WWW.TIMESSW.COM • JANUARY 10, 2008 / VOL. 13, NO. 1
Photo by Patrick Marcantel
A New Way of Lake Area Living! WHILE TIMES CHANGE, THE CHARM AND GRACE WILL ENDURE.
Providence is being developed in the highly sought after Barbe School district in a very convenient location near highways and all the latest shopping and amenities. As you approach the beautiful stone and wrought iron entrance to Providence, you will be drawn by the inviting view of the park and pond just ahead and down the wide beautifully landscaped boulevard. City spec streets and City utilities means carefree water, sewer and disposal services will be maintained by the City of Lake Charles, at no additional cost to you. Street lighting illuminates the quiet streets and parkettes.
The warmth and colorful charm of Country French blends with subdued vintage European and Spanish “olde world” styles. Together with an appealing selection of the well loved and timeless Louisiana designs, include raised cottages, the classic styles make this a most unique community of homes. Comprising of 50 acres overall, Providence will be on a scale to create just the right feel of being in your own world and yet be mere minutes from most of your home and personal needs.
Providence is located at the south end of Pecan Acres Drive off of Country Club Road.
Office: (337) 474-9891 • Fax: (337) 474-9876 300 E. McNeese St. Suite 1-A, Lake Charles, LA 70605
www.ProvidenceofLakeCharles.com • info@providenceoflakecharles.com RESERVE YOUR LOT TODAY! PAGE 2
JANUARY 10, 2008
GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . 617 Drew St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-439-0995 Fax: 337-439-0418 PUBLISHERS Patrick Marcantel Scot Hebert
januar y 10, 2008 Volume 13 • Number 1
contents 12
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NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . EDITOR Kathryn Bergstrom timesedit@timessw.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Joseph Frazier CONTRIBUTORS J. Shirlene Cooper Erin K. Cormier Matt Jones Roddy Johnson Flashpix/Musemeche Photography Patrick Marcantel POLITICS John Maginnis ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Andy Jacobson
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17 E N T E R P R I S E B O U L E VA R D Will a New Broom Sweep Clean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Patricia Prudhomme LeShai Brown
COLUMNS Inside Baton Rouge: Hiring Decisions Offer Before-the-Job Training . . . .4 Who’s News . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Business Notes . . . . . . . . . .6
GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS MANAGER Romona Richard
COVER STORY Sooo Close: Rams First Trip to the Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 FEATURES You Are So Southwest Louisiana If… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Rare Cancer Can’t Stop MSU Nursing Student . . . . . . . . .15 Home Grown: Martin Automotive: Heavy Trucks and Flyin’ High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Get Focused on Eye Care in 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
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.
29 Cover photo by Patrick Marcantel
ENTERTAINMENT Times Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Coffee Break Cross Word: "The Worst of 2007" . . . . . . . .26 The Shadow: The Shadow Celebrates an Early Twelfth Night . . . . . . . . .27 Parting Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Dispatches From DeRidder: DeRidder Celebrated the Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Visit us online at: www.timessw.com JANUARY 10, 2008
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INSIDE BATON ROUGE — by John Maginnis
Hiring Decisions Offer Before-the-Job Training aving declined Gov. Kathleen Blanco’s invitation to join her in the chief executive’s Superdome suite to watch LSU’s bid for the national football championship, Gov.-elect Bobby Jindal, like most of us, watched the game at home. Not only is he not horning in on Blanco’s last hurray, he is also maintaining his general approach toward public appearances during the transition: fewer the better. Besides a speech to Council for a Better Louisiana (he came and left through a back door and took no questions) and a few brief announcements, he has mainly avoided cameras and comment. True, it’s smart to say little before he has the power to do anything. Yet it is also fair to assume that his famously focused mind is absorbed on decisions the likes of which he has never faced, appointing the scores of people who will run his administration. It’s a compressed process for which there is neither training nor room for error. The missteps or closeted skeletons of one ill-advised hire can spoil a gubernatorial honeymoon before the lights are dimmed. Jindal’s very first pick was no big surprise but historically a gamble. Choosing 32-year-old Timmy Teepell as his chief of staff reflects the utmost confidence Jindal has in his former congressional aide and campaign manager. Yet past governors have learned the hard way that campaign warriors aren’t always well-suited for the diplomacy and compromise required in governance. In early going, Teepell has performed well to a tough audience by reaching out to build relationships with legislators, particularly senators, while keeping the governor-elect involved but not ensnared in the leadership races. The most critical appointment was commissioner of administration, the chief financial officer of state government. The man asked to lead the search, former commissioner Dennis Stine, chose not to pull a Cheney when he turned down Jindal’s offer of the position. From the short list Stine recommended, Jindal reached over one outgoing and three former legislators to tap Angele Davis, 39, the secretary of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, who was deputy commissioner in ex-Gov. Mike Foster’s administration. Well liked and respected by legislators, much of Davis’ appeal is that she is not one of them, and brings no past political ties,
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agendas or grudges to the job. Jindal also went outside the Legislature, but not far, to hire retired Bell South lobbyist Tommy Williams as legislative director. Besides his easy bedside manner, Williams offers some needed gray hair to the largely young Jindal team. The cabinet secretaries named so far are a combination of new faces, promotions from within and a few old hands. In two agencies where things are going swimmingly for the state, Natural Resources and Revenue, Jindal reappointed secretaries Scott Angelle and Cynthia Bridges, respectively. Also, Bridges, an African-American, provides some diversity to the administration that Jindal’s campaign lacked. Conversely, the sorry condition of state roads may be why Jindal did not keep Johnny Bradberry at Transportation, despite the management streamlining he achieved, and instead chose William Ankner, 60, a former Rhode Island road chief with a national reputation. To lead Louisiana Economic Development, it took a hard sell to lure Stephen Moret from his high-powered job at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. Moret and re-appointed Social Services secretary Ann Williamson, both 34, are the only cabinet officers younger than the boss. The lone legislator picked so far is outgoing Sen. Robert Barham, ROak Ridge, who landed in sportsman’s paradise as secretary of Wildlife & Fisheries. Hiring Pineville attorney Jimmy Faircloth as executive counsel was a news making, learning experience, in that order. When Faircloth mentioned that he would maintain a “passive” role with his old law firm, whose clients include the casino-owning Coushatta Indian tribe, Gov. Blanco broke her transitional silence by warning that will be trouble. Faircloth retorted that the governor was being presumptuous and had made an “ill-informed comment.” Turns out, though, Mamma had it right. The Baton Rouge Advocate editorialized that anything less than the new counsel’s clean break with his old firm posed a potential conflict of interest for an administration that promises it will set the gold standard on ethics. That very day Faircloth reassessed who was ill-informed and stated he would sever all ties with his firm. Jindal acknowledged his legal adviser had made “an error in judgment.” Serve and learn, but learn quickly.
NEWS
ABOUT
SOUTHWEST
LOUISIANA
ENTERPRISEBOULEVARD Will a New Broom Sweep Clean? By Kathy Bergstrom
B
obby Jindal will be inaugurated Governor of the State Louisiana January 14. We asked several area business and political leaders how the transition of the state administration from Blanco to Jindal could affect SWLA. Will a new broom sweep clean? Here’s their optimistic thoughts about the coming changes.
Paul Rainwater, incoming Executive Director, Louisiana Recovery Authority — I’m extremely excited to be working with Governor-elect Jindal. He’s very bi-partisan and is putting together a great team of experienced and quality people. What Governor Jindal is trying to do is have people think in creative ways. The LRA is not just a job for me, it’s public service. All the people he’s (Jindal) is putting around him are public servants. So for me it’s about public service. Southwest and southeast Louisiana have to take some risks and work with federal regulations and balance those risks accordingly. From a southwest Louisiana perspective, we have a lot of work to do in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes, and we have already set down with area officials and we know where we need to go from here. Everyone is extremely supportive about the state and the area recovery; what our priorities need to be and how we work together to continue our recovery. Some priorities will impact the whole state – building codes, road home, elevation levels, etc. – things I can hopefully tweak and make more ‘user friendly’. Governor Jindal has asked me to get a one-year plan and execute it as quickly as possible. Adam Knapp, the deputy director of the LRA, is very bright and aggressive and has great ideas about moving forward and we are putting together some concrete and attainable goals. Senator Willie L. Mount, District #27 — Governor Jindal is very familiar with Southwest Louisiana having spent considerable time here with his congressional responsibilities as well as campaigning for Governor. He has listened to voters with diverse interests and has full knowledge of all the major assets of our area. He has visited the Port of Lake Charles, McNeese, Sowela, Beauregard Parish, Cameron Parish and Jeff Davis Parish. With his commitment to continuing to move this state forward and being inclusive in effectuating change, I know that Southwest Louisiana will continue to flourish under his leadership. He has committed to work with our delegation to get adequate funding for repairs to existing state projects and new state projects in our area. We will work with Governor Jindal and his economic development team to maintain existing jobs and attract new industry to create new jobs. Also, our delegation plans to work with Governor Jindal to continue to maintain our standard of ethics and improve our code of ethics.
Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach — 2008 should be a great year for SWLA. We are positioned to experience significant economic growth in terms of jobs and new industry which should help the entire five parish area. I think we are finally beginning to move beyond hurricane recovery and into the phase of long-term recovery. It is a time of change for the state both from a figurative standpoint and a literal one as well, and I think we are positioned to benefit from the new energy that the Jindal administration is bringing to the state. He is committed to the hurricane recovery process and is determined to make it work for all of the affected areas along the coast. His appointment of Paul Rainwater as the executive director of the LRA means that the Rita Parishes will continue to be included in the recovery effort. Dennis Stine, CEO and part owner of Stine Lumber Company, Inc — Health care delivery reform will be a key issue with the Jindal Administration and Southwest Louisiana will fit prominently in how health care will look in the future. Hurricane recovery and preparation for disasters will be a focus with the new administration and we have our very own Paul Rainwater who will head the Louisiana Recovery Authority and will prove to make a positive difference in these two key areas of need. Finally, Southwest Louisiana enjoys talented people who manage our education system whether that is k-12, workforce training through our community college or higher education and Jindal’s focus on education will bode well for the educational community. Geo Swift, CEO Chamber SWLA — I’m very optimistic about the changes the new administration will bring to the state and our region. Ethics reform and adoption of Blueprint Louisiana would put this state in an extremely favorable position to retain and recruit new businesses and more people to our state. The selection of Stephen Moret of the Baton Rouge Chamber as the new Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is great news. Stephen believes in regionalism and in putting equal emphasis on entrepreneurship and helping existing businesses grow, as well as recruiting new companies. We have many local projects on the drawing board. If we can attract and train more people for the available jobs and get more housing we will be a leader in the state in 2008. Governor Bobby Jindal will be the guest speaker at the Chamber SWLA Annual Banquet, January 22 at 6 p.m. As of press time, a limited number of tickets were still available. Call The Chamber SWLA at 337-4333632 for reservations. The evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.
