The Jambalaya News - Vol. 3 No. 22

Go Red for Women

Big Dreams for Your Home?Meet the Folks at:

Bailey’s AudioQuienCade Builders • Firestone Side LLC

ALSO:

VOL. 3, NO. 22 / FEBRUARY 9, 2012

FEBRUARY 9, 2012 Volume 3 • Issue 22

FEBRUARY 9, 2012 PAGE 3Volume 3 • Issue 22

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

PUBLISHERPhil de [email protected]

NEWSEXECUTIVE EDITORLauren de [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSRhonda BabinLeslie BermanGeorge ClineDan EllenderMike McHughMary Louise RuehrBrandon ShoumakerKarla Tullos

[email protected]

SALES ASSOCIATESMichele ClackKaty CorbelloFaye DrakeKarla Tullos

GRAPHICSART/PRODUCTION DIRECTORDarrell Buck

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 2012 The Jambalaya News all rightsreserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without priorwritten permission is prohibited.

February 9, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 22

COVER STORY19 Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc.

Deep Roots in the Community

REGULARS7 The Boiling Pot9 Adoption Corner10 The Dang Yankee11 Tips from Tip24 Sports Report

FEATURES5 Go Red For Women12 Bayou Biz: Bailey’s Audio14 QuienCade Builders and Fireside

Stone LCC: Making Dreams Come True

ENTERTAINMENT26 Red Hot Books28 Funbolaya29 Family Night at the Movies30 Society Spice32 Jambalaya Jam36 Local Jam38 Eclectic Company39 Killin’ Time Crossword

contents

We accept credit cards!

5

On Cover: Photos courtesy of the JLLC

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Remembering Valentine’s DayWhen I think of Valentine’s Day,

I always see the colors red and white.Red is a given, of course, but thewhite is for the snow, which wasalways on the ground on February14 in Boston.

All of us kids passed outValentines to one another in gradeschool. No one was ever left out—you’d pass out as many as there werestudents in your class. So even smellyMark Tescione got a card. And ofcourse you got one from him, which

you probably threw out right awaybecause of the cooties. I’d come homewith a big bag of cards from my class-mates, and Mom and I would sitdown and look at all of them. Wish Ihad saved some.

The Valentines were purchased atthe Five and Ten, which was a fewblocks from our house. I don’tremember if everything in the storewas just five or ten cents. Probablynot, but a lot of stuff was. It was theprecursor to our Dollar Stores oftoday, I guess.

The store smelled the way greenChiclets taste. I know that soundsweird, but that’s the only way I candescribe it. Even now, when I thinkof that place, I think of green chew-ing gum.

It was staffed by older ladies withbeehive hairdos and glasses andflowered smocks over their streetclothes. A fat man rang up the sales;I think he was married to one of thebeehive ladies. Along with the

Valentines, we would also purchasecardboard decorations to hang. Backthen, there wasn’t much variety—mostly big hearts and chubby cupidswith arrows. And of course, we’d buycandy, bringing it to school to share,along with the cards.

We all loved those Necco“Sweetheart” candies with their littlesayings: “Be Mine, Kiss Me, SweetTalk.” Did you know that they’ve beenaround since 1902? And that they’vealways been manufactured right out-side of Boston? Necco stands for NewEngland Confectionary Company,and you can see their huge manufac-turing plant from the highway ifyou’re going north. A relative workedat the plant. Theresa was kind ofwhacky, and I always imagined her asan Italian Lucille Ball, unable to keepup with the assembly line and stuffingchocolates in her mouth.

On the home front, Mom loved tobake, and she would have always havea Valentine’s Day party. I remember

sticking those red-hot little cinnamonhearts into the white icing of a cakeand the red melted into it, whichactually looked pretty cool.

Of course, I had to get a good giftfor Mom (somehow, Dad was alwaysleft out, because what do you get yourfather for Valentine’s Day?). The giftwas always purchased at Byron’s DrugStore (it’s now a cafe) just down thestreet from the Five and Ten. Oneyear, she requested a perfume byCoty called “L’Origan,” which hashopefully been discontinued.Whenever she wore it, I would literal-ly gag, it was so sicky-sweet. Sheended up giving it away.

There have been too manyValentine’s Days since then to evenremember, but the ones as a child,innocent and unconditional, all candyand five-cent cards, were truly the best.

May your day be sweet.

