The Jambalaya News - Vol. 2 No. 13

VOL. 2, NO. 13 /SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

ALSO:Inside to Outside Art • The Dang Yankee on High School Football • The Joys(?) of Planning Your Wedding

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 Volume 2 • Issue 13

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 PAGE 3Volume 2 • Issue 13

GENERAL715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601Phone: 337-436-7800Fax: 337-990-0262www.thejambalayanews.com

PUBLISHERPhil de [email protected]

NEWSEXECUTIVE EDITORLauren de [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSGeorge ClineJames DoyleDan EllenderMaria Alcantara FaulMike McHughPenny J. MillerMary Louise RuehrBrandon ShoumakerKarla Tullos

ADVERTISINGSALES CONSULTANTPatricia Prudhomme

SALES ASSOCIATESRhonda BabinKaty CorbelloFaye DrakeKarla Tullos

GRAPHICSART/PRODUCTION DIRECTORDarrell Buck

ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTMichelle LaVoie

BUSINESSOFFICE MANAGERKay Andrews

Legal DisclaimerThe views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnistsare their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofThe Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by TheJambalaya News, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake CharlesLouisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst everyeffort was made to ensure the information in this maga-zine was correct at the time of going to press, the publish-ers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors oromissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the stand-ing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. TheJambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the returnof unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations,even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessar-ily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2010 The Jambalaya News all rightsreserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without priorwritten permission is prohibited.

September 23, 2010 • Volume 2 • Issue 13

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COVER STORY18 Northwestern Mutual

Personal Security With a Team Approach

REGULARS7 The Boiling Pot

10 The Dang Yankee

11 Tips from Tip

12 Doyle’s Place

14 What’s Cookin’

16 House Call

32 Sports Report

47 Adoption Corner

FEATURES5 Inside to Outside Art

27 The Joys (?) of Planning Your Wedding

ENTERTAINMENT34 Red Hot Books

36 Funbolaya

37 Family Night at the Movies

38 Killin’ Time Crossword

39 Society Spice

42 Jambalaya Jam

45 Local Jam

contents

We are now accepting credit cards!

On Cover: From left to right: Standing – Ted Harless Jr., Kevin Cooley, John Hamilton, Ian Quey

Sitting – Aaron Natali, Shane Liggio, David Girola, Mark Talbot. Photo by Darrell Buck

27


A Note From LaurenRapid Transit

One of the things I miss the most since coming down here is the subway. I’vebeen riding it since I was old enough to walk. I’ve been on the Metro in London,the Metropolitania in Rome, and the subway in New York City. It has been sucha huge part of my life that at least every few weeks, I dream I’m in a subway sta-tion, somewhere. And I was reminded of it all the more when I recently receiveda press release that said Lake Charles would be getting four new buses.

I know there’s a bus system in Lake Charles, but I’ve never taken it. Itdoesn’t appear that many people use it. This isn’t a big, bustling city wherepeople are jumping on and off buses and trains to rush to their next meeting.Here, everyone drives to work; everyone drives everywhere.

Now, if you work in Boston, you really don’t drive to your place of employ-ment. You take some form of public transportation, because paying for park-ing will probably cost most of your salary. People get to the city by subway,bus, streetcar, and commuter rail, and there’seven a commuter boat from the SouthShore. Everyone has a “T-pass” that you canget from your employer (with the amount ofthe pass, based on what line you take,deducted from your paycheck) so you don’thave to wait in line to pay for your subwayride. You just swipe it at a card reader at theturnstile. There’s even one for buses.

If you live in Boston, or any big city, youhave public transportation at your fingertips.I grew up with a subway station right downthe street from our house. In eight minutesflat, you’d be in downtown Boston. No fight-ing traffic, looking for a parking space, andpaying an exorbitant fee once you found one.

I never took the bus much, except when I

was in high school. Since I went to parochial school, there were no schoolbuses, of course. The high school I attended was in Everett, a small working-class city near Boston.

We’d take the train from East Boston (which was on the Blue Line) and getoff at State Street station and make our way through a dank subterraneanlabyrinth to the Orange Line platform. (Each line is a specific route, withtrains stopping at all of the line’s stations.) We’d wait for the train that wouldtake us to what I believe was Everett Station, back in those days—which wasmaybe seven or eight stops. From there, we would get on a city bus thatwould eventually drop us off in front of Pope John XXIII High School. Yes, ittook a while. And it took even longer when it snowed. Sometimes, we’d bestuck for an hour or more on a stalled train.

When I was little, the Blue Line trains were these old relics from God-knows-when. They were sweltering in the summer and freezing in the winter.

The uncomfortable wooden seats werepainted bright blue. Sitting in those ancienttrains on a snowy day made me feel likeLara in Dr. Zhivago. All I needed was a furmuff and Omar Sharif. Eventually, newtrains were brought in. And now those havebeen replaced. Time marches on.

I have so many memories, I could write abook. Suffice to say that since we’re here inLake Charles to stay, the subway is now justanother piece of my past. I’m sure I’ll ride itagain someday, in some city or other, but it’snot the same when you’re just visiting. It’snot part of your life anymore. But that’s OK.There are some shiny new buses in LakeCharles that I need to check out. TJNThe Blue Line train at Orient Heights Station,

East Boston--right behind the house I grew up in. – Lauren de Albuquerque

Volume 2 • Issue 13 SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 PAGE 5

A long-time member of theDeQuincy community, the C. PaulPhelps Correctional Facility is an all-male penitentiary currently housing942 offenders from across the country.

“Offenders that are placed insidethe facility serve a sentence of 10years or less,” said Assistant WardenJolene Constance. “So, our main goalis to prepare them for re-entry intothe outside world.”

Phelps is almost a communitywithin a community. The facility hasa chapel to address the spiritual needsof the inmates; a canteen where theycan purchase needs and wants; vari-ous clubs and organizations to join;and numerous educational and train-ing programs that can prepare themfor a productive life on the outside.

Art classes are one of the pro-grams offered at Phelps. Availablesince 2008, the program is a partner-ship between the facility and theCalcasieu Parish School Board.

The 11- week program is offeredduring the spring and fall. “Art teach-

ers from the school board volunteertheir time to teach art to ourinmates,” Constance said. “It’s a goodform of therapy for most of them.They develop a sense of confidence,and are able to express themselves inthe art they create.”

Each class ends with an exhibit inPhelps Chapel, but through the sup-port of the Southwest Louisiana ArtsCouncil, the class has been able todisplay their work at the DeQuincyHistoric City Hall, in the BlackHistorical Gallery and during SpringArt Week in Lake Charles.

Alma Brown is the president ofthe DeQuincy Garden Club as well asan art aficionado. While attending thevarious art exhibits with other clubmembers, she was impressed with thequality of work displayed fromPhelps. “The artwork was awesomeand unforgettable!” she exclaimed.

So, in early 2010, when theDeQuincy Garden Club was involvedin a renovation project for the city’sHistoric District, they decided theywanted an artist from Phelps to workon one of its major projects.

“The work we’ve seen from the artstudents at Phelps has been excellent,and we thought, why not have a stu-dent from the class paint the mural,”Brown said. The project was a mural

of a railroad train to be painted on abuilding that directly faces theDeQuincy Railroad Festival FairGrounds. It would serve as a “wel-come” sign for the public attendingthe festival.

Brown, along with Garden ClubTreasurer Ronald Mazelby, wentthrough the necessary steps toaccomplish their mission. They sent aletter to Phelps’ Warden RobertHenderson requesting that an art stu-dent from the facility be able to workon the mural. Henderson connectedthe group with Constance, which gotthe ball rolling.

“We had to find an inmate whowas classified as a trustee,” statesConstance. “Trustees are inmateswho can leave the compound with aguard. It basically means that we cantrust them on the streets.” Inmates areclassified as trustees based on theirgood conduct, time left to serve, andthe appropriateness of the charge.

At the end of the group’s delibera-tion, Phelps trustee Marc Sumpterwas commissioned to paint themural. “We’d seen some of Marc’swork before, and we knew he coulddo the job,” Mazelby said.

The Scottsdale, Arizona nativewas more than excited to be selected.“I was nervous at the beginning,”Sumpter said. “I’ve never painted any-thing bigger than an 8 x 10, but I wasready for the challenge.”

Sumpter never realized he had atalent for painting until he startedparticipating in the classes at Phelps.He started with small projects, andmoved up to portraits, perspective,watercolors and pastels.

“Marc was so good that he wasgiven access to the facility’s paintshop, where he learned how to airbrush,” said Constance.

“I like to paint anything,”Sumpter said. “I like playing aroundwith light and I like using the air-brush. I really enjoy working with oil,though. I like the textures it createsand how it looks. Oil takes a while todry, so you can keep on working on apiece for three to four days, and keepon making adjustments. I think thatgives me a lot of freedom to create.”

By Maria Alcantara Faul


Whether staying short term for live-in rehabilitation services or having High Hope become their new home, our caring, skilled staff

will provide exquisite care for your loved one.

Most of all, Sumpter enjoys creat-ing sketches for his daughter to color.“She’s five, so she can’t read yet. Isend her my sketches and she knowsthat they’re from Daddy. She colorsthem and sends them back for me tolook at and keep,” he said proudly.

The DeQuincy Garden Clubknew what they wanted as a mural.“We had a 3 x 3 picture as a basis forthe mural,” Brown said. “Of course,we had additional details that wewanted Marc to incorporate. Thegroup wanted a picture of a traintraveling west and rails curvinginward. They wanted the train’sengine to be prominent with the restof the train lasting to infinity.”

The group also wanted Sumpterto integrate a DeQuincy touch tothe piece.

The whole town of DeQuincygot involved. The office of MayorLawrence Hennigan and the CityCouncil power-washed the buildingto prepare it for the painting andalso provided the compressor forthe project.

Once it began, it was the talk ofthe town. “People would stop everyday, just to see the progress on themural,” Brown.

Residents would park their carsacross the street to admire the tigereyes, cypress and pine trees, marshgrass, children fishing, and wildlifethat symbolize DeQuincy and itsway of life. And retired railroademployees would often stop by thesite and give Sumpter pointers onhow to paint the engine.

“Everyone was very friendly,”Sumpter said. “They would checkon me every day to see if I neededanything.”

“The community was very proudof the fact that Marc was doing anexcellent job and he wasn’t getting

paid a dime,” Warden Mazelby said.The mural was completed in a

month. “The mural is astonishing.Not only did Marc demonstrateexemplary traits of creativity and tal-ent, but he absolutely exceeded ourexpectations!” Brown exclaimed.

“He turned a 3 x 3 picture into amasterpiece,” Mazelby added.

Sumpter was released fromPhelps Correctional Facility on Sept.12. The DeQuincy Garden Club,however, was able to get one more“Sumpter masterpiece” created forthe town of DeQuincy before then.

The club recently won a blank“Gator on the Go.” The group askedSumpter to paint it, and he was morethan willing to oblige, painting theyet-unnamed gator as a train engi-neer. DeQuincy Paint and Bodydonated the automotive paint for thegator and gave the group expertadvice on how to use the paint. Theclub plans to have a contest to offi-cially name the gator, and will havean unveiling event for it sometime inthe fall.

After his release, Sumpter will bemoving to the state of Washingtonwhere he plans to work to raisemoney to fulfill his dream of open-ing a mobile art studio, calledCanvas America and travel acrossthe country.

“The art class at Phelps haschanged my life,” Sumpter said. Hismobile art studio will literally beSumpter’s artistic journey acrossAmerica. He hopes to paint picturesof what he sees and encounters dur-ing his travels and sell them to thepublic.

And, hopefully sooner than later,he plans to return to DeQuincy tovisit the community that opened hiseyes to the world of art outside—from the inside.

Alma Brown and Ronald Mazelby with the DeQuincy Garden Club;Phelps Assistant Warden Jolene Constance; artist Marc Sumpter

TJN


The

BoilingP l

KEVIN GUIDRY NAMED LOUISIANA SALESMANAGER FOR L’AUBERGE DU LAC

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort announces theappointment of Kevin Guidry to the position ofLouisiana sales manager. Guidry will book groupsales for the L’Auberge Meeting & Event Center, work-ing directly with corporate, government and associa-tion sectors to stage their conferences, meetings andevents at the resort. Guidry, a former pro footballplayer, has more than 15 years of experience in sales,marketing and casino operations. He played in theNFL for the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons andPhoenix Cardinals. Guidry lives in Lake Charles with his wife and twodaughters.

JACKSON JOINS TODD CLEMONS AND ASSOCIATES LAW FIRMAttorney Zita M. Jackson has joined the law office of Todd Clemons and

Associates. Jackson will practice civil, criminal and family law. A graduate ofXavier University of Louisiana, she received her lawdegree from LSU. Jackson was a law clerk with theLouisiana Attorney General’s office, Entergy, andJustice John L. Weimer with the Louisiana SupremeCourt, and is a member of the Louisiana State BarAssociation. The addition of Jackson broadens thescope of legal services offered by Todd Clemons andAssociates to include criminal defense, personalinjury, and civil and family law. The office is locatedat 1740 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. For more infor-mation, call (337) 477-0000 or visit www.todd-clemons.com.

KIPP B. ARDOIN, M.D., JOINS CHILDREN’S CLINIC SWLALake Charles Memorial Hospital welcomes pediatric physician Kipp

Ardoin, M.D., who recently joined the staff of The Children’s Clinic ofSouthwest Louisiana, located at 2903 1st Avenue. ALouisiana native, Dr. Ardoin graduated magna cumlaude from Louisiana State University with a BA inzoology. He received his medical degree from St.Matthew’s School of Medicine in Grand Cayman,Cayman Islands, and completed his residency in pedi-atrics at the Tulane University School ofMedicine/Oschner Clinic Foundation PediatricResidency Program. To schedule an appointmentwith Dr. Ardoin, call (337) 478-6480.