Who’s News Andrea Williams’ Christmas Castle won the Children’s Division, and Blanche and Amy Richard’s recreation of the Immaculate Conception Andrea Williams Cathedral in downtown Lake Charles was the crowd favorite in the annual Gingerbread House Contest, at the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Welcome Center. The contest, held in conjunction with the annual Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival, featured awards in different categories including amateur, school groups, and professional bakers. 2007 Gray Plantation Club Champions have been announced. The Men’s Club Championship was won by Nathan Anderson, Nathan Anderson second place went to Robby Going. Flight top finishers were Ryan Reeves, first flight; Richard Boada, second flight; and Josh Priola, third flight. In the Ladies Division, the Club Champion is Rachel Montiville. Second place was awarded to Liz Herpin. The Senior Club Champion is Randy Tadlock and Quitman Moon finished second. Rachel Montiville Continued on Page 8 JANUARY 10, 2008
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BUSINESS
Above: Billy Navarre donated $1,000 to Coach Max Caldarera’s football team, the Westlake High School Rams, for their championship game against Parkview Baptist in New Orleans at the Superdome.
notes
Above: Southern Home Health celebrated their grand opening in Sulphur at 2223 Maplewood Drive, with Mayor Ron Leleux, Chamber SWLA President George Swift, and Vice-President Michelle Edwards joined the staff, friends and family. The new facility serves about 100 adult patients and over 300 pediatric patients. The Lake Charles facility of Southern Home Health was founded in 1996. Since then Southern Home Health has expanded regional operations to Sulphur, DeQuincy and Port Arthur, Texas. For more information, contact Brett Wicke at 337-479-2233 or brett.wicke@lhcgroup.com. Christopher & Banks Opens in Prien Lake Mall. Prien Lake Mall announced the addition of Christopher & Banks, a women’s specialty retailer. Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based specialty retailer of women’s casual apparel. Fashion options offered are suitable for work and leisure activities.
Above: Platinum Limousine, family owned and operated by Rick and Mike Sanders of Moss Bluff, offers transportation for weddings, proms, homecoming, concert events, Mardi Gras, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and in-and-out of town airport service. Limos include a Lincoln “Icon Series” White Stretch Town car and the “Stretch Racer” — A racing themed stretch limo. “Stretch Racer” is a unique and fun experience, sponsored by Martin Pontiac GMC and Twisted Offroad of Lake Charles. The Louisiana Consortium of Insurance and Financial Services at Louisiana State University in Shreveport will present a Life and Health Insurance Pre-Licensing Course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 18-19 and Jan. 25-26 at McNeese. This course provides 32 hours of class time suitable to prepare an individual to sit for the Life and Health Licensing exam. Jan. 17 is the registration deadline and cost is $200, which includes textbooks. For more information, call McNeese Electronic Learning at (337) 475-5075. ICHRMA (Imperial Calcasieu Human Resource Management Association) has announced its Board of Directors for 2007: President – Keri Fontenot (PPG Industries); President Elect – Paula Gaspard (Aeroframe); Vice President – Programs – Sandy Alexander (Chemtura); Membership Rep - Sue Ledet (Family & Youth Counseling Agency); Legislative Rep – Mark Mitchell (ConocoPhillips); Special Events Coordinator – Tami Tolbert (Recon Management Services); SHRM Foundation Rep – Terry McCay (Kean Miller Law Firm); Secretary – Debra Lastrapes (Calcasieu Refining); Treasurer – Janell Johnson, SPHR (Global Industries); Certification Rep – Petula Glaspie (Citgo Petroleum); Student Chapter Advisor – Angela Stutes (Westlake Chemical); Education Advocate – Allyson Miller (Citgo); Diversity Director - Shelly Aguillard, (Cameron Communications); Director at Large – Pam Davis (Louisiana Pigment Company); Past President – Kerri Courville, (Westlake Chemical). The ICHRMA will have its next meeting on Thursday, February 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Pat’s of Henderson. For more information, call (337) 439-9941.
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JANUARY 10, 2008
Southern Bar-B-Que Sauce broke ground for the construction of a 24,000square-foot manufacturing and distribution plant in Jennings, expected to be operational by spring 2008 with some 30 employees. The processing area will produce the company’s barbecue sauce, basting sauce, roux, Cajun seasoning mix, seafood boil, salsa and other products. Southern Bar-B-Que Sauce has been a Cajun tradition produced in Jennings since 1957. In March 2007, the father and son team of Andrew “Andy” Guinn and Andrew “Drew” Guinn Jr. acquired the company. They increased production and distribution, added product lines and actively market the brand. Southern Bar-B-Que products are sold throughout south Louisiana and at www.southernbbqsauce.com. The plant will enable expansion of distribution to Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and other states. The Calcasieu Federation of Teachers was one of six local chapters of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers to receive the Union Values in Action Award for improving the lives of members, enhancing the influence of the union and advancing the mission of public education. The award recognizes the efforts of local LFT chapters to promote the union agenda and express commitment to the values that make the Federation the largest professional organization for teachers and school employees in Louisiana. The awards were presented at the 43rd annual LFT convention at L’Auberge du Lac Resort in Lake Charles. In December, MidSouth Bank opened its newest location at 831 Lakeshore Drive. The facility is MidSouth Bank’s second location in Lake Charles and its fourth in the company’s southwest Louisiana market. MidSouth Bank’s West Louisiana Region President John Nichols, whose office is now located downtown, has been in banking for 30 years, 26 of those in the lake area market. Joining Nichols as the Retail Banking Center Manager will be Ashley Forman, a 10-year veteran at MidSouth Bank. The Lakeshore banking center has a dedicated walkway along the entire south side of the property, allowing customers who park at the Civic Center to easily access the bank. McNeese State University students who have enrolled for the spring semester have until 4 pm Jan. 17 to pay tuition fees. Spring classes begin Jan. 22. Fee payments may be made online at www.mcneese.edu, in person at the cashier’s office in Smith Hall, or mailed to Administrative Accounting, Box 92935, Lake Charles, LA 70609, or at the drop box on the north side of Smith Hall. For more information, call (337) 475-5107 or 1-800-622-3352, ext. 5107.
BUSINESS
notes replace trees destroyed by Hurricane Rita. Led by Cajun arborist Bob Thibodeaux, elected officials, 4-H’ers, community volunteers and cycling arborists from the Tour des Trees, planted 2,000 “Orange Island” live oaks as part of a 250mile bicycle November 17 - 20. Tour des Trees included stops in Holmwood, Grand Chenier, Abbeville, New Iberia and Houma. To learn more about Acorn of Hope, contact Bob Thibodeaux at 337-684-8733.
Jan Epstein, The Allstate Foundation, David Duplechian, Family & Youth, Sue Ledet, Family & Youth, Greg Cotter, LANO Board Chair, and Nicole Louis, LA Standards for Excellence Director.
Family & Youth was awarded the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations Seal of Excellence for successfully completing the Standards for Excellence certification program. Family & Youth voluntarily opened itself up to scrutiny by a “jury of its peers.” The peer review team examined Family & Youth for compliance with the Louisiana Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector established by the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations. Family & Youth first received the seal in 2004.
Lynda Nguyen of the Alliance for Children and Families presents the Building Community Voices Ambassador Award to Dr. Candis Carr, Associate Executive Director of Family & Youth.
Peter Goldberg, CEO, Alliance for Children & Families; Julio Galan, Executive Director, Family & Youth; Mark Lieberman, Alliance Conference Planning Comm; Tom Morris, President, United Way of SWLA; Laurie Anne Spagnola, Alliance Conference Co-chair.
The Alliance for Children & Families named Family & Youth Counseling Agency as Agency of the Year for their accomplishments in leadership and management, including board participation and support; impact of advocacy efforts on local, state, or national level; and innovative programs. Julio Galan, FYCA’s Executive Director accepted the award at the Alliance for Children & Families’ National Conference in Anaheim, California. Thomas J. Morris, President of United Way of Southwest Louisiana, accompanied Julio to the award luncheon. Lake Area Partnership for Animal Welfare (LAPAW) was “doggone delighted” to receive a holiday donation of $1,000 from the Pelican Coast Parrot Head Club, the Lake Charles chapter of “The Parrot Heads in Paradise” — the international organization of Jimmy Buffet fans. Local president is Gary Prineaux and vice president is Nancy Rogers. Since many members are pet owners, Prineaux suggested LAPAW to receive the club’s donation. Clinic Imaging, a service of Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, has received a three-year term of accreditation in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Clinic Imaging is located within the Urgent Care facility at 4320 Lake Street in Lake Charles. In addition to MRI, a full range of imaging services is provided, including Xray, CT, mammography, ultrasound and bone density assessments. All services are provided under the medical direction of board certified radiologist, Barbara Tomek, MD.
Family & Youth recently received the Building Community Voices Ambassador Award from the Alliance for Children and Families. Family & Youth received the award for efforts to promote and encourage mission-based advocacy among staff, constituents, partners, and concerned citizens in Southwest Louisiana through the Children and Families Action Network (CFAN). At the November meeting of the Sulphur District Four Community Advisory Panel, historic preservationist Lauren Harrell announced that Sulphur will receive a $10,000 grant to the Brimstone Historical Society from an anonymous donor for a historic survey to identify, document and evaluate historic resources in the area. For more information about the Sulphur District Four Community Advisory Panel visit the website www.nancytower.com . Fitwize 4 Kids, a premier healthy lifestyle center just for kids, is now open at 2712 Country Club Road, in the Albertson’s shopping center. Fitwize 4 Kids is designed for kids ages 6 ? to 15 years of age, and all activity levels. The 45-minute full-body workouts are supervised and designed to meet the needs of a child’s growing body. A variety of membership options are available. Owners Josh and Neely Darby are Sulphur natives and active in the community. Josh is the COO of The Pathology Laboratory, and Neely is a kindergarten teacher. For more information, call 478-7799 or visit www.fitwize4kids.com. Allen and Shirley Smith of Lake Charles presented the Therapeutic Riding Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital a $10,000 donation in memory of Jan Gwatney, their daughter. The Therapeutic Riding Center provides outpatient therapy services in a nontraditional healthcare setting. Therapists utilize horses to help clients gain increased mobility, balance, function, confidence and independence. Therapeutic riding can be beneficial with diagnoses of multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, autism, developmental delays and learning disabilities.
The City of Lake Charles and Ward 3 Recreation District began Acorn of Hope tree planting November 17 at the Ward 3 Recreation Complex at the Power Centre Parkway on Highway 14. Acorn of Hope is a tree planting initiative to JANUARY 10, 2008
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Who’s News, Continued from Page 5
Shelley Johnson was selected Duchess of Misrule for the 2008 Mardi Gras season. She made her grand entrance at the Lake Charles 12th Night celebration Thursday, Jan. 3. Shelley is executive director of the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, and has been involved in Mardi Gras over the years, working to promote the festival locally and across the globe. She focused her attention on making sure that the Mardi Gras festivities in Southwest Louisiana would be held in 2006, following the traumatic 2005 hurricane season. She arranged meetings with city and parish officials and Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana to reinforce the economic, symbolic and psychological importance of Mardi Gras remaining strong in the area. A Lake Charles native, she attended Lake Charles High School, McNeese State University and the San Francisco Hotel/Restaurant School.
