Times of Southwest Louisiana

WWW.TIMESSW.COM • JULY 10, 2008 / VOL. 13, NO. 14

Watermelon Fun in DeRidder Radio Station KEZM: Over 50 Years on the Air Can You Handle Workplace Stress?

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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july 10, 2008 Volume 13 • Number 14

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contents

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . .

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren.dealbuquerque@timessw.com

EDITOR Lisa Yates timesedit@timessw.com

CONTRIBUTORS J. Shirlene Cooper Kay Andrews Matt Jones Richard Gilmore, MD Harry Castle, DDS D. Dale Archer, Jr., MD Brian Gamborg, MD POLITICS John Maginnis Dan Juneau ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Andy Jacobson

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E N T E R P R I S E B O U L E VA R D Legislative Recap: Pay raise overshadows 2008 Regular Session . .5

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COLUMNS Who’s News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Business Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Inside Baton Rouge: Jindal Aged by More Than a Birthday . . . .16 Biz Bytes: Is Nationalization of Industry on the Agenda in Washington . . . . . . .16 What’s Up Doc? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Patricia Prudhomme GRAPHICS . . . . . . . .

ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck BUSINESS . . . . . . . . .

OFFICE MANAGER Tracey Smith

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COVER STORY The Times Imperial Calcasieu Top 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

FEATURES

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.

July is National Vehicle Theft Protection Month . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Classmates Reunite as Deploying Patriot Soldiers . . . . . . . . . .15 Local Students to Benefit from Parish Program . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Home Grown: KEZM Sports Radio 1310 AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Mosquitoes Carrying Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Beware of Workplace Diet Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Stop the Madness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Take a Comfortable Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 The Beauregard Watermelon Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

ENTERTAINMENT Coffee Break Cross Word: What’s the Problem? . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Times Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 The Shadow: Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue . . . . . . .50 Parting Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Visit us online at: www.timessw.com JULY 10, 2008

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July is National

Vehicle Theft Protection Month

The National Insurance Crime Bureau and Lojack Corporation have designated July as National Vehicle Theft Protection Month. In an effort to raise public awareness about car theft, Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon and the Department of Insurance’s Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA) is offering Louisiana motorists tips for vehicle crime prevention: • Lock your doors.

• Remove your keys from the ignition and never leave your car with the engine running.

• Close your windows completely.

• Never hide a second set of keys anywhere in your car.

• Never leave packages or personal items in plain view.

• Park with the wheels turned toward the curb, even in driveways or parking lots. This makes your car difficult to tow.

• Always use your emergency brake when parking.

• Park in well-lighted areas or attended lots.

• Keep your registration card in your purse or wallet, not in your glove compartment.

• Activate any anti-theft device you have when you vacate your car.

• Have your vehicle identification number etched into your windshield.

Commissioner Donelon said that vehicle theft has become a huge business.

“Car theft rings sell stolen vehicles in other countries or take them to chop shops where the parts are sold. They also look for older vehicles that can be stolen and stripped for parts as well.” Commissioner Donelon added that stolen cars are also used in robberies, illegal drug trafficking and drive-by shootings. “The high incidents of auto theft claims in Louisiana ultimately lead to higher insurance rates, so protect your vehicle by following our tips for vehicle crime prevention,” he said.

CPSO Launches “Theft Deterrent Awareness Report” Program Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso is launching the “Theft Deterrent Awareness Report” Program beginning Thursday, June 26. Uniformed deputies will be in neighborhoods throughout the parish randomly inspecting vehicles to assure owners are doing all they can to prevent becoming a victim of theft.

The uniformed deputies will check vehicles to make sure all doors are locked; no windows are opened or cracked; and no packages or valuables are in plain view. A written report will be left on the vehicle indicating if the owner “passed” or “failed” the random inspection.

“We are raising public awareness that, in most instances, theft from a vehicle is avoidable if you follow a few simple rules,” said Sheriff Tony Mancuso. “You must remove the opportunity for crime. This program is another example of us working together with the citizens of Calcasieu Parish to make a difference, and to hopefully prevent them from becoming victims of theft.”

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JULY 10, 2008

NEWS

ABOUT

SOUTHWEST

LOUISIANA

ENTERPRISEBOULEVARD

Who’s News

Legislative Recap: Pay raise overshadows 2008 Regular Session

By Lisa Yates ajor reforms were expected from a new governor and a reform-minded Legislature during the 2008 regular legislative session.

Instead, a single issue dominated the session – pay raises.

On June 30, Gov. Bobby Jindal vetoed SB 672, the controversial bill to double lawmakers’ pay, but not before recall petitions circulated.

The governor had previously said he would not veto the pay raise to allow the legislature to conduct its own internal affairs.

He issued a statement to explain the change: “I clearly made a mistake by telling the legislature that I would allow them to handle their own affairs. As with all mistakes, you can either correct them or compound them – I am choosing to correct my State Rep. Brett Geymann, RDistrict 35, who voted against the raise, said he urged Jindal to veto the controversial bill.

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Days prior to the veto he said, “I think there is still a chance he may veto it.”

The state representative made that statement during a legislative wrap-up at the Lake Charles League of Women Voters’ June 27 meeting at Reeves Uptown Catering.

He, along with Sen. Willie Mount, D-District 27, Rep. Chuck Kleckley, R-District 36, and Rep. Mike Danahay, D-District 33, were guest speakers at the event.

At the event, Mount told attendees that reform agenda successes were over overshadowed in the media by the pay raise issue.

She and the other lawmakers took the opportunity at the meeting to tout the session’s reform accomplishments, including the following: Education • Public school teachers will get a $1,019 pay raise.

• Support workers will get a $1,000 supplemental bonus.

• Minimum Foundation Program – the formula that funds public and secondary education – will receive a $90 million automatic increase, $56 million more to keep teacher pay raises and $35 million to fund education at the southern average.

Workforce Development • The Department of Labor was renamed and reorganized to build stronger links between workers and jobs.

• A mega-fund for economic development incentives was expanded to lure new jobs to the state.

• A $10 million rapid response fund for worker training was established.

Health Care • The Louisiana Health Care Consumers Right to Know Act will provide clear, reliable information about the cost, performance, and quality of their health care providers.

Continued on Page 7

LHC Group has named Patty Williamson, RN, BSN, COS-C as Administrator/Director of Nursing of the Southern Home Health provider, which includes the Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, Dequincy and Sulphur locations.

Williamson joined Southern Home Health, a member of LHC Group, in 2002, where she directed one of the largest pediatric home health agencies in Louisiana. In 2007, she was promoted to branch manager and opened the Sulphur location, which is home to both adult and pediatric patients.

Patty Williamson She has served as Director of Nursing and Assistant Administrator for local Home Care agencies since 1999, co-initiating one of the first pediatric home care agencies in the Lake Charles area. Williamson obtained her BSN from Northwestern State University in 1991. She is a member of the Home Care Association of Louisiana and helps numerous civic organizations and programs. She is a certified Clinical Oasis Specialist, having completed a rigorous course and examination.

Henry J. Goolsby III, MD, oncologist/hematologist, has joined the medical staff of Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic. Originally from Tennessee, Dr. Goolsby has over 15 years of experience in his field of specialization. He earned his undergraduate degree from Brevard College in North Carolina, and his Medical Degree from L’Universite Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. Dr. Goolsby completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Chicago Medical School, and a Fellowship in Oncology/Hematology at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and The State University of New York at Buffalo School of Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Goolsby is now accepting new patients for cancer treatment and blood disorders. Call 312-8234 to schedule an appointment.

Continued on Page 6 JULY 10, 2008

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Who’s News, Continued from Page 5

The L’Auberge du Lac June Five Star Employees, from left to right: Tiffany Doucet, Jennifer Broussard, Lorena Royster, Barbara Lazard, Pam Siverand

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently announced its June Five Star Employees and June Employee of the Month. The June Five Stars are: Jennifer Broussard, a table games dealer; Barbara Lazard, a cook at Le Café; Tiffany Doucet, a main cashier; Lorena Royster, a security officer; and Pam Siverand, a slot technician.

Pam Siverand was also designated as the Employee of the Month and is now eligible to receive the coveted Employee of the Year award. Five Star employees are recognized monthly for their exceptional service skills. All of these employees went to great lengths to uphold L’Auberge’s quality and image as the most successful and respected entertainment destination in the South. In recognition for their hard work, the employees receive a substantial cash prize, a personalized L’Auberge gift, a month of VIP parking and gift certificates. The employees received their awards on June 27 at a Recognition Luncheon with L’Auberge Vice President and General Manager Larry Lepinski. To learn more about L’Auberge, call reservations at (866) 580-7444 or visit www.ldlcasino.com.

John Kuehn CNOR, RNFA, has joined the practice of orthopaedic surgeon John Noble, Jr., at the Center for Orthoapedics. He joins Noel Hinton, CFNP, who has been with Dr. Noble for two years, as Dr. Noble’s clinical team. Kuehn has been an employee with the Center for Orthopedics for 13 years. Originally from Lake Charles, he received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University. He completed additional training to earn CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) and RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) certifications. Before joining the Center for Orthopaedics, his nursing experience included critical care and post-anesthesia care.

Kuehn is responsible for assisting with patient exams, patient education, surgical procedures and post-surgery follow-up.

Principal Doug McCullor noted, “Kylie exudes all of the criteria and attributes of an outstanding volunteer. She is cheerful, courteous, and competent. The remarkable high caliber of Kylie’s performance of the duties merits commendatory recognition!” Deville says that she loves volunteering because “being able to help people in any way that I can puts a smile on my face and joy in my heart. I love to be able to give myself and time to others in need of help!” The 13 volunteers were selected by teachers throughout the state and were nominated by members of A+PEL, a statewide teacher organization advancing teachers as career professionals.

Gulf Coast Soil and Water Conservation District has elected new officers for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008. Edwin “Bootsie” Quinn is the new chairman; Louie “Beau” Barbe III is vice chairman; and William “Billy” Hardeman is secretary treasurer. In addition, Jim Paul Dupont of Cameron Parish has been elected to a three-year term on the Gulf Coast Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Dupont is one of the five governing members on the Board of Supervisors to administer the affairs of a Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The district holds regular and special meetings to determine community needs for conservation and resource management and development, and to plan and organize conservation efforts. For more information on the Gulf Coast SWCD, call (337) 436-5020, Ext. 3. The office is located at 1400 Highway 14, Suite B, Lake Charles. For more information on Louisiana SWCD visit the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Web site at www.ldaf.state.la.us.

Jeff Davis Bank Promotions: Cynthia Mire, the Nelson Road office manager for Jeff Davis Bank, has been promoted from assistant vice president to vice president.

Mire is a graduate of Sam Houston High School and McNeese State University. She has been with Jeff Davis Bank for 31 years. Sharon Mele, Sulphur office manager for Jeff Davis Bank, has been promoted from assistant vice president to vice president. Mele graduated from LaGrange High School and has been with the bank since 2002. Jackie Myers, loan services manager, has been promoted from assistant vice president to vice president. Myers has been with Jeff Davis Bank for 11 years.

She is a graduate of Morgan City High School and holds an associate’s degree from the Center for Degree Studies in Scranton, Pa. Dianne Haywood, imaging department supervisor, has been promoted to assistant vice president. Haywood has been with the bank for 29 years. She is a graduate of Jennings High School and holds an associate’s degree from McNeese State University. Catherine Thompson, collection supervisor, has been promoted to assistant vice president. Thompson is a graduate of Kinder High School and has been with Jeff Davis Bank for 13 years. Anita Gordon, consumer lender, has been promoted to assistant vice president. Gordon graduated from Cottonwood High School and has been with the bank for 13 years.

Darrell Fontenot has joined the executive team of Cameron State Bank.

Originally from Jennings, Darrell received his undergraduate degree from McNeese State University. He also graduated from the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. Darrell served in the Army for two years before entering the financial field, where he worked in a variety of executive positions with area financial institutions. He brings over 35 years of banking experience to his new position with Cameron State Bank Polaris Engineering, Inc. and Polaris Construction, Inc. are pleased to announce that Jake Philmon has joined them as Business Development Manager. Philmon most recently served as Major Account Manager with Waste Management of Lake Charles for the past 15 years. Philmon holds an associate of Allied Science degree from Sowela Technical College in Electronics with over 30 years of experience in business development in sales and marketing. He currently serves on the boards of the Family and Youth Council, Sowela Scholarship Foundation and The Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club. He also served as co-chairman of the Shiver Me Timbers Millennium Park Located on the Civic Center Grounds. In addition, the Young Men’s Business Club chose him as Outstanding Citizen of 2000. Polaris Engineering was established in Lake Charles in 1996. Located at 212 Pine St., it provides engineering, construction and fabrication services for the petrochemical industry in Louisiana, Texas and the Virgin Islands.

Kylie Deville of Lake Charles was named one of the 13 State Volunteers of the Year by the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL) at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge. Deville is an active counselor office assistant at Sam Houston High School. Her other volunteer duties include office errand runner, computer assistant and scholarship application helper. Sam Houston High School PAGE 6

JULY 10, 2008

Donna Little, LSBDC at McNeese Center Director; Stacey Vezinot, Stacey’s Armoire; Secretary Stephen Moret, LED; Michael Ricks, District Director, SBA

Stacey Vezinot was honored recently by the Louisiana Small Business Development Center with the LSBDC Small Business Star award. Vezinot, who owns Stacey’s Armoire in Central Lake Charles, received the honor at the LSBDC’s 25th Anniversary Celebration in Baton Rouge. “I’m thrilled and very excited to receive the LSBDC Small Business Star. This award validates everything I’ve been working for.

I’ve always dreamed of owning my own business and this honor motivates me to work even harder,” said Vezinot. “Stacey was chosen as an LSBDC Small Business Star, because she is a great example of how preparation and planning to start a business will pay off. She and her family sacrificed so that she could fulfill her dreams,” said Donna Little, Center Director of the LSBDC at McNeese State University. Stacey’s Armoire at 201 W. College Street is the culmination of Vezinot’s lifelong dream and 15 years of hard work in the clothing retail industry.

Continued on Page 7

Enterprise Blvd., Continued from Page 5

Who’s News, Continued from Page 6

• Lawmakers made an $89 million commitment to supporting mental health care in Louisiana, including initiatives like Nicola’s Law, which was named after New Orleans Police Officer Nicola Cotton who was shot and killed by a mental health patient.

• Lawmakers passed legislation requiring insurance companies to cover autism.

Brad Forsyth, MD, obstetrician/gynecologist, has joined the physician team of OBG-1. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Dr. Forsyth received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed his internship and residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Forsyth will see patients at OBG-1’s Lake Charles and Sulphur locations. For more information, or to make an appointment with Dr. Forsyth, call 312-1000.

Budgeting • SB 87 changes the income tax rate for income between $25,000 and $50,000 to four percent from the current six percent. (This is the preStelly tax rate for this level of income.)

• A $29.7 billion for the next fiscal year is less than the existing operating budget of $34.3 billion – a 13 percent reduction.

• After years of being rejected as a stand alone bill, language was added to HB 1182 that will require more transparency and accountability for funding for non-governmental organizations.

Bring your Old Jewelry, Gold, Platinum, Silver, Watches, Coins and Sterling Flatware to M.B. Rich Jewelry for CASH!

Call 337-474-0080

Some political observers said the 2008 legislative session showed little in the way of reform.

In his assessment of the session, Jim Brandt, president of the Public Affairs Research Council said he sees signs of “politics as usual” with the passage of bills ranging from the laughable to the embarrassing, including: • SB 6, which names the sazerac as the official cocktail of New Orleans.

• HB 455 gives the state another official symbol, the fleur-de-lis.

• SB 143 prohibits sex offenders from wearing Halloween costumes.

• SR requests the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to require local school boards to punish students by having them perform custodial duties while wearing hot pink jumpsuits.

“While it is unlikely anyone outside of the state will take notice of those bills, passage of shortsighted, fear-motivated legislation like the ban on using public funds for stem cell research and human cloning (HB 370) threatens to discourage outside investment in the state’s economy,” Brandt said. “Similarly, the Louisiana Science Education Act (SB 733) – a.k.a. the Louisiana Academic Freedom Act – which would allow the teaching of creationism in public school classrooms, threatens to undermine any hope the state had for overcoming its backwater image and is likely to lead to costly litigation.”

JULY 10, 2008

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JULY 10, 2008

NEWS McNeese State University’s ninth annual Harp Camp will be held Tuesday-Saturday, Aug. 5-9, in the Shearman Fine Arts center. The camp is designed for all ages and all levels of expertise, from beginning to advanced harpists, according to Camp Director Barbara Belew, associate professor in the Department of Performing Arts.

Campers learn about the construction and history of the harp and participate in individual and ensemble playing.

Some attendees will have the opportunity to compose their own music. The MSU Harp Camp was launched in 2000 with just five campers. Last year, 32 campers attended. The cost is $40.

Applications and payment are due by July 24. For more information, or to receive a registration form, contact Belew at (337) 475-5036 or (337) 4774545, or contact the McNeese Department of Performing Arts at (337) 475-5028.

Football all-American Bryan Smith has been named the winner of McNeese State’s Desmond Jones Athlete of the Year award. The award will be presented to him at the Cowboy’s first home football game on Sept. 6. Smith, who is currently in the Philadelphia Eagles camp (he was selected in the third round of the NFL draft) was a two-time all-American for the Cowboys as a defensive end, and was also named Player of the Year in the Southland Conference for 2007.

The Newton, Texas native holds all of the school records for quarterback sacks and ranked third in the nation this past season. He closed out his career with 31 career sacks, and was twice a finalist for the Buck Buchanan National Defensive Player of the Year Award. In 2007, he was named the SLC player of the week three times, and was also named to four allAmerica first teams that year. Smith is the 10th football player to earn McNeese’s athlete of the year award and the first since B. J. Sams in 200304. The award has been given out since the 1985-86 season.

ROUNDUP

FROM

MSU

Dr. Sandra J. Leder, assistant professor of Teacher Education at McNeese, was presented the Loretta Doerr Achievement Award by the state chapter of Kappa Kappa Iota, a national professional organization for educators. This award recognizes educators who have made significant contributions to education and community service. The award is named for one of the past presidents of the state organization. Leder is a former state president, has chaired numerous national committees and is the recipient of state and national scholarships from this organization. She is the sponsor of the McNeese chapter of Kappa Kappa Iota.

Anne Cobb

Anne Cobb and Erin Cormier of the Office of Public Information and Communications at McNeese State University were presented with professional awards at the 2008 CASE District IV Conference in Little Rock, Ark. CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, is an international association for professions that advance educational institutions. District IV includes higher education institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Cobb, graphic artist and board member of the American Advertising Federation, received a bronze award for specialty advertising design for her “Write to Excellence” campaign, which was designed to advance the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan. Cormier, a communications specialist and former feature writer with the American Press, received a silver award in feature writing for a story on a McNeese graduate who overcame a rare brain tumor.

Dr. Rathnam Indurthy, professor of government at McNeese, and Dr. Muhammad Haque, assistant professor of sociology, recently attended the Social Science Association Conference in Las Vegas. Indurthy presented a paper titled “The Peace Process Between India and the Musharraf Regime over the Kasmir Dispute: A Military Rule Is Not Conducive for Its Resolution” and chaired an undergraduate panel on world issues. Haque served as chair of a panel on globalization and economic sociology.

Erin Cormier

McNeese University was one of 38 colleges and universities recently featured in the first “College Sampler,” a showcase of yearbook layout design and photography published by Taylor Publishing Company, one of the nation’s largest yearbook publishers.

