Jennings Golf Club 602 South Louise Street, Jennings (337) 824-1274 www.jenningsgolfclub.com The Jennings Golf Club offers 18 holes at a par rating of 70.6, covering 6,300 yards. There’s a 123 slope on 6,437
APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 21
yards. The beautiful greens are TifDwarf and Bermuda. Jennings Golf Club is open 7 days a week to the public. Jennings Golf Club was established in 1912 and is a semi-private golf club. Golf course is open seven days a week 7 a.m. to dusk. Tournament information available upon request; call (337) 824-1274. The Club also offers Wednesday evening scrambles (DLST), pro shop, tennis courts, and swimming pool (June, July, & August). The pool is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
New Moon “Drive-In” Range and Pro Shop 4200 Gerstner Memorial Blvd, Lake Charles 337-480-0700 • email: newmoondi@aol.com The New Moon Drive-In Range hosts junior camps, skills challenges, long drive contests, and regular clinics for juniors, women, and kids. During Demo Days in March and October, companies such as Ping, TaylorMade, Nike, Wilson, Titleist, Ben Hogan, Cleveland and more, are on hand with the latest for golfing enthusiasts. The New Moon Drive-In Range offers putting and chipping greens, with lights for nighttime practice. The tee stations include 40 mats and 62 grass. The New Moon boasts over 10,000 Wilson balls in inventory and Wittek pickers and washers. They have a well-stocked pro shop and a snack bar with sandwiches and soft drinks. New Moon is owned and operated by Cindy Shackelford. Instructors include three area PGA professionals: Neel Derouen, Doug Farr and Bear Suarez.
If you think Edison did a lot for the light bulb, you should see what we’re doing for sockets. Bright ideas are nothing new at Center for Orthopaedics. And when it comes to innovative joint procedures, we really shine. From resurfacing your joint surface with space-age materials to high-tech computer assisted surgery for joint replacement, excellence in advanced orthopaedic care is always in our spotlight. There is no need to travel to receive the highest level of orthopaedic care. We’re providing the latest advances right here for patients in Southwest Louisiana. If you have joint pain, give us a call. Maybe we didn’t invent the light bulb, but no one will work harder to give you a brighter future. CFO is the region's largest independent orthopaedic practice, providing patient-focused care for patients of all ages, including:
• Fracture Care • Joint Replacement Surgery • Sports Medicine • Occupational Injuries • Arthroscopic Surgery • Back Pain and Spine Surgery
(337) 721-7CFO (7236) 501 S. Ryan Street, Lake Charles (1st floor of The Clinic) Sulphur Office: 250 S. Beglis Pkwy., Ste. 1 www.centerforortho.net www.lakecharlesortho.com
James D. Perry, MD • Geoffrey J. Collins, MD • John W. Noble, Jr., MD • Gehron P.Treme, MD • Craig G. Morton, MD
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APRIL 3, 2008
Pine Shadows Golf Club, Lake Charles 537-433-8681 The 18-hole Pine Shadows Golf Course features 6,494 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 70.3 and it has a slope rating of 110 on Bermuda grass. Pine Shadows is a public golf course and it opened in 1940. One-on-one lessons are taught by professionals, led by golf instructor and course manager Todd Boudreaux. A driving range, club repair, snack bar and pro shop are on-site for a complete golfing experience. Pine Shadows is open 7 days a week and is open to the public. Memberships are available and the dress code is casual. Located at 750 Goodman Road, close to Interstate 10, Pine Shadows is convenient and accessible and only 10 minutes from Lake Charles.
Frasch Park Golf Course, Sulphur (337) 527-2515 • www.sulphurparks.com The 18-hole “Frasch Park” course in Sulphur features yardage tees Blue 6267, White 5963, and Red (Ladies) 5473. The course rating is 70.3 and it has a slope rating of 126 on Bermuda grass. Frasch Park municipal golf course opened in 1955. Bryant Suarez manages the course as the Golf Professional. Frasch host many tournaments throughout the year. This spring they include the Mac Burns Memorial Tournament, May 24; Sheriff Tony Mancuso LHSAA Benefit Tournament, April 18; LHSAA 5A Region 1 Tournament, April 21 & 22; the West Cal Cam Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament, June 21; Sulphur City Championship Golf Tournament, August 15-17; and the Citgo/United Way Tournament, November 1. For information on tournaments, call 527-2515, or visit www.sulphurparks.com and click on “golf course.”
The Wetlands 2129 N. University Avenue, Lafayette 337-291-7151 • www.wetlandsgc.com The Wetlands Golf Course is located in the heart of Acadiana and is part of the Audubon Golf Trail. The Wetlands links style course is unique to Southern Louisiana with wide open fairways and subtle rolling terrain. The challenge of the golf course presents itself with well-bunkered greens and water hazards that affect eleven of our eighteen holes. The Wetlands accommodates all levels of players with 5 tees on the 18-course hole, ranging from 7300 yards at its longest and just over 5000 yards at its shortest. The TifDwarf greens are smooth rolling. Much of the course is lined with cypress trees and ponds and duck nesting boxes are placed in the many ponds throughout the course. The ponds also feature indigenous wetland vegetation, including pickerelweed and cattail. The back end of the course is a Louisiana prairie with oak trees and Indian grass. The Standard Outing Package includes green fees, cart and range balls. Professional assistance can include on-course contest set-up, customized rule sheets, scorecards and cart signage and an experienced cart staff. The resident golf professional is David Gary. Golf Instruction, club repair, snack bar, and a driving range are on site. The course is open six days a week, closed Tuesdays. Memberships are available, and the dress code is “proper golf attire”.
Join the Jeff Davis Business Alliance Tournament
The Jeff Davis Business Alliance tees off at the Jennings Golf Club Friday, April 25, for their annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser. The 3-Putt Contest begins at Noon, with a Shotgun Start at 1 p.m. The 4-Person Scramble is limited to the first 100 paid players. Entry fee is $260 per 4-man team, or $65 per player, and includes green fees, 2 mulligans, 3putt contest, hole-in-one, cart, food, drinks and ditty bag. There will be free
practice on Thursday (cart not included). Alliance Cash Prize Money (based on a full field) is 1st Place — $300, 2nd Place — $200, 3rd Place — $120. Strokes given by using a 50% of your teams’ average handicap Form your own team or sign up and you will be placed on a team! For more information or to sign up, contact the Jeff Davis Business Alliance at (337) 824-0933.
Tri-Parish Golf Championship Fights Cancer
ACS Championship at Koasati Pines June 9 Local golfers will soon join the fight against cancer on the fairway. The American Cancer Society’s Tri Parish Golf Championship will be held on Monday, June 9, 2008 at Koasati Pines in Kinder, LA. By participating in this tournament, golfers contribute to the battle against cancer. Proceeds from this event benefit the American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Registration for the tournament begins at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The fee for the tournament is $500 per four-person team and the deadline for teams to register is June 2. “This tournament provides an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to help raise money in the fight against cancer,” said Lindsay Ardoin, Development Representative, American Cancer Society. “It’s also an opportunity for golfers to educate themselves on how they can prevent and detect cancer early to save their lives.” This year, the American Cancer Society estimates about1. Four million new cancer cases in the U.S. This year, about 565,650 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. The cancers that most frequently affect men are skin, prostate, lung, and colon cancers. The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up as a man gets older. About two out of every three prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65. The American Cancer Society recommends that the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
should be offered to men every year starting at age 50. If you are 50 or older, you are at risk for colon cancer, even if you have no symptoms and no family history of the disease. Ninety percent of cases are diagnosed in people older than 50. Both men and women are at risk for colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that for men and women, the best way to detect skin cancer early is to recognize changes in skin growths or the appearance of new growths on the skin. Most skin cancers can be prevented by limiting exposure to the sun during the midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The American Cancer Society recommends wearing hats with brims, long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses, and the use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher on all exposed parts of the skin. For more information on the American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines and how to participate in this year’s Tri-Parish Golf Championship call 337-433-5817 or 1-800-ACS-2345. Visit www.cancer.org for any of your cancer questions or concerns. The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.
Another Success Story...
Being a small business success story we know the value of advertising, and part of that success is knowing your target market! The Times of SWLA delivers that audience in unparallel quanity. — Randall Lanza ALA Lighting Specialist Residential, Landscape and Commercial.
When It
Can’t Wait Until Monday
Health problems and minor injuries don’t always follow a convenient schedule. There are times you need to see a doctor over the weekend.
Now you can, at the new Weekend Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff. Getting the care you need is now quick and convenient on Saturdays and Sundays in Moss Bluff. Located within The Clinic-Moss Bluff office at 277 Hwy. 171, the weekend Urgent Care Center will be staffed by family physicians who will provide experienced care for illnesses and minor injuries. Our Center is equipped to care for adults and children of all ages. And because the Urgent Care Center is a service of Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, you know you can count on receiving high quality medical care.
Best of all, you can walk right in -no appointment is required!
The Clinic’s Weekend
Urgent Care Center Moss Bluff
277 Hwy. 171, Suite 8 • 312-0030 Weekend Urgent Care Center Hours: Saturday: 8am – 6pm • Sunday: 10am – 6pm APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 23
Immediate report turnaround with PowerScribe technology Same day/next day scheduling High Field Open MRI for superior accuracy Highest standard in patient care Ask Your Doctor to Schedule Your MRI at Advanced MRI
Phone (337) 494-AMRI Fax (337) 494-2694 2770 Third Avenue, Suite 125 • Lake Charles, LA 70601 *Advanced MRI accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield as well as most other network providers
No More Excuses Life is busy. Between working late, chauffeuring the kids, and taking care of the million details that seem to crop up, it's hard to carve out time to exercise, and stick to it. We understand, and now we can help.
Dynamic Dimensions is now open ‘round the clock to make squeezing in your daily workout a little easier.
K OU R O
T
W
Sure, there are plenty of excuses you could make; but why not say enough is enough and resolve to take a stand, (or a walk, or better yet, a jog!) for a better, healthier you. New member discounts are available. Both our Sulphur and Moss Bluff fitness centers have these new expanded hours, so stop by whenever it fits into your schedule – day or night.
YNAMICN S EN SIroO IM n Hospital Calcasieu Came
‘R
O
U
" the total health and
ND
" fitness center
THE
CK
of Wes t
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Sulphur - 545 Cypress St., 527-5459 • Moss Bluff - 602 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy., 855-7708 PAGE 24
APRIL 3, 2008
MEN’S Health
Slim Jim – Health Benefits Increase as Men’s Weight Decreases
A little piece of pie, another cookie, a second helping of a delicious meal - all innocent behaviors that everyone gives in to from time to time. And if they occur occasionally, they do no harm. However, when eating habits become out of control and activity decreases, weight isn’t the only thing that increases. Physicians and wellness experts agree that health concerns dramatically increase also. “Men often begin the weight battle later in life than women,” said Jason Ramm, MD, family medicine physician. “In the teen and twentysomething years, most guys are active with sports, hobbies and sometimes careers that require some physical exertion. Because of the increased activity, their appetite remains high. This generally isn’t a problem until the activity level slows down. Then, they begin to see the weight creep up. As the years go by, some men wake up to the fact that they are 30 – 50 pounds overweight. In their late thirties and forties, they begin to see health concerns that are exacerbated by the extra weight.” From heart disease to infertility, taking the strain of extra weight off the body will greatly reduce most health concerns. “As the weight comes off, men will see a definite improvement in many areas. The body responds quickly; even a few pounds lost make a difference,” Dr. Ramm said. While losing weight isn’t a magic wand, it’s close. Dr. Ramm says it’s one of the most effective tools to reducing health risks associated with the following conditions. Heart Disease: Obesity is very closely associated with heart disease and strokes. Men are particularly prone as they tend to store fat around their middles. Research is increasingly showing that a big belly (over 37 inches) is a risk factor and in waists over 40 inches the risks of heart disease increase substantially. Too much weight puts extra strain on your heart and makes you feel lethargic. Infertility: When is the last time you considered the health of your sperm? Probably not in a while, but when it comes time for family planning, it makes a difference. Obesity affects sperm quality. “Men who are obese or overweight produce dramatically lower numbers of strong-swimming sperm than men of normal weight,” said Thomas Alderson, MD, urologist. “Obesity affects the number of sperm and their quality.” He says it’s not clear why overweight men have a lower sperm count, but a prevailing theory is the extra weight is known to change the pattern of hormone levels in both men and women. This could affect the sperm quality and quantity. APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 25
Cancer: Obese men are nearly twice more likely to die from cancer than slimmer men. Researchers suggest that almost 900,000 cancer deaths in the United States may be related to obesity and could be prevented. The cancers identified included prostate, liver and pancreatic cancers, among others. For almost all the cancers, the risk of death increased as body mass did. “Obesity has recently surpassed smoking as the leading cause of preventable disease,” Dr. Ramm said.
slimmer men is simply a myth. “The reality is that obese men are more likely to suffer from serious levels of depression. In fact, obesity has been shown to slow down the brain function in men,” said Keri ForbessMcCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, Director of Solutions Employee Assistance Program. The study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that obesity causes a decline in thinking ability, especially in memory and learning.
Depression: The idea that fat men are more jolly and friendly than
Osteoarthritis: “Any additional weight placed on joints will lead to
deterioration of the joint over a period of time,” explained Darren Reed, exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions. Obese men are three times more likely to have osteoarthritis of the knees. “Excessive body weight places unnatural pressure and strain on the joints during movement and activity,” Reed said. “Guys who have been inactive are especially prone to damaging their joints during a spontaneous basketball game, for example, and then pay the price later with torn muscles and ligaments. This causes them not to exercise at all, and the cycle continues.”
He continued, “Exercise is beneficial, if done correctly. People need to be careful if they have excess weight, and especially if they have a history of knee or joint problems. Getting a doctor’s approval and working with a trainer will help ensure they don’t damage their joints and that they meet their fitness goals.” Diabetes: One of the main causes of Type 2 diabetes is being overweight. Obese men are about seven times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Fat lying within the abdomen is thought to have a direct effect on the way the body processes sugars. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs during adulthood and comprises about 90 percent of all diabetes cases. “One of the main reasons diabetes is so prevalent is due to our poor health habits,” explained Dr. Ramm. “Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and people who are overweight. These are factors that are decreased, and often eliminated when excess weight is lost.” Blood Pressure: Staying slim is the most effective self-help strategy for keeping blood pressure at healthy levels. Men who are overweight will probably have higher blood pressure which in turn increases the risk of kidney disease, heart conditions and strokes. “Blood pressure has no symptoms. Over the years, high blood pressure silently damages organs and sets the stage for life-threatening diseases such as stroke or heart disease. That’s why it’s crucial to identify the problem and get it under control sooner rather than later,” Dr. Ramm said. Cholesterol: The heavier you are the higher your cholesterol levels are likely to be. For every 10 percent above ideal, the risk of heart disease increases by 20 percent.There are good and bad types of cholesterol and it is important to monitor levels and get a breakdown to know exactly what your numbers are. “Excess weight is a prescription for health problems,” concluded Dr. Ramm. “We can’t do anything about family history, age or gender, but we do have the power to eat right and exercise consistently. By doing that, many health problems can be decreased and hopefully avoided.”
PAGE 26
APRIL 3, 2008
MEN’S Health
Too Many Dads
Ignoring Their Snoring
Do you have a father, son, grandfather or husband who snores? Does the volume waken others in the family? Do jokes focus on dad’s ‘sawing’ as he dozes off in front of the television at night? The National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2005 Sleep in America poll shows that 67% of America’s adults are married or live with someone who snores. And many of the snorers are men. “Our poll shows that thirty-nine percent of men snore, as opposed to twentyfive percent of women,” says Richard L. Gelula, NSF’s chief executive officer. “Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a very common, but very dangerous sleep disorder. Men and women who snore could be at risk, and should pay close attention to their sleep, particularly if they have pauses in breathing, and if they are overweight or obese.” An estimated 18 million people have sleep apnea, but millions don’t even know they have the disorder, which is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. The breathing pauses can result in both sleep disturbance and reduced oxygen delivery to vital organs. “People with sleep apnea suffer many consequences” says Dr. Jana Kaimal, SWLA’s only Board Certified Sleep Specialist. “Because of their disturbed sleep, they often are sleepy during their waking hours. In addition, sleep apnea has been associated with hypertension, heart disease, mood and memory problems.” Dr. Kaimal notes that while not all snorers have sleep apnea, it is important for anyone who snores to discuss the problem with a health care provider. “It is time to appreciate our fathers, let’s remember that snoring is no laugh-
ing matter,” said Dr. Kaimal. “It can disturb the sleep of bed partners and other family members. It can also be a symptom of serious sleep disorder that can put dad’s health and safety at risk. Let’s help fathers – and others who have sleep apnea symptoms – recognize their sleep problems, and seek treatment.” If you snore, or knows anyone who does, take the “Snore Score” on the NSF’s web site, www.sleepfoundation.org, where you will find additional information about sleep apnea and other sleep-related issues. The National Sleep Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting sleep-related education, research and advocacy. The Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana works with the National Sleep Foundation as a Community Sleep Awareness Partner to educate people in SWLA about the importance of sleep and the treatment of sleep disorders. Call the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana for Peaceful Nights and Productive Days, (337) 310-7378. www.sleepdisordercenterofla.com.
Men’s Health Seminar Set for April 24 Christus St. Patrick Hospital will host a free Men’s Health Seminar on Thursday, April 24, beginning at 6 p.m., in the Garber Auditorium, located at 430 South Ryan Street. Local urologist Farjaad Siddiq, M.D., will discuss the latest medical breakthroughs and advanced treatments available for prostate cancer and overall prostate health. Prostate can-
cer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. Fortunately, when detected in its early stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured. Space is limited and reservations are requested. For more information concerning this educational session, or to register, call Christus St. Patrick Hospital at (337) 491-7577.
Getting a straight answer about the blood test to screen for prostate cancer can be difficult. It’s a fact that prostate specific antigen, or PSA, levels are not as decisive as physicians would like; however, the screening has saved the lives of tens of thousands of men. They were able to work with their doctor on an appropriate treatment plan, because when detected and treated early, prostate cancer has a very high survival rate. The physicians with the Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana, along with the American Cancer Society, recommend an annual PSA screening along with a digital rectal exam for all men age 50 and over; African American men should begin at age 45, and men with a family history at age 40.
PSA or NoPSA? That is the question.
So, really the question is, is it time for your PSA?
CENTER
urolog y S O U T H W E S T
234 S. Ryan Street, Lake Charles 433-5282 1327 Stelly Ln., Ste. B, Sulphur 527-0022 www.ucswla.com
L O U I S I A N A
T.P. Alderson, MD • K.S. Verheeck, MD J.J. Jancuska, MD • F. M. Siddiq, MD Office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M - F
APRIL 3, 2008
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Interpreting
PSA Test Results
The role of the prostate in men’s health is not always clear, making it difficult to understand how the small gland the size of a walnut could be the root of three health problems in men—prostate cancer, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate). “Typically, we test for prostate problems in two ways: the digital rectal exam or the prostate specific antigen level test,” explained Thomas Alderson, MD, urologist with The Urology Center. More recently, however, doctors have disagreed about the latter test and what it signifies with regards to prostate cancer. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is simply a blood test—the doctor will withdraw some blood from the patient and this blood will be tested for the level of prostate specific antigen, a protein only produced by the prostate. The amounts of the antigen are measured in nanograms per milliliter of blood. Range of PSA — Typical Interpretation of Level • 0 – 2.5 ng/ml — Low • 2.6 – 10 ng/ml — Slightly – moderately elevated • 10 – 19.9 ng/ml — Significantly elevated • 20 ng/ml or greater — Dangerously elevated
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APRIL 3, 2008
These numbers are derived from www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/d etection/PSA and are the current levels that doctors use to judge the danger zones of PSA levels in male patients. However, new studies are revealing that numbers are not always clear indicators of danger. PSA levels are determined in a numerical fashion, but interpreting the results of a PSA test should not be firmly attached to a set of numbers, says Alderson. While higher PSA levels may indicate cancer or other problems in the prostate, doctors are finding that 70 percent of men who had elevated or increased PSA levels between tests did not have cancer. Recent studies have illustrated that men should begin testing for prostate problems at the age of 50 if there are no risk factors associated. However, for men whose family members have had prostate cancer, or if they are African-American, testing should begin at the age of 40, simply because such populations are at a higher risk for developing prostate problems. “When a man begins testing at the proper age, we can then make a better determination about the PSA results, and whether or not elevated results are truly
cause for alarm,” Alderson said. The problem with immediately acting on elevated results from a PSA test, without any regard to prior indications, is that elevated PSA levels are not always attributable to prostate cancer. Sometimes, certain drugs, an enlarged prostate, decreased testosterone levels, age, and other unknown reasons cause PSA levels to increase. “High PSA levels do not immediately indicate the presence of cancer in a patient, but they alert the doctor to perhaps investigate the matter further if there are no other possible causes for the results,” said Alderson. Further investigation usually means a biopsy if the PSA level is higher than 4, the current rate of alarm. However, in recent projections, doctors say that as many as 15 percent of men over 50 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer based on testing, but that only a little more than 1 percent of these men will actually die from the disease. “PSA level testing, while helpful, needs stricter and firmer parameters to establish whether or not the patient is truly in danger,” Alderson said. The American Urological Association is working on new guidelines that will be released soon. The guidelines are based on a continuing study of prostate conditions and should help reduce unnecessary biopsies and other surgeries that are done when PSA levels are elevated and may harm a male’s bladder and other organs. “The focus of these new guidelines will likely be a more long-term approach to diagnosing prostate cancer and other prostate problems,” explained Alderson. The best approach, then, to understanding PSA levels, is not a certain, rigid schedule of numbers. It is an approach that is criticized by some but hailed by others. This approach involves subjecting male patients to PSA testing at the age of 40 to establish a standard, then again at 45, and again at 50, with annual tests thereafter. Such a pattern of testing would help doctors keep track of a patient’s increases and decreases in PSA, enabling them to make a better determination of that patient’s normal PSA level. “Do not approach your prostate health alone—you and your doctor should have a running dialogue on the different approaches to testing and what they mean for your individualized condition,” said Alderson. “That is the best way to continually understand your prostate health.”
MEN’S Health
Vision Protection Keeps Athletes in the Game April is Sports Eye Safety Month All athletes should protect their eyes when playing sports, and that doesn’t mean merely slapping on a pair of sunglasses, stress physicians at The Eye Clinic. Researchers say more than 42,000 sports and recreation-related eye injuries are reported each year. Of these injuries, 72% occurred among individuals under age 25, and 43% occurred in children under 15. The American Academy of Ophthalmology strongly recommends protective eyewear for all participants in sports in which there is a risk of injury. It also states that protective eyewear should be mandatory for athletes who are functionally one-eyed and for those who have suffered a previous eye injury or trauma. “The type of protective eyewear recommended varies by sport, but polycarbonate is the most shatter-resistant clear lens material and should be used in all safety eyewear,”
says Andrew Erneston, OD, with The Eye Clinic. “The reason polycarbonate lenses are so strongly recommended is they are 20 times stronger than ordinary eyeglass material,” explains Dr. Erneston. “They can withstand a projectile or ball traveling at 90 mph. Contact lenses offer no protection, and ordinary eyeglasses or sunglasses are insufficient because they can shatter upon impact and cut the eye.” Researchers say that although protective eyewear cannot completely eliminate the risk of injury, use of appropriate eye protectors has been shown to reduce the risk of major eye injuries in sports by at least 90%. Along with the recommendations, researches also assessed the eye-injury risk posed by various sports based on their popularity and incidence of eye injuries. Baseball and basketball were
associated with the most eye injuries in athletes between ages five and 24. The risk levels and associated sports identified were: High risk. Sports such as paintball, basketball, baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, squash, racquetball, fencing, boxing, and full-contact martial arts. Moderate risk. Tennis, badminton, soccer, volleyball, water polo, football, fishing, and golf. Low risk. Swimming, diving, skiing (snow and water), non-contact martial arts, wrestling, and bicycling. Eye safe. Track and field (although javelin and discus have a small but definite eye-injury risk) and gymnastics. Athletes can now choose from various types of sturdy, lightweight, effective and fashionable eyewear. And when frames have polycarbonate lenses and have been properly fitted by an eye care professional, eyewear does not
hinder performance and can prevent 90 percent of sports eye injuries. Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic offers a full line of sports eyewear that can be customized for the person, their vision and the sport in which they are participating. Dr. Erneston says eye protection for each sport varies dramatically in the way they fit and in their ability to protect against eye injury. He recommends consulting an experienced eye doctor for advice on selecting the most appropriate protective eyewear for the individual and their sport. For more information about sports eye injuries or sports eyewear, contact The Eye Clinic or Optics Unlimited nearest you, or call toll-free at 1-800826-5223.
MEN’S Health
MEN’S Health
Memorial Offers
Free Cancer Screening
It’s the cancer in that part of the body most people would rather ignore. Unfortunately, some of us may be ignoring it to death. Nearly 42 million Americans over the age of 50 aren’t getting checked for colorectal cancer— the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancerrelated death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and nearly 50,000 will die from the disease. Lake Charles Memorial Hospital will once again offer free colorectal screening kits in an effort to help detect colorectal cancer at its earliest—and most treatable— stages. A non-invasive test that can be completed in the privacy of your home, the screening can identify hidden blood in stool samples, which is the first and in many cases the only warning sign of colorectal disease.
Test kits can be picked up at the LSUHSC Family Practice Center, 1525 Oak Park Boulevard, from 8 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. through Friday, April 4. Participants will be directed where to return the kits the following week. Colorectal cancer is a disease that can silently lurk in anyone, particularly during middle age and beyond. Found just as often among women as men, the disease usually starts with polyps, small growths that can take a decade to turn cancerous. If found early, these polyps can be removed, and cancer can be stopped before it starts. The colorectal screening kits are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. For more information, call the LSUHSC Family Practice Center at 494-6767.
The 20th Anniversary of The Children’s Museum
April 11th & 12th
2 days of fun filled activities Check out our website for details www.swlakids.org
Also visit the Grand Opening of our 3rd Party Room and Program Area on the 3rd floor.
327 Broad St., Lake Charles • (337) 433-9420 APRIL 3, 2008
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MEN’S Health
Erectile Dysfunction
Could Signal Blood Vessel Disease
Difficulty in the bedroom may signal difficulty in blood vessels. Studies show that erectile dysfunction may be a warning sign of blood vessel disease in other parts of the body in men without risk factors for heart disease. “This is significant because normally, these men would have been ‘under the radar’, so to speak due to the lack of any other warning signs for heart disease,” explained Christopher Thompson, MD, cardiologist. “If a patient does have erectile dysfunction, then it may be an early indication of blood vessel problems in other parts of his body.” This doesn’t necessarily mean the men will go on to develop heart disease, Dr. Thompson said. But, it is a warning sign to watch. “It makes sense that the two problems could be related.” Erectile dysfunction affects a significant number of men, according to Kenneth Verheeck, MD, urologist with The Urology Center. He said about 52 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from it. “Some of the more common reasons for it are because the patient has other diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease or atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing reduced blood flow. Other causes of ED are due to emotional or stressful situations. If ED is due to emotional issues, it wouldn’t necessarily be a warning sign for heart disease.” In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers compared thirty healthy men in their mid-40s with no major symptoms of heart disease, but they suffered from erec-
tile dysfunction, with twenty-seven men in the same age range without ED. The men with ED had abnormal findings on tests of blood vessel relaxation response. They also showed a lower response to tests of how well the blood vessels relaxed in response to stimulation with nitrates which cause vessels to widen and fill with blood. The study showed the same defect in smooth muscle in the brachial artery in the arm. This leads researchers to think that in men with ED, there is a generalized defect in the ability of the smooth muscle to relax in response to nitrates. “This is another reason for men to seek help if they have ED,” urged Dr. Verheeck. “There are a variety of successful medications available to reduce or eliminate the problem, and it would alert their physician to be aware of possible blood vessel concerns.” Dr. Thompson agrees saying, “The important message here is that many men with erectile dysfunction have a vascular mechanism similar to that seen in atherosclerosis. The presence of this should alert the physician to the possible presence or future development of vascular disease.”
Physicians at The Eye Clinic were the first in Southwest Louisiana to perform laser vision correction over a decade ago. Now they are the first to bring you the most advanced, precise LASIK technology available. It’s CustomVue LASIK, and it sets a new standard for the correction of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. With CustomVue, your LASIK procedure is as individual as your fingerprint, with each treatment calculated precisely for your eyes only. CustomVue is able to achieve this new level of precision and accuracy by incorporating: • Iris Registration Technology – the first fully automated method of aligning and registering corrections • Wavefront Technology – measures individual eye surface imperfections 25 times more precisely than standard methods Advanced CustomVue is so accurate, it is the first LASIK procedure approved by NASA for pilots and astronauts. Now you can experience this same level of visual performance, but only by choosing the Laser Center at The Eye Clinic for your CustonView LASIK treatment.
1 (877) 95 FOCUS • www.theeyeclinic.net
Changing the way you see the future. PAGE 30
APRIL 3, 2008
MEN’S Health
Getting Men to
Wise Up about their Health
Many men would rather diagnose the rattle under their car’s hood than the one under their own. Given a choice, they’d prefer to debate the risks their favorite football team faces in the upcoming season than discuss lowering their own risk of for certain health problems. According to family medicine specialist Todd Peavy, MD, with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, this pervasive male attitude is very frustrating for physicians. “Men are simply not as attentive to their health as women are,” he says. “Despite the overwhelming number of potential health problems men face, and the fact that many of those problems could be minimized or avoided altogether with preventive health care, too many men pay too little attention to their overall health. Very often, by the time they feel bad enough to see a doctor, we have a much more serious situation to deal with than if they had come in at the first sign of a problem, or if they had been following recommended guidelines for health exams and screenings.” This lack of vigilance on the part of men has serious consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death including heart disease, cancer, injuries, stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and suicide. In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Now, men, on average, die almost six years earlier than women. Women are also 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men. Dr. Peavy says this is the key difference, and a recent survey by the American Academy of Family Physician (AAFP), reports the same finding. According to the research report, men reported skipping health screenings and avoiding doctor’s visits. The survey examined the health behaviours of over 2200 adults across the country, including 1,111 men. The surveyors found that more than half of the men had not seen their primary
care physician for a physical exam in the last year, and more than 25 percent reported waiting “as long as possible” before seeking medical help for sickness, pain or other health concerns. A significant percentage of the men surveyed admitted they had not received recommended screenings for prostate or colon cancer. Despite this, most of the men – nearly 80 percent – described their health as “excellent,” “very good” or “good.” Not surprisingly, they were wrong. The results of the survey show just the opposite. Forty-two percent of the men surveyed had at least one of the following chronic conditions: high blood pressure (28 percent), heart disease (8 percent), arthritis (13 percent), cancer (8 percent) or diabetes (10 percent). In addition, the men reported watching an average of 19 hours of television per week, and only 38 percent of the men claimed to exercise on a regular basis. This sedentary lifestyle puts them at higher risk of developing many serious conditions. “This new report paints a clear picture of the challenge facing men regarding their health,” says Dr. Peavy. “Obviously, one of the biggest obstacles to improving the health of men is men themselves. But it’s a challenge both men and their physicians can’t ignore. Finding a way to get men to take an active role in their health can give them a longer and better quality of life as they age.” In the area of managing their health, Dr. Peavy says men need to take a few tips from the women in their lives. “Women are told from the time they become adults about the importance of routine screenings like pap smears and mammograms. They become accustomed to seeing a doctor regularly during pregnancy and for these recommended exams. They develop a life-long healthcare habit. Women are also more proactive when they notice any symptoms of health problems – for themselves and for those in their families. Very often, when a man does come in for an exam, it’s because his wife made the appointment and nagged him to come
in. We’ve got to get men to take control of their own healthcare.” Dr. Peavy says the most important step a man who has been ignoring his health can take is to see a doctor for a complete exam and routine tests including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose testing. “The doctor will give you a clear picture of your current health status and any need for treatment, risk factor modification and follow-up. As part of that visit, ask your doctor what routine health screenings you should have, based on your age and health. Your doctor will be happy to work with you on developing a plan for managing your healthcare.”
If you still find it difficult to focus on your health, Dr. Peavy says it might be easier for you to it put it in a context you are more accustomed to. “Use your vehicle as an analogy for your body. Just as you do routine maintenance on your car or truck, you’ve got to have the same type of maintenance plan for your body. It will run longer and smoother if you take the time to take care of it.” For more information about men’s health and recommended health screenings, call Dr. Peavy at 475-2252.
APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 31
Gender Differences
in Dealing With Depression
MEN’S Health
The “blues”, “feeling low”, “out of sorts”, these examples describe forms of depression. Some instances are more difficult than others. Everyone experiences these feelings; it’s human nature. However, the way men handle depression can differ from women. According to Dale Archer, MD, psychiatrist with the Institute for Neuropsychiatry, women tend to express their emotions outwardly more than men. He said men usually keep their feelings inside in an effort to mask them. “It goes back to men thinking they have to be the ‘strong ones’ and not show a weakness,” Dr. Archer said. “Some men find it hard to admit they have a difficult time dealing with an issue.” In this era of job cutbacks and a declining economy, Americans are feeling the effects of stress. When monumental life changes occur, such as the death of a loved one, or losing a job, it is only natural to be in a low emotional state. To avoid these feelings would be to ignore the situation. Dealing with them is where the difference lies in men and women. Even small, day-to-day aggravations show a difference in how they are handled by men and women. “Women tend to let it get to them more
Your Sm
than men,” Dr. Archer said. “A disagreement with a co-worker, a fight with a family member, a sick child, these will send a woman’s stress level higher than a man’s. Men’s hot buttons tend to be competition in the workplace, dealing with heavy traffic or slow service in a store.” Women will usually keep quiet during the incident, then let off steam later. On the other hand, men often erupt for a moment, get it out, and then go on with their day. According to experts, women are more likely to become clinically depressed. A term used to describe a lowered state of emotion lasting for several weeks. Loss of appetite, feelings of inadequacy and even thoughts of suicide accompany clinical depression. As many as 10 to 20 percent of women will experience depression, while only eight to 10 percent of men will be affected. Other facts include: • Women are more likely to have eating disorders. • During a bout with depression, women are more likely to lose sleep and eat more than men. • Men are more likely to use alcohol to cope with depression. • Bi-polar disorder is equally prevalent in both men and women. However, the course of the disor-
y t l a i c e ile is Our Sp
At Crawford Orthodontics, we believe confidence starts with a smile. A great smile not only enhances your appearance, it adds to self-esteem and can improve so many aspects of your life. Braces today offer increased comfort, faster results and advanced technology. Dr. Crawford was involved in the development of one innovative option -- the Invisalign® system, a virtually invisible way to straighten teeth using clear aligners instead of wires. And braces aren’t just for kids. With the wide range of convenient orthodontic options available, more and more adults are able to have the smile they’ve always wanted. A healthy, beautiful smile is one of the most important investments you can make. Call Crawford Orthodontics today. We’ll give you something to smile about.
CRAWFORD ORTHODONTICS OFFERS:
• Advanced, comprehensive orthodontics for children and adults • State-of-the-art facility and equipment • Well-trained, experienced, caring staff • Complimentary initial exam • Acceptance of most insurance plans • Convenient financing and no down payment options
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APRIL 3, 2008
(337) 478-7590 701 West College Street, Lake Charles www.drcrawfordorthodontics.com
der is different. Women are more apt to have more rapid cycling episodes, falling into depression and then rising quickly to the manic-phase of the disease. • Women are more likely to have phobias and panic disorders. Depression is a serious disorder that affects the lives of thousands. It affects nearly 10 percent of the population, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Even though it is so common, only 10 percent of the cases receive clinical attention. Once a person has a single episode of depression, it is more likely to occur again. “Knowing the differences in how men and women deal with depression can be helpful if someone you love is going through this. Talking it out is one of the best ways to help them. If they can express their feelings to a trusted family member or professional, it can relieve the burden of carrying it alone,” explained Dr. Archer.
May Symposium Focuses on Skin Cancer Awareness
Dr. Steve Springer of Lake Area Skin Care announces Part II of the 2008 Skin Symposium Series. The first symposium in January focused on skin rejuvenating treatment alternatives to plastic surgery, and was held at the Lake Charles Country Club and will be sure not to miss this one. Part II is Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness. Part III (in August ) is on treating acne, and Part IV (November) is about cosmetic injectables. Skin Symposium Part II - “Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness” will be Thursday, May 8, 6 p.m., at the Lake Charles Country Club. Leading the symposium is Carla Hill, who will discuss Colorescience “Micronized Mineral Sun Protection” and “21st Century Mineral Make-Up Expert”. Colorescience, recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, is a continuation of good skin care. All Symposiums feature free skin cancer screening, skin typing, and skin rejuvenating consultation. Contact Dr. Springer with Lake Area Skin Care, 337-436-3840, for more information.
One of the finest Outpatient Day Surgery centers in the nation has been right here in the Lake Area for over 30 years... Surgicare of Lake Charles. With our state-of-the-art facilities and our experienced, friendly staff, it’s no wonder we’re known as the comfortable surgical alternative that’s affordable as well. Ophthalmology ENT Gynecology Urology Podiatry Plastics
Dental Orthopedics Pain Management Laser General Surgery
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PAGE 33
Golf Injuries
Extend Beyond the Elbow
MEN’S Health
Golf is enjoying a major upswing in popularity, but despite the increasing number of adults participating in the sport, relatively little is known about the potential risks for golfingrelated injuries. Many people do not perceive golf as being a physical sport, but it is an excellent exercise which includes a significant amount of walking, often up and down hills. The golf swing itself uses muscles from the legs, stomach, trunk, shoulders and arms. To excel and stay healthy in this sport, a golfer must have strong and flexible muscles. “The idea that golf is an injury-free sport is a misconception. As with any sport, injuries can occur in golfing if your body is not ready to take on the stress of a repeated movement,” says John Noble, Jr., MD, orthopaedic surgeon with Center for Orthopaedics. “For those of you who golf on a regular basis, you know how important it is to be mentally prepared to hit a golf ball. It is also important to be physically ready to hit the ball. Proper warm-up, flexibility and swing mechanics not only help your game, but will also help you to avoid putting your clubs away due to a golf injury.” According to Dr. Noble, overuse
WE’LL HOLD YOUR HAND UNTIL YOU CAN HOLD THEIRS The moment of finally holding the baby that’s been growing inside of you is magical. Your whole world has been turned upside down because of this tiny, unseen person. And, now you can meet face-to-face, at last. Even after all deliveries we’ve been part of, that moment still reinforces why we chose this field of medicine. We're honored to be included in this memorable event in your family's life. We take seriously our pledge to provide you with the highest quality of women’s healthcare available. You deserve answers, compassion, experience and the assurance of knowing we’ll be here when you need us. We look forward to many more life-changing moments.
1.866.312.OBG1 • 312-1000 • obg-1.com LAKE CHARLES: 1890 W. GAUTHIER ROAD, SUITE 110 SULPHUR: 1200 STELLY LANE
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APRIL 3, 2008
Physicians: Ben Darby, MD Scott Bergstedt, MD Walter Guth, MD Brad Forsyth, MD Nurse Practitioners: Tammy Gillett, APRN, NP Marilyn Watson, APRN, NP Certified Nurse Midwife: Bonnie Leger, CNM
injuries are the primary source of problems for golfers. These types of injuries occur more frequently in those individuals lacking adequate flexibility and strength of the stomach, shoulder and elbow muscles. They occur when the forces of an activity exceed the muscle’s ability to absorb the force. “When this occurs, it is the tendon that is overstressed,” he explains. Leading the list of golf injuries is golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow occurs in the dominant arm as the club head strikes the ball or ground. One of the best ways to avoid elbow problems is to strengthen the forearm muscles and slow the swing so that there will be less shock in the arm when the ball is hit by the golfer. Many golfers also suffer from impingement syndrome of the shoulder. This condition is an inflammation of the shoulder’s rotator cuff tendons caused from the “pinching” of the tendons between the bones of the shoulder. Dr. Noble says for golfers, this most often occurs in the front region of the arm and is felt at the finish of the swing. “Strong rotator cuff muscles are the best way to prevent this from happening.”
Low back pain is a very common complaint among golfers. This can be caused by a poor swing. The rotational stresses of the golf swing can place considerable pressure on the spine and muscles. Also poor flexibility and muscle strength can cause minor strains in the back that can become severe injuries. “Fortunately, back injuries in golfers are generally only strained muscles, but in more severe cases, the lumbar disc can become irritated or rupture,” says Dr. Noble. Studies have shown that a good, 10minute warm-up can do a lot to help keep golfers on the greens and in good health. Dr. Noble gives these suggestions for warming up: • Stretch your back, shoulders and forearms before your game. • Take shortened practice swings, building up to full swings. • Try to hit a bucket of balls before playing a round of golf. • Allow yourself time to adequately warm up. “Taking the time to properly warm up before playing not only helps your game, it will prevent injuries and make you healthier in the long run.” For more information about any musculoskeletal condition, call the Center for Orthopaedics at (337) 721-7236.
Follow the Beat to Lafayette Under the direction of Cardiac Electrophysiologist William Bailey, MD, Louisiana Heart Rhythm Specialists offers a comprehensive range of treatment for heart rhythm disorders, including pacemakers, internal cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), specialized diagnostic testing, catheter-based interventions and medication management. Dr. Bailey is one of only a few cardiac electrophysiologists in the state, and he is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading expert in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. He has served as a principle investigator for numerous clinical device trials and has been instrumental in the development of new pacemaker and ICD technology. For more information about appointments and services, or if you need assistance with transferring your medical records, call Louisiana Heart Rhythm Specialists at (337) 233-PACE, or visit www.heartrhythmmd.com.
(337) 233-PACE 913 S. College Rd., Ste. 103 Lafayette heartrhythmmd.com
The Right Physicians The 12 radiologists at South Ryan MRI are board certified imaging interpretation expert, trained to image and interpret the ENTIRE body. Their combined years of radiology experience bring a level of expertise like none other to our area. Our readings are thorough, prompt and accurate!
The Right Technology South Ryan MRI offers 1.5T MRI and 64 Slice CT Imaging – both provide outstanding image quality tailored to the patients individual needs. Image quality and accurate reporting are important for a quick diagnosis.
The Right Choice! Why Choose South Ryan MRI? – “The staff is wonderful and made me feel at home before, during and after my test.” – “The receptionist was so friendly and made my stressful situation less so by her positive personality.” – “Thank you for taking such good care of my father. It meant so much to us for him to be treated with such compassion.” – “I was very pleased with my positive experience at South Ryan MRI and will definitely recommend this facility to my family and friends... what a difference from other places I have been.”
See the Difference
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 6:00am-10pm Open Saturdays 24 Hour Emergency Services Available 650 South Ryan • Lake Charles, LA Phone: 337-439-7778 • Fax: 337-433-4686 w w w. s o u t h r y a n m r i . c o m Ask your doctor to schedule your MRI or CT Imaging exam at South Ryan MRI. APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 35
Art Bus Delivers For Spring Art Walk Friday, April 11th, 5pm–9pm This year, the Spring Art Walk will be easier to negiotiate thanks to the Bon Ton Express – a.k.a. — “The Art Bus.” Pick-up and drop-off in the northeast corner of the Civic Center parking lot. Maps and Information are available at the Bus Stop Canopy, near Lakeshore and Broad intersection. Stop #1 — Associated Louisiana Artists — Gallery By the Lake 106 West Lawrence Street Gallery by the Lake will feature ALA artists’ work in their 2008 “Speak from the Art” exhibit. Over 200 pieces of emotionally evocative art will be available for viewing and sale at this collective exhibition. Stop #2 — ArtwoRx — 429 Ryan Street. A perennial ArtWalk favorite, Tony DuPuis will be featuring his signature work along side pottery, jewelry and a myriad of gift items to suit any taste!
take you on a trip to a “Seaside Resort”, “Sailing at Kemah” and allow you to enjoy nature’s perfection in “Beautiful Butterfly” Luna’s — Rex Alexander. T Rex’s fabulous pottery enjoys a tremendous following in the lake area. Stop in at Luna’s and you will understand why! Luna’s always has an interesting, eclectic collection of art on exhibit. From culinary creations to music and fine art, Luna’s is a great restaurant and more! 710 — Photography by Jacques FontenotHollier. Experience the moods and imagination of one of Lake Charles’ newest emerging photographic imagers! Black and White has rarely been so exciting! Chinese King — Junior League Cookbooks. Recipes, artistically presented in this so-much-more than a cookbook volume! Stop #4 — Broad & Ryan
Stop #3 — Mill & Ryan — Since Ryan Street will be open to pedestrian traffic between Mill and Broad Streets, the Art Bus will make a stop on either end of the street closure. Venues in the 600 and 700 Blocks of Ryan include: Majestic Grocery — McNeese Art Department — Faculty and Students. Expect the unexpected when enjoying the creativity of the University’s Fine Arts Department! Muller’s — A unique art offering by way of Phelps Correctional Center. Inmates’ art will be exhibited in the windows of the Muller’s building along Ryan Street. Inside, you will be able to enjoy works by Julie Dallas, Anne Shirley and Lydia Farquhar. DeRidder artist Josie Scott will share her work in Watercolor and Oil with ArtWalkers! Congressman Charles Boustany’s Office — Studio 347. Artists Darlene Wismer, Imogene Dewey and Iris Summers provide you with a variety of watercolor works for your enjoyment. These works will PAGE 36
APRIL 3, 2008
Stop #5 — Kirby & Bilbo — 1911 Historic City Hall. First Floor features the Photography of A.J. Rybiski. Second Floor will afford a glimpse of 100 Years of History relating to Christus St. Patrick’s Hospital. Third Floor hosts the Artisan’s Gallery exhibit. Artists Civic Theatre and Studio will be on hand to introduce you to “Harvey the Rabbit” from their upcoming production of the same name. Art by Melancon Studio. Featuring “Louisiana Works on Paper” - a juried exhibition of artists’ works from across the state. Stop #6 — DuFlo’s — 1129 Common Street. Mesmerizing works of art done in wood, glass, bronze, exotic gemstones and precious metals. All hand made by artisans and craftsmen from around the world. DuFlo’s boasts one of the finest selections of nature’s organic gem...the pearl!
Stop #7 — Central School Arts and Humanities Center — 809 Kirby Street Art Associates Gallery - Ken Baskin’s closing reception. “Industrial Intuitions” has drawn praise from art lovers and architects, artists and engineers! An amazing exhibit of ceramic creativity! Black Heritage Gallery - Sheila Babineaux. Local artist displays her appreciation for our equine friends in this exhibit. Candice Alexander - Alexander Studio. Candice invites you to view her creations, including her latest series of prints inspired by the fleur de lis! Richard Buckley — Local Photographer displays his work on the Second Floor. Stop #8 — Carnegie Library The charter members of IAG will display artwork, give information on the Independent Artists Group and generally delight you with a wide variety of fine art. The Library Staff will complement the offerings with a selection of books and reference materials to complement your visit! After Stop #8, the bus returns to the Civic Center Parking Lot and resumes its route to the previously noted stops. Although not served by the “Art Bus”, Patsy Manuel’s Frame House Gallery will feature Artist Tony Bernard of Lafayette. He will be offering his newest rendition of LSU’s Tiger, entitled “LSU Tiger Pride”, created to spotlight the 2007 National Championship win. Also featured is acclaimed artist Sue Zimmerman who will share the latest of her beautiful watercolor creations. Don’t miss the opportunity to join “Nancy Melton and Friends” at their Spring Watercolor Show Reception from 6:30 until 8 the same night! McNeese Frazar Memorial Library will house an amazing collective exhibition highlighting portrait paintings by Nancy Melton and will include work by more than twenty-five other area artists.
I-10 Lawrence St. Pine St. 2 Mill St.
1
3
ve Dri ore esh
Twelfth St. Ryan St.
Stop #1
Associated Louisiana Artists — Gallery By the Lake, 106 West Lawrence Street
Stop #2
ArtwoRx — 429 Ryan Street
Stop #3
Mill & Ryan Since Ryan Street will be open to pedestrian traffic between Mill and Broad Streets, the Art Bus will make a stop on either end of the street closure.
Stop #4
Broad & Ryan
Stop #5
Kirby & Bilbo
Stop #6
DuFlo's — 1129 Common Street
Stop #7
Central School Arts and Humanities Center — 809 Kirby Street
Stop #8
Carnegie Library
6
Kirkman St.
Seventh St.
Lak
7
Common St.
5
Broad St. Hodges St.
8
Pujo St. Kirby St.
Pick-up and Drop-off in the Northeast Corner of the Civic Center Parking lot — maps and information available at the Bus Stop Canopy, near Lakeshore and Broad intersection.
Division St. Bilbo St.
Ryan St.
4
Bus Stops for the Bon Ton Express AKA "Art Bus"
Prien Lake Rd.
1 1 l i m r p p 0 A 0 , : y 9 a d i Fr 0pm 5:0 New r u o on
” S U h c t a B C T R “A e d i aR
er ent C ic Civ rolled till 9. e h f t cont om 5 o r r rne imate usly f o c l t c uo eas y the ontin h t r c o jo e N d en nning h t n t A e . Ru ka ot a f th f SWL o Par king l urney o y r rtes uncil u pa ural jo o o c t ge ities C cul r a n h of c Huma E E FR and s Art APRIL 3, 2008
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"When in Rome" — letters and numbers.
by Matt Jones • ©2008 Jonesin' Crosswords Brought to you by Melanie Perry, Agent State Farm Insurance
Last Issue’s Answers
Across 1 Gyllenhaal of "Zodiac" 5 ___ dispenser 8 Cliff's wife, on "The Cosby Show" 13 Singer Fitzgerald 14 Org. on toothpaste boxes 15 "Press Your Luck" bad guy 16 Bag in a Roman hospital room? 18 Pilot 19 Having XX chromosomes: abbr. 20 Roman martial arts star? 22 "There ___ I in T-E-A-M" 23 Randy's son, on "South Park" 24 Charlie Parker, to fans 27 Lock of hair 29 "Uncanny" superhero group 33 Bad bacteria 35 Maria's husband, on "Sesame Street" 37 Sugary suffix 38 2006 Roman movie based on a comic book? 42 Suffix for percent 43 French girlfriend 44 Winter weather condition 45 Banks on the runway 47 Farm measures 50 "On top of that..." 51 Aching
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APRIL 3, 2008
53 Nutjob 55 With 63-across, Roman song collection? 59 It may be solemn 62 Currencies 63 See 55-across 65 McArdle who played Annie on Broadway 66 Ending for plastic 67 Multipurpose product's benefits 68 High times? 69 Favorite 70 "Get ___!" Down 1 "Hallelujah" singer Buckley 2 Wet wipes additive 3 Heidi of "Project Runway" 4 Musical ability 5 Part of PTA 6 Magazine staffer 7 ___ Dingbats (pictographic computer font) 8 Rivera of "Chicago" 9 Voice box 10 Bullets 11 David Bowie's wife 12 Baseball Hall-of-Famer Sandberg 15 Arrives, as a scent
17 Provides music for a wedding reception, perhaps 21 Problem 22 Running in neutral 24 Prove proper 25 In a steely way 26 Range ___ 28 Baby eel 30 Tryst site, sometimes 31 ___ Park, Colo. 32 "Swell!" 34 "___ Man Answers" (Bobby Darin movie) 36 1960s college protest group re-formed in 2006 39 The only "Celebrity Apprentice" participant to appear on a previous "Apprentice" season 40 Houston, Tex. campus 41 Verve 46 Toward the back, on a ship 48 George's friend 49 Fourteen-line poem 52 "I just remembered..." 54 Tribute 55 Saudi Arabia neighbor 56 It's a bad thing 57 58 59 60 61 64
Prefix meaning "inside" Cut Hibiscus holder Neon sign word Compass point Margarine container
t i m e s
picks the best in lake area entertainment
Mary Manhein
JUST LIKE CSI! FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST AT MSU APRIL 3 — Mary Manhein, director of the Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Laboratory at Louisiana State University, will present a free lecture at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 3, in Baker Auditorium of Farrar Hall at McNeese State University. Her presentation, “Twenty Years of Forensic Anthropology in the Deep South: Truth Is Surely Stranger than Fiction,” is sponsored by the McNeese Society of Forensic Sciences. Manhein has worked in the field of forensic anthropology for 28 years. She is also a deputy coroner for East Baton Rouge Parish and is an expert witness in forensic anthropology. Manhein, who is called “The Bone Lady” by law enforcement personnel, has handled more than 700 forensic cases, including retrieval and identification of victims of industrial explosions and fires.
RAYNE CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE, APRIL 5 — The “Rayne City-Wide Garage Sale” will be held April 5, throughout the city. Folks can start selling as early as they like and stay open as late as they like…we call it “Open from Can to Can’t!” Residents and businesses will host sales at their homes and on the sidewalks in front of businesses. Bargain-hunters can start in “Rayne Downtown” and work their way from there. Shoppers will find yard sales, estate sales, sidewalk sales, parking lot sales, garage sales, and even a couple of huge flea markets, all scattered throughout the city. To see the list of participating addresses and businesses, go to www.RayneDowntown.com. If you have any questions, call Burgundy L. Olivier, event coordinator, at (337) 334-6994, or at email@ilovespinach.com. ELJAY FOUNDATION PRESENTS TOUR OF NATIONS WITH KUMBUKA, APRIL 11 — Sample authentic wines, art, textures, foods and music of the Nations of Africa. Immerse yourself in the land around you as you experience an authentic dance and drum performance. The magic begins April 11 at 6:30 p.m., at the elegant Lake Charles Country Club, located at 3550 Country Club Drive, as the Eljay Foundation for Parkinson’s Awareness presents The Nations of Africa. Browse the exciting array of gifts on the Silent Auction tables. Sample unique and delicious meat and vegetable dishes, and spicy soups and desserts. Take your time shopping and examining the selection of handmade African crafts for sale. Special exhibits of African art and artifacts will be on display, courtesy of local collectors, while authentic African music plays in the background. McNeese international students from Nigeria will greet visitors in their traditional attire and mingle to answer questions about their home country. Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be KPLC’s favorite TV personality, John Bridges. The highlight of the evening will be a performance by Kumbuka, an award-winning drum and dance collective, who will demonstrate African tribal dances and perhaps entice some adventurous audience members to learn a few dance steps as well. Organized in 1980, Kumbuka is recognized as Louisiana’s premier African- American dance and drum company. Audience participation is encouraged. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased from the Eljay Parkinson’s office located in the United Way building at 715 Ryan St., Suite 105A, Lake Charles, LA 70601, or call (337) 310-0083.
HIGH KICKS AND JAZZ HANDS SOUGHT, APRIL 5 — Auditions for the 2008-2009 McNeese State University Cowgirl Kickers dance team will be held from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday, April 5, in the aerobics room of the recreational complex on the McNeese campus. Candidates will learn choreography in the morning session and be required to perform the routine that afternoon in small groups for a panel of judges. Applicants will be judged on technique, stage presence, flexibility, memory of choreography and audience appeal. Applicants are required to wear black jazz pants and any color crop-top and black jazz shoes, boots or sneakers for the audition. Any appropriate dance attire is acceptable in the morning session. All candidates must meet the academic standards for enrollment to the university to be considered for the Cowgirl Kickers. They are also required to complete an application with a $10 non-refundable audition fee prior to the audition date. Applications are available at the Cowgirl Kickers office in the McNeese Student Services office or online at www.mcneese.edu/kickers . Scholarships are available. Recommendations from school counselors, team directors and dance teachers will also be considered in this phase of judging. In addition to the routine, candidates will be required to demonstrate mastery of specific core dance and high kick skills for a compulsory judge. Candidates will be selected for membership based on the combined scores from each phase of judging. For more information, contact the Cowgirl Kickers, (337) 475-5604. CLOSING RECEPTION FOR EQUINE EXHIBITION AT THE BLACK HERTIAGE GALLERY, APRIL 11 — A closing reception for artists Shelia Babineaux’s Equine Exhibition will be April 11 from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at the Black Heritage Gallery at Central School Arts & Humanities Center, 809 Kirby Street, Lake Charles. Sheila has been a member of Associated Louisiana Artist since 1989. Largely self taught, she has studied oil painting with Anne Dentler, and drawing techniques with Kevin Leveque. Her love of horses combined with her love of pastel chalk has developed into the soft, warm glow that permeates her work. Come and experience the beauty and majesty of the horse. Equine Exhibition will be on display through April 30.
ANOTHER OPENIN’, ANOTHER SHOW; ACTS AUDITIONS APRIL 6 & 7 — Marc Pettaway, director of ACTS Theatre Lake Charles, has announced the first of three audition rounds for all roles in the upcoming musical, Annie Get Your Gun. The first round will be Sunday, April 6 from 2-5 p.m., and on Monday, April 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. or, when finished. Auditions will be at the ACTS One Reid Street Theatre in Lake Charles. Those auditioning should report thirty minutes earlier to do audition paperwork. Cowboys, Indians, traveling Wild West Show people, townspeople, and other characters are needed. There are roles for several children. Those trying for singing roles should bring a karaoke CD with a song which has been prepared for audition purposes. Everyone is asked to read from the script which will be furnished at each audition. No experience is required. Anyone interested in working on a crew in any capacity should attend an audition session and register. People who can sew costumes are needed. Annie Get Your Gun will be an early summer production at ACTS. For more information, call 436-5908, 4332287, or visit www.actstheatre.com. “HOOP-A-PALOOZA” FOR AUTISM, APRIL 6 — Sign up now! A basketball free throw shooting contest “Hoop-a-Palooza,” is Sunday, April 6, at St. Louis Catholic High School to benefit the St. Nicholas Center for Early Intervention, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational, social and therapeutic services to children ages 2-6 years with developmental delays; including autism. Teams of five (5) players are encouraged to enter. Team captain registration is currently underway. For more information or to register a team, please contact Kathi Andrepont at (337) 802-8814 or Christy Papania-Jones at (337) 515-4881 or by email at saintnicholascenter@gmail.com. Top shooters and fundraisers will be awarded great prizes including a flat screen television, a Nintendo Wii and a one-week stay in Destin, Florida.
APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 39
The
“Original”
Best Of SWLA
ReadersPoll 2 0 0 8
The Polls Are Open! It’s that time again – time for “The Times Original Best of Southwest Louisiana Reader’s Poll.” Since the Times readers have strong opinions and are not shy about sharing them, we were the first in the area to ask you to vote on your favorites in everything from boudin to banks, from barbeque to barber shops.
Polls close at midnight, April 4. Voting is exclusively on-line at www.timessw.com. Click on “Best Of Ballot” and find your "Best Of" in each category on our on-line ballot. Please check the drop down list FIRST. If you don't find your favorite in the drop-down list, write in your answer. Some categories will be write-in only.
We will announce the 2008 "Original Best Of" winners in The Times May 15 and May 29. ENTRY RULES Only one entry per person and only one entry per email address are allowed. Ballot stuffing is prohibited. The Times reserves the right to reject any suspicious ballot. At least 25 categories must be completed for the ballot to be eligible. However, participants are urged not to vote in a category if they are not familiar with it.
Vote Online At www.timessw.com
DEMENTIA CARE CONFERENCE, A MEETING OF THE MINDS, APRIL 10 & 11 — The Alzheimer’s Association, Louisiana Chapter, will hold its Second Annual Dementia Care Conference, A Meeting of the Minds, on April 10-11, at Trinity Baptist Church, 1800 Country Club Rd, Lake Charles. The conference, sponsored by Christus St. Patrick Hospital, will begin with the Family Forum, which is open to the public and free of charge, Thursday, April 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening is designed to teach caregivers and people with dementia the latest in research related to Alzheimer’s disease. Friday, April 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., professionals are invited to learn about the latest research related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. 6.0 hours of continuing education credits are available to social workers, nursing home administrators, registered nurses and LPCs. Early registration is $70 for CEUProfessional attendees, $40 for non-CEU attendees and $25 for students with ID. Scholarships are available for non-CEU attendees. Conference speakers are Dr. Brandon Ally, Ph.D., and Dr. James Simpkins, Ph.D., internationally known for their work with Alzheimer’s and Dementia research. For more information, call the Alzheimer’s Association at (337) 984-4884 or log onto our website at www.alz.org/Louisiana . To register, call 800-272-3900. THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM HOSTS APRIL EVENTS — Tuesday, April 8: Straw Hat Day. Wear a straw hat to the museum and receive a $1.00 off admission. Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12: 20th Anniversary Celebration (More information coming soon!) Friday, April 11: Spring Art Walk. The Children’s Museum is displaying artwork from participants in our 20th Anniversary Art Contest. The museum is also highlighting the work of Julie Dupre Buckner. Julie is an illustrator of the “Clovis the Crawfish” book series. These wonderful pieces of artwork will be on display from April 11 until April 30. Free Gallery Admission from 5-7 p.m. Regular museum exhibits will be closed. Saturday, April 12: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show. Do you want to learn how monomers react to make polymers? Join Sasol employees at 11 a.m. as they demonstrate this chemical reaction with the use of “gak” and Play Dough. Thursday, April 17: ArtSpace Workshop. Come and create a cheery wind chime to hang outside. Each class is limited to 15 children and classes begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, April 17: Third Thursday. This is a program for families of children with autism spectrum disorders. It is an after-hours opportunity to come and enjoy the museum with families dealing with similar impairments. It also allows parents to help their children develop language and social skills. Admission fees paid by SWLA Autism Chapter. Donations are welcome. Monday, April 21 to Saturday, April 26: National Karaoke Week. While visiting the museum, stop by the “Karaoke Cavern” and test out your vocal chords. We have a great variety of music ranging from Elvis to Hannah Montana! Tuesday, April 22: Earth Day. It’s Earth Day! Learn how you can GO GREEN and plant a flower in the ArtSpace. Friday, April 25: Report Card Day. The Children’s Museum is very proud of area students that earn Honor and Banner Roll throughout the school year. To help acknowledge their hard work we are offering $2 off admission for students with either Honor or Banner Roll. Students must present their report card at the front desk in order to receive this discount. Saturday, April 26: Sense of Smell Day. In the ArtSpace, you can make art with silly scented markers such as: Dragon Drool, Freaky Phoenix and Witch’s Brew. While you’re here, stop by the “Your Nose Knows” exhibit and check your sense of smell! “MOTHER OF JEFFERSON DAVIS!” IT’S A FESTIVAL! APRIL 19 & 20 — The Niblett’s Bluff Park Authority will host its annual Spring Fest and Civil War Re-Enactment on April 19 and 20, at the Park premises located at 3409 Niblett’s Bluff Road in Vinton, La. The public is invited and admission is FREE. Come and experience a historic trip to the past that will be entertaining as well as educational. There will be Civil War battles, cannons, night firing, confederate camps, music, Kossa Indian dancers, weaving, flint knappers, food, crafts, and plant vendors. Anyone interested in a booth should contact Linda at (337) 589-7066 or e-mail mottl@bellsouth.net.
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APRIL 3, 2008
W
Easter Eggs and Big A** Fans!
hat do you get when you put 30,000 stuffed Easter eggs together with over 1,100 children? An Egg-stravaganza! When I arrived at the Trinity Baptist Church grounds for their annual Easter Egg hunt, my first order of business was to hit the lemonade and popcorn stand. As I waded through the crowd of 3,000, I spied several familiar faces. Rev. Steve James was in a playful mood, greeting the children and families. I also spotted Gary Meek wandering aimlessly among the amusement attractions with a “stunned” look on his face! At the face painting booth, Lauren Gaskin went with a “Spring” theme for her Easter makeup. Katey Struck and her daughter Amber waited for their turn at the funjump. Map in hand, Bryce Waldrop planned his strategy for the big egg hunt. Young Grant Lyons as “Spiderman” was ready to search out the prize eggs. At about 11:30 a.m., I decided to go and check out the BIG lawn area where the Easter eggs were strategically placed. This is really cool. Trinity ropes off the area by age groups, infant through fifth grade, so nobody gets trampled when the horn sounds at noon. Danny Henderson and Dawn Brand are the preschool and children’s ministers at the church, and had the plan formulated right down to each egg. I could tell it was getting close to the BIG MOMENT — The moment everybody had been waiting for! Parents and children with baskets in-hand
were heading toward the secured area in hopes of loading their baskets with those surprise-filled eggs. Noon finally arrived, the horn sounded — It looked like the “Running of the Bulls”! Kids screaming and scampering, parents leaping and hollering and everyone else just getting out of the way! 90 seconds later, it was over…yes, 30,000 eggs gone in just 90 seconds! I believe everyone who participated was very satisfied, and anticipating another great festival next year! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the 5 pounds I gained in a two hour span. Meanwhile, on March 2, artists and art lovers gathered at Gallery by the Lake for a reception to celebrate the gallery’s new addition. “Whimsical Art” was on exhibit, creation of students and ALA artists. Guests had the opportunity to guess what the artworks meant, such as; worm in a book = bookworm! The Shadow spotted Amie and Mark Herbert. Pat San Miguel visited with Eileen Piper as they admired the art on exhibit. I also chatted with Beth Hebert, Trudy Carbello, Jane Dufrene, Sue Didelot, Connie Shaw, at this delightful reception at the Gallery by the Lake. On March 27, the United Way Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon was at Treasures of Marilyn’s. We packed the room – United Way supporters, volunteers, and staff to celebrate a very successful ’07 campaign. More than $4.6 MILLION was pledged to support 58 health and human services agencies in our 5-parish area! Our master of ceremonies, Don Stevens, the Delta Downs track announcer, certainly kept us on track through this lively luncheon! While we enjoyed our luncheon of chicken breast in a cream sauce with mashed potatoes
Katey Struck and daughter Amber wait their turn at the fun-jump.
Lauren Gaskin decides to go with the “Spring” theme at the face painting booth.
Chin Liang and his wife gratefully accept this year’s “Harper Clark Spirit of Southwest Louisiana” award from United Way.
APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 41
Pat San Miguel visits with Eileen Piper at the Gallery by the Lake.
Grant Lyons “Spiderman” impersonation.
(yummy!) United Way Board President, Vickie Wicks singled out retiring board members Monsignor James Gaddy, Marianne Leigh, Danielle Morrissey, Al Prebula and Jeffery Rippel to honor them for their service. Vickie also presented the Corporate Pride award to SASOL North America. Pat Brown graciously accepted the honor on behalf of
SASOL employees. The Harper Clark “Spirit of Southwest Louisiana” Award was presented to a very surprised Chin Liang from the Westlake Group. “Now I know why they insisted I come to the free lunch!” Chin joked as he accepted the award. He said he considers himself “Cajunized Taiwanese.” He said that he
was drawn to the work of United Way since there is no such organization to help people in his native Taiwan. He was so impressed with the work of United Way that he became an enthusiastic volunteer – and a very deserving recipient of this year’s Harper Clark award. The 2007 Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Tom Shearman by last year’s recipient, Ronnie Oustalet. The United Way Agency Staff Person of the Year Award was presented to Kathy Williams for her dedication to the United Way family of agencies. Legare Clement presented the award to a surprised Kathy!
The Jim Leigh Campaign Award was presented to Bill Schmidt, Beauregard Parish Division Chair, by Bob Chandler, the 2008 Campaign Chair. And then Bob passed the gavel to the 2009 Campaign Chair, Sheriff Tony Mancuso. Through all the awards, at the Shadow’s table, we visited with Amanda Johnson (City of Lake Charles Housing Authority), Marsha Landry (Junior Achievement of SWLA), Shelia Babineaux, Joey Frazier and Patricia Prudhomme. A very busy Daphne Oliver dropped by our table to say hello. I also spied Kay
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APRIL 3, 2008
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Mark Herbert examines the art at the Gallery by the Lake reception.
Fox, Susan Reed, Maria Faul, and Megan Monsour among the crowd. That evening, the League of Women Voters hosted their annual banquet at Reeves Uptown Catering. The featured speaker was Dennis Stine, CEO and coowner of Stine Lumber, Chairman of Governor Jindal Government Reform Advisory Council, and Budget Advisor for Governor Jindal Transition, who gave us the latest update on what is happening at the State Capitol. We were welcomed to the event by LWV President Alfred Doucette, Jr., Leslie Landry and Lollion Elmer. I spied Ronald and Troye Ware, Vicki Sissou, Lynn Calles and Russell Castille. Edwina Meaderis and Kay Andrews visited at a corner table. I also met Sharon and Kerrel Wilson, Patsy Manuel and Carolyn Vest. The stellar crowd included Mayor Randy Roach, Ann Polak, Charlie St. Dizier, Helen Curel, Terry Backhaus, May Gray, Mary Werner, Eligha and Nomica Guillory, Billy Navarre, Richard Baggett, and Nancy Tower. I joined David Palmer from the Southwest Daily News at the “media” table, which we shared with May Gray. Our dinner was delightful. We had our choice of grilled chicken breast in an artichoke, mushroom Beurre Blanc
sauce or pepper roasted pork loin with a red wine reduction. The steamed green beans with sweet onions were warmed by a hint of pepper. Dessert was a light fruit crepe with a cream cheese and fruit filling. Dennis Stine spoke enthusiastically and optimistically about the changes happening in the State. “My excitement is for the ‘Golden Era’ of Louisiana politics,” he noted. “It’s amazing how much it’s improved. We never could have imagined this 20 years ago.” He outlined how his work with the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL), Blue Print Louisiana and Louisiana Recovery Authority placed him in the middle of dramatic and swift changes sweeping across the state. He has been a confidant to Governor Jindal and says, “I was never so shocked when I got a call from Bobby to serve.” Because he felt his role as a businessman might be a conflict of interest, Dennis declined the governor’s invitation to join the administration, but accepted the challenge of four tasks the Governor asked him to undertake. They included making recommendations for the roles of commissioner of Administration (Angelle Davis) and Secretary of Revenue (Cynthia Bridges).
Jane Dufrene, Sue Didelot, Connie Shaw, Beth Hebert enjoying the reception at the Gallery by the Lake.
Amanda Johnson and Marsha Landry enjoyed the United Way Annual Meeting.
Mr. Stine also serves on the Government Reform Advisory Council and Interim Budget Advisor for the current budgeting session. Dennis told us that the Governor intends to have the legislature focus on developing Louisiana’s workforce during the upcoming regular session, and he’s set to allocate millions of dollars in the budget for workforce development. “That’s the emphasis. I thought it was going to be health care, but it’s going to be workforce development, and I think he made the right choice,” Dennis told us. “We will redevelop Louisiana’s efforts to ensure our employers have the skilled workers they need, and our people have the skills they need to hit the ground running,” Dennis said. He also noted that the cooperative spirit in Baton Rouge and the consensuses on ethics, budgeting and rebuilding priorities speaks highly for a new era. He told us, “Earl Long once said, ‘One of these days the people of Louisiana are going to get good government, and they ain’t gonna like it.’ Well, not only do they like it, they love it, and they want more of it.” Dennis told us in closing. It was a delightful, thoughtful and entertaining evening for all in atten-
dance. Oh – and check out the League of Women Voters website at www.lwvlc.org for information. Their new guide to elected officials is out and this brochure is well worth having, especially for those who want to stay informed during this very important election year. The next day, I joined a happy and diverse group at the new Prien Lake Park for a preview and luncheon. Bryan Beam and Jason Barnes greeted us at the Harbor’s Edge Pavilion. Our group included Mary Richardson, her father Stanley Crist, Dr. Larry Cipolla, Shelly Johnson, Katie Harrington, Kay Andrews, Irene Vandever, Peter O’Carroll, Harriet Green, Jim Beam, Carol Cox, Wayne Shaddock, Denise Faske, Delton Landry, Tami Chrisope, and LaDonna McKnight. We boarded a “train” of golf carts (courtesy of Sulphur Parks and Recreation, SPAR) for a guided tour of the new 29-acre park. The original boat launch on about nine acres was Prien Lake Park since it was purchased by the Parish in 1940. In 2000, the Parish purchased the adjacent 20 wooded acres. A citizen’s task force began planning a vision for a new Prien Lake Park. Plans were derailed only slightly after Hurricane Rita when the site
Leslie Landry and Lollian Elmer greeted guests at the League of Women Voters Banquet.
APRIL 3, 2008
PAGE 43
Jason Barnes and Bryan Beam welcomed us to the new Prien Lake Park.
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became a staging area for work crews and the “saw dust hill” for disposing of all the Rita tree debris. You’d never know it was the same place today! Now Prien Lake Park is a pristine facility that includes paved walking paths, open grassy areas for play, SprayGround water park, soft-landing playground, a “soft launch” for kayaks and canoes, updated boat launch, beautiful fountains and streams with natural native plant landscaping, and covered picnic areas throughout. And for you workaholics, there’s even WiFi internet connection! During our tour, Bryan Beam and Jason Barnes would stop the “train” and point out highlights such as the beautiful Prien Pointe Amphitheatre which seats 100. Even before the park officially opened (March 31) the Amphitheatre was the site for an outdoor wedding ceremony. It is also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Indian Bay Pavilion is an open-air facility cooled by three “Big Ass Fans.” I’m not making that up or being crude. That’s the name of the company in Kentucky that manufactures fans for industrial and commercial cooling on a huge scale – The Big Ass Fan Company! Their mascot is, of course, a donkey. Their website is too clever.
Check them out at www.bigassfans.com. Not only functional, Big Ass Fans are works of art. They are green and red and really interesting sculpture…and sure to keep your crowds cool during a crawfish boil. The Indian Bay Pavilion (with restrooms and food prep area) is available for rental to groups. Call (337) 7213540. We stopped at a barren area opposite the boat launch. Bryan Beam told us that this prime piece of real estate would eventually be a café! How delightful. Waterfront dining! I can’t wait. We were amazed at the attention to detail. From the fountains that take their overflow down meandering rock creeks bordered by Louisiana iris, to the delightful buckets and sprays at the SprayGround water park. Convenient restroom facilities and water fountains are strategically placed throughout. The best use was made of the mature trees that survived Rita and new plantings will ensure shade for future generations. Throughout the park, you can watch traffic climb and descend the 2-10 bridge which rises like a gigantic brontosaurus out of Prien Lake. We ended our tour back at Harbor’s Edge Pavilion which was being decorated for a wedding reception that evening. The Pavilion boasts a state-of-the-art
Dr. Larry Cipolla, Stanley Crist and Mary Richardson enjoyed the preview of Prien Lake Park.
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APRIL 3, 2008
WHAT’S
UP DOC? Dennis Stine, Lollion Elmer and Alfred Doucette at the League of Women Voters Annual Banquet.
sound system, a large caterer’s kitchen, air conditioning (as well as two huge pale green Big Ass Fans!), two meeting rooms, restrooms and a covered wraparound porch. For rental information, call 721-3540. As we enjoyed our picnic lunch on the porch, Bryan and Jason answered our questions. Security? Provided by extra patrols by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Department and Lake Charles City Police. It is hoped that good citizen monitoring and reporting will keep vandalism in this gorgeous new venue to a minimum. Funding? “We can thank Texas,” Bryan quipped. “It was entirely built with funds from the casinos.” Are dogs allowed? On leashes and please clean up after your best friend, Bryan asks. On April 4, the Police Jury will present “Movies Under The Stars” to celebrate the opening of Prien Lake Park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and watch “Over the Hedge.” Friday, April 18, “Grease” will be shown and Friday, April 25 is “Singing in the Rain”. All movies begin at 7 p.m. and are FREE! What a deal. It was hard to return to an office after an extended lunch hour at Prien Lake Park. You MUST go. It’s a
sparkling new jewel for the Parish and our visitors. However, I intended to go to the Banners lecture by Dr. Cipolla that evening (as well as the annual Banners Pie Contest) and Zorro on Saturday evening. But all that lovely pollen I ingested with my picnic meant I spent the weekend indoors with Benedryl. I also must mention the opening – or rather – reopening of the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge’s Wetland Walkway on the Creole Nature Trail AllAmerican Road. Destroyed by Rita and for over a year, used as a staging area for the clean-up crews, the preserve has now been restored and is open for nature lovers to enjoy. I missed the grand reopening because of print deadlines, however, over the Easter break, I took my out-of-state guest from Michigan to experience our lovely spring weather on the Sabine Walkway. We delighted in the recovery powers of nature. Alligators, birds (even Roseate Spoonbills!), turtles and crabs were easy to spy from the rebuilt walk ways and viewing platform in the marsh. And for an Easter Sunday, many others had the same idea. There were picnickers and hikers and nature-lovers filling the preserve. It was good to be home!
Bryan Beam was our host as we toured the new Prien Lake Park.
I stubbed my toe the other day and now it’s purple and swollen. I’m wondering if it’s broken. What should I do? You may have a broken toe. An x-ray can help you know for sure, and by knowing if it is broken or just bruised or sprained, you can find out the time it will probably take to heal. Toe fractures usually heal well with rest and protection of the injured joint. A cast isn’t usually needed for a broken toe, but your doctor may give you a rigid shoe with a rocker bottom sole to wear for a few weeks to protect the joint and make walking more comfortable. If the break is badly displaced, or the joint is affected, surgery may be needed. A broken toe may take four to six weeks to heal, depending on the location and extend of the injury. Geoffrey Collins, MD, orthopaedic specialist with the Center for Orthopaedics Should I see a doctor when I begin menopause? You don't have to make a special appointment for menopause unless you're having trouble with symptoms. You can discuss this at your annual check-up. However, be sure to see your physician if you have prolonged or unusually heavy bleeding, or if you suddenly have a period after going six months or more without one, since these could be symptoms of uterine cancer. Darryl Elias, MD, ob/gyn, Jennings American Legion Hospital medical staff There's a big gap between my two front teeth. Can that be changed without braces? Yes. Bonded veneers can close gaps and help create a more attractive smile. Bonded resins generally require one office visit, while porcelain veneering takes two. Bonded veneers, along with good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, are effective ways to enhance a smile. A cosmetic dentist can explain the various techniques and help determine which is the best suited to your specific needs. Harry Castle, DDS, Oak Park Dental What causes interstitial cystitis? Interstitial cystitis is a long-term condition in which the bladder wall becomes irritated and inflamed. The condition affects women more than men. Women with this problem typically feel the urge to urinate frequently, have pain that is decreased by urinating, and often wake up in the middle of the night to urinate. These symptoms may come and go, and can occur all at once or at different times. The exact cause, or causes, of interstitial cystitis is unknown. There are several theories. Some evidence points to toxic substances in the urine or damage to nerve cells along the bladder wall. Other evidence suggests that the condition is caused by the body's own natural defense system turning on itself. Chronic pain in the bladder also may be aggravated by allergies. In some women, symptoms may get worse when certain foods are eaten. Many experts believe that the protective mucous layer that lines the inside of the bladder has become thinned or is absent. This condition allows chemicals in the urine to irritate the bladder wall. Kenneth Verheeck., MD, urologist with Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana
APRIL 3, 2008
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Benefiting the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter
3RD ANNUAL
Four-person Scramble Awards will be given for the 1st, 4th, 8th & 12th place low gross teams, Longest Drive, Closest to the Hole, Hole in One and more!!
Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge
May 12, 2008
If you have any questions, please email Leslie (lhuval@cwshelter.org) or call the Shelter at (337) 436-4552.
Tee Times: 8 a.m. & 12 p.m. Individuals and teams are welcome! Register Early…Teams Are Limited Hole Sponsorships are Available
Thank you to our Sponsors!! Howell Furniture Galleries, ConocoPhillips & Entergy
A Very Special "Thank You"
We Are Seeking A Media Sales Representative Full Time Position, Minimum 3 yrs. Experience Required. Call 439-0995 Ext. 11, E-mail Resume: timespub@timessw.com or Send Resume To: The Times of SWLA, 617 Drew St., Lake Charles, LA 70601
Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge and O’Charley’s of Lake Charles for donating their food and catering services again this year!
Register Online, Sponsor a Hole & Purchase Mulligans at http://www.cwshelter.org//CWSGolfTourney.htm
Below: John Gatto from southwest Michigan visited the reopened Sabine Nature Trail during a recent visit to Lake Charles.
Below: Audrey Young with her Paw Paw Mark Young as she celebrates her 1st birthday at Casa Manana. Daughter of Ryan and Ashley Young
Above: Danny and Jackie Dowden at the Arts & Humanities Council Gold Key Launch.
Above: Bernadette Seaberry, Mayor Randy Roach and Shelley Appleby at the Tuesday Rotary Club of Lake Charles lunch meeting.
Parting Sh o ts
1) Email your snap shots to myphoto@timessw.com. Must include a contact name and phone number. 2) Photos should be attached as a file and not imbedded in copy or photoshopped into a format. Original size, please, do not compress the file. No mailed or fax photographs can be used.
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APRIL 3, 2008
3) Subjects in photo must be identified by name. Children should also be identified by parent or guardian. Unidentified or anonymous photos will not be considered for publication. 4) The Times reserves the right to decline publishing photos of questionable taste or subject matter, or for space limitations.
April showers are sparkling like never before thanks to Cameron State Bank’s Dazzling Diamond Giveaway. This month’s gleaming giveaway is a pair of diamond earrings. They'll definitely freshen up your look for spring. Visit any of our convenient locations and register for these beautiful diamond earrings anytime during April. By registering, you’ll also be eligible to win our Grand Prize in June, this $14,000 diamond ring.
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PAGE 47
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