Sarah ‘Myleah’ Nunez, D’Juana Conner, Pauline Keele, Jackie Benoit, Michelle Richard, Angel Jackson
L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort announced its November Five Star Employees in addition to the Employee of the Month. The November Five Stars are: Sarah ‘Myleah’ Nunez, a Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill food server; D’Juana Conner; lead credit clerk; Jackie Benoit, business center representative; Angel Jackson, a guest room attendant; and Michelle Richard, player development coordinator. Pauline Keele, a Le Beaucoup Buffet food server, was designated as the Employee of the Month and is now eligible to receive the coveted Employee of the Year award. Oh Poi! Bryan Smith’s Hawaii Bound! McNeese State All-American Bryan Smith has accepted an invitation to play in the Hula Bowl in Hawaii. The game is scheduled to be played January 12 in the Aloha Stadium with a 5 pm (CST) kickoff. Smith, who was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year for the 2007 season, will be the first McNeese player to compete in the Hula Bowl. A native of Newton, TX, Smith said that he expected to be used as an outside linebacker in the game while also possibly seeing some action at defensive end, his college position. The appearance in the Hula Bowl will give Smith his first post season chance to showcase his talent. He’s expected to be a high round draft choice by the NFL and is also expected to receive invites from the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl. Denise Rau, CFP, and Eva Abate of Rau Financial Group attended the 2007 National Conference hosted by Linsco/Private Ledger (LPL) in Boston. The annual event is the largest national conference for Denise Rau independent investment professionals. Over 6,000 individuals from around the country attended the conference to learn new skills, expand their knowledge in numerous product areas and network.
Eva Abate
John Noble, Jr., MD, orthopaedic surgeon with Center for Orthopaedics, has been selected to serve as a panel member of Ignite, a technical advisory group for Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics. He is one of 40 other surgeons from across the country asked to serve on the panel. The group will meet annually to exchange ideas and shape the future of joint replacement and orthopaedic innovation.
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital has appointed Kevin Mocklin, MD, to the position of Medical Director and Corporate Compliance Officer. Dr. Mocklin is responsible for utilization, infection control, quality assurance, and the clinical aspects of Memorial’s licensure, research, and delivery of services. As Corporate Compliance Officer, he will review and evaluate compliance issues and concerns, including regulatory agencies, hospital policies and procedures, and Memorial’s Standards of Conduct. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Mocklin also serves as an Instructor and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at LSU New Orleans, as well as an Adjunct Professor of Graduate Nursing Education at McNeese State University.
Kevin Mocklin, MD
LFT President Steve Monaghan, Calcasieu Federation of Teachers President Jean Johnson, Leigha Arodin and art teacher Mitzi George.
Leigha Ardoin, a 7th grade student at J. I. Watson Middle School in Iowa, designed the Louisiana Federation of Teachers’ 2007 holiday greeting card. The announcement was made at the 43rd annual LFT convention, held November 1820 in Lake Charles at the L’Auberge du Lac Resort. Commemorative plaques were presented to Leigha and her teacher, Mitzi George. Craig G. Morton, MD, Physiatrist and Spine Interventionalist, has joined the physician staff of the Center for Orthopaedics (CFO). Originally from Lake Charles, Dr. Morton graduated from MSU and received his Medical Degree from LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport. He completed a Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Alabama. Dr. Morton specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He treats problems that, including arthritis, tendonitis, work and sports-related injuries, muscle spasticity and back pain. At the Center for Orthopaedics, Dr. Morton’s will focus on non-surgical management and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Craig G. Morton, MD
McNeese Theatre Students Receive Awards. Students in MSU’s department of performing arts were recognized at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for accomplishments in costume design and ensemble acting for “An Evening of Albee.” Angela Wilds of Iowa received an award for best costume design at the Louisiana College Theatre Festival, November 14-15 at Southeastern University in Hammond. The cast of “An Evening of Albee” was also recognized for ensemble performance. They included Clay Hebert of Sulphur; Gus LaFosse of Jennings; Seth LeBert, Chad Reeves, and Melanie Stahl, all of Lake Charles; Leslie Robinson of Beaumont, Texas; and Jill Tate of Baytown, Texas. Lewis Whitlock III directed the production. John Abegglen was scenic and lighting designer and Joy Pace was assistant director and vocal coach. Reeves, Robinson and Tate are also nominees for the Irene Ryan Scholarship Awards and will compete at the Region VI Theatre Festival. Sulphur Santa Run was a great warm up to the holiday season. There were plenty of elves running Saturday, December 1. This race was one of the largest ever, according to Robert Kingham, Race Director and Director of Dynamic Continued on Page 13
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JANUARY 10, 2008
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DRAWING JANUARY
25TH
RegisterToday! JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 11
…the best date you’ve had this year with your husband is a duck hunt in the rain when it’s 40 degrees outside. – Brandy Guidry, Lake Charles.
“You Are So Southwest Louisiana If...” PRIZE PACKAGES: First Place Prize: Family Pack Tickets for Four to Moody Gardens on Galveston Island Second Place Prize: Four Tickets to the Lake Charles Little Theatre with transportation courtesy of Platinum Limousine Third Place Prize: Gift Basket of Treasures from Expressions
2008
Here are the 2008 winners of “You Are So Southwest Louisiana if…” FIRST PLACE: …the best date you’ve had this year with your husband is a duck hunt in the rain when it’s 40 degrees outside. – Brandy Guidry, Lake Charles SECOND PLACE: …you ask your new doctor if he owns a digital camera! – Susette Duplechin, Lake Charles
Our annual “You Are So Southwest Louisiana If…” contest entries came in to our offices right up to our December 20 deadline. It was a tough decision for our staff to select the winners from all the witticisms that can apply only to our corner of the state. For space, we edited multiple entries and entries that were not identified (ie: just an email address), or were of questionable taste were eliminated. So now, with a metaphorical drum roll, we present the winners of 2008 YASSWLA!
Illustrations by Darrell Buck PAGE 12
JANUARY 10, 2008
THIRD PLACE: …you think “You Tube” is a favorite water sport! – Doug Smith, Lake Charles
HONORABLE MENTIONS: ...if the only White Christmas you can expect is a dense blanket of fog! – Amanda White, Lake Charles …someone tells you, “I’m not drivin’ all the way across the bridge,” and you know exactly what bridge they are talking about. …you held crawfish races in your backyard just before the boil. – Dana Papania, Lake Charles
.. you know what to do with the following items: chicken necks, melt, string, and a few good nets. – Dana Papania, Lake Charles
…you say WalMarK, Chooseday, or Sammich! – Aminah Trahan, Lake Charles …you still reach stroke level when an out-oftowner says, “So, have y’all completely recovered from Katrina yet?” – Susette Duplichin, Lake Charles
And here, for your enjoyment, are the entries in the 2008 “You Are So Southwest Louisiana If…” ...every time the temperature drops below 75 you say that it’s gumbo weather. – Charlotte McCann, Westlake ...you plan your wedding date around McNeese and LSU football games, then at the last minute change it to a spring wedding because it’s just cutting it too close. ...you know the exact ratio of pork meat to deer meat for sausage yet you can’t remember which grade your child is in. ...you keep the latest Cabela’s catalog between the family bible and your wedding photo album. ...you think the Crimestopper commercials are a local TV reality show. ...you do not care who’s running for office, you’re gonna vote republican because your Paw Paw always did. ...you know the exact time of day that Hackett’s Kitchen quits serving plate lunches. ...you know the exact spot you’re going to park
your new travel camper at during the next hurricane evacuation. ...your entire life will always be separated by “before Rita” and “after Rita”. ...half your family works at the plants and the other half works for local attorneys. – Susette Duplichin, Lake Charles …a White Christmas is eating rice on Christmas Day. – Bee LeDoux, Sulphur …if you pay more for crawfish than gas for your car! …if you do the dishes and make the groceries. …if you think that Jindal is a foreigner. – Pam Dufour, Kinder … if you think Road Home money is cab money home after an all night party. – Amanda Johnson, Lake Charles …. if you think you get a staff infection from staff at the hospital. (This is right from the mouth of my silly husband!) – Tessa Vidrine, Lake Charles … if you measure the distance of a trip by the number of beers you could drink while driving. “Oh, that is about a 5 beer trip!” – Bonnie B. Landreneau, Lake Charles ... you graduated with the same friends more than one time — grade school, high school, and college. ... people from other parts of Louisiana hear your accent and ask if you are from Texas. Continued on Page 14
Who’s News, Continued from Page 8
Dimensions. “We had 132 people registered for the run, and we’re able to make a $2000 donation to the WCCH Foundation tagged for the Therapeutic Riding Center,” explained Kingham. The race was sponsored by Dynamic Dimensions and Cameron LNG. Denise L. Davis, CMPE, chief operating officer of The Eye Clinic in Lake Charles, was a guest speaker at the Medical Group Manager’s Association’s (MGMA) National Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her topic was “Bringing Value to your Ophthalmology Practice.” Davis has been a member of MGMA for 23 years and has more than 27 years of experience in the ophthalmic industry. She has been the Administrator at The Eye Clinic for 12 years.
Denise L. Davis, CMPE
Anne Marie Kratzer has joined MidSouth Bank as Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer for the Nelson Road branch in Lake Charles. Kratzer will serve existing commercial clients and develop new business. Kratzer returned to her hometown after living and working in the banking industry in New Orleans for almost 13 years. While in New Orleans, Kratzer was active in the community, serving as a member of the Junior League of New Orleans, Louisiana Young Bankers, Young Leadership Council and both the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and St. Tammany Parish Chamber of Commerce. She also was a Rotary Club of Metairie board member and volunteered for the Louisiana Philharmonic. Hilma Green, MD has joined the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services in Lake Charles. Dr. Green specializes in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. A graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Science in Microbiology, Dr. Green earned her Medical Doctorate and Masters in Medical Sciences from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. She completed her internship and a dual residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine before moving to the Lake Area with her hus-
band Terence Riley and their daughter. Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Green welcomes the opportunity to serve Lake Charles’ Spanish speaking residents. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso was selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. from January 5 through March 17. The Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve the administration of justice in sheriff’s offices, police departments and agencies at home and abroad. The Academy is a 10-week course where offering law, behavioral science, forensic science, leadership development, communication, and health/fitness. Cathy Martin has been promoted to Loan Review Officer at First Federal Bank of Louisiana. Cathy has over 27 years of banking experience. She attended LSU, Georgia State University, and the Graduate School of Banking of the South. She holds certifications from the American Institute of Banking, the National Commercial Lending School and the Bank Administration Institute. She is involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was named “1997 Big Sister of the Year.” Martin is also involved in the breast cancer support group Bosom Buddies. Cathy and her husband, Fred, reside in Lake Charles, and are members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cathy Martin Church. Liz Katchur joined First Federal Bank’s Business Banking Team as Business Banking Cash Management Specialist. A graduate of MSU, Liz has over twenty-two years of banking experience. She has served in numerous roles including Relationship Manager for Public Funds and most recently as Cash Management Advisor. Liz, and her husband Steve, live in Lacassine and are members of St. John’s Catholic Church.
JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 13
EYES THE
HAVE IT
It’s time to get focused on eye care. JANUARY IS EYE CARE MONTH and The Eye Clinic and KPLC are teaming up again to help you maintain your eye health for a lifetime of good vision. Tune into KPLC news programming for the latest news about vision and eye care, and take advantage of these great offers from The Eye Clinic.
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…“Going to the boat” means the bass boat in your front yard. – Sue Spicer, Lake Charles
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Test your eye care knowledge with our on-line Eye Q quiz and be eligible to win great prizes including designer sunglasses, gift certificates and much more. Go to theeyeclinic.net or kplctv.com to take the test. Quiz forms are also available at all locations of The Eye Clinic or at FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
For more infor mation, call 1.800.826.5223 or log on to www.theeyeclinic.net PAGE 14
JANUARY 10, 2008
... you or your family has a map of local waterways at home and you discuss the tides at dinnertime. ... you know what to do with the following items: chicken necks, melt, string, and a few good nets. ... you like a little country music alongside your Zydeco. – Dana Papania, Lake Charles …your family holiday outing includes gator sightings. – Loreleen Guthrie, Cameron
EYE HEALTH SCREENINGS:
SEE AND SAVE :
You Are So SWLA if..., Continued from Page 13
Lake Charles, 1717 Oak Park Blvd., 478-3810 • DeRidder, 501 S. Pine, 462-3937 Sulphur, 2100 Maplewood Dr., 625-8948 • Jennings, 1219 Elton Rd., 824-0040
…you can size up a 40-acre rice field and you can tell how many yards of boudin it will make. – Joseph Bertrand, Lake Charles …you ever had to wait for an alligator to cross the road. – Rachael Frey, Roanoke …you can put “ain’t, y’all & dat” in the same sentence… …you refer to the “Big Easy” as Down East. …you can eat gumbo for breakfast. – Mary O. Wiltz, Lake Charles … you ever picked up a sack of rice from the side of the road. – Jackie Manuel, Lake Charles …your Christmas cards have alligators and crawfish on the front. …you have the MSU Cowboy logo tattooed on your ankle. …you know what Zydeco music is plus you can dance to it. …you know “a bear” is spelled Hebert. – Connie Burrow, Lake Charles …the Mardi Gras beads you caught at parades are your most prized possessions. – Rena LeJeune, Westlake
check us out online: www.timessw.com
Rare Cancer
Can’t Stop
By Erin K. Cormier McNeese State University
MSU Nursing Student Wound care isn’t for the faint of heart, so when McNeese State University nursing student Jennese Cole collapsed during clinicals at Christus-St. Patrick Hospital in 2006, the instructional nurses initially weren’t alarmed. Fainting during clinicals is so common that assistant professor of nursing Lori Groves can identify unsteady students before they fall. When Cole regained consciousness, her fellow students told her not to be embarrassed – lots of people, even nurses, are uncomfortable with the sight of an open wound, they said. “I kept telling them that I wasn’t uncomfortable with it and that the clinicals didn’t bother me, but everyone kept insisting that I got grossed out and fainted,” Cole said. “Over and over, I said ‘That’s not it, I’m telling you. That’s not the problem.’” Other than a sore head and bruised ego, she felt fine, but went to the emergency room anyway as a precautionary measure. She expected to find out that she was a typical, healthy 26-year-old woman whose fainting spell was a fluke. Instead, an MRI revealed a brain tumor, and she was scheduled for surgery later in the week. Doctors told her that the tumor was most likely benign, not cancerous. “When you hear ‘brain tumor,’ your world definitely changes. It was crazy. I felt fine the day before, and suddenly I’m having brain surgery,” said Cole, mother of three. “I started thinking about all the little things in my life – like how my younger daughter talked too much and I’d have to sit there forever until she stopped talking, or how I would have to comb and fix my daughters’ hair every morning. I wondered if I would still be able to do those things. I cried. I prayed.” When Cole woke up from surgery, the doctor told her that the tumor was removed, but she was being transferred to another suite. “Living as a patient when you work in the medical community is both a blessing and curse. It’s a blessing because you know everything you need to know, and it’s a curse because you know everything you need to know,” Cole said. “When they told me what room number I was going to, no one told me that it was the oncology unit, but I knew.” Doctors told her that the tumor was cancerous, but weren’t sure what kind of
treatment she needed or what the prognosis was because they had never seen a tumor like it before. They sent it to Johns Hopkins University to be studied and referred her to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where she heard it all again: The oncologists had never seen such a tumor, and they needed to consult with specialists before they could give her a complete prognosis. Nearly two years later, her prognosis is still unknown. Cole soon learned that the tumor, officially known as papillary glioneuronal, is so rare that the World Health Organization had not yet classified it, which means that no treatment guidelines are available. The physicians at M.D. Anderson recommended that Cole, who is currently cancer-free, undergo tests every two months. According to the Diagnostic Pathology Journal, there are less than 40 known cases of papillary glioneuronal tumor in the world. “I always said I wanted to do something no one has ever done before,” she said. “I didn’t know it would be this.” Other than slight numbness in her left hand from the brain surgery, she said she feels “great,” although she admits that any time she gets a headache, she worries. Cole hopes that her career will include some oncology work. She believes that her experiences as a patient will make her a better nurse than she would have been otherwise – “more compassionate, more patient, and more empathetic to what the patient is going through,” she said. “Before this happened, I would have never wanted to work in oncology. I thought it would be too depressing to work with a group of people, sick with cancer, who had to give up on life. That’s how it seemed on the outside,” she said. “I’m on the inside now, and I know that cancer patients aren’t a sick group of people who are waiting for the end. I know now that cancer patients are survivors – they’re full of hope, they want to live life to the fullest, and they do. I realized that when you have cancer, it doesn’t mean it’s over.” Veronica Woodard, assistant nursing professor at McNeese, said she feels safe knowing that nurses like Cole are in the field. “She is an unassuming woman, but she is truly profound. There is nothing easy about what she’s gone through, and
that includes the clinical assignments that she’s completed at McNeese. In every environment, she has proven herself to be industrious, flexible, and able to deliver the care that was needed,” Woodard said. “If I were in the hospital and I opened my eyes and saw her leaning over my bed, I could go back to sleep knowing that everything was alright.” According to Groves, Cole is already in high demand as a nurse “because of her compassion, her positive outlook on life and her abilities.” “It has been interesting for me to watch her go through all this, because she has never seen herself as a victim. She doesn’t act like life has dealt her a bad hand. She doesn’t complain, and I’ve never seen her get upset or workedup over things,” Groves said. “I’m old enough to be Jennese’s mother, but when I grow up, I want to be her.”
McNeese State University student Jennese Cole of Lake Charles graduated on December 15 after enduring an unusual fight with cancer. Cole was diagnosed in 2006 with a cancer so rare that the World Health Organization has not yet classified it.
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JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 15
Times Photo PAGE 16
JANUARY 10, 2008
Sooo... Close Rams first trip to the dome.
THE SENDOFF
Children crowded outside of elementary and junior high schools, fans lined the streets and donned banners of good wishes along the interstate as the Westlake Rams left on a journey to New Orleans to compete in the 4-3A championship game. “The excitement all over Southwest Louisiana was unbelievable; everyone was cheering us on,” said Max Caldarera, head coach of the Rams. “Mayor Roach and Police Juryman Hal McMillin were at the tourist bureau in Lake Charles, as well as many other folks, all coming out to give us a great send off. I thought Coach Johns and all of his seniors showing their support by
attending the event was a really classy act,” he said. Washington Marion’s Jukebox Band was there playing, making it a heck of a sendoff. Caldarera continued, “Even the backhoes at the construction area on I10 stopped their work and lifted their bucket arms, waving to us. Then we got to Jennings and they had big banners on I-10 wishing us well. That was a sight to remember and very much appreciated. It was another show of support for their district from a classy high school.” The team practiced later that day at the LSU practice facility, getting their first taste of the new pro-type artificial turf. After a night at the hotel room in New Orleans, the team packed up and headed for battle in the Super Dome.
Moments before the game begins players pause for the National Anthem.
FINAL STATS
The Westlake Rams ready for battle in the Louisiana Superdome as they take on Parkview Baptist for the Louisiana High School 4-3A Championship title.
First Downs Net Yards Rushing Net Yards Passing Total Offense Yards
THE GAME If a story were written of the past two years state finals team, the title would have to be borrowed from Hall of Famer Yogi Berra: “It’s Deja Vu All Over Again.” The Westlake Rams met the same fate as the Sulphur Tors who went to a title game before them, losing a heartbreaker in the waning minutes to the Parkview Baptist Eagles, 19-18. The game opened up with an impressive 63-yard Eagle drive, culminating with the first touchdown of the game. “They took the ball and drove through our defense like we weren’t on the field,” said Coach Caldarera. It was certainly a wake-up call for our defense. The Rams answered with a Vincent Collins kick-off return for their first score. The Eagles maintained the lead 7-6 as the Rams’ two-point conversion failed. “It was a swinging gate play, one that we practiced just about every day of the year, but I guess due to the excitement of the game, it just didn’t work out.” Kicker Jacob McGinnis was sorely missed, going down for the season with a broken leg suffered in the first half of the playoff game with #15 Patterson the week prior to the championship game. “We had Donald James step up to cover the kicking duties, however, unbeknownst to us, James got hurt the
Westlake 9 38 126 164
Parkview 8 61 81 142
week of practice. It wasn’t until we noticed his accuracy off a bit. We then discovered he sprained a medial lateral ligament in his knee and just didn’t say much about it,” Caldarera explained. Without a kicker for the game, the Rams’ hand was forced regarding PAT’s or conversions. “Because of James’ injury, we knew from the beginning it was going to be a two-point conversion game.” The remainder of the first quarter was spent swapping possessions between the two teams, until Westlake began a drive at their own 27 yard line with 1:30 left in the quarter. It was an impressive march down the field, ending in a Trent Whitley 25 yard pass to junior flanker Brandon Ballou. A false start penalty was thrown on the Rams during the extra point. Whitley attempted a pass for a twopoint conversion. The pass failed. “I really feel that the motion penalty was one that wasn’t really there,” said Caldarera. “They called it on Cade Lamire, #60, but he is so fast off the ball, the center snaps and he’s gone. We saw that from him all year.” Parkview fumbled the next possession, giving the Rams the ball on the Parkview 45. However, the Rams ran into a determined Eagle defense, moving zero yards and turning it over on downs. The Rams mustered a six play, 23 yard drive ending the half, but was JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 17
Coaches Anthony Whitehead, Scott Meche, and Max “Pistol” Caldarera, Jr.
Defensive Coordinator Charlie Smith rallies the troops.
Leader of the band; Jacob Ecker
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stopped on the Parkview 40. The first half of the game ended with the Rams in the lead 12-7. The halftime stats matched the closeness of the score, with Westlake holding the edge in both. The Rams had 39 yards on the ground to the Eagles 30, and 70 through the air compared to 47 for the Eagles. “You had two great defensive football teams out on the field that evening,” said Coach Caldarera. “Both teams did a good job in stuffing the ground game. They were winning some battles, we were winning some battles, that’s how it goes with good defenses,” he said. “If you look at any good football team, they’ve got a good running game, the ability to throw when needed, and a great defense. You’ve got to have that to win games,” said Caldarera. He and fellow coaches Jimmy Shaver of Barbe and Perry Lalande of South Cameron travel around the region to look at other teams and pick up ideas for improvement. “In our travels and through the years, we’ve learned that you’ve got to have a ground game to win”, he said. “To win all your games, you’ve got to have effectiveness in air. To win a championship, you’ve got to have a strong defense. These are the key elements to success.” The Rams exited the locker room
after the half with marching orders to play “smash-mouth” football according to Caldarera. “It’s what got us to the dome,” he said. The two teams exchanged possessions in the third quarter, until the fourth possession saw Parkview snap the ball over their punter’s head. That’s when Ram Jr. Linebacker T. J. Juranka chased the ball down for a touchdown with 03:25 to go in the third quarter. The score was then 18-7 Westlake. The team’s third two-point conversion was called back after a holding penalty. “That hurt,” said Caldarera. The following conversion play was not successful. Parkview returned the ensuing kickoff to the Westlake 34 yard line. “They got a heck of a return,” said Caldarera. “Our kick-off team has done a heck of a job all year, but this was just one of those that slipped by us.” Parkview punched the ball into the end zone four seconds into the fourth quarter with a Bryant Voth rush over the left end for a five yard run. The two-point conversion attempt failed. This put the score at 18-13, Westlake, with 11:56 to play in the fourth. Westlake got the ball back only to turn it over with an Eagles Brennon Brignac interception on the Ram 42 yard line.
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JANUARY 10, 2008
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Photo: Roddy Johnson/Action Sports Photo
Junior tailback Vincent Collins finished the 2007 season with 2,297 yards, earning him the Class 4-3A Offensive MVP Award.
Junior Flanker Brandon Ballou snags a 25-yard pass from Quarterback Trent Whitley for the Rams second score of the game.
Photo: Roddy Johnson/Action Sports Photo
Junior Quarterback Trent Whitley threw for 1,292 yards during the 2007 14-1 season.
This proved to be the winning drive as Parkview marched down 42 yards for a score in only four plays. Westlake had a close encounter with a turnover in the series as senior free safety Casey Oden stripped the ball from Parkview tailback Drew Dileo. “We were all around the ball, but it made it back into Deleo’s hands,” said Caldarera. The score was now 19-18, Parkview. Westlake had their work cut out for themselves as they fielded the ball on their own 31 yard line. The Rams started their drive on their 38 after a seven yard Malcolm Guillory return. They marched down the field 43 yards on nine plays to the Parkview 19.
It was fourth and nine, and the call was a pass from Quarterback Trent Whitely to Brandon Ballou. “The play turned into what was potentially a touchdown play, but went through Brandon’s hands. He had to do fantastic catches to get us down there, but it didn’t happen on fourth down,” said Caldarera. From there, the Eagles took possession of the ball on their own 19 yard line, and held the ball through six plays to run out the clock. “Hot dang, two teams with a combined record of 28-0 going at each other, and one wins by one point! All you can do is feel for the kids and all that they’ve been through,” said Caldarera.
Westlake’s “D” was Ram tough all year.
The Westlake band performed at halftime dazzling the crowd as they did all year long.
Each team had their share of mistakes, Westlake with interceptions that they had not seen all year, and Parkview fumbling the ball, also not indicative of their regular season play. “I really think that the biggest thing that separated us that day was two holding penalties that took points off the board. One was a touchdown and the other a two-point conversion. I really don’t like to talk about officiating of a game, but these calls were pivotal calls in that they took points off the board, not yardage on the field — points on the board,” said Coach Caldarera. “Yes, you hate to end it that way, but doggone…what a ride! What a ride it was! Records were set and all of the
The team graciously accepts the runner-up trophy at mid-field with the orange wave of support behind.
kids, as well as the community, have to be so proud of what was accomplished in 2007.” Caldarera was quick to credit his coaching staff for getting the team ready to play, and having a banner year. Assistants included Jamie Schiro, Offensive Coordinator, Max “Pistol” Caldarera, offensive line, Charlie Smith, defensive coordinator, Charles Vicknair, defensive line and special teams, Jeremy Duplechin, defensive backs, two student coaches Garon Dugas, and Scott Meche, and off-thefield coach Anthony Whitehead. The Westlake Rams completed the season with a record of 14-1, after completing a perfect 10-0 season for the first time in school history.
Coach Max pauses for a prayer with his team after a hard fought battle. JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 19
Photo by Flashpix/Musemeche Photography
Westlake Coaches (l-r): Jamie Schiro, Offensive Coordinator, Jeremy Duplechin, Defensive Backs, Max "Pistol" Caldarera, Offensive Line, Head Coach Max "Coach Max" Caldarera, Charlie Smith, Defensive Coordinator, Charles Vicknair, Defensive Line and Special Teams and "off the field" Assistant Anthony Whitehead. Not picture: Student coaches Garon Dugas, and Scott Meche.
THE COACH — THE CAREER A 1966 Elton High School graduate and Indian football player (G/LB), Max “Coach Max” Caldarera has definitely made his mark on Southwest Louisiana football during his 36 year illustrious career. He started McNeese after high school majoring in agriculture and business. “I began work for Mr. Joe Stoma who had S & M Bargain City while attending McNeese. He approached me and asked if I wanted to do some coaching at ICS (now ICCS). He said he’d continue my salary, so I agreed to the part-time coaching position. Then Coach Caldarera changed his major from Ag and Business to Health & P.E. The teenager’s first season at ISC was only Caldarera and a few parents. Things began to grow his second season there. “I got a call from Max, a good high school friend of mine, asking me to come assist him with coaching at ICS,” said Jimmy Shaver, current head football coach at Barbe High School. “We knew each other, and our girlfriends were best friends, growing up next door to each other in Kinder. Shaver played high school ball in
Kinder and Caldarera 10 miles down the road in Elton. They both were attending McNeese together. Shaver accepted the offer from “Coach Max”, who eventually brought on Kirby Bruchhaus, Robby Treme, his brother Charles Caldarera as well as many others to work the program. Coach Caldarera moved on in 1972 to assistant coach at Merryville under then head coach David Payne. Two years later he received a call from Westlake student teacher Kirby Bruchhaus saying that then Westlake Coach Charles Vicknair wanted to talk to him about an assistant coaching position at the school. “I had three positions open at the time, and had Max come in to look at one of them,” said Charles Vicknair, now assistant coach at Westlake. I hired him along with Mike Ortego and LaSalle Williams who was at Mossville. Caldarera made the move to Westlake in 1974, and the rest is history as Coach Vicknair moved to Barbe a few years later, allowing “Coach Max” to step into the Westlake head position in 1978. “Coach Vicknair hired two guys I was trying to hire, Jimmy Shaver and Kirby Bruchhaus,” said Caldarera.
ICS Coaching staff Max Caldarera assembled in the early 70’s that would shape the future of coaching in Calcasieu Parish for the next 30 years. From l-r: Wayne Langley, Kirby Bruchhaus, Jimmy Shaver and Head Coach Max Caldarera. PAGE 20
JANUARY 10, 2008
“Max wasn’t happy with that for a while, but everything worked out and we’re still best friends,” Shaver commented. In fact, the two, along with Cameron head coach Perry LaLande make annual coaching trips throughout the region together, searching out new ideas and schemes of teams similar to theirs that have had success. “Not only are we best friends, but his wife Wanda (Lejeune) and Tommye (Kingery), my wife, are best of friends,” said Shaver. “They grew up right next door to each other in Kinder, and today are both retired teachers and do many things together. Every year, we take a couple of vacation trips together. Caldarera added, “Kirby and his wife joined all of us for New Years, so it goes beyond coaching, you could call it an extended family.” Speaking of family, many Caldareras can be seen at every game; his wife Wanda has been through the 36-year coaching ride, and daughter Kimberly, former Ram cheerleader, has grown up watching and cheering on her dad year in and year out. Caldarera’s mother, Peggy Smith has made scrap books for each of his 30 years as head coach. His son, Max “Pistol” Caldarera, Jr. is offensive line coach for the Rams. “Pistol came through the program from ball boy, to quarterback his senior year and now coach.” “My dad, Johnny, died in 1995, but he did get to see a great semi-finals year in ’93, and attended every game as well. He stated that most of the family and some friends were in a box leased for the playoffs. He said so many were at the Dome, “brother and sisters, parents, friends — there were so many there, it was just a good time.” “Max is just a good, structured organized guy, and that shows in the excellent program that he has at Westlake,” said Vicknair. “It’s wonderful to be back working for him, he’s just a class guy.” Shaver added “Max disserves an awful lot of credit for maintaining a great program, never changing his values through the years through the ups and downs. We’ve all had the up years and down, but I’ve always told him that he has a 5-A program in a 3-A school, simply because he runs it better than most 5-A’s.” Coach Caldarera amassed a 183174 win/loss record over the past 30 years while head coach for the Rams. Nineteen of those 30 ended in making it to the playoffs, with the 1993 semifinal season the most successful prior to this year’s finals. Saying of his own career, “I’m still having fun.”
*
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JANUARY 10, 2008
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S O U T H W E S T
L O U I S I A N A ’ S
H O M E G R O W N
B U S I N E S S E S
Martin Automotive: Heavy Trucks and Flyin’ High By Kathy Bergstrom s a kid in Jackson, Mississippi, my first job in 1939 was riding a bicycle around, picking up parts,” Ed Martin reminisced from his office overlooking the 15-acre complex of Martin Automotive Group on Highway 90 East. “My Dad was a Packard auto dealer, and it was the Depression, but he had a great reputation in central Mississippi, and did a heck of a job selling.” Ed grew up working in sales – and trucks. “My experience has always been in trucks. For 49 years now, well, 51 if you count my military days.” Ed was in ROTC in college and had 13 years of military service, active and reserves. “I was in Japan at the end of WW II and in ordinance in Korea. My MOS was wheel and truck maintenance officer and heavy weapons, artillery pieces. Heavy trucks and that includes tanks!” Ed explained. “My mainstay, my experience has always been in the trucking business. You get into a career and like it…I can’t imagine not being happy in a job and having to go to it everyday.” He moved his family to Lake Charles in 1966 to take over the GMC dealership from Wolman and Allen. He started with nine employees at the former Dimmick Auto Supply place on Enterprise Boulevard. In 1972 he moved the business to its current location at Highway 90 East. He designed the facility which covers 15 acres. And now with 85 employees, “We are consistently hitting $100 million in sales,” Ed says. “Our big-dollar volume is in heavy-duty trucks. They cost over $100,000 each!” Ed explained. Martin
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Chip, Ed and Tad Martin
Automotive supplies fleets of heavyduty trucks to BFI, Sysco, and other major industries. “Our territory for heavy trucks is from the Atchafalya west to the Texas line and north to Alexandria.” Martin Automotive does it all, Ed explains. “We lease, sell and repair heavy duty trucks and equipment; GMC, Freightliner, Sterling, Ford, Caterpillar…” If heavy trucks are his first love, airplanes are his second. “I just love a plane! My wife says I’m eaten up with them!” Ed jokes. “I have four airplanes; three antiques I fly in air shows and a Beechcraft Baron that I use to fly for business and family trips.” Ed took his first flying lesson in 1970 at Chennault. “I’ve been flying 38 years now.” He proudly shows photos of his 1940 de Havilland Tiger Moth, his 1952 de Havilland Chipmunk, and his latest acquisition, a 1943 Stinson Reliant Gull Wing. “ “The Gull Wing was a liaison aircraft during WW II. This one served in Burma. I’m only the fourth owner,” Ed explained. “We restored it and I decided to have it painted in the yellow and white colors of Shell Oil Company in the 1930’s as homage to Jimmy Doolittle.” Doolittle headed Shell Oil’s aviation department. Ed
easily works in the names of aviation greats, and also shows his photo of WW II Corsairs signed by Pappy Boyington of the famous Black Sheep Squadron. He tells of meeting Werner Von Braun during the mid-50’s when Von Braun was developing our nascent space program. After 51 years developing his business, Ed is Chairman of the Board and says of retirement, “Absolutely not! That would be like asking me to leave my wife after 56 years of marriage!” Along with growing his business, Ed and his wife, Hazel, raised two sons, Chip and Tad, and a daughter, Kay. Chip handles sales and Tad handles parts and service. Ed notes that his grandson, who just graduated from Texas A&M, and will be moving to Lake Charles and will be the third generation to work in the family business. “We’re proud of what we have here,” says Ed. “We’ve built a good reputation and a money-making business. And we’ve met some interesting people!”
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t i m e s
picks the best in lake area entertainment
GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL IS GUEST SPEAKER AT CHAMBER ANNUAL BANQUET, JANUARY 22 — The 104th Annual Banquet at the Lake Charles Civic Center will feature keynote speaker, the newly elected Governor Bobby Jindal, just days after taking office. “We are honored to be one of the first stops on Governor Jindal’s gubernatorial calendar and to be the first to hear his plans for the future of Southwest Louisiana. The Chamber SWLA and the current Governor-elect are both strong advocates for statewide ethics reform and economic development and we look forward to working together on making Louisiana attractive to outside investment,” says George Swift, Chamber SWLA President/CEO. Entertainment will be provided by The Capitol Steps who mine the headlines of the day to create song parodies and skits which convey a special brand of satirical humor. Most cast members have worked on Capitol Hill; some for Democrats, some for Republicans, and others for politicians who firmly straddle the fence. No matter who holds office, there’s never a shortage of material. This year’s banquet entertainment is sponsored by CITGO Petroleum Corporation. The evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. For more information, contact The Chamber SWLA at 337-433-3632. “LOW SALT AND LOVING IT” AT WEST CALCASIEU CAMERON HOSPITAL, JANUARY 17— A free cooking demonstration, “Low Salt and Loving It” will be held Thursday, January 17 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Featuring Fran Landry, RD and director of Nutrition Services of WCCH, the seminar will be held at Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur. Landry will demonstrate several recipes that are full of flavor and low on sodium, and give tips on how to lower the sodium content in favorite recipes. Samples of the dishes will be available. Reserve space by calling 527-5459. WAYNE BRADY AND JEFF FOXWORTHY AT L’AUBERGE IN JANUARY — L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort announces a month of comedy and laughter in January with two award-winning performers. Wayne Brady will perform in the L’Auberge Event Center on Friday, January 11. One week later, the hilarious Jeff Foxworthy will spread his legendary redneck humor during two shows on Friday, January 18. Emmy award winning Wayne Brady is one of the most versatile performers in show business today. He has been entertaining audiences with his acting, improv, singing and dancing on television, film and the stage. Brady became well known for his improvisational skills on ABC’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?, for which he won an Emmy and earned four Emmy nominations. Wayne Brady will perform one show only in the L’Auberge Event Center on Friday, January 11 at 8:30 pm; doors open one hour before the show. Tickets are priced at $45 for floor seating and $35 for stadium seating; tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 488-5252. Jeff Foxworthy is best known for his You Might Be A Redneck If… jokes; his affectionate jabs at Southern rednecks catapulted him to stardom and earned him a place in the record books for the best selling comedy album of all time. Foxworthy will perform two shows in one night at the L’Auberge Event Center on Friday, January 18 at 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm; doors open one hour before each show. Tickets are priced at $75 for floor seating and $65 for stadium seating; tickets are on sale now. All show tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 488-5252 or online at www.ticketmaster.com . All acts, dates and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Guests must be 21 years of age and present a valid photo ID. CENTER FOR HEALTH SERVICES HOSTING A PAP SMEAR CLINIC, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 — January is “National Cervical Health Awareness Month” and the SWLA Center for Health Services will host a Pap Smear Clinic Friday, January 18, from 8 to 11 PAGE 24
JANUARY 10, 2008
a.m. The Pap Smear Clinic is an annual program that is free to the public. Spaces are limited, so appointments should be made by calling the Health Center. Local Gynecologist, Dr. Stan Kordisch reports, “If detected early, most cervical cancers are treatable with good results. Women should continue to get the annual Pap smear from their health care provider for detection of diseases. For young women and teenagers who are sexually active, the annual Pap smear, along with the HPV vaccine, can prevent types 6, 11, 16, and 18 of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer, in particular the one caused by the HPV virus, is treatable if detected early. The HPV virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease today. Women who have been exposed to this virus have an extremely high risk for developing cervical cancer.” For more information or to pre-register for the Pap Smear Clinic, please call the clinic at 337-439-9983. NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM JANUARY 22 — The free 12-week series of classes will start in Lake Charles, Tuesday, January 22 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The course is designed specifically for parents, siblings, spouses, teen-age and adult children and significant others of persons who have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness. The course is not appropriate for individuals who themselves suffer from one of the major mental illnesses. It is sponsored by The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Southwest Louisiana. The course will cover information about schizophrenia, the mood disorders (bipolar disorder and major depression), panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder; coping skills such as handling crisis and relapse; basic information about medications; listening and communication techniques; problem-solving skills; recovery and rehabilitation; and self-care around worry and stress. The curriculum has been written by an experienced family member mental health professional, and will be taught by NAMI-SWLA family member volunteers who have taken intensive training as course instructors. For more information or to register, contact NAMISWLA Executive Director, Clarice Raichel at 337-433-0219. “THE BABY SHOWER” CLASSES START JANUARY 15 — Class will run Tuesday, January 15 on successive Tuesdays, through February 26. Sessions will begin at 4 p.m. at SWLA Center for Health Services, located at 2000 Opelousas Street in Lake Charles. The Baby Shower classes are educational, informative, and geared for obstetric patients and will cover “What to Expect while Expecting, Labor and Delivery, Nutrition, Exercise, Breastfeeding, Relaxation Techniques and Parenting Trends,” plus games, prizes and refreshments. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the program, and will also earn valuable points by attending sessions and keeping medical doctor’s appointments and lab visits. You do not have to be a registered patient of the Health Center to participate. For more information or to pre-register call 337-439-9983 and ask for the Women’s Wellness Clinic.
Jeff Foxworthy
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"The Worst of 2007" — let us look back, and feel shame.
by Matt Jones • ©2008 Jonesin' Crosswords Brought to you by Melanie Perry, Agent State Farm Insurance
Last Issue’s Answers
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JANUARY 10, 2008
Across 1 Big-budget movies, often 6 Some college degs. 9 Fulfill a debt 14 American ___ (U.S. territory) 15 Words before "glance" 16 Cream of the crop 17 Soulja Boy song on many "Worst of 2007" lists, despite hitting #1 19 Strong winds 20 Cancelled 2007 CBS dramedy that "comes close" to being "the worst show in the history of television," according to the New York Times 22 Dull pain 25 "Interview" actress Miller 26 The Snoopy ___-Cone Machine 27 "No way I'm believing that!" 29 Jason of the "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie 31 Mentalist Geller 32 Subtlety 37 Greek goddess of the Earth 41 Hybrid fashion item named one of People.com's "2007 Worst Trends" 44 Punta del ___, Uruguay 45 Squish down 46 Org. that assigns numerical IDs 47 It comes from your butt?
49 51 54 59 60
63 64
68 69 70 71 72 73
11 12 13 18 21 Movie studio city, in Variety 22 headline shorthand 23 Dr. J's former league 24 "Mortal ___" 28 Tennis star Kournikova 30 Sequel that made The Onion A.V. Club's "Worst Movies of 2007" list, 33 34 with a rare "F" grade 35 Shining 36 One of the "Ten Worst Automobiles of 2007" as ranked 38 by thetruthaboutcars.com 39 Stiller's comedy partner 40 ___-pitch softball 42 Spine-tingling Gross 43 2003 Will Ferrell movie 48 Red carpet clothing 50
Down 1 Key that helps you exit 2 Course standard 3 "But ___ Cheerleader" (1999 movie with RuPaul) 4 Get across 5 H.H. Munro's pen name 6 Faith centered in Haifa 7 "___ of Two Cities" 8 He of three sixes 9 Black Uhuru's genre 10 "In the Valley of ___" (2007 Tommy Lee Jones film)
51 52 53 55 56 57 58 61 62 65 66 67
Pharmaceutical output Skipped the restaurant Simple question type Idiot boxes Except that Make happy "Hannah Montana" star Miley Criminal's bank job Wind dir. Narcissistic quality Barefoot Nav. rank Conservative opener ___-Magnon man Bad lighting? "Now we'll see how tough you are!" Carne ___ steak (Taco Bell option) Unwelcome veggie in your TV dinner's dessert compartment LBJ's VP Enclosed aerial walk Rusty the bailiff's judge Amy of "Enchanted" English muffin displacer Presidential also-ran Stevenson En ___ How a fun time may be had ___ God Greek letter T Place to crash on campus Wilbur was his owner Dander "___ for Outlaw" (1999 mystery novel) Metroid platform, for short
Joanne Rigney, Helen Taylor and Beverly Reina chatted before “The Christmas Story” at Lake Charles Little Theatre.
Lovina and Rose Guidry pose with “The Major Award” lamp in the lobby of the Little Theatre.
The Shadow Celebrates an Early Twelfth Night
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nd you thought 12th Night was early in ’05? Thursday evening, January 3, Krewes gathered at the Civic Center for one of the earliest Twelfth Night celebrations yet. While some of us had yet to recover from New Year’s parties, it was time to don the purple, gold and green of the Mardi Gras season. Epiphany, the 12th night after Christmas, was actually on January 6th, which makes Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) February 5. So Mardi Gras of SWLA moved our Twelfth Night revelry to January 3 to accommodate the schedules for the balls, parades and celebrations of over 42 regional Krewes. Oh, and BTW (by the way) – an early 12th Night and early February Mardi Gras means that Easter is March 23, unless
Royalty of the Miracle Krewe for Kids prepares for 12th Night; Captain Ainsley De Sonier, Queen Lanie Warner and King Rick Alston.
Cornell Thomas and Princella Ryan greet Krewe members at the staging area for 12th Night at the Civic Center Exhibition Hall.
Junior Miss Mardi Gras Claire Galley and her escort, Sgt. Charles Sheely, prepare for 12th Night promenade.
JANUARY 10, 2008
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King Dannie and Queen Susan Barron of Krewe de Classique prepare for 12th Night promenade.
you are Eastern Orthodox, in which case, you’ll celebrate Easter on April 27. (But you can do the math; I’m having enough trouble trying to keep up with my Shadow calendar!) While a festive crowd gathered in the Civic Center that cold evening, backstage over 42 Krewes assembled to prepare their royalty for one last promenade before their Duchess of Misrule, Shelly Johnson. Duchess Shelly presided over the evening surrounded by Mardi Gras royalty. I used my oh-so-impressive press pass to finagle my way into the Exhibition Hall where the Krewes
were assembling, dressing for promenade and partying one last time with their 2007 royal courts. Mardi Gras of SWLA Green Coat volunteers Cornell Thomas and Princella Ryan welcomed me for an inside look at Twelfth Night. I ran into a group of guys that sounded like a poker hand — Two Kings and Two Captains! King Emmett Sole of Krewe of Mystique, King Clay Dardeau of Krewe le Bon Coeur, Captain Scot Hebert of Krewe de la Famille, and Captain Junius Landry of Krewe of Komova were dressed in their Twelfth Night cos-
Miss Mardi Gras Stevie Campbell and her escort, Mayor Randy Roach, prepare for 12th Night promenade.
tumes and they traded barbs while they waited in the line for “refreshments” before promenade began. Next I met members of the newest Krewe, the Miracle Krewe for Kids as they prepared for Twelfth Night. Captain Ainsley De Sonier, Queen Lanie Warner and King Rick Alston with the Children’s Miracle Network Krewe received last minute advice and hugs from Poddy Champeaux. Mardi Gras of SWLA Green Coat volunteers Bryan Verrett and Carol Watson gathered royalty and placed them in order and on schedule for the
promenade, and generously accommodated those of us in the news biz, who needed shots of Krewe royalty. I wasn’t the only distraction; I snapped a photo of the KPLC TV crew as they interviewed a Krewe waiting for their promenade cue from Bryan and Carol. Sometimes to get the story, you have to BE the story! I caught Ms. Mardi Gras Courtney Jinks and her escort, Marine Corps Sgt. Arredondo; Junior Miss Mardi Gras Claire Galley and her escort, Marine Corps Sgt. Charles Sheely; and Miss Mardi Gras Stevie Campbell
1413 W. Prien Lake Rd., Holly Hill Plaza • 478-5221 www.cynthiprice.com PAGE 28
JANUARY 10, 2008
King John and Queen Sara Green of Krewe Déjà vu du Monde were dressed in medieval splendor for 12th Night.
Queen Michelle Horak of Krewe de Carnivale waves to revelers during 12th Night promenade.
and her escort, Mayor Randy Roach, as they lined up for the start of promenade. And they all looked fabulous; the ladies in sparkling tiaras and formals, Mayor Roach in a tux and the Marines in military dress uniforms! Taking their place in line were Randy Fruge, Tommy Fruge and James Alexander who carried the Krewe de L’eau banner for King Mark and Queen Patti Mallette. Meanwhile, Delores Beaco helped consort Bertha Coleman into her costume for the Krewe de Classique. Joanna Nixon-Gatlin and Iesha Turner assisted Krewe de Magnifique Queen Nichelle Smith into her gorgeous silver and black lace gown. Over at the Krewe de la Famille, King Albert and Queen Lora Chinn dressed for promenade and visited with King John Green of the Krewe Déjà vu du Monde and Thelma Fontenot, board member of Krewe de
Famille and Famille Captains, Bea and Scot Hebert. King John and Queen Sara Green of Krewe Déjà vu du Monde were dressed in medieval splendor, complete with furs, shiny breastplates and swords. (Later during promenade, King John did an impromptu battle with a balloon column that attacked his sword!) Tim Castle and Lansen Castle, banner carrier for Krewe Déjà vu du Monde visited with Krewe members as they prepared for promenade. Dressed in Cajun country traditional costumes, the Krewe des Originals et les Enfant gathered from all over – Jennings, Crowley, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge and Alexander, to keep the old ways alive for another generation. In their home-made country costumes, Cathy Schexnider; Grayson and Tammie Hardee; Hunter, Blake, Rebecca and Jody Moss; Stacy
Dressed in Cajun country traditional costumes, the Krewe des Originals et les Enfant dress for 12th Night. They are Cathy Schexnider; Grayson and Tammie Hardee; Hunter, Blake, Rebecca and Jody Moss; Stacy Corbello and Kelsey Ellender.
Corbello and Kelsey Ellender posed for a snapshot for the Shadow. They were looking forward to the upcoming Cajun rooster runs, gumbos and parades. At the parade line up, Julianna Dardeau, Ally Theriot and Grayson Harlow took their places to carry the banner for the Krewe de l’Ecore. Behind them, King Dannie and Queen Susan Barron of Krewe de Classique, and King Joe and Queen Simone Zartler of Krewe of Komova, escorted by Captain Junius Landry, were ready for promenade. King John and Queen Linda Collins of Krewe of Omega were very regal in their purple and gold as they prepared for the parade. Over at the Krewe de la Baucaneers, Keith Jagneaux, Donnie Istre, Bob “Jean Lafitte” Peloquin, Eddie Langley and Albert Broussard were in their best swashbuckler finery for promenade. They posed for a Shadow snapshot and noted that Sherman Corbello was not pictured! I left the exhibition hall to catch the excitement in the Civic Center. Backstage at the north end of the Civic Center, the Krewe of Illusions and the Krewe of Chetu Jadi dressed for promenade. Consort Jackie
Simien Guillory was brilliant in a white sequined costume. Captain Craig Guillory carefully balanced a huge headdress of red, black and green feathers, covered with African masks. King Arnold Bellow and Anna Bellow in brilliant blue and gold also waited for their promenade cues. Jackie explained that their elegant and elaborate costumes incorporate African art and design in keeping with their name, the Krewe of ancestors. This year the Krewe of Chetu Jadi celebrate their 21st year. In the other wing of the Civic Center, giant red, white and blue feathered costumes marked the staging area for the Krewe of Illusions. A.J. Smith, Roxanne Landry, Lori Marinovich and Carla Chrisco helped with costume preparations as Kevin Hodge, in full Uncle Sam regalia, held his white goatee to his chin until the glue set. He noted that a fake goatee is so much easier to deal with than growing out a real one (and dyeing it white) just for Twelfth Night! Inside the Civic Center, the Duchess of Misrule, Shelly Johnson, presided over Twelfth Night, seated with all the Mardi Gras queens, princesses and select Krewe Royalty.
King Joe and Queen Simone Zartler of Krewe of Komova are escorted by Captain Junius Landry.
JANUARY 10, 2008
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The Krewe de la Baucaneers line up for 12th Night: Keith Jagneaux, Donnie Istre, Bob “Jean Lafitte” Peloquin, Eddie Langley and Albert Broussard. Not pictured, Sherman Corbello.
Each Krewe paraded as the Master of Ceremonies, Dale Mann, announced their royalty to close the 2007 season and begin Mardi Gras 2008. Queen Michelle Horak and King Preston Smith of Krewe de Carnivale waved to revelers under the dazzling spotlights of 12th Night promenade. Twelfth Night ended traditionally, as the Krewe of Chetu Jadi and the Krewe of Illusions royalty presented the finale. Guests in the Twelfth Night audience who found “babies” in their pieces of King Cake, received great prizes donated by local merchants and businesses of Southwest Louisiana, closing another successful Twelfth Night of revelry. Twelfth Night was sponsored, as always, by Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana, which promotes over 20 family-friendly events during the Mardi Gras season. They note that Mardi Gras contributes $18.8 million to our area economy and is fast becoming an international tourist attraction, even as we maintain a down-home spirit. Many of the fabulous costumes we saw tonight will take their places in the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu. To keep track of upcoming events, check out the Mardi Gras website at
www.swlamardigras.com or pick up our January 24 issue of The Times. We’ll have all the latest Mardi Gras info for you. Now I must digress and take the “way-back machine” to Thursday evening, December 13, when the Lake Charles Little Theatre premiered their special holiday performance of “A Christmas Story.” Produced on stage like radio show of the 1940s, “A Christmas Story” (a.k.a ‘The Red Ryder BB Gun, You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out Christmas classic) starred John Bridges, Mayor Randy Roach, Dale Mann, Heather Fazzio, Gary Shannon, Patty Hebert, Carla Chrisco, Ann Drake, Russ Bordelon, Tom Cole and Laura Heller. Anne, Carla, Ellie Marquez and James Johnson adapted Jean Shepherd’s familiar story (and movie) into the radio play format. It was great fun! The Little Theatre lobby was dressed for Christmas circa 1940’s with a Christmas tree, Red Ryder BB Gun and the all important “major award” leg lamp on a side table. Lovina and Rose Guidry admired the lamp before the performance. Joanne Rigney chatted with Helen Taylor and Beverly Reina. The
Mardi Gras royalty enjoys 12th Night promenade with the Duchess of Misrule, Shelly Johnson.
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JANUARY 10, 2008
HealthCARE
Get Focused on
Eye Care
in 2008
Logan and Autumn Buck visit with a friend during Moody Gardens’ Festival of Lights
Shadow also spotted Len and Oili Barchak, Faye and Carrie Chrisco, Billie Prater, Bill and Helen Deitch, and Barbara Comeaux in the opening night crowd. Because the story is so familiar, we enjoyed anticipating our favorite lines. John Bridges was perfect as the narrator – Ralphie as an adult. But Dale Mann (as Randy and Skut Farkas) and Mayor Randy Roach (as Flick who gets his tongue stuck to the frozen flag pole) stole the show! We also loved the moment Ralphie’s dad (Gary Shannon) received his major award and spoke that now-immortal line “Fra-gee-lay! Must be Italian!” The audience said it along with him! The entire cast (in 1940’s costumes) also supplied crowd noises and barked and howled as the Bumpus’ rowdy hound dogs. After the performance, cast, crew and audience were treated to eggnog and Christmas cookies. It was jolly holiday fun!
The Shadow's helper had the great idea to venture out this past holiday season. Moody Gardens' "Festival of Lights" in nearby Galveston, Texas was our destination. Boy, we were in for a REAL TREAT! Several displays and thousands of Christmas lights made the season come to life! Everything from Spongebob Square Pants to an African display lined the beautiful walkway at Moody Gardens. The weather was perfectly cool the night we attended. We also had the opportunity to see "Polar Express" in 3-D. It is a great movie on the regular screen, but there is no comparison to seeing it on a 21 foot 3D screen! WOW! Then there were the gardens and aquarium. I am looking forward to spending part of my holiday season next year at the Festival of Lights and all of the other attractions at Moody Gardens!
A penguin party at the Aquarium of Moody Gardens.
Vision loss is one of the health conditions Americans fear most. One recent national survey ranked it third, after cancer and heart disease. Life expectancy is at an all time high, and as people age, their risk of developing eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy increases. National statistics indicate an estimated 80 million Americans have a potentially blinding eye disease. By 2030, the number of blind and visually impaired people in the United States is expected to double if regular eye exams don’t become a routine part of preventive care. In an effort to draw attention to the importance of eye care, The Eye Clinic and KPLC TV are observing Eye Care Month in January, and are asking everyone to make eye health a priority for themselves and their families. “It is extremely important to have your eyes checked on a regular basis,” says ophthalmologist Alan Lacoste, MD. “Many of the most common forms of eye disease can be successfully diagnosed and treated when detected in the early stages. If not caught in time, these diseases can lead to vision loss and blindness.” The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a complete medical eye examination for healthy adults at least once between puberty and age 40, and more often for preschoolers, senior citizens, diabetics and people with high risk factors for certain eye problems. (Complete guidelines for eye exam recommendations for all ages are available at www.theeyeclinic.net.) “It’s amazing how many people will faithfully get their cholesterol and blood pressure tested, but never seem to get around to scheduling their eye
exam,” says Dr. Lacoste. “We want to remind people to treat their eyes like any other aspect of their health and practice routine preventive care.” KPLC news programming will feature news segments highlighting important information on eye health and vision problems throughout the month, and The Eye Clinic is offering free screenings and special offers in January to encourage better eye health: Free Eye Health Screenings: Cataract, vision and glaucoma screenings are available at all locations of The Eye Clinic by appointment. Specs for Less: Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic offers a wide range of the latest eyewear styles for all ages, including special Specs for Less frame and lens packages starting at just $89. LASIK – starting at just $999 per eye: The Eye Clinic’s Laser Center now offers the most advanced LASIK technology — CustomVue with iris registration and ActiveTrak technology. Gift with Contacts: Purchase a one-year supply of contact lenses and save 15% or receive a free pair of sunglasses. Eye Q Test and Prizes: Test your eye care knowledge with our on-line Eye Q quiz and be eligible to win great prizes, including designer sunglasses, gift certificates and much more. Go to theeyeclinic.net or kplctv.com to take the test. Call The Eye Clinic nearest you in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder or Jennings, 1-800-826-5223, or visit theeyeclinic.net for more information on any Eye Care Month activity.
JANUARY 10, 2008
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Below: Caldarera family and friends made it to the Dome to watch the championship game.
Below: Susan Dever (center) and Carlo "Santa Claus" DeLeon, with ConocoPhillips, paused for a photo during the Chateau du Lac Christmas luncheon Dec. 14.
Above: Max & Wanda Caldarera's parents (l-r) Ruby LeJeune and Peggy Smith, attended Westlake's championship game at the Super Dome.
“Seniors on the Go� visited the Titanic Exhibit Dec. 30
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.
Dispatches from DeRidder DeRidder Celebrated the Season
T
J. Shirlene Cooper
he holiday season arrived via the railroad tracks, in DeRidder, when a special Kansas City Southern train rolled into town. This marked the third consecutive visit from the big, smiling, red and white striped “Holiday Express,” which has been is welcomed by a bigger group of wide-eyed children and their families each year. Comprised of the highly recognizable engine and five decorated cars, the Holiday Express makes a total of only 34 stops annually, during the Christmas season. Its first trip to DeRidder, in 2005, was such a success that area clubs and businesses, as well as the Beauregard Tourist Commission, sent letters of request for return stopovers in following years. While the train was spotted early in the morning, parked along the tracks in front of DeRidder City Hall, actual tours didn’t begin until 4 p.m. By the time Santa’s “elves” were in place and the doors of the caboose were opened, hundreds of visitors were in line, ready for a visit with Santa and a trip through the winter wonderland waiting inside. Santa’s helpers, both inside the train and along the tracks, included familiar faces from the DeRidder City council board, and the Beauregard Chamber. Spotted chatting with those in line was chamber president Martin Scott. Councilman Gordon Jenkins was among the community volunteers inside the train, overseeing the tours of the miniature villages. Because of the lengthy wait for visitors to board the train, several other events and activities also were planned in conjunction with the Holiday Express stopover. The lighting of the City Christmas Tree, which had been erected in the courtyard of the Beauregard Museum, next to the railroad tracks was one highlight of the evening. Bringing back a tradition from almost thirty years ago, DeRidder Mayor Ron Roberts, with assistance from City Hall, had worked to get the special tree from Grant Tree Farm. It had been decorated earlier in the week. As a large crowd waiting for the official lighting ceremony, holiday carols were presented by the Mount Canaan Baptist Church Children’s Choir. Mayor Roberts and Beauregard Community Action Association (BCAA) director Winkie
From Dance Stop Dance Centre, the Dixie Darlin’s entertained crowds gathered along the streets at this year’s Christmas Parade in DeRidder. The dancers earned first place among the commercial groups in the parade of over 80 entries, and later performed again at a Toy Run conducted at Wal-mart to collect monies and gifts for area children.
Miracle on Washington Street festival-goers Aimee Gill (from left), Aspen Cooley, Shiann Ravia and Matilda Fowler listen to the stories and music of “Riverboat John” (John Ferguson), at one of the many demonstrations at this year’s Beauregard Tourism Commission event, in DeRidder.
Mount Zion Baptist Church was awarded second place honors among the Church groups, for a float designed after the theme, “Christmas through the Eyes of a Child.” The float provided a living nativity scene, with younger members treating parade judges and spectators to favorite holiday songs.
Beauregard Parish School Board members, school administrators, teachers and staff, gathered with chamber members and area business leaders for “Business After Hours,” in December, to recognize and show appreciation for area school’s Partners In Education.
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Branch, with the help of area children then conducted a countdown at 6 p.m. Finally the switch was flipped, illuminating the 16-foot Leyland cypress in a dazzling array of light. Perfect weather greeted a community gathered for the annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, a few days later. Serving as Grand Marshall, Retired Army Sgt. Major Paul Cador chose to share the honor with Barbara Cador, his wife of 37 years. A designated stop and flag ceremony conducted during this year’s parade was designed to honor the military. According Beauregard Chamber of Commerce executive vice-president Avon Knowlton, the presentation was coordinated as a way of expressing appreciation, gratitude, and respect to those military families stationed at nearby Fort Polk, as well as area retirees. Over 80 entries made up the 2007 procession, which carried the theme, “Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child.” Non-biased volunteer judges were from Fort Polk, and included Judi Dewhurst, Jennifer Watt, and Heidi Baine, the wives of Army servicemen. The parade concluded just north of West Park, but holiday activities continued throughout the day, including the annual Toy Run, sponsored by Goldwing Motorcycle Chapter M, Dance Stop, Boise and Suddenlink Communications. Free performances by the national award winning Dixie Darlin’s, Bayou Babes and Kajun Kuties were just a sampling of the entertainment provided throughout the event, as coordinators worked to collect Christmas presents and donations for area children whose names were listed on the BCAA Angel Tree. Meanwhile, back in the historic district, “Miracle on Washington Street” (MOW) was underway. Now an annual event, the Christmastime festival was in its fourth year as a Tourist Commission project, and visitors flocked to the fun from all across Louisiana and from neighboring states. Offerings of amusement included performances from Louisiana Kids and local talent, a “back-in-time” costume contest, magic shows, arts and crafts booths, demonstrations, story-telling, a petting zoo, and even an area filled with “snow.” Children of all ages were found stomping through, playing in, marveling at, and scooping up the man-made frozen fun. As the year 2007 drew to a close, the final “Business After Hours” event of the year was a meet-and-greet, held (as the name suggests) after the doors of area merchants and professionals had closed for the evening. The focuses on this particular Christmas gathering sponsored by the Beauregard Parish School Board (BPSB) and the Beauregard Chamber of Commerce were on partnerships and appreciation. PAGE 34
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According to BPSB public information officer Kari Ifland, each December the Business After Hours social networking event is hosted by the school board as a way of saying, “Thanks,” to Partners in Education (PIE) - those businesses and individuals who contribute extra support to area schools. Ifland said the program currently has 55 PIE businesses providing schools with resources such as guest lecturers, or science fair judges, finances for teacher appreciation gifts, student achievement recognition, honor and banner roll awards and more. School board members, administrators, teachers and staff gathered with chamber members and business leaders for punch and finger-foods, while taking time to network. In addition to greetings of the season, talk also was all about the schools, including discussion of ongoing projects and plans for the future. Kerry and Erika Anderson, Jerry Cooley, Zack Shirley, Don Gray, Sonny Duplantis, chamber president-elect Dick Myers, Anna Wiggins, Leslie Leavoy, Martha O’Neal, Cord Ensminger, and school board assistant superintendent Ron Hebert made up just a sampling of those taking time to share ideas. Expressing gratitude to PIE participants, school superintendent Rita Mann said, “It is always an honor to host the Business After Hours event. It gives school board employees the opportunity to show our support for our business community and at the same time extend our appreciation to those businesses that are Partners in Education with Beauregard Parish schools.” While holiday parties, plays and programs were happening all over town, West Park, in the center of DeRidder was aglow with thousands of sparkling, multicolored lights. A yearly project of the Beauregard Women’s Organization, the decorations started going up at the first of November, and by the time the organizations members hosted “Christmas in the Park,” on Dec. 8th, hardly a foot of space along the paths or creek banks was not decked for the season. The much-anticipated event was attended by the largest crowd ever. The line for visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus began forming at just after 4 p.m., and only trickled to an end as the clock hands approached 10. Over 180 pictures were taken, as wide eyed children whispered Christmas wishes to the jolly ol’ elf.
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