HOSPITAL FOUNDATION RECEIVES GRANT FROM SEMPRA ENERGY FOUNDATION

Sempra Energy Foundation recently awarded The Foundation of WestCalcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) with a $7,500 grant for the provi-sion of numerous health programs for the residents of SouthwestLouisiana. The grant will be used for community health programs, such asan annual community health fair, free flu shots for Cameron parish resi-dents, the Santa Fun Run and Camp Smiling F.A.C.E.S., a camp for specialneeds children in the area. For more information on the activities funded bythe grant or to donate to the Foundation of WCCH, contact Nabours at(337) 527-4144.

SWLA ECONOMIC ALLIANCE WELCOMES DAPHNE OLIVERThe Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance announces

that Daphne Oliver has joined their Economic Development Team as theAlliance’s new research director. Oliver comes to theSWLA Alliance from the United Way, where sheserved most recently as its director of allocation &review after 11 years as the director of communica-tions. Oliver is a lifelong resident of SouthwestLouisiana. She has been active in the BigBrothers/Big Sisters organization, the Ad & PressClub and the Greater Lake Charles and SulphurRotary, and is a founding member of the Women’sCommission of SWLA. She is also a graduate of theChamber SWLA Leadership Program. She holds adegree in marketing from the University of Colorado.

Please submit press releases to [email protected]

Daphne Oliver

Kevin Guidry

From left to right: Debby Nabours, WCCH Foundation director, Melissa Portie, Cameron LNG human resources and community

relations manager, and Bill Hankins, WCCH CEO.

Zita M. Jackson

Kipp Ardoin, M.D.


JOAN BRUCHHAUS CHAVELEH NAMED AS UUMDS DIRECTORJoan Bruchhaus Chaveleh has been named director of University United

Methodist Day School, located at 3501 Patrick Street. Chaveleh received herBachelor of Science degree in health, physical and recreation education fromLSU and a Masters Degree in supervision and administration from McNeeseState University. She retired from the Jefferson Davis Parish School Systemwith over 25 years of experience in the education field,. Among her manyaccomplishments, she was selected Elementary Teacher of the Year for theher district. She is well-qualified to lead the school into its 51st year ofoperation.

FIRST FEDERAL DONATES TO MCNEESE FOUNDATIONFirst Federal Bank of Louisiana has donated $5,000 to McNeese State

University through the McNeese Foundation for the C. Marshall AbadieMemorial Scholarship Fund it established several years ago. To date, FirstFederal Bank has donated almost $43,000 for this scholarship

BILLY NAVARRE DONATES TO TOYS FOR TOTSBilly Navarre, owner of Billy Navarre Chevrolet, Honda, and Hyundai

recently presented a $1,000 check to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.This donation will help service 13,000 needy children throughout SouthwestLouisiana.

CALCASIEU PARISH WINS NATIONAL AWARD FOR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Family Involvement Coordinator Loree L. Smith, and all of the Title IFamily Involvement Teams won a 2010 Partnership District Award from theNational Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) at Johns HopkinsUniversity. Calcasieu Parish was honored for making excellent progress in devel-oping its leadership on partnerships and for guiding schools to develop compre-hensive programs of school, family, and community partnerships. Calcasieu

Parish will be working to strengthen its leadership and programs in all schools tohelp more students succeed at high levels. For more information about CalcasieuParish’s partnership program, contact Loree L. Smith at 217-4170.

CAMERON STATE BANK DONATES TO SWLA ON THE MOVEOfficers of Cameron State Bank presented a check in the amount of

$20,000 to the SWLA Economic Development Alliance as part of theirpledge to the SWLA Alliance Foundation’s SWLA on the Move 5-year cam-paign. The current plan of work under this campaign is to address the criti-cal issues facing our region: workforce development, business recruitment,business retention and expansion, regional marketing, and building a singlevoice for a true regional partnership.

ANNE FOURNET NAMED DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING AND HEALTH AT MCNEESE

Anne M. Fournet has been named assistant dean of student developmentand director of counseling and health services at McNeese State University.Fournet, a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist,received both her bachelor’s degree in marketing and management and hermaster’s degree in counseling psychology from McNeese. She previously servedas children’s coordinator/child advocate for the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter.

KAPPA DELTA FOUNDATION DONATES $2,500 TO ARTS FEST The Lake Charles Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority, through

its National Foundation was granted $2,500 through a KiDs grant. Themoney will be donated to the Arts and Humanities Council of SouthwestLouisiana for its upcoming Arts Fest. Designed to foster an interest inlearning, Arts Fest provides a fun and festive day of cosmic exploration andcreativity. This year, Arts Fest will aim its gaze skyward for “Arts Fest GoesGalactic: Shoot for the Stars” on Sat., Oct. 30 from 10 a.m.— 2 p.m. at theLake Charles Civic Center. Arts Fest aims to educate and enlighten childrenabout their own place in the universe.

From left to right: Ellen Raley, McNeese scholarship administrator, acceptsthe donation from First Federal Bank representatives Leslie Harless, VPMarketing, and Charles V. Timpa, president and CEO. McNeese Photo

From left to right: Ann Barilleaux, SWLA Alliance Foundation Development Director; Mike Harmison, Executive VP of Cameron State

Bank; George Swift, president and CEO of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance; Elmo Sartin, Senior VP of Cameron State Bank;

and Bobby Broussard, Senior VP of Cameron State Bank.

Cassie Gage and Matt Young

Pictured from left are Cindi Creel, Director of Federal Programs; Wayne Savoy, Superintendent of Schools; and Loree Smith,

Coordinator of Family Involvement.


MIA JOHNSON RECEIVES CARE HELP OF SULPHUR’S COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Care Help of Sulphur’s Community Scholarship Award was awarded toMia Johnson, a 2010 graduate of Sulphur High School. Johnson received $500towards tuition at McNeese State University where she will be majoring in ele-mentary education. A member of the National Honor Society, she graduatedmagna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA. Originally from Greeley, Colorado, shemoved to Sulphur in her junior year. Care Help of Sulphur’s CommunityScholarship Fund is for students who show promise of continued academicachievement and have a financial need. Congratulations, Mia!

Care Help of Sulphur’s Executive Director, Sue Broussard and scholarship recipient, Mia Johnson.

TJN

Calling all kids! Fun is justaround the corner at the Kohl’s KidsClub START! Walking party on Sat.,Oct. 9 at Prien Lake Mall, presentedby the CHRISTUS St. PatrickFoundation, Kohl’s, and theAmerican Heart AssociationStart! Walking Program.

“The Walking Party willbe a fun, family-friendly eventthat encourages fitness andgood health,” said KayBarnett, director ofdevelopment for CHRIS-TUS St. Patrick Hospital. “We arevery excited to partner with Kohl’sand Start! to provide this fun andhealthy opportunity for our localkids.”

The event will feature specialsguests and exciting presentationsthat include an exercise demonstra-tion for kids by GiGi’s Fitness Centerand a special ribbon cutting honor-ing the first ever Start! Walking Clubfor kids in Southwest Louisiana.

The first 200 children at the partyto become members of the Kohl’sKids Club Start! Walking Programwill receive a special T-shirt, mem-bership card and pedometer – all forfree! Registration begins at noon,and the party will start at 1 p.m. atthe Kohl’s entrance inside the PrienLake Mall. For more information,call the CHRISTUS St. PatrickFoundation at 430-5353.

About Kohl’s: Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis.,

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty

department storeoffering moderately priced, exclu-sive and national brand apparel,shoes, accessories, beauty and homeproducts in an exciting shoppingenvironment. In support of the com-munities it serves, Kohl’s has raisedmore than $150 million for chil-dren’s initiatives nationwidethrough its Kohl’s Cares® cause mer-chandise program, which operatesunder Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’sDepartment Stores, Inc. For a list ofstore locations and information, orfor the added convenience of shop-ping online, visit www.kohls.com.

TJN


YankeeDangThe

By Mike McHugh

I have come to realize that, withthe arrival of fall here in Louisiana,the subject of high school footballtakes on practically a religious fervor.Don’t believe me? Try sometime tobadmouth your local school’s team infront of a neighbor. It wouldn’t mat-ter if they hadn’t won a game sincethey cancelled The Jeffersons. Nextthing you know, you’d have a wholegroup of angry neighbors showing upat your door, dressed in flowingrobes bearing the school colors, kind

of like a local version of the SpanishInquisition. They’d haul you off andmake you watch reels of past gamehighlights accompanied by record-ings of the school’s marching band,until you repented your blasphemies,which you’d be certain to do by aboutthe fourth rendition of “Iron Man.”

It was never this way in YankeeLand. Up there, a high school foot-ball game generates about as muchexcitement among the local populaceas the opening of a new 7-Eleven.

Our Team,Who Art in Purple…

So, I considered it a real scarything last Friday, when my wife and Iboth, without having discussed itbeforehand, expressed the urge to goand attend a game. (I still don’t knowwhat it was that came over us—per-haps the sight of the purple and goldrobes on the clothesline next door?)

I have to admit that the experi-ence was quite positive overall. I did-n’t even mind our seats in the metalgrandstand, which on this balmyevening were about as comfortable assitting on a hot barbecue grate. Theycertainly were not an issue with theother people there, all of whomseemed to be either related to or weredating one of the members of thehome team. This included one momseated behind us armed with a mega-phone, which, with her voice, sheneeded just about as much as DonaldTrump needs food stamps.

One thing that I find really amus-ing about high school football is thenames that some of the teams go by.For instance, at this particular game,the visiting team was called the“Wampus Cats.” I’m not sure exactlywhat that is, but it certainly soundslike an apt description for a certaincat that we’d acquired earlier this year

(if you read “Cat Wars” in the July 1issue, you know what I’m talkingabout).

To me, the whole allure of highschool football lies in its relativeunpretentiousness compared to theprofessional and big college versionsof the game. It’s strictly low budget,which is a good thing, since you’renot forced to choose between havinga Frito pie from the concession standand sending your kids to college. Sowhat if the PA announcer doesn’tknow the names of the players? Allhe could say was that the ball carrierwas tackled by “a whole herd ofWampus Cats,” but that was goodenough for me. You can also over-look the color-blind referees whorefer to your team as “blue” whentheir jerseys are bright purple. Or, thefact that they had to borrow a quarterfor the coin toss. And who reallyneeds to know what down it is, sincethe scoreboard operator never both-ers to update it?

Another great thing about highschool football is its unpredictability.The coaches seem to thrive on trickplays, and in this game, there was noexception. The Wampus Cats started

Continued on page 13


Dru Sonnier – AssociateAn Independent Associate Representing Aflac

[email protected]

Purchasing items that need periodicreplacement parts can be a huge rip-off. You can find all sorts of promo-tional offers to buy the permanent partof the product, but when you return tothe store to get a replacement part,they’ve got you.

For example, the price for replace-ment razor heads and ink cartridgeswill certainly make your head spin insticker shock. When you get a couponfrom the office supply store, the inkbrand that you need is the one that isprobably the brand that is excluded.This is no accident—it’s done on pur-pose. I think it’s most unethical to set acustomer up for such a fleecing. Allbusinesses need to make a reasonableprofit to succeed, but enticing buyers topurchase your basic product at a pricepoint that forces them to be takenadvantage of in the long run is a badway of doing business.

Unfortunately, this is simply a way ofdoing business for many large manu-facturers. As long as people are willingto pay the price, businesses will behappy to keep taking your hard-earneddollars. But they can only do it if youlet them. If enough consumers refuseto purchase at that price point, theprice will come down.

When it comes to overpricing anitem, look no further than your big,buttery container of movie theaterpopcorn. The mark up on popcorn isover 1000 percent. Of course, theyhave the popcorn-making processdown to a science, which really enticesyou to buy. But you can buy themicrowave bags for about a quartereach and believe me, that seller is mak-ing a profit on the sale. Think of thecost difference between popping a bagand buying one at the show. The the-aters make their profit at the conces-sion stand since they can’t make it onticket prices alone. So you and I mustpay the freight. They try to prohibit

patrons from bringing in their owntreats because they know where themoney is.

One of my pet peeves is the bottledwater that has become a nearlyrequired accessory to everyday life. Thepricing of bottled water is anotherexample of what the traffic will bear.One of the oldest brands is “Naïve”spelled backwards, Evian. A significantportion of the bottled water we drinkcomes from the municipal water sup-ply, the same stuff that comes fromyour own tap.

Now I admit it is very nice to havesome water with you in some circum-stances but I remember what they usedin the past was called a canteen.Home-refillable containers work just aswell as those cute little plastic bottlesthey sell you for more money than youpay for gasoline. In some drink dis-penser machines, you wind up payingthe equivalent of $5 or even more pergallon of water and I’m quite sure thatyou would balk at the thought of pay-ing that much for filling your gas tank.

TIME TO VOTEAs we go into this fall’s electoral sea-

son, it will be both entertaining as wellas interesting to watch the entrenchedpoliticos try to put their spin on every-thing. The results make no differencein the interpretation of primary elec-tions. Each party explains how the votereally showed that the voters were intheir camp and that the general elec-tion results will be solidly in theirfavor. It will be interesting to see if theytook care of what they were elected todo. There have been several big-timeupsets that should have made a fewcautious. We can only hope for the bestand vote our own conscience. Thereare good people serving in office, aswell as those who are only there tobenefit themselves. Let’s cull the wheatfrom the chaff. TJN

By George “Tip” Cline

Rip-offs


15% Senior DiscountAll Doctors’ Prescriptions Accepted

Experienced Professional Staff • Most Insurance Accepted

By Jim Doyle

Whenever my Daddy had the urgeto go somewhere, anywhere, notsomeplace in particular, he’d say, “Myfeet are itchin’.” My feet always itch. Iguess I got it from him.

If travel broadens the mind, minemust be about a 72 by now. As farback as I can remember, if you said,“go,” I was already out the door. As akid it was mostly small excursionsaround my small hometown, up toJackson, TN maybe, or over toMemphis.

Daddy was a little mobile in hisprofessions, also, at least when he wasyounger. He started life as a helper in abutcher shop when he was 12. Cut hisleft arm from the wrist almost all theway up to the shoulder when a knifeslipped in his inexperienced hands,causing him to wear long sleeve shirtsthe rest of his life, a habit I uncon-sciously adopted and maintain today.

When he matured a little – this isinto the 1920s now – he worked as atraveling salesman, a drummer, a guyout there on the road with nothing buta smile and a shoeshine, in theimmortal words of Willie Loman. Hesold Luzianne coffee with chicorydoor to door, but he didn’t like it verymuch. The drill was to go to a room-ing house in a small town, work thearea, then hop the train and go to thenext one. He and his partner RudolphWagner (known by everyone as“Valentino”) would exhaust all thepossibilities – sales and otherwise –and sell coffee to the rooming houseon their way out the door

“Why’d you do that, Daddy?” Iasked him once.

“So we wouldn’t have to drink it!”he answered. “That coffee was sostrong you could pour a can of it outon the Mississippi River Bridge atMemphis and it’d make coffee all theway to New Orleans.”

He finished his education at a

business college and earned a reputa-tion as a diligent bookkeeper, thenowned his own service station for awhile. But he wasn’t suited to thatwork, and on the recommendation ofseveral family friends, settled oninsurance as a career. That workedlike a charm. He and my motherdivided the business. She did thework, he worked the crowd.

In those days in the rural South,lots of your business came from farm-ers who worked hard all week andonly came into town on Saturday, atleast during the summer months, somerchants closed their shops onThursdays instead. That led to lots ofovernight trips for us to Memphis,only 70 miles down the road. Close asit was, it was a real treat for me to beable to see movies in “the big theater.”Made my feet itch a time or two.

My oldest brother Winston lived inOrlando. Itchy feet carried us on atrain to see his family about twice ayear, and while there, we’d always buylots of Florida citrus to either bringback with us or be shipped to us. Oneof Daddy’s favorite hangouts was inthe back seat of the town’s one policecar, which stayed parked at the inter-section of the two major highways,looking for trouble. Once he gave theChief, Oscar Daniels, a big ole orange.When the Chief bit into it, juiceexploded all down the front of hispolice shirt. Quite a sight.

For all his wanderlust, Daddy neverrode on a plane; never went to NewYork City; only went north to St. Louisfor baseball games and once or twice toChicago on business. But he seemedwell traveled in a town where mostpeople never crossed the county line.

As with a lot of things in my life,I’ve been lucky here, able to scratchthat itch on many occasions, most pro-vided by work. But I was thinking theother day, while preparing to go see

The Urge for Going


off the game with two onside kicks ina row that gave them a 14-0 leadbefore our team ever got the ball. Itwas disheartening for us to see thehome team put in such a deficit soearly, but at least it kept MegaphoneMom quiet for a little while.

I’ll tell you one thing. If Les Milesever tried two onside kicks at the startof an LSU game, the athletic directorwould have him operating the dial-a-down marker for the next one.

Despite the early setback, thehome team came back and eventuallywon the game. This seemed to comeas no surprise to Megaphone Mom’shusband, who after about every pos-session, would point out that that wasexactly what happened when theWampus Cats played West Monroe, agame which they also apparentlyended up on the short end of.

And, as the home team startedracking up the points, I finally dis-covered the point behind the hotmetal grandstands, since they were

obviously not there to provide com-fort. No, it just so happens that theymake excellent noisemakers. Whatwith all of the foot stomping goingon, I could barely hear the PAannouncer talking about his “wholeherd of Wampus Cats.”

Eat your hearts out, you WorldCup soccer fans with your measlyvuvuzelas! TJN

The Dang Yankee,continued from page 10

my musician son Stratton play inHouston, that my travel has, in themodern sense, been limited, too. Forexample, although I went to New Yorktwice in high school and several timesin college and after to see my brotherThomas in Chicago, until 1980 I’dnever been to Texas.

From that relatively narrow viewof the world, things kind of exploded.Three months after moving to LakeCharles in 1983, a case took me toParis for 10 days of depositions, thefirst of three such trips on the samecase. So, in a figurative sense, I fell offa pumpkin truck and wound up in afirst class seat on Air France drinkingchampagne and pretending to be alawyer.

Two years after that, I wentaround the world in two weeks onanother case, stopping off in London,Bombay, Singapore, Hong Kong, andTokyo. Later trips took me toAustralia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and afew times to Hawaii.

My travels are less now. Whereonce I sought ways to finagle a bigtrip, now I do the opposite, usually.My longest run this year, which I planto repeat about the time you’re readingthis, was to Tennessee. Instead of myusual route up I-55, I went the backway, through Alexandria, Natchez, andup the Natchez Trace. I have to tellyou, it was the most relaxed, wonder-ful drive I can remember, enhanced bylistening to Shelby Foote’s history ofthe Civil War along the way. Enoughto scratch the perpetual itch on myfeet anyway.

As with my father before, me Iseem to have passed this on to mychildren, all of who have been out ofthe country at least once. Stratton hasbeen the most, since his musical talenthas taken him to Europe, Australia,and on an upcoming tour toScandinavia. He’s even picked up anEnglish sweetheart along the way.Even Harry has been across, goingwith me to England last year.

I can remember a radio commer-cial for Knorr soups as a kid using thesong, “Those faraway places with thestrange-sounding names.” So maybemy itchy feet were programmed intome on several levels. But wherever itcame from, I have no regrets, andmuch gratitude, for being able to seehow the rest of the world works. It hasgiven me a window well beyond thecares of daily life, and is a comfort tome now, in memory and when I’m nottoo lazy to get up and go.

So Go West, Young Man! Or East.Wherever. Just . . .go somewhere.You’ll enjoy it.

And I’ll see you on the flip. TJN


What’sCookin’

CedarsThe Hottest Place in Town for

Authentic Greek & Lebanese FoodYou don’t have to drive all the way toLafayette to enjoy Greek and Lebanese cui-sine anymore. Just head down Ryan Street tothe new Cedars Restaurant, where the foodis authentic, the service is excellent and the

hospitality is everything you could ask forwhen dining out.Anyone can open up a Middle Eastern restau-

rant, but owner Azzam Sobh offers tried andtrue, old family recipes from his native country ofLebanon. He’s brought his culture to LakeCharles, and customers love the authentic dish-es, as well as the casual and friendly atmosphereat Cedars.

The restaurant boasts an extensive menu. “Itwould be very difficult not to find a dish you like

on our menu,” said Sobh. “That’s why I havesuch a large variety of dishes to choose from.

The kibbi we serve here tastes just like the onesyou get in Lebanon, and the gyros and the chick-

en schwarma, nice and juicy and spiced justright, are two of the most popular

dishes served at Cedars. And our

diners love the authentic Lebanese grape leaves.”“We have one customer who has been com-

ing in just about every day since we openedthree months ago,” Sobh said. “He ordered offthe menu until he tried everything we had tooffer—every appetizer and every dish on thelunch and dinner menu. He likes all of them, butnow he’s found several he can call his favorites!That’s exactly why we have such an extensivemenu. We want to make sure you experience theLebanese and Greek dishes you enjoy.”

Cedars offers lunch specials Mon- Fri. from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., and can accommodate 200 dinersduring lunch. You’re not limited in your choicesfor lunch here, either. You’ll find everything fromkabobs to salads and everything in the middleon the lunch menu, all at affordable prices. And

Chicken Schwarma Plate


For over 50 years, the Augustinefamily has operated businesses inSulphur, Lake Charles, and Vinton,including Big A Jewelry, a PigglyWiggly supermarket, a True ValueHardware Store, a car wash, laundro-mat, storage building, and an auctionconsignment store on Broad St. Thefamily owns real estate in Cameron,Calcasieu and Evangeline Parishes.

Well, the Augustine family hasdone it again! This time, it’s a second-hand furniture and antiques store inthe big blue building at 2100 E. PrienLake Rd. in Lake Charles. It’s open sixdays a week, Mon.-Sat. from 8-4 p.m.

Augustine’s specializes in used fur-niture, antiques, crystal, tools, knives,lamps and so much more. You’ll needat least an hour to browse the entirestore! They buy everything from fullhouses to anything of value. Just call(337) 842-1736 for more information.

And for a good night out, theAugustine family looks forward tothe Freddy Pate Jamboree musicshow held the last Saturday of themonth at the Strand Theater inJennings. Come pass a good time!

Browser’s Paradise

2100 E. Prien Lake Rd.Lake Charles

don’t be fooled by the front parking lot;there’s lots of parking behind the building.

Don’t have time to dine in? Call 477-7701 toplace your order and pick it up at the drivethru. Planning a birthday celebration? TheCedars staff will sing “Happy Birthday” inLebanese, present the honoree with baklavaand invite him or her to have a birthday dancewith them. Speaking of birthdays, there’s aspecial curtained-off VIP area for intimate, cel-ebratory dinners. You must call in advance toreserve this space.

Thursday is “Ladies Night,” with two for onedrinks. On Friday and Saturday nights, you canrelax and enjoy the belly dancers circulatingamong the tables while you dine. Order fromthe extensive list of imported wine or beerfrom the full service bar and sit back andenjoy the entertainment, good food and greatservice. Sobh recommends making dinnerreservations for Fridays and Saturdays.

“The service and hospitality we offer atCedars is what adds to a great dining experi-ence,” said Sobh. “I take a personal interest inmy patrons. I want them to enjoy the cuisine,the casual atmosphere and entertainment.And most of all, I want them to know that all ofus here at Cedars appreciate their business!”

Chicken and Gyro SaladRight: Owner Azzam Sobh shaving chicken from his

rotisserie grill for his Chicken Schwarma dishes.

For those of you who aren’t familiar withMiddle Eastern food, here’s a glossary of someof the more popular dishes:

• Baba Ganoush is roasted eggplant dip with a touch of garlic, lemon juice and olive oil.

• Dolmades are delicate parcels made from grape leaves (also known as vine leaves) stuffed with long-grain rice, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs and seasonings.

• Falafel is a Lebanese vegetable patty served with tahini sauce.

• Gyro is a mixture of lamb and beef broiled on a vertical grill topped with onions and served sliced with feta salad, hummus and rice pilaf.

• Hummus is a dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic.

• Kibbi is a dish of ground lamb and bulgur wheat.

• Mujadarah is rice cooked with brown lentils and sautéed onions topped with Grecian dip and fresh vegetables.

• Schwarma is a Middle Eastern sandwich-like wrap of shaved lamb, chicken, turkey, or beef. The meat is placed on a spit, and may be grilled for as long as a day.Enjoy! TJN


By Steve Springer M.D.

National Breast CancerAwareness Month

When one hears the word “cancer,” it truly sends a chill through yourinner self—and that can be true even if the conversation is not about you.The scary thing for most patients is the initial unknown data: What kindof cancer is it? How severe is the threat? Has it already spread or is itlocalized?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I find it hard not tovisit this subject in a bit more detail.

The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for breast cancerin the United States are from 2009:• 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer • 40,170 deaths from breast cancer

Any discussion of cancer must include the shocking numbers above.In digging through the data at the American Cancer Society, I also foundsome other notable facts:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the UnitedStates, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancerdeath in women, after lung cancer.

The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time dur-ing her life is around 1 in 8.

The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35. Breast cancer death rates have been going down. One great piece of

news! Right now there are more than 2½ million breast cancer survivors in

the United States. So, with all these fancy stats,

what can a woman do to keepahead and stay disease free?

I would argue that the fol-lowing three things are veryimportant for you:1. Take a look at this diagramto the right and have a littlediscussion with your “com-mon-sense self.”

If this doesn’t compute, justrealize you could have takenyour five-year survival ratefrom nearly 100 percent at thesmallest size above, down to 80percent at the largest size above(a 20 percent decrease in sur-vival) just based on the size dif-ferences at the time of diagno-sis.2. The best way to find breastlumps is to do the following:


are on their way to the Sulphur Friday night game!

They are dressed in spirit shirtsfrom ALL THINGS SPORTS

BY NEVILS, (337) 625-5551, 3708 Maplewood Drive, where they have sports uniforms, camouflage,

equipment for any sport, and custom screen printing.

On the way to the stadium they stopped at WINKYDOO’SMALT SHOP, (337) 527-9189,Corner of Ruth & Patton St.,

for a delicious Blue Bell ice cream cone. They will return later for a malt, “smoothee”,

homemade burger, Frito pie, or shake.

Since some cash was needed, a quick trip to ACCESS OF

LOUISIANA FEDERAL CREDITUNION’S, 4400 MaplewoodDrive, ATM was made. Open

your savings, checking, orChristmas Club account today!

• Have regular mammograms.• Have your doctor check your breasts.

• Check your breasts yourself every month.

3. Follow the mammogram recom-mendations outlined in the medicalsociety groups listed below afterchecking out No. 1 above:

• The American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology, American Medical Association, United States Preventive Services Task Force, and American

College of Obstetrics and Gynecology all recommend starting routine screening at 40 years of age.

• The US Preventive Services Task Force and American Academy of Family Physicians recommends screening mam mography every one to two years for women ages 40 and older.

One last thing you can do is getout and participate in fundraiserssuch as the Ethel Precht HopeBreast Cancer 3K that is held every

year at the Civic Center. Hopefully,you and your family will be able toparticipate. My family and I haveenjoyed this event for the last threeor four years now and we reallyenjoy getting out and doing our partto help people in our area withbreast cancer.

I hope the above informationcatches your eye and gets youfocused on the real things that mat-ter: helping yourself, helping others,and staying alert when it comes toyour health! TJN


With unemployment and povertyrates at their highest since the 1960s,and both individuals and corpora-tions feeling the crunch of the weak-est economy in five decades, most ofus are starting to trim the monetarybudget lines while looking for waysto secure our future.

To some of us, the thoughts ofoutlining budgets, saving for retire-ment, purchasing insurance, andfinancial investing can be so over-

whelming and frightening that weavoid the subject altogether, and optfor whatever standard plan is offeredthrough our employers.

In doing so, we feel that we are atleast covered in some areas. At thesame time, we may be unaware thatwe don’t have enough, or may not becovered at all in other areas. If you’rea business owner, you also have toworry about business planning andwhat employee benefits you are able

and/or required to provide.Then, there’s the daunting task of

“where do I start?” There are agen-cies out there that only specialize ininvesting, or only tackle insurance,and so on. Then there are the con-stant changes and even downfalls offinancial companies, which make usafraid of where we place our trust.So, this brings us back to the “wheredo I start?” question. Where do wefind a company that can address all

of our financial and insurance needsand has the stability and knowledgethat we can trust?

You start with a company that hashelped its clients and policy ownersachieve financial security for morethan 150 years. With its survivalthrough the Civil War, the Crash of1929, the Great Depression, twoWorld Wars, and numerous reces-sions; having been named one ofFORTUNE® magazine’s 2010

Story by Penny J. MillerPhotos by Darrell Buck and Michelle LaVoie

Representatives from left to right:Standing – Ian Quey, Ted Harless Jr.,Kevin CooleySitting – Aaron Natali, Shane Liggio,David Girola, John Hamilton, Mark Talbot


“World’s Most Admired Companies”for their financial soundness andquality of products and services inthe insurance industry; and havingbeen ranked among the Top 10 inde-pendent broker-dealers in the invest-ment industry by Investment News,Financial Advisor Magazine,Financial Planning Magazine, andInvestment Advisor Magazine, Iwould say you start withNorthwestern Mutual of Louisiana –Lake Charles.

HISTORYThe Lake Charles office of

Northwestern Mutual opened itsdoors in August of 1981 with thesame philosophy that their executivecommittee established in 1888 as the“Northwestern Way.” In short: “Theclient comes first – always. We don’ttake risks at the expense of the peo-ple we serve. Every decision withinour organization is made with thisquestion in mind, ‘Is it in the bestinterest of our policy owners?’”

In 2009, Ted P. Harless, Jr., atenured 20-year financial representa-tive, took on the role as managingdirector of the Lake Charles office

and established it as an officialNorthwestern Mutual district agency.It now provides risk management,retirement planning, employee bene-fits, business insurance planning,and investment services.

THE PROCESS“The first thing I do with a client

is have a conversation about what’simportant to them professionally,personally, and financially,” statedDavid Girola, financial representa-tive. “Then, based on what’s impor-tant to them, we discuss what stepsthey are currently taking to reachthose goals. If there’s a need to takefurther action, that’s where I makesolutions to help them accomplishthese goals.”

“It begins with listening to ourclient’s hopes and dreams for theirfinancial security, now and for thefuture. Then, we help them see aroadmap that can be implementedwith ease and success,” stated finan-cial adviser Kevin Cooley.

With very little knowledge ofwhat I needed or where to start, thisapproach is what set my sweatypalms to rest when I met with Girola

to discuss my own financial security.We spent just over an hour and ahalf discussing my current budget,retirement goals, life- and long-term-care insurance needs, and what myultimate retirement future wouldlook like.

Cooley reiterated that their finan-cial representatives build relation-ships with their clients and helpthem achieve financial security byestablishing trust and spendingwhatever time is required to educate,inform, and advise.

The company’s fact-finding ques-tionnaire forced me to truly priori-tize the most important issues Ineeded to immediately address, andset me at ease with the other issuesthat could wait for a few years.

This initial step left me with asense of peace: we were laying out aplan for me to secure myself finan-cially in the future. I felt completelyconfident, because great care wastaken to really listen to where I wasand where I wanted to go. There wasno pressure to sell me a laundry listof policies and investment plans;rather, they took the time find outwhat I needed and what was impor-

tant to me. “I am solely focused on taking

care of my clients needs. When Imeet with someone, I don’t alreadyhave an idea of what I am going topropose. What I propose directlyreflects on the conversation we havearound their goals,” Girola empha-sized.

There was also an additionalcomfort in knowing that once I hadset my goals and started my courseof action, they would still be there tofollow up every year (or even soonerif I needed them), to make anyadjustments necessary for my chang-ing future and financial situation.

“The annual review is whatmakes us drastically different,” TedHarless emphasized. “We don’t justsell a product and then forget aboutour client. It’s an ongoing relation-ship that lasts a lifetime.”

“Over a lifetime, many people’scircumstances change, so it’s impor-tant for me, as their financial advisor,to keep up with their situationthrough the annual review processand guide them as needed,” Cooleyreiterated.

As I move forward with my own

Staff from left to right: Standing – Patricia Hayes, James Pattison, Becky GirolaSitting – Lauren Brown, Melissa Derouen, Megan Guidry


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Hurricane Season is in full swing and we are dedicated to keeping you informed and up to date on any weather threatening

Southwest Louisiana. Our KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chartsponsored by Cameron State Bank and Dale Bernard State Farm Insurance is now available at our sponsor

locations or at the KYKZ studios, 425 Broad St.More information at www.kykz.com.

financial plan, I feel they have estab-lished an honest concern for my wellbeing. And, even if I’m not currentlyable to finance the ultimate dreamretirement plan, I can now see thefuture, with real numbers and goalsthat I can reach. This process haslifted the black veil of my own finan-cial abyss and opened my eyes tobecoming a more active and knowl-edgeable participant in my ownfuture. This was an important steptoward my own financial peace ofmind.

THEIR SUCCESSFor the past 25 years,

Northwestern Mutual has main-tained the No. 1 position in itsindustry in FORTUNE® magazine’s“most admired” survey (until the listcombined both the world andAmerican lists in 2009). Their laun-dry list of accolades span from theirNo. 1 ratings in industry-leading div-idend payouts in 2010; No.1 ratingsin customer satisfaction; “Best Placeto Work in America;” “Best Places to

Launch a Career;” and, the No. 1spot in U.S. direct life insurancemarket-share.

In addition, Northwestern Mutualhas paid more in total individualinsurance dividends to policy ownersthan any other company in theindustry for the last 13 years. Whatthat means to the layman is that as amutual company, instead of a pub-licly traded stock company, the prin-cipals of their insurance and invest-ments are returned back to its policyholders, instead of paying the profitsto shareholders.

When asked what the key to theircompany’s success is, Harless stated,“It’s simple: Do what’s right. Since1857, that has been the foundation ofthe company. Continued success hasbeen supported by our mutuality inthe marketplace, the fact findingprocess we take clients through, andthe yearly annual reviews we conductwith them. Northwestern Mutual hasa persistency rate of 96.1 percent forlife insurance in-force, a key indica-tor of customer satisfaction.”

Financial Representative David Girola discusses financial goals with clients.

Managing Director Ted Harless Jr., works alongside Director of Operations,Patricia Hayes to prepare a Personal Needs Analysis.


Harless added that one of the things that setsthem apart from other industry competitors isthat their representatives are independent con-tractors that are there to build their own prac-tices, unlike an employee with a quota or out-lined policies or programs to sell.

He also stated that their process and theirteam approach to servicing their clients isunlike that of any other agency. Their officehas a number of representatives that all spe-cialize in different areas of the industry. So,where one may not have all the knowledgeneeded, other specialized representatives canbe called in to handle their area of expertise.They all work together to fully service theirclients.

TOP TEN INTERNSHIP IN AMERICASince 1967, Northwestern Mutual’s

Internship Program has provided over 20,000students from all over the country anunmatched opportunity to learn more aboutthemselves, the world of business, and a finan-cial services career.

Northwestern’s internship program is ratedNo. 1 in the industry and 23rd overall, byBloomberg Business Weekly; CNNMoney.comhas named it one of the “Five Best Internships

for Real Work”; and, for the past 14 years, ithas been ranked among America’s “Top TenInternships in America” by the 2010 VaultGuide to Top Internships. Currently, about2,500 students nationwide are offered thisinternship each year, and it is the only Top Teninternship offered in the state of Louisiana.

According to Director of Development,Becky Girola, “College students get to experi-ence what it’s like to work as a financial repre-sentative. They call on potential clients andconduct meetings just as a full-time represen-tative does.” She said the intern program ishighly respected because interns receive thesame training as full-time representatives, withthe exception of a modified schedule.

“This program is very attractive to collegestudents, not only because of the experience,but because of the rewards. Our interns fromMcNeese State University receive collegecourse credit and are paid very competitively,”she added.

Harless emphasized that their interns aren’tmaking coffee or answering phones. “They’reworking just as hard as the full-time represen-tatives, meeting with clients and learning howto develop a practice for themselves. It’s a realjob for them with real rewards,” he said.

Interns: Shane Baker (left)and Ashton Elliott


4710 Common St., Suite A • (337) 564-5769www.theporchcoffeehouse.com

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Becky Girola stated that theyspend a lot of time at McNeese look-ing for their next star intern. TheLake Charles veteran representativesknow that those interns are thefuture of their office, so they are veryhelpful in mentoring and coachingthe students.

“There’s a lot of passion andexcitement in our internship pro-gram here in Lake Charles. Collegestudents bring a whole new level ofenergy to the office and constantlygive us a reason to celebrate withtheir achievements,” she said. TheLake Charles office continues toexpand, with a goal of doubling theirtrained agents within the next fiveyears.

“I’ve learned so much throughthis internship, but probably thebiggest thing is ‘don’t defer action,take action,’” stated Ian Quey, a for-mer intern and now, a currentNorthwestern Mutual financial rep-resentative. “You have to set goalsand go get ‘em—period.”

Fifty percent of the representa-tives in the Lake Charles office areMSU graduates. They stay directlytied to their alma mater through theinternship program, their sponsor-ship of leadership conferences andthe annual “Speaker Series,” and asguest lecturers for the business col-lege. In addition, Harless is currentlyon the MSU Corporate Advisory

Board that meets monthly with thedean of the business college to dis-cuss the quality of the MSU businessprograms.

The Lake Charles office ofNorthwestern Mutual will be hostingan Open House and giving officetours on Thurs., Sept. 23 from 11a.m. – 2 p.m., and continuingthroughout Oct. 7 during their nor-mal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Representatives encourageeveryone to stop by for refreshmentsand door prizes and get to know thestaff.

Northwestern Mutual is locatedat 127 W. Broad Street, Suite 600(in the Chase Bank tower), LakeCharles, LA 70601. To contact afinancial representative for your freeevaluation, or for more informationabout their products and services,you may contact them at (337) 436-8940 by phone, (337) 439-4754 byfax, or by e-mailing them [email protected] information is availableon at www.nmfn.com/lakecharles orby visiting the national site atwww.northwesternmutual.com.

Financial Reps work as a team to deliver the best possible solutions. From left to right: Ted Harless Jr., David Girola, Shane Liggio, Kevin Cooley

TJN


The representatives and staffof Northwestern Mutual ofLouisiana – Lake Charles arevery proud of their nationallyrecognized involvement in the“Avenue of Flags.” For the past20 years, Managing Director TedHarless, Jr., has been the directorof the program.

The “Avenue of Flags” is con-sidered the largest display ofmemorial flags in the UnitedStates. The display honors alldeceased veterans, and eachflag represents an individualveteran. The flags are official“casket flags” presented to thefamily during military funerals.The families have in turn loanedor donated the flags to the Sonsof the American Revolution foruse in the patriotic display. SARmembers and volunteers fromseveral other organizations suchas local Boy Scout troops, andchildren and staff from the Boysand Girls Village, erect the dis-play each Memorial Day andVeterans Day.

The project was started in1983 by the Oliver PollockChapter of the Sons of theAmerican Revolution (SAR). Thethen president of the organiza-tion, the late Dr. Rex Smelser,envisioned it as becoming thelargest display of United Statesflags in the nation. Beginningwith just 50 flags that first year,it has now grown to over 700 innumber. The flags are flown oneither side of the graveled roadswinding through Orange Grove-Graceland Cemetery on BroadSt. in Lake Charles.

Avenue of Flags

Ted Harless Jr.

TJN

In 1957, Northwest Mutualinvested in building a ship totransport mining equipment andproducts throughout the GreatLakes. Once construction finishedin Detroit, the ship, which wasnamed after NorthwesternMutual’s president and chairmanof the board, was leased out to theOglebay Norton Company for

transportation of iron ore and sup-plies. At the time it was built, itwas the largest vessel to hit freshwater and set many volumerecords throughout her years ofservice.

But, tragically, in 1975, the shipmet the “Witch of November” onLake Superior, whose storm seaswere over 35 feet high. It rode out

on the lake for the last time onNov. 10, 1975, taking all 29 of hersailors down with her that night.Less than one year later, singerand songwriter Gordon Lightfootpaid tribute to the missing vesselwith his haunting and heartfeltballad, “The Wreck of the EdmundFitzgerald.”

Northwestern Mutual and Gordon Lightfoot Go Down in History Together

TJN


Ted P. Harless, Jr., LUTCF, CLTCManaging Director

Ted Harless, a Lake Charles native andMcNeese State University graduate, current-ly serves as the managing director forNorthwestern Mutual - Lake Charles.Harless is responsible for recruiting andtraining financial representatives, managingthe office and maintaining his financialpractice. He has been with NorthwesternMutual since 1992. His past positions include field director and financialrepresentative, and he has qualified for the Million Dollar Round Tableand the National Quality Award. Harless specializes in long-term careand disability insurance serving a client base of nurse anesthetists, doc-tors, dentists, attorneys, business owners, and executives.

Harless is a proud member of the Southwest Louisiana Chamber ofCommerce, McNeese Corporate Advisory Council, the Sons of theAmerican Revolution, the Boy Scouts of America, and has served as theformer president of the NAIFA (National Association of Insurance andFinancial Advisors), and is a member of Trinity Baptist Church of LakeCharles. In addition, for the past 20 years, he has directed the nationallyrecognized Avenue of Flags program here in Lake Charles.

Kevin B. CooleyFinancial Advisor

Kevin Cooley, a Lake Charles native andMcNeese State University graduate, current-ly serves as a financial advisor forNorthwestern Mutual - Lake Charles. As afinancial advisor, Cooley provides expertguidance and innovative solutions for avariety of financial and business planninggoals. He specializes in business successionand estate planning for physicians, businessowners, and professionals.

Cooley has qualified for the MillionDollar Round Table and the National Quality Award, and has been withNorthwestern Mutual since 1990 and in the financial services industrysince 1989. He is a participant in the Avenue of Flags, and currentlyserves on the board of directors of The Pioneer Club. He is a proudmember of the NAIFA, the Sons of the American Revolution, and GladTidings Church of Lake Charles.

Shane D. Liggio, CPAWealth Management Advisor

Shane Liggio, a Moss Bluff native andMcNeese State University graduate, current-ly serves as the investment specialist forNorthwestern Mutual - Lake Charles.Shane’s mission is to provide expert guid-ance for a lifetime of financial security byoffering high quality investment and wealthmanagement programs and services forhigh net-worth clients. He has been withNorthwestern Mutual since 1998 and hasreceived the National Quality Award fromthe NAIFA, and the Sapphire Award from NMFN (NorthwesternMutual Financial Network). Liggio is currently a member of WestwoodBaptist Church and serves as a recreational baseball coach in Moss Bluff.

Janet MarlerEmployee Benefit Specialist

Janet Marler, a Lafayette native andgraduate of the University of Louisiana,joined Northwestern Mutual in 1994 as anemployee benefit specialist with StrategicEmployee Benefit Services of Louisiana, asubsidiary of Northwestern Mutual. Her 23years of experience in benefit consultinghas helped her business-owner clients toidentify solutions to the challenges that facea company and its employees. Since 1995,Marler has served employers in LakeCharles by assisting with medical rate negoti-ations, employee communications, open enrollments and claims resolu-tion. She assists companies of all sizes from all industries with managingtheir employee benefit plans including medical, dental, life, disability andvision insurance.

Marler is currently a diplomat for the SWLA Chamber of Commerce,a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and AcadianaAssociation of Healthcare Underwriters, was a previous board member ofthe Lafayette Community Healthcare Clinic, and volunteers as a Sundayschool teacher and youth group sponsor at Asbury Methodist Church.

Specialist


David GirolaFinancial Representative

David Girola, a Lake Charlesnative and Louisiana StateUniversity graduate, currentlyserves as a financial representa-tive for Northwestern Mutual -Lake Charles. Girola’s clienteleincludes business owners, pro-fessionals, and young familiesthat he provides with strongfinancial solutions tailored totheir particular needs and goals.He has been with Northwestern Mutual since August 2009and currently holds the top spot as the new FinancialRepresentative of the Year in Louisiana. Girola currentlyserves as a NAIFA board member, and is a member of theSWLA Chamber of Commerce, Fusion Five, and TrinityBaptist Church.

John H. Hamilton, LUTCFFinancial Representative

John Hamilton, a Lake Charles native and cur-rent Sulphur resident, was the first ever financialrepresentative for Northwestern Mutual - LakeCharles, joining the company in 1981. A graduateof McNeese State University, he specializes inguiding business owners and professionals towardtheir financial goals. Hamilton is a member ofNAIFA and Wesley United Methodist Church, andwas a previous member of the Sulphur IndustrialDevelopment and Southland Field Airport boards.

Aaron P. NataliFinancial Representative

Aaron Natali, a Holmwood, Louisiana native andMcNeese State University graduate, currently servesas a financial representative for NorthwesternMutual - Lake Charles. Natali’s focus on small busi-ness owners allows him to provide each of hisclients with strong financial solutions that are tai-lored to their particular needs and goals. He hasbeen with Northwestern Mutual since 1999 and iscurrently a member of the Lake Charles Recreationboard, NAIFA, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church inLake Charles.

Ian M. QueyFinancial Representative

Ian M. Quey is the newestmember of the Lake Charlesoffice. A New Orleans nativeand McNeese State Universitygraduate, he began his careerwith Northwestern Mutualwhile attending McNeese StateUniversity. He participated inNorthwestern Mutual’s Top TenInternship program and quali-fied for the prestigious Power ofTen award. He has been a full-time financial representativesince August 2010. Quey is a member of NAIFA and spe-cializes in assisting business owners, professionals, andyoung families with their financial security and investments.

Mark A. Talbot, LUTCFFinancial Representative

Mark Talbot, an Iowa native and a McNeese StateUniversity graduate, is a financial representative forNorthwestern Mutual - Lake Charles. His focus is onsmall business owners and medical professionals,which allows him to provide each of his clients withstrong financial solutions that are tailored to theirparticular needs. He has been with the company since1998, and is a member of the NAIFA, the Iowa SoccerAssociation, and St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. He isalso a volunteer at Iowa High School.

Representatives

Becky S. GirolaDirector of Development

Becky Girola is from Sterlington,Louisiana and is a graduate of LouisianaState University with a degree in market-ing. Girola currently serves as the direc-tor of development where she is responsi-ble for all recruiting, marketing and pub-lic relations, and managing the employ-ment selection process. She has been withNorthwestern Mutual since 2004. Girolacurrently serves as the community advi-sor for the MSU American MarketingAssociation, is an active board member with EDGE OUTREACHand Fusion Five, is an ambassador for the SWLA Chamber ofCommerce, and a member of Trinity Baptist Church. TJN


Present these ads for your Brides Special discount!

At a ribbon cutting ceremony heldrecently at the Prien Lake Mall, adja-cent to the bus stop on Ernest St., theCity of Lake Charles Transit Divisionannounced the addition of four newbuses to the City’s bus fleet.

Each of the four new 2010 Gilligbuses are equipped with wheelchairaccommodations and a low-floorformat to assist the loading of awheelchair onto the bus. Other fea-

tures include: digital destinationsigns on the front and side of thebus; a bike rack on the front of thebus; and a fuel system that operateson ultra-low sulfur diesel.

Each of the buses has the McNeeseState University logo prominentlylocated on the outside rear panel.Two of the buses are blue with goldtrim and two are white with blue andgold trim. The City of Lake Charles

logo is prominently located on thedriver side of the bus outside panel.The new buses provide seating for upto 32 passengers.

The new buses are 100 percentfederally funded through FederalTransit Administration grants.

City of Lake Charles buses cur-rently provide a daily riding oppor-tunity for 400 to 500 passengers.There are 160 bus stops within the

five routes.Following the ribbon cutting cere-

mony, an open house was held forthe public until 3 p.m. that after-noon.

In addition to the four new buses,a trolley is scheduled to arrive inLake Charles sometime this monthand become a new addition to thebus transit fleet.

City of Lake Charles Transit Acquires Four New Buses

TJN


Ah, the joys of planning your wedding. Let’s just say it’s not easy—andthat’s an understatement. It can be an overwhelming task.

There are so many things to consider. Most important, it’s imperative thatboth you and your husband-to-be agree on the type of wedding that youwant. If you want a large, lavish affair and he wants something simple, you’vegot to come to a compromise, or you’re going to be in for a lot of problems.

When will the joyous event take place? Make sure it doesn’t conflict in theschedules of the important people in your lives.

If you have the wedding venue already in mind, you may be told that it’salready been booked on the date that you want. So it’s back to juggling. Ifyou’re having a church wedding, you have to make sure that it’s available thesame time as the venue.

If you have your reception at your church hall, that can really help outwith your budget, and alleviate your guests having to drive to another loca-tion. But then, you have to do the decorating yourself.

Brittany Simon Myers, formerly of Moss Bluff, now lives in Texas withher husband Dave and their two little girls. She and Dave had a fall wed-ding several years ago, with the ceremony and reception both heldat their church.

“My mom and I did the whole wedding ourselves, so itwas all a little stressful, but I would say the most stressfulpart was choosing the decorations,” she said. “We went toGrand Rental and they had so many options to choosefrom. That’s what probably made it so hard!”

Then there’s the guest list. Up North, our wed-dings are formal, sit-down dinners that can startat $50 a plate. So you have to be very selective,which causes a lot of hurt feelings. Childrenare never invited unless they’re part of thewedding party. Often, an unmarried per-

son is not allowed to bring an escortunless they’re engaged. (Let me tellyou, that one alone has caused a lot offamily feuds.) Down here, the preva-lence of buffet-style receptions seems

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Aaron and Allyson Montgomery


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to have solved that dilemma, up to apoint. But let’s face it—you can’tinvite everyone.

Amanda Reeves Winterbottomknows the feeling. “The most stress-ful by far was my guest list,” shesaid. “Jay and I both knew so manypeople, and then our families bothinvited quite a few people, so I hadto go back and forth with my guestlist for months to be able to stay inbudget.”

Your bridal party can be anotherissue. It should be made up of peo-ple that are closest to you and yourfiancé. If you leave someone out,there’s going to be hell to pay. Someof you may be concerned that thereare too many bridesmaids and notenough groomsmen. Some couplesgo overboard and invite ALL theirfriends to be in the wedding party.Again, you must reach a compro-mise that will work for you.

Then there’s the wedding dresssearch. I was lucky—I fell in lovewith the second gown that I triedon. I don’t think I would have thepatience to try on dozens of gowns,but that’s just me. Brittany Myersagrees.

She said the easiest part for herwas finding her dress. “We went to

Houston for our first shopping trip,and as soon as I saw the dress Iknew that it was the one!” she said.After the wedding, she had it pre-served. “I had it sealed in a box andI saw it the other day and thoughtto myself, ‘I want to wear it again!’”

But Allyson BlackwellMontgomery said finding the per-fect dress was the most difficult partof planning her wedding. “I tried tokeep it simple by only going to fourdifferent places instead of searchingall over,” she said. “It seemed likethe more I tried on, the more con-fused I got. I finally ended up lov-ing the last dress I tried onthe first day we went shop-ping. My advice is to keep itsimple and don’t bring toomany people with you. Take onlya few of the people who knowyou and your style best.”

With everything that needs tobe done before the wedding, youmay feel as if you’re in a three-ringcircus (of course my husband wouldthink that’s a good thing!). But noone will blame you for wantingeverything to be absolutely perfect,because it’s going to be foreveretched in your memory as the dayyou married your best friend.

“The easiest part of planning ourwedding was picking out the musicand wedding colors,” saidMontgomery. “My advice to all cou-ples planning their ‘I Do’s’ is to keepit simple and try not to sweat overthe small stuff. In the end, your daywill be magical no matter whatdecisions you made.” She andAaron’s marriage ceremony at GladTidings Church and reception inthe Buccaneer Room at the LakeCharles Civic Center went offwithout a hitch.

Amanda Reeves Winterbottom


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Amanda Reeves Winterbottom is happy tosay that her day came together perfectly as well.They were married at First Presbyterian Churchand the reception was held at the Lake CharlesCivic Center in the Contraband room. “Oddlyenough, the least stressful part of the weddingwas my actual wedding day,” she said. “I hadbeen preparing for so long that I knew it would

all work out and if it didn’t—ohwell! I would still get to marrymy best friend!”

Some couples opt for veryunconventional weddings. Ifboth are in agreement, it canmake for a LOT of fun! WhenKayla Mallett Rigney got mar-ried, she and Bruce wanted itto be different, to say theleast.

“Ours was not my first—so we went a bit ‘unconven-tional,’ and no, it wasn’tstressful at all!” she said.“We got married at afriend’s backyard about 3in the afternoon onHomecoming Day forMSU. The wedding party

wore blueand gold andthe bride andmaid of honor(my daughter, whowas 13 at the time)carried bouquets madelike homecoming corsages,complete with banners bearingthe names of the bride, groom and bride’sdaughter!”

It was a very unique wedding party. “Mydaughter was my maid of honor, and my hus-band’s mom was his ‘best gal,’” Rigney said.“Following the wedding, we went directly to thetailgate party at MSU, then to the MSU vs.Grambling game. We shared a hotdog as ourwedding cake, had 17,000 guests and two march-ing bands, and didn’t pay for a thing!” Now,that’s a unique wedding if there ever was one!

I think the bottom line is that your weddingis all about you. So plan well, make lists, don’t beafraid to delegate, and please don’t sweat it. Noone needs a Bridezilla running around drivingeveryone crazy. Because in the end, your wed-ding day will be perfect. I’ve never met one bridewho said theirs wasn’t. So, happy planning!

Bruce and Kayla Rigney

TJN


2506 Ryan StreetLake Charles • 439-4888

M - F, 10am - 5:30pmSat., 10am - 4pm

Weddings are a huge business, as we all know. But I never real-ized how big until I read the following statistics, which have beengathered from various sources, including the Association of BridalConsultants and Condé Nast Bridal Group.

• Weddings represent a $50 billion annual industry. • $28,082 is the average amount spent on a traditional

American wedding. • Every year, an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed

in the U.S. • Each weekend, an average of 44,230 weddings take place. • Today’s median age for first-time brides is 27 years.

For grooms, it’s 29 years. • The median age for remarriage is 34 for brides and

37 for grooms. • 88 percent of Americans marry at least once in their lifetime. • One-third of those getting married have been married previously. • 23 million bridesmaids and groomsmen attend brides and

grooms each year. • Bridesmaids’ gowns are generally purchased 3-4 months in

advance of the event.• In 19 percent of cases, the brides‘ parents pay for the wedding.

Nearly one-third –32 percent of brides and grooms -- pay for it themselves. And 15 percent of couples share the cost, with both sets of parents contributing.

