Times of Southwest Louisiana by The Times of Southwest Louisiana

WWW.TIMESSW.COM • MAY 1, 2008 / VOL. 13, NO. 9

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GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . 617 Drew St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-439-0995 Fax: 337-439-0418 PUBLISHERS Patrick Marcantel Scot Hebert

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ma y 1, 2008 Volume 13 • Number 9

contents

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . EDITOR Kathryn Bergstrom timesedit@timessw.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Joseph Frazier CONTRIBUTORS Scott Bergstedt, MD Raphael Chan, MD Cameron Durham Joey Frazier Matt Jones Dan Juneau John Maginnis Sonny Marks Ken Thomas, MD Gehron Treme, MD

12 E N T E R P R I S E B O U L E VA R D On Time & On Budget: World’s Largest Receiving Terminal Opens . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

POLITICS John Maginnis Dan Juneau ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Andy Jacobson

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Patricia Prudhomme Nathan Yates GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS MANAGER Tracey Smith The Times of Southwest Louisiana is published every two weeks by Patsco Publishing, 617 Drew Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 439-0995. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $25 per year. Bulk mailing permit #9 paid at Lake Charles, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Times of Southwest Louisiana, 617 Drew Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. FAX to (337) 439-0418. The Times of Southwest Louisiana cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. Copyright 2008 The Times of Southwest Louisiana all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. DISTRIBUTION: The Times of Southwest Louisiana is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The Times of Southwest Louisiana may be distributed only by The Times of Southwest Louisiana authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Times of Southwest Louisiana, take more than one copy of each monthly issue from its racks.

COLUMNS Biz Bytes: Getting The Tax Debate Straight . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Inside Baton Rouge: No Need to Vote So Early & Often . . . . . . .10 Business Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

FEATURES What’s Up Doc? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 DeBakey Awarded Congressional Gold Medal . . . . . . . . .12 Home Grown: Dynamic Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 West Cal Port Vital to Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Keep Fit After 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Dig Out Of a Fitness Rut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Parents Survival Guide to Summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Overscheduled Kids Means Overstressed Kids . . . . . . . .30 Fun With Fideaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 ENTERTAINMENT Times Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Coffee Break Cross Word: “Hard Body” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 The Shadow: NOLA MoJo & Kudos For Caroline . . . . . . .35 Parting Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Visit us online at: www.timessw.com Cover Photo by The Times of SWLA MAY 1, 2008

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BIZ BYTES — by Dan Juneau

Getting The Tax Debate Straight eoff Colvin, senior editor at large of Fortune Magazine, had an interesting article recently concerning the facts surrounding the debate on tax fairness. As a starting point, Colvin notes that one of the major facts missing in much of the partisan tax debate in Washington has to do with the fact that a shrinking number of Americans are bearing an increasing burden from the income tax. Colvin notes that, in the last year for which pertinent data is available (2005), the bottom 40 percent of Americans had, on average, a negative income tax rate. That means that these individuals actually received more income from the income tax system than they paid. The major factor behind this is the earned income tax credit. The remaining 60 percent of wage earners pay all of the $1 trillion in revenue derived from the income tax. If the income tax is supposed to be the epitome of a graduated methodology of taxation, it is succeeding. The top 50 percent of the filers pay 97 percent of the tax. The top 10 percent, according to Colvin, pay 70 percent, and the top 1 percent alone pay 40 percent of the freight (a percentage that has grown exponentially in the last 20 years). The congressional and presidential campaigns this fall will be filled with rhetoric about tax fairness, some of it crossing the line into class warfare. Beyond the politics, there are facts and obvious policy implications. Did President Bush’s tax cuts provide the “rich” with more tax relief in absolute dollars than was received by the middle class and poor? Absolutely. Since they pay a disproportionate amount of the taxes, the cuts resulted in more dollars going to those in the higher tax brackets. Did the poor and the middle class receive unequal treatment in those tax cuts? No. The effective tax rate reduction for the bottom 50 percent of the wage earners was much higher than that for the top 1 percent. In fact, millions of additional workers

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went off of the income tax rolls completely. From a policy standpoint, the impending fiery debate about the Bush tax cuts should not overshadow some basic economic facts of life. The Bush tax cuts did not reduce the net revenue for the federal government, including income tax revenue. There is a limit to how much taxes can be increased on the higher income earners without negatively affecting tax receipts. If individuals see their earnings greatly diminished if they increase their productivity, they are likely to curtail their hours or invest less in money-making activities. Additionally, when fewer wage earners are not paying the bill for the ever-growing federal wish list

“THE EPITOME OF A GRADUATED METHODOLOGY OF TAXATION” of entitlements and spending programs, there is less pressure on our elected officials to spend our tax dollars wisely. There is no doubt that a smaller number of comparatively wealthy individuals are seeing their incomes rise faster than those at lower levels of income. Improvements in the earning capacity of lower-level wage earners should be a priority for all candidates for office. Using the tax code—instead of better education, training, and productivity—to achieve that end will undoubtedly create negative unintended consequences. The campaigns this fall should focus on initiatives that will maximize federal government revenues without diminishing economic activity. Whether that will happen is very much in doubt. Our politicians tend to find it much easier to generate heat than to bring light to a problem.

NEWS

ABOUT

SOUTHWEST

LOUISIANA

ENTERPRISEBOULEVARD Who’s News Water cannons on tug boats celebrate with the Celestine River tanker.

Secretary of Energy Bodin and Cheniere CEO Charif Souki flip the switch to open the terminal.

“On Time and On Budget” World’s Largest Receiving Terminal Opens for Business By Kathy Bergstrom hey said it couldn’t be done,” said Charif Souki. “But we did it – on time and on budget,” Souki told the assembled dignitaries at the ceremony opening the Cheniere LNG Terminal at Sabine Pass. Souki is the co-founder, chairman of the board and CEO for Houston-based Cheniere Energy (AMEX: LNG). Monday, April 21, they commissioned their flagship LNG receiving terminal, Sabine Pass LNG, in an on-site ceremony west of Johnson Bayou, in Cameron Parish. Cheniere executives, prominent legislators, and guests celebrated the culmination of three years of construction as the first onshore LNG terminal completed in nearly 30 years begins operations. They included U.S. Secretary Energy, Samuel Bodin; Senator David Vitter; Rep. Charles Boustany; State Senator Dan Moorish; State Representative Jonathan Perry; Darryl Farque, Cameron Parish Police Jury; Captain Thomas Sparks with the U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Safety Unit, Port Arthur; former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman, Pat Wood and current Director, Mark Robinson; Senior V.P of Bechtel Corp., James Illich. Also in the crowd were journalists and dignitaries, bussed from Houston for the event, who were covering the story for publication’s across the globe, including Japan and Great Britian. After opening remarks, Souki and Bodin threw the switch that officially opened the Sabine Pass Terminal. “The hardest part of the job is finished. Now we wait for events and markets, to catch up with us,” Souki said. Sabine Pass LNG is the first onshore LNG receiving terminal built in the United States since the early 1980s. The terminal will be the largest in the world as measured by regasification capacity. The first cool down cargo

“

arrived at the facility from Nigeria LNG on April 12. The giant ship, Celestine River, was docked onsite during the commissioning ceremonies, and accompanying tug boats shot sprays of water from their cannons high into the air to mark the official opening of the terminal. The Celestine River is a new, 145,000 cm-capacity LNG vessel owned and operated by K-Line LNG shipping and chartered by Cheniere. Ideally situated at the mouth of the Sabine Pass, with downstream access to more than 75 percent of North America’s natural gas market, Cheniere LNG plans to play a critical role in meeting U.S. energy demands. Sabine Pass LNG will ultimately have a send-out capacity of 4 Bcf/d, equivalent to 5 percent of total U.S. natural gas consumption, and more than the state of Louisiana consumes daily. Its storage capacity, with the completion of Phase 2, will be 16.8 Bcf. Phase 2 is expected to be completed, also on time and on budget, says Souki, in the second quarter of 2009. Cheniere also commissioned its Creole Trail Pipeline – a 94-mile, 42-inch high pressure pipeline designed to transport 2 Bcf/d of natural gas and interconnect with existing interstate and intrastate pipelines. In a landmark action last summer, Cheniere Energy requested that the Louisiana State Legislature pass a bill (RS 33.2758) that would allow the accelerated payment of a portion of the Company’s parish property taxes – representing a $25 million commitment to the community to aid in post-Rita redevelopment efforts over the next ten years. Cheniere Energy is a leading developer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminals along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Additional information about Cheniere may be found at www.cheniere.com.

Lydia Guillory-Lee announced her candidacy for District Court Judge Division H on the steps of the Old City Hall at Monday, April 21, at 4:30 p.m. A reception immediately followed at the Lake Charles Civic Center second floor lobby, where the public was invited to attend. A native and lifelong resident of Lake Charles, Ms. Lee is a graduate of Lake Charles High School, McNeese State University and Louisiana State University. She served as an Assistant District Attorney from 1983 to 1988, as Assistant City Attorney form 1988 to 1990, and as City Attorney from 1990 to 1992. Ms. Lee has served as City Prosecutor for the City of Lake Charles from 1996 to the present. A member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Ms. Lee has also been a lifetime attendee of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Ms. Lee was the first AfricanAmerican female Assistant District Attorney for Calcasieu Parish, the First African-American female City Attorney as well as the First African American Female City Prosecutor. Janet Leleux has been named Investment Representative of First Federal Investments, a subsidiary of First Federal Bank of Louisiana. Her office is located at First Federal Bank’s Sulphur Branch, at 2550 Maplewood Drive. LeLeux, an investment adviser representative, has been providing financial services to clients, both individual and institutional, for ten years. Janet is employed as an Investment Executive at First Federal Bank and a general securities registered representative of PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc. The distinctive Janet Leleux strengths Janet brings to the First Federal Investments team are management and leadership skills with specialized training in both securities and financial planning. Continued on Page 7 MAY 1, 2008

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Who’s News, Continued from Page 5

Ronnie Brignac, II

Ronnie Brignac, II has been named Investment Representative of First Federal Investments, a subsidiary of First Federal Bank of Louisiana. His office is located at First Federal Bank’s Nelson Financial Center, at 4090 Nelson Road in Lake Charles. Brignac is an investment adviser representative; registered for securities in multiple states and licensed for insurance products in Louisiana and Texas. Most recently, he served as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in the Lake Charles office. In addition to being licensed and registered as a securities representative, Ronnie has recently received designation as a Charter Retirement Planning Counselor from the College of Financial Planning.

Honorable Charles Boustany receives the “Spirit of Enterprise” Award from Tom Donohue, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD, R-Southwest Louisiana, received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2007 “Spirit of Enterprise Award” for promoting responsible economic growth. Boustany received the award for his record on the Water Resources Development Act, which facilitates commerce in the nation’s waterways and ports, as well as trade promotion and rules governing investment. “I am honored to call Representative Charles Boustany our regional legislator. We are privileged to work with Dr. Boustany on finding solutions for the issues facing the business community of our region. His receipt of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award confirms his commitment to pro-business, pro-development legislation,” said George Swift, President/CEO of The SWLA Economic Development Alliance. The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

The Law Firm of Brame & McCain has announced the addition of two new associates to its practice, Jennifer McCain Swann and Stephanie Rhodes Hankins. Jennifer received her B.S. in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Chemistry from Louisiana State University, and her Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Civil Law from the Louisiana State University Law Center. Before joining Brame and McCain, Jennifer practiced law with Phelps Dunbar in Baton Rouge. Stephanie received her B.S. in Jennifer McCain Swann Mass Communications from McNeese State University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center, where she was Executive Editor for the Houston Business and Tax Law Journal. She is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Texas. Brame and McCain is a general civil firm, including real estate, successions, wills, litigaStephanie Rhodes Hankins tion and other business matters. Michael C. Turner, MD, of Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana recently attended the 2008 scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology in Chicago. The scientific sessions presented the results of the latest studies regarding heart health, and introduced new technologies such as cardiac CT scanning for the early detection of heart disease. The event was attended by nearly 30,000 cardiologists from around the world. Discussions about access to healthcare noted that the U.S. leads the world in providing modern, high-tech health services to the majority of our citizens, and this leadership should not be jeopardized. Any reform Dr. Michael C. Turner that does not improve quality will be rejected by both doctors and their patients. While the cost of U.S. healthcare is already high, the combination of an aging population and new technology will push the cost of healthcare even higher. Dr. Turner currently serves as ACC governor for Louisiana.

Dee Coleman

Dee Coleman, radiologic technologist, has been named Employee of the Year for 2007 at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Coleman has been a member of the radiology department for seven years. Born in DeQuincy, Coleman was raised in Fields and is a graduate of McNeese State University and a member of many professional organizations. Dee is an active member of the Executive Council for Partners at WCCH, volunteering her time to help out in hospital-sponsored activities. Her coworkers affirm her selection as employee of the year, saying she will often go the extra mile to help patients, fellow employees and visitors at the hospital.

Linda Phillips, LCSW, BACS, Program Director of Bridgeway Psychiatric Center, in Lake Charles, is pleased to announce the association of Chrystal Robideaux, as their Community Liaison. Robideaux comes to Bridgeway with over nine years experience in the local Medical Marketing and Management field. A Lake Charles native, Robideaux graduated from Grand Lake High and attended McNeese State. She is married to Derrick Robideaux and they are the parents of Grant and Annabeth. Robideaux received a Top Five Marketing Representative award and has many certifications in the medical field. She is also active in several community organizations.

Pictured above from left to right is Dennis Stine, Speaker; Lollion Elmer, Public Relations, Terry Backhaus, 1st VP; Leslie Landry, Treasurer; Alfred Doucette, Jr., President; Helen Curol, Secretary; Molly Morgan, Program and Kay Andrews, Data Administrator. Board members not pictured are: Carl Wilburn, Membership and Tony Guillory, Photographer. Dennis Stine, CEO and coowner of Stine Lumber and Chairman of Governor Jindal Government Reform Advisory Council and Budget Advisor for Governor Jindal Transition, was the featured speaker at the League of Women Voters Annual Banquet, held March 27, at Reeves Uptown Catering.