Editor Kasha Ashworth of DeQuincy and creative director Maggie Frey of Sulphur produced the 2007 yearbook, titled “Symmetrical Year.” Their adviser is Candace Townsend, the director of public information and communications at McNeese.

Cheryl Northam, professor of Health and Human Performance at McNeese, was elected vice presidentelect for sport and leisure for the Southern District of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance at the AAHPERD/SDAAHPERD Conference in Fort Worth. Northam was also presented with the Louisiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Honor Award, an annual award that recognizes the professional contributions in the field.

Natalie Poole was recently named the new softball coach at McNeese.

Poole, a former Cowgirl player and assistant coach, has served as head softball coach at Georgia Southern for the past seven years, coaching her teams to 212 victories including a 37-30 wonlost mark this past season. During her tenure there, she was named the Southern Conference’s coach of the year and led the Eagles to their first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

Poole was the Cowgirl starting catcher for four years, was named to the allSouthland Conference team three times and was named an academic allAmerican in 1997. She earned all-South regional honors twice, and was a threetime academic district pick. She was also named the Cowgirls’ most valuable player and served as an assistant coach

from 1999 to 2001, taking over as head coach at Georgia Southern in 2001.

McNeese has opened its new Hodges Street women’s athletic facility, which will house the softball and soccer programs. The building, located on the south side of the softball diamond, is a one-story structure that covers 5,400 square feet. It houses eight offices, two team dressing rooms with restrooms and showers, a team meeting room, laundry room, a lobby with a lighted trophy case, and a secretary’s office.

Funds for the new facility came from the university’s self-generated program as well as from two booster organizations, the Cowboy Club and the PetroChem Athletic Association.

McNeese will offer a Summer Piano Workshop for intermediate and advanced young pianists from 9 a.m.noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. MondayFriday, July 28-Aug. 1, in the Shearman Fine Arts Center. The workshop is designed for students who are at least 13 years old. They will receive at least one private lesson, participate in master classes and attend evening student and faculty recitals. Aside from performances, students will participate in instructional sessions on technique, memorization, practice methods and duo/fourhand piano repertoire. The workshop is not intended for beginners.

It will be led by McNeese assistant professors Lina Morita and Christy Vogt. Morita has performed in various solo and chamber music performances across the U.S. and abroad, including Bertramka Hall in the Czech Republic, the Atlas Performing Arts Series in Washington, the Washington Square Concert Series in Rochester and the Strathmore Music Center in Maryland.

Vogt, an active member of the Lake Charles Piano Teachers Association, has given master classes and pedagogy workshops in Florida, Louisiana and Illinois. She is the creator of Harmony Worksheets, a teaching tool for music teachers, and is former director of the Keyboard of Kids preparatory program at the University of Miami. Tuition is $150 and includes access to practice rooms and admission to all 7:30 p.m. evening performances. Meals and lodging are not included. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due before camp begins, with priority registration given to applications received before July 14. The remaining tuition is due on the first day of camp. Auditors may attend master classes and recitals for a $5 fee per event. For more information or to register, contact Morita at (337) 475-5022 or lmorita@mcneese.edu/.

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JULY 10, 2008

Literacy Council host its 11th Annual Telethon July 15 The Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana, Inc., will host its 11th Annual Telethon for Literacy on Tuesday, July 15. Sponsors for this year’s event include 7 at Your Service KPLC, AT & T, and First Federal Bank of Louisiana.

The telethon will inform the community about available services through the Council’s Lifelong Learning Center.

Funds raised will support the Council’s adult and family education programs.

The telethon will be broadcast by KPLC from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the broadcast, community volunteers will call area literacy supporters.

Partners for Literacy and Literacy Champions will have the opportunity to make on-air presentations. Literacy Council staff and volunteers will be available to discuss services offered.

The telethon site will be in the lobby of First Federal Bank, located at 1153 Lakeshore Drive. The lobby will be transformed into a work center for engaging community contacts, accepting phoned-in pledges, and documenting needs for volunteers and students.

AT & T will provide phone services for individuals and volunteer groups to work during the event. Twenty phone

lines will be available to provide members of the community the opportunity to contact the Council to demonstrate support, to get information about programs, or register for fall classes. The call-in number the night of the telethon will be 433-3133.

The Literacy Council hosts its telethon each year to raise funds for its instructional programs and to increase public awareness of literacy-related issues. This year’s goal of raising $55,000 will support adult and family literacy programs. Through these programs, the Literacy Council’s Lifelong Learning Center builds individual selfsufficiency, strengthens families, and enriches lives and our community as a whole.

Available programs for adults include tutoring in reading and math;

pre-GED classes; English language; workplace, computer, financial literacy; and LA Work Ready Certificate preparation. The Council also serves families through Reach Out & Read, Reading is Fundamental, and Prime Time Family Reading Time. After-school partnerships will serve over 75 children in grades 1 to 5; the Council has a tutoring program for youths in grades 7 or higher.

Services for adults are offered at the Literacy Council’s offices on the ground floor of the Central School Arts & Humanities Center at 809 Kirby Street.

Classes are available Monday to Friday morning for both ABE and ESL. Evening classes are available for GED preparation and English language development. The Council’s computer lab is open during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. New student appointments may be scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday morning or evening.

During 2007, the Literacy Council’s Lifelong Learning Center had the fol-

lowing community impact: 720 adult students enrolled, 5,005 books were provided to children, and 212 families participated in programs.

New initiatives for 2008 include Distance Education, ESL Family Literacy, and Tutoring for Youth. The Distance Education program is designed for adults who qualify to work on their GED. Through this program, adults work via the Internet. A staff member works directly with adults to help them with lessons in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. The ESL Family Literacy program is for families whose first language is one other than English. Adults may attend regular ESL classes while children attend separate activities designed to help with conversation, reading, and writing. Finally, for children entering grades 7 through 12, after-school tutoring will be available at the Council’s offices from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about any of these services, call 494-7000 or 1-800-393-READ (7323).

The Literacy Council hosts its telethon each year to raise funds for its instructional programs and to increase public awareness of literacy-related issues.

City Launches Public Awareness Campaign on Litter The City of Lake Charles and the Ward 3 Marshal’s Office have begun a public awareness campaign about littering and the regulation of litter at business/commercial establishments and on public and private property.

In May and June, the City sent out approximately 27,000 informational brochures in water bills to the general public. In June and July, the City is sending out approximately 4,000 informational brochures to area businesses within the City of Lake Charles. The brochures address the responsibilities of individuals and businesses with regards to litter.

The City of Lake Charles Code of Ordinances prohibits littering on public and private property, on roadways and on waterways. Violators of the City’s ordinance prohibiting litter will be subject to civil fines.

The City Council adopted Ordinance Number 14483 on March 19, 2008, amending the Code of Ordinances to provide for the regulation of litter upon commercial properties.

This includes the area in and around the business establishment including adjacent parking areas and entryways.

The litter ordinance allows any citi-

zen to report a litter violation.

Information needed for a citizen complaint includes: date and time of incident; location of incident; vehicle description - make, model, color - and license number; description of offender; description of litter; and witness information, if any. To report violations, contact the Litter Enforcement Officer at the Ward 3 City Marshal’s Office, 438LAWS (5297); e-mail: litter@ward3marshal.org; or call the City’s Property Standards Division, 491-1476. You can also contact any other law enforcement agency which has the power to issue a citation or summons to the offender.

“Litter is one of the easiest things to prevent and one of the hardest things to control,” said Mayor Randy Roach. “If everyone will do their part concerning litter, our community can be a clean one that we all can be proud of and that will positively reflect on the environmental and economic well being of our area.

Clean communities are good for businesses as well as the residents who live there.”

“I would much rather see compliance in lieu of enforcement, and that will be the mission of my office,” said Ward 3 Marshal Joey Alcede.

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PAGE 11

BUSINESS U.S. Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., R-Southwest Louisiana, recently announced a new Veterans’ Clinic to be built in Lake Charles by late 2009.

“The debt we owe our nation’s veterans is tremendous, as they risked their lives to protect our freedoms,” Boustany said. “I am proud the Veterans Administration will construct a new healthcare clinic in Lake Charles. Access to quality healthcare is critical for veterans in Southwest Louisiana, and this clinic is a demonstration of our commitment to them.” Veterans in rural communities are often at a disadvantage in receiving care because of the distance to VA clinics. Expanding access to quality healthcare is one critical component of caring for veterans in Southwest Louisiana. Alexandria VA Medical Center Director Barbara Watkins said, “The opening of a new community based clinic in Lake Charles is an exciting opportunity for the VA to improve access to high quality medical care and services to veterans in and around Calcasieu Parish. Our goal is to open this clinic by October 2009. There are 15,450 veterans living in the Parish and we anticipate having approximately 6,000 of them enrolled in the clinic within three years.” The Lake Charles clinic is one of 44 new community-based outpatient clinics the Veterans Administration will build by 2009.

Currently, Southwest Louisiana is served only by the VA clinic in Jennings.

Watkins continued, “At the present time, the Jennings Community Based Outpatient Clinic will remain open to serve the healthcare needs of veterans in the Jennings and Jefferson Davis Parish communities. We will monitor the effect the Lake Charles clinic has on the Jennings clinic workload and re-evaluate the clinic if the need arises.”

Samaritan Counseling Center has received a $140,000 American Red Cross/Louisiana Recovery Corps Resiliency Grant to expand its faithbased counseling services in Southwest Louisiana. The funds will enable Samaritan to provide enhanced services in the area. “We are so grateful for this opportunity to reach out to more people and not only help improve their quality of life, but also that of all of us in Southwest Louisiana,” said Mickey Shannon, Executive Director of Samaritan. She explains that the grant funds will be used in four key areas: • Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement; • Community education programs for faith-based congregations and clergy to heighten their awareness and understanding of mental illness, as well as provide them with the resources to help members of their congregation; • Clergy and Congregation Care Program to address the mental health needs of clergy and provide mental health education in places of worship; • Subsidize clients on a sliding scale basis who could not otherwise afford mental health counseling.

“The faith-based counseling we provide restores hope, which is the first step to recovery,” says Shannon. “We believe that the whole person — spirit, mind, and body —is important in the healing process. We are respectful of each client’s individual faith and life choices.” The professional mental health community is increasingly recognizing the value of faith-based counseling in the process of recovery from mental illness. Research has shown its efficacy in complementing physician-prescribed medicine and psychotherapy. Although largely unrecognized, mental illness is a widespread problem, affecting one on four people, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The stigma attached to the illness multiplies the problem. Shannon says the enhanced services made possible by the Resiliency Grant are not only vital to the continued growth of Samaritan, but also to the community-wide efforts to promote education and awareness of mental health needs and resources in our community. Samaritan is located at 833 Hodges St. in Lake Charles. For more information, call 433-4357 or visit www.samaritanswla.org.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a program of Family & Youth, recently accepted a check in the amount of $1,000 from Sam Hebert, principal of the Sam Hebert Financial Group. Hebert has a heart for abused and neglected children. As a CASA volunteer, he has advocated in court on behalf of a child who was removed from the home due to abuse and neglect.

In 2007, Hebert and his wife, Denise, organized and hosted three awareness/fundraising dinners in their home, called Dinner at Mi CASA. The next dinner is scheduled for September 21. CASA, a program of Family & PAGE 12

JULY 10, 2008

notes Youth, recruits and trains volunteers who advocate in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court, gathering information on each child’s situation. They also serve as the voice of the child, presenting their information, along with factbased recommendations, to the Family & Juvenile Court Judge, ensuring that the child’s best interests are considered in every decision. There is no special background required to be a CASA. Potential volunteers must be able to pass a criminal background check, have a love of children and a desire to help. The next training class for new volunteers begins in July. For more information about Dinner at Mi CASA, becoming a CASA volunteer, or other ways you can help abused and neglected children, please call 436-9533.

Wound Care at Memorial Hospital is dedicated to providing state-of-the art, outpatient clinical wound care and—as of June 2008—hyperbaric medicine. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an adjunctive treatment in which the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen while enclosed in a pressurized chamber at greater-than-normal atmospheric pressure. While breathing pure O2, the patient’s blood plasma becomes saturated, carrying 15 to 20 times the normal amount of oxygen to the body’s tissues. The ultimate result is that the body’s natural wound-healing mechanisms, which are oxygen-dependent, are able to function more efficiently. Any patient with a wound that has not started to heal in four weeks may be a candidate for Wound Care’s clinical practices, which include: • Wound dressings • Debridement • Compression therapy • Prescriptive growth factors • Bio-engineered skin grafting • Edema management • Non-invasive vascular assessment • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Under the medical direction of Dr. David Dobbins and a physician panel that includes Dr. Gerald Mouton, Dr. Carol Hutchinson, Dr. Jorge Kohatsu, Dr. Steve Springer, and Chuck McLemore, NP, Wound Care’s services also include a full spectrum of support services, including nutritional assessment and counseling, diabetic education, patient and caregiver counseling, and special needs supplies for pressure relief. For more information on clinical wound care or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, call Memorial’s Wound Care at (337) 494-6700.

Christus HomeCare has received a 2007 Louisiana Home Health Agency Grand Quality Award presented by Louisiana Health Care Review, Inc. (LHCR), the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana. The award was announced at the first Louisiana Health Care Quality Summit hosted by LHCR in Baton Rouge.

Christus HomeCare has been recognized for improving the quality of care given to patients in the area of acute care hospitalization and bathing as a member of the Systems Improvement Group. Christus HomeCare is one of 37 Home Health Agencies in the state to receive this award. It honors Louisiana home health agencies that are performing quality initiatives aimed at improving patient care in the home health agency setting. The Grand Quality Award recognizes those home health agencies that are actively engaged in improving bathing or reducing avoidable hospitalizations for their patients. For more information about LHCR’s Louisiana Home Health Quality Awards, please go Debra Loftin, Christus HomeCare to www.lhcr.org or contact Christus Director of Nursing being HomeCare at 395-5600. presented the award.

BUSINESS

notes

After nearly two years as Southwest Louisiana’s leading source for cigars and good life accessories, Cigar Club has decided to open the doors to its private club area and bar to the public. “The past two years as a private club have been wonderful,” said owner Robbin Halker.

“But the decision to open to the public was made to increase traffic in our bar and lounge area, and to give more people the opportunity to experience what good cigars and cigar smokers are all about.” The Halker family and their staff are committed to providing their hospitality, knowledge and top-notch service to residents and visitors of Southwest Louisiana. Halker says that Cigar Club will continue to feature former “members only” events such as cigar classes and tastings with brand owners and representatives; liquor and wine-tastings, and the themed parties and events that the Club has come to be known for. Cigar Club is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with later hours on the weekends. A strict dress code of business casual will be enforced. The club is also available for private parties and events. For more information on Cigar Club, the facility, and its events, call (337) 562-8889, or visit them online at www.lacigarclub.com.

Largest Selection of DVD’s, Lingerie and Adult Novelties In Southwest Louisiana!

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Karla Hunt 3028 Ryan St. 433-9720

700 E. Prien Lake Road • 337-478-3566 Between Common and Kirkman

Do you want to make good friends and be part of a team helping others? Volunteer opportunities are available at Women & Children’s Hospital as patient escorts; at the information desks and flower delivery, and in the patient and family waiting areas. If you are interested in helping others and would like to become part of the Women’s and Children’s community, contact the Volunteer Services Office at 475-4102.

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 13

Louisiana Coastal Hazard Mitigation Guidebook

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The Eclipse 500 can climb as high as 41,000 ft and cruises at 425 mph. This ideal charter jet provides a smooth and quiet travel experience. Call us to compare prices with any other charter aircraft, and you will discover the cost-savings achieved by selecting the Eclipse 500, operated by Baton Rouge Air Charter & Management, Inc.

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PAGE 14

JULY 10, 2008

The recent experiences of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are costly reminders of the physical impact that coastal storms have on the landscape of south Louisiana.

If you live here, history indicates that you have a 1-in-10 chance of being affected by a hurricane.

To improve coastal communities’ ability to cope with a storm, the Louisiana Sea Grant Law & Policy Program has prepared the Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Guidebook. The 250-page book – which examines issues from zoning and building siting to construction methods and legal issues – is available for free.

“The intent of the guidebook is to present basic strategies that can help planners, managers and property owners in coastal communities better prepare for and recover from hurricanes,” said Jim Wilkins, LSG Law & Policy Program director. “Even though Hurricane Katrina was the most destructive and costliest tropical cyclone in the history of the United States, it is important to remember that many previous storms were likely more powerful and that there are more storms in our future.”

The strategies outlined in the guidebook will reduce, but not eliminate, the risks from coastal natural hazards such as storm surge, other flooding, subsidence and sea level rise, and are meant to serve as an extra layer of protection or an additional line of defense. The guidebook also demonstrates how communities can adopt a flexible approach to hazard planning and accommodate a wide range of attitudes toward restrictions on the use of property to mitigate hazards.

An electronic copy of the book can be downloaded from the LSG Law & Policy Program Web site (www.lsu.edu/sglegal), or a printed copy can be ordered by contacting Jessica Schexnayder, 105 Sea Grant Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.

Please include a check or money order for $5 when ordering a printed copy to cover shipping and handling. For general information about obtaining the book, e-mail jsche15@lsu.edu.

High School Classmates Reunite as Deploying

Patriot Soldiers

Twenty-year high school reunions usually provide opportunities to reunite with old friends, catch up on life’s changes and laugh at gravity’s cruel sense of humor; not to pack your duffle bags and go off to war together.

More than 20 years removed from being high school classmates, Maj. Jeffrey Smith, brigade civil affairs officer-in-charge, and Master Sgt. Finn Carlton, special advisor to the brigade command team, are serving side-byside with the “Patriots” of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light). They both attended Sam Houston High School in Moss Bluff. Smith graduated in 1985 and Carlton graduated in 1983. Smith reunited with Carlton last September at Fort Polk. They couldn’t believe they were in the same unit preparing to deploy together to Iraq, he said.

“Moss Bluff is a small community back in the states where, during our time, everyone knew one another,” explained Smith. “We don’t just support our neighbors in a time of need; we support each other every day, regardless of the situation. Our goals were to always support the ‘American way of life,’ not knowing what God had in store for us.” Both soldiers said they requested assignment to Fort Polk to be closer to home.

“Although the food is great, the reason to go home was for the people,” said Carlton. “Louisiana remains the only place we believe a person can go where everyone is your neighbor.”

Smith works to build capabilities with Iraqi government representatives in the political districts of east Baghdad – Rusafa, Karadah and 9 Nissan – to support the Patriot Brigade’s mission. “The goal is to fill the gaps by first reducing, then removing instability, and causes of instability fueling the insurgency,” said Smith.

Carlton works side-by-side with the command group and travels to just about every area within the Patriot Brigade’s operating environment to support the mission.

“As one of the senior non-commissioned officers in the brigade, I set the example and give soldiers direction and guidance,” Carlton said. “My method of attack is a common-sense approach to mission accomplishment.

Serving in the same brigade has allowed them to bond as if they were brothers. “Having the privilege of the acquaintance of Finn from back home has been good, because we share the same values and beliefs that gave us direction,” stated Smith.

Upon redeployment, Carlton wants to retire and work in Louisiana. “I plan to continue serving our nation, just in a different field due to retirement,” Carlton said.

Smith is preparing to redeploy in a few weeks, but hopes he will secure an Active Guard Reserve position in the Louisiana Army National Guard. “I want to continue serving in the Army by serving the great state of Louisiana,” said Smith.

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 15

BIZ BYTES — by Dan Juneau

INSIDE BATON ROUGE — by John Maginnis

Jindal Aged by More Than a Birthday

Is Nationalization of Industry on the Agenda in Washington? had to shake my head and refocus my eyes when I read the following words from a news story: “House Democrats responded to President Bush’s call for Congress to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling…

Among other things, the Democrats called for government to own refineries so it could better control the flow of the oil supply.” I know there are some loopy folks in Washington, but even for the Potomac elite, that is an amazing proposal.

America is long past the time when John D. Rockefeller owned Standard Oil and Commodore Vanderbilt owned railroads. Today, multinational corporations—including the ones that operate refineries—are owned by millions of investors. Some of those investors are individuals with small holdings. Others are pension funds owned by the workers and retirees whose futures depend on growth in those holdings. I wonder if the members of Congress who are contemplating government ownership of refineries (and I am sure that some Democrats are not in that number) understand that American investors, not some “robber baron” tycoons, own those companies. If not, they are economic illiterates.

It is intriguing that those in Congress who aspire to nationalize the refineries want to do so in order to “…better control the flow of the oil supply.” How do they think that government ownership of refineries would “better control” that supply? Refiners buy crude oil from brokers who purchase the oil from the companies who produce and transport it. Would government have some startling new system for improving upon that segment of the process? If so, what amazing reform would they employ? Refiners then take the crude oil and process it to make fuel oil, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene and other products in demand by the public. Those products are sold to bulk dealers who in turn sell to retailers or directly to other businesses, such as airlines and utilities. Are the geniuses in Congress also contemplating nationalizing some of those industries in order to better control the flow

I

PAGE 16

JULY 10, 2008

of the oil supply?

The primary problem with the flow of the oil supply is that there isn’t enough of it flowing to meet worldwide demand. Another major problem has to do with the fact that no new refinery has been constructed in the United States since 1976. The reason why this is true is not because the refineries are trying to restrict supply in order to drive up prices. It is because environmental laws and regulations make it nearly impossible to get the permits needed to construct a refinery.

Perhaps the “wise” members of Congress who want to nationalize refineries think the refiners are playing games with prices at a time when crude oil prices stand at record levels. If Congress did succeed in federalizing

THE PRIMARY PROBLEM WITH THE FLOW OF THE OIL SUPPLY IS THAT THERE ISN’T ENOUGH OF IT FLOWING TO MEET WORLDWIDE DEMAND. the refining industry, they would soon discover when crude oil prices are high, refiners often lose their shirts.

Competition makes it tough for them to raise prices fast enough to offset the increased cost of crude oil they are hit with daily.

There are many things that Congress could do to improve the energy situation in America. Alternative fuels, more nuclear energy, clean coal technology, and fuel efficiency are all things that would help. Even with progress in those areas, the U.S. is going to be dependent on crude oil for decades to come. Increasing more of the domestic supply of oil would help significantly. Turning refineries into something like the Post Office is a recipe for disaster.

ov. Bobby Jindal turned 37 on June 10, right about when his troubles began.

Politically speaking, the first three weeks of his 38th year were ripped from the pages of the Book of Job. He controlled the damage on the month’s last day by vetoing the legislative pay raise that had plagued him. The rest of the year can’t help but be better, but can things ever be the same for him again?

At the start of the month, Jindal had just returned from a weekend barbecue with the McCains as a legitimate if unconventional vice-presidential prospect in an election year that has already demonstrated that anything could happen.

With his Republican rock-star appeal beginning to beam nationwide, back home the only real challenge he faced was how to take credit for the Stelly income-tax repeal that he had initially opposed and had almost no hand in passing. Once he managed that, it seemed anything was possible for him.

And so it was, which he learned the hard way.

Before month’s end, Jindal was being vilified on talk radio and the Internet by once-fervent supporters, who had just as fervently turned against him over his stubborn refusal to veto the pay raise bill. His own words from his flawless gubernatorial campaign—a pledge to prohibit the Legislature from taking the raise the way it did—had returned to haunt and mock him. The national VP short-list buzz was muffled by a New York Times story in which he was cast as weak and unwilling to stand up to Louisiana politicians, whose level he had sunk to. To bottom it all out, a recall petition was filed against him last week.

Politicians who get into this kind of pickle usually did something wrong and at least got something out of it, whether it be sex or money. Jindal didn’t do a thing and got nothing out of it but grief.

He acted just in time, as a Southern Media poll went into the field over the weekend and was bound to show a devastating drop in his popularity. The damage controlled, he might be tempted to put all the unpleasantness behind him, though he should meditate a while on what transpired, if only to see that it doesn’t happen again.

He could start by recognizing what hit him. The tech-savvy governor and his younger staff were flummoxed and overwhelmed by the real-time, technolo-

G

gy-driven anger of the public via the Internet, from e-mails to blogs, and the relatively recent medium of talk radio.

(It was a listener calling into Moon Griffon’s show who first revealed Jindal’s anti-raise promise buried amidst his many campaign points.)

What never worked was Jindal’s reason for not vetoing the pay raise: that he refused to give legislators an excuse to block his reform agenda.

Instead, his working relationship with legislators was daily undermined by his non-stop bashing of them as vindictive obstructionists. When Speaker of the House Jim Tucker beat him to the high ground by saying he would respect the governor’s veto and continue to cooperate on his agenda, Jindal dismissed the gesture out of hand, in effect doubting the good faith of his most important legislative ally.

THE GOVERNOR WAS SAVED IN THE END BY BENDING TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE, WHOM HE BEST NOT IGNORE AGAIN. Yet, that exchange may have provided the opening for Jindal’s way out.

Indeed, legislators may be mad at him, but they should be madder at themselves for getting into this mess. Neither he nor most lawmakers foresaw the firestorm of public outrage, which could be considered a force majeure by which agreements legitimately are broken.

When Jindal talks about tightening the reins on the Legislature in the future, first he needs to get a grip on them. He would do well to cooperate with the Legislature’s leaders—notice I didn’t say his—for Tucker and Senate President Joel Chaisson II came through this with the respect of members that Jindal has all but lost.

The governor was saved in the end by bending to the will of the people, whom he best not ignore again. Even so, gone are his lost youth’s giddy, rarefied and wholly unrealistic heights, which winged Icarus also reached before plummeting to earth. Jindal, at least, wised up in time to break the fall.

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 17

Local Students to Benefit from Parish Program The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury in conjunction with the Work Force Investment Board and the Louisiana Department of Labor announce its National Emergency Grant for eligible students residing in Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis Parishes, affected by Hurricane Rita in 2005, and entering their final year of post-secondary education or apprenticeship. Locally, these grants will be known as “Jump Scholarships,” and will be used to aid students in tuition fees and other costs related to education. More information on this program is available at wwwjumpscholarships.com.

The program is meant to help students graduate in a timely manner so their degree or apprenticeship certification can help meet the local demands of certain jobs that are currently under-employed. Most schools and institutions in the state are participating in this program.

Eligible students interested in Jump Scholarships must attend one of the four Jump Scholarships

Orientations to complete the application. Two sessions will be held at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday, July 21, and Monday, July 28 at the Louisiana Works Business & Career Solutions Center Calcasieu Consortium, 4250 5th Avenue, Lake Charles.

To qualify for Jump Scholarships, students must meet the following requirements: • They are required to have been residents of Calcasieu, Cameron or Jeff Davis Parish during Hurricane Rita and still live in one of these three parishes.

• They are students entering their final year.

• They must be enrolled fulltime in a post-secondary educational program. They must enroll and maintain at least a 12-credit-hour schedule.

• They must have already applied for the Federal Pell Grant.

• They must be enrolled in one of the eligible programs.

• They must attend one of the four Jump Scholarships Orientations.

Process Technology Welding

Local eligible Jump Scholarships institutions and programs are as follows:

Delta School of Business & Technology Business Management: Associate Degree in Occupational Studies Drafting: Associate Degree in Occupational Studies

McNeese State University Art Education: Grades Kindergarten-12 Business Education: Grades 6-12 Chemistry Computer Information Technology Environmental Science Family and Consumer Sciences French General Business Administration Health and Human Performance, General Nursing Nursing—Associate Degree Special Education, General Sowela Technical Community College Accounting Technology Commercial Art Criminal Justice Drafting and Design Technology Fast Track Welding NCCER Industrial Instrumentation Machine Tool Technology Nursing Assistant Pathways Carpentry Pathways HVAC Practical Nursing

H

L.T.C. Morgan Smith Campus Accounting Technology Automotive Technology Electrician Medical Office Assistant Nursing Assistant Office Systems Technology Practical Nursing Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Pelican Chapter Lake Charles Electrical Fast Track NCCER Electrical NCCER Equipment Operator Millwright - NCCER Pipefitter - NCCER Pipefitting - Fast Track NCCER Welding Welding Fast Track Louisiana Carpenters Lake Charles Carpenter

ELPING BUILD SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

BESSETTE DEVELOPMENT 3025 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 P.O. Box 5900, Lake Charles, LA 70606 (337) 474-3132, FAX: (337) 477-4818

PAGE 18

JULY 10, 2008

In order to qualify, students must bring the following to the Orientation: Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate) Proof of Current Address Proof of Pre-Hurricane Rita Address (school record, paycheck, cell phone bill, etc., during the month of September 2005).

Social Security Card Social Security Number of all residents living in the household over the age of 14.

Letter of award/denial from the Federal Pell Grant.

Males: Selective Service Verification

The purpose of National Emergency Grants (NEG) is to provide supplemental dislocated worker funds to states, local boards and other eligible entities in order to respond to the needs of dislocated workers and communities affected by major economic dislocations and other worker dislocation events which cannot be met with formula allotments.

The Calcasieu Police Jury in conjunction with the Work Force Investment Board and the Louisiana Department of Labor sponsors Jump Scholarships. For more information, contact Jason Barnes at (337) 721-3595.

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 19

S O U T H W E S T

L O U I S I A N A ’ S

H O M E G R O W N

B U S I N E S S E S

KEZM: In our ears for 53 years Local coverage is the engine driving this homegrown radio station

By Lisa Yates hen television began broadcasting in the United States, most of the “experts” said that radio would go the way of the dinosaur. Of course that didn’t happen.

In fact, KEZM, located at 113 E. Napoleon Street in Sulphur, has been on the air for 53 years.

In that period of time, the medium has changed.

Bruce Merchant, owner and general manager of KEZM, said the biggest change – besides technology – is the change in ownership rules.

A change in the telecommunications law lifted the cap restricting the number of radio stations any one company can own in a local market. That change forced many local owners out of business.

“When I started in 1974, there were only three or four stations in the area,” he said. “Now there are 14 stations in the area – 12 are owned by two large companies. Only two have local owners.”

W

Merchant, 51, said radio used to be a local commodity created by the local community to serve local needs.

When the ownership rules changed, many stations were bought out by large corporations. Since many of these large conglomerates program stations from a central location, the result has left local news and sports coverage falling through the cracks.

CAPITALIZING ON A NICHE MARKET Merchant saw an opportunity to capitalizing on this underserved niche market and offer the community more local coverage.

After purchasing the station 10 years ago, he made plans to change its format from country music to sports radio. Two years later, in 2000, the station became Sports Radio KEZM Stereo 1310 AM. Sports coverage, particularly local sports coverage, is now the lifeblood of the 53-year-old station.

Merchant said he’s not concerned about competition from sports channels

on satellite radio. KEZM has what satellite doesn’t – local coverage.

“Local is all that matters,” he said.

“Satellite radio doesn’t matter. It’s not going to run Sulphur High School football. Sure – you can find Astros baseball

on Satellite radio, but not for free – You’ll have to pay for it.”

In addition, he said the station offers something other commercial stations in town don’t have.

“We’re the only 24-hour sports for-

Bruce Merchant, owner and general manager of Sports Radio KEZM, checks his e-mail while broadcasting from the station in Sulphur.

R. Dale Bernauer, M.D.

4150 Nelson Rd., Bldg. D, Ste. 1 Lake Charles, La. 70605 PH: 337-474-6960 FAX: 337-474-6970

A non-surgical technique to fight against arthritis and sports injuries.

Do you need a joint replacement or suffer from arthritis or sports injuries?

We offer a non surgical solution. Regenerative Therapy is designed to regenerate joint cartilage and decrease arthritic changes and pain. This therapy uses a combination of injection therapy, laser therapy, exercises, bracing and other modalities. Parts of the program can be covered by insurance while parts are not. A commitment to the whole program is necessary for success.

This is how it works: The physician introduces natural medicine into damaged, arthritic cells by means of a precise injection. This process is followed by infrared laser as well as several other modalities in order to accelerate the process. Depending on tissue damage, severity of the condition and the size of the joint that needs to be injected, people usually need a series of 1 to 6 treatments to improve. There is usually no downtime, and people can go back to their usual activities or work immediately. The treatments can help most musculoskeletal problems such as knee pain, shoulder pain, whiplash, tendonitis, sprain, strains, torn ligaments and cartilage damage.

For more information and to schedule your treatment call 337-474-6960.

PAGE 20

JULY 10, 2008

mat in town,” Merchant said. “As a local station, we can do things the corporate boys can’t do.”

For example, he said KEZM can air Little League playoff games – or any playoff game listeners want – with short notice.

“That’s the No. 1 thing we can do that the big boys can’t,” Merchant said. “We can turn it around quickly and cover our costs. The other guys might be able to do this, but it would cost them an arm and a leg.”

The station’s bread and butter is its play-by-play coverage of Sulphur High School football games.

“We’re known as the home of Sulphur High School football,” Merchant said. “We’re also the only radio station in Sulphur.”

He said other popular programming with local listeners includes: Houston Astros baseball; and, McNeese State University’s baseball and basketball road games.

Besides hard core sports fans, the KEZM’s audience is comprised of community members who want to tune in to catch local teams playing in state championship games, such as Westlake High School’s football state championship game in New Orleans.

“Our listeners run the gamut from grandmas and grandpas, who can’t go to the games, to people who work,” Merchant said.

SELLING LOCAL SPORTS Quality local sports segments have attracted the station’s sponsors and advertisers, according to Merchant.

“Almost since day one we’ve had Hixon Funeral Home; Cameron Communication; All Star Pontiac; and Home Building Materials – They’re on every day,” he said. “Some folks are seasonal.”

Merchant said competitive pricing sells his product.

“A low overhead allows the station to keep radio spots and sponsorships affordable,” he said.

Still, competition for the advertising dollar is fierce in radio, he added.

“Our No. 1 challenge is money,” Merchant said. “We’re not a big corporation, so we can’t call corporate headquarters when we need something.”

On his wish list is a new automation system. He said the current system is more than 20-years-old.

“After the hurricane, we replaced our satellite receiver, but we need to upgrade our automation system” Merchant said.

The automation system allows the station to broadcast programs 24-hours a day; and, it receives alerts from NOAA Weather Radio, which are then immediately sent out on the air.

Also on the station’s wish list is an FM translator or booster channel, which would boost its signal.

Currently, the signal reaches throughout Southwest Louisiana during daytime

hours. At night, the signal is limited to listeners in Sulphur, Westlake and Lake Charles.

“We’re a small station, so we don’t have to charge large rates,” Merchant said. “We do need to make more to turn it in to new equipment.”

Right now, his sales staff consists of just one full-time person, but he would like to add another.

“Do you know anyone looking for a job?” he asked.

FRIGHTENED BY ‘LOCALISM RULES’ “Even with a few people, if ‘localism rules’ are passed, that’ll be the end of it,” Merchant said.

He is concerned by a move from the Federal Trade Commission, which will rewrite ownership rules if new legislation is passed.

His said new ownership rules will force many of the remaining “mom and pop” owners to consider selling out of the business.

His biggest concern is that the new rules will require stations to have on-site staffing when operating on air — a big financial hurdle for a small business.

“I’d have to pay someone $60 to $70 a day just to sit there and twiddle his thumbs all night,” Merchant said.

Technological and deregulatory advances in recent years made it possible for KEZM to increase its broadcast schedule to 24-hour service without additional staff.

Rather than enduring the added cost of having a board operator sitting around watching the meter bob up and down, stations with small budgets would have to sign off each evening and have dead air until morning.

That will drive advertisers away, according to Merchant. With no revenue, small operators will have to sell out to large conglomerations or surrender their licenses.

“If the FCC yanks a license, you will not get it back,” he said. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

That also would allow networks to gobble up more stations.

“It’s another piece of feel-good legislation that actually will have the opposite affect,” he said.

Broadcasters are fighting it, he said.

If the law passes, it will kill already limited local coverage.

Merchant has seen it happen before — As media giants get larger and larger, they consolidate — usually away from local communities where they serve.

When that happens, local coverage is lost.

“I can name a dozen towns in Louisiana that have already lost their local radio stations,” Merchant said.

“That’s why it’s important to support local radio.”

For more information, contact Bruce Merchant at (337) 527-3611 or kezm1310am@structurex.net.

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

JULY 10, 2008

THE 13TH ANNUAL RANKING OF THE SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA’S LARGEST PRIVATELY HELD BUSINESSES teady as she goes seems to be the name of the game for the Top 50 businesses of Imperial Calcasieu. As the effects of Hurricane Rita lessen each year, companies that had been adversely affected have gone back to their post-Rita revenues, or better. Others whose incomes were boosted by the hurricane have maintained a stable bottom line. But there are other challenges that haven’t deviated much from 2006. Skyrocketing fuel prices have put some businesses in a crunch, and been a godsend to others. Finding reliable and/or skilled employees appears to be an almost universal dilemma in Southwest Louisiana.

Once again, Central Crude leads the pack—almost doubling last year’s revenues to an awe-inspiring $662.546 million due to fuel costs.

Superior Supply and Steel continues to hold the No. 2 spot and its own category of $300 million-plus for the second year in a row. With Talen’s Marine & Fuel out of the picture now that it’s gone public, Navarre Chevrolet easily takes its No. 3 slot. Indeed, the automotive industry is still going strong—not to mention the market for motorcycles and scooters. Many service industries in the top 50 are thriving due to expansion and new contracts—as well as maintaining repeat business through top-notch customer service.

Several companies made their Top 50 debut this year. We welcome Lloyd

S

Lauw Collision Repair, LA Ash, Inc., Aeroframe, Dubois Sheet Metal Works, Oasis Foods, Inc. and Lake Charles Music to the fold. Congratulations!

We offer the Top 50 nominees the option of reporting a range for 2006 gross revenue or actual revenue figures. The Top 5 are based on actual revenue figures.

All other companies are alpha-ordered within all ranges (#6 to #50) whether or not they reported actual revenues or ranges.

As in all past surveys, The Top 50 ranking is based solely on research by The Times and reports submitted by area privately held businesses that wished to be included in the survey. Some companies who were previously among the Top 50 opted not to participate this year. Other businesses decided to submit information for the first time. The most fundamental barometer of business success ranks the Top 50 — gross revenues in the past calendar year. Businesses must be headquartered in the Imperial Calcasieu parishes of Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard or Jeff Davis, and all are private companies. While many area companies serve the petrochemical or timber industries, large regional plants and refineries are owned by national or international concerns. Similarly, many financial institutions are either owned by larger companies elsewhere, or — in the case of locally headquartered banks — there is a public market, however limited, in the stock of the banks. Savings and loans are mutual associations and thus are also ineligible.

This year’s Top 50 issue and the July 18 luncheon, at the Lake Charles Country Club, is generously sponsored by Jeff Davis Bank.

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 23

THE TOP FIFTY GROSS REVENUE

BUSINESS NAME

600+ MILLION

Central Crude

300+ MILLION

Superior Supply & Steel

$150 MILLION TO $200 MILLION

Navarre Chevrolet Stine Lumber Co.

BUSINESS TYPE

HEADQUARTERS NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

YEAR FOUNDED

Oil & Gas

Lake Charles

75

1974

Steel Fabrication

Sulphur

200+

1981

Auto Dealership Building Materials – Retail

Lake Charles Sulphur

300 675

1982 1946

$75 MILLION TO $149.9 MILLION

Pumpelly Oil Martin Automotive Group Solar Supply Corp.

Petroleum Marketing Auto Dealership AC & Refrigeration Distributor

Westlake Lake Charles Lake Charles

100 90 225

1937 1966 1954

$50 MILLION TO $74.9 MILLION

Mark Dodge Cameron Communications Bubba Oustalet Port Aggregates, Inc. R&R Construction

Auto Dealership Telecom Auto Dealership Aggregate & Ready Mix Construction

Lake Charles Carlyss Jennings Lake Charles Sulphur

145 160 100 150 650

1997 1928 1952 1979 1995

$35 MILLION TO $49.9 MILLION

Aeroframe Services, LLC All Star Pontiac GMC LeeVac Industries, LLC Alfred Palma, Inc. Thermoplastic Services

Aviation Maintenance Auto Dealership Shipbuilding & Repair Construction Plastic Manufacturing

Lake Charles Sulphur Jennings Lake Charles DeQuincy

500+ 80 350 60-80 102

2003 1987 1998 1986 1993

$25 MILLION TO $34.9 MILLION

Bessette Development Brask, Inc. IEE Gulf Island Shrimp Lee Dee Wholesale ReCon Mgt. Services

Construction Manufacture – Heat Exchange Seafood Foodstuffs Engineering

Lake Charles Sulphur Lake Charles Lake Charles Sulphur

130 100 150 22 102

1982 1961 1999 1946 1995

$15 MILLION TO $24.9 MILLION

Gray Nissan Ford Mercury Health Systems 2000 Kennison Forest Production Lake Charles Auto Auction Levingston Engineers McDonald's of Lake Charles

Auto Dealership Health care Services Wood Sales Auto Auction Design Engineering Retail Sales & Food

DeRidder Lake Charles Sulphur Lake Charles Sulphur Lake Charles

34 330 7 20 210 520

1965 1994 1980 1991 1961 1972

$10 MILLION TO $14.9 MILLION

Century Group LA Ash, Inc. Miller Livestock Markets, Inc. OilQuip Inc. O’Neal’s Feeders Supply The Rush Companies

Precast Concrete Manufacturer Construction Material Supplier Livestock Sales Industrial Distribution, Engineering Livestock Feed and Fertilizer Insurance, Funerals, Furniture, Finance

Sulphur Lake Charles DeQuincy Lake Charles DeRidder Oakdale

92 25 27 45 40 35

1946 1996 1962 1963 1952 1946

Lake Lake Lake Lake Lake Lake

51 26 15 13 65 3

1988 1988 1986 1983 1975 1985

$5 MILLION TO $9.9 MILLION

Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors Freshko Foodservice, Inc. Honda of Lake Charles Oasis Food, Inc. Sabine Pools & Spas Southland Coins & Collectibles

$3 MILLION TO $5.49 MILLION

Cycles & More Dubois Sheet Metal Works, Inc. Eagle Electric Machinery J & J Exterminating Co., Inc Johnson Funeral Homes Lloyd Lauw Collison Repair Northfork Enterprises S & M Family Outlet Tulco II, LLC

UNDER $3 MILLION

Lake Charles Music

Commercial A/C Food Distributor Motorcycles & ATVs Food Distributor Pools & Spas Coins & Collectibles Motorcycles and ATVs Pipe & Structural Steel Electric Motor Sales & Repair Pest Control Funeral Services Automotive Electrical Contractor Retail Industrial Storage

Lake Charles Lake Charles Sulphur Lake Charles Lake Charles Sulphur Westlake Lake Charles Sulphur

15 35-45 22 76 32 24 75 50 3

1996 1953 1989 1987 1976 2001 1954 1955 1996

Retail

Lake Charles

15

1977

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JULY 10, 2008

Charles Charles Charles Charles Charles Charles

THE TOP FIFTY MORE THAN $600 MILLION CENTRAL CRUDE, INC. $662.546 million Employees: 75 www.centralcrude.com It was a hard act to follow, but Central Crude, Inc., has managed quite an encore. Central Crude, Louisiana’s largest privately-held crude purchaser, reported a profit of $662.5 million, which is up from $368 million in 2006.

What’s more, the company expects to gross over $1 billion in sales in 2008.

Central Crude’s chief executive Steve Jordan attributes the company’s impressive results to a number of factors, including high oil and gas prices.

“Obviously, the increased price of crude oil to this unprecedented amount has caused our sales to increase dramatically,” he says. “Plus our customers are doing well, so we’re doing well.” Jordan, 54, credited longevity in the industry and his business savvy to lessons learned from his parents, George and Marcie Jordan. Glancing up to a portrait of his father hanging on the wall of his Lake Charles office, Jordan recalls his father’s words. “One thing my dad taught me, it takes the same amount of time to think big as it does to think little, so why not think

big?” he says. “Dad and Mother taught me what I know.” His father, George, was a risk-taker, who succeeded in the complex and competitive world of oil and natural gas exploration. His mother, Marcie, worked in business administration at Kilgore College, in Kilgore, Texas. Jordan’s father got his start as a wildcatter in Kilgore, forming Jordan drilling and working with American oil tycoon H.L. Hunt – perhaps one of the most well known figures in the energy industry. Jordan’s family eventually settled in Southwest Louisiana. His father founded Central Crude in 1974, headquartered on Old Town Road in Lake Charles. Jordan’s father asked him to join the company, but he had other plans. “I planned on becoming an attorney,” he says. “Dad asked me to work for him back in the 1970s. I didn’t think I’d like it.” Jordan went to work for his father and never looked back, even when times were tough.

“When I first started, we bought and sold fuel oil,” he says. “We bought fuel from refineries and shipped to plants, such as paper mills.” A series of events happened threatening the company, including the plants converting to natural gas as a cheaper source of energy. “I had truck notes and the banks were

calling,” Jordan says, noting he had to do something profitable or risk losing the business. Looking at the company’s physical assets, which included storage tanks, a barge dock, a truck terminal and trucks, in 1980, Jordan converted the business to crude oil purchasing.

The plan worked and the timing was right. “The bigger oil companies were selling and getting out of Louisiana,” he says. “It was the perfect environment for smaller companies’ sales to increase.” In his role of CEO of Central Crude and its sister companies, Louisiana Tank and Jordan Oil, Jordan focuses on “being the best, not the biggest.” “We’re a niche company,

which fills a void the major companies have been in,” he says. “We can operate cheaper and more efficiently than a Fortune 500 company.” The company’s success has brought recognition along with offers to buy or merge with larger companies; however, Jordan plans to hang on to it – sharing the success with his wife, Sandie, and his children, Courtney Jordan-James, and George. “I could have sold everything – I could have sold high and been taxed low,” he says. “But money’s not everything. I can’t see retirement. Retirement will probably coincide with the day of my funeral.”

MORE THAN $300 MILLION SUPERIOR SUPPLY & STEEL $300 million-plus Employees: 200-plus www.supstl.com Superior Steel easily continues to maintain its position in the No. 2 spot on the Top 50 list by bringing in over $300 million last year. Expansion, products, and commodity price run up benefited the company the most, according to Paul Lancaster, vice president of business development. President Steve Mitchell established Superior Supply &

Steel over 25 years ago. From the beginning, he made customer service the corporate directive, by making “quality with a personal touch,” the company’s mission statement. Today, he makes sure that mission continues to be foremost. “To deliver personal attention consistently, Superior hires only the most experienced and dedicated employees,” Mitchell says. In addition, the company maintains a huge array of its own equipment and its own fleet of trucks, which gives Superior more control over plate loading, travel and deliv-

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THE TOP FIFTY

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ery times. “Whether we’re talking product range, customer service, or locations, it’s all Superior…we take our name very seriously,” he says. The 13acre Sulphur facility carries a full line of structural steel and a full inventory of pipe and fittings. It services all industries, particularly oil, gas, agricultural, paper milling, tank farm, and petrochemical throughout Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, and Mexico, Venezuela, Western Africa and the Middle East.

of Sulphur had nine such yards!

Business rocked along when, beginning in 1966, the first of all six Stine sons joined Starlin. In 1974, six of Starlin’s 10 employees were Stines, and the name was changed to “Stine Lumber.”

In the 1970s, the company opened new stores in DeRidder and Lake Charles.

Acquisitions brought new opportunities with stores in Jennings, Iowa, Alexandria, Crowley, Natchitoches, Natchez (Mississippi), Abbeville, and Breaux Bridge. New stores are planned for Jennings, Lafayette and Alexandria.

$150 MILLION TO $200 MILLION

$75 MILLION TO $149.9 MILLION

NAVARRE CHEVROLET, INC. $180 million Employees: 300 www.billynavarreauto.com

PUMPELLY OIL COMPANY $108 million Employees: 100 www.pumpelly.com

Coming in at number three is Navarre Chevrolet, Inc. Chief executive Billy Navarre said 2007 was one of the best years in the company’s 25-year history. He anticipates 2008 will be an even better year. “We have a brand new Chevy Traverse, Camaro and Malibu, and Honda Pilot, Accord and Fit,” he says. “With this many new models coming, we could have a much higher market penetration for 2008.” Navarre Chevrolet started in 1982 with only 12 employees and was one of the smallest auto dealers in SWLA. Today it employs 300 workers and is one of the largest dealers in the area. Navarre appreciates his customers and continues to strive for improvement so that Navarre Chevrolet will be around to service the Lake Area for many years to come.

Pumpelly Oil moves up each year on the Top 50 roster. With revenues for 2007 at $108 million, it has secured the No. 5 spot. And its future looks bright, indeed, as the economic outlook for Pumpelly’s service area continues to be strong. Pumpelly Oil has been serving the Southern states since 1936.

Starting with a small facility in Westlake, Pumpelly Oil has become one of the largest petroleum products distributors (chemicals, thinners, solvents, diesel, gasoline and kerosene) along the Gulf Coast. It serves customers in Louisiana and Southeast Texas, and has recently expanded into the Eunice/Crowley market.

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Stine Lumber Company holds the No. 4 spot on the Top 50 list. “This year we expect a slight increase with major expansion in new markets in other parts of the state,” he says. Stine was founded in 1946, by J.W. Stine.

Stine, and his partner, J.C. Carlin, established the “Starlin Lumber Company” in Sulphur to supply their needs as residential building contractors. J.W. and J.C. met when both were bomber pilots in Europe during WWII. Their business partnership began after the war, and the competition was fierce, as many contractors also established “stick yards” to buy their materials. It is said that, at its height, the small town

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MARTIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP $87 million Employees: 90 www.martinautomotive.com “Auto and pickup sales were very good,” says President Chip Martin of Martin Automotive Group. “Heavy truck sales remained good, but they were slightly lower due to emission regulations by the Feds.” But Martin says the company is positioned well for the future. “The Lake Charles economy remains strong with industrial construction and governmental spending, which positively impacts our commercial truck business and retail business alike,” he says. In addition, diversification in the transportation business helps Martin service all parts of the Lake Area with their transportation needs.

“Whether it is a fuel-saving Pontiac or GMC all the way to the Freightliner and Sterling big rigs, we are fortunate to be part of such a diverse area,” he adds. Martin GMC Pontiac, the oldest

THE TOP FIFTY Martin Automotive Group Ed, Chip and Tad Martin

GMC dealer in Southwest Louisiana, was founded in 1966 by patriarch Ed Martin. “Many national companies such as Sysco Foods, Browning Ferris Industries, Waste Management, Dupre Transport, and John N John Trucklines, to name a few, purchase their heavy trucks from Martin in Lake Charles to all over the United States of America,” Martin said. “We are proud to be able to serve our home here in Southwest, Louisiana.” Martin Automotive sells and services Pontiac and GMC vehicles, and Freightliner and Sterling. In addition, it has expanded to include multi-line cars, light trucks and heavyduty trucks, and is also doing business nationally.

SOLAR SUPPLY $75 million to $99.9 million Employees: 225 www.solarsupply.us Founded in 1954, Solar Supply currently employees more than 200 people in 55 sales offices located in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. With revenues that exceed $75 million in 2007, the company distributes equipment, parts and supplies to more than 6,700 mechanical contractors in the HVAC industry and supports its local communities by participating in Luxaire’s partnership with the Make-AWish Foundation ® Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning recently honored Solar Supply with two prestigious awards, its 2007 Highest Sales Volume Award and a special Ten Years of Outstanding Performance Award. Both awards were presented to Solar Supply president Ronald R. Dingler on June 3, 2008. Dingler credited his company’s success to the hard work and dedication of its employees. “Both awards are a direct result of the entire Solar Supply team, whose efforts and commitment each day have enabled us to meet and exceed our sales goals while continuing

to provide our growing customer base with the products and the service they’ve come to expect from us.”

$50 MILLION TO $74.9 MILLION MARK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP $65.5 million Employees: 65 www.markdodge.net Mark Boniol, owner of Mark Dodge Chrysler Jeep, believes the strong overall economy last year boosted company sales in the five-parish area. The outlook is guarded for the next year following a recent expansion. Mark Dodge is a Five Star Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep dealership; the highest recognition DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation can award a dealership for excellence in customer service. Five Star dealerships follow a strict set of training, facility and process requirements, and DaimlerChrysler only grants this status to dealerships that consistently meet Five Star score standards on customer surveys.

Mark Dodge has served the five-parish Imperial Calcasieu area since 1997.

CAMERON COMMUNICATIONS $50 million to $74.9 million Employees: 160 www.camtel.com Cameron Communications has experienced a positive impact from business expansions and new businesses in Calcasieu and Cameron Parish, such as the re-opening of the South Cameron Memorial Hospital and building of two LNG plants. Over the past year, businesses and residents are returning to Cameron Parish as the area bounces back from the effects of Hurricane Rita.

Growth in the Carlyss area has also provided opportunities for the company.

Additionally, in 2007, Cameron

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PAGE 27

THE TOP FIFTY Communications expanded its service territory to Moss Bluff, offering phone, high-speed Internet, and cable TV service with a state-of-the-art, 100 percent buried fiber optic network to the homes and businesses in this growing area.

“With the completion of the two LNG plants, announcement of the rebuilding of the Cameron Parish school facilities and the Cameron Parish Courthouse Square project, we feel that these are positive key indicators of further growth in Calcasieu and Cameron Parish,” says George Mack, CEO. “Our expansion into Moss Bluff is another growth opportunity.” Cameron Communications continues to invest in its infrastructure to bring the most advanced telecommunications, highspeed Internet and cable TV services to its customers. “We continue to enhance our services with high-definition TV, video-on-demand, DVR, and higher Internet speeds, “ he explains. “The continued investment in our infrastructure and launch of new services to keep pace with our customers will bring increased opportunities for growth and a strong outlook for the future for not only Cameron Communications but the communities that we serve. Our vision was to become a broadband company and, today, we are known as a broadband company.”

SPONSORED BY

Bubba Oustalet Automotive Group Ricky Oustalet, Jimmy Lyons, Joel and Jimmy Oustalet

BUBBA OUSTALET AUTOMOTIVE GROUP $50 million to $74.9 million Employees: 90 http://bubbaoustalet.com Everything is “great” at Bubba Oustalet Automotive Group, according to Richard Oustalet, CEO. Business has remained steady in spite of fuel costs, and the future looks bright. The company sells and services new and used Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Cadillac products to customers in 10

parishes. Bubba Oustalet Automotive Group prides itself on its attention to customer satisfaction. The family owned and operated business has offered quality service from their headquarters in Jefferson Davis Parish since 1952.

PORT AGGREGATES $50 million to $74.9 million Employees: 155 www.portaggregates.com Business is booming at Port Aggregates, Inc. in Jennings. The com-

pany started in 1979 as a subsidiary of Guinn Bros. Inc., and became an independent company in 1985,when Andrew Guinn, Sr., took over as president. The company sold limestone as its primary product until 2001, when it opened its precast yard in Jennings and its first ready-mix concrete plant. Since then, the company has opened five additional ready-mix concrete plants and four limestone yards. It provides limestone, concrete, precast and ready mix throughout Southwest Louisiana, from Many to the Gulf Coast and from the Atchafalya Basin to East Texas. The company’s expansion substantially increased the sale of ready-mix concrete and boosted A the company’s aggregate sales.

R & R CONSTRUCTION $50 million to $74.9 million Employees: 450 R & R Construction is an industrial construction company that operates out of Sulphur. According to Andre Buisson, vice president and general manager, the company’s revenues remain consistent.

R&R has expanded its client base and services and the future looks excellent.

Buisson is proud of the approximately 35-40 employees who served in rescue efforts as a significant part of the “Cajun Navy” after Hurricane Katrina and

Since 1974 Central Crude, Inc. was founded in 1974 and over the years became the largest South Louisiana based crude oil purchaser. Beginning in the mid-1990's, we expanded our transportation capabilities by adding numerous crude oil pipeline gathering systems and terminals. Building on our vast experience and expertise in operating these systems, in the year 2000 we built our first gas gathering system in Southwest Louisiana. Finally, in 2002, we completed one of our 10-year growth goals by adding natural gas marketing to our full service capabilities.

P.O. Box 1863 Lake Charles, LA 70602 Phone: 337-436-1000 • FAX: 337-436-9602 PAGE 28

JULY 10, 2008

www.centralcrude.com

j

A

THE TOP FIFTY

assisted in area cleanup and relief immediately after Hurricane Rita. Established in 1995, the company started out in industrial civil construction and then expanded in 2002 to mechanical construction. R & R serves clients in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, offering industrial, commercial, municipal, highway and bridge construction. The company is presently expanding into the Virgin Islands.

$35 MILLION TO $49.9 MILLION

AEROFRAME SERVICES, LLC $42 million Employees: 500-plus www.aeroframe.com

Aeroframe Services, LLC is quite a success story. This aviation maintenance company offers services to both commercial and military concerns and is North America’s largest Airbus MRO. It provides maintenance, repair and overhaul to the most up-and-coming airfleet - the Airbus. The company’s mission is to keep all aircraft serviced by Aeroframe in peak condition and compliance as mandated by the FAA. Aeroframe was born as a result of EADS exiting the MRO market in 2003 and deciding to close the Lake Charles facility, then known as EADS Aeroframe. In lieu of plant closure and a loss of over 300 jobs, Roger Porter (formerly of Memphis) purchased the company and its assets/employees.

Within one month of the acquisition, Hurricane Rita devastated the plant.

Aeroframe took a major hit both structurally and financially, losing facilities, customers and employees. Facing bankruptcy, the company rebuilt its infrastructure with help from state and federal authorities while aggressively marketing itself to both customers and employees.

Three years later, Aeroframe has tripled its employee and customer base. It’s one of the fastest growing employers in the state and is the “Premier” Airbus Maintenance Facility of America. CEO Porter is proud of his company’s success.

“New customer requests for services are coming in daily and we are turning away jobs that we cannot accommodate simply due to manpower,” he says. “If 100 additional employees were available, we could hire them today.”

ALL STAR PONTIAC/GMC $48.7 million Employees: 80 www.allstar-pontiac-gmc.com

All Star Pontiac GMC is having a great year and will be opening a new dealership facility in December at its

current location, 1180 E. Napoleon Street in Sulphur.

“We are looking forward to serving our customers in our brand-new facility,” says Kim Guidry, CEO. “We have outgrown our (current) facility and are very excited about our new facility. We will have a brand-new accessory shop to browse in and a comfortable atmosphere to shop in. And our service area will be new.” With new models coming out and a new dealership in the works, All Star has a positive outlook on the future economy. “We are looking forward to a great and positive year. We have new products such as the New Acadia, which is the hottest-selling crossover on the market today,” Guidry says. Founded in 1988, All Star is a family-run, hands-on operation that continues to grow, year after year.

LEEVAC INDUSTRIES, LLC $35 million to 49.9 million Employees: 350 www.leevac.com It was another good year for Jennings-based LEEVAC Industries, LLC. Troy Skelton, Vice President of Operations, reports that revenues are up. “The economic outlook is very good, as exploration of oil and gas in the deep water and ultra deepwater markets continues,” he says. Finding skilled laborers is still the biggest obstacle, however. The company builds and repairs new steel-hulled offshore supply vessels, ocean-going barges, and casino and other specialty vessels. The company was founded in 1913, as Zigler Shipyards and was purchased by the Vaccari family in 1965, then changed its name to LEEVAC Shipyards.

ALFRED PALMA, INC. $35 million to $49.9 million Employees: 60-80 www.apalmainc.com General contractor Alfred Palma, Inc, reports that revenues in 2007 are holding steady as the year before.

“After being in business for over 22 years, we have seen the ups and downs in this area,” says Alfred Palma, chief executive. “However, we have been able to grow, and we feel we are able to continue to grow.” Construction of Ritadamaged buildings continues to keep the company busy. Alfred Palma, Inc. was founded in 1986 when construction was at its worst due to oil prices and high interest rates. Working through that period gave the company the confidence that it is here to stay. It does strictly commercial jobs, usually within a 100-mile radius of Lake Charles.

THERMOPLASTIC SERVICES GROUP $36 million Employees: 102 www.paragonplasticsheet.com In keeping with tradition, the Thermoplastic Services Group has another exciting year to report in the Times Top 50. The group formerly consisted of Thermoplastic Services, Inc. and Paragon Plastic Sheet, Inc., both located in DeQuincy. In a bold move, the group purchased controlling interest of longtime client Global Thermoplastic Compounding located in Houston. Why a bold move? Read on.

The cornerstone of the group’s success continues to be Thermoplastic Services, Inc. (TSI) founded by Eddie Wade in 1993. It purchases, recycles or processes and re-sells plastic raw materials from producers such as ExxonMobil, Total (Fina), ChevronPhillips and Pinnacle Polymers, to name a few. The year had some exciting moments when it lost a source of supply and had to switch lending institutions. “It was sad to lose the local Basell contract to a Vietnamese firm after 29 years of dedicated service,” says TSI President Ashley Wade. “Equally sad when we had to leave the state to obtain funding for our growing business interests. But despite the two incidents, we emerged with a near profit-breaking year for TSI, and 2008 promises to be even better.”

Paragon Plastic Sheet, Inc. is the group’s plastic sheet manufacturing arm. Paragon was founded in 2000 when CEO Ashley Wade and his father Eddie purchased a longterm client in Florida and moved the operation to DeQuincy. Paragon made a break for it and tried to pass up sibling TSI in profitability and growth rate, but has been recently stymied by high plastic prices.

“Paragon competes with a lot of wood products in the animal containment business, which is its former core business,” says Wade. “Wood, especially OSB, has been extremely inexpensive.”

New projects underway in 2008 have helped break away from those markets.

One-inch- thick slabs of plastic for bathroom partitions and Polyethylene lockers are now the core. “The antimicrobial lockers are my current favorite,” says Wade. “We have a niche in this market for gyms and hospitals. Our products are able to kill E-Coli and MRSA (the antibiotic resistant staff infections that have recently been in the headlines taking the lives of many) on contact. These niche items, like our hurricane shutters, are our best fit.”

With these under its belt, Paragon is looking for its next project. The newcomer to the group is Global Thermoplastic Compounding. This for-

mer TSI client joined the group in 2007 when the Wades bought controlling interest in the firm. Father and son then bought additional shares for two longterm TSI employees, making them minority partners along with previous owners Charles McDonald and Joe Dally. The new alliance allowed financially strapped Global to refurbish its existing equipment and to purchase a massive new processing line. The synergies developed by the new union even surprise the owners. TSI had supplied Global with the majority of its raw materials for years, but now having control and uniting sales and logistics is creating new opportunities. Most impressive is Global’s ability to now help Paragon on some of its niche business. Currently, Global is working on a flame retardant for the plastics used in Paragon’s lockers. All of this comes together when TSI sells the plastic to Global, Global gives it new properties like fireproofing or strengthening, Global sells it to Paragon, Paragon makes a product and sells it to an end user. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? So why was it stated that acquiring Global was a bold move? “Perhaps the ‘financially strapped’ part of Global didn’t jump out enough,” explains Wade. “To have the intestinal fortitude to take a failing company and plug it into two strong companies sounds crazy. But with the hard work of the TSG team, Global is already right side up.” It is a strong candidate to give TSI a run for its money within the next two years while boosting the sales and profitability of its two sister companies along the way.

Check back next year to see if TSG can reach its goal of breaking the $50 million mark for 2008!

$25 MILLION TO $34.9 MILLION BESSETTE DEVELOPMENT CORP. $25 million to 34.9 million Employees: 130 Revenue was up in 2007 for Bessette Development, in spite of the usual employment issues that are affecting so many of the Top 50 companies.

“There is a shortage of certain classes of employees,” says CEO Harvey Bessette. Still, the company had a great year and is forging ahead with an excellent economic forecast for the future.

With the company’s roots in building construction, some of its projects have been Jennings High School, Memorial Hospital-Gauthier Campus, Moss Bluff Elementary and Middle Schools and the Calcasieu Parish (14th Judicial) Courthouse. In recent years, the compa-

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THE TOP FIFTY ny expanded into road and asphalt paving manufacture, which has changed the mix of the company’s traditional business. The construction firm opened in 1982 as a small commercial developer and now serves five Southwest Louisiana parishes.

BRASK, INC., IEE $32 million Employees: 100 www.ieeinc.net Headquartered in Sulphur, Brask, Inc., Industrial Equipment Engineering, designs manufactures and repairs shell and tube heat exchangers and other process-related equipment. Its service area incorporates all of the United States and Canada as well as South America. Bal Sareen, president, reports that with new ownership in 1999, the company has grown from a revenue of $4 million in 2000, to $32 million in 2007.“This growth can be attributed to [the company’s] dynamic, knowledgeable and project-oriented team and state-of-the-art fabrication facility for efficient and streamlined manufacturing processes,” he says. Currently, Brask, Inc. is involved in various multi-million dollar projects for expansion and debottlenecking of refining processes for its major Fortune 500 companies. Sareen

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JULY 10, 2008

believes the future economic outlook looks good for at least two more years.

GULF ISLAND SHRIMP AND SEAFOOD $25.5 million Employees: 150 www.fmfoods.com Managing partners Mark Abraham and Larry Avery merged both of their companies, French Market Foods and Gulf Island Shrimp, into one very profitable company. They felt there were some synergies of marketing and management they could take advantage of by being one company. “Tony Chachere’s Cajun food line should have increases over last year due to strong holiday sales,” say the owners. “The roll out of IQF (individual quick freezing) wild American shrimp into the retail grocery stores should also provide sales increases for 2008. Therefore, with the increased visibility of the Tony Chachere brands in shrimp packages and Cajun food lines, we believe the future is bright.” Fuel prices continue to add costs to all aspects of the business, however. “Raw materials have increased for our Cajun food line and fewer boats are shrimping due to increases in fuel prices,” they say. Since the merger with French Market Foods, Gulf Island Shrimp continues to process

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and distribute Tony Chachere’s products of sausage, boneless stuffed chickens, turduchens and turduchen rolls, and single-serve frozen entrees. “We now have Tony Chachere’s retail shrimp that consumers like because it is wild-caught from the Gulf and tastes better,” say the owners. “We also have IQF (individual quick frozen) retail packs of shrimp that is convenient for thawing what you desire to cook.” The owners are confident that sales for 2008 will be up from 2007 because the merger will provide increased marketing and management efforts.

LEE DEE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTING CO. INC. $33 million Employees: 22 Lee Dee Wholesale Distributing Co. Inc., supplies automotive, paper, tobacco candy, soft drinks and snacks goods to convenience stores throughout Southwest and Central Louisiana. It has been in business since 1946. With competition brisk, the company needs to stay on its toes. “Employees are a major problem, but gas is the biggest hit we’ve taken,” says CEO Robert Hale.

“A very competitive market means you must continually solicit new business and expand your product line.”

RECON MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. $28 million Employees: 350 www.recon-group.com ReCon Management Services, Inc., ended 2007 with a record year, but it didn’t start out that way. “The first quarter of 2007 was slow,” says CEO Roger Boyette. “As an engineering company, we are dependent upon our clients getting approvals for their projects. Everyone was talking about upcoming projects, but did not have the approvals to start them. Once those approvals started coming in, we ended with a record year of $28.5 million. We thank God for His faithfulness, and credit our fantastic staff for the quality work that continues to bring our clients back.” He says the economic outlook is great for engineering services. But the company’s biggest roadblock, like so many others, is finding qualified employees to meet the demand of its clients “The market is very competitive for our employees and that will continue to be a problem, “ he says. ReCon was founded in 1995 by Roger Boyette, Reggy Saxon and Bob Lyons with a desire to operate a business based on God’s principles. “God has been great and has blessed this effort, as we have

THE TOP FIFTY ReCon Management Services, Inc. Roger Boyette, Bob Lyons, Reggy Saxon

SPONSORED BY

was founded in 1965, just opened a brand new facility for Nissan next door to the original dealership, where Ford will remain.

monsoursphotography.com

HEALTH SYSTEMS 2000 $15 million to $24.9 million Employees: 340 www.hhc2000.com

grown from three employees in 1995 to the present staffing of approximately 350,” says Boyette. ReCon’s sales have steadily grown an average of approximately 25 percent per year since 2000.

Boyette looks forward to another record-breaking year in 2008. ReCon Management Services provides professional project management, engineering and design services for area industrial plant facilities in Southwest Louisiana and the Golden Triangle of Southeast Texas.

$15 MILLION TO $24.9 MILLION GRAY NISSAN FORD MERCURY $15 million to $24.9 million Employees: 34 Business is great and the future outlook even better at Gray Nissan in Deridder. Although big truck and SUV sales are understandably down because of fuel prices, small car sales are up for the same reason. The company, which

Due to the advancement of new technology, revenues for Health Systems 2000 went up in 2007. With a new office in Alexandria, it now has 17 locations statewide. The health care management company was founded in 1994 by Lisa Walker. It provides home health, hospice care and medical equipment services throughout South Louisiana. With improved care and technology, health care in the home continues to be both an efficient and cost-effective means to treat the aging population.

wholesale lumber supplier and is now in its second generation of management.

Although revenue is up from last year, CEO Dick Kennison states that rising fuel costs and the mortgage debacle did affect the company. “Our future economic outlook looks good, but we’ve experienced slower growth [this year] than in the past three to four years,” he says. However, the company has the sole distributorship in North America for Z-Plank, a laminated veneer scaffold plank manufactured in New Zealand.

The demand for this product has kept business steady.

KENNISON FOREST PRODUCTS $18.4 million Employees: 7 www.kennisonforest.com Kennison Forest Products, based in Sulphur, distributes wholesale lumber and plywood throughout the U.S. and Canada. Kennison began in 1980 as a

Kennison Forest Products Dick Kennison

Celebrating our

Forty Seventh Year, we would like to express our appreciation to the area industries for a great relationship.

Levingston will continue their commitment to provide area industries with Quality Design Engineering Services.

Founded August 1, 1961 LEVINGSTON ENGINEERS, INC.

ISO 9001 Certificate GAC 207

Professional Design Engineers www.levingston.com Phone: (337) 527-3806 • Fax: (337) 625-8213 JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 31

TheTOP Top FIFTY Fifty THE

LAKE CHARLES AUTO AUCTION $17.9 million Employees: 20 www.lcautoauction.com

Mike Pedersen’s Lake Charles Auto Auction is independently owned and family operated. The company strives to apply the values of fair and honest treatment to all. Members of the National Auto Auction Association and the National and Louisiana Auctioneer’s Associations, the auctions are fully computerized to efficiently handle each vehicle from check-in through final sale.

Pederson reports that sales are steady—a result of good customer service. “We pride ourselves on a professional, yet personal and friendly atmosphere,” says Pedersen. “The care of our employees, and dealer relations, are our priorities.

We have fair arbitration personnel, and the best automobile auctioneers in the country. Here, you can break away from the big-city hassle and cut through the corporate red tape.” Founded in 1991, the service area covers 400 miles.

LEVINGSTON ENGINEERS, INC. $18.4 million Employees: 210 www.levingston.com

In business since 1961, Levingston Engineers, Inc., is located in Sulphur.

CEO Mark Nixon says that revenues remain the same from last year. “There were resource shortages due to the volume of service work being performed in the Gulf South Region,” he says. But it did not affect the bottom line, and Nixon predicts a steady growth at a rate of fiveto-ten percent annually. The company considers quality to be its highest priority, and prides itself on keeping costs within budget, getting the work out on time, and producing results that will meet or exceed the expectations of the clients.

Levingston operates under the firm belief that without the people it has, it would not be in business. Consequently, much emphasis is placed not only on employees; but on the community as a whole.

The company participates in and supports organizations such as the United Way, Partners in Education, the Chamber of Commerce and several baseball and soccer teams. Levingston Engineers services Texas, Southwest Louisiana and the Gulf Coast with civil, mechanical and electrical engineering projects.

MCDONALD’S OF CALCASIEU PARISH $15 million to $24.9 million Employees: 480

Sales are on the upswing at McDonald’s of Calcasieu Parish, even

though maintaining a steady workforce is always a challenge for the fast food company. President Doug Gehrig reports that the future looks good for the area. His late father, Mel, began the local eateries in 1972. The organization has grown steadily to 11 locations over the past 35 years.

$10 MILLION TO $14.9 MILLION CENTURY GROUP, INC. $13,841,000 Employees: 92 www.centurygrp.com Labor shortage and transportation costs have had the largest impact on Century Group, Inc., over the last 12 months, according to Rusty Vincent, secretary/treasurer. Even with a softening of the economy, the company looks to maintain stable sales in its line of precast concrete products as well as growth in the railroad product division of its line of railroad spill containment systems. Indeed, business is up from last year. Century Group, Inc. originated in 1946 when company founder Alma Como, despite his blindness, created a mold to pour concrete steps for houses in the area. Over a period of 25 years, the company expanded to five manufacturing plants covering over 30 states. In the mid-80s, the company began manufacturing concrete highway crossing panels for the railroad industry and railroad spill containment sytems in the mid-90s.Now Century Group in Sulphur is the leading manufacturer and supplier of precast concrete steps, concrete railroad grade crossings, railroad spill collection systems and other precast concrete products to the lower 48 states. Century’s railroad spill containers are shipped worldwide.

LA ASH, INC. $10 million to $14.9 million Employees: 25 www.laash.net Revenues were up in 2007 for LA Ash due to the expansion of major industrial facilities along the Gulf Coast. New to the Top 50 this year, LA Ash is a construction material supplier headquartered in Sulphur. The company was founded in 1996 when it was contracted to sell the petcoke combustion products from the Louisiana cogeneration facility in Lake Charles. At the time, the facility operated the largest petcoke-fired CFB steam generators in the world. Each of the two 100 MW steam generators produced 825,000 pound per hour of main steam at 1,005

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JULY 10, 2008

degrees F and 1,625 psig, as well as 727,000 pounds of reheat steam. Since entering a contract to sell fly and bed ash, LA Ash has sold over three million tons. It has also processed and sold more than two million tons of the hydrated material now called OPF42.

MILLER LIVESTOCK MARKETS, INC. $13, 954.775 Employees: 27 The cost of fuel, grain and fertilizer crops is rising, but business is still brisk at Miller Livestock Markets, Inc. Founded in 1962, Miller Livestock Markets is now the third largest in cattle sales in Louisiana and the largest in horse, sheep and goat sales in the state.

Sales at Miller Livestock Markets start each Saturday morning at 10, with special horse sales the first and third Monday of each month.

OILQUIP, INC. $10 million to $14.9 million Employees: 45 www.oilquipinc.com “Business is stable and our outlook is bright,” says Toni Yoder of OilQuip.

“In December of 2007, we completed construction on our new 15,000 square foot fabrication shop.” That same year, OilQuip was awarded the Lantern Award for excellence in manufacturing.

The company builds and fabricates hydraulic systems, servicing paper, lumber, rubber and petrochemical industries in Louisiana, East Texas, Southern Arkansas and West Mississippi.

OilQuip has offices in Lake Charles, Beaumont, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Founded in 1963, by Richard Yoder, OilQuip is now entering into third-generation employees.

O’NEAL’S FEEDER SUPPLY, INC. $10 million to $14.9 million Employees: 40 O’Neal’s Feeder Supply, Inc., in DeRidder has been serving farmers for over 50 years. Ed O’Neal is happy to report that business is stable, but is concerned with rising costs. “The dramatic increases in feed ingredients and fertilizer costs have been very detrimental to the livestock sector and significantly increased risks to farmers,” he says.

“This is the most challenging business environment for agriculture.” Founded in 1952, the company began serving local farmers and livestock producers throughout Beauregard and Vernon Parishes. The business has evolved into a manufacturer of livestock feeds and fertilizers distributed through a dealer network throughout Louisiana.

THE RUSH COMPANIES $10 million to $14.9 million Employees: 35 Howard J. Rush, Sr., founded The Rush Companies in 1966.

Headquartered in Oakdale in Allen Parish, they include Great Central Life Insurance Co., Great Central Fire Insurance Co, nine Rush Funeral Home locations, The Rush Center, and Rush Mortgage Investment Co. The companies have had continued growth throughout the years and have a bright future, according to Kelly Rush Williams, company president. “Revenue is approximately the same as last year, but we’re looking for growth in 2009,” she says.

$5 MILLION TO $9.9 MILLION CALCASIEU MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. $6.5 million Employees: 51 www.calmech.net Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors is a commercial air conditioning installation and plumbing company serving Southwest Louisiana, East Texas and Lafayette. The company is growing and the future looks good. Founded in 1988

by Ray J. Blanchard, Sr., it now has 51 employees, but still maintains a small, family-type atmosphere. CEO Jim Blanchard says, “We are committed to the highest standards of quality in the HVAC industry. Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors, Inc. is determined to be the premier company of its kind in the geographical markets it serves through quality workmanship, environmental friendliness, fairness and loyalty to employees, and a good neighbor to the communities it serves.”

FRESHKO FOODSERVICE, INC. $6.8 million Employees: 15 www.freshko.com Freshko Foodservice is a distributor of a full line of food products within a 150-mile radius of its headquarters in Lake Charles. CEO Homer Robin reports some challenges in 2007. “Half of our sales staff was recruited by a large foodservice company and that indeed reduced our sales,” he says.

“However, our bottom line is much better. We have been able to keep the majority of our customers due to our customer relations. We know that the food industry is changing quickly, and with God’s direction, we are confident

THE TOP FIFTY

monsoursphotography.com

Cycles & More Lynn and Wes McFadden

that He will help us to change with the industry and implement safeguards for our food supply.” In order for the company to move to the next level, Robin anticipates putting in place a HAACP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) program that will allow the company to sell to the major chains, Freshko began in 1988 when Robin, a buyer for a local produce firm, was laid off. With his friend, Jim Guilbeaux, Sr., they decided to start their own business in an abandoned warehouse north of Lake Charles. Strictly a produce company for the first 15 years, the product line was broadened five years ago to include dry goods, meat and seafood.

HONDA OF LAKE CHARLES $5.5 million to $9.9 million Employees: 15 www.hondaoflakecharles.com With gas prices rising, it’s a good time to be a motorcycle dealer. Honda of Lake Charles offers a full line of Honda ATV’s, motorcycles, scooters, and generators, and an expanded service department from its “Honda Powerhouse” showroom building on College Street. Area growth is securing the company’s economic future. Honda of Lake Charles has remained in the top 100 in sales in the United States for Honda Corporation for the past several years, and No. 2 in the area, certifying them as a Powerhouse Dealer. Its signature “concept store” was designed by Honda Corporation. This is Honda’s fourth year on the Top 50 list.

OASIS FOOD, INC. $9 million Employees: 13 www.angelfire.com/la2/oasisfoods New to the Top 50 is retail and wholesale food distributor Oasis Foods of Lake Charles. The company has been supplying groceries to Lake Area businesses and residents for 16 years. Eddie

Southland Coins & Collectibles Malcom Self

and Wedad Abrusley started their business from their garage in 1983. They’re a full-line distributor that carries over 2,000 quality products such as frozen foods, dry goods, paper products, cleaning supplies, disposables, and produce.

They have a steady business selling primarily to casinos.

SABINE POOLS & SPAS $5.5 million to $9.9 million Employees 78 www.sabinepools.com The success of Sabine Pools is a clear indicator that backyard fun in Southwest Louisiana will always be a big priority for its residents. “Backyards never go out of style!” says Joey Tassin, CEO of Sabine Pools and Spas. “The continued focus on family, home and backyards leads to great residential pool designs.” He admits that there’s a problem with trade labor. “It’s a tough job market for hiring,” he says. “But we do expect to continue to grow.” Sabine has locations in the Lake Charles and Lafayette markets, and has been in business since 1975. Founded by Houston Tassin; it’s now owned by his three sons: Joey, Dean and David.

Specializing in custom-designed gunite and vinyl-liner pools, as well as hot tubs, patio furniture and pool supplies, Sabine is a repeat Aqua 100 winner, recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 pool companies.

SOUTHLAND COINS & COLLECTIBLES $9.3 million Employees: 4 www.southlandcoins.net “Due to inflation, gold and silver prices have continued to escalate, like oil,” says Malcolm Self, CEO of Southland Coins and Collectibles. “This has increased the demand for precious metals.” The business continues to grow, with 99 percent of sales coming from the Internet. “We’re still shipping

all over the world,” he says. “The Internet has created a parity in some areas of our business, which helps us to compete on an international level.”

Barring any major government intervention into the Intenet or VAT taxes, Southland should remain competitive in the global market. The company was founded in 1985 out of Self’s house.

“The company kept growing, so I quit my job in the oil patch and opened a storefront in 1987,” he says. “Since we discovered the Internet in 1999, our sales have skyrocketed. This is the seventh year we’ve made the Times Top 50 and we are very proud of that.” The company will be moving into its new world headquarters in September of 2008. “This will allow us more security, privacy, and a better environment for our local clients.” Self credits his dedicated staff, that works from “can ‘til can’t do,” for the company’s success.

$3 MILLION TO $5.49 MILLION CYCLES & MORE $3 million to $5.49 million Employees: 15 www.cyclesandmore.net With gas prices rising, motorcycles and scooters are selling fast at Cycles & More in Lake Charles. “We overstocked because the Rita/Katrina boom didn’t last as long as we had anticipated,” says CEO Lynn McFadden. But things are changing fast. “Now we’re selling all the motorcycles and scooters we can!” The business sells and services outdoor recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles, atv’s, utility vehicles and jet skis. “We’re a family-owned business,” says Lynn.

“My husband Wes is in charge of day-today operations. Our daughter Kandice is our finance and insurance person, and I keep the books.” She stresses that their employees are like family to them.

“Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but

when we have a rough year like we had last year, they all came through for us,” she says. “And that means everything.”

DUBOIS SHEET METAL WORKS, INC. $3 million to $5.49 million Employees: 35-45 New to the Top 50, Dubois Sheet Metal had a very good year in 2007.

“The majority of our work is with the oil companies and chemical plants,” says Carl Dubois, CEO. “The last three to four years have been our best years as far as workloads. We expect to see the same thing for the next few years.”

Junious Dubois started the company in 1953. “It mainly did light sheet metal work and flashings,” says Carl Dubois.

“His longest project before retirement was the Lake Charles Civic Center duct work along with St. Pat’s five-story addition and Lake Charles’ Memorial’s 10-story addition.” After Dubois senior retired in 1998, son Carl took over as president and moved into industrial fabrication. Looking ahead to the future, he’s in the process of training his sons to continue the business.

EAGLE ELECTRIC MACHINERY $3 million to $5.49 million Employees: 22 www.eagleelectricinc.net Established in 1989, Eagle Electric Machinery in Sulphur has built its success on electric motor repair and sales.

Business has increased with an expanding client base despite rising fuel costs.

The company offers a diversified scope of service benefits. The motor shop repairs electric motors from fractional to 10,000 horsepower. The Eagle Electric Machine Shop is a full-service machine shop specializing in pump, gearbox, compressor, and electric motor-related repair items. Citgo, Louisiana Pigment, Firestone, Entergy, and W.R. Grace are among the major companies in the area serviced by Eagle Electric Machinery.

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THE TOP FIFTY J&J EXTERMINATING CO, INC. $5.2 million Employees: 79 jjext.com

Cigarettes Cigars Tobacco Automotive Energy Drinks

Energy Pills Snacks Water DVD Magazines

Grocery Paper Products Candy Novelty Items Gatorade

J & J Exterminating Co., Inc. has had a great year. “All areas of the business have shown increases,” says CEO Tim Broussard. This is despite some vehicle accidents and the rising price of chemicals. “If gas would stabilize, we have a very bright outlook. All areas of the business have shown increases.” The pest control company, started by Don and Tim Broussard and their partners, Robert and Bobby John, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2007. It has ten offices across the state and is the largest independent pest control company in Louisiana.

JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME $3 million to $5.49 million Employees: 32 www.johnsonfuneralhome.net

FRESHKO FOODSERVICE, INC. 1210 3rd Street • P.O. Box 305 • Lake Charles, LA 70602

(337) 433.8804 • (800) 256-1847 • FAX: 433-1665

Johnson Funeral Home opened its doors to the Southwest Louisiana community in October of 1976, with Zeb Johnson as managing partner and sole funeral director. The funeral home began with one chapel and two staterooms, with a small residence attached for the Johnson family. As the market for cremations grew, the Johnson family built Lake Charles Crematory, LLC, in close proximity to the funeral home. Today, the crematory services funeral homes in the six-parish area. In the early 1990s, the Johnson family moved to other quarters and the former residence became its business office. In 2000, the entire funeral home was renovated. In 2003, Johnson Funeral Home enhanced its technology so that today, its services are more meaningful. Johnson Funeral Home is still directed by Zeb Johnson, with the capable assistance of nine funeral directors and an ancillary staff of 15. Revenue has remained about the same, although Johnson notes that the death rate in Louisiana went down in 2007.

LLOYD LAUW COLLISION REPAIR CENTER $3 million to $5.49 million Employees: 24 lloydlauw.com Making its debut on the Top 50 list this year is Lloyd Lauw Collision Repair Center of Sulphur, one of the largest collision repair facilities in the area. The business opened in June of 2001 with five employees, and hit the ground running. “In 2002 we broke the million dollar mark,” CEO Lloyd Lauw says proudly. The business has continued its steady

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JULY 10, 2008

growth. “2007 was another record sales year for the company,” he says. “ [We had] a 300 percent growth in sales!” He attributes the company’s success to an additional work area, new modern equipment, additional services, and the acquisition of several fleet contracts. “The future looks good,” says Lauw. “We’re planning further expansion in 2009.” The company prides itself on quality and timeliness. “It’s our commitment to our customers to return their automobile to pre-wreck condition in a timely manner and to lessen the inconvenience of a collision as much as possible,” says Lauw.

In addition, the company offers a lifetime guarantee on all repairs and paint jobs.

NORTHFORK ENTERPRISES, LLC $3 million to $5.49 million Employees: 40-50 www.lakecharleselectric.com A highly skilled workforce and team of committed individuals have contributed to the longevity and success of this local electrical contractor. Lake Charles Electric Company, LLC, is the cornerstone of Northfork Enterprises, which also encompasses Lake Charles Mechanical, LLC and Ins-Trol, LLC. The company’s main office is in Westlake and specializes in industrial and large commercial projects. Lake Charles Electric has provided quality workmanship with high safety standards for over 50 years. According to CEO Earl O’Quinn III, rising fuel costs and Rita-related changes in the economy has been a challenge, but with the expansion of the construction market, the outlook is excellent.

S&M FAMILY OUTLET $3 million to $5.49 million Employees: 25 www.sandmfamilyoutlet.com In its second year on the Top 50, S&M Family Outlet is one of the most popular and oldest discounters in the Lake area. In 1956, Joe Stoma opened a small weekend-only warehouse full of deeply discounted clothes and shoes bought from department and specialty stores. The business soon moved to 814 Third Avenue in Lake Charles, where a wholesale business was established.

After graduating from McNeese, Stoma’s son, Steve, took over the reins, opening stores in Beaumont and Port Arthur. With the economy in tough shape, people are looking for deals, so businesses like S&M should continue to do well. Incredible buys and great inventory keep the customers coming in, says Steve Stoma, now CEO of S&M.

THE TOP FIFTY TULCO II, LLC $3 million to 5.49 million Employees: 3 www.tulcostorage.com Tulco has been providing industrial storage services to industries involving petrochemical, chemical, paper, wood products, power generation, and many others. Tulco was established by Eagle Electric Machinery, Inc. in 1997 to provide its customers with a climate controlled/dehumidified environment to store spare motors, pumps, and other rotating equipment after being repaired by Eagle.

Over the last 10 years, Tulco has grown from approximately 12,000 to 94,000 sq. ft. Tulco’s cranes have a lift capacity of up to 20 tons / 40,000 lbs and forklifts with a lift capacity of up to 8,000 lbs.

The company is proud of its employees and with revenues up in 2007, is looking forward to another good year.

UNDER $3 MILLION LAKE CHARLES MUSIC $2.1 million Employees: 15 lakecharlesmusic.com

New to the Top 50 this year is Lake Charles Music. Established in 1977 as a piano store, it has expanded to include other instruments such as drums, keyboards and guitars. It also supplies amps and home audio/video equipment and has a 48-track recording studio. In addition, the store carries a diverse selection of music and will be happy to order hard-tofind CDs for its customers. The very talented company president Ed Fruge produced and wrote the music for the film Rocky IV in 1984. Revenue is up due to the effects of Rita as music equipment needed to be replaced. Always looking ahead, Fruge says the future outlook is excellent, as the company has expanded into telecommunication equipment and plasma /LCD TV/projection systems.

AMERICA’S LARGEST AIRBUS MAINTENANCE FACILITY Located at Chennault Airpark (I-210 @ Legion), Aeroframe is one of Louisiana's fastest growing employers, with current openings for more that 70 positions.

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PAGE 35

Pumpelly Tire Co.,LLC 2600 Highway 14 • Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-478-6565 3406 Ryan Street • Lake Charles, LA 70605 337-477-9850 1500 Ruth Street • Sulphur, LA 70663 337-527-6355.

Pumpelly Oil Company 1890 Swisco Road • Sulphur, LA 70665 337-625-1117 • 800-256-2512

Now Available for Flex-Fuel Vehicles

“A Special Thanks to You, Our Customers!”

Distributor of quality fuels, lubricants, chemicals and specialty products.

PAGE 36

JULY 10, 2008

WHAT’S

UP DOC?

How does smoking affect my cholesterol?

Smoking has several dangerous effects on cholesterol.

Smoking reduces HDL (good) cholesterol and is believed to change LDL (bad) cholesterol to a form that promotes the buildup of deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries. In addition, smoking has harmful effects on the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, smoking substantially raises the risk for coronary heart disease if you are healthy, and multiplies that risk many more times if you already have other risk factors such as high blood cholesterol or are overweight. Smoking also affects the entire vascular system negatively, including the carotid arteries in the neck, which can lead to stroke, and the peripheral arteries in the legs, which can lead to peripheral vascular disease.

Richard Gilmore, MD, Cardiologist with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic I have a "gummy" smile. Can anything be done about that?

Definitely, in most cases. A symmetrical and even gum line is one of the most important aspects of getting a beautiful smile. Gum sculpting is a common cosmetic dental procedure that provides instant results.

Harry Castle, DDS, with Oak Park Dental I’ve noticed that the last few times I’ve visited my elderly grandmother, she seems to not know exactly what day it is. She also seems to be messy, like she is not taking care of herself. Could this mean she has Alzheimer’s?

Yes, these symptoms are concerning and could indicate Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. The basic symptoms to look for include memory loss, getting lost and forgetting the names of others or simple objects. An evaluation is definitely indicated. A visit to her family doctor would be the easiest way to get started if you give him/her a “heads up” on what’s going on ahead of time. Then, the appropriate referral could be made, if needed, to a neurologist or psychiatrist.

D. Dale Archer, Jr., MD, psychiatrist with Institute for Neuropsychiatry

MIKE ALLEN Financial Advisor

To schedule your complimentary financial review, call or visit today.

4840 Lake Street Suite B Lake Charles, LA 70605

337-477-0040

Proudly Serving Industry in Southwest Louisiana and The Golden Triangle Since 1995 337-583-4662 3649 Beglis Parkway, Sulphur, LA 70665

Is home healthcare just for someone right after they leave the hospital?

No. Home healthcare services can address a wide variety of healthcare needs for people in many different situations. Services range from help with household chores to the management of chronic conditions, to physical therapy after an injury. Those who should consider home health care services include: • Individuals with a disability; • Someone recovering from an illness, surgery or hospital stay; • Someone with a chronic condition such as diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, lupus, etc.; • An aging adult who is unable to care for themselves without some assistance; and • Someone with a terminal illness The type of home care service needed depends on factors such as the patient’s mental and physical health, the home environment, and available support from family or friends. Some may only require an occasional visit from a nurse to administer medication. Others may need more elaborate medical care or other types of support.

Brian Gamborg, MD, Medical Director, Home Health Agency of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 37

HealthCARE

Dry Start to Season Means Higher Risk For Mosquitoes

Carrying Disease

Mosquitoes will always be a part of everyday life here in Southwest Louisiana. These pesky insects are primarily thought of as nothing more than just a nuisance; but in fact, they are a threat to human and animal health.

Worldwide, more than 2 million people die from mosquito-transmitted diseases each year, with millions more affected. Primary diseases include malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, rift valley fever and the various encephalitis viruses. Within the last several years, mosquitoes have been recognized as a threat to public health here in the U.S., with the emergence of West Nile virus.

“We had been lulled into a false feeling of security regarding mosquitoes and their potential to transmit diseases,” said Lucas Terracina of Calcasieu Parish Mosquito Control. “West Nile virus was a wake-up call to the need for effective vector control programs.”

Mosquito-borne diseases have always been here, but since the 1950s, there had been only sporadic outbreaks with minimal affects on human health.

However, everything changed when the West Nile virus was found in the New York City area in 1999. By 2003, the PAGE 38

JULY 10, 2008

virus had spread from coast to coast, causing hundreds of deaths and afflicting thousands. Besides humans, many species of animals and birds were also affected. The impact of how fast this disease spread, and its far-reaching affects, reemphasized the importance of mosquitoes as a threat to human and animal health.

Here in Louisiana, West Nile virus is potentially a year-round problem, as cases have been recorded in every month. Still, the peak of transmission runs from early July through September, and it is the time period when most of the human and animal cases appear.

“We are fast approaching the time period for peak transmission for West Nile, along with a couple of other encephalitis viruses (St. Louis and Eastern Equine) commonly found in our area,” said Terracina.

Although there is no vaccine to protect humans against West Nile or the other encephalitis viruses, there is a very effective vaccine that can protect horses. “Horses are very susceptible to both West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis with high fatality rates. We therefore stress to horse owners the

importance of regular vaccinations against these diseases,” Terracina urged.

The fact that horses are normally exposed 24 hours a day to mosquitoes and have little in self-defenses makes the vaccination critical for their protection. Talk with your veterinarian for recommendations and schedules for the appropriate vaccine.

Since there is no vaccine for humans, the best advice is to reduce your exposure to mosquito bites.

Adhering to the following suggestions during peak transmission periods will help: • Reduce mosquito production sites around the premises; • Avoid outdoor activities during the peak periods of mosquito activity, which are at dawn and dusk; • Keep exposed skin to a minimum by wearing long pants and long sleeves; • Wear light-colored clothing, as darker colors attract; • Avoid fragrant perfumes or colognes, as these too can be an added attractant; and • Bring along repellents when outdoors and use as necessary.

“Although the overall risk of con-

tracting West Nile or one of the other encephalitis viruses is low, everyone should use commonsense practices along with personal protection to reduce their risks even lower,” said Terracina.

One other potentially fatal disease carried by mosquitoes is heartworms, which are transmitted to dogs.

Fortunately, there are effective medications that can be given to your pet that provide protection. “Dogs living in Louisiana probably have a 100 percent likelihood of contracting dog heartworms if medications are not administered,” added Terracina.

It is easy to see the impact mosquitoes have on human and animal health.

Mosquito control recognizes this and has ongoing surveillance to monitor for several of the above-mentioned diseases. As a disease is discovered, steps are then taken to reduce mosquito populations in an attempt to lower disease transmission.

For more information on mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, call 7213780, or go to the mosquito control web page at http://cpmc.cppj.net/.

Beware of Workplace

Diet Hazards

If you are among the millions of people who have made a resolution to eat healthier this year, your office could present the biggest threat to your diet plan. Most workplaces are mine fields of unhealthy food temptations – from morning-meeting pastries to lunches out with co-workers to the candy bars calling your name in the vending machines. The average office worker can easily consume thousands of excess calories during a typical 9 to 5 shift by succumbing to these temptations, according to Holly Compton, Director of Nutritional Services at Jennings American Legion Hospital. “When you consider that one glazed donut has about 280 calories and a typical candy bar has about 300 calories, it’s easy to see how the calories — and the pounds – can easily add up and derail even the healthiest of intentions.”

Since quitting your job or locking yourself in your office isn’t a rational solution, Compton cautioned the need to prepare for daily roadblocks. She offered the following advice for avoiding common office threats to your healthy eating plan:

half of the sandwich and some nuts or fruit at three or four. “This will help ward off afternoon cravings and junkfood breakdowns, as well as prevent you from being so hungry that you overeat for dinner.”

Threat: Candy dishes Solution: Don’t place sweets within arm’s reach. A recent study from the University of Illinois found that office workers who had candy on their desk ate an average of 2.9 more pieces per day than those who stored candy in their desk drawer, and 5.6 more pieces than those who kept their candy stash on a shelf across the room. Another idea is to fill your dish with low-cal or sugar-free candies. Better yet, Compton suggests getting rid of the candy dish and keeping containers of veggie sticks to nibble on when you get the urge to munch.

Threat: The vending machine Solution: Requesting that your office stock your vending machine with some healthful options, such as pretzels or raisins, is the best solution to this temptation. Sway your supervisors by telling them about a report that appeared in the American Journal of Health Behavior.

Researchers found the average medical cost for normal-weight employees is $114 a year, versus $513 for overweight staffers and $620 for obese workers. If you’re still having trouble resisting an unhealthful snack, post its nutritional rundown at your desk, along with the exercise it will require to burn off the calories. Staring down a stickynote that reads “Snickers, 273 calories, 14 grams of fat, one hour of walking on the treadmill” can be a powerful deterrent.

Threat: Company celebrations Solution: Compton advised setting an

eating limit for yourself, such as one small piece of cake or one cookie, before walking into an office birthday party or baby shower. And if you know an office event is taking place, cut back on calories at other meals that day to allow for the higher-calorie food you know will be served.

Threat: Sitting at your desk all day Solution: The American Council on Exercise recommends moving around every 90 minutes or so to burn off some calories. Being active at work is as simple as getting up off your chair while you’re on the phone (standing burns 30% more calories than sitting), using a remote printer, or walking over to your co-worker’s desk to talk to her instead of sending an e-mail. Do a few lunges or calf raises while waiting for the copier or fax machine. Another healthy alternative is finding a colleague to walk with at lunchtime.

Another good overall rule is to drink plenty of water throughout the day to make it easier to resist temptations.

“With a little planning to help fortify your willpower, avoiding obstacles to a healthy lifestyle at work is much easier,” said Compton. “For extra motivation if you are trying to lose weight, keep a picture of yourself at your thinnest, or post your goal weight in sight to give you added incentive throughout the day.”

Threat: Morning-meeting munchies Solution: Eat a healthful breakfast before coming into work — you’ll be less vulnerable to high-calorie, high-fat treats like donuts and muffins. If you’re not hungry when you first wake up or don’t have time to make breakfast, “bring a banana, cereal bar or yogurt to nibble on while you drive or when you get there,” suggested Compton. “And allow yourself a small portion of one goody, so you won’t feel depressed and deprived and go an eating binge later.”

Threat: The working lunch Solution: Enjoy a healthful lunch away from your desk — this even goes for workaholics. Eating while reading e-mail or doing paperwork means you’re not focusing on the taste and texture of the food, let alone how much you’re consuming.

Consequently, you’re likely to feel less satisfied and miss the cues that you’re full, said Compton. Get away from your desk and eat in a break room, conference room or even outside.

Another tip: Instead of filling up at one sitting, eat half a sandwich and a piece of fruit at noon, then the other

For a free tour guide highlighting affordable adventures close to home, call or visit our Web site today.

1-800-876-7899 LouisianaTravel.com

© 2007

Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 39

HealthCARE

Stop the

Madness

Do you feel your blood pressure rising as you drive to work each morning? Is a certain co-worker pushing you closer to the edge every day? Does the sound of your boss’s voice grate on every nerve in your body? If so, then you’re not alone. Psychologists and HR consultants say that today, more than ever before, workers feel stress, frustration and growing anger at their jobs, which is leading to lost productivity, derailed careers, and, in extreme cases, assaults on others.

“Anger and conflict are big issues in today's workplace, We’re seeing more people express anger or get into heated conflict in ways that range from inappropriate to highrisk,” said Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, NCC, CEAP, LPC, LMFT, Director of Solutions Employee Assistance Program.

“Regardless of how anger manifests itself in the workplace, angry employees create a workplace environment that is negative, hostile and frightening for employees. Employers pay a high price – whether they are responsible for creating or allowing such an environment – in lost productivity, employee retention problems, and potential legal repercussions. That’s why it is so important for employers to address anger management in the workplace and take preventive steps to create a non-volatile workplace.”

A recent Gallop poll highlights this issue, with two out of every ten employees surveyed stating they had been angry enough to "hurt" a co-worker in the last six months. As many as 18,000 workplace assaults are reported each week in the United States, and anger is undoubtedly a factor in some of the 1.7 million violent victimizations—mostly assaults—that Americans experience while working each year. (This includes incidents involving customers, clients, students and other nonemployees.)

Fortunately, the majority of angry employees aren’t assailants in the making, according to Forbess-McCorquodale. “Most of the people with anger issues are not violent. They’re simply people who have a difficult time expressing anger in an appropriate way – at home or at work. For many, rage is not so much an explosion but rather a slow burn – a build-up of perceived slights and injustices over time.”

It’s important to understand that anger is a normal, usually healthy emotional state that ranges from mild irritation to blind rage. It is the body’s natural response to perceived threats. Problems occur when anger gets out of PAGE 40

JULY 10, 2008

control. Sometimes this occurs as an impulsive “lashing out” at those who irritate or annoy. It can also be a problem when intense feelings of anger are suppressed or inhibited and then redirected to someone else -- an unsuspecting family member or co-worker, or even toward oneself in the form of anxiety or depression.

Anger management training can help people who have problems control their feelings of anger and keep them from boiling over into destructive behavior in the workplace.

Forbess-McCorquodale said that a big part of the problem is that many people don't have the skills to cope with anger effectively. “Anger is an adaptive response to internal and external events. We generally feel angry in response to feeling threatened, hurt, challenged, scared or hurt,” she said. “As with anger in general, anger in the workplace is very often related to unrealistic expectations.”

For example, you may take for granted that if you do good work, you will have opportunities to advance, only to find out that your company is outsourcing your department and you face a pay cut. Or, you may have expected your job to be challenging and to encourage your creativity, only to find that your assignments are repetitive and uninteresting. As a supervisor, you may be pressured from management to meet certain expectations, but not be given the resources to hire qualified employees that can deliver results.

According to a Yale University study on workplace anger, the greatest catalyst for employee rage is a real or imagined slight by a supervisor or manager. Next is a perceived lack of productivity by coworkers, followed by tight deadlines and heavy workloads. The study warns that these factors help create "underground chronic anger," an emotion that isn't expressed overtly but nevertheless affects one-quarter of the working population. The ill

effects of chronic anger are high job stress, working below potential, and lack of teamwork with peers. "The individual suffers -- in terms of decrements in happiness, satisfaction and feelings of betrayal, and the organization suffers -individuals feeling angry put in less overall effort and their stress is likely to have an unknown but potentially substantial impact on effectiveness and productivity," the report concluded.

In the anger management work she does, Forbess-McCorquodale said she tries to get people to understand the process of anger and how it affects them personally. A specific event or interaction is not the source of the anger, as many people believe. “The event occurs and you have thoughts about the event.

These internal thoughts lead you to assign feelings to the event or situation.

It is these feelings that what can lead to an inappropriate expression of anger.”

She gives this non-workplace example of an angry reaction: You’re driving behind what has to be the slowest driver in Lake Charles on your way to your daughter’s ball game. You think to yourself, “What’s wrong with this person?

They’re going to make me late and I’ve been late to the last three games. They shouldn't be allowed to drive!” You then honk your horn angrily. The driver doesn’t change speeds. You then swerve around them and yell “Get off the road!”

“This is an example of how an event – the slow driver – led to angry actions,” said Forbess-McCorquodale.

“But between the event and the action were internal thoughts which led to feelings of anger that led to the actions.” She provides an alternative non-angry reaction scenario: You’re driving behind what has to be the slowest driver in Lake Charles on your way to your daughter’s ball game, but instead of thinking about what a bad driver they are, you think along these lines: “I wonder why this person is driving so slow? They could be having car trouble, or it could be an elderly person on their way to the store

who is intimidated by all the rush hour traffic. Maybe it’s a newly-licensed driver trying extra hard to be cautious.

It could be someone who was just given devastating news.” Whatever their situation is, getting upset won’t change the speed they are driving.

Forbess-McCorquodale said, “The key is redirecting your internal thoughts; choosing what you tell yourself. When you start to feel angry and out of control, you have to stop, think and redirect your actions.”

This is not to say that anger is not a justified reaction in certain situations.

“But if you stop and think, you’ll be able to more calmly evaluate the situation. Anger is a sign that something needs to change. It could be your thoughts, or if you feel your thoughts and feelings are realistic, then you can take steps to change the situation. By stopping and thinking, though, you’ll be able to make better decisions about how to best respond,” she said.

When anger in the workplace is constructively managed, it leads to improved communication, increased productivity and career enhancement.

“If a company creates a positive environment -- where workers receive regular and honest appraisals about economic threats, for example -- the likelihood of destructive employee anger is reduced. Having an employee assistance program that offers anger management training for individuals as well as training designed to help supervisors recognize potential problems can help companies better deal with anger issues in the workplace,” said ForbessMcCorquodale. “As with most things, shining light on a problem and addressing it directly can help diffuse difficult situations before they develop,” she added. “And in today’s competitive work environment, there are more reasons than ever to create a more attractive, peaceful, productive work environment – one without anger.”

WARNING SIGNS THAT SOMEONE’S ANGER MAY BE ESCALATING BEYOND CONTROL: • Keeping away from others • Failing to take responsibility for one's actions • Rigid and controlling behavior • Acting out anger: verbal abuse, yelling, slamming things, etc.

• Self-focused; seeing things from a singular point of view • Talking one way and acting another • Addictive behavior, used to escape reality • Actions out of character, done to shock others JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 41

Take a

HealthCARE

(Comfortable) Seat!

While you’re busy providing support at work and handling requests, phone calls, data entry, and everything else that come across your desk, have you stopped to consider what’s supporting you? Your office chair.

A chair that doesn’t fit well can cause serious problems with your back and neck, not to mention result in unnecessary fatigue. Results from several studies indicate that medical care, lost earnings and workers compensation due to low back pain is estimated to cost more than any other health disorder. In trying to ease back pain, the lowly office chair may get overlooked.

“Many people think that sitting is doesn’t

PAGE 42

JULY 10, 2008

require any muscular effort,” explained Stephanie Darbonne, physical therapist in the Physical Medicine department of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “That’s not the case. The back muscles are continuously working to maintain the body in an upright position while sitting. Poor posture coupled with bad support will cause problems.” When sitting upright in an ergonomically correct chair, the abdominal and back muscles work together to maintain an erect posture with only minimal effort.

Ergonomics is a buzzword that basically means the science of maximizing productivity while minimizing discomfort. In chair construction, ergonomics refers to how a chair fits a body. There is no one correct chair for every body shape. Just as bodies are unique, it’s important to choose a chair to fit an individual’s curves and angles.

Although it’s tempting to pass off ergonomically-correct furniture as just a marketing trend drummed up by the furniture companies, there’s actually proof that it does work. The U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) showed that using ergonomic furniture increased worker productivity by 24 percent. Sixty-eight percent of the

participants in that survey said that the most significant component for improving comfort and increasing productivity was the chair. Not surprising, given how much time we spend sitting.

While seated, it’s a natural inclination to hunch forward, whether to read a computer screen more closely, or while working on paperwork; but it can cause considerable strain on the back. The abdominal muscles in the front of the spine and the back muscles in the back of the spine work to hold the body erect, like two elastic bands positioned on either side of the spine. Hunching forward while sitting distorts the delicate balance. In fact, leaning forward just 30 degrees puts three to four times more strain on the back, causing wear and tear on the joint surface, ligaments of the spine and the discs located between the vertebrae. The back muscles are also negatively affected as the continuous added strain causes them to tighten up, reducing optimal blood and nutrient flow to the back muscles. Over time, this posture leads to the development of tight, rigid muscles and joints, which makes them more prone to injury.

“The right chair can help give support and encourage you to sit correctly,” Darbonne said.

To find an office chair that provides proper support, there are several things to look for:

Seat height: The seat should be easily adjustable. A pneumatic adjustment lever is a good choice. Look for a seat height that ranges from 16-to-21 inches off the floor. You want to have your feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk.

Seat width and depth: Look for one with plenty of room. Usually, 17-to-20 inches wide is the standard width. The depth (the measurement from front to back) needs to be enough so that you can sit with your back against the backrest of the chair while leaving about 2-to-4 inches between the back of the knees and the seat of the chair. The forward or backward tilt of the seat should be adjustable.

Lumbar support: Lower back support

is very important. The lumbar spine has an inward curve, and sitting for long periods of time without support for this curve tends to lead to slouching, and strains the structures in the lower spine.

Backrest: Look for one that is about 12-to-19 inches wide. In chairs made with the backrest separate from the seat, the backrest should be adjustable in height and angle. If the seat and backrest are together as one piece, the backrest should be adjustable in forward and back angles, with a locking mechanism to secure it from going too far backward.

Seat material: Padding is good. You’ll be in this chair for hours every day, so you’ll want it to be very comfortable.

Armrests: They must be adjustable

and should allow your arms to rest comfortably and your shoulders to be relaxed.

The elbows and lower arms should rest lightly, and the forearm should not be on the armrest while typing.

“Don’t let the term ‘ergonomic’ cause you to pass up a really great chair,” said Darbonne. “It doesn’t have to necessarily have that term on the box for it to fit you correctly. Forget the label and concentrate on finding one that suits you. There are some chairs labeled ‘ergonomic’ that don’t provide as much support as one without the label.” There are a wide variety of options available in office chairs. Finding the right one is worth the investment. So, take time to choose your chair with care.

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 43

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JULY 10, 2008

The Beauregard Watermelon Festival:

Cool Fruit is Hot Fun in DeRidder

By J. Shirlene Cooper

Barney Fife impersonator Scott Epperson hams it up with Bradey, a young festival-goer from Carlyss.

With the temperatures steadily climbing higher and higher, summer kicked off in DeRidder with the weekend of the Beauregard Watermelon Festival, and this year’s event proved the hottest one yet.

A host of area dignitaries, civic leaders, elected officials, and political candidates got the party started Friday evening, June 27, with the official melon-cutting ceremony. DeRidder Mayor Ron Roberts joined new Beauregard Parish Sheriff Ricky Moses, City Councilman Kerry Anderson, attorney Martha O’Neal, Parish Manager Elton Pickering, several police jurors, and others at a table lined with watermelons. Then, knives in hand and on the countdown, the carvers divvied up the juicy fruits to the hundreds of fair-goers crowded into the outdoor pavilion. With melons a-plenty, everyone got a piece of the action!

Staged at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds, the annual festival is sponsored by a variety of city and parish businesses; including Brookshire Brothers, Solinsky & Associates, Tri Parish Rehabilitation Hospital, CLECO, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, City Savings Bank, American Family Radio, and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. With a focus on that delicious fruit of summer, the list of games and activities for the young and young-at-heart has grown longer each year.

The Watermelon Pageant got underway Friday night immediately following the opening ceremonies. The area’s most beautiful young ladies each took a turn on the decorated stage. In the end, Shailee Roshong walked away with the glittering crown and the title of “2008 Watermelon Queen.”

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 45

Contestants in the youth division Watermelon Eating contest really get into their fruit.

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JULY 10, 2008

Meanwhile, car enthusiasts gathered on the midway for the Burnout and Draggin’ Contest, a part of the weekend-long Now and Then Car Show. Loud mufflers, cranked up stereos, and wild paint jobs were the orders of the day. As the name implied, the automobiles ranged in age from antiques and classics to today’s decked-out low riders, limos, and monster trucks. This exhibit truly was a trip down memory lane.

On the mark, get set, go! Saturday’s events sped ahead early with a 5K Race and Kids’ Fun Run, beginning at 8 a.m. Sprinters of all ages ran on the streets alongside the fairgrounds, with the most agile athletes awarded a selection of prizes and, of course, watermelons.

Carnival rides were a big draw again. Old stand-bys, such as the Ferris wheel, the tilt-o-whirl and the scrambler saw a lot of action. The lines were long but fast moving at the newer attractions, such as the rock-climbing wall and the bungee-jump. An added thrills-and-chills experience this year was the helicopter ride, which had a steady stream of passengers from morning until night.

Also new to the festival was a visitor from North Carolina. Impersonator Scott Epperson is the spittin’ image of Barney Fife, of Mayberry, R.F.D. fame. Completely in costume, including the badge, Epperson has all the Barney moves. Hailing from Benson, N.C., a spot near where the Andy Griffith Show was filmed, the Fife look-alike graciously posed for photos in front of his two-tone police cruiser from the 60s.

Still, the event was all about the watermelons. For the second year in a row, 10-year-old Nicholas Hymel from Lake Charles walked away with the first place trophy in the watermeloncarving contest. His entry, modeled after a shark, featured fins and jagged

teeth in which a tiny diver was trapped. Keeping it in the family, 8year old Alexis Hymel easily picked up the second place trophy for her ladybug watermelon carving.

Competitions for children and adults were coordinated at different times during the festival. Spectators got a kick out of watching kids and grown-ups gorge themselves on sticky, juicy melons in the eating contests, or rolling the slippery green balls from point A to point B in the watermelon races. Most bystanders (including event judge Pat Andrews) gave the “spitters” a wide berth during The Seed Spittin’ Contest. Who would have believed that Newton Hippolyte, a teenager from Harvey, could shoot a little black seed the distance of almost 25 feet? Or that 15-year old Aimee Lestage, a DeRidder High School student, could send one sailing even a few inches past that mark?

The crowd enjoyed the musical entertainment all weekend. Some chose to scoot a boot to the Fricassee Cajun Band, Barry Badon and the Bayou Boys, or Hadley Castile and the Sharecroppers Band, while others soaked up the sounds of Southland Bluegrass and Ron Yule and Friends.

Other performances included Louisiana Kids, which features young talent from across the state.

Following an hour of contemporary Christian music on Sunday morning, an All-Gospel Jamboree at noon put the finishing touches on what Lori Veazy, director of the Beauregard Tourist Commission, is touting as yet another successful event.

Word is spreading. Summertime is fun-in-the-sun time, and with more family-oriented events in the works for the months ahead, things are just heating up in DeRidder.

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Across 1 March man, for short 6 Ashton's wife 10 Elements missing from plasma TVs 14 By itself 15 Like cotton candy 16 "The Tall Corn State" 17 Problem with this clue's answer 20 New Orleans school 21 Shrink down, maybe 22 Tab for a great trip 23 KITT's model, on "Knight Rider" 25 First responder, for short 26 Potter's rank, on "M*A*S*H": abbr.

27 Evergreen tree 28 Pore Strips brand 30 Suckworthy 31 In any way 33 "Divorce Court" judge Lynn 34 Problem with this clue's answer 38 "Give My Regards to Broadway" writer George M. 39 "___ you loud and clear!"

40 Punctuation in a telegram 41 "Take care!"

43 Actress Pounder of "ER" and "The Shield" 46 Like some expectations

47 48 51 52 54 55 58 59 60 61 62 63

___ Harbour, Florida Tank top feature Before Apple that may be red or green ___ up (got all sudsy) Problem with this clue's answer Robert who played A.J. Soprano Home of the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology Bring something latent out Marquis de ___ Jodie Foster title character Greek ___

Down 1 Irregular in quality 2 Professor's guarantee 3 Planning on becoming an attorney 4 The Lion in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" 5 Frigid temperature range 6 Clock setting: abbr.

7 Olympic fencing blade 8 Rubbing one out 9 Sooner or later 10 AFL's labor partner 11 Spoken names 12 Pairs

13 "You Don't Mess With the Zohan" star 18 It often gets in hot water 19 Steve of the Dallas Stars 24 "The ___ on the Floss" (George Eliot novel) 29 Easy skateboarding trick 30 62% on a test, say 31 Posthaste 32 Spike TV, formerly 33 FDR program 34 RAZR manufacturer 35 Got ready for work, perhaps 36 "___ Little Tenderness" 37 Final ride 38 Creator of 4-down 41 Biblical strongman 42 Go by 43 Excuse 44 Tighten, like a jaw 45 Benson's partner in tobacco shops 47 Get into the ___ (learn the ropes) 49 It helps with uploading 50 Surname of two detective brothers 53 Landline alternative 56 Dr. whose final album (supposedly) will be the 2008 release "Detox" 57 Not quite ROTFLMAO

436-6181 • 230-3598 474-3554

JULY 10, 2008

PAGE 47

t i m e s

picks the best in lake area entertainment

PARTY AT 710 DOWNTOWN JULY 10-12 — Come and enjoy a weekend of fun at Lake Charles’ newest live music venue: The 710 Downtown Bar and Grill, located at 710 Ryan St. The first annual 710 day is Thursday, July 10 (Get it? 7-10?) at 9 p.m., featuring Ashes of Babylon with Mothership. There will be drink and food specials all day long. On Friday, July 11, 710 welcomes The Soul Rebels with Dirty Laundry. Come dance the night away with the sounds of New Orleans brass! Tickets are $15 at the door. On Saturday, July 12, come and sooth your summertime blues with Josh Garrett and The Bottom Line from Houma. Josh has been featured on Chubby Carrier’s Party Cruise.

Tickets are only $10 at the door. See you there!

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS — The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad St. in Downtown Lake Charles.

It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p. m. For more information on the following events, call 433-9420.

Thursday, July 10: Story Time with Melanie Theel Come in, grab a seat and get ready for story time. Mrs. Melanie will be reading her book, “The Invisible Bag.” Story begins at 11 a.m. Book signing to follow.

Friday, July 11: Is that Candy?

Let’s play the guessing game. If you get it right, you get a prize! Program begins at 11 a.m.

Saturday, July 12: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Experiments for this program show the cool things that can be done with pressure. See how air pressure prevents water from spilling and how to inflate a balloon using lemon juice! Program begins at 11 a.m.

Thursday, July 17: Third Thursday This is a program for families of children with autism spectrum disorders. It allows parents to help their children develop language and social skills Enjoy the museum with families dealing with similar impairments from 5 p. m. -7 p.m.

Admissions are paid by SWLA Autism Chapter. Donations are welcome.

Saturday, July 19: Judo Demo This demonstration is intended to provide children with a safe introduction to the basic principles of Jujutsu. Instructor Jeff Slade and his students will give a martial arts exhibition and answer questions about “Judo for Kids.” Begins at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, July 22: Story Time with Jennifer Joubert Join Jennifer for the reading of her book, “Who Made Me So Beautiful?” Story begins at 1 p.m. with a book signing to follow.

Thursday, July 31: Ceramics Class Local artist and teacher, Julie Dallas, is presenting a ceramics class at 11 a.m. Get in with the “Wild Animal” theme at the museum and sculpt animals with Julie. Class is limited to 15 children. NO fee!

POISON TO PERFORM AT COUSHATTA CASINO JULY 25 — Multi-platinum rockers Poison will perform July 25 in The Pavilion at Coushatta. Straightforward melodies and catchy guitar riffs characterize their music. The band is best known for their garish costumes, overblown hair, and frenetic stage show, all delivered via the metal-heavy MTV of the mid-to-late 1980s. Poison recently released “Poison: Live, Raw & Uncut.” This DVD/CD collection—the band’s first in over a decade—includes all of the multi-platinum band’s greatest hits performed live. Poison is Bret Michaels, vocals, guitar, harmonica; C.C. DeVille, vocals, lead guitar; Bobby Dall, bass guitar, keyboards, vocals; and Rikki Rockett, drums. VH1’s hit reality series “Rock Of Love With Bret Michaels” continues to draw high ratings. Tickets are now available at Ticketmaster.com, all

PAGE 48

JULY 10, 2008

Ticketmaster outlets, and the Coushatta Box Office. Coushatta Casino Resort is located in Kinder on Highway 165 (I-10 exit 44). Visit the website at coushattacasinoresort.com.

APPRAISAL FAIR AT ZIGLER ART MUSEUM JULY 12 — The Zigler Art Museum in Jennings will host an Appraisal Fair on July 12 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Experts in the field of art, antique rugs, textiles, and antiques will be on hand at ZAM to verbally appraise member’s selected items. Fred Nevill of Nevill Antiques in Houston will appraise porcelains, silver, accessories, decorative jewelry, and small antiques; Josie Nevill of Nevill Antiques will appraise silver, textiles, and quilts; Marcos Rodriguez of Marc Anthony Rugs in Houston will evaluate carpets and rugs; and Jean Bragg of Jean Bragg Gallery of Southern Art in New Orleans will appraise paintings. To attend the ZAM Appraisal Fair, you must be a 2008 member of the Friends of the Zigler Art Museum. Membership forms will be available at the door. Guests are limited to three items, so choose wisely! Because of space restrictions, ZAM is limiting the size of furniture items. Reservations are recommended. Call ZAM at (337) 824-0114 or email zigler-museum@charter.net for more information.

SALVADOR CONCERT AT CHRISTIAN WORLD JULY 13 — Latin Christian band Salvador will present a live concert in conjunction with the filming of its music video for the single “Alive” — the title song of its latest CD of the same name. The Dove Award-winning recording artists have been touring for almost a decade with its Latin sound reminiscent of Santana or Los Lonely Boys. Salvador’s Sunday night concert begins at 7 p.m., July 13, at Christian World, 2001 East Gauthier Road in Lake Charles. Tickets are $12, in advance; $15, at the door; free for children 12 or younger; and are available by calling (337) 475-0157, or online at www.christianworld.cc.

QUILTED: A COLLECTION OF LOCAL QUILTS AND MEMORIES, NOW – JULY 17 — A collection of quilts by area African-American quilters is on display at the Black Heritage Gallery. They are part art form and part practical need. The exhibit spans the spectrum of quilt styles, from the traditional to the contemporary, and each quilt tells a story for its maker. Some quilts have been handed down from generation to generation. The gallery is located in Central School Arts and Humanities Center, Suite 207. Gallery hours are Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional information call (337) 488-0567.

TRAINING SEMINAR FOR CULTURAL ENTREPRENEURS JULY 19 — The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University and the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will present a training seminar for cultural entrepreneurs from 9:45 a.m.- 2:45 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Central School Arts and Humanities Center, 809 Kirby St. The event was designed in response to feedback from the Business of Art seminar in May. The

POISON

Business of Art seminar was a pioneering statewide effort launched in Lake Charles to support, encourage and expand the efforts of existing and potential business owners who seek to promote Louisiana’s cultural assets. Anyone who is interested in launching or expanding a cultural business – one that is centered on food, music, art and other aspects of the state’s “cultural economy” – is encouraged to attend. “Artists deserve to make a profit from their work,” said Donna Little, director of the LSBDC at McNeese. “Our goal is to help them succeed financially as well as creatively. By learning more about business, artists can improve their financial situation.”

Attendees will learn how to craft their artist’s statement and identify potential markets. Topics will include professional presentations, identifying and targeting potential customers, pricing and marketing.

A roundtable network will meet at 2:30 p.m. The Lt. Governor’s Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation have joined the local effort. Registration is first-come, first-served. Cost is $10 for prepaid applications and $20 on the day of the event. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call (337) 475-5529.

Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger. It’s the story of a forbidden and secret relationship between two cowboys that lasts for decades. Presented by Sharon Nichols. Rated R. Thursday, July 24: 6:30 p.m.

“Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law, is presented by ICM Director Susan Reed. After New York City receives a series of attacks from giant flying robots, a reporter teams up with a pilot in search of their origin, as well as the reason for the disappearances of famous scientists from around the world. Rated PG.

CAJUN FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 19-20 — The 21st annual Cajun Food and Music Festival will be held July 19 and 20 at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.

Presented by the Lake Charles Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association, it features live music, dance and accordion contests, food booths, arts and crafts, a silent auction and a French Mass. Bands scheduled to perform include Ellis Vanicor and the Lacassine Playboys, Joe Simon and the Louisiana Cajuns, the Midnight Ramblers, and Lesa Cormier and The Sundown

Playboys, among many others. The hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p. m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults; children 12 and under are admitted free.

t i m e s

picks the best in lake area entertainment

ANNUAL SUMMER FILM SERIES AT THE IMPERIAL CALCASIEU MUSEUM JULY 10, 17, AND 24 — Back by popular demand, the ICM is continuing the Summer Film Series spearheaded last year. With films old and new; controversial and thought provoking; this years’ presenters are sure to keep your tongues wagging long after you’ve left the ‘theatre!’ Distinguished and knowledgeable film-buffs from the community will share their favorite movies and lead an open discussion in the museum’s historic Gibson Library. Admission is $2 for nonmembers, free for museum members. For more information, call the museum at 439-3797.

Thursday, July 10: 6:30 p.m.

“Deadline U.S.A.” starring Humphrey Bogart is presented by American Press writer/reporter Hector San Miguel. It’s the story of a day in the life of a newspaper; weaving love lost, love found, gangsters, and the overall value of the free press into this PG-rated film.

Thursday, July 17: 6:30 p.m.

“Brokeback Mountain” is the Oscar-winning film starring Jake

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Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue

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tepping through the door at the fabulous showplace that is 505 Imports is like entering another world; a world filled with artifacts, imported furniture, upholstery and more, in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

Owners Sharlene Boyle and Rebekah Dressler travel extensively buying unique and unusual items for you and your home. The band Ashes of Babylon created a light and festive mood for the guests at 505’s Summer Bash, a fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease. Mary Jean and Rita Malbroux admired the vast array of home decor selections. Carlyn Rider, a frequent shopper at 505, brought along her husband, Scott.

Crab cakes, tropical fruit, pastries and a variety of salsas were just a sampling of the great refreshments provided by Sharlene and Rebekah. Ten percent of the sale proceeds were donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

A gang of cowpokes and lawmen rode in on Saturday night for the opening of Annie Get Your Gun. Maurice “Sharp Eye” Gold with sidekick Debra Gold appeared to be the acting Sheriff and main spokesperson for the “Up the Creek Gang” and the local chapter of the Cowboy Single Action Shooting Society. Close by was “Pepper Rose” aka Mary Savoie and “Delta Dove” aka Charlotte Metcalf at the ready for backup. When all the dust settled and all the strays were rounded up, the show began. Other cowpokes and strays seen in the drive

PHOTOS SHOWN: 1–Sharlene Boyle & Rebekah Dressler, 505 Import owners, travel to New York, Las Vegas, High Point and India on their search for new and exciting items.

2–Carlyn Rider, a frequent shopper at 505 Imports, perused the home deco items with husband Scott.

3–Beverly & Keith Atchinson dressed up to see “Annie Get Your Gun” but readily admitted they were not real cowhands.

4–Dana Sorrells & Jeanette McCann relax before moseying on in to see “Annie.”

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5–Mike Hollenbeck, T.L. Herlong, Travis & Cathy Hoffpauir and Susan Kenney were in town to see “Annie.”

6–Steve & Julia Broussard, Deb King & Jeanne Sievert and Anne Kratzer await the arrival of U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu the “Roastee” at the SWLA Center for Health Services Gala and Roast.

7–Ana & Nikos Kiritsis and Dana Keel are in attendance to support the SWLA Center for Health Services and to enjoy the roast.

8–Melinda Chatman, singer/entertainer for the evening, enjoyed socializing with Gwen Chratien-Olivier, Rev. Freddie Brown and Don McZeal prior to the Gala and Roast.

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PHOTOS SHOWN: 9–Anne Kratzer, Dr. Al & Mrs. Leslie O’Byrne join Larry & Patty Graham for fun and laughter at the Center for Health Services Roast.

10–Kerrel and Sharon Wilson along with Emily Sterling were interested in hearing from our Legislatures at the League Wrap Up. 11–Judges Kent Savoie and Thomas Quirk surrounded by cohorts Robert Nordan, Rebecca Liles, Lollie Bowes and Tim Leger at the League of WoMen Voters Legislative Wrap Up. 12–Chuck Kleckley and Bret Geyman were ready to share information with attendees at the League of WoMen Voters Legislative Wrap Up.

N 2008 W O NEATIember C ept O L ing S

were Beverly and Keith Atchinson, longtime supporters of ACTS Theatre, Dana Sorrells and Jeannette McCann; and Elizabeth Goldsmith and Corene Davidson. Other cowpokes loitering around before the show were Mike Hollenbeck, T.L. Herlong, Travis and Cathy Hoffpauir, Susan Kenney, who rode in from Virginny, Janet Pounds, John Driscoll, Rebecca Pack, Diane McCarthy, Teresa Labbit and Robert Goldman.

The Shadow also caught a glimpse of Rose Katz, Reve Greenberg, Beverly Rina and Helen Taylor as they sashayed on in to see the “shoot ‘em up cowgirl” show.

The heat was on U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu before she arrived in Lake Charles due to flight delays and the usual traffic jams, so you can be sure that was fodder for “roasting” material. Jackie Frank, Mistress of Ceremonies, kept the program moving along in a delightful manner. A cheer went up in the room upon the arrival of the guest of honor and the fun began.

Roasters included George Swift, President/CEO SWLA Economic Development Alliance; Matthew T. Butler, VP, Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc.; Paul Rainwater, legislative director for Senator Landrieu, D-LA and Claude “Buddy” Leach, President and CEO of Sweetlake Land and Oil Company.

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PHOTOS SHOWN: 13–Nicole Spell, Ginger Gomez, Cindy Haman, Trina Habetz, Karen Gothreaux join Shannon Spell for the Legislative Wrap Up and a delicious meal prepared by the staff at Reeves Uptown Catering.

14–Maj. Wayne Boyett, Chief Marlon Hamilton, 1st Sgt. Ret. Edward C. Hudson and 1st Sgt. Ret. Ned. Mobley are quite impressive in dress for the Patriots Ball.

15–The Patriots Ball utilized many of our local Junior ROTC youth including Maj. Valencia Morel, Capt. Frances Leger, Commander Sgt. Maj. Tama’Neisha Thibodeaux.

Seen in the crowd enjoying the fun were Anne Kratzer, Dr. Al and Mrs. Leslie O’Byrne, Larry and Patty Graham, Blanche Pete, Willa Golden, Gwen Chratien-Olivier, Sharon and Kerrel Wilson, and Deb King and Jeanne Sievert. Also joining in the fun were Laurie Porter, Charlotte Gregory, Ana and Nikos Kiritsis, David and Carol Dwight, Dana Keel, Steve and Julia Broussard, Albert Miller, Nara and Peggy Wolfe, Patrice Fontenot and Mona Griffin.

Louisiana citizens have been closely following the political scene regarding the Legislative session just ending. The League of WoMen Voters Legislative Wrap Up provided the venue for our elected officials to speak about the session with a question and answer opportunity afterwards. Denise Foster and Helen Curol were among the first to arrive for the event, soon to be joined PAGE 52

JULY 10, 2008

by Allen Jarvis, Chris Ehlers and Emily Sterling. The Shadow recognized Maurice Tynes, John DeRosier and Terry Robideaux in attendance for the informative event, along with Judge Kent Savoie, Judge Thomas Quirk, Lollion Elmer, Molly Morgan and Paulette Dartez. Also spotted in the crowd were Robert Nordan, Rebecca Liles, Shannon and Nicole Spell, Lollie Bowes and Tim Leger, Sheila Babineaux, Mike Jones, Dorothy Roach, Alfred Doucette, Jr., Mayor Randy Roach, Ginger Gomez, Cindy Haman, Trina Habetz, Karen Gothreaux, and Terry Backhaus.

Chuck Kleckley, Bret Geyman, Willie Mount and Mike Danahey presented the audience with a comprehensive account of various bills and mandates, as well as the background of the process involved. An appreciative audience asked questions and later spoke

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PHOTOS SHOWN: 16–A Silver Sponsor of the Patriots Ball, the Krewe of De La Maison of Calcasieu presented quite a show with their blinking, patriotic necklaces. Lisa & Roger Short, Hilda & Dean Day, Misty & Charles Sicks, Janice & Karl Lopez, Jeanice & Fluffy Olmstead and Sally & Bud Smith.

17–Col. Ret. Chuck & Sandee Golla, Carol & Stehpen Carper and Debra & Sgt. 1st Class Ret. Jerome Lastrapes shared their table and the evening with The Shadow.

18–Bradley Swire, Para Medic-LC Acadian, Katherine Swire, Krystal Pulles, Para Medic-Lafayette and Travis Taylor, Lafayette Police Department were among the patriots honored at the Ball.

one-on-one to the Legislative representatives.

You can’t find a more fitting tribute to those who guard and protect our country at home and abroad than the annual Patriots Ball. The pomp and circumstance of recognizing the various members of the Armed Services and fire and law enforcement units was the highlight of the evening. The Piping Aboard of officers and distinguished guests and the introduction of Miss Armed Forces 2008, Mary Elizabeth McDaniel, was an impressive tribute to servicemen and women in Lake Charles and the surrounding area. Notables seen enjoying the fanfare were Dr. and Mrs. Lee J. Monlezun, Mary Kay Dyer, Mayor Randy and Mrs. Nancy Roach, Col. Ret. Chuck and Mrs. Sandee Golla, Carol and Stehpen Carper and Sgt. 1st Class Ret. Jerome and Mrs. Debra Lastrapes.

The Shadow also caught a glimpse of some members of the Krewe Maison de Calcasieu, including Lisa and Roger Short, Hilda and Dean Day, Misty and Charles Sicks, Janice and Karl Lopez, Jeanice and Fluffy Olmstead and Sally and Bud Smith. The Shadow was made an honorary member of the Krewe with the presentation of a blinking, patriotic necklace. Also enjoying the event was Chief Kedrian Tilmon, Maj. Wayne Boyett, Chief Marlon Hamilton, Erny Leach, Janis Hill, 1st Sgt. Ret. Edward C. Hudson, 1st Sgt. Ret. Ned. Mobley, Recruit Matthew Levlanc, Maj. Valencia Morel, Capt.

Frances Leger, Commander Sgt. Maj. Tama’Neisha Thibodeaux, Cookie Phillips, Ron Ware, Bradley and Katherine Swire, Krystal Pulles, Travis Taylor, Ken Moser and Ret. Commander Reginald Ware.

JULY 10, 2008

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Below: Katie Champagne and Shane Favre enjoy a walk on the Lake Charles boardwalk.

Below: Brenda McDuff, a visitor from Heflin, La., enjoys the sunset over Lake Charles.

Above: Born on the 4th of July and celebrating his 1st birthday!

Zion Benjamin Stewart son of Ben and Nili Stewart; grandparents are Steve and Robbie Guillory.

Above: Chico stretches out while watching television.

Parting Sh o ts

1) Email your snap shots to myphoto@timessw.com. Must include a contact name and phone number.

2) Photos should be attached as a file and not imbedded in copy or photoshopped into a format. Original size, please, do not compress the file. No mailed or fax photographs can be used.

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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.

JULY 10, 2008

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