• More than 91 percent of couples register for wedding gifts. • $19 billion is spent buying presents at wedding gift registries. • The average amount spent on a wedding gift is in the

$70-$100 range. • The average number of wedding guests is 165. • The average amount spent on wedding bands for the

couple is $1,575. • The average amount spent on a bridal gown is $1,075. • David’s Bridal accounts for 20 percent of all bridal-gown sales. • Queen Victoria, who married Prince Albert in 1840,

popularized the white wedding gown. She wore a white silk and lace gown with an 18-foot train at their wedding. TJN


arrives dressed to the nines in The Magic Wrap, $32, from Polished Peasant, 337-527-0078, 205 W Napoleon,Sulphur. You can wear the wrap100 ways! Fashion is always affordable at this new shop!

The gift for the happy couple is acopy of the award-winning cook-book by The Junior League ofLake Charles, Inc. You can pur-chase Marshes to Mansionsonline at www.jllc.net or at theMistletoe and Moss HolidayMarket at the Lake Charles CivicCenter, Nov. 17-20.

Our guest can hardly wait to taste healthy and nutritionalMediterranean food when ZeusCafé, 409 W. Prien Lake Road,Lake Charles, www.zeuscafe.com,opens. Hospitality is tradition atthis restaurant coming soon tothe lake area.

Our shop features gifts for everyoccasion, every person, and everybudget. We offer a wide selection of Circle E Candles, the new Fall

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jewelry, handbags, home décor & Fleur de lis EVERYTHING!

We pride ourselves in providing a great tanning experience for our clients. Our beds are well maintained and include, Mega,

Super, Stand Up and ELITE. Come in for a tour TODAY!

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Phone orders accepted with credit card.APPOINTMENTS ONLY 562-9400

1602 W. McNeese St.


Please contact Ryan Ivey at least 72 hours before any home event to request accommodations forindividuals with disabilities. This includes the need for materials in an alternative format such as largeprint or Braille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and accessible parking information.

First 2,500 Fans will receive a FREE Kooziefrom Raising Cane’s and McNeese State

TICKET PRICES:Reserved:$20 Advanced Purchase$22 Day of Game

General Admission:$17 Advanced Purchase$19 Day of Game

Sports Report

By Brandon Shoumaker

Cheer up, Cowboy fans.No, seriously. This isn’t a time to

get all down in the mouth abouthow the McNeese football team isplaying.

Yet.I know, I know. Just a couple of

weeks ago, you say you watched

Missouri hand McNeese a beatingthe likes Lake Charles hadn’t seensince the dark days of the 2004 sea-son. And before that, you were therewhen the Cowboys barely beat ateam that hadn’t played a down offootball since Bush I was President.

I get it. But, as was correctlymentioned on the Geaux Cowboysfan forum, it could always be worse.You could be Southern fans.

Instead of wondering how yourteam got blown out at home by amediocre Division II team(Arkansas-Monticello, a team, if

you’re into trivia, McNeese beat 65-7in 1998), your boys are 1-1 headinginto a much-needed bye week beforefacing a tough Cal Poly squad.

Not too shabby.So far.Need more reasons not to feel

too down about the status ofMcNeese’s football season? Let’s startwith the Lamar game.

Sure, McNeese only won 30-27against a newly revived program.But think about this: McNeese hadalmost nothing to go on in prepar-ing for the Cardinals. Working onthe knowledge that former SamHouston State head coach Todd

Whitten is the Lamar offensive coor-dinator and a little CSI: LakeCharles guesswork, McNeese was atleast able to prepare for the types offormations Lamar would run onoffense. Unfortunately, the playersrunning those formations turned outto be a little bigger, a little faster anda little stronger than your averagestart-up college football team iswont to have.

Combine that with key injuries torunning back Champlain Babin anddefensive back London Durham,turnovers galore, and a Lamar teamwith no fear and nothing to lose,and you get an uneven Cowboysperformance. Also, bully to Lamar

It Could Alwaysbe Worse

Sports Report

Volume 2 • Issue 13 SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 PAGE 33 Sports Report

for sneaking into Cowboy Stadium areal-life college football team ratherthan a bunch of pushovers.

It could be worse. You could beLSU fans, cringing every time theTigers’ offense touches the footballor Les Miles has to rub the two braincells he still owns like flint rocks tospark any sort of decision-makingprocess.

After that emotional win overLamar, the Cowboys then had totravel almost 800 miles to Columbia,Mo. to play the University ofMissouri. In all honesty, theCowboys probably didn’t have muchof a shot against a team picked tofinish in the top half of the Big 12Conference; however, recent historyhad proven McNeese could handleplaying against the big boys.

But this road trip seemed to gowrong the minute the team plane’swheels lifted off from Lake CharlesRegional Airport. Literally. Theplane blew a tire on takeoff forcingan emergency landing in Mississippimeaning the Cowboys were threehours late to Columbia. Is that anexcuse? Not really. But it was anunneeded distraction that may havehelped shift McNeese’s focus awayfrom the task at hand: keeping pacewith Missouri.

That Missouri went on to crushMcNeese 50-6 doesn’t really matterto me. That’s what good teams do;they beat the teams they are sup-posed to beat. The way McNeese lostis another thing entirely.

While it’s one thing to be ill pre-pared for a team that hasn’t played adown of football in two decades, it’sanother to be totally lost against anopponent that plays on some formor fashion of television every week.

But, hey, look on the bright side.It was an early-season, non-confer-ence game against a formidableupper-tier opponent.

And, it could be worse. Youcould be Louisiana-Lafayette fans,folks who delusionally insist theirschool is called the “University ofLouisiana” while the Cajuns arestuck playing in the nation’s worstFBS conference for the “prize” ofmaking it to the New Orleans Bowl.Catch the fever, everybody.

Anyway, the Cowboys now havea bye week and a few days to preparefor what has turned out to be a gamethat will determine where McNeesestands among the ranks of FCS foot-ball. A win over Cal Poly (whichplayed Luke Skywalker to the DarthVader of Montana in a 35-33 Week 2shocker) would re-establish

McNeese as a team to be reckonedwith this season. One sidenote: thenext Cowboys win will be the pro-gram’s 400th all-time victory. A losswill likely mean the Cowboys willhave to win the SouthlandConference title outright to reachthe playoffs.

Which will be tough to do whenthey have to face conference front-runner Stephen F. Austin two weeksafter Cal Poly. Why? Because, like itor not, whether they say so or not,McNeese will be eyeing their Oct. 16date with the Louisiana State

University and Agricultural andMechanical College.

Hey, I know you’re all concerned.I am, too. But it’s still way too earlyto start hanging your heads andthinking about next year. This sea-son is far from over and theCowboys still have a shot at a cham-pionship. Yes, it’s been a rough cou-ple of weeks but nothing has beenlost. Not by a long shot.

Besides, it could be worse.You could be Northwestern State

fans.

BrandonShoumaker isa graduate ofMcNeese StateUniversity andhas coveredsports for morethan sevenyears for vari-ous publica-tions. Coachesor parentswith story tips may contact Brandon [email protected] or send hima message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

Sports ReportTJN

Brandon Shoumaker

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

1616 West McNeese • 337-478-3232Dr. Harry Castle • www.oakparkdental.com

Take a peek at what teens andtweens are reading, and you may findsome books that are just too good toput down.

The hot-off-the-pressesMockingjay is the final entry in thefuturistic trilogy by Suzanne Collinsthat began with The Hunger Games.The books are set in a post-apocalyp-tic America called Panem, which hasbeen divided into a dozen districts, allrun with absolute authority (think BigBrother) from a place called theCapitol.

Every year, one boy and one girlare chosen from each district (thinkShirley Jackson’s The Lottery) to par-ticipate in the games, which are a lit-eral fight-to-the-death broadcast ontelevision from an arena (thinkRoman gladiators).

In the first book, District 12’s rep-resentatives are Katniss Everdeen (anoutdoorsy girl who loves her bestfriend, a boy named Gale) and PeetaMellark, a gentle boy who has a crushon Katniss. Book two, Catching Fire,begins immediately after the games

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Books for Teens and Tweens

and intro-duces morepolitics, as thedistricts beginto rebelagainst theiroppressors(think StarWars). And aspunishment,the nastyleader comesup with a nuance to thatyear’s games that is ashocker to everybody.

But “the Capitol hasno end of creative ways tokill people,” says thebook. Book three continues thestory and the action, with a full-blown civil war. Many of the rebelsare forced to go underground, andnot all of our friends survive.

It’s hard to tell you more of whathappens in books two and threewithout revealing the end of bookone. Let’s just say it’s a kind of sci-ence fiction Survivor for teens witha continuing love story (or two), asociopolitical backdrop and plentyof intense action — including somepretty grisly violence. The series has

treachery, bravery, a wedding, anassassination, and genetically engi-neered tracker jacker wasp venom“so carefully created to target theplace where fear lives in your brain.”

The Hunger Games is now on thelist of my favorite reads. The cleverauthor has taken elements frommany sources and woven themtogether into this truly originalpackage. She has developed charac-ters the reader can become involvedwith. And Mockingjay may be the

best of the three. Parts of itreminds me of Terry Brooks’Shannara fantasies. Andmoments remind me ofHarry Potter, but there’s nomagic, other than the magic

of technology,imagination andlove. The sad/happyending surprisedme a bit. I loved it.And I cried; I hatedto leave these char-acters. The trilogy ismore than threebooks; it’s a greatadventure.Whatever your age,don’t miss it.

The Dreamer byPam Muñoz Ryan is


The Lake Charles LAWeight Loss Center currently has five counselors

with experience in the weight loss field that work one-on-one with clients to achieve their weight loss goals.

“Our counselors receive extensive and continuous training,”said Karla Russell-Whiteman, Director of LA Weight LossCenter. “We work closely with our clients, but they areaccountable for their own diet plan. We offer counseling and

personalized weight loss planning for those who’d like to leada healthy lifestyle.”

The benefits to losing weight and leading a healthylifestyle are significant, and have been known to reducethe symptoms of diseases such as diabetes and highblood pressure – diseases which are often associatedwith being obese.

Weight loss, if achieved at a moderate pace througha healthy diet and regular exercise, can reduce the risk of

these and other obesity-related diseases. And of course, know-ing that you look good automatically makes you feel betterabout yourself.

The day you finally go shopping for new clothes to fit yourtrimmed-down figure is one that you’ll never forget – andmakes all the effort worthwhile.

The LA Weight Loss Program helps dieters learn to useregular foods, available in local grocery stores, to create healthymeals. Dieters also have the option of purchasing special LAWeight Loss foods, but this is not a necessary part of the pro-gram.

“Our program is all natural.” Rusdsell-Whiteman statedemphatically. “This means we do not use pills, surgeries, shots,or any kind of medication.”

The first phase of the weight loss plan is weight loss, andthe first step of this phase is an individual meeting with one ofthe center’s counselor during which clients determine theircurrent health status and weight loss goals.

Once clients lose the pounds they want to lose, the secondphase, stabilization, begins. “We slowly start adding food backin the dieter’s plan to maintain their ideal body,” Russell-Whitman said. “This is generally a three-to-four week phase.”

The final phase is maintenance, which generally takes 26weeks to a year. During this phase, you visit the center weeklyto weigh in and meet with your counselor to make sure yourweight is stable and fluctuating properly. This phase ensuresthat you’re following the plan.

“Most people can lose weight with any program,” saidRussell-Whiteman. “But problems arise when old habits comeback, and they get off-track with their plan.” This is where theone-on-one counseling provided by LA Weight Loss helps byproviding emotional and motivational support for dieters tostick to their new lifestyle.

For more information about the LA weight Loss Program,Call Karla Russsell-Whitman at 337-439-9653.

Look fabulous in your wedding dress by following a healthy lifestyle

2834 Ryan St.,Lake Charles

(next to Market Basket)

a fictionalized account of the child-hood of poet Pablo Neruda. BornNeftalí Reyes in Chile, the boy is sick-ly and shy, and his cruel fatherridicules him. Neftalí daydreams andgets distracted by the beauty aroundhim, constantly stopping to collectand investigate beautiful things, suchas a pinecone or a beetle on a leaf. Toexpress the boy’s budding interest inwriting, Ryan adds original poetry, atfirst, in the form of sounds and sim-ple questions.

From his uncle, who owns a news-paper, Neftalí develops a social con-science and finds that words havepower. When the teenaged Neftalíwrites a political piece for a magazine,he angers his father, who burns all hisbeloved notebooks and calls him “anembarrassment to the family.” Indefense, the young man creates thepen name of Pablo Neruda and keepswriting. In 1971, Neruda was awardedthe Nobel Prize for Literature.

Award-winning illustrator PeterSís chose dots for his simple draw-ings, which include pictures withinpictures and a lovely triptych to openeach chapter. A selection of Neruda’spoems appears at the end. The textand illustrations are all in almost-black green, a tribute to the poet,who, we find out in the author’s note,liked to write in green ink, which he

considered the color of hope.In Abby Carnelia’s One and Only

Magical Power by David Pogue, Abbydiscovers accidentally that when shepulls on her earlobes, an egg startsspinning. Hoping to find out what

she can do with her bizarre talent, shewinds up at a camp for kids who wantto learn magic — Camp Cadabra inNew Hampshire — the summer fol-lowing sixth grade.

With the help of a new friend, 14-year-old Ben, Abby performs her egg

“trick” on stage, in front of everybody.Because of her gift, she’s picked to goto “Super Camp” along with otherjunior-high-school-age kids — eachwith one special talent — chosen

from five camps around the country.There, aptitudes toward invisibility,teleportation, telekinesis and more aredeveloped. Abby wonders, “Is theresomething waiting to be discoveredinside every kid on earth?” But at theadvanced camp, things don’t seem

quite right to Abby, and the e-mailsfrom home are strange.

“The Danger Box by Blue Balliett(the best-selling author of ChasingVermeer) contains a mystery within amystery. As a sort of game, a man hada box delivered to himself, but hedied while it was en route. The deliv-ery truck that was carrying the boxwas stolen. The box, which contains amysterious notebook, ends up in thegarage of the grandparents of a 12-year-old boy named Zoomy in ThreeOaks, Mich.

The boy, who’s a bit OCD/autistic,carries a purple pen (like Harold’spurple crayon in the classic story): “Ithelps me imagine I can see moreclearly than I really can,” says Zoomy.The boy is legally blind, but he has an“expert nose,” and he loves comput-ers. At the library, he meets a girlnamed Lorrol, and the two of thembecome detectives, researching thenotebook. They make a great discov-ery and put together The GasGazette, giving clues throughout thebook to the identity of a famous his-torical personage.

Copyright © 2010 by Mary LouiseRuehr. TJN


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The Dot GamePlayers take turns connecting two dots. When you make a square, put your initials in the

box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.

O K I H O N E Y M O O N W E B

E C D O V I D C S N O E Y N R

D C I P A A I B R I D E T D G

I N A N Q E E S T D U B R R T

A R M E H K E P I O T O A S T

M O O R G A E N T D N U P S N

S R N I E C G O O O E Q R W M

E R D R E G O E H T I U O I I

D I R R O N R F D N B E L W O

I D I W M I O W A N G T E E G

R E N N I D L A S R A E H E R

B E G I I D H V A C A N C V W

B T T A T E O O S D I I A O R

W O M R E W N A M T S E B N F

I B S B S G O N N N E N S H C

Bachelor PartyBest ManBouquetBrideBridesmaid

Diamond RingGroomHoneymoonMaid of HonorReception

Rehearsal DinnerToastVowsWedding CakeWedding Gown

HERE COMES THE BRIDE - WORD SEARCH


1980 Tybee Lane477-0963

Donald C. Falgoust, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Routine Eye Exams • Disease & Surgery of the EyeSWLA’s Cataract Surgery Specialist

Nanny McPhee Returns (2010, Universal)

I had two disadvantages in seeingthe sequel to Nanny McPhee. One isthat I didn’t see the original, and two ismy aversion to large facial moles (thesize of raisins). I attribute the formerto the latter and the latter to my expe-riences as a child at a legendary localeating establishment. There, I said it,it’s not nice, but that’s done.

In this sequel, the setting is coun-tryside England in WWII. IsabelGreen is a woman whose husband is atwar, leaving her to care for her threechildren on the farm. They cope fairlywell until two cousins come to visitand take refuge from the bombing thatis going on in London. Five kids aremore than Maggie can handle. Also,her brother-in-law Phil wants to sellthe farm, which is half his. EnterNanny McPhee, a mole-bespeckledgovernment governess who arrives justin time to get the children in line.With her magic powers, she sets aboutsetting the family straight.

If this sounds like Mary Poppins,welcome to the club. Nanny McPheemay be thought of as an update of theclassic umbrella–toting babysitter. Thesuperficial changes are Nanny’s attach-ment to the government, and her reallybad makeup job. But more importantis the somberness that EmmaThompson brings to the part(Thompson both writes and stars inNanny McPhee Returns). Her subduedpersonality somehow fits the depress-ing and bleak war that is going on.

However, what makes this moviework is the way it plays with ourexpectations. As the children learntheir lessons (McPhee has five to teachthem, no more, no less), Nanny’sappearance changes. One by one hermoles disappear (early on in the film,thank goodness), along with her grayhair, bucktooth, and bulbous nose. Atthe same time, the children come tolove her as a warm but strict governessand friend. Along the way, we getcharmed by the pleasures of living inthe countryside, and learn that even inthe darkest times, there’s still room foroptimism, magic, and making friends.

Still and all, this would be justanother special-effects, late-summerkids‘ movie if it weren’t for the excel-lent filming and acting. MaggieGyllenhaal, as the mother Isabel, is

By Dan Ellender

Director of the Children's Museum

surprisingly sparkling and has a tone of voice that makesme wish this were a musical (it isn’t). The children, cityand country, start out a bit rug rat-typical, screamingand thrashing about, but are allowed to develop realpersonalities, carrying the movie in their interactions.

What comedy there is centers around Phil, thebrother-in-law who needs to sell the farm to pay off a

gambling debt. He’s played by Rhys Ifans,(Notting Hill’s off-the wall-flatmate) who we

should see more of in films. His timing andmannerisms are perfect, making him thebest villain I’ve seen in a long time.

This is not a perfect movie, however.There are far too many special effects,which we’ve come to expect as children’s

entertainment, but pale next to a charm-ing country pig chase and a movingscene where city boy Cyril confrontshis father in the London War office.But it all fits together and again,thanks to the children, we’re drawninto the plot and manage to take aninterest in the family’s well-being.We’re left with an appreciation ofNanny/Emma Thompson’s interest infamilies and the simpler parts ofchildhood, which in this movie areseen as both precious and in peril,

much as they are today.Nanny McPhee Returns is

great for children and adults, andaside being rated PG for PooGrossness, it’s a clean family film.

TJN


Private room available for your rehearsal dinner, party, meeting or family gathering.

211 W. Prien LakeLake Charles

(337) 656-2900Open Seven Days A Week

Monday: Football plus $4 Hamburger & FriesTuesday: Kids eat for only $2, anything off the kids menuWednesday: 1/2 Price any appetizers with entreeThursday: Ladies get $3 Rocky’s Fruit Punches All NightFriday: 35 Cent Wings

DAILY SPECIALS:

Killin’ Time Crossword

Crossword puzzles provided byBestCrosswords.com

(www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission.


Lakyn Taber and Amber Trahan

Helena and Melvin Cormier

Ernest and Sheila Taber

Donnie and Richard Presutti Max and Maxito Trost

Jessica and Cheryl Harrell Dillon and Steven Richard Summer Repp and Jared Chermie

Brenda Devall and David Guillory

LAKE CHARLES GUN AND KNIFE SHOWIt was a two-day sportsman’s paradise at the Lake Charles Civic

Center. Since 1990, over 35 exhibitors have displayed guns,knives, accessories, coins, jewelry and much more at the Lake

Charles Gun and Knife Show. Richard and Donnie Presutti of GatorGun and Knife shop in Sulphur informed me that this first-time

tax-free weekend helped make biting the bullet easier on the oldpocketbook for many buyers! Sure’s shootin’, this high-caliber gun

show was a shot in the bucket success!

ROASTIN’ WITH ROSIE BARBEQUE FESTIVALIt was a hot, toastin’, roastin’ weekend with Rosie at the

Grand Marais Courtyard and Pavilion in Jennings. VotedBest New Festival by the Louisiana Fairs and Festivals

Association, it acts as a fundraiser for SPARC, a researchand tourist center. Featuring grilling competitions of 50

teams along with this year’s debut of SouthernBarbeque, a major festival sponsor! The added bon

appétit is the addition of seafood grilling competitionswith the chefs creating dishes using only Louisiana

products! The cheer and dance competitions made forloud excitement, live band performances and Kids Worldfun! You get the idea…this is one good tasting, passing

a good time festival you don’t want to miss!


Nealie Hale, Alycia Boullin

Konner Richard and Elizabeth Stretcher Carl Chargois, Marilyn Monroe, Keyon Robertson and Romontae Preston

Jill and Joey Hebert Wendy Mann , Jennifer Toups and Stu Stavely

Mitch and Kim Cholley Lindsay Loftin and Jacques Bourgeois

ART AND WINE AFFAIR WITH RHYTHMIt was an evening of wine and dine in thebeautiful historical Charleston Hotel. TheValue Oriented Wine Group presented a

wine and social mixer for the elegant crowd’senjoyment. Wine selections were from theregions of France; the food was divine anddelicious, and we all enjoyed music by La

Nuit Del Mar. The special premier of featuredartist Tony Forrest and his latest work,

“Creations of Realism and Mystery” was cap-tivating. Winemaking is an art and good art

is like a fine wine-- absorbing, complex,drawing the senses in. Cheers to Dr. Noble

and VOWG for presenting this tasteful event!

Megan Stitzlein and Emily Guinn

Tammy Andreas and Tony Forrest

Sharon Galicia and Debbie Borel

Russell Foster and Fran Avery


Shannon Akers, Stephanie Benoit and Angel Duncan

Patricia Hanney and Janice Shillow Roxanne Baggett and Amanda Pitre

JOKES, JAZZ & JUST DESSERTSA large crowd gathered at the

Grand Ballroom at L’Auberge duLac for a decadent night for a

sweet cause--to benefit the chil-dren of ETC/Harbour House. Thiswas an evening of soulful jazz, a

delicious dinner, live and silent auc-tions, and plenty of to-die-for

desserts prepared by our area’sfinest restaurants. The icing on thecake was an amazing magic show!Could it be that Phil was found--orwas that magician his twin? All inall, it was an evening to keep you

laughing all the way home!

Edie and Kevin Land

Christi Jarreau, Hannah Wilkinson

TJN


THEAMERICAN

WEST IN FACT ANDFICTION SEPT. 23-OCT. 28The Calcasieu Parish Public Library will host a six-

week series of readings and discussions about the historyand symbolism of the American West. The program, “The

American West in Fact and Fiction,” will be held from 6-8 p.m.every Thursday from Sept. 23-Oct. 28 at Central Library, 301 W.

Claude Street. The program is part of the Readings in Literatureand Culture (RELIC) series administered by the Louisiana

Endowment for the Humanities. The program is free and open to thepublic, but enrollment is limited. Those interested in attending are

encouraged to register in advance at the library. For more information,call 721-7118.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUMThurs., Sept. 23: First Day of AutumnCelebrate the start of apple harvest, visitthe museum and get an apple! Fri., Sept. 24: Gallery PromenadeThe museum will host an openingreception from 5-9 p.m. featuringpainter Robin Stodder and printmakersAli Hayr and Kate Wyman. All are nativeLake Charles artists. Regular museumexhibits and the museum office will closeat 5 p.m.Mon., Sept. 27: (Teacher Inservice) Fall Celebration

Visit the museum and get $1 off the admission price. Stop by ArtSpaceand sponge paint leaves in beautiful colors and shapes.

Tues., Sept. 28: Morning ExplorersPlay “Color and Shape” Bingo at 10:30 a.m. in the ArtSpace.

Tuesday mornings this fall, the museum has added a new pro-gram called “Morning Explorers.” Each week, parents and their

preschoolers can explore a different craft or activity. TheChildren’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street in down-

town Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7 for

children and adults. Birthday parties and member-

ships are available. Contact the Children’sMuseum at (337) 433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org formore details.

GALLERY PROMENADE SEPT. 24Galleries throughout the Lake Area will be open the evening of

Sept. 24, showcasing works by local and regional artists. What betterreason to get outside when the sun goes down and the night lights up!

Take a stroll through downtown Lake Charles and visit the galleries.Enjoy chatting with locals while sampling the fare of the eateries in thenewly recognized Charlestown Cultural District. All original art and finecrafts purchased in the downtown area are exempt from local and statesales tax! For more information on Gallery Promenade, including loca-tions, call (337) 439-2787 or go to www.artsandhumanities.com.

POKER RUN AND BENEFIT FOR RODNEY DUPLECHIN SEPT. 25A benefit for cancer patient Rodney Duplechin will be held on Sept.

25 at the VFW Hall on Hwy 171 North, Moss Bluff. Doors open at 8 a.m.There will be a silent auction from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. BBQ dinners are $6each and include pork steak, potato salad, beans and bread. They willbe served from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or until food runs out. Live auction isfrom 12:30 p.m.-until. Children’s outside activities include Spacewalk,train, games and more! There will be a bake sale, country store, cakewalk, and music throughout the day. Register for the Poker Run from 8- 9 a.m. at the Western Bar-Pujol Rd. & Luke Powers Rd. Help and dona-tions are needed. If you can help, please call Barbara Impastato-McCainat 526-1049 or 855-7887.

CAYENNE KAYAK CHALLENGE SEPT. 25The Pelican Paddlers Club of SWLA announces the 4th Annual

Cayenne Kayak Challenge. This event will be held on Sat., Sept. 25 from 8a.m. – 2 p.m. at North Beach in Lake Charles. Anyone interested in get-ting involved in canoe or kayak sports is invited. The idea is to bringtogether people who enjoy canoe, kayak, and pirogue paddling andintroducing the sport to those who want to learn more or give it a try.The Cayenne Challenge will include a Cardboard Kayak Race, a KayakSkills Relay Race and a paddle around the lake. Food, fun and music willbe offered as well. A variety of boats will be available for participants toexperience. For more information, contact Rene Stramwasser [email protected] or at 480-1769 in the evening. You can also callShip to Shore at 474-0730, or register online atwww.pelicanpaddlers.com. Pelican Paddlers is an American CanoeAssociation Paddle America Club.

BENEFIT DINNER FOR AUTISM SEPT. 26A benefit dinner for the Autism Support Alliance will be held on Sun.,

Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Harlequin Steak House. The event will includea wine tasting by The Wine Store and a silent auction will offer items such


as a jersey autographed by Bill Cosby, atable made with tiles painted by members of the

Autism Support Alliance Social Groups, and so much more.Brad Brinkley will provide the entertainment. For tickets, call 436-

9533 or email [email protected].

MCNEESE PRESENT OUR HURRICANE KALEIDOSCOPE SEPT. 29-OCT. 3

McNeese Theatre Season 71, celebrating the inaugural year of produc-tions in the Shearman Fine Arts Theatre, opens with a World Premiere pro-duction, Our Hurricane Kaleidoscope. Conceived and directed by CharlesMcNeely III, it will be performed by the Bayou Players at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 29-Oct. 2 with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sun., Oct. 3. Remembering Hurricanes Ritaand Katrina in retrospect after five years, this multimedia documentary fea-tures films, slides, and live performances. Ticket prices are $15 for adults,$10 for McNeese faculty/staff, senior citizens, and students (K-12). McNeesestudents are admitted free with a current ID. Box office is open weekdaysfrom 6-8 p.m. and Sat. from 10 a.m.-noon. For reservations, call 475-5043 orsee www.mcneese.edu/theatre.

LCMH PRESENTS COOKIN’ FOR A CURE SEPT. 30Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is proud to present

Cookin’ for a Cure with special celebrity guest ChefJohn Besh. It will be held on Thurs., Sept. 30, atTreasures of Marilyn’s, 3510 5th Avenue. Chef Beshwill entertain the senses with a cooking demonstra-tion followed by a lovely dinner with wine and adoor prize giveaway of his award-winning cook-book My New Orleans: The Cookbook for thosewho purchase tickets online. Proceeds from theevent will benefit The Foundation at Lake CharlesMemorial Hospital’s Cancer Care Fund. Tickets are$75 each, $750 for a table of 10, or $850 for atable of ten and two additional tickets forMemorial cancer survivors. Additional sponsor-ships are available by calling the Foundation at494-3226. Survivor tickets may also be pur-chased for $75 each as a tax-deductible dona-tion. Tickets are available online atwww.lcmh.com/cookin-for-a-cure, or call (337)494-2936 for more information.

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER WALK OCT. 2

Join the American Cancer Society’s efforts tocreate a world with less breast cancer and morebirthdays! Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is anon-competitive, five-mile walk to be held inSulphur. There is no registration fee or minimumfundraising amount and people of all ages are wel-come to participate. You can walk as an individualor a team. Donations are encouraged. Registrationis at 7 a.m.; walk begins at 8 a.m. in HeritageSquare, 1015 Ruth St., Sulphur. For more informa-tion, call Katie McCarty at (337) 433-5817 ext. 2, orvisit the Web site at www.main.acsevents.org/site.

LATE NITE CATECHISMAT CIVIC CENTER OCT. 7

Support the Women’s Shelter and RapeCrisis Outreach Center by purchasing yourticket now for Late Nite Catechism, an uproari-ously funny play that takes the audience back totheir youth. The irrepressible “Sister” teachesclass to a roomful of “students.” The play will beheld on Oct. 7 at the Rosa Hart Theatre at 7 p.m.Tickets are $30, $40, and $50 and can be pur-

chased atthe Lake CharlesCivic Center or throughTicketmaster.

1911 CITY HALL CELEBRATES MAN’S BEST FRIEND STARTING OCT. 8

The City of Lake Charles will host a new travelingexhibition “Elliott Erwitt: Dog Dogs.” The public is invitedto the opening reception Fri., Oct. 8 from 6-9 p.m. at the1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 RyanStreet. There is no charge to attend, all ages are welcome andrefreshments will be served. This exhibition leaves little questionabout photographer Erwitt’s love of man’s best friend. A music videoproduced by television students at Lake Charles-Boston Academy ofLearning will run in the gallery throughout the exhibit dates. The 10-minute video features abandoned dogs available for adoption at theCalcasieu Parish Animal Services & Adoption Center. Historic City Hall Artsand Cultural Center is open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-2p.m. For more information, call 491-9147 or visitwww.cityoflakecharles.com.

BENEFIT RIDE FOR METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME OCT. 9

A benefit ride for the new Methodist Children’sHome of SWLA will be held on Sat., Oct. 9. The newhome is located north of the intersection of Hwy. 27and Houston River Road, north of Sulphur. Local par-ticipants will arrive at the site by 11:15 a.m. Specialevents for the day include music by Subject 2 Changeand Josh Broussard, food, door prizes, an auction, andbike games. Bikers, cars and vans are welcome to attend.Registration for bikers is $20 per bike, which includesdriver and passenger; cars or vans, $20 per driver, $10 percar passenger; and $5 for children under 12. Registeredparticipants receive tickets for food and door prizes. Earlyregistration participants will receive a free T-shirt. Moreinformation about the Children’s Home can be found atwww.lmch.org.

MOSS BLUFF UNITED METHODIST PUMPKIN PATCH OPENING DAY OCT. 10

Moss Bluff United Methodist Church,located at 735 Sam Houston JonesParkway in Moss Bluff, is holding itsannual Pumpkin Patch. Grand openingday will be Sun., Oct. 10. There will be alarge variety of sizes, shapes and pricesof pumpkins for sale, along with gourdsand Indian corn. Several areas will bedecorated for the perfect fall photoopportunities, so be sure to bring yourcamera! Activities will include Howdythe clown, jolly jumpers, face painting,music, and a bake sale. For a nominal

fee, you may buy Natchitoches meat pies,hot links, popcorn and soft drinks. Openingday hours are from noon-6:30 p.m. (activi-ties end at 3 p.m.). Regular daily hours areMon.-Fri., 3 – 6:30 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m. – 6:30p.m.; Sun,: noon – 6:30 p.m. All proceedsfrom pumpkin sales will benefit theMethodist Children’s Home ofSouthwest Louisiana in Sulphur, which isscheduled to open in the fall. Admissionis free and the general public is wel-

Elliott Erwitt: Dog Dogs, Exhibition


MON., OCT. 18, 2010Raw Foods & Organic Wineswith Gene & Shively LampsonLakeshore Drive at 7pm$95 inclusiveCall Shively at 436-1145

TUES., OCT. 19, 2010The Harlequin • 7pm$80 inclusive - Call 310-0077

WED., OCT. 20, 2010The Pioneer Club • 7pmLimited to 40 people • $80Call 436-4895

THURS., OCT. 21, 2010Luna Bar and Grill • 6:30pm$70 plus tax and gratuityCall 494-5862

FRI., OCT. 22, 2010Booda’s Bistro7pm • $85 plus tax and gratuityCall 564-4654 for reservationsLimited to 60 people

La Truffe Sauvage6:30pm • $245 inclusiveCall 439-8364Limited to 50 people

Lake Charles Country Club7pm • $75 plus tax and gratuityCall 477-5511

Graywood7:30pm • $100 inclusiveCall Holly at 562-1206 ext. 3

W W W . R O U G E E T B L A N C . U S

come andencouraged to attend.The patch will be open dailythrough Sun., Oct. 31.

A CELEBRATION OF TONI MORRISON AT MSU LEISURE LEARNING BEGINS OCT. 12

In 1993, Toni Morrison became the first AfricanAmerican author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Today,she enjoys both critical acclaim and popular success on a scalerivaled by few other American authors. MSU Leisure Learning ishonored to offer “A Celebration of Toni Morrison,” which will be heldTuesdays from Oct. 12-Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. Students are highly rec-ommended to read Sula, Tar Baby, and Love, which will be discussed inclass. Morrison’s theme explores the lives of black people, their families,their communities, and their experiences as people struggling to achievethe American Dream. Cost is $59. To register, call 475-5616 or 475-5130.

BUBBLES FOR BANNERS BRUNCH OCT. 24L’Auberge du Lac Casino is partnering with the McNeese Banners

Cultural Series and Rouge et Blanc to host the Bubbles For BannersChampagne Brunch. L’Auberge will donate $5 from each ticket sold tothe McNeese Banners Cultural Series. The event will take place in theL’Auberge Ballroom on Sun., Oct. 24. Two seatings are available at 10 a.m.and 1:30 p.m. General admission tickets are on sale now at www.ticket-master.com or at the L’Auberge Business Center. The $50 ticket priceincludes an upscale brunch prepared by L’Auberge’s award-winningchefs, champagne, a live cooking demonstration and a champagne edu-cation seminar. All ticketholders are eligible for unique door prizes ateach event seating. TJN


The

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.• DJ Dispo @ My Place Bar, 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23• T-Joe Romero @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music,

Basile, 6:30 p.m.• LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8 p.m.• Blues Tonic @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri

Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.• Raymouth Gilead @ The Porch, 9 p.m.• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,

L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24• Felton LeJeune & The Cajun Cowboys @ DI’s

Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.• Johnny Dee & The Rocket 88’s @

Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.• LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Luke Wade & No Civilians @

The Porch, 9 p.m.

• Cold Sweat @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Butt Roxx @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25• Lakeside Gamblers @ The Porch, 3 p.m.• August Broussard & Friends @ Pappy’s Catfish

Cabin, Moss Bluff, 6:30 p.m.• Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups

Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.• Bayou Katz @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.• LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Fayuca @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.• The Killin’ Time Band @ Caribbean Cove,

Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.• TBA @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26• TBA @ Calca-Chew Food Festival, 7 a.m.• Foret Tradition @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.• Erin Shoumaker/We Are Catcoons @

The Porch, 8 p.m.• DJ Dispo @ My Place Bar, 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30• Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @

Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.• Zero Echo @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8 p.m.• Southwind @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of

Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.• Julie Zimmerman/Matt Moss/Kory

Fontenot @ The Porch, 9 p.m.• Chris LeBlanc Band @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1• Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @

DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

To list your event e-mail: [email protected]


NEW KITCHEN HOURS:Mon. - Tues. 11am - 10pmWed. - Sat.11am - 11pmClosed Sunday

LUNA GOODS ON SALE:Luna Classic Tee $15Luna Guitar Tee $15Luna Ball Cap $15Luna Dressings $6 (16oz.)

Citrus VinaigretteBalsamic VinaigretteRaspberry VinaigretteCosmic

Whether you are dining inor calling in for takeout, letThe Luna Bar and Grill do all the work.

Come in today for one of our specialty salads, stellar sandwiches, or exceptionalentrees. We offer many choices for the health conscious individual.

We’re locally owned and the best place in town for liveentertainment, food, and drinks.

Wed. Sept. 22 @ 9pmCOREY FONTENOT (acoustic)

Fri. Sept. 24FRESH NECTAR (acoustic, alternative)

Sat. Sept. 25 @ 9pmFAYUCA (latin reggae)

Every Monday is Open Mike Night!

The Lake Charles League of Women Voters

is marching on!Stay tuned for new and exciting

developments in your local league that will impact your

consciousness as a citizen and voter in Louisiana. For League information

go to our website at www.lwv-lc.org.

E-mail to [email protected] or call and leave a

message at 337-474-1864.

• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• Yvette Landy @ The Porch, 8 p.m.• Zero Echo @ Gator Lounge, Delta

Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Chris LeBlanc Band @ Jack

Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2• Mack Manuel & The Lake Charles

Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.


• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• Zero Echo @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• Drew Simon @ The Porch, 9 p.m.• TBA @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.• Chris LeBlanc Band @ Jack

Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill,

7 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7• Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la

Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Musician’s Night @ The Porch, 7 p.m.

• Don Fontenot et les Amis de la Louisiane @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8• Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns

@ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.


• Trigger Proof @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• Paul Gonsoulin @ The Porch, 9 p.m.• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar &

Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9• Marcia Ball/Ivy Dugas/The

Louisiana Yard Dogs/T-Broussard & The Zydeco Steppers/French Bred @ Vinton Heritage Festival, Vinton, 9 a.m.

• Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.


• Lakeside Gamblers @ VFW Post 2130, 7:30 p.m.

• Trigger Proof @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m.

• George Jones @ Delta Event Center, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• Brent Rodgers @ The Porch, 9:30 p.m.

• TBA @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar &

Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.TJN


Chocolate and caramel....yummy! Aperfect name for a sweetheart of a puppy!Rolo had a scary start in life when a cruelperson left him on the side of the road inan ice chest. Thank goodness a kind per-son found him poking his nose out of thechest and brought him to us. His puppyspirit is much too strong to be broken bythe cruelty of humans.

We suspect this little guy is about threemonths old, and he has a typical puppypersonality. He’s only 9lbs. and we think hewill stay 15lbs. orunder whenfully grown. Heloooooooves to play withtoys, especially runningand pouncing on themwhen you play fetch! Heenjoys being held and evenputs one of his paws on yourneck like a baby when youhold him. Rolo is full of kissesand tail wags and will enter-tain you for hours as he gal-lops around with his toys.

He loves to play with other small dogs,but big dogs tend to play too rough forhim since he’s so small. He is alreadycrate-trained, sleeps thru the night, andwalks like a pro on a leash. He needs afenced-in yard to run and play—and he’sasked me to request a doggie playmate orfun kids in his new home!

Rolo is neutered and ready for hisForever Family now.

Applications for adoption can beemailed to [email protected] . If you

want to be the hero who givesRolo a happy ending to

his life story, please call(337) 488-3478. Anapplication can foundonline at

www.4PawsSocietyInc.com andcan be faxed to 474-4552 with

attention to Sheila. A vet refer-ence and home visit are part ofthe adoption process to ensure agood fit for both the dog and thefamily. If you live outside the gen-

eral area a “virtual” home visit canbe done. Please call now!

Meet Rolo:The Newest Love of your Life!

TJN

Calling all photographers! Grabyour pooch and a camera and takesome snaps!

To celebrate the upcoming exhi-bition “Elliott Erwitt: Dog Dogs,”the City of Lake Charles and 1911Historic City Hall --with a gener-ous gift by Lania & AndrewVanchiere-- are hosting a dog-themed photo contest. The sub-missions will be displayed duringthe “Dog Dogs” exhibition to run,from Oct. 8 – Jan. 15. Anyonemay submit photographs for dis-play. The photographs should tryto capture the humor, emotion,and personality of the dog or dogsas inspired by Elliott Erwitt’sfamous photographs.

Cash prizes will be awarded inthe elementary, middle school, andhigh school categories. One winnerin the adult category will receivetw0 season tickets to the LouisianaCrossroads Concert Series spon-

sored by the City of Lake Charles. All entries must be submitted

via e-mail to [email protected]. Send one (1) black andwhite jpg image file no larger than2MB. In the body of the e-mail,please include the photographer’sname, title, and schoolname/grade. If the photographer isunder 18, please include a parent’sname and phone number.(Submissions with incompleteinformation may be displayed butwill not be eligible for prizes.)Deadline for submissions will be4 p.m. Fri., Oct. 1. Prizes will beawarded during the opening recep-tion on Fri., Oct. 8 from 6-9 p.m.at the 1911 City Hall Arts andCultural Center at 1001 RyanStreet.

For more information, call491-9147.

1911 Historic City Hall is going to the DOGS!

TJN

The Jambalaya News - Vol. 2 No. 13

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Transcript of The Jambalaya News - Vol. 2 No. 13