Assistant District Attorney Sharon Wilson recently announced her candidacy for District Judge Division H on the steps of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. The 41 yearold candidate is a 1988 graduate of Louisiana State University where she received a bachelor degree in criminal justice with a minor in philosophy (religious studies). She received a Juris Doctorate in 1991 from the Paul Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. Wilson has been practicing law for more than 16 years. In 1992, Wilson accepted the position of Assistant District Attorney Sharon Wilson Continued on Page 8 MAY 1, 2008

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Who’s News, Continued from Page 7

in Calcasieu Parish. In 1999 Wilson left the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Office to accept the position of chief felony prosecutor with the Allen Parish District Attorney Office. Wilson returned to the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office in 2002. Wilson currently serves as a visiting lecturer for Paralegal Studies at McNeese State University. She teaches criminal procedure and products liability law. In addition to teaching at McNeese State University, Wilson has served as an instructor for the Calcasieu Parish Law Enforcement Regional Training Academy. Wilson is the wife of Kerrel Wilson, and the mother of Kerry Joseph Wilson and Maya Elizabeth Wilson. Jim McGough has been elected Chairman of the United Way Board of Directors. The United Way of Southwest Louisiana elected new officers at the April 17 Board Meeting, announced Tom Morris, President. Chairman of the Board is James L. ‘Jim’ McGough, Jr., Vice President Whitney National Bank, Lake Charles. McGough has served on the United Way Board of Directors as Vice Chair in 2006 and 2007, on the Executive Committee as Treasurer in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and a board member in 2002. McGough was the 2003 Campaign Chair, 2001 and 2002 Campaign Vice Chair, 2001 Major Commerce Chair and also 2000 Major Commerce Vice Chair. McGough presently serves as President and board member of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum and Treasurer and board member for the Calcasieu Community Clinic. He is a past president and board member of Crimestoppers, past board member of the Leadership Southwest, Boys and Girls Club of Central Louisiana, and of the Calcasieu Council on Aging, Chamber/Southwest Louisiana. McGough also served on the board of Boys and Girls Villages, Lake Charles Symphony, member of the SASOL Community Advisory Panel and the Executive Board of Directors for the Calcasieu Area Council Boy Scouts of America. Jim McGough Karen Lambert has joined West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital as a Marketing Representative. Prior to joining West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, Karen served as Director of Marketing for Allen Parish Hospital in Kinder, and also assisted the Lake Area Industry Alliance in special projects. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with a double major in Management from McNeese State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration degree. Karen will serve as both a representative and a liaison for West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s Home Health Agency. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital welcomes the addition of such an individual to its growing team of professionals. “Chuck” Dowden, Jr., announced his candidacy for the office of District Attorney for the 30th Judicial District, which is comprised of all of Vernon Parish. Dowden, 49, is a lifelong resident of Vernon Parish and graduated from Leesville High School in 1976. He earned a degree in Finance-Commercial Banking from Northeast Louisiana University and a Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center. He was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1985 and has maintained a law practice for more than 22 years in Vernon Parish. Dowden served as a member of the Vernon Parish School Board for 14 years. Additionally, he served as prosecutor for the City of Leesville and the Town of New Llano for 14 years. He served seven years as an Assistant District Attorney of Vernon Parish. As a member of the board of directors of the Red River Delta Law Enforcement Planning Commission, Dowden has worked to secure more than $800,000.00 in grant funds designated for over-time pay for additional criminal patrols in high crime areas, improved surveillance and computer equipment for the Narcotics Task Force and other law enforcement agencies, as well as funding for the DARE, CASA, and Violence Against Women programs. He and his spouse, Angie Smith Dowden, reside in Leesville. They have two children, Jennifer Michelle Dowden and A.C. “Trey” Dowden, III. Dowden is currently serving as President of the Leesville Lions Club and Second vicepresident of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Vernon Community Action Council Board of Directors from 1989 until 2004. Dowden is a 32nd degree mason and a member of the Anacoco Masonic Lodge #147 as well as the Leesville Masonic Lodge #240. He is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and Ducks Unlimited. Chuck Dowden, Jr.

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WHAT’S

UP DOC?

I’ve been taking birth control pills for three years. My friend said you shouldn’t take it for too many years or you could have serious side effects. Is this true? Years ago, it was thought that prolonged use of birth control pills would interfere with a woman's subsequent ability to conceive a pregnancy after stopping the pill. But this has been shown to be false. There's no specific number of years that you can take birth control pills. You can take them for as long as you need birth control, provided that you don't have an underlying medical condition that makes it inadvisable to use birth control pills, such as a blood clotting disorder or uncontrolled high blood pressure. There is some evidence suggesting that prolonged use of birth control pills increases your risk of certain cancers, such as cervical cancer and liver cancer. But it also decreases your risk of other types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. You shouldn't use birth control pills after age 35 if you smoke or have an increased risk of heart disease. However, if you are generally healthy and are a nonsmoker, you may continue using birth control pills until you reach menopause. If you have concerns about your cancer risk from birth control pills, discuss them with your doctor. Scott Bergstedt, MD, ob/gyn with OBG-1 Can I call a pharmacist instead of my child's doctor for medication information? Today's pharmacists are trained to provide valuable information about the prescriptions they fill and over-the-counter medications. They can answer questions about possible allergic reactions, explain instructions and storage conditions, dosage information, foods that may need to be avoided, side effects or any other concern you may have about a medication. Establishing a relationship with your local pharmacists is important, because you are their patient too. Ken Thomas, MD, family medicine physician, Cypress Medical What are shin splints and how can I prevent them? "Shin splint" is a common term for pain experienced in the front of the leg. This pain occurs when the connective tissue around the tibia and the fibula is stressed because of overuse. This is a very common complaint in athletes, particularly those who run. The shins become very tender to the touch and are especially sore after activity. If you experience shin splints you should stop exercising for a few days and give your legs a rest. Ice your shins for 20 minutes. Once you resume exercising, modify your workout to decrease the stress put on your legs. Heel lifts and arch supports have also proven beneficial. If the pain in your shins persists, you need to visit your doctor to discuss the possibility of a stress fracture. This can be determined by an x-ray of the leg. Gehron Treme, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Center for Orthopaedics Is face swelling common with a sinus infection? There is one pair of cheek sinuses (maxillary sinuses) and one pair of sinuses between the eyes (ethmoid sinuses), one frontal sinus above the eyes and one sphenoid sinus in the center of the head. They all drain into the nose and nasopharynx. Any or all of them can become infected. Those areas of the face that are overlying the sinuses can sometimes become swollen when the sinuses underneath are infected. However, with most sinus infections, there is usually no visible swelling, and when it does occur it is minimal because the sinuses are separated from the face by bone. Much more common than swelling is tenderness when the skin over the infected sinus is touched or tapped. Very rarely, a sinus infection can break through the bone and produce significant facial swelling and redness of the skin. When this happens, an urgent trip to the physician or emergency room is necessary. Antibiotics and sometimes surgery are needed to clear up the problem. Raphael Chan, MD, otolaryngologist with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic

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INSIDE BATON ROUGE — by John Maginnis

No Need to Vote So Early and Often

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ith all the new blood and fresh ideas in the Louisiana Legislature, it’s time the state breaks some bad habits about voting so early and often. No other state holds so many elections in a year or leaves its polls open more hours in a day. Whether those distinctions top a good list or a bad one has sparked debate every time bills are offered to scale back the number or length of election days. Little has come of perennial efforts to change either, but things might go differently this year, starting in the mostly new House of Representatives. The lower chamber has already passed legislation to get rid of the July election date, which is used for local propositions, only a few years after the previous Legislature dispensed with January elections. A tougher road awaits the annual effort by Rep. Kay Katz, R-Monroe, to shorten the current 14-hour voting marathon that now lasts from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with at least an additional hour for voting commissioners to set up in the morning and shut down and report the results at night. Each year, along with the secretary of state and clerks of courts, Katz pleads for a break for overworked commissioners, many of them senior citizens, whose numbers decline with each election cycle. And each year those pleas are rejected by legislators, who choose to continue the hardship on commissioners rather than inconvenience a handful of their constituents. This year, Katz’s House Bill 34 originally set poll hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but she wisely accepted an amendment to keep the 8 pm close, which could make it passable. The pre7 a.m. vote accounts for about 5 percent of those cast, and it would be no big deal for the vast majority to come a few minutes later. Defenders of the status quo say the early start is needed for those working a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift or for weekend hunters and fishermen setting out before daybreak. Then there’s the argument, which I don’t get, about how senior citizens like to rise and vote early, as if they have a lot to do the rest of the day. Yet, those groups of voters could be accommodated by two weeks of early voting, which has replaced the old oneweek period for absentee voting. Earlyvoting bills in this session would keep registrars’ offices open 90 minutes longer on those days, until 6 p.m., and

would expand alternative polling sites, such as libraries and community centers. Still, in the first minutes of debate on this bill, someone is going to say that this shouldn’t be about voting commissioners but rather about doing nothing to discourage even a few people from voting. Well, this is about voting commissioners and it’s past time we did something for them. State and federal government have gone out of their way to encourage, cajole and entice people to register and to vote, from the motorvoter law to early voting to provisional voting to satellite voting and mail-in ballots. In recent years, civic groups and political campaigns have devoted unprecedented money, technology and manpower to get-out-the-vote efforts.

“VOTER TURNOUT CONTINUES ON A STUBBORN DOWNWARD TREND...” And what do they all have to show for it? Voter turnout continues on a stubborn downward trend, with only half of registered voters turning out in the last two gubernatorial elections, and barely 12 percent in some special legislative races. On the other end, the declining pool of voting commissioners are being called upon more often to wait around all day for fewer and fewer voters. With a special congressional election and a riverboat referendum, seven elections will be held in East Baton Rouge Parish this year. Passage of Katz’s bill would lift the morale of precinct workers and probably their numbers also, more so than another pay raise or split-shift scheme. An hour shorter work day might not seem like much, unless you are lying in bed at 5 a.m. and not anxious to get on the road. At the age of many of our voting commissioners, which I rapidly approach, nothing is more precious than time.

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Congressional Gold Medal Awarded Dr. Michael DeBakey

Lake Charles native, Dr. Michael DeBakey, accepts the Congressional Gold Medal, Wednesday, April 23, from President Bush, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Michael DeBakey, a legendary surgeon, teacher and inventor, was honored Wednesday, April 23, with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award that can be given by the United States Congress. He was born in Lake Charles in 1908. He was valedictorian of Lake Charles High School and earned bachelor’s and medical degrees at Tulane. He currently lives in Houston and serves as Chancellor Emeritus at the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. DeBakey earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans, and he later served on the Tulane faculty. Dr. DeBakey’s innovative research and surgical techniques revolutionized cardiovascular medicine. Across the world, he is recognized for inventing and refining several medical devices and procedures that are used daily to save lives. Two of his most significant inventions include the roller pump — an essential component of the heart-lung machine — and the DeBakey Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) — an apparatus implanted into the heart to increase blood flow. He helped develop the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units that saved thousands of lives during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and helped establish the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center Research System. Dr. DeBakey has advised nearly every president of the past 50 years, and he has received numerous awards from educational institutions, civic organizations, and governments

worldwide, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999. Dr. DeBakey’s distinguished career as a cardiovascular surgeon includes pioneering techniques and work with the first artificial heart. He served as a faculty member at Baylor University Medical Center and once oversaw Russian surgeons operating on Russian leader Boris Yeltsin. Last year, United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., sponsored the legislation granting the award to Dr. DeBakey. “Dr. DeBakey’s achievements and his contributions to the advancement of medical care have improved the lives of countless people across the globe,” Sen. Landrieu said. “With his roots in Lake Charles and education in New Orleans, Louisiana is proud to honor Dr. DeBakey’s distinguished career and proud to call him one of our own.” President Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to 99-year-old Dr. DeBakey. The award is the highest award given to a civilian by Congress to individuals who perform outstanding deeds or acts of service to the security, prosperity and national interest of the United States. Dr. DeBakey joins George Washington, Jonas Salk and others as a recipient of Congress’s highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal. A recipient of the honor must receive the signatures of two-thirds of members in both Houses of Congress.

Spend your Tax Refund Wisely It’s tempting to view your tax refund as free money, but there are several smarter ways to utilize the late spring funds so that you’ll be ahead in the long run, according to Ronnie Guidry, Vice President with Cameron State Bank. “Many people get their money and decide to blow it on a shopping spree or a vacation, but the truth is, wise financial choices can turn into many more shopping sprees and vacations in the long run. The key is patience,” Guidry said. One of the smartest things you can do is use the money to set up a rainy day fund, which you can then contribute to monthly. According to Guidry, it’s much easier to build on an existing foundation than to start a savings account with just a few dollars. You can designate the fund for whatever you want – travel, emergency household expenses, eventual down payment for a vehicle. If you prefer to reap immediate benefits, you can also consider paying down some of your debt. When flushed with extra cash, this is usually considered the wisest choice. “Although it’s not as fun as blowing the money on a day at the spa, it’s probably the most intelligent thing to do,” Guidry said. “If you decide to pay down some credit card obligations, put the money toward those that have the highest interest rate. If you have one card with 7 percent interest and another card with 18 percent interest, it stands to reason that you would get more ‘bang for your buck’ if you put a couple hundred toward the one at 18 percent.” Paying down a credit card doesn’t sound very glamorous, but if you lower the balance of just one high-interest card, you will be making money in the long term. Some PAGE 12

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decide to pay on their mortgage rather than their credit card debt, which also makes a lot of sense, Guidry said. Another long-term way to invest your refund is to open an Individual Retirement Account. “If you already have an IRA, you could invest your money into the existing fund that you have.” If you decide against opening or expanding an IRA, consider other stock options. Although this is another test of patience – perhaps the ultimate test – stocks have been historically proven to produce nice returns, if you invest wisely under the tutelage of an expert and understand the implications of your investments. According to Guidry, it often takes only a few hundred dollars to develop a healthy fund. “If you are fortunate enough to not have an enormous amount of debt that you feel obligated to pay on, there are more practical options,” Guidry said. “If your car needs a tune-up, for example, now might be a good time to invest in it. Too often we wait until our car starts clunking before we take it into the shop, but preventative maintenance can save consumers boatloads of money.” Putting money toward your car can also result in immediate payback, if you decide to sell it. “There are numerous ways that consumers can use their refund to its fullest potential. Some are practical and some are not-so-practical. It’s ultimately up to the consumer to decide what to do with their refund money,” Guidry said. “There’s certainly nothing wrong with doing something for yourself, but as you make plans for this money, keep your bigger financial picture in mind.”

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MAY 1, 2008

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BUSINESS

notes Each year, the administration and medical staff of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital honors nursing associates for their unwavering commitment to providing quality medical care to the residents of Southwest Louisiana. The 2008 Registered Nurse of the Year, LPN of the Year and Nursing Support Person of the Year will be announced during a special presentation, May 7. St. Patrick Hospital physicians will be present long-stem roses to the nursing staff upon their arrival from 1:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. The Nurses Day celebration program will begin promptly at 2 p.m. at 430 South Ryan Street in the Garber Auditorium.

Roy M. Raftery, Jr., President and CEO of Cameron State Bank and George Clinard, Vice President of Customer Relations for Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation

The Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation presented Cameron State Bank with their Community Impact Award. The award was presented to Roy M. Raftery, Jr., President & CEO, on March 26, in recognition of the bank’s ongoing support of safe housing for senior citizens in our community. The mission of the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation (SHCPF) is to provide safe, secure living environments for senior housing residents through sponsorship of the Senior Crimestoppers program. The SHCPF, a non-profit organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, operates as a conduit for banks to fulfill their federally mandated Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements. Crime against the most vulnerable citizens in our society, the elderly, is a longstanding, constant battle that can be reduced and eliminated through the operation of the Senior Crimestoppers program in nursing home facilities and HUD properties. Senior Crimestoppers has a zero tolerance-tocrime platform and uses personal lockboxes for the residents, cash rewards paid anonymously for information about any crime incident, and effective, ongoing education to accomplish its results. The program currently operates in over 6,500 nursing home and HUD facilities in 45 states and has reduced all aspects of crime by a certified 91.38% through December 31, 2007. McNeese State University will present “Pre-Licensing: Life and Health Insurance” through the Louisiana Consortium of Insurance and Financial Services at Louisiana State University-Shreveport from 8 am-5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, May 9, 10, 16 and 17, in Room 118 of the Burton Business Center. This course provides 32 hours of class time suitable to prepare an individual to sit for the Life & Heath licensing exam. Topics include basic terminology, concepts, sales, the fundamentals of insurance law and agent responsibility. Cost is $200 and includes the textbooks. Deadline to register is Wednesday, May 7. For registration or more information, call Sarah Leonards at (337) 475-5075. The McNeese State University Banners Series is supported by donations from area corporate sponsors. 2008 corporate sponsors include ConocoPhillips. Recently, John Gott, general manger of ConocoPhillips, presented Mary Richardson, director of the Banners Series, with a $10,000 donation in support of the Banners Series. The Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau donated $10,000 to the Banners Series. McNeese President Robert Hebert, presents a 2008 Banners poster to Fran Morgan Sanchez, president of the board of directors for the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau. State Farm Insurance donated $5,000 for the 2008 Banners Series. McNeese President Robert Hebert, thanked Denis Husers, agency field executive for State Farm Insurance,Bayou AFO, for his company’s support.

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Provisional Members Karen Haynes (Left), Neida Kaye Loup (middle), and Lindsey Svarney (Right) inventory uniform donations

The Provisional Class of the Junior League of Lake Charles Inc. held “Unite to Uniform Lake Area Children” on February 9 and would like to thank all of those whose contributions helped make it a huge success. New and gently used Calcasieu Parish public school uniforms of all sizes and colors were collected for both boys and girls from elementary to high school. The League is thrilled to report that the Lake Area community donated more than 900 uniform pieces and a total of 267 children received uniforms. The Provisional Class was able to donate items to the Women’s Shelter, Harbour House, Goodwill Industries, and nine Calcasieu Parish schools with the help of the School Board. Thank you to sponsors, Laundry World and Family Laundry Center LLC, Capital Cyclery, Chase Bank, Brousse’s a Child’s World, the Nelson Road Wal-Mart in Lake Charles, and the Sulphur Wal-Mart. A sincere “Thank You” from the Junior League of Lake Charles Inc. 2007-2008 Provisional Class! For more information, visit www.jllc.net or contact the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. at 436-4030. Imperial Calcasieu Human Resource Management Association along with L’Auberge Du Lac Casino Resort and GAP Broadcasting host the 15th annual Spring Conference May 15, at L’Auberge Casino from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The conference is focused on the continuing education of the Human Resources Professional balancing the difficulties of managing employees, administering paperwork and earning the Human Resource department a seat at the table in the strategy and development of your organization. All Human Resource professionals, office managers and operations supervisors who may be responsible for the interpretation of state and federal laws and the day-to-day management of employee issues are encouraged to attend. Visit www.ichrma.com for Registration form and additional information. Register by May 8. Late registration is from 8 to 8:30 a.m. at Conference.

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Dynamic Dimensions Keeps the Lake Area Moving ynamic Dimensions has kept the Lake Area walking, swimming, cycling, stretching and lifting since 1994 with the opening of the Sulphur location, followed by the Moss Bluff location two years later. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital was the first hospital in the area to own and operate a fitness center. “The leaders of the hospital recognized the value of providing our community with the resources to live a healthy life through consistent exercise. The hospital’s goal has always been to promote a healthy community and they put their vision into action by opening the fitness center,” explained Robert Kingham, Director of Dynamic Dimensions. The Sulphur location was renovated from a long-standing bowling alley, Cypress Bowling Lanes. The original fitness center was expanded in 1996 to include the group fitness room, childcare center, administrative offices, large conference room, showers and locker rooms as well as the aquatics center with the heated, indoor swimming pool. The Moss Bluff location was built with these components included. Both locations of Dynamic Dimensions are full-service fitness centers offering strength training, cardiovascular equipment, group classes, teen fitness programs, prenatal exercise, aquatics program, and personal training services. In addition, the DD Café is on-site in the Sulphur location offering Seattle’s Best Coffee and a wide variety of healthy smoothie options for a delicious end to a workout.

A few months ago, Dynamic Dimensions gave the term "free weights" a whole new meaning! They donated four tons of free weights to Hackberry High School, upon purchasing new weights for the Sulphur location of Dynamic Dimensions. Pictured left to right: Tressie Bares, exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions; David Trahan, teacher with Hackberry High School; Amanda Douga, Exercise Specialist with Dynamic Dimensions and Robert Kingham, Director of Dynamic Dimensions.

No More Excuses Life is busy. Between working late, chauffeuring the kids, and taking care of the million details that seem to crop up, it's hard to carve out time to exercise, and stick to it. We understand, and now we can help.

Dynamic Dimensions is now open ‘round the clock to make squeezing in your daily workout a little easier.

YNAMICN S EN SerIonOHospital IM Calcasieu Cam

of Wes t

‘R

" the total health and

" fitness center

New member discounts are available. Both our Sulphur and Moss Bluff fitness centers have these new expanded hours, so stop by whenever it fits into your schedule – day or night.

K OU R O

Sure, there are plenty of excuses you could make; but why not say enough is enough and resolve to take a stand, (or a walk, or better yet, a jog!) for a better, healthier you.

L THE C

Sulphur - 545 Cypress St., 527-5459 • Moss Bluff - 602 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy., 855-7708 PAGE 16

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“Our focus is to provide a welcoming and motivating atmosphere to challenge each member to achieve their fitness goals. We understand that everyone is starting from a different place, with their own history and hang-ups. We can help anyone get healthier and in shape as long as they want it, too,” Kingham said. “If they have the will, we have the way!” Several years ago, Dynamic Dimensions partnered with Body Training Systems to provide a series of dynamic group fitness programs, such as Group Power, Group Kick, Group Step and the newest addition, Group Active. “These programs streamlined the way we offer group fitness. The program drives the classes, not the teacher, the music, the time of day or any other variations. Every class is top-notch with energy, enthusiasm and the instructional techniques necessary for every participant to get a great workout,” explained Kingham. “All of our exercise specialists receive continuous training about physiology, technique, fitness mechanics, and fitness measurements. This ensures that we’re providing the most up-to-date information and programs available.” Both locations recently expanded their hours to 24/7, giving members access to the fitness center anytime – day or night. Kingham said the new hours have been a big hit with members. “We have a lot of people in this area who work nights and so it was hard for them to exercise regularly at a fitness center,” he said. “We’ve solved that problem by expanding our hours to meet anyone’s schedule.” Kingham said the focus of Dynamic Dimensions is the personal service available. “We have trained exercise specialists to work with members on designing an exercise program that will give results. Our members don’t have to guess at what’s best for them; they have access to years of experience and knowledge with our trainers so that their time here at the fitness center is profitable.” The Sulphur location is at 545 Cypress Street, the phone number is (337) 527-5459. The Moss Bluff location is 602 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, the phone number is (337) 855-7708. More information about Dynamic Dimensions can be found at www.wcch.com.

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For every dollar that the State of Louisiana invests in its 38 ports, it receives $6 return on its investment, according to the Ports Association of Louisiana. The return on investment is in the form of more jobs, a larger tax base and expanded capital investment. While the Port of Lake Charles is larger and more well known, the West Cal Port in Sulphur is growing. The ports can complement each other, particularly as the west bank of the Calcasieu River Ship Channel is developed. The West Cal Port’s “primary waterfront position lies along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which gives the West Cal Port its industry-valued niche,” said West Calcasieu Port Director Lynn Hohensee. “In turn, the Port of Lake Charles has little business activity along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The West Cal Port stands ready to support the Port of Lake Charles in any way we can in developing the business/industry community along the west bank. “The development of the west bank also supports the growth strategy for the Highway 27 Corridor that runs from Cameron Parish north into Calcasieu Parish. As both parishes benefit from GO Zone (Gulf Opportunity Zone) funding support, this corridor has the potential to play an increasingly important role.” Port of Lake Charles Director Adam McBride said, “The continuing develop-

ment of industrial and transportation facilities along the Calcasieu Ship Channel will require growing support from regional distribution channels such as those offered by the West Calcasieu Port. Positioned as it is about half way up the channel, the West Calcasieu Port can offer staging and processing options to main channel users.” The West Cal Port was formed in 1964 when the Louisiana Legislature created the West Calcasieu Port Harbor and Terminal District. The port is on the north bank of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, west of the Highway 27 Bridge where the highway crosses the waterway in south Calcasieu Parish. The port has approximately 190 acres and is 2.8 miles west of where the deep-draft Calcasieu Ship Channel traverses Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. The West Cal Port is 25.2 miles along the Calcasieu Ship Channel from open water. The stated mission of the port “is to effectively serve our community and customers by creating jobs and business opportunities in the region through responsible management of port assets in an environmentally sensitive manner.” The port has four full-time tenants: Devall Enterprises, Devall Diesel, Triple A Construction and Tanner Fuel. The tenants do work in diesel repair, barge fueling, civil construction, heavy equip-

ment contracting, barge fleeting and harbor shifting operations, marine supplies, dockside repair, and dry cargo barge cleaning. A short-term tenant, Sunland Construction, is involved with the installation of natural gas transportation lines for a new LNG terminal. A strategic plan, completed last year, recommended three sectors for the port to develop: 1. Shallow-draft marine transportation industry. 2. Specialty process industry for chemical, energy-based and/or allied products. 3. Bulk/breakbulk and over-dimensional products used in local construction, pipeline and process industry. Hohensee said the port has “engaged in a strong, proactive recruiting effort to attract quality industrial prospects that have a strategic need for shallow-water transportation support. It is the West Cal Port board’s intent to use the port’s infrastructure and location to promote regional economic development growth through the development of an industrial park for the industries needing barge transportation to receive feedstock materials and to ship out high-valued manufactured products and goods. “We also are continuing to seek out maritime service providers that are seeking a high-quality location for operations two miles off the Calcasieu River Ship

Channel and half way between Houston and New Orleans on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.” Regarding the third recommendation, Hohensee said, “At this time, the West Cal Port basically is a service-provider port versus a cargo port. At some point in the future – near future, hopefully – we will make the transition to a cargo facility while retaining our serviceprovider niche.” The port is governed by its board of commissioners: Brett Clement, Tim Dougherty, Larry Mashburn, Percy Rogers and Matt Vincent. Commissioners serve four-year terms. The commissioners oversee the port’s joint service agreement with the West Calcasieu Airport, also known as Southland Field, three miles north of the port. “A very close relationship exists between the two public entities,” Hohensee said. “Two members of the West Cal Port board have seats on the Southland Field board. Leadership between both public entities communicate frequently regarding prospects, especially those that may need maritime support as well as aviation support.”

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Keep Fit After50 It was once thought that getting weak was part of getting old. “Over the hill” meant saying goodbye to limber joints, range of motion, and stamina. Thankfully, that’s an outdated theory. Results from numerous studies on older adults and exercise underscore the same theme: exercise will improve your health, no matter what your current health status is at this moment. Today, medical advancements have extended our life span; an average 65-year-old can expect to live to age 85. But, often their quality of life is greatly diminished. Communication may be limited, memory may fade, moving around independently may not be possible. In essence, “living” isn’t the same. “To keep physical health strong, exercise plays an important role,” explained Robert Kingham, exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions. “By moving, stretching and lifting as much as possible, the body will be more fit and flexible. If we sit in a chair all day, our bodies will slowly conform to that slouched position and the muscles will tighten. Over time, after months and months of this pattern, even walking can become difficult.” A landmark study done in 1994 by Harvard and Tufts researchers shed new light on aging and fitness. Results showed that many functional losses, once thought to be inevitable with age, were actually reversible, even in the oldest and frailest of women. In the study, 100 nursing home residents between the ages of 72 and 98 participated. They exercised three times a week for 10 weeks, primarily doing resistancetype movements. At the end of the time, the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs and walk faster and farther than

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their sedentary counterparts, who continued to lose strength and muscle mass. In the years since, other studies have echoed the fact that exercise is valuable at any age. Research recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that inactivity doubles the risk of mobility limitations as we age, while vigorous activity has the opposite effect. Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise said, “No matter what area you look to, be it heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, research shows that being physically fit into your senior years will keep you healthier and active longer.” According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, older adults are hitting health clubs at a record rate. The group says the number of health club members over 55 grew by 343% from 1987 to 2003, while the number of members in the 35 – 64 age group increased by 180%. The reason for the growth? Baby boomers want to be as active at 65 as they were at 45, and with more emphasis on a healthy lifestyle, they should be able to achieve that. “Age is a number, not an indicator of fitness,” said Kingham. “We have members here at Dynamic Dimensions who are well into their 70s and 80s,

they are consistent with their exercise program and they’re active and involved in life. Yes, they have aches and pains. Exercise isn’t a cure, but it definitely keeps the body active and moving, and that’s the key to staying fit. Now that we know a decline in health is often simply from inactivity, we’re realizing that we can do something about it.” Even though the spirit may be willing, sometimes the body has trouble with the follow-through. Fitness and health experts across the board agree that it’s wise for adults over 50 to be choosy about their health club. “The longer it has been since you set foot inside a gym, the more you are going to have to rely on your instructors to guide you to the right kinds of activities, so it’s important that they really know what they are doing,” said Bryant. For those who battle bad knees, bad backs, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or just achy joints, utilizing an exercise specialist who understands the health component of exercise is a prescription for success. Some fitness people are solely focused on building muscles and svelte, trim bodies; it’s important to work with trainers who understand how the whole body

works. “All of our exercise specialists are certified. We understand how to help people of all fitness levels attain better health,” said Kingham. “We can design plans to meet a variety of needs, beyond just losing weight. We can help people have more energy, strengthen their joints, promote flexibility, increase balance; in all these efforts, the body is moving, so everything works together to make the body healthier overall.” Kingham adds one important tip to keep in mind, “Don’t try to compete with memories of how things used to be. If you were the star quarterback in high school, and it’s been 40 years, things may have changed! Set new goals for yourself that are realistic to your current physical ability and you’ll be more satisfied, and less prone to injury.” Consistent exercise is a great prescription for better quality of life. So that hopefully, the second half of life will be just as full and exciting as the first one.

Dig Out Of A Fitness Rut It’s a cruel joke. Once you finally make time to exercise regularly and you stick with it for a few months, you hit the dreaded plateau and progress stops. If you’re really dedicated, you’ll keep at it and reap the rewards of continued weight loss and improved health. If you’re easily distracted, which includes the majority of Americans; you’ll give up and say that exercise doesn’t work. Many people do well with their exercise routine as long as they are seeing results. When the results slow down or stop, it’s easy to get discouraged and give up. The frustration is understandable. Why continue the exertion with no progress? Chase Gary, exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions says the reward will return if we keep at it.

“Whatever you consistently expose your body to will become the new norm, because our bodies are amazingly adaptable. If the same activity is done over and over, then the body will respond by making itself comfortable. It learns how to efficiently perform an activity,” Gary said. The concept is similar to people who perform the same routine task at work. It’s easy to zone out and not pay close attention, but if you suddenly are given a new duty, the concentration level goes up. You are now challenged. It’s the same with the body. Give it a new challenge and watch the progress. If you have excess weight, and were consistently losing a pound or two each week, and are now stuck at the same

weight for a few weeks, it’s time to move on to a new level of fitness. “Changing your routine doesn’t mean suddenly jumping to a level that you’re not prepared for, it just means adjusting the frequency, duration or intensity,” said Gary. “The point is not to punish your body, just challenge it differently.” Mix it up by considering the following: • During every other workout, do something different. If you usually briskly walk or jog on a treadmill for 20 minutes, and then do 10 minutes of weights, try doing the treadmill for the whole 30 minutes. Or, use the stationary bike or elliptical machine instead of the treadmill. Take a different group fitness class. If you’re a diligent step class person, try a kickboxing-type class. • Kick it up a notch. For five or ten minutes during your normal routine, rev up your level a few notches, and try heavier weights, a faster speed or more repetitions than normal. If you’re working at the lower end of your target heart rate zone, aim for the higher end. Specify various days of the week as low, moderate or high-intensity days. • Focus on changing the frequency,

duration or intensity. Just one of the three will give your body a new challenge. By exercising more often, or for a longer length of time, or at a higher level, you can push through the sluggish resistance. It doesn’t need to be all three; just changing one aspect should bring results. • Add strength training. If you don’t already include weights in your workout, try it. It will boost your resting metabolism, which makes the body burn more calories. “It’s a good idea to change up your routine every four to six weeks to continue challenging your body,” advised Gary. “The key is to consistently exercise and not give up. Bodies are constantly adjusting. Even if you don’t see any progress on the scale, your body is adapting to the change in your fitness routine. If you keep at it, you’ll continue to tone up and lose any excess weight.” The next time you’re puzzled why nothing has changed, ask yourself if you’ve changed your routine. If the answer is no, then that could be the problem. If your routine is getting stale, freshen it up with variety.

The Care You Need, Right Where You Need It Sometimes, everything you're looking for is closer than you think. When you need quality healthcare, experienced physicians and an excellent reputation for service, you’ll find it right here at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. And, when you want the comfort and assurance that a trusted friend can give, you won’t have to look far to find a familiar face. We provide a complete range of services, including: • Labor, Delivery and Recovery Suites • Surgical Services, including Orthopedics, Urological and General • Imaging Services, including MRI and CT • Home Health Care • Physical Medicine • Cardiology • Emergency Medical Services • Laboratory Services In addition to getting you back on your feet after an accident or illness,

YNAMIC West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital gives you the tools you need to stay IMENSIONS healthy with Dynamic Dimensions, a 24-hour, full service health and of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

" the total health and fitness center"

fitness club with locations in Sulphur and Moss Bluff.

Keeping you and your family healthy has been our priority for over 50 years, and we look forward to many more years of providing excellent healthcare right here at home.

(337) 527-7034 • 701 Cypress St., Sulphur

www.wcch.com

MAY 1, 2008

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2008 Parent’s Survival Guide to Summer Soon school will be out for summertime fun. The Times has compiled our annual “Survival Guide” for parents and guide to fun and adventure (for kids). From cooking classes and football to Shakespeare productions and aerospace camps, there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy and happy through the long hot summer. At press time, many organizations had still not finalized their summer schedules, but we included contact information here so you can keep in touch with them as plans are finalized. So enjoy your summer time fun! PAGE 22

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CAMPS & RECREATION SPORTS SUMMER CAMP AT WARD 3 RECREATION, LAKE ST. COMPLEX June 2 through Aug 1, 8 a.m. to Noon for ages 5-12. Each week in camp the children will not only learn or enhance their skills in a sport, but they will learn a life skill that hopefully will follow them throughout their life. The children will be introduced to a new sport each week, have a daily martial arts lesson and have arts & crafts that will involve mind stimulating activities. Some of the activities will be: Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Martial Arts, Kickball, and Soccer. Ward 3 also offers Yoga, Low-Impact Fitness, Judo, Taekwondo, Bean Bag Baseball, Frisbee Disc Golf, Granny Basketball, and Board Games. Cost for camp is $60 for one and $55 for additional siblings per week. Registration is a one time fee of $25 and begins May 1. At the Lake Street Complex, 7903 Lake St., Lake Charles. Please call 337-502-5214 for information on registering. HIGH SCHOOL “7 ON 7” FOOTBALL LEAGUE At the Lake Charles Multi-Sports Complex. 3200 Power Centre Pkwy. Call 990-0112

2712 Hodges Street • Ph(337) 439-7693

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PRYCE-MILLER RECREATION CENTER SUMMER ACTIVITIES 216 Albert St. Call 502-523. Mid-Night Basketball, Sewing, Quilting, Looming/Crocheting, Line Dancing, Bingo, Seminars/Workshops, Low Impact Exercise, Board Games, Arts and Crafts.

GRAND LAKE RECREATION CENTER SUMMER PROGRAM FOR KIDS The Cameron COA/CAA is sponsoring a summer program at the Grand Lake Recreation Center for kids age 5 to 18 with activities, lunch each day and field trips, 5 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fees are charged. Register by calling 905-6000.

FOREMAN-REYNAUD COMMUNITY CENTER Summer Camps and Activities TBA. Call for information; 436-2509 between 8 AM & 5 PM. A United Way member agency.

SPAR – SULPHUR PARKS & RECREATION & AQUATIC PARK Lessons, Clinics, and Free Swim. Times TBA. Call 337-3040 for updates and schedules. 933 West Parish Road, Sulphur

CUB SCOUT SUMMER DAY CAMPS — JUNE 2-6 For boys going into grades 2 through 5. Camping is the great outdoor adventure of the Boy Scouts of America. Day Camps are conducted during the day and do not include overnight camping. The goal is to carry the world of imagination into reality with theme structured activities. This year’s theme is Dinosaur Discovery. Day Camp activities include archery, b-b guns, arts and crafts, nature activities, woodworking, games, and other fun-filled events. To be eligible, you must register your son at the Calcasieu Area Council, 304 S. Ryan Street, Lake Charles. Cost is $60 for Scouts and $65 for non-Scouts. Please call 436-3376 for more information. Pioneer Day Camp in Jennings at OLI School – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration Deadline May 19th Cypress Knee Day Camp in Sulphur at PPG Park - 8:00 to 3:30 Registration Deadline May 19th Thunderbird Day Camp in DeRidder at the Fairgrounds - 8:30 to 3:30 Registration Deadline May 19th Thunderbird Day Camp in Leesville at the Fairgrounds - 9:00 to 3:00 Registration Deadline May 19th June 9-13 — Pioneer Day Camp in Lake Charles at EDS School - 8:00 to 3:30 Registration Deadline May 26th

BOY SCOUTS SUMMER CAMP AT CAMP EDGEWOOD Week #1 - June 8-14 Week #2 - June 15-21 Summer Camp activities include swimming, canoeing, fishing, woodcarving, leatherwork, rifle shooting, shotgun shooting, archery, hiking, nature, basic camping skills, life skills, and many other fun-filled events and classes. Cost is $150. Your son must be a registered Boy Scout. If your son is interested in joining a Boy Scout Troop and participating in Summer Camp, call 436-3376 for more information or come by the Calcasieu Area Council, 304 S. Ryan Street, Lake Charles.

WEBELOS RESIDENT CAMP June 26-29 — At Camp Edgewood for boys going into grades 4 and 5. Webelos stands for We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. This program focuses on different subjects in the areas of physical skills, mental skills, community, technology, and the outdoors. Activity badges that can be earned are Traveler, Sportsman, Naturalist, Outdoorsman, Geologist, Forester, Scientist, Engineer, Craftsman, Aquanaut, Handyman, and Readyman. Each activity badge presents an array of hands-on activities and fascinating information that will enrich his life. For example, your son may learn the backstroke for the Aquanaut activity badge, practice first aid skills for the Readyman activity badge, or learn about the minerals that make up the earth’s crust for the Geologist activity badge. You must register your son at the Calcasieu Area Council, 304 S. Ryan Street, Lake Charles. Cost is $75. Call 436-3376 for more information.

CAMP FIRE FUN AT WI-TA-WENTIN Camp Fire USA, SWLA Council offers children new summertime experiences, adventures and friends at Camp Wi-Ta-Wentin. Camp Dates: June 15 – 20 — $305 June 22 – 27 — $305 July 6 – 11 — $305 PAGE 24

MAY 1, 2008

Day Camp: June 30 — July 3 — $110. 7:30 to 5:30 optional overnight Wednesday, July 2 — $10. All camp sessions include tee-shirt and meals. For more information, go to www.campfireswla.org, or phone (337)478-6550. Camp Fire USA Southwest Louisiana Council, 2126 Oak Park Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601. A United Way agency.

SPORTS CAMPS NEW MOON GOLF OFFERS JUNIOR GOLF CLINICS For ages 8-16. Taught by Mike Fluty, PGA. June 10, 11, 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 24, 25, 26 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 15, 16, 17 from 8 - 8:45 July 29, 30, 31 from 8 - 8:45 Each clinic costs $75. For more information or to register, call (337) 480-0700 NEEL & RONNIE’S GOLF & TENNIS CAMP AT GRAYWOOD Whether your children are just starting out or wanting to improve their golf and tennis skills, this camp provides a fun and unique opportunity to learn the basics from two of the area’s most respected sports professionals — Neel DeRouen and Ronnie Walters. This camp will take place at Graywood in Lake Charles at the Neel DeRouen Golf Academy and Sports Club Tennis Complex. Session I: June 23 - 27 Session II: July 21 – 25 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. each day Cost: $265 for Sports Club members; $305 for non-members (includes lunch and snacks) Please note: Each camper needs to bring a towel, swim suit, water container and some type of duffel bag for storing their belongings. Please be sure to apply sun screen on before each day of camp. Call Ronnie Walters at 274-2340 for more information. RONNIE’S TENNIS CAMP If tennis is your child’s game, this camp concentrates on all the skills needed for recreation and competitive play. This camp will take place at the Sports Club Tennis Complex. Session I (two weeks): July 7 – 18 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each day Cost: $280 for Sports Club members; $320 for non-members Session II (one week): July 28 – August 1 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each day Cost: $140 for Sports Club members; $160 for non-members Please note: Each camper needs to bring a towel, swim suit, water container and some type of duffel bag for storing their belongings. Please be sure to apply sun screen on before each day of camp. Call Ronnie Walters at 274-2340 for more information. HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS CLINIC WITH RONNIE WALTERS & AJ VARNADO Junior players will have the opportunity to sharpen their tennis skills with two of the area’s most respected tennis professionals, Ronnie Walters and AJ Varnado. This camp will take place at the premier tennis complex at the new Sports Club. Open to any student who will be enrolled in high school in the fall 2008. Session I: June 23 - 27 Session II: July 21 – 25 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. each day Cost: $85 for Sports Club members; $105 for non-members Call Ronnie Walters at 274-2340 for more information. KID’S SUMMER PROGRAMS AT THE SPORTS CLUB AT GRAYWOOD Programs will be held in the Fitness Center. Summer Showcase of Ji Jit Su and Self Defense Summer Showcase of Dance and Cheer Kid’s Club Strong (youth strength training) Kid’s Club F.I.T. (Fun Interval Training) Dates and times to be announced. Call Fitness Director Laura Domingue for more information at 274-6600. RIPPERZ SKATEBOARD SUMMER CAMP Ripperz Skate Park is offering two Skateboard Summer Camp sessions. Session 1 is June 9 – June 12. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., instructors with work with skate-

boarders – first timers to novice. Instructors will help everyone improve their skill level. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., is free skate. Session 2 is July 7 – July 10. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., instructors with work with skateboarders – first timers to novice. Instructors will help everyone improve their skill level. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., is free skate. All campers receive a rental helmet; lunch, snack, two fountain drinks and all the water they can stand. Ripperz tee-shirt and swag bag. All campers are required to have a signed waiver, protective gear other than a helmet and a skateboard. Camp costs $150 a week. Call Ripperz Skate Park, (337) 479-7581, 650 Petro Point Dr., Lake Charles. www.ripperzskatepark.com.

fessional. We will conduct a skills inventory on Day 1. Days 2 and 3 will be specific instruction in groups. Day 4 will be Tournament and FUN Day. We will have teams compete for prizes. The awards will be given during a Pizza Party. Each camper will receive a golf camp tee shirt and Fingerprint ID Kit. Each golf camp will be limited to the first 30 paid entrants. The cost is $45 per camper, per camp. All campers must be picked up immediately at conclusion of each session. Instructors will not be responsible for campers outside of session times. For more information, call 4911204.

MALLARD COVE 2008 SUMMER JUNIOR GOLF CAMPS Mallard Cove is a Lake Charles municipal championship layout golf course open to the public. Mallard Cove Junior Golf Camps are scheduled for June 16 19; July 7 - 10; and July 28 – 31. Campers should be between the ages of 7 and 12. They will be divided into groups of like ages and skill levels. On Mondays, campers will have a skills inventory. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are golf clinics and Thursdays will be a tournament for campers. If your camper does not have any equipment, we will supply him/her with the proper equipment to be able to participate in the clinic activities. Times: Monday - 8 to 10 a.m. — Skills Inventory Tuesday - 8 to 10 a.m. – Clinic Wednesday - 8 to 10 a.m. — Clinic Thursday - 8 to 11 a.m. — Tournament Includes: Instruction by the PGA Head Golf pro-

SOWELA CULINARY CAMPS Sowela Technical Community College will offer three culinary camps this summer at Lake Charles Boston Academy and the camp cost is $175 per camper. Each camp will run for one week, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Campers can be dropped off no earlier than 7:30 a.m. and must be picked up by 2 p.m. Kids in the Kitchen Culinary Camp (grades 1–4) June 16 – 20 July 7 – 11 Junior High School Culinary Camp (grades 5–8) June 9 – 13 July 14 – 18 July 21 – 25 High School Culinary Camp (grades 9–12) June 23 – 27 July 21 – 25

SOWELA SUMMER CAMPS

Campers will learn basic cooking principles, the various aspects of the kitchen including how to set a

MAY 1, 2008

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table, how to prepare meals and how they can help mom and dad in the kitchen. Campers will prepare the food for their breakfast and lunch each day. Each camper will receive a cookbook, apron and a paper chef hat. On the last day of camp there will be a small graduation ceremony. To register, call the Student Affairs Office at 491-2698 or visit their office in the Aviation Building on the Sowela Campus at 3820 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Avenue. SOWELA AEROSPACE CAMP Sowela Technical Community College will offer a summer Aerospace Camp, June 9 – June 13, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for ages 13 – 17, at the Aviation Hangar on the Sowela Campus at 3820 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue. The camp cost is $175 per camper. Included with the cost of the camp, each camper will receive a textbook, camp t-shirt, lunch and snacks each day, transportation to and from the field trips and a group photo. The camp will offer a “hands-on” approach to the physical sciences of flight. Campers will perform a variety of experiments dealing with motion, energy, aerodynamics, propulsion, and electricity. Each day, campers will travel to local aerospace industries, airports and air traffic control facilities to view first hand their day to day operations. Aerospace professionals will discuss career opportunities and required training. On the final day of camp there will be a graduation ceremony complete with refreshments and the launch of a rocket that the campers will have built during the week. The local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will also offer an optional airplane ride the Saturday following the camp. Registration is limited to the first 15 campers; however if demand calls for it, a second camp may be added with the date TBD. To register, call Sowela Student Affairs at 491-2698 or visit their office in the Aviation Building on the Sowela Campus. Tuition is due at time of registration.

MSU SPECIAL EVENTS, KIDS COLLEGE & CAMPS SULPHUR HIGH 2ND ANNUAL CLASSIC MOVIE SERIES Ages 15-Adult. Monday/Thursday, July 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Instructor: Michael Danos. Sulphur High School, 100 Sycamore Street, Sulphur. Cost: $45 ($39 until July 3). KIDS’ COLLEGE, WATERCOLOR CLASSES BY NANCY MELTON, JUNE 23 – 27 Nancy Melton will teach a fun watercolor class during the McNeese Summer Program for children, and kids might get wet! Following the style of Chinese-born artist Lian Quan Zhen, the children will pour the primary colors to create amazing paintings while having fun. This class will be held at McNeese June 23 – 27 from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. To join, call Leisure Learning at McNeese – 475-5616. It is designed for children ages 9 and up. The children will host a “Show” for parents and friends June 27 to display their work. Check out Nancy’s website at www.nancymelton.photoreflect.com or email nmelton@suddenlink.net or call Nancy Melton at 477-6784. COWGIRL KICKER KUTIE SUMMER DANCE CAMP, AUGUST 4 – 8 Registration is now underway for the McNeese Cowgirl Kicker Kutie Summer Dance Camp to be held Aug 4-8 for girls age 5-12 at McNeese State University. The dance camp will be offered from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. in Burton Coliseum. Participants will learn about jazz, hip-hop dance, tumbling, pom dance, modeling and etiquette. The camp cost is $150. For more information or a registration form, call Paige HarkinsCaldwell, Cowgirl Kicker adviser, at 475-5604. MSU — COWGIRL BASKETBALL TEAM CAMP Join Coach Brooks Donald Williams and her staff as well as current and former Cowgirl players and coaches for fun and quality instruction. Team Camp Options, June 13 & 14 or July 25 & 26. Cost is $250 per team with 5 games guaranteed. Shoot out options on June 13 & 14 and July 25 & 26. Cost is $150 per team with 3 games guaranteed. For more information, call 337.475.5911 or visit www.mcneese.edu/community to download an application. MSU — COWBOY FOOTBALL CAMP Join Coach Viator and his staff at the annual Cowboy Football Camp for young athletes. Students 10 years old through high school seniors will learn fundamentals and techniques for offensive and defensive play. Campers are divided into juniors and seniors. All campers will live in dorms on campus. Camp is July 6 through July 8. For more information, contact Coach Viator at 337-475-5235. Download information and application from www.mcneese.edu/community and click on “Athletics” under “Activities and Entertainment.”

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MSU — DAVE SIMMONS BASKETBALL CAMPS Session 1 is June 9 – 12. Session 2 is June 23 – 26. Coach Simmons and his staff will help young athletes age 7 to 17 develop their skills. Each session is $175 per camper, or both sessions for $325 per camper. Contact Coach Edward Garriet, Camp Director, at the MSU Basketball office at 475-5481 for registration information. Or go to www.mcneesesports.com to download a brochure.

KIDS COLLEGE/MCNEESE TEENS KICKOFF WEEK — JUNE 9 – 13 Pre-registration required - Visit www.mcneese.edu/conted or call 337/475-5616 for more information. Complete listings online at www.mcneese.edu/conted

JUNE Kids Beginning Guitar (Gr. 3 – 5) Friday, June 6, 13, 20, 27; 10: 30 – 11:30 a.m. $65 includes book Teens Beginning Guitar (Gr. 6 - 10) Friday, June 6, 13, 20, 27; 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. $65 includes book Juggling & Balance Skills (Ages 10 - Adult) Mon., June 4, 11, 18, 25; 7 - 8 p.m. $25/$19 until May 28 Beginning Golf (Gr. 4 & Up) T/W/R/F June 10, 11, 12, 13; 6 - 6:45 p.m. $55 Math Clinic Gr. 6th-8th Mon.- Fri. June 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 10:15 - 11:45 a.m. $85 ($79?) Gr. 4th-5th Mon.- Fri. June 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 8:30 - 10 a.m. $85 New Kids in the Kitchen (Gr. 3-5) Mon. June 9; 1 - 3 p.m. $35 New Crazy Clock (Gr. 3-7) Mon. Jun 9; 1 - 4:30 p. m. $35 Mathemagical Adventure (Gr. 4 - 8) Tues. Jun 10; 1 - 4 p.m. $29 New! The Wild Wastebasket (Gr. 4-8) Wed. Jun 11; 1 - 4:30 p. m. $29 New! Teens in the Kitchen (Gr. 6-9) Thurs. June 12; 1-3 p.m. $39 New! Woven Stool—Meets Boy Scout Merit Badge requirements (Gr. 4-8) Thurs. Jun 12; 1 - 4 p.m. $39 New! Time Travel—Stories & More from History (Bits & Pieces You May Not Have Known) (Gr. 4-9) Fri. Jun 13; 1 - 4 p.m. $25

JUNE 16 – 20 New! Violin for Beginners (Ages 6 - 10) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 9 - 10 a.m. $65 New! Violin for Beginners (Ages 11 - 14) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 10:30 am – Noon. $65 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. Charlene Kaough’s Creative Clay (Gr. 3 - 5) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 1 - 2:15 p.m. $49 Crime Scene Detective (Gr. 3 - 4) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 1 - 2:15 p.m. $39 New! Beginning Origami - Boats, Boxes & More (Gr. 3 - 8) Mon.-Fri. June 16 -20; 1 - 2:15 p.m. $29 New! Into to Digital Photography (Gr. 6 & Up) Mon.-Fri. June 16 - 20 & 23 27 (2 weeks); 1 - 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $89/$79 until June 2 New! Fun with Photography (Gr. 3- 5) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $45 Airigami (Gr. 4 - 8) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $29 Crime Scene Detective (Gr. 5 - 6) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $39 New! Beginners Keyboarding (Gr. 5 - 8) Mon.-Fri. June 16 - 20 & 23 - 27 (2 weeks); 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. and 4 - 5:15 p.m. $99 French Fun on the Bayou (Gr. 3 – 6) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 4 - 5:15 p.m. $39 “Building” a Newspaper: Writing, Illustrating, Editing and Publishing (Gr. 4 - 8 ) Mon.- Fri. June 16 - 20 & 23 - 27 (2 weeks); 4 - 5:15 p.m. $99 Crime Scene Detective (Gr. 7 - 9) Mon.- Fri. June 16 – 20; 4 - 5:15 p.m. $39 Comic Book Artistry (Gr. 7 & Up) Mon.- Fri. June 16 - 20 & 23 - 27 (2 weeks); 4 - 5:15 p.m. $95/$85 until June 2. JUNE 23 - 27 Splash Dance with Watercolor (Gr. 3 & Up) Mon.- Fri. June 23 – 27; 1 - 2:15 p.m. $29 + supply list New! Twinkie Latin: Games, Songs, Contests (Gr. 3 - 5) Mon.- Fri. June 23 – 27; 1 - 2:15 p.m. $49 Science for Young Scientists - Forensics & More (Gr. 4 - 6) Mon.- Fri. June 23 – 27; 1 - 2:15 p.m. $39

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The Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau celebrates National Tourism Week

May 10-18, 2008 Visit the Welcome Center,1205 N.Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles for free refreshments and fun giveaways all week.

Special Events & Activities SATURDAY, MAY 10 CHILDREN'S DAY 10AM - 2PM Come out and meet Gumbeaux Gator!

Refreshments, games & giveaways.

TUESDAY, MAY 13 TASTE OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA RESTAURANT DAY 11AM - 1PM Join us at the Welcome Center for FREE samples of the best of Southwest Louisiana cuisine, as area restaurants bring out their most delicious dishes!

New! Printmaking 101 (Gr.6 - 9) Mon.- Fri. June 23 – 27; 1 - 2:15 p.m. $39 Into to Digital Photography (Gr. 6 & Up) June 16 - 20 & 23 - 27 (2 weeks); 1 - 2:15 p.m. $89/$79 until June 2 Want to be an Author, Illustrator and Publisher? (Gr. 3 - 5) Mon.- Fri. June 23 – 27; 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $45 Line Dance (Gr. 4 - 10) Mon.- Fri.; 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $29 Science for Young Scientists - Forensics & More (Gr. 7 - 9) Mon.- Fri. June 23 – 27; 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $39 Beginners Keyboarding (Gr. 5 - 8) June 16 - 20 & 23 - 27 (2 weeks) 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $99 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. New Recycled Art (Gr.3 - 5) Mon.- Fri. June 23 – 27; 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. $19 Chinese Calligraphy & Paper Cut Designs (Gr. 4 - 6) Mon.- Fri. June 23 – 27; 4 - 5:15 p.m. $39 “Building” a Newspaper: Writing, Illustrating, Editing and Publishing (Gr. 4 - 8 ) Mon.- Fri. June 16 - 20 & 23 - 27 (2 weeks); 4 - 5:15 p.m. $99 Comic Book Artistry (Gr. 7 & Up) Mon.- Fri. June 16 - 20 & 23 - 27 (2 weeks); 4 - 5:15 p.m. $95/$85 until June 2 JULY 7 - AUGUST 8 Reading & Study Skills Clinic Gr. 4th-5th Mon.- Fri. July 7 – 11; 8:30 -10 a.m. $85 Gr. 6th-8th Mon.- Fri. July 7 – 11; 10:15 - 11:45 a.m. $85 New! Writing to Read (Gr. 6 - 8) Mon.- Fri. July 7 – 11; 8:30 -10 a.m. $85 New! Writing to Read (Gr. 4 - 5) Mon.- Fri. July 7 – 11; 10:15 - 11:45 a.m. $85 Sulphur High 2nd Annual Classic Movie Series (Ages 15 - Adult) Mon./Thurs. July 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28; 6:30 - 9 p.m. $45/$39 until July 3 Kids Intermediate Guitar (Gr. 3 - 5) Fri. July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8; 10: 30 – 11:30 a.m. $49 Teens Intermediate Guitar (Gr. 6 - 10) Fri. July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8; 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. $49

ART CAMPS FRIDAY, MAY 16 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY 1 - 3PM All Lake Area volunteers are invited to join us as we thank them for their valuable contributions to our community.

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The Children’s Museum is planning a summer of fun. For details, contact the Museum, 327 Broad Street, Lake Charles, 337-433-9420. www.swlakids.org. ART CAMP GOES GREEN! BRANCH OUT SUMMER ART CAMP AT THE IMPERIAL CALCASIEU MUSEUM IN JULY With the school break just around the corner many parents may be looking for an educational and fun experience for their child. The ICM is happy, once again, to provide this experience through our Branch Out Summer Arts Camp. This year’s theme is “A Trip to the Rainforest,” and will provide the kids with an opportunity to learn more about one of our planets most important ecosystems while creating their own paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and more! Session 1 is July 14 – 18, and Session 2 is July 21 – 25 from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The display exhibit of the student’s work will be July 26, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Registration for Summer Art Camp will open on May 19. Art Specialist with the Calcasieu Parish School System, Sally Babin, will be the director of this years’ Art Camp. We encourage parents to register their children as soon as possible. Class space is very limited and will fill up quickly. Age groups are limited to children who have completed kindergarten through children entering 8th grade. Sponsored by CITGO. For more information, call the Museum at (337) 439-3797, or email us at impmuseum@bellsouth.net. Or visit our website at www.imperialcalcasieumuseum.org.

SUMMER ARTS CAMP AT THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM** Arts Camp is a project of Calcasieu Parish Schools, sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. The Art of Storytelling will be at SJ Welsh Middle School on McNeese Street. Camp dates are June 3 – June 26. For grade levels kindergarten through 8th. Tuition $200 before May 1; $225 after May 1. Classes are limited; registration is on a first-come first-served basis. Registration applications are available at the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Or go to www.cpsb.org/resources/artscamp, or call 526-4945 and ask for Nicole Adaway. **Catch the Art Bus! West Cal students in grades K-8 can catch the bus at Frasch Elementary in Sulphur and ride to S.J.Welsh Middle School for the 28th Annual Summer Arts Camp - “The Art of Storytelling”! Dates are June 3-26 from 8:30 and 11:30 daily. Call 526-4945 or 439-2787 for additional information. Sponsored jointly by the Calcasieu Parish School Board and the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA

ART CLASSES AND ART CAMP WITH MELISSA POUSSON Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday classes are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classes are clay, acrylic and oil painting. To be announced: Art Camp in July & Art Birthday Parties. Each class is two hours. $15 for once a week plus registration. Call Melissa Pousson at “How Great Thou ART Studio 1” at 764-5862.

CLAY & CERAMICS WORKSHOP WITH MEGHANN EASLEY Meghann Easley will teach two workshops this summer. The Clay Art/ Ceramics workshop (age group 7 to 12) will be at Gallery by the Lake, Creative Arts Center. July 28 through August 1, from 9:30—11:30 a.m. An 8-week class on Saturdays, Creative Mask-Making and Art History related to Mask-Making will be August 9, 16, 23, 30, Sept. 6, 13. 20, and 27. Classes will be held 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Meghann has extensive experience in both of these art mediums. Call Patsi Prince @ 912-4001 or 436-1008 to register for either or both workshops.

SUMMER FUN AT HENNING CULTURAL CENTER Second Saturdays in Sulphur: Free programs with activities to entertain and educate. Each Saturday will have a theme in visual art, music, or performing arts. Ages: 6-14 years. Times: TBA. 900 South Huntington, Sulphur. Call 337-527-0357 for more information.

THEATRE, DANCE & MUSIC

LAKE CHARLES CIVIC BALLET 2007 SUMMER WORKSHOP, JUNE 23 – AUGUST 3 The six-week 2008 Lake Charles Civic Ballet Summer Workshop will be held from June 23-August 3, at 3511 Kirkman Street in Lake Charles. Classes are open for ages 10 and up; daily workshop schedule runs 8 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Monday – Friday. There are two divisions in the workshop: Company Division and Apprentice Division. The Artistic Directors of LCCB appoint each dancer into the divisions. Company division participate in several classes including ballet, pointe and variation class, as well as a themed class that will change each week. Apprentice division will attend classes including ballet, pointe, and stretch each day. Our guest artistic instructors include Richard Steinert, Christine Duhon, Ginger Gondron, Lindsey Grande, and more. If you need further information about the LCCB Summer workshop, call Lady Leah weekdays before noon at 433-1125.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY SUMMER STARZ SERIES 2008 Summer Starz Series of theatre workshops introduce kids to the world of theatre. No experience is needed for Summer Starz. All workshops have limited enrollment and are held at Central School of the Arts & Humanities Center (809 Kirby Street). To register, contact the theatre at 337-433-7323 or visit www.childrenstheatre.cc. Wild Things! Kids, 5 - 8 years old, can explore the wild world of theatre and imagination where any sort of creature can exist, and any kind of kid can be a creature! July 9 – 11, from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children participate in creative drama exercises, games, movement and music in this workshop just for youngsters. This workshop is a wonderful way to introduce them to theatre! Brief demonstration performance at 11:30 AM on July 12 for family and friends. $65. Acting for the Camera! Be in a Commercial! For kids 8 - 18 years old. This workshop covers auditioning for commercials, reading commercial scripts, exploring different commercial techniques, and beginning improvisational skills. July 9 – 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. Information and samples are shared on doing resumes, head shots and finding the best agent or manager. $35.

Mid Summer Fun! HEY! Wanna be in a play? Students learn how a play is produced by participation in a production by the world’s greatest playwright - William Shakespeare! Makeup, costuming and lighting are all part of this exciting adventure! Additional studies include movement, acting, stage combat, script analysis and theatre games. This workshop concludes with a public performance featuring all of the students on July 20 at 6 p.m. This is the Ultimate SHAKESPERIENCE! $85. 5 - 8 Years. July 21 - 25, from 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 9 - 18 Years. July 21 - 25, from 10 a.m. - 12 Noon Kids in Showbiz! Students learn the basics of musical theatre performance by singing, dancing and acting to songs and scenes from Broadway shows! The final class of this workshop concludes with the students in a performance demonstration highlighting musical theatre skill learned on August 4 at 12 Noon. $85. 5 - 8 Years. August 4 - 8, from 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 9 - 18 Years. August 4 - 8, from 10 a.m. – 12 Noon Technical Theatre Workshop. Discover the art created behind-the-scenes! An intriguing backstage tour is combined with hands-on experiences in lights, sets, costumes and more. $85. 12 - 20 Years old. August 4 - 8, from 10 a.m. – 12 Noon

SUMMER FUN ACTIVITIES BE A STAR –READ! AT LOUISIANA LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN, TEENS & ADULTS Be a Star – Read! will be offered by all public libraries in Louisiana this summer. Programs including the performing arts, visual arts, literature, sports and science, are designed to show children ages 2 to 12 that they can succeed and “shine” by reading. The kids are active participants in various age-appropriate activities that motivate them to read and succeed. The aim is to encourage children to feel good about themselves, do the best they can, and to foster self-confidence, creativity, and imaginative thinking in youth. Kick-Off Party for the Summer Reading Program” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Old Central School, 809 Kirby Street, co-sponsored by the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA and Calcasieu Parish Public Library. Each library branch will have a representative to register children and teens for their program. Festivities will include performers, including Eleisha Eagle, crafts and fun for the whole family. Children who join the Summer Reading Club will receive reading logs to keep track of the books they read. Each child who completes the program will receive a personalized achievement certificate. Bright purple t-shirts and book bags will be available at several public libraries. Families are encouraged to check with their local public library to learn about specific incentives and programs available. All public library programs are free and open to the public. For teens — Get Reel! Programs will focus on film and the arts: movies, drama, improvisation, communications, make-up, set design, directing, book trailers, animation, special effects, film festival, library idol, and shadow puppets. Teens are encouraged to check the library web site frequently between now and summer vacation to find new programs as they are posted. There will also be a Teen Reading Program (TRP), featuring incentives for reading during the summer. Adult Reading Program — For the first time in Calcasieu Parish, there will be an Adult Reading Program, and the theme is A Galaxy of Reading. Those interested can check the library website or visit any public library to obtain a reading log. Readers will find that this is a great way to share their views with others about the books they read. Book reviews may be posted by the public through the web site, or by submitting them in writing at the library. Information will be posted and frequently updated on the library website, www.calcasieu.lib.la.us. Or call the library administration at 337-475-8798. SUMMER DAYZ AT THE LEADERSHIP CENTERS! Don’t spend your summer on the couch, come to Summer DayZ! Kick your summer up a notch with fun activities and new friends! Youth ages 11 to 17 will enjoy weekly themes like Art on Fire, Earth Alive, Wet-N-Wild, Culinary Arts, and the Olympics. Summer DayZ kicks off on June 2, 2008 and runs through Aug. 8, 2008. Registration deadline is May 15, 2008. Contact The Leadership Center in Lake Charles or Sulphur for registration form and fee. A program of Family & Youth Counseling Agency, a United Way Agency. For more information contact: Clairisa (2517 Ryan Street Lake Charles) at 433-4533, clairisa@fyca.org, or Chris (309 N. Huntington in Sulphur) at 527-772, chris@fyca.org.

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Overscheduled Kids Means

Overstressed Kids

As the school year wraps up, schedules tend to become increasingly hectic. From sporting events to dance and music recitals to tutoring sessions for finals, parents today seem to be on a mission to give their children advantages which many times become a disadvantage because it is too much. And for families with working parents and more than one child, getting everyone where they need to be is often a daily challenge. Surprisingly, with such busy schedules, parents aren’t the only ones who tend to be overwhelmed. According to Michelle Trenton, MS, LPC, LMFT, therapist with Samaritan Counseling Center, “Children can have the feeling of being pressured or stressed to perform when they have too many activities on their plate.” Over the past decade, the number of activities available to kids has skyrocketed. “Parents believe that the more involved their child is, the more opportunity he/she will have to develop life-learned skills and talents,” says Trenton. “These talents and skills can eventually help a child get into college or find a job that is worthwhile. Unfortunately, along with these skills comes the pressure to achieve more and be competitive. What is supposed to be a fun and

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MAY 1, 2008

enjoying activity can cause a child to lose sleep or change eating patterns.” In some cases, many kids – particularly those in high school – do most of the over-scheduling on their own. As requirements for attending college increase, many high school students enroll themselves in Advanced Placement classes and take part in numerous community service projects to add to their list of qualifications on college applications. “Add this to regular school work and other extracurricular activities like clubs and sports, teens today have very little free time left for anything else,” Trenton says, “While extracurricular activities are great for developing structure and time management into a child’s life, moderation is the key.” She says overscheduling can lead to numerous unhealthy consequences for children. For most, the signs of a stressed or over-scheduled child are similar to those of an overstressed adult: Extreme anxiety or panic attacks Feeling of being constantly pressured or hurried Irritability Falling grades Moodiness

Diminished interest in other activities Physical symptoms such as stomach problems or headaches Problems sleeping Sadness or depression

“The only answer to this over-scheduling is to find a balance that incorporates what is best for your child with those activities they are most interested in,” says Trenton. “By setting priorities and developing a realistic schedule, your child will be faced with less stress and have more time to enjoy their activities. Encourage other balances such as time set aside for family and for quiet relaxation. Continue to keep your children involved but be aware for further signs of burnout. You may feel that it is too late to drop out of anything this year, but keep in mind the lessons learned for the beginning of next year and say no. By helping your child learn to manage their time now, you’ll be providing them with a solid foundation for life balance as they get older and face more timemanagement challenges. They will thank you in the end.”

Calcasieu Libraries Offer

“Fun with Fideaux” Rescue Dogs Help Kids Learn to Read By Cameron Durham

“Fun with Fideaux” is one of the many programs our libraries offer. This program not only encourages children to read, but helps readers who are reluctant to read aloud. Instead of reading to a person, they read to a patient, non-judgmental therapy dog. “It’s hard for [children] to read out loud to teachers, or friends, or parents because they keep getting corrected.” said Ginette Evans, a librarian who helps with the program. “The dogs listen and don’t correct. [The children] become more confident as they read, “Which is the whole point of the program.” I attended “Fun with Fideaux” with my brother, Adrian, and several other children were present on February 9th. The program interested me and I ended up interviewing Mrs. Evans. One of my questions was how “Fun with Fideaux” was started. She told me that former New Orleans resident Jerri Harris started a program similar to “Fun with Fideaux” called “Reading to Rover”. When Mrs. Harris was relocated here as the branch manager of Calcasieu Parish, she wanted to have a program like “Reading to Rover” and contacted Marsha Montgomery from the Humane Society. Mrs. Montgomery liked the idea and agreed to help. Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Montgomery had a meeting with the librarians to finalize “Fun with Fideaux”. The first “Fun with Fideaux” program was held on

Saturday, November 17 last year. There were four dogs present on the day I attended: Jax, an American Staffordshire Terrier, Bo Dean, a black Pug, Cookie, a Beagle, and Gidget, a Cocker Spaniel. Mrs. Montgomery cares for Jax, while Bo Dean, Cookie, and Gidget are cared for by Aleis Henry. Each dog was rescued from an unfortunate circumstance. Jax was rescued from the rising waters of Hurricane Katrina, Bo Dean became completely blind due to the neglect, Cookie has been diagnosed with diabetes, and Gidget had imbedded claws. With their current owners, who have had them trained to be therapy dogs, the canines make good listeners. The “Fun with Fideaux” program is held monthly at Sulphur Library and Central Library. In early March it was held at Sulphur Library, at the beginning of April began at Central Library. For the exact date and time, contact Mrs. Ginette Evans at (337) 475-8792 extension #20. Cookie

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t i m e s

picks the best in lake area entertainment

SEE HOW THEY RUN OPENS AT LCLT MAY 3 — See How They Run by Philip King, directed by Barbara Downer, will “run” at the Lake Charles Little Theatre May 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18. So swift is the action, so involved the situations, so rib tickling the plot in this London hit that at its finish audiences are left as exhausted from laughter as though they had run a foot race. Galloping in and out of the four doors of an English vicarage are an American actor and actress (he is now stationed with the air force in England), a cockney maid who has seen too many American movies, an old maid who “touches alcohol for the first time in her life,” four men in clergyman suits presenting the problem of which is which, for disguised as one is an escaped prisoner, and a sedate Bishop aghast at all these goings on and the trumped up stories they tell him. Call (337) 433-7988 for more information or to make reservations. ELVIS & THE BATTLE OF THE RED BERETS, MAY 3 — Elvis will be in the building for the third annual Battle of the Red Berets benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network Saturday May 3, at Louviere’s Fine Art and Bridgepointe Custom Framing and Trophies in Moss Bluff, originators of the event. This year’s participating artists will be: Brett Downer, American Press Editor; Tom Henning, Attorney; Peter O’Carroll, Ad Agency Executive; Joyce McKeehan, Local Businesswoman; Laura Leach, LSU Board of Supervisors; Allen Tumey (former KPLC TV personality), WAFB TV, Baton Rouge; Nic Hunter, owner, Harlequin Steakhouse; Philip Tarver, Lake Charles Toyota; and John Ieyoub, Elvis Impersonator. This event began in 2006 to benefit recovery efforts for Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes after Hurricane Rita and collected over $6,000. Last year’s event raised over $10,000. This year’s goal is $15,000. The Red Berets paint a 16 x 20 work of art wearing traditional artists’ garb: a white smock and red beret. Participants are chosen on the basis of their notoriety and community involvement rather than their artistic skill. Attendees vote on their favorite artist or picture by donating one dollar per vote with no limit on votes. At the end of the day, each work of art is framed and auctioned. The winner is determined on the basis of donations collected. Past winners are Poddy Champeaux, Children’s Miracle Network Director (2006) and Lynn Jones, Clerk of Court, (2007). Painting begins at 2 p.m. with the auction at 6 p.m. Auctioneers will be John Bridges and Russ Bordelon.

Lynn Jones, Clerk of Court and 2007 winner, is assisted during last year's event by his right hand, Mollie Pickett and Deputy Clerk Darnell Belmer.

Members of Les Petites Voix LES PETITES VOIX “CELEBRATE YOUTH” ON MAY 4 — Les Petites Voix, a community chorus for children, will present its annual Youth Concert, Celebrate Youth, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, in the Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning Auditorium, 1509 Enterprise Boulevard in Lake Charles. The concert begins with Three Hungarian Folk-Songs by Matyas Seiber and Think On Me by James Mulholland, performed by the Les Petites Voix Small Ensemble. The group will then joined by the Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale to perform Bob Chilcott’s Canticles of Light. The two choirs will also perform Sanctus from the Bernstein Mass and Amazing Grace composed by David Brunner. The second half of the concert will begin with a performance by LPV’s newly formed preparatory choir, directed by Deanna Kolde. Kari McCarty is the Artistic Director and Annette Larsen is Assistant Artistic Director and accompanist. LPV is sponsored by the Louisiana Choral Foundation. The concert is free; however, donations will be accepted. For more information call 337-491-9348. SWLA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS BY MAY 5 — Nomination forms have been sent to all area high schools in Southwest Louisiana for the SWLA High School Sports Hall of Fame. Deadline to receive nominations is May 5. Students qualifying must be a high school senior athlete and have at least a 2.5 grade point average. A program of the United Way of Southwest Louisiana, the High School Sports Hall of Fame was formed to recognize area high school seniors who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics either by virtue of their accomplishments on athletic teams or by meritorious effort on behalf of athletics. For more information, please contact the United Way office at (337)433-1088. ARTIST CROSSING GALLERY FEATURES KEVIN LEVEQUE, MAY 8 — The Artist Crossing of LA DOTD Federal Credit Union in Lake Charles will host an open house reception Thursday, May 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for its new exhibit featuring the work of Kevin Lawrence Leveque. Kevin uses a technique common to the impressionists in that he paints the physics of light. However, he works with a more strongly-drawn form much like the realists. His oil palette consists of both warm and cool primaries and white. Most of his color mixtures require “optic blending,” that is, blending by the observer’s eye. The Artist Crossing Gallery is in the Community Development room of the Lake Charles Branch. The general public is invited to view the exhibit Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:15 p.m. through 4 p.m. The Artist Crossing of the LA DOTD Federal Credit Union is located at 3600 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles. Branch lobby hours are Monday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Russell Meissner, at (337) 437-3990. EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA, MAY 10 — Fibromyalgia affects nearly 3.7 million people in the United States. The disease causes pain all over the body, mostly in muscles, as well as fatigue, sleep problems and many other symptoms. Southwest Louisiana residents wishing to learn more about Fibromyalgia are invited to stop by the Prien Lake Mall, near the Sears’ entrance, on Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members of the local Fibromyalgia Support Group will be on hand to disperse information about the disease and support services available in the Lake Area. For more information, contact Jeannie Nichols at (337) 855-4246.

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MAY 1, 2008

HARVEY APPEARS AT ACTS MAY 10 — ACTS Theatre Lake Charles premiers Harvey, May 10, at the ACTS One Reid Street Theatre. Tickets may be purchased at the Lake Charles Civic Center ticket office, Moss Bluff Florist and Gifts, at Lakeshore Pharmacy on Enterprise Boulevard, or online at www.actstheatre.com . Tickets are $17.50 for adults and $12.50 for students. The ACTS production features Walt Kiser as Elwood; Donna Cespiva as Veta Simmons; Seth LeBert is Dr. Sanderson; Anita Fields-Gold is Mrs. Betty Chumley; Josh Cloud is Orderly Wilson; and Michael Goldman is Judge Omar Gaffney. Making debuts are Stephanie Leprete as Myrtle Mae; Brad Porter will be Dr. Chumley; Katrina Rozzuto will be Nurse Kelly; Delores Boudreaux is Mrs. Eugene Chauvenet; and Matt Tonkovich has a cameo role as the cab driver, Lofgren. Harvey is the third production of the ACTS season and will run May 10, May 11, May 16, 17, and 18. Evenings are at 7:30 and Sunday matinées are at 3 p.m. Harvey is directed by Marc Pettaway with Anjo Elsbury as assistant director. Rebecca Pack is the producer. For information or reservations, call 433-ACTS, (436-5908). DECADE OF DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN BEGINS MAY 16 — From a block party to a blockbuster, Downtown at Sundown reaches a benchmark. A decade ago the free concert series was designed to provide a safe, family oriented event that celebrates and promotes the revitalization of downtown Lake Charles through music and arts, on four consecutive Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This year’s entertainment line up is: May 16: Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, pure Louisiana Zydeco May 23: The Iguanas, a signature infusion of roots-rock, R&B, Latin and Caribbean rhythms May 30: Cold Sweat, variety with a hot horn section June 6: The Lost Bayou Ramblers, Grammy nominated, contemporary Cajun swing Through a partnership between the City and the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana the event offers galleries, art sales and activities for kids, and food booths for a “Taste of Downtown Lake Charles.” Downtown businesses will be open. Corporate sponsors and supporters include American Press, Entergy, Chubby Carrier Whitney National Bank, Global Industries, Lake Charles Coca Cola, Southwest Beverage, Aggreko Rental and Redfish Rentals. In the event of rain, the concerts will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, however, no outside beverages or pets are allowed.

good Dinner Buffet, Kittylicious Desserts, Silent and Live Auctions: Local Sponsors’ Savior-Faire, and cash bar. Entertainment by Skipper M. Drost & the Six Dollars a Day Band. Tickets are $35, and seating is limited so call for yours today! 337-4367800. All proceeds benefit Neuter-n-Spay SWLA. GRAB THE GUN AND PULL! MAY 27 – JUNE 1 — The National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) brings its U.S. Open Championship to the Southeast for the first time when Cajun Elite Shooting Complex in Jennings, becomes the host club for the annual event on May 27 - June 1. Sporting clays shooters from all 50 states and several foreign countries are expected to participate. In addition to the 200-target main event of the U.S. Open, the tournament will feature several concurrent competitions, including the first National Oilfield Championships. Shooters may also choose to shoot a 100-target FITASC event, 100-target 5-stand competition, and small-gauge, pump, and side-by-side concurrents. Cajun Elite’s courses are situated on over 400 acres with 40- and 80foot towers and 36 stations in open field and wood settings. The facilities also include a large clubhouse, full-service RV slots, and a pro shop. Cajun Elite Shooting Complex is located near Jennings, and information on travel and accommodations can be found on the club’s website. To register for the U.S. Open Sporting Clays Championship or to learn more, visit www.cajunelite.com or call 337-824-2110. PUT YOUR “HEARTS” INTO IT, JUNE 2 — The HeaRTS (Healthcare Recovery Training System) program has opened registration for a TUITION FREE Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic class at the National EMS Academy in Lake Charles, located at 2827 4th Avenue. Classes will begin June 2. EMT Basics provide patients with pre-hospital emergency care, administering basic life support and transporting them safely to hospitals or trauma centers. EMT Basics follow strict rules and guidelines in responding to emergency situations, assess the nature and extent of the illness or injury, and provide emergency care such as bandages, splints, obstetrical care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), administration of oxygen, and other life-saving techniques. HeaRTS was created to train and place nearly 1000 healthcare professionals in 20 hurricane affected parishes. To learn more, go to www.lahealthcareertraining.org or www.nationaemsacademy.com CATCH-A-CONCERT AND SOME FRESH AIR IN JUNE — The annual Catch-a-Concert summer series will begin Monday, June 2 at the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Arcade Pavilion. The free, family-friendly concerts are scheduled for every Monday in June and will begin at 7 p.m. The audience is encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the sunset over the Lake and the sounds of marches, movie and TV theme songs, and music of yesteryear. The concerts will be moved inside the Lake Charles Civic Center in case of rain.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON AT THE DELTA EVENT CENTER, MAY 16 — Grammy Award winning music artist Kris Kristofferson will perform live in the Delta Event Center on May 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. Zydefest III at Delta Event Center, May 25 — Zydefest, featuring Chris Ardoin, Step Rideau, and Brian Jack islive in the Delta Event Center, May 25 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission with Prime Rewards card. Membership is free, must be 21 or older to join. And don’t miss the excitement of Quarter Horse racing every Thursday – Sunday in May. Post time is at 6:30 p.m.

Kris Kristofferson

CALCAM COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR, MAY 16 — West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will host a free community health fair on Friday, May 16 from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. inside the hospital near the Stelly Lane entrance. Free screenings will be available from 6:30 am until 9:30 am and include lipid profile, which includes cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides (fasting 12 hours prior is required), PSA blood tests for men over 40, glucose, and blood pressure. Information from a wide range of local health and wellness resources will also be available throughout the morning. For more information, call Debby Nabours at 527-4144. COME LOOK WHAT THE CATS DRAGGED IN! MAY 29 — A FUNdraiser sponsored by Animal Angels, Inc. at the Lake Charles Civic Center, Buccaneer Room, Thursday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a Doggone-

MAY 1, 2008

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Across 1 Punjabi prince 5 Part of ASL 9 Lawyers' org. 12 Paid parkers 14 Ctrl-S function 15 With 65-across, lack of musical ability 16 Reluctant (to) 17 Negative pressure ventilator, familiarly 19 "All the Right Reasons" band 21 Biblical murder victim 22 Connecticut's oldest university 23 Give off, like pheromones 25 George Gershwin's brother 28 "Dinner & a Movie" network 30 Droop 31 One of Flavor Flav's many 35 Buffalo, by another name 39 Studio sign 40 "Heart & Soul" one-hit wonder T'___ 41 Cartoon dog with two rings for a collar 42 There's no accounting for it 43 Trout variety 45 Paving material 47 Actress ___ Longoria Parker

48 Org. adding the Seattle Sounders FC in 2009 49 Took the steering wheel 53 Soul singer Redding 56 Paul Simon's wife ___ Brickell 57 What closers need, per "Glengarry Glen Ross" 62 Fast driver's metaphorical feature 64 FedEx alternative 65 See 15-across 66 "Twister" director Jan de ___ 67 Full of small rocks 68 Golfer Ernie 69 Ingvar Kamprad's company 70 Government agency "launched" in 1958 Down 1 Norah's dad 2 Oldest of the Baldwin brothers 3 Meat in a convenience store 4 Confused 5 About 30% of all land 6 Anthony and Chagall 7 Conjures up 8 He sometimes smacks Stimpy 9 "Like ___ train up your spine" (Pink Floyd, "Cymbaline") 10 Stanford-___ IQ test

11 12 13 18 20 24 25 26 27 29 32 33 34 36 37 38 44 46 49 50 51 52 54 55 58 59 60 61 63

Geometry measurement It'll get you moving Provide goods for, like a vendor Pretty big Dances wildly Intriguing group "___ the Feelin'" (James Brown song) "Mazes and Monsters" novelist Jaffe Wistful word "808:88:98" techno group 808 ___ Repeated the last statement Apply medicine to ___ rancheros Mushroom piece Like some traditions Bobblehead doll actions Exhausts, as time Schedule for another date Martinique volcano Optimal They're not on the level Annoying hum "Peer Gynt" playwright Carnaval rhythm Word before "boy" or "girl" Test sites Jaime Murray, on "Dexter" Furtive "___! Open up!"

NOLA MoJo & Kudos for Caroline

“

ake A Hike!” That was a polite suggestion April 16 from the Chamber SWLA and the American Heart Association’s 2nd Annual National “Start!” Walking Day — a day devoted to helping Americans improve our health. The Chamber SWLA recruited members for the American Heart Association with promises of friends, fund and a free lunch! We gathered at the Willis Noland Resource Center on West Pujo Street at 11. Early arrivals included Chriss Pace, Amy Nyberg, Stacy Thibodeaux, Kevin Mattingly and Mona Richard. The team from Elmer’s Radiator was a family event. I met Lollion, Sheena, Amber and Pamelia Villa and Lollion Elmer all decked out in their team shirts (with their trademark pink!) ready to walk. Pam Mattingly arrived just in time for the start and tied on her walking shoes so she and husband, Kevin, could walk together. Mona Richard and Patricia Prudhomme participated in Start!, representing The Times of SWLA. A huge crowd of enthusiastic walkers represented Christus St. Patrick Hospital. I also spotted Liz DeVille, Amanda White, Mike LaVergne, Neal Smith, Celia Case, Liz Fruge, Joe McNeal, Sabrina Barker and, of course, our leader, Cassandra Guilbeaux with the AHA. We walked for a brisk 20 minutes in the sunshine and cool breeze, working up an appetite, and then enjoyed a light, delightful (and heart-healthy!) lunch provided by O’Charley’s, Pure Foods, Subway and Treasures of Marilyn’s. And while we chatted and lunched, the Chamber staff drew numbers for some great door prizes! For our $5 suggested donation, it was a great way to spend a lunch hour. And all money collected goes, of course, to the good programs at the American Heart Association. “Cherry Picking” assignments are great! Now that I have said that, let me start this by saying that Susan Reed, the executive director of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum was working not only her MoJo on the night of April 19th, but also that

Chriss Pace, Amy Nyberg, Stacy Thibodeaux, Kevin Mattingly and Mona Richard warm up at the Chamber for the AHA Start Walking luncheon.

Team Christus St. Patrick enjoyed the warm spring weather for the AHA Start Walk.

Team Elmer at the AHA Start Walk: Lollion, Sheena, Amber and Pamelia Villa and Lollion Elmer made the walk a family affair.

AHA Start Walkers spend their lunch hour with a healthy walk around the lake front.

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Geralyn Simons, Lydia Guillory-Lee, Lillian Browning, and Jim McGough getting "Boogalooed"

of those around her and it REALLY paid off. The MoJo I am referring to is the annual ICM fund raiser, “Calcasieu Boogaloo”. This year’s theme, “A Wild Night in the Vieux Carre,” certainly lived up to its name! Hosted at 710 Downtown Bar and Grill, this shindig was rocking early and continued on til well into the morning hours! As I made my way from the valet parking area (nice touch), I was excited to run into some old friends that I had not seen in many moons. Those folks included Joe Timpa, Scotty Higginbotham, Dale

Mott (a lost blast from the past), Charles Mullins, Bruce and Kayla Rigney, Gibson Barham, Ann Collette, and Marc Ferguson. After passing though the door and walking “the gauntlet” to the bar, I was impressed. Susan and her staff of elves (including Blaine Miller and Amie Herbert) had created a true French Quarter feel and look, but what awaited me past the bar was even better. Stopping for a refreshing adult beverage and chatting with Bobby and Sarah Jones, Dub Henning, Mike Tremonte, and Billy and Della Rose, I

Cathy Chapman, Tico Soto, and "Smooches" Brown throwing down in the Vieux Carre!

glanced over the heads of those in front of me and spied the NEXT room, where the buffet was situated. Flanking the buffet in the beautifully appointed room was Tico Soto, Shelley Johnson, Cathy Chapman, Dave “Smooch the Pooch” Brown, Derrick Guidry, Paul Piceloup, Chris Allen, and Monty Hurley. The food was FANTASTIC! If you read or saw any press release mentioning the food for this event, believe me, it was as great as it sounded! (And went soo well with my “adult beverage”!) But wait, there was more! No

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MAY 1, 2008

sooner had I taken a couple of bites of heaven, I suddenly saw a flash of silver waiving a white towel and then it happened! The Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans appeared, blazing a path through the party-goers with some of the best live “New Orleans” style music this town has ever seen....and the flash of silver? It was Susan Reed, leading the band like the Pied Piper of Fun! Following the band around a pillar, I found myself in yet another section of this maze of fun...a dark bar with seats and a stage! The band took its place and began to howl like you have never

Gilbert Franklin, Jackie Davis, and Kathy Franklin take a quiet break during Boogaloo.

heard. On the dance floor was Drew and Sheila Ranier, Lynn Reed, Denise Foster, Jan Theilen, and many more, but the crowd was so tight on the floor, I could not make out more faces in the dim lighting. Spying a door with a guard, I figured it was my duty to investigate and found the final section of the evening, the bar/grill 710 itself! What a delight, from here you could hear the band, have a drink, shoot some pool, and have a conversation. This is where I planted myself, until I saw Terry Parker, Dr. Robert Arango, Marc Moore, Steve Branch, and Mike Tremonte walk through the door. Now the party was on! After a couple more “adult beverages”, I found my way back to buffet and bumped into a sight for some very sore eyes, Dr. Charles Smith. The Shadow goes WWAAYY back the Doc, and must say, on a personal note, it was great to see you again, and you look great. Deciding that the evening’s fun had been enough for now, I ATTEMPTED to make my way to the door, of course, the best laid plans of mice and men being what it is, I could not help but stay after seeing such Lake Charles luminaries as, Lydia Guillory-Lee, the recently announced judicial candidate for the 14th JDC , R. Keith O’Neal,

Jim McGough, Rick Condit, Kathy Bergstrom (looking ravishing as usual), Greg Klumpp, Laurie Moffat, and Gilbert and Kathy Franklin ( I promised I would not call Kathy “Heavy Duty” in this column, so I am keeping my promise…hehehehe). So, realizing how late it was, and that there was no end in sight for the festivities of the evening, I made my way to the door. As a parting shot, Houston Jones and Amy Green-Brown (or as we called her in college, “Amy Khaki”) posed for an old fashioned party pic and I hope you all enjoy it. It was the cherry on the cake for the best, and most fun, fund raiser I have attended in many moons. Oh, and before I forget, to the young man wearing the madras plaid sports coat, I have only two words for you; “No Ma’am!” On Wednesday evening, I was blessed again with primo seats for the Louisiana Premiere of hometown done well Tony Kushner’s “Caroline, or Change”. (Is anyone jealous of this job yet?) Greeted at the door of the Squires Auditorium at McNeese by Stephanie Marrero, I clutched my ticket to my breast and began to take note of those around me.

Annette Tritico, Dodie Bellard, and Kathy Bellard waiting to find their seats at "Caroline, or Change".

Kevin Driscoll and Theresa Neeham mug for the Shadow in the lobby at "Caroline"

Those present in the lobby for the opening included Lynn and Ann Knapp, Len and Oily Barchak, Angie and Chloe Camel, Connie Cox, Lois Ferguson, Adelaide Cole, Phyllis Gain-Derise, Greg Stratton, Heather Kelly, Kay House, “Sam”, Carolyn Woosley, and Brenda Bachrack. As always, Anita Tritico marshaled her Alpha Psi Omega troops and made sure everyone was comfortable and excited. Assisting “Ms. T.”, were Annette Tritico and Andrea Arceneaux (her daughter and granddaughter, respectively.) Making my way into the house, I bumped into some very old friends Rhonda Babin, Deann Bartels, Kay House, Juanita Poland, Libby Looney, Eli Sorkow and his wife Claire, Freddie Chenet and her daughter Susan, and down front center, Maestro Emeritus Bill Kushner and his wife Marsha. Beside them sat Maudie Lee Davis, the woman “Caroline” was based on. On a bright side note of “it’s a small world”, it wasn’t until later in the evening that I realized that Maudie Lee Davis’ daughter, Jackie, another person personified on stage, was someone I had know for years and just loved! (Five degree more and I will

know Kevin Bacon.) As the show started, I realized it was going to be magical. I have that talent...to know things like that…and I am never wrong! The cast absolutely sparkled! Owning the show, in the lead role of Caroline was Tracy Bryant. (You made me cry, and I DON’T CRY!) The Greek chorus, played by Lacey Howard, Alyssa Fobbs, and Corey Dotson, moved the action along, while the “agitator”, Jasmine Baker, showed the audience the conflicts within Caroline. Stand out performances were given by all in the case, bar none, but particularly bright as the morning star were Carey Camel, in the role of “Noah Gellman” and Heather Fazzio, as his step mother “Rose” (Lake Charles already knew Heather was a “Mama Rose” in the making, she just confirmed it on stage this night!) These two left me slack jawed by their performances. BRAVO! Costumes, sets, props, all blended together to form a cohesive, coherent production that I feel was the best the MSU Theatre Department has done in MANY years. Kudos to director Lewis Whitlock, you are my new hero. Following the performance, select audience members were invited to a private reception at LaTruffe Savage. Quiet,

Phyllis Morgan, Sarah Judson, Oily Barchak, Len Barchak, and Lynn Knapp comparing notes on "Caroline".

MAY 1, 2008

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Michelle Martin, Angie Camel, Cissie McLeod, and Chloe Camel prepare for the curtain rising.

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elegant, simple, and stimulating. I cannot think of other words to describe the class this event evoked. Nibbling on delicious cheeses and fruits, sipping on my always welcome “adult beverage”, I chatted away with Michelle Martin, David Reinauer, Mary Beth Woods, Nancy Pledger, Charlie and Tracy McNeely, Charles and Carole St. Dizier, Ethel Macdonald and her daughter Marian, Julian and Sallie Dondis, Cissie McCleod, Sarah Judson, Joy Pace, Ellie Marquez, and Frank and Ginger Pruitt. By the time this is published, this play will have closed, and all I can say to those who did get the opportunity to see it, “Shame on you!” You missed a great piece of theatre, done locally, and done exceedingly well. The Louisiana Premiere of “Caroline, or Change”, in Olympic terms, took the gold. My hat is off to all involved. The Westlake High School Theatre Department offered a very special program for area schools Thursday, April 24. Directed by Kerry A. Onxley, and presented by Lee Crick; Principal, Carl McGee and Jon Powers, Assistant Principals, the talented theatre students at Westlake High per-

formed “BANG, BANG YOU’RE DEAD The Columbine Story.” Chelsea Joubert, Michelle Breaux, Josh Ledet, Danny Hesse, Ashley Manual, Ashley Fontenot, Haliagh Jackson, Brandi Rosselor, and Samual Owens. The plot centers on the lead character Josh, a teenage boy who shoots his parents and five schoolmates, and is then haunted by physical manifestations of his memories of them. The play was created to end violence and teasing between teenagers in schools. It has been performed widely in the United States, as well as in other countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Uruguay, Gibraltar, Sweden, Romania, Venezuela, India, Canada, Germany and Bulgaria. The play has also been produced by Showtime and won a Peabody Award and four 2003 Daytime Emmy awards, including Outstanding Children’s Special. The production was presented in association with Ribbons of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending school violence. It was a brave and stirring production by the talented students of Westlake High.

(L to R) The talented cast of Westlake High’s production of “Bang, Bang, You’re Dead.” Chelsea Joubert, Michelle Breaux, Josh Ledet, Danny Hesse, Ashley Manual, Ashley Fontenot, Haliagh Jackson, Brandi Rosselor (kneeling) and Samual Owens (sitting).

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Below: Jeffery Vander, Shireen Santhanasamy, Tina and David Willoughby, Lupita Cain and Vera Burleson attend Marilyn Dawdy’s farewell banquet.

Below: Andrea Arceneaux and her grandmother Anita Tritico at the "Caroline, or Change" reception at LaTruffe Savage.

Above: Lydia Guillory-Lee, Thom Cole, Kathy Bergstrom, and Keith O'Neal take a break from the dancing at ICM's fundraiser, "Boogaloo".

Above: Deputy Clerks Lena Portie, Monica Winfree, Stephanie Kyle, Charlotte Ledbetter, and Pat Bruno at the 2008 Louisiana Clerks of Court Convention in Lafayette.

Parting Sh o ts

1) Email your snap shots to myphoto@timessw.com. Must include a contact name and phone number. 2) Photos should be attached as a file and not imbedded in copy or photoshopped into a format. Original size, please, do not compress the file. No mailed or fax photographs can be used.

3) Subjects in photo must be identified by name. Children should also be identified by parent or guardian. Unidentified or anonymous photos will not be considered for publication. 4) The Times reserves the right to decline publishing photos of questionable taste or subject matter, or for space limitations.

MAY 1, 2008

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