A Note From Lauren

– Lauren de Albuquerque

The Jambalaya News welcomes Michele Clack to its sales team! Michele has been inprint advertising for 17 years. She’s looking forward to working with her past clientsand forming relationships with new ones. She lives in Sulphur with her husband andson. You can reach Michele at extension 113. Welcome aboard, Michele!

TJN

Michele Clack

Volume 3 • Issue 22 FEBRUARY 9, 2012 PAGE 5

Valentine’s Day is right around thecorner. Some of the things that cometo mind when we think about thisholiday are hearts, love, and doingspecial things. For local residentsHeather Hendrix and Joann Drury,it’s a day to celebrate their now-healthy hearts!

According to the American HeartAssociation, approximately eight mil-lion United States women live withheart disease, yet only one in sixAmerican women believe that heartdisease is her greatest health threat.One in three American women diefrom cardiovascular disease each year.It is the national number one killer ofwomen—greater than all forms ofcancer combined—and it is oftensilent, hidden, and misunderstood.

Women need to share their sur-vivor stories, along with the factsabout the ways females are affected bycardiovascular disease, heart attacks,and strokes. We need to be educatedand make choices that can be the dif-ference between life and death.

Heather Hendrix just celebratedher “Scars Birthday” with her friendsand family. This day honors the scarsleft from Hendrix’s life-saving surgeryon Jan. 21, 2011 to correct a congeni-tal heart defect. Her mother likes tocall it “Heather’s re-birthday.”

Always an active woman, Hendrixparticipated in various sports, was inthe school band, and ran regularly. Butshe found it strange that she becamewinded when climbing some stairswhile a Master’s student at Louisiana

State University. She attributed this toperhaps not exercising regularly.When on a treadmill, her heart beganpounding within a few minutes.Shortly afterwards, she came close topassing out three times. She camehome and saw her family physician.

An electrocardiogram (EKG orECG) revealed that Hendrix’s heartwas four times larger on the right sidethan it should have been. From there,an echocardiogram and heartcatheterization found the heart defect.Surgery was performed three daysbefore her birthday last year.

“Be aware of the little things hap-pening with your body,” Hendrixurges. “If something seems strange,get it checked out.” A year later, herwound is healed and she takes nomedications. She will be attending theGo Red For Women Luncheon thisApril, where she will share her storyin detail.

The SWLA Go Red for WomenLuncheon will be held Thurs., April 12at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Membersof our community will be broughttogether to celebrate this movementand to hear from guest speakers.

Go Red For Women is part of theAmerican Heart Association’s solu-tion to help save women’s lives. It is amovement committed to fightingheart disease and to eliminatemany of the deaths that couldhave been prevented.

A premiere source of infor-mation and education is found atwww.GoRedForWomen.org. This

website connects millions of womenof all ages and gives them realisticways to turn personal choices intolifesaving actions. You will find heart-healthy recipes, suggestions of howto live a healthier, aware life, andlearn the signs that indicate you’rehaving a heart attack or stroke.

Other sources of informationinclude events such as the lunch-eon, walk-a-thons, and NationalGo Red For Women Day, whichwas just held on Feb. 3. On thisday, women and the men wholove them are encouraged towear red to show that they arefighting the number one killerof women.

According to JaniceAckley, regional director ofthe American HeartAssociation, the mission tofight heart disease needs to beshared. “Go Red For Womencelebrates the energy, passion,and power we have as women toband together to wipe out heartdisease and stroke,” Ackley said.

Research shows that womenwho participate in Go Red aremore likely to make healthy choicesthat include weight loss, more exer-cise, diet changes, checking their

HeatherHendrix

Joann Drury

By Rhonda Babin


Doors open at 8:00 a.m.Patients will be seen on afirst-come, first-serve basis.It’s our way of giving back to the community that we love!

Dr. Harry Castle • Dr. James McGee • Dr. Brody MillerDr. Michael Hebert • Dr. Shadonna Coleman

Dr. Cecilia Oubre • Dr. Julie Steiner

1616 W. McNeese St., Lake Charles(337) 478-3232 • oakparkdental.com

cholesterol levels, and talking withtheir doctor about developing hearthealth plans.

Heart disease can be prevented ifwomen discover the truth about takingmeasures to improve their health andprevent the disease. Educating womenand the men who love them is one ofthe goals of the speakers at this year’sluncheon.

Guest speaker Supriya Jindal,Louisiana’s First Lady, will share herpersonal story about her young son’sexperience with heart disease. Mrs.Jindal is a loyal supporter of the mis-sion of the American HeartAssociation throughout the State ofLouisiana.

Keynote speakerJennifer Galardi is afitness expert whohas earned nationalrecognition starringin a dozen best-sell-ing dance/fitnessDVDs. Galardi hastaught dance and fit-ness classes in LosAngeles and New YorkCity, and as a leadinginfluence in celebrityfitness, has gainedknowledge and insightsregarding the source offood nutrients and how

to maintain a healthy balance of energy. With a gentle approach of self-

acceptance and moderation, Galardiwill share that defining health isn’t frommeasuring the number of calories youconsume or the amount of hours youexercise. Her belief is that the heart-healthy woman is someone who hasrich and full work, homes, relation-ships, and friendships where she canenhance the lives of all she meets.

A Southwest Louisiana resident whoplans to be there to hear this inspiringrole model of health is Joann Drury.

Drury had a heart attack in 2009.Due to her husband’s insistence that shego the emergency room, she is here toshare her story.

Drury had taken the day off tospend with him. After lunch at a localrestaurant, they ran a few errands, didsome shopping, and planned to meetwith friends. During the course of theiractivities, Joann remembers saying,“Man, I don’t feel good.” She recalls thatshe felt slightly faint and sick to herstomach, but she soldiered on, thinkingthose symptoms were due to the mealshe just eaten.

Throughout the afternoon and intothe evening, she continued to hurt, butwent on with her activities. Her hus-band Mike finally brought her to theemergency room of a local hospital, butshe refused to go inside because the

pain had subsided. But after theyreturned home, the pain returned. Mikebrought her purse and shoes to her andsaid, “Come on. Let’s go now!” Thosewere life-saving words.

At the hospital, she was informedthat she had had a light heart attack.The realization of that moment—know-ing her life was in danger—was over-whelming. She had experienced classicsymptoms that, like many women, shejust ignored.

Testing revealed five blockages, andDrury had open-heart surgery a fewdays later. After four months of recov-ery, she was given a clean bill of health.Her lifestyle changes included nosmoking, making healthier meals, andgetting more exercise.

She was asked what to advise some-one who had symptoms similar to whatshe had experienced. “I would put themon my back and carry them to an ER!”she said emphatically. “Respondingearly to symptoms of a heart attack cansave a life.”

To purchase individual tickets tothe luncheon and/or make a donationto SWLA Go Red, visitwww.heart.org/swlagored.

For questions or to sponsor or pur-chase a corporate table, contact JaniceAckley by [email protected] or calling(337) 794-1404.

L’Auberge Casino Resort team members support Go Red for Women by wearing red on SWLA Wear Red Day!

KeynoteSpeakerJennifer

Galardi

TJN


The

BoilingP l

PHYSICIANS JOIN STAFF AT WCCH West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently announced the addition of

three physicians to its medical staff: Andrew Foret, MD, hand surgeon,Kalieb Pourciau, DPM, foot and ankle specialist, and Eugene Hong, MD,urologist, are the newest additions to the hospital’s team of medical practi-tioners. Dr. Foret is originally from Lake Charles and earned his undergradu-ate degree from LSU in Baton Rouge and his medical degree from LSUSchool of Medicine. He practices with the Center for Orthopaedics and spe-cializes in hand and wrist surgery and treatment. Dr. Pourciau is a graduateof Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. He prac-tices with Center for Orthopaedics and specializes in foot and ankle surgery,diabetic foot care, bunions, etc. Dr. Hong received his undergraduate degreein Biological Sciences from Stanford University and earned his medicaldegree from New York University School of Medicine. He practices with theUrology Center of Southwest Louisiana.

IBERIABANK ANNOUNCES NEW VPIBERIABANK is pleased to announce the recent naming of Sarita B.

Scheufens as senior VP and retail and business banking manager forSouthwest Louisiana. Scheufens joins the company with over 18 years ofbanking experience. She attended McNeese State University where she stud-ied Marketing and Psychology. Her office is located at the SouthwestLouisiana headquarters building at 4440 Nelson Road. She can be reached at(337) 312-7650 or by email at [email protected].

LAKESIDE BANK WELCOMES LYLES MCDANIEL Lyles McDaniel has joined the staff of Lakeside

Bank as a senior VP. McDaniel is from Lake Charlesand is a graduate of the Louisiana School of Bankingat LSU. He also earned a general banking diplomafrom the American Institute of Banking and complet-ed the Louisiana Banking School for SupervisoryTraining at the University of Louisiana. McDaniel hasