Times of Southwest Louisiana by The Times of Southwest Louisiana

December 10, 2009

December 10, 2009 Volume 14, Number 24 617 Drew St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-439-0995 Fax: 337-439-0418

PUBLISHER

Contents

Patrick Marcantel

C O V E R S T O RY N EW S

Person of the Year: Rick Richard . 10

EDITOR Chaney Ferguson

EN T E R P R I S E B LV D

ASSISTANT EDITOR Jessica Ferguson

Vision Sulphur . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSI GNMENTS Nancy Correro

C O LUMN S

C ONTRI BUTORS Garrett Lumpkin D.B. Grady Katie Penny Matt Jones Lisa Miller Terri Schlichenmeyer George Swift

Geeks & Gadgets: There’s A Map For That . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Swift Report: Fort Drum . . . . . . 4 337 Sports: Another Early Exit For The Cowboys . . . . . . . . . . 16

F E AT U R E S

POLITICS John Maginnis Dan Juneau

Homegrown: A Touch of Glass . . 26

A D VE R T IS ING E N T E R TA I N M E N T

SALES MANAGER Andy Jacobson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Courtenay Scott Brian Chriceol

G R A P H IC S

Times Bandstand . . . . . . . . 20

The Shadow: Mistletoe & Moss, Christmas Under The Oaks . . . . 32 Crossword Puzzle: “Initial Reaction”-letters not words . . . . . . . . . 34

ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Keri Ellender 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: $30 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 2009 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.

Book Beat . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . 33

Visit us online at: www.timessw.com December 10, 2009

The Swift Report - By George Swift

President/CEO: SWLA Economic Development Alliance

Fort Drum - New York

e are fortunate to be living in Southwest Louisiana. While we experienced some downturns and layoffs this year with the timber industry especially hard hit, there is no doubt we are among the more fortunate areas of the country when it comes to withstanding these tough economic conditions. And, it was not just our region. Louisiana has made great strides – especially in education. A recent national study released by the Institute for a Competitive Workforce ranks Louisiana with a “C” which really doesn’t tell the whole story. U.S. Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan, speaking at a recent gathering in D.C., complimented Louisiana on our progress and on receiving an “A” for our data collection of our students and schools. Louisiana also received an “A” for use of technology, as we well know with the outstanding advances and national recognition given to our Calcasieu schools. The state was given a “B” for staff hiring and evaluation and for removing ineffective teachers from schools. Our worst grade was a “D” in providing a pipeline to postsecondary education. We have too many students who graduate from high school only to need remediation and additional training. One solution is a dual enrollment track which our state education leaders are beginning to implement. We are fortunate to have education leaders at our parish schools, McNeese, and Sowela who really understand their mission and how we must educate today’s and future workforces. This year, we decided to “adopt” Vernon parish and work with parish leaders and Fort Polk officials as that important military installation doubles in size. A group of Fort Polk supporters headed by Brig. General Jim Yarbrough recently toured Fort Drum near Watertown, New York. Watertown did a splendid job utilizing community support and establishing infrastructure to prompt growth of the Fort and the region. Vernon Parish Police Jury President Jim Tuck and Leesville Mayor Betty Westerchil were on the trip. Together, with the Central Louisiana Chamber, the Greater Vernon and Beauregard Chambers, we pledged to assist Fort Polk in any way possible. Our nation needs this important military installation and our state and region will benefit from its expansion. In January, we have our 106th Annual Banquet. This year’s speakers are Bob Beckel and Cal Thomas – two politically savvy and politically different analysts who take their differences and find the “common ground” that unites all Americans. Our

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country is going through a substantial political divide and it is imperative that we sit down and discuss the issues at hand while maintaining civility and consideration for others. This year’s banquet will be on January 28, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. (Check out the “What’s Happening” section of www.allianceswla.org to reserve your table.) As always, the Chamber SWLA and the SWLA Economic Development Alliance will be offering numerous programs, events, and services to the business community of Southwest Louisiana in 2010. This year, we will be rolling out a series of Frontline Customer Service seminars with local legend Bruce Hamilton and will be premiering the SWLA Women’s Business Network. The Network will provide educational, networking, and mentoring resources to Southwest Louisiana business women. In 2010, we will also be forging on with our SEED Center with the help of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, City of Lake Charles, and McNeese State University. The SEED Center (an entrepreneurial center which will house a business incubator and facilitate business start-ups and expansion in the five parishes) will be near the University and house the offices of the SWLA Alliance and many other agencies creating a one-stop business development center. We expect to break ground on the SEED Center in early Summer 2010. On the economic front, we have several major projects underway and some good, strong prospects in the wings. 2010 will be another great year for Southwest Louisiana. In 2009, the Chamber SWLA and the Alliance held over a hundred events, advocated for our region in Washington and Baton Rouge, attended four major tradeshows and hosted two, and executed an extensive study to keep Southwest Louisiana a well-diversified and globally competitive 21st century region. In 2010, we are planning to do more to provide the business community of Southwest Louisiana the information it needs, the support it deserves, and a loud, strong voice in Baton Rouge and Washington, D.C. during critical policy-making sessions. If your business is not a member of the Chamber SWLA and an investor in our Foundation, consider doing your part to help the Chamber SWLA and SWLA Alliance to grow our region. Everyone benefits. Think globally, act regionally, and talk up Southwest Louisiana.

WHO’S NEWS Gingerbread House Contest Winners Named

The annual Gingerbread House Contest winners were announced at noon on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Welcome Center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. The contest, held in conjunction with the annual Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival, features awards in different categories including amateur, school groups, and professional bakers. Southwest Louisiana’s goodwill ambassador and mascot, Gumbeaux Gator was on hand to take pictures with the winners. This year, entries highlighted themes such as the Calcasieu Parish Court House, a New Orleans Saints themed winter wonderland, a candy dreamland and more. In the Teen division, Andrea Williams took first place, Olivia Vincent took second place and Ashley Cooks, Andrea Celestine and Devin Guy took third place. Ms. Dixie Yorks’ class from D.S. Perkins Elementary placed first in the Pre-School Developmentally Delayed Division and Tina Harris’s class from Vincent Settlement Elementary took second place. In the Pre-School Division, Kids 360 Learning Center took first place and Ms. Rusnak’s Class from St. Margaret’s Elementary School took second place. In the Elementary Division, the first grade classes at Pearl Watson Elementary school earned first place honors. In the Middle School Division, Pat Robichaux’s Art Club at Vinton Middle School captured the first place vote. Debbie Wild’s Class at J.I. Watson Middle School earned second place and the CRAFT Program at Oak Park Middle School placed third. Taking home first place in the High School Division was Pro-Start from Sulphur High School. Culinary Arts at College Street T&I won second place. First place in the Amateur Adult Division went to Meagan Dougay. Mona Holman, Melanie Evers and Angie Newell placed second, and Victoria and Jessie Cart placed third. The L’Auberge du Lac Bakery Team won first place in the Professional Division. The Best of Show went to Meagan Dougay. Their entry was a gingerbread fishing camp on the bayou complete with an alligator, a fisherman, a pirogue and realistic trees. The winning gingerbread houses will remain on display at the bureau’s Welcome Center throughout the month of December. The final award to be announced, “People’s Choice Award”, is yet to be decided. Southwest Louisiana’s residents and tourists visiting the center during the month of December will vote on the winners of their liking in both the children and adult divisions, which will be announced Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 10 AM at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau. We would like to give a special thanks to our sponsors for their contributions for prizes: A Piece of Cake, Casa Manana, Children’s Theatre Company, the Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel, L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, Putt-Putt Golf and the Southwest Louisiana Swashbucklers.

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ENTERPRISE BOULEVARD Sulphur’s New Vision

By Nancy Correro

ulphur, Louisiana has a vision of the future and it is unique and forward thinking. Vision Sulphur is a group of concerned citizens that began meeting regularly to try and figure out how they could influence their city in a positive way. They paid particular attention to city government, but there is more to the vision than that. As the group was meeting, one of the first focuses was around planning. Many of the group members visited other cities and researched how their planning department was set-up. How does permitting and licensing work? What are the pros and cons? They visited communities in both Louisiana and Texas. “They spent a lot of time figuring out ways to make us even better, but what happened as we were going through this list of things that we would like to see done differently, the group realized that it would be much better if we all had the same picture in our heads and we were all headed in the same direction,” said Nancy Tower, a Visionary with Vision Sulphur. “With Vision Sulphur I am simply a Visionary. There are no official titles. We are all Visionaries, so we are all spokespersons.” Police Juror Les Farnum was at the meeting as Tower and the other Visionaries talked about having the same vision.

“Les Farnum, said, ‘you know ya’ll are talking about the same sort of concept as vision Calcasieu.’ Everyone agreed, but it is even broader than Vision Calcasieu. Vision Calcasieu was focused on development. And while we started talking about development, we realized that all the other pieces have to be in place because we don’t want to be Houston. We don’t want some big city development. We want to maintain our small city atmosphere,” said Tower. That is when they created the name “Vision Sulphur” and the group grew. They had about 60 people participate in it. Every meeting has been about consensus. “We went through a series of participatory workshops which were guided by a facilitator. That really got us thinking and we had fun. We brainstormed on flip charts and through a series of these workshops we congealed this vision. It’s not the plan, it’s the vision,” said Tower. The group laid out some specific goals, and objectives for meeting their goals that were more specific. While the group recognized that the plan would be written and implemented by elected officials, they want those officials to consider their vision. The group got a facilitator to aid in developing their vision. Lauren Harrell is an architect in training and works for Broussard Architecture in Sulphur. “She’s a very good facilitator; she worked for the state of Texas for a number of years and traveled to several cities in Texas putting on these workshops specifically for historic development purposes. For us she facilitated at no charge,” said Tower. Lauren Harrell guided and inspired the group with her insight. “She said, ‘When you and I as individuals have goals in our lives and we set a goal or vision, by just setting it we are much more likely to do it than if we never set it. So, just setting it, I think she said, maybe you have a ten percent chance that you are going to achieve it. She went on to say, if you write it down, you have about a thirty to thirty-five percent chance that you are going to achieve it. Now, what you really want to do is take it to the next step and share it with others. Because when you share it with

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people and you have that accountability mechanism in place, then it goes up to about seventy-five or eighty percent chance that you’re going to achieve what it is that you set out to do,’” said Tower. That is what the group did. They conceived it, they wrote it down, and they are sharing it. With all this thinking and vision work going on, one might be curious of the cost of it all. “Well, I cannot tell you how much this is going to cost at this point, nor can I tell you how much this is going to save. Ultimately, if we had a more effective and efficient government it will not only save the taxpayers money, but it will be better for the overall welfare and safety of our community,” said Tower. Vision Sulphur has a website and pdf that you can view online: www.visionsulphur. org/uploads/visiondoc.pdf. The document is broken down into four areas: government, services and security, planning for growth and development, and quality of life. Each area has bulleted goals that the group would like to see followed while the Sulphur community continues to grow. “If you look at the Vision online, we say that government should be more efficient and effective and transparent and engage the citizens. And that is not an expensive process; that is a money saving process. Now, when you implement a quality management system, you might have some upfront costs associated with that, but ultimately your purpose for implementing a quality management system is to be more effective and efficient to be more responsive to your customers who are the citizens— and that should save money,” said Tower. The group wants to see a paradigm shift in their city. They believe that the city of Sulphur can be run like a business that recognizes its citizens as customers. “With Sulphur being a $15 million dollar a year business with 230 employees, it is the right size to be one of the first in the nation to have a true quality management system/business approach. We can be a model,” said Tower. With this quality management system in place, an example of what a citizen or “customer” might experience could go something like this: Say you have a water leak or a pot hole in the road, a quality management system would give you a complaint number and log you into the system and you could track it on the web if you like. Then it would be logged as low, medium, or high priority or an emergency. Then you would be given an expected response time. “So, if they don’t get back to you, you can call them and you know there is something in motion,” said Tower. The timing of this is such that there are elections in April of 2010 in Sulphur. All of the council members and the mayor are up for reelection. “Now, clearly there are going to be different interpretations of how to achieve the vision, and we know that. We know it’s not going to be spelled out word for word. It’s similar to what Blueprint Louisiana did. Ultimately, let’s start where we agree. So often in local politics we end up focusing on the disagreements and we don’t work on the things we agree on. Hey, if the vote has got to go down 3 to 2, that’s fine, but let’s get as many 5 to 0 votes as we can and work collectively on consensus,” said Tower. Vision Sulphur began meeting in September of 2008, but didn’t actually start working together toward a vision until about January of 2009. Every meeting was consensus driven and every meeting was open to the public. Tower said, “We have seen a refreshment of interest. The fact that 60 plus people over the course of eleven months would attend meetings to express their concept of where they want to go is pretty neat.”

WHO’S NEWS Alana Clark Named To All-Louisiana Women’s Soccer Team McNeese State’s junior midfielder Alana Clark has been named to the 2009 Louisiana Sports Writer’s Association (LSWA) All-Louisiana Women’s Soccer Team as a first team selection. Clark, a native of Tuscon, Arizona, led the Cowgirls with nine goals, 69 shots, 21 points and tied for a team high two game winning goals. Clark ranked second in the Southland Conference in shots per game, third in shots, seventh in goals, eighth in goals and points per game and tenth in points. Clark was named to the AllSLC second team and to the CoSIDA ESPN “The Magazine” District 6 Academic All-American Team and as first team selection. Clark was also awarded the “Golden Boot” award which is presented to the player who scores the most goals. Cameron State Bank Announces Recent Promotions Roy Raftery, Jr., president and CEO of Cameron State Bank announces recent promotions for Terrie LeBlanc and Janice Constance. LeBlanc was named assistant branch manager at the CSB location in Vinton. She has been with CSB for 13 years, with over 30 years in the financial industry. Constance was named the assistant branch manager for the Maplewood branch in Sulphur. With 27 years of banking experience, she has been with CSB for 10 years.

Terrie LeBlanc

in an effort to reach out to their respective local communities. The Cowboys and Cowgirls partnered with KVHP, Fox 29 to collect toys and raise money for the “Toys For Tots” organization. McNeese’s SAAC challenged all athletic teams to see which team could produce the most toys. A total of 441 toys were raised by the football, soccer, women’s golf, softball, tennis, volleyball, women’s basketball, track and field and baseball teams. The women’s basketball team brought in the largest amount of toys and won the competition. The team distributed the toys, and was featured on Fox 29 Saturday, Dec. 5. The Eye Clinic Introduces New Doctor The Eye Clinic has announced the addition of optometrist Donavon LaFleur, OD, to their staff of doctors. Originally from Ville Platte, Louisiana, Dr. LaFleur received a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Louisiana State University in New Orleans, and a Doctor of Optometry Degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. He completed clinical externships at Bossier Family Eye Care and Steen-Hall Eye Institute in Shreveport. He then worked for three years in private practice in Ville Platte. In addition to general optometry, Dr. LaFleur has a special interest in ocular disease management. He is licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Optometry and a member of the American Optometric Association and the Optometric Association of Louisiana. He is also a certified Medical Technologist. With the addition of Dr. LaFleur, The Eye Clinic’s medical staff now includes14 doctors. Appointments can be scheduled with Dr. LaFleur by calling 478-3810 or 1-800-826-5223.

Janice Constance

McNeese Athletics Gives Back For the third consecutive holiday season, McNeese State’s athletics took part in the Southland Conference’s “Twelve Days Before Christmas”, a community service project coordinated by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

December 10, 2009

By Katie Penny

Intrafamily Adoption

f the three types of adoption in Louisiana—private adoptions (which are done without going through an adoption agency), agency adoptions (which are done by going through an adoption agency of some kind) and intrafamily—the intrafamily adoption is the simplest and most common. It is the only type of adoption in which a relationship of a biological parent to the child can survive the general severing-of-ties that an adoption usually

includes. Intrafamily adoption was originally designed to be used when a parent remarries, and the new stepparent wishes to adopt the child to create a legal parent-child relationship to that child (this kind of adoption applies in more situations than just that one, but that is the one it was originally created to address.) The child’s relationship to the newly-married biological parent would remain intact, and a new relationship with the stepparent would be created. (This is different than a regular adoption, in which the parental relationship with both biological parents of the adopted child would be completely severed.) [The rules for intrafamily adoptions, if anyone is interested, are in the Louisiana Children’s Code article 1243, et seq.] There are not nearly as many requirements for an intrafamily adoption as there are for the other kinds of adoption. There are basically only three, but the courts are usually very strict about them. First, the person who wants to adopt the child

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must be a stepparent, step-grandparent, greatgrandparent, grand-parent, aunt, great aunt, uncle, great uncle, sibling, or first, second, or third cousin of the child. Also, only someone over 18 may adopt someone else, and if the adopting relative is married, then that person’s spouse has to agree to adopt the child as well. Second, the relative who wants to adopt the child must have had legal or physical custody of the child for at least six months before they file for the adoption. That means the child must have lived with the adopting relative for six months before asking for the adoption, or the adopting relative must have been given custody of the child by a court—even if the child isn’t living with the relative—for at least six months before they may ask for the adoption. Third, the biological parents must consent to the adoption, unless it is just a stepparent adopting the child. For example, if a mother remarries and the stepfather wants to adopt the child, the mother does not have to give up any rights. She gets to keep her parental rights, and just consents to her new husband adopting the child. However, the biological father must consent to the stepfather adopting his child, and the biological father gives up his parental rights. (A “consent” here is a legal document.) If somebody besides a stepparent is adopting the child, then both biological parents must consent to the adoption and give up their rights. For example, if the child’s grandmother and grandfather want to adopt their grandchild, both the mother and father must consent and give up their rights.

Once the relatives have shown the court that they are related to the child, that they are over 18, that, if they are married, their spouse is joining in, that the child has lived with them for 6 months, and that the biological parents have consented, the court will have a hearing in 1-2 months. If the judge feels like it would be necessary or helpful, the judge can order the Department of Social Services to do an investigation and a report, though it isn’t required. If the child is over 12, the judge will interview the child and find out the child’s opinion and wishes. This kind of adoption is fairly easy, and keeps the child within his or her family, while hopefully getting the child out of a more unfortunate situation. It is an option for a parent who truly cannot care for his or her child, but does not want the child to be with strangers; however, it is important to remember that giving up parental rights is very serious and fairly irrevocable. This kind of adoption should certainly not be taken lightly or considered less serious than another type of adoption, but it might be a more comfortable solution for many people. The provided information is fact-sensitive and jurisdiction-dependent. Consult an attorney before employing the above legal concepts.

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By Nancy Correro

OLIVER G. “RICK” RICHARD, III F

or his public service and charitable contributions to Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana, Oliver G. “Rick” Richard, III is this year’s “Times Person of the Year.” Rick Richard has a passion for giving back and a curiosity and generosity that seems to have no end. He has a joie de vivre that has brought him back to his hometown of Lake Charles. “I like to give back to people or institutions that helped me along the way. Now that I have given to my old schools, I want to give more to Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana,” said Richard.

to former Senator J. Bennett Johnston as a legislative assistant. “I worked there for about three months. Then, Senator J. Bennett Johnston was looking for a legislative assistant. We moved up to Washington and it was right when the first national energy plan after the embargos were in place so I was immersed right into

A Brief History

After graduating from Lake Charles High, Richard received his BA in journalism from LSU. In 1974, a Juris Doctor from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1977, and a Master’s of Law in Taxation from Georgetown University in 1981. In 1977, Richard worked with the firm of Sanders, Downing, Kean, and Cazedessus. Not soon after he started working there he was recommended

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minar - Natural Gas Se o. C & y od ab Kidder, Pe 83 April 11-16, 19

that. I worked on that for about three years and That goes along with Richard’s mission of a went to Georgetown University night school to get clean, sustainable future. He is working on how a masters in taxation because I thought I was going we take renewable resources like ethanol and to practice tax law,” said Richard. other sources like propane, to make for a more At the age of 29, he became the Federal Energy sustainable future. Regulatory Commissioner (FERC) under Ronald “The real key to ethanol is not the food fight Reagan—the youngest in FERC’s history. with corn and sugarcane; although, sugarcane “Yes, I was known as the ‘boy commissioner.’ is much better than corn—but its switch grass I moved to Lafayette for about a year and a half and cellulose—that is the key. There is a lot of and practiced tax law, but then I was called back private money being put into that as well as federal to Washington because they were looking for money. It takes no fertilizer to grow it. It grows a Democrat for the FERC and the President naturally all over Louisiana and the Mid West and appoints the members—Ronald Reagan was around the country. You cut it a couple times a President. He appointed me and I got confirmed year and you can make it into ethanol. You can also by the senate. I worked there for about three years take switch grass and bail it and feed it to cattle. Ron Tilley, John Croom & Rick Richard and there was a lot of progressive unbundling of You can get grass fed beef which, in my opinion, is in Wilmington, Delaware - April 1995 pipelines to make the markets more competitive,” much better than corn fed beef.” said Richard. Richard’s company, Empire of the Seed, After his time was up as commissioner, is an umbrella organization that includes he worked in the private sector as chairman, preservation of older buildings for adaptive president, and CEO of the Fortune 500 reuse, such as the Lake Charles Calcasieu company Columbia Energy Group; chairman, Marine Bank and the Cash & Carry building. president and CEO of New Jersey Resources; These two buildings can be host to creative president and CEO of Northern Natural individuals, functions and projects for the Gas Pipeline, and vice president and general preservation and creation of cultural events counsel of Tenngasco. and recurring businesses, such as a farmer’s The Columbia Gas System ended up with a market, production and sale of new products, net income of $273.3 million after Richard’s food catering enterprises, and public service team pulled it out of the red. He was listed development for Lake Charles’ downtown in U.S News and Business Week’s most and lakefront. underpaid CEO’s for value. “That goes to the other thing I’m doing “Columbia Gas System had gone into downtown which is to create a really big bankruptcy. It’s about a $7 Billion company. I farmers market that brings in not only grass got a team together and we pulled them out of fed, but organics. There are all kinds of ways bankruptcy. It was very successful. The team you can support the local farmer and keep did a very nice job. We then had a hostile the dollars circulating in the community. takeover which then turned into a friendly merger. You also help create jobs that are not there yet. After that was over, they asked me to come be the We have all that land out there that you could vice-chairman, but I really wanted to come home not only produce fruits and vegetables, grass and do some things in Lake Charles,” said Richard. fed beef, free range chickens, but you can also The family stayed in Virginia a little longer so make ethanol and fuel out of it. It’s a sustainable that their son, David, could graduate from high economy that is local,” said Richard. school. Charitable Work and Civic Organizations “We’ve moved quite a bit around the country, Active in civic and professional organizations but this was home so we came back. We moved at the local, state, and national levels, Richard back right in time for [Hurricane] Rita. We were serves on the boards or as an officer of renovating our house in 2005 and here comes numerous organizations, among them, the Rita,” said Richard. Nature Conservancy of Louisiana, Lake Charles Richard is now the president of Empire of Downtown Development District, Calcasieu the Seed, a private consulting firm in the energy, Parish Boy Scouts of America, Southwest management, and private investments industries, 1996 - DLJ Conference - Martha’s Vineyard Louisiana Camp Fire USA, Coastal Plains and also serves as chairman of CleanFuel USA. Conservancy, McNeese State University School of Business, Sowela “Our idea is to take any alternative fuels from gasoline or diesel and Technical Community College Foundation, The LSU System Research produce engines for it. Propane is a lot cheaper and cleaner than gasoline and Technology Foundation, and Buckeye Partners LLC. He also served and diesel and we sell engines to Bluebird Buses. We did the first ethanol station in Louisiana over in Sulphur with Pumpelly and then the second one as a member of the National Petroleum Council, chairman of the Interstate is in Baton Rouge so we are helping create that infrastructure,” said Richard. National Gas Association of America, and on the boards of the American

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Gas Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Richard is president of the Board of Trustees of the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, serves on the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication and LSU Press advisory boards. While that is quite a list, Richard generously gives back to local, state, and national charitable organizations. “I really like to help with housing. We work with Habitat for Humanity. The beautiful thing about it is the people have sweat equity in their house. It’s theirs and they’re proud of it and so public housing is very important to 1999-Manassas Habitat me. Affordable healthcare is important to me. Project I like the clinics where people can come in and be taken care of. We need to work on that in Lake Charles. I work with Boy Scouts; I’m an old Eagle Scout so I have an affinity for the scouts. Campfire USA is now for girls and boys and they have a good chapter here and they have a great new executive director,” said Richard.

Columbus - Bread Truck and Comittee Tour

“I’m really excited about Sowela. There is a wonderful new chancellor. They just need more respect. I would love to see both McNeese prosper and Sowela. We desperately need trades people. We’ve gotten so into if you don’t have a college degree there is something wrong with you, which is so wrong. They’ll get out and have job offers at $60 plus a year and you can graduate from college with a four year degree and you will get maybe $30 or $25. We have such a need for technical people here. We’ve got to get away from this cult of a four year degree. I believe in lifetime learning,” said Richard.

More Awards and Honors

He received the LSU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009, was inducted into the LSU Manship School Hall of Fame in 2007 and awarded the LSU Foundation’s President’s Award in 2003.

Family

1999-House Dedication Ceremony

When the Richards’ first moved back, he got involved with the Coastal Plains Conservancy which is a local group that works on the coastal plains between the wetlands and the high ground. Then he got involved with the Nature Conservancy of Louisiana which is statewide. “Then I got on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which I think has gone really well and has gone very far because it’s an organized group and we’ve really pushed it and we had to do a lot of planning because no one had ever done it before. People tend to think that downtown and lakefronts are like a rice field and you just go out there and lay down the rows and build houses and put the utilities in, but old downtown and the lakefront has tremendous amounts of underground items. It’s like a spaghetti bowl and you have to figure all of that out and where to put everything. So, it took a while to do it, but I think we have a good plan going forward,” said Richard. Richard is very passionate about Sowela Technical Community College. He thinks that Sowela is developing into a great two-year college wherein you can opt into a four-year degree or get the two-year degree and find a technical job.

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Rick and Donna Richard went to Lake Charles High School together. They have been married since 1974. They have a son, David, who is 24 who works with Rick. Donna Richard, the former Donna Guzman, a McNeese State alumna, is on the library board, convention and visitor’s bureau board, and president of the symphony this year. She also substitute teaches elementary school. “I would say we’ve been married through thick and thin, but we have very little ‘thicks’ or ‘thins’ because we have had a really lovely relationship for 35 years,” said Richard.

Success

Someone like Rick Richard could easily rest on his laurels as it were, but he is “having a good time.” He is always thinking and looking to the future. He cares about his community and his country and shows it through his generosity and kindness. Someone who has accomplished so much probably has some good advice for those getting started. Here is what he had to say: “It may hit you that you cannot learn everything in the classroom. My best advice is to read. Read everything you can find and follow your heart. Usually, if you like what you do, you’re going to make money at it. You always have to recreate yourself.”

BUSINESS

AAA Southern Traveler Honors Avenue of Flags AAA Southern Traveler recently honored the Avenue of Flags as an Official Southern Travel Treasure for 2009. The Avenue of Flags is celebrated annually on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day in the Lake Area and is commemorated on each occasion with a ceremony celebrating the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each flag represents an individual veteran and is the official “casket flag” that was presented to the family at the funeral. It is one of the largest displays of memorial flags in the country. “The Avenue of Flags is truly deserving of this honor. For over 25 years, the area Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) dedicate their time to commemorating those who have served our country. The more than 700 American casket flags at the Orange Grove-Graceland Cemetery help us to remember that freedom is something that we should never take for granted,” Shelley Johnson, executive director, Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana

notes

The Cops and Jocks golf tournament is an annual summer occurrence at L’Auberge’s Contraband Bayou Golf Course. “We are very thankful for this donation from the Cops and Jocks golf tournament,” said Simmons. “They have been donors for the last few years and their generosity has been a big help to our program.”

Pictured Left to Right: John Rudd, Chief Don Dixon, Dave Simmons, Alan Heisser and Chris Baggett

Pictured Left to Right: Will Scheufens, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Dept.; Belvin Fontenot, St. Patrick’s Pharmacist; Anne Monlezun, chairman of the board of the tourist bureau; Ted P. Harless Jr., managing director of Northwestern Mutual; and Mitch Perkins, Conoco Phillips.

First Federal Bank of Louisiana Celebrates Grand Re-opening of Westlake Office Looking to add some spice to your finances? Well, you can find it at First Federal Bank of Louisiana. Our superior line of financial products and services can put you on the path to creating a mouth-watering financial menu. It’s easy – take a look at our many options for personal and business checking, savings accounts, CD’s, home equity credit lines, multiple retirement solutions and more. First Federal Bank will celebrate the re-opening of our newly remodeled Westlake Branch on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009. The branch is located at 2214 Sampson Street. Join us at 11 a.m. for a gumbo lunch with music and other fun festivities. For more information on this event call the Westlake Branch at 439.3062. Cops and Jocks Golf Tournament The Cops and Jocks golf tournament recently made a donation to the McNeese State men’s basketball program. Tournament directors Alan Heisser and Chief Don Dixon along with committee members John Rudd and Chris Baggett made the presentation to Cowboy head coach Dave Simmons. Heisser said that the donation is part of a $66,000 total that the tournament has given to the university during the present year. Donations have also gone to the women’s soccer team, the football team and the golf teams as well as funding scholarships at the university for children of police officers and scholarships for McNeese athletes who need help in completing their degrees after their eligibility has run out.

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort Set to Release Innovative New Cookbook; The Flavor of L’Auberge Features Resort’s Award Winning Cuisine Recipes from Snake River Grill, Jack Daniel’s® Bar & Grill, Asia, Desserts and more now at your fingertips. L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, a luxury Texas Hill Country-themed resort in Lake Charles, La., announces the release of its first ever cookbook. The Flavor of L’Auberge went on sale Saturday, November 21, 2009. The cookbook makes an ideal holiday gift for food lovers as well as a memorable souvenir of good times spent at L’Auberge. The Flavor of L’Auberge, written and published by L’Auberge, is a collection of recipes from or inspired by the chefs of L’Auberge and its eight distinct dining venues. The large 9” x 10 7/8” hardcover book is 176 pages long and features 93 mouth watering recipes. The glossy pages are filled with images of customer favorite delicacies set against a variety of backdrops at L’Auberge, many offering a sneak peek inside VIP suites and villas. The publication also features stunning images of the extensive art collection on display at the resort, valued at more than one million dollars. Each chapter includes an array of Chef’s Tips to assist the home chef in preparing the exclusive recipes. Readers will also enjoy many references to the history of Southwest Louisiana, regional culinary traditions and little known facts about L’Auberge. The Flavor of L’Auberge is available at L’Sundries and Desserts for just $39.99. It can also be conveniently purchased online at www.shopdulac.com or by calling (866) 779-7795; all major credit cards accepted. continued on pg.14

December 10, 2009

BUSINESS notes continued W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center Receives NCQA Recognition LSU Health Care Services Division W. O. Moss Regional has received Recognition from the Physician Practice Connections-Patient Centered Medical Home (PPC-PCMH) Program for using information systems to measure practice-wide clinical quality and improve clinical outcomes at the points of care. Physician Practice Connections-Patient Centered Medical Home recognizes those practices that use information systematically to improve the quality of patient care. Practice meeting program use information systematically to improve the quality of patient care. Practices meeting program standards monitor for patients who need care, measure quality across their entire practice and ensure that abnormal test results receive follow-up. Such approaches have been shown to improve medical outcomes and to reduce errors. Good information at the point of care is crucial to delivering quality health care. Patient Centered Medical Home identifies those doctors who make the most out of clinical information they have on hand to make better decisions and provide better follow-up. Patients notice and appreciate the improvements in care. “The physicians at W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center are to be commended for their achievement in earning Recognition,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. Moss Bluff Urgent Care Lab Earns Accreditation The medical laboratory at Moss Bluff Urgent Care, a service of Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, recently completed an inspection by COLA (Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation) and was awarded accreditation. The inspection includes a review of personnel qualifications, facility management, specimen and test controls, quality control and quality assurance measures. Accreditation is also based on standards for dayto-day operations that demonstrate continued accuracy of proficiency testing. Moss Bluff Urgent Care opened in January of this year and is located at 277 Hwy. 171 N., Suite 10. Walkin care for illnesses and minor injuries is provided. continued on pg.19

December 10, 2009

Have a technology question or advice for other users? Email me at tech@timessw.com

There’s A Map for That

verybody hates AT&T. I always suspected, but it’s now been stamped with the Consumer Reports seal of disapproval. In its annual wireless customer satisfaction survey, Consumer Reports found AT&T scored dead last in quality and service in 19 of 26 cities, from a sampling of fifty thousand customers. Don’t trust Consumer Reports? JD Powers and Associates confirmed the findings. Don’t trust that shifty JD Powers fellow? The American Consumer Satisfaction Index also confirms. Unsurprisingly, Verizon Wireless was the nation’s top service provider. But to be beaten by T-Mobile? By Sprint? For shame, AT&T. With the money you saved in providing a decent network or quality coverage, the least you could have done is bribe Consumer Reports for a third place finish. These are bad days for AT&T. Not financially, of course. Money’s not an issue for Ma Bell. The network with fewer bars in more places is swimming in cash thanks to its one saving grace, its one bright spot in a black hole of dropped calls and tortoise speeds – the iPhone. The iPhone, incidentally, is the top smart phone on the market. According to Consumer Reports, “Despite the [AT&T] network problems, a staggering 98 percent of iPhone users in our cell-phone-buying survey were satisfied enough to say they would definitely or probably buy the phone again.” You’ve seen the commercials. “Need to plan a wedding... from an airplane? There’s an app for that.” (And so on.) Apple’s marketing has been remarkable, and the iPhone App Store concept has forever changed the way the mobile market operates, and may, in fact, transform the entire software industry. Even this jaded technology writer has been persuaded to purchase an app or two directly because of the “app for that” commercials. Last month, Verizon didn’t just retaliate; they detonated an atomic weapon on the wireless battlefield. With maps comparing 3G coverage, Verizon effectively asked consumers: “Want faster coverage in more places? There’s a map for that.” As Steve Jobs is known to say in his keynotes: Boom. AT&T immediately responded by spending millions upgrading its network. No, wait. Actually, they filed a lawsuit demanding Verizon cease and desist airing such “confusing” commercials. In its rebuttal court filing, Verizon responded, “AT&T sued because Verizon’s ads are true and the truth hurts.” Boom. If the iPhone is AT&T’s only saving grace, and knowing that its exclusivity agreement with Apple reportedly ends in six months, one might think that AT&T would do anything – anything – to keep Apple happy. And one would be wrong. When Apple released the iPhone 3GS earlier this year, it announced such longed-for critical features as MMS (picture messaging) and computer tethering. It also announced the wireless companies who would be supporting the features. Such giants as Turkcell. TeliaSonera. Bouygues. Singtel. That’s right: Turkey and Singapore were covered. But AT&T? The company that reaped billions from Apple’s engineering? Conspicuously missing. And while MMS would eventually reach AT&T customers (Less than three

By D.B. Grady

months ago – this is an eight year old technology, mind you) computer tethering is still missing. Norway’s got it. We don’t. Thanks, AT&T. It was interesting to watch Apple publicly ridicule AT&T. There’s no question about whom the alpha dog is in the relationship. But it’s even more interesting to see that AT&T doesn’t seem to care, almost as though its management is as incompetent or laissez faire as its engineering team. If Apple jumps ship, if it makes the soft transition to T-Mobile, or a devastating move to Verizon, nobody can blame them, and nobody should wonder why. Consumer Reports has the verdict: everybody hates AT&T. There’s a map for that. And it’s everywhere. D.B. Grady is the author of Red Planet Noir, now available on Amazon.com

December 10, 2009

((, HEDGIH ANOTHER EARLY EXIT FOR THE COWBOYS

he 2009 McNeese State football team enjoyed another remarkable regular season which culminated with the Cowboys winning their 13th Southland Conference championship. They won nine of 11 games including a monumental victory at Appalachian State which was ranked second in the country at the time. The Cowboys carried a six game winning streak into the playoffs and looked like a team primed for a national championship run. But once again, they were knocked out in round one. New Hampshire pummeled the Pokes 49-13, becoming the fifth straight team to beat McNeese by at least 20 points in a playoff game. “New Hampshire outplayed us, out coached us, everything,” said MSU head coach Matt Viator. “We had perfect weather and a perfect field and we just didn’t get it done.” This is the fourth straight first round exit for the Cowboys in the postseason, and none of the games have even been close.

Year

2009 2007 2006 2003 2002

Round

First First First First Champ

Opponent

New Hampshire Eastern Washington Montana Northern Arizona Western Kentucky

Result L L L L L

49-13 44-15 31-6 35-3 34-14

New Hampshire’s margin of victory was 36 points. In 2007, Eastern Washington came to Lake Charles and manhandled an 11-0 McNeese team by 29. Montana was 25 points better than McNeese in 2006, and in 2003 Northern Arizona beat the top ranked Cowboys by 32. Viator has been the Cowboys head coach for the last three playoff losses and he can’t explain his team’s recent postseason struggles. “Trust me, if I knew I would have already fixed it,” said Viator. “I don’t know. We actually changed our entire routine this year, and I thought the guys were ready. I thought we came out with some spark. I don’t know. We just didn’t get it done. But I certainly don’t have the answer to that.” I, on the other hand, will provide an explanation. The Southland Conference is one of the weaker conferences of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as I-AA). Since the I-AA playoffs began in 1978, the SLC has produced only one national champion. Northeast Louisiana (now known as LouisianaMonroe) won the title in 1987, but is no longer a member of the SLC.

www.337sports.net All Sports - All Local - All The Time

Every Tuesday @ 10:30pm on FOX 29 16

December 10, 2009

FCS Conference

Southern Missouri Valley Big Sky Colonial Athletic Ohio Valley Mid-Eastern Athletic Southland

National Championships 12 6 5 4 2 1 1

The Southern Conference has delivered 12 national championships, the Missouri Valley Conference has won six, the Big Sky Conference has won five, and the Colonial Athletic Conference has produced four national titles. Back in July all of the SLC head football coaches gathered in Lake Charles for SLC football

media day. I remember hearing at least two coaches refer to the SLC as “The SEC of the Football Championship Subdivision.” When those references were made I remember nodding my head in agreement. But that doesn’t mean much because I often do that when listening to coaches. I think they like it. After doing my research, I discovered that statement could not be further from the truth. Since 1992, SEC schools have combined for seven national championships while SLC schools have combined for zero national championships. This is not a knock on McNeese State University. I believe that the Cowboys have good players. They sign extremely talented recruiting classes year in and year out. In my opinion Matt Viator is an offensive genius. He’s been very successful as the Cowboys head coach in winning 33 of 43 games, and he has a great staff of coaches working with him. I just think that the Southland Conference is weak.

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(corner of Ryan and 12th) December 10, 2009

December 10, 2009

BUSINESS notes continued Give the Gift of the Theatre This Holiday Season Holiday Gift Certificates are now on sale at THE CHILDEN’S THEATRE COMPANY (CTC). CTC is offering a limited number of Applause Season Memberships to give as gift certificates. According to Artistic Director Kerry Arthur Onxley, “This unique gift is something everyone in a family can enjoy for the entire year!” Families can experience professional productions developed especially for young people. APPLAUSE Season Memberships are available in Individual Packages (2 tickets per production) for $50.00 and Family Package (4 tickets per production) for $60.00. Each Applause Season Membership has a decorative card with an envelope. For more information, contact the theatre at 337.433.7323 or visit the website at www.childrenstheatre.cc.

be eligible to participate in the Medicare program, which is what Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center did and earned. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officially recognize the Joint Commission’s Ambulatory Care “deemed status” accreditation requirements for surgical centers. Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center is the only Joint-Commission-accredited surgery center in the region, and one of only a handful in the state of

Louisiana. “I am very proud of our staff. It is their hard work and commitment to our goals that enabled us to achieve this recognition so soon after opening,” said Center Administrator, Beverly Kirchner, RN, BSN, CNOR, CASC. The free-standing Surgical Center is owned by a group of community surgeons and opened in August. The facility features six surgical suites, two minor procedure rooms, stateof-the-art surgical equipment, inte-

grated technology, electronic medical records, and a wide variety of waiting area amenities. Surgical services are provided for patients of all ages, and surgical specialties available include cosmetic, ENT, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, pain management, podiatry and spine. Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center is located at 1757 Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles. The phone number is 310-2832.

Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center Awarded Joint Commission Accreditation Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center has achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission, signifying demonstrated compliance with the Joint Commission’s nationally recognized health care standards. Unlike hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers are not required to participate in the Joint Commission review process. According to Alan Lacoste, MD, Member of the Board of Directors for the Center, Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center voluntarily sought this independent evaluation of their compliance with national performance standards as part of their mission of providing patients with surgical care that meets the highest possible standards of medical excellence, safety, and comfort. “Our goal is to be the best, and we view this achievement as validation of the high level of quality care we are providing to our patients.” The Joint Commission’s accreditation standards address the ambulatory care organization’s performance in specific areas, including environment of care, emergency management, infection prevention and control, information management, leadership, medication management and performance improvement, among others. Joint Commission-accredited ambulatory surgical centers can also request “deemed status” in order to

December 10, 2009

SPONSORED BY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Jam Session @ The Western Bar, 7 pm Open mic night @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 6 pm Soul Haven @ JD’s, L’Auberge Casino, 10 pm Al Roger Louisiana Pride @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm David Newbould @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

Rock the Dock @ The Landing at Contraband, 6 pm Colorcast Veteran, Oh Juliet @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 pm Still Kickin’@ Linda’s Lounge, 8:30 pm Mike Taylor Band @ Engine 89-DeQuincy, 8 pm Mike Richard & Step-n-Out @ Scottie Tee Judi’s Konstruxion Zone, 9:30 pm Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz, Fridays @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Southern Spice @ Bab’s Pub, 7 pm Five Star Fiasco, For Karma, In The Red Letters @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 pm Tom Brandow @ Outriggers Tavern, 5 pm Briggs Brown Bayou Cajuns @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Five Star Fiasco @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 pm Percy Sledge @ GG’s Club, Alexandria, 9:30 pm Young, Fly, & Flashy Party @Toucans Bar & Grill, 8 pm Neal McCoy @ Big Daddy E’s, Paragon Casino, 9 pm Xit 43 @ My Place Bar, 9 pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Southern Spice @ Love’s Casino, Vinton, 7 pm Crooks Carnival @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 pm Pork Chop Express @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Mike Taylor @ Bobby B’s, Vinton, midnight Kill Icarus, Fallen Embers & In Desolation @AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 pm Mack Manuel Lake Charles Ramblers @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Connie G & Creole Soul @ GG’s Club, Alexandria, 9:30 pm Blackout Party @Toucans Bar & Grill, 8 pm

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

Jimmy/Wilson Band, Sundays @ Shorty’s Ice House, Moss Bluff, 5 pm Lacassine Playboys @ Wayne & Layne’s Deli, Sulphur, 4 pm Idol Minds @ Fred’s Lounge, 6 pm Bayou Heat Cajun Band @ Speckled Trout, Hackberry, 4 pm

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm

December 10, 2009

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

Lesa Cormier Sundown Playboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

Jimmy Wilson Band @ Cuz’s Lounge, Sulphur, 6 pm Alvin Touchet @ The Blue Duck, 7:30 pm Jerry Dee & Shakie @ Granger’s Seafood Restaurant & Lounge, 8 pm T-Joe Romero @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

Jam Session @ The Western Bar, 7 pm Rockstar Karaoke @ JD’s, L’Auberge Casino, 10 pm Felton LeJeune Cajun Cowboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Open mic night @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 6 pm Come on and Go With Us @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm Come On and Go With Us @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 pm

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Meriwether, Parallel The Sky & The Silent Planet @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 8 pm Percy Sledge @ Yesterdays, 8 pm Crooks Carnival @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 pm Still Kickin’@ Linda’s Lounge, 8:30 pm Mike Taylor Band @ Engine 89-DeQuincy, 8 pm Mike Richard & Step-n-Out @ Scottie Tee Judi’s Konstruxion Zone, 9:30 pm Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz, Fridays @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Southern Spice @ Bab’s Pub, 7 pm Tom Brandow @ Outriggers Tavern, 5 pm Al Roger Louisiana Pride @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Wayne Toups @ GG’s Club, Alexandria, 9:30 pm Fresh Nectar, Lochness Mobsters@ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 pm Idle Minds @ My Place Bar, 9 pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Timmy w/ Cold Sweat @ Isle of Capri, 9 pm Southern Spice @ Love’s Casino, Vinton, 7 pm Pork Chop Express @ Blue Duck, 9pm Mike Taylor @ Bobby B’s, Vinton, midnight Joe Simon Louisiana Cajun @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Elle!oh! Elle, Starluck @AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 pm Travis Matte @ GG’s Club, Alexandria, 9:30 pm Abatis CD Release Party @Toucans Bar & Grill, 8 pm The Electric Mudd @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 pm

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25

Static @ JD’s, L’Auberge Casino, 10 pm Still Kickin’@ Linda’s Lounge, 8:30 pm Mike Taylor Band @ Engine 89-DeQuincy, 8 pm Mike Richard & Step-n-Out @ Scottie Tee Judi’s Konstruxion Zone, 9:30 pm Briant Lloyd Smith & Hot Gritz, Fridays @ Blue Duck, 9 pm Southern Spice @ Bab’s Pub, 7 pm Tom Brandow @ Outriggers Tavern, 5 pm Christmas Party @ GG’s Club, Alexandria, 9:30 pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

MAGNOLIA SONS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

Magnolia Sons, Snidley Whiplash @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 pm Southern Spice @ Love’s Casino, Vinton, 7 pm Pork Chop Express @ Blue Duck, 9pm Mike Taylor @ Bobby B’s, Vinton, midnight Scotty Pousson Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Research Turtles @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 pm The Andy Smith @ GG’s Club, Alexandria, 9:30 pm

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27

Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 pm Tuesday, December 22 Travis Benoit Allons Dance @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23

Devil & The Details @ Toucans Bar & Grill, 9:30 pm Jimmy Wilson Band @ Cuz’s Lounge, Sulphur, 6 pm Alvin Touchet @ The Blue Duck, 7:30 pm Jerry Dee & Shakie @ Granger’s Seafood Restaurant & Lounge, 8 pm Howard Noel Cajun Boogie @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm Devil & The Details @Toucans Bar & Grill, 8 pm

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

Jam Session @ The Western Bar, 7 pm Open mic night @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 6 pm Static @ JD’s, L’Auberge Casino, 10 pm Hotel Cazin Band @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5 pm

PAPER PLAINS

December 10, 2009

Inside Baton Rouge - By John Maginnis

Biz Bytes - By Dan Juneau

his past legislative session, Speaker of the House Jim Tucker passed a bill that created a “Postsecondary Education Review Commission” which was charged with studying Louisiana’s higher education system. Called the “Tucker Commission,” the group is also looking at ways to save state dollars by better aligning needs with services, eliminating duplication and maximizing efficiency. As with all major policy revisions, data should drive change, and the Tucker Commission has received reports that outline disturbing data trends. In Louisiana, only 37 percent of higher education students graduate within six years. Compared to the southern average of over 50 percent, Louisiana falls short. Without higher admission standards to enter our 4-year universities, students are enrolling who are not prepared for the academic rigor required to succeed and either drop out or fail, often leaving the university with little to show for their time and effort. Further, many students leave the university with debt, and remain unskilled and unable to enter the workforce. Without higher admission standards, Louisiana will continue to have an over-representation of students in 4-year universities, and an underrepresentation in 2-year community and technical colleges. In our state, 75 percent of higher education students attend 4-year institutions, with 25 percent attending 2-year. The southern average is 56 percent to 44 percent. Economic forecasters predict that most jobs in the future will require more than a high school diploma, but not a 4-year degree. We need to better utilize our community and technical college system to be prepared for this emerging workforce, and to better serve the workers who will sustain it. Combine this common sense recommendation with the fact that, for every 10,000 students enrolled in two, rather than 4-year institutions, the state saves approximately $30 million. The result is a powerful argument to immediately begin implementing higher admission standards based on each uni-

Big Government Running Like Big Business

Higher Ed Commission Proposes Critical Reforms

December 10, 2009

versity’s role and mission, and aligning campuses to meet regional economic development priorities. With a looming budget crisis (a $1 billion shortfall in 2011, and almost $2 billion the following year), the Commission is looking beyond raising admission standards to address higher education funding. One idea being discussed is performance-based funding. Should institutions with single-digit graduation rates be funded at the same level as those who come close to the southern and national averages? With the large number of higher education institutions in Louisiana, funding them in a good economy is a challenge; funding them the same way now is impossible. There are 14 4-year institutions, two 2-year, and about 40 community and technical colleges, with some satellite campuses. That’s a lot of facilities to maintain. Hard choices will have to be made. The business community is strongly promoting these, and other, ideas. Quality education and training is a business issue, and higher education reforms have been promoted by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) for years. The Commission’s final recommendations will be sent to the Board of Regents by February 12, 2010. The Board will consider the recommendations, and the Legislature may also act when they convene next spring. The recommendations will be controversial, as some will want to protect jobs, turf, and funding with no performance required, but the state’s budget crisis will dictate many definitive reform decisions. Though pushed by the state fisc, these reforms need to occur no matter how flush the state budget has been in the past or will be in the future. Higher education reform is a critical component in building a quality workforce and in our economic development activities, and will lead to a brighter future for Louisiana. (Brigitte Nieland, Vice President and Council Director for LABI’s Education Council, contributed to this column.)

s the economy falters, the layoffs and salary freezes of lower-paid employees do not work their way up the corporate ladder. Top executives and those around them are rewarded without connection to company performance or accountability to the part-time boards of directors elected by shareholders. So it goes with big business. And Louisiana state government too. As with many struggling corporations, in state agencies the current boom-to-bust cycle has hit the lower ranks harder than the top layers of management. Two recent newspaper reports reveal the divergent trends: while the numbers of lower-paid employees shrink, those of highly-paid political appointees and their salaries grow. The Baton Rouge Advocate reports that there are over 61,000 classified Civil Service employees now--5,000 fewer than in 2002--earning on average about $41,000. During the same period, unclassified employees grew by 5,700 to 31,400, at an average pay of almost $61,000. Drilling deeper, the Associated Press reported that since January 2007, the Department of Education payroll has grown from $39.5 million to $47.7 million. The agency’s median salary, $60,900, increased 21 percent during that period, and annual salaries over $100,000 have gone from 7 to 18. Symbolically honoring the notion of public service, statewide-elected officials are paid modestly, all six of them. Below them is the salary bulge. Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis states that overall state employment has declined 2 percent since Gov. Bobby Jindal took office. Still, over the past seven years, what the state has saved in cutting classified workers is more than made up by the growth of higher paid unclassified employees. Many of them are university professors or doctors in public hospitals, but a lot of them are political appointees of the governor, or appointees of his appointees. Agency heads will argue that it takes higher salaries in order to remain competitive with private business or even local governments. Yet economic conditions suggest that competition is less than fierce these days.

Unlike with classified employees, there is no process for determining pay raises for unclassified workers, though Davis says she is working on one. The salary structure of state government, however, is merely a symptom of a larger problem, which is the huge imbalance of power between the executive and legislative branches, similar to that between corporate management and their part-time boards of directors. It’s taken awhile, but more and more legislators recognize the need to exercise greater oversight of departmental spending. The state Streamlining Commission has recommended that the Joint Legislative Budget Committee review all professional services contracts over $50,000. The same could be done for all unclassified hires and raises over $100,000. The mere prospect of explaining the need for new, higher-paid executives to a panel of lawmakers, whose average compensation is about $36,000, would make agency heads think twice or just forget it. In theory, the Legislature can control the hiring and pay of political appointees, but they are loath to go that far. Most of their time and energy is consumed satisfying the requests and demands of constituents, from ordinary citizens to parish presidents. That entails the cooperation of agency heads on up to the governor, which entails not rocking the boat. As a body, however, lawmakers could go far toward rebalancing power by changing the state’s construction budget process, which amounts to a wish list from legislators that the governor can pick and choose from, by which he keeps them under his thumb. They also could swear off their budget earmarks for local government projects and grants to non-governmental organizations, the backroom approval of which largely depends on who gets along, or doesn’t, with the governor’s office. Those local needs that are valid could be approved through a competitive process administered by classified civil servants, who could also assist small-town governments with writing grant applications. Just to make a good start at that would require a sea change of Capitol culture and an exertion of political will. But the alternative is to keep running

big government like the worst of big business.

I^bZh EgZhZcih Courtenay Deats Scott joined The Times as part of the advertising sales team. Born in Austin, Texas she grew up here in Lake Charles. She has one son, Trouper Scott who attends McNeese State University. Courtenay has several years experience in sales and the hospitality industries. She looks forward to assisting you with any advertising needs you may have.

December 10, 2009

Louisiana Native Performs in Disney Live! Rockin’Road Show! By Chaney Ferguson Disney Live! Rockin’ Road Show! is a traveling show with Disney Live. It is a story about Mickey and his friends going on a road trip. They are looking for friends for a talent show and on the way they pick up Cinderella, Tigger, Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. Performers travel all over the country from August to April performing two shows a day, while sleeping in the tour bus and in hotels. It’s a hectic schedule for Lafayette native, Jeremy Judice, but he loves being one of the Disney ensemble performers. After working in Disney World for a year and a half he was able to get some auditions that landed him a role in the Rockin’ Road Show. “It’s been really interesting. It never ceases to amaze me how much I can learn about myself,” said Judice. Only 20 years old, Judice, feels like he has grown up faster than he anticipated, but he loves being paid to travel and do what he loves, performing. “We perform every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are weekends when we are in a different city each day. We ride and sleep on a tour bus,“ said Judice. Every opportunity is a stepping stone for Judice. “I’m thankful for the opportunities I have had so far, but my goal is to be on Broadway.” It’s always exciting to hear about a local success story. Here at the Times of SWLA, we wish Jeremy well on his journey, but for now grab the kids and head out to Disney Live! Rockin’ Road Show!

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We always travel across the country to see our relatives over the Christmas holiday, but I just found out I’m pregnant. I’ll be almost four months along when we go on our trip. Is it safe to travel during pregnancy? As long as you follow a few simple guidelines and your doctor says it’s safe, you can travel until close to your due date with no worry. The safety and means of travel depend on whether you have any problems that need special care, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and your comfort. The best time to travel is midpregnancy, which is 14 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. By that time, many women are past the morning sickness phase of early pregnancy. During late pregnancy, it’s often harder to move around or sit for a long time. There also is an increased risk of preterm labor. Women are often most comfortable during mid-pregnancy. If driving for an extended period, try to stop every couple of hours and walk around to aid circulation. The best thing to do is follow your body’s signals. How you feel is often the best guide to your wellbeing and safety. This is true on the road and at home. Always discuss your travel plans with your doctor as soon in advance as possible. Walter Guth, MD, ob/gyn with OBG-1 I’m in my late-30s and beginning to think about osteoporosis, since it runs in my family. What things can I do now to strengthen my bones? It’s good to be aware of your family’s health history and to take measures to prevent as many health concerns as possible. Studies show that activities like walking, aerobics, weight training and sports are great ways to strengthen bones. Nutritional supplements like the combination of calcium with vitamin D are a good idea, because they work in tandem to increase bone health. Your doctor, who is familiar with your medical history, can give more suggestions on how you can prevent bone loss. Geoffrey Collins, MD, orthopedic surgeon with the Center for Orthopaedics How important are blood tests in determining a heart attack and heart damage? Blood tests play an integral role in determining a complete picture after a heart incident. These tests can identify what is often referred to as “heart damage markers.” By examining the blood and the levels of certain enzymes and proteins, your heart specialist can learn important details about the existence and extent of heart muscle damage. Newer technologies and tests not only help evaluate the extent of heart damage after a heart attack, but also may help determine future risk factors for recurrences. The good news is that just as blood tests and technologies for evaluating damage have improved, so has the technology for treating the heart patient, including less invasive heart surgeries and drug coated stents. And a reminder: If you have any suspicion that symptoms you are suffering are heart-related, get medical help immediately. The worst mistake a person suffering a heart ailment can make is to postpone seeking treatment. John Winterton, MD, Cardiologist on medical staff of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital My 8 year old daughter has a bed-wetting problem and never wants to go to sleepovers or have anyone over because she is embarrassed. Is there anything I can do to get rid of this problem? There are a number of behavioral modification tricks such as limiting fluids past 6 PM, and setting up a bathroom break alarm. If these tricks do not work, check with your physician. Some doctors may prescribe nasal spray, which can help block urine production during the night. Kenneth Verheeck, MD, urologist with the Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana

December 10, 2009

S o u t h w e st L o u i s i a n a’s

H O M E G R OWN B USI NESS ES

By Chaney Ferguson

inda Cooley is a self-taught stained glass artist. She’s always dabbled in the arts, whether it was with macramé or watercolors. “I finally found my medium,” said Cooley. Stained glass started out as a hobby. Linda used to work as a medical technician. She would sell her work to coworkers or neighbors, making only enough money to go out and buy an additional tool or

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another sheet of glass. In 1982, she made the transition into the stained glass business and opened A Touch of Glass. “There was a girl in town that had a stained glass shop. When she left town, it opened the door for me to start one,” said Cooley. For the first five years of her business, Cooley had a small shop on Alamo before moving to her current location, 2910 Lake Street. As the business grew, she needed more space for her work. Many of her projects are large custom pieces.

Cooley says stained glass is like any other art. People aren’t going to come in and see exactly what they have in mind. “That is where the custom work really comes in because I draw whatever I talk about with the customer to the exact size they specify. Then I color it in before showing it to the customer.” Stained glass is a very personal, hands-on kind of art. Cooley allows the customer to be a part of that process by handpicking the color variations they want in their piece. “If there’s a lot of green leaves in the piece, then I show them the different colors of green glass and they pick which ones appeal to them or we go in their house and see what works. We get the whole color scheme of the piece and they pick and choose what they like and don’t like. That’s what I make their piece with.” All around Cooley’s studio there are huge sheets filled with coloredin designs tacked to the walls or photos revealing completed work. Cooley says customers will sometimes bring in photos, greeting cards, or different examples of the kind of piece they want her to create. One couple brought in a photo from a honeymoon overseas. “Most of the time

people come in and they don’t know what they want. I have an album of previous work they can look through to see what they like.” Custom work represents about 90% of Cooley’s business. She does everything from entryways to kitchen cabinet doors. “I do a lot of new construction, usually over bath areas, whirlpool tubs, Jacuzzi areas. People will have a certain subject in mind or a certain color and size, and I make it up right here.” It doesn’t matter if it is custom made or already in the store, the price of each piece is always based on the size. In addition to her custom work, Cooley specializes in repairs, etching, and sandblasting. A Touch of Glass is also a full retail shop. “I have to keep all the basic tools and supplies that those with this hobby need. I try to keep a good supply of glass and a good variety. I can offer larger sheet sizes of glass so they can buy bigger volumes.” For those artists out there

SWLA Homegrown Business “I do a lot of new construction, usually over bath areas, whirlpool tubs, Jacuzzi areas. People will have a certain subject in mind or a certain color and size, and I make it up right here.” looking for a new medium, stained glass might be the right fit. Cooley’s daughter, Leah Broussard, is also a stained glass artist. She teaches classes at the studio through McNeese Leisure Learning.For more information about the class, call 475-5616. With the holiday season approaching, stop in and browse around A Touch of Glass. Cooley has beautiful creations featuring fleur-delis, angels, Louisiana wildlife, and even LSU and MSU images. For more information, call Linda Cooley at 337-478-9459 or stop by 2910 Lake Street.

December 10, 2009

By Terri Shlichenmeyer The turkey’s sitting in the freezer, waiting for you to thaw it out. You’re using Grandma’s recipe for the dressing, and she’s bringing a pair of her famous pies. Your uncle is furnishing his homemade wine and you know your sister will make that corn thing everybody likes. The Thanksgiving meal is shaping up to be a genuine family event, right down to the table. But did you ever wonder how the foods in your pantry or freezer got there? Read the new book Eating History by Andrew F. Smith and you’ll see what a school principal, a “hack writer”, a savvy ad man, a housewife from Queens, and others had to do with what and how we eat. Everybody knows that the Pilgrims held the first Thanksgiving after arriving on Plymouth

Island. The Indians were there, and they had turkey, roasts, grapes, stew, and root beer they made themselves, right? Wrong, says Smith. Our traditional beliefs about the first Thanksgiving are largely mythological, created by writers and storytellers. Explorers and natives, for instance, definitely gave thanks for blessings long before the Pilgrims even thought about coming to the new continent, and it was common for several thanksgiving celebrations to be held throughout the year. Furthermore, on the short list above, turkey was the only thing likely to have been at the Pilgrim’s feast. But let’s say your family tradition is to eat at a restaurant on Turkey Day. You can thank a couple of Italian immigrants for that, Smith says. Before the Delmonico brothers came to America and opened the restaurant that became a 19th-century hotspot, dining out wasn’t socially acceptable at all. “Good” people ate meals at home. Oh, and by the way… snacking was totally forbidden then, too. Now, however, you can eat wherever and whatever you want: Chinese, Mexican, fast-food burgers, fried everything, even oatmeal for dinner if that’s what you’re hungry for. Smith says that even those foods changed our cuisine, just as our palates changed other menus. Chop suey is not a “traditional” Chinese dish, for example. Nachos were created in Dallas in the early 1960s. McDonald’s was strictly a drive-up eatery prior to 1968. Dozens of foodstuffs were introduced at world and county fairs. And your love of oatmeal began with a unique and sensational national stunt. Reading Eating History is a little like having a slice of pie in a flavor you’ve never had before. The crust-cover is pretty generic but that never matters. What’s inside looks appetizing, though, and when you bite into it, you’re rewarded with several layers of flavor and tastiness. By taking a look at how small actions throughout history have influenced our dining habits and celebratory feasts, author Andrew F. Smith appeals to foodies, cooks, and historians with this book. I particularly loved how Smith meanders through his stories, wrapping each up with modern facts and updates. If you’re looking for a deliciously different book to read between courses this Thanksgiving, here’s one you’ll like. Eating History is a toothsome delight. Eating History By Andrew F. Smith

c.2009, Columbia University Press 376 pages, includes notes, $29.95 Terri Shlichenmeyer has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books.

December 10, 2009

PICKS

t h e b e s t i n l a k e a r e a e n t e rta i n m e n t

A Christmas at the Tupper Museum & The Nutcracker Village Now through December 31

Dressed in postwar Christmas cheer, the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum and adjoining Old Magnolia Room is the perfect place for those with nostalgic taste. Step back in time during the Christmas holidays at the annual “A Christmas to Remember” seasonal display. The exhibit features over 300 nutcrackers, varied Santa’s, animated holiday characters, snow villages, angels, bears, dolls, carousels, trains, snow babies, nativity scenes, antique toys, decorated trees and more. Included in the exhibit is a collection of 1940s vintage motorcycles. Vintage ornaments from the Tupper family and the actual stock from the 1940’s store can be seen in the museum. See blown glass, plastic and paper ornaments of birds, elves, fruit and Santa’s. The tour includes the Tupper Museum, the Louisiana Telephone Pioneer Museum, the Children’s Museum and the Old Magnolia Room exhibit. It’s located at 311 N. Main Street, Jennings. Group tours are welcome. For more information call (337) 821-5532.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer December 10 – 12

The holiday classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” will take stage in the Rosa Hart Theatre Thursday, December 10 through Saturday, December 12 as the Lake Charles Civic Ballet’s annual Christmas performance. The company’s signature work will feature over 200 local dancers bringing to life the joyous story of how Rudolph saved Christmas. Performance schedule includes School Matinees Thursday, December 10, 9:00 AM, and 10:30 AM. Friday, December 11, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and noon. Tickets for School Matinees are $5 and advanced ticket reservations are required and are available through the website www.lakecharlescivicballet.com. A Family Matinee will be held Saturday, December 12, 11:00 AM, and culminating with a Gala Performance at 6:00 PM. Saturday performance tickets are available at the door, $10 for students and $15 for adults.

artisans are featured at the Champagne Tea as well as professional musicians and 4000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, fine art, and some unique surprises. The Holiday Champagne Tea opens its doors Saturday, December 12 from 2 to 6 PM at the historic Charleston Hotel, 900 Ryan at Pujo Street in downtown Lake Charles. Admission, champagne, tea, and hors d’oeuvres are free to the public; hundreds of works of art, antiques, and unique gifts are for sale with proceeds helping to support the Arts and Humanities Council. This event is being sponsored in part by Republic National Distributing Company. No reservations are required; for information call 337-421-1700 or 337439-2787 or email charlestongallery@att.net.

Industrial Art on Display for Sowela’s 25th Annual Art Show Now through December 31

Cameron State Bank Winter Classic Basketball Tournament December 10

Sowela Technical Community College’s 25th annual art show will exhibit a wide array of industrial art from students in the college’s commercial art degree program. The exhibit is located at the Central School Arts & Humanities Center. The public is invited to peruse vivid displays, some of which were selected by a panel of local media and advertising professionals to compete for placement at the local student division of the ADDY Awards in February 2010.

Handmade Christmas Card Workshop December 12

The City of Lake Charles will host the second annual Handmade Christmas Card Workshop, Saturday, December 12, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Local artists will be on hand in the third floor gallery to guide participants as they create handmade Christmas cards. All ages are welcome and there is no fee to join in. Several mediums will be used in the creative process from crayons and watercolors to markers. Art supplies for the project will be furnished through the Enterprise Club of Lake Charles. Inspiration will be drawn from the current exhibition, “The Light Fantastic; Contemporary Irish Stained Glass Art” on exhibit through January 9. The exhibition offers the opportunity to observe the remarkable transformations of creatively manipulated glass. “The Light Fantastic” was developed by the Crafts Council of Ireland and organized fro tour by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C. The Calcasieu Council on Aging will distribute the handmade Christmas cards to area nursing home residents through its Ombudsman Program. Ombudsmen are individuals who are trained to respond to the problems and needs of residents of nursing facilities and other long-term care facilities. Charles Campbell, Coordinator of The Ombudsman Program said, “We work to assure that residents receive the best possible care and that they are treated with respect and dignity.”

Charleston Hotel Glitters with Holiday Champagne, Tea, Art, Music, Antiques December 12

The historic Charleston Hotel sparkles this season in its premier Holiday Champagne Tea—an elegant afternoon of fine art, antiques, steeping teacups, live music, bubbly champagne, hors d’oeuvres, shopping, and old-fashioned good will. The free December 12 event is a respite from hectic shopping as visitors are welcomed with a glass of champagne, a cup of hot tea, and dainty treats. Original works of over 20 local artists and

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The Saint Louis Saints will host the Cameron State Bank Winter Classic this year. The annual premier girls basketball tournament will feature 12 Louisiana teams, including local favorites, Washington-Marion, LaGrange, Iota and the reigning 2008 State Runners-Up in class 3A, Saint Louis. Other championship teams include Natchitoches-Central, who reached the Quarterfinals in Class 1-5A, Lafayette’s Teurlings Catholic, Quarterfinalists in class 4A, and the defending Class 4A State Champs, St. Michael’s of Baton Rouge. K.K. Babin, the leading guard for St. Michael’s, recently signed a scholarship to play with the LSU Lady Tigers next season. The weekend long tournament will be held December 10-12 with games being played at both St. Louis High and Lake Charles-Boston Academy.

MidSouth Bank and Gator 99.5 host Country Music Christmas December 11

MidSouth Bank’s first Country Music Christmas will offer food, music and fun for the entire family, along with a chance to win four tickets to see Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Kellie Pickler. The award-winning country music superstars appear at LSU’s Tiger Stadium as part of the Bayou Country Superfest on May 29, 2010. MidSouth Bank’s Country Music Festival, co-hosted by Gator 99.5, is Friday, Dec. 11, from 11 AM to 5 PM at 831 Lakeshore Drive in downtown Lake Charles. The event is open to the public, and lunch from Blue Duck Café will be served from 11 to 2. Giveaways will be awarded every 30 minutes for the duration of the event, with the concert ticket drawing at 5 PM. Guests must register for the drawing at the downtown location on the day of the event but need not be present to win. For more information, contact Tabitha Bateman at tbateman@midsouthbank.com or call the Lakeshore banking center at 337-436-6908.

Masterworks Chorale will present A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols December 11, 13

The concerts will the performed Friday, December 11 at 7:30 PM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral, 935 Bilbo Street, Lake Charles and Sunday, December 13 at 3:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2700 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur. The format for this service was first introduced in 1918 at King’s College in Cambridge, England. Utilizing the Christmas story texts taken from the Old and New Testaments, Masterworks Chorale will add traditional music from many styles to enhance the readings.

Ti m e s P i c k s C o n t i n u e d The Bayou Bell Choir and Les Petites Voix will join Masterworks in presenting the story. Special guest-organist, Steven Branch, will play pre-service music and post-service music, as well as the audience carols. Tickets may be purchased at the door and at Swicegood’s Music Co. 308 E. Prien Lake Road for $15.00-adults and $3.00- students. For further information call 491-9348 or visit lachoral.org.

Disney Live! Rockin’ Road Show! December 12

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and your favorite Disney friends for a hilarious talent search in the all-new Disney Live! Rockin’ Road Show! Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy set out on a zany road trip where audiences join in and help find the coolest acts around. Along the way, hit a high note with Cinderella; get your bounce on with Tigger; and shout out your loudest “yee-haw” at a hoedown with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story! Grab your family for a fun-filled getaway at this live, show-stopping adventure jam-packed with unexpected twists, turns and hijinks -right in your hometown! It will held at the Lake Charles Civic Center with performances at 12:30 and 3:30 PM. Lake Charles Community Band December 12 The Lake Charles Community Band will be performing for Christmas shoppers at the Prien Lake Mall at 4 PM on December 12. Spend the holidays with the community band and free music! The concerts are proudly supported by Perry Orthodontics, ConocoPhillips, the City of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the concerts, or more information on the band, please visit www. lakecharlescommunityband.com. The band is always looking for new people to join the band and all talent levels and ages are welcome.

First Federal Bank Begins the Holidays

First Federal Bank of Louisiana will be having a series of musical performances from December 9th through December 18th. These performances are scheduled to take place in the lobby of First Federal Bank’s Main Office located at 1135 Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles. Holiday refreshments will be served and the following performances are open to the public.

Friday, December 11th Noon to 1:00 PM Sulphur High School Select Choir

NEED OFFICE SPACE BUT NOT AN ENTIRE OFFICE?

Wednesday, December 16th

Noon to 1:00 PM Trinity Baptist Church Handbell Team

Friday, December 18th Noon to 1:30 PM Barbe High School Show Choir

Here’s Your Solution!! 500+ square feet available with access to conference room, kitchen & restroom. For more information, please e-mail officespacelc@gmail.com Please include your type of business & contact information December 10, 2009

Mistletoe & Moss

he 2009 Mistletoe & Moss sponsored by the Junior League of Lake Charles was phenomenal. First let me explain that, according to their website, the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc., is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Mistletoe & Moss Don Tombaugh event is a holiday market that is their major fundraiser. The Shadow barely beat the rain but inside the Lake Charles Civic Center, I hardly thought of the weather. Glitz, glamour, and everything beautiful and tasty rocked my senses. I spotted Don Tombaugh first thing. He’s the guy who drives in from Lampasas, Texas with all kinds of wonderful candy. The Shadow never hesitates to sample his goodies and purchase a few gifts. A couple of years ago I bought some of his sugarless fudge for a family member; this year I bought Jeanne Owens the real thing for Shadow husband. And he didn’t even share! Roaming around the coliseum, one can’t help but marvel at the work that goes into pulling this shindig together. It takes a lot of cooperation, organization and know-how. The glitz and glamour and creativity is almost overwhelming—in a good way. Honestly, there’s no way to see it or savor it all. I could have spent hours just browsing Jeanne Owens’ booth from the Charleston Gallery and Antiques. I wanted to touch everything she displayed. Beautiful! If you’ve been Missy Carlisle with little in Jeanne’s gallery and antique shop in Colburn Marquez the old Charleston hotel, then you know she has a special talent for displaying and decorating. And if you haven’t been there, I promise you’ll be able to select that perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for family member. Tearing myself away from Jeanne’s booth, the Shadow stopped to speak with Missy Carlisle and Colburn Marquez. Missy told me eleven day old Colburn had his first visit with Santa that morning. Wonder what Colburn wants for Christmas? After oohing and ahhing

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over little Colburn, the Shadow searched out more Mistletoe & Moss treasures. And that’s when I found Pierre Fontenot. Pierre owns Eighty-One, in Sulphur. Funny name for a shop. Pierre jokes that he named the shop after his IQ, but the Shadow didn’t fall for that. It takes a sharp man to create what I spotted in his booth. He creates unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. Actually, he salvages, repurposes, and builds from scratch. Eighty-One is our escape from Made in China. So pull on your “Go Green” sweatshirt and trek over to Eighty-One. I’ll Pierre Fontenot meet you there. Mistletoe and Moss was a wonderful success this year, and certainly it was Christmas shopping at its very best with almost ninety vendors offering everything from fancy candles to glitzy jewelry to pillow cases touting your favorite university. Go Tigers! There was absolutely no reason to leave town to shop. I have no idea what the date is for the 2010 Mistletoe and Moss, but I advise you to grab your new calendar and write Mistletoe and Moss across the month of November. You won’t be disappointed.

Christmas Under The Oaks On December 3rd, the Shadow got a phone call from Thomas Trahan, executive director of the Brimstone Historical Society reminding me about Christmas Under the Oaks. Good thing Thom called because even though I’d written it on my calendar, my calendar was nowhere to be found. Thanks Thom! Shadow daughter and I trekked over to Sulphur to investigate Christmas Under the Oaks. What fun! Daughter came away with a Christmas list a mile long. We saw things we’ve didn’t Ellen Little and Oneida Loup know existed. Oneida Loup, one of the organizers for the annual Christmas festival, and volunteer coordinator Ellen Little, told me they try to get different and unusual vendors each year. They certainly accomplished that. As soon as we got there, we ventured into a tent filled with wine and song. We were greeted by Tony Perot and Richard Baggett. Richard pointed us to Patricia Prebula, another organizer, so I snapped a picture of Patricia with many of her friends and helpers: Daniella King, Katelyn Hemphill, Michelle Hemphill, Kelli Hemphill, Jennifer Boullion, and Mary Robinson. They were all having a great time and sampling great food. Shadow daughter and I fought the crowd that obviously came to shop early. We explored the different booths, making mental notes of what we wanted and how we were going to get it under the Christmas tree. Have you ever heard of Tomboy Tools? I haven’t either, but when I interrupted

shadow continued

MOVIE REVIEW By Lisa Miller

NINJA ASSASSIN

Daniella, Katelyn, Michelle, Kelli, Patricia, Jennifer and Mary

Tomboy Tool Consultant Janet Law from grabbing her first bite of food for the day, she happily told me it’s a company that was founded to teach women how to do basic home improvement projects in a fun, non-intimidating environment. These tools are beautiful . . . and pink. What a wonderful Christmas present for a young woman going off on her own or a recently-divorced mom who didn’t get the toolbox in the settlement. Make note: The Super Stepper is a collection of tools stored in a stepstool/toolbox. How cool is that? The collection consists of a magnetic head hammer, pry bar, long nose pliers, standard pliers, a hacksaw and tape measure, and. . . and . . . so much more. Can you tell the Shadow is excited? All of this for a mere $109 bucks! You simply have to go to Janet’s website at www.tomboytools.info/jlaw. I Janet Law tore myself away from Tomboy Tools to brows some more. I spotted Mayor Ron LeLeux having a good time with friends, but didn’t have an opportunity to speak with him. Christmas Under the Oaks has got to be one of Sulphur’s most successful and fun festivals. The vendors were superfriendly and helpful. Authors Julie Bryson and Catherine Sharpe told us about their series of books. You know how much the Shadow loves writers! Check them out at eternitysaccount.com. Glancing at my watch, I tried to hurry Shadow-daughter along, but we spotted our new friend Pierre Fontenot, owner of Eight-One, and had to stop and chat. And then Marilyn Matthews’ beautiful Silpada Jewelry caught our attention; we were there for at least another hour gushing over the fabulous rings and necklaces! This hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry will make any woman smile. Thankfully, Marilyn handed us a catalog Marilyn Matthews or we’d probably still be there. For more info or to place an order before Christmas, contact Marilyn Matthews at 337-884-4481. Sulphur’s Christmas Under the Oaks is a must-attend in 2010. Don’t miss it!

(Grade C) Directed by James McTeigue Starring Rain, Naomie Harris, Ben Miles, Rick Yune, Sho Kosugi Warner-Rated R-Action-99 min Prior to being adapted for the screen, a story such as “Ninja Assassins” is generally comic book or video game material. However, writers Matthew Sand and J. Michael Straczynski leapt over these usual stepping stones -- going direct to the screen with a script mainly consisting of bloodletting confrontations. It falls to director James McTeigue to treat the silly notion of kidnapped children molded into unstoppable Ninja assassins, as a serious movie. He deals with this dilemma by drenching the dimly lit battles in buckets of fake orange-red blood, a means of winking at his audience. To break up the monotony of bodies sliced and diced by Ninjas wielding sharp weaponry, McTeigue occasionally introduces another bone-tickling sight gag. Parallel stories juxtapose Raizo’s painful childhood with his purposeful adulthood. As an 8-year-old boy he was one of several dozen kids forced by Lord Ozunu (Sho Kosugi) to train in the assassin’s art. A friendless young adult in the present day, Raizo (played by Korean pop star Rain), has gone rogue, alternately running from his enemies, protecting the innocent from his onetime clan, or attempting to bring down his cruel former master. In flashback we see children told they’re Ozunu’s sons and daughters even as he subjects them to cruel punishments for losing a battle or torturing them for disobedience. Raizo’s rogue status puzzles mainly because he is the only one of Ozunu’s abused trainees to choose this path. The story holes are more plentiful than the grains of black sand contained in each envelope delivered to the Ozunu’s next intended target. One such hole has Raizo inexplicably identifying Ozunu’s next victim in advance. Exposition is provided by Europol researcher Mika Coretti (Naomie Harris). Working out of Berlin, Mika discovers the shadowy clan of assassins whose services can be purchased for 100 pounds of gold. Simply sniffing around lands her on Ozunu’s hit list, but Mika is rescued from certain death by Raizo. He survives deep lacerations -- inflicted during fights with a dozen Ninjas -- by employing a series of interlacing finger exercises to heal his wounds. According to lovingly framed shots of Raizo’s exquisitely muscled torso, his terrible scars indicate he has healed himself many times over. Rain, a charismatic 27-year-old Korean pop star, claims he spent eight months learning various martial arts styles while subsisting on chicken and vegetables. With his baby-smooth face and flowing locks, Rain’s lack of active emoting is unlikely to diminish his appeal to an international audience of young women. His underdeveloped acting skills can be nurtured, but his playfully mischievous allure can not be taught. Beyond Rain himself, “Ninja Assassins” is memorable mainly for its improbable, but entertaining wirework and a slew of CGI effects that depict bodies, heads and limbs sliced to pieces. Should the film be remembered beyond launching Rain’s Hollywood career, it will be for spawning a video game or a comic book series, media accessible to the adolescents prevented from seeing this bloodbath by its R-Rating.

December 10, 2009

Last Issue’s Answers

Across 1 Numerical classification of some World War II U-boats 8 Necklace pieces 13 Butt 14 Person who keeps count 16 The U.S., in Mexican slang 17 Valentine sentiment to the 80-89% crowd? 18 Actor Delon 19 “What ___ mind reader?” 21 “___ Tu” (hit 1973 song in Spanish) 22 Football, abroad 24 Mork’s home planet 25 John Irving’s “The World According to ___” 26 Thankful thought toward a universal blood type? 29 TV “Science Guy” Bill 30 Play the part 31 Mrs., in Madrid 32 Cloud shaped like a small Roman numeral? 36 Key on a PC 37 St. with many keys 38 Cross-country travelers 41 Tagline of a rap-oriented cologne slogan? 46 Pitcher Hershiser 47 Fair-hiring abbr. 48 Thing of little imporance

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49 50 52 53 55 57 58 59 60

Skylab launcher Hit for the Kinks Current capital of NigeriaHassle at the local community gym? Destroyer Leaves stranded Like some sea bass ___ firma Makes melancholy Down

15 Bodily system that includes 20 23 27 28 32 33 34 35 36 38

1 Crime against one’s country 39 2 Like old newspaper, color40 wise 3 Grand style 4 Strong nickname for

Beethoven’s Third Symphony

5 Surname of four genera-

6 7 8 9

44 45 46 51 54

10 11 12 14

tions of French painters in the Louvre Savings acct. figure Brainchild Capital city of Mali TV Tarzan and game show host Ron Lesson taught through symbolism Class project in a box Harsh Car in the Beach Boys’ “Fun, Fun, Fun”

the lungs: abbr. Term used in taste-testing “Seacrest out” speaker Columbus Day mo. “For shame!” noise It sets things apart Critical hosp. wing Right angle-shaped pipe Winter spread? Ugly statue, e.g. Runaway from another country, perhaps “Les Miserables” surname Bear ___ (company in 2008 economic news) 1997 biopic about a late Tejano singer North Africans disputed in a “Seinfeld” Trivial Pursuit question Pregnant Like vulgar humor Ender for “pseud-” Rainbow shapes Opposite of vert., on old TVs 56 “I get it now!”

December 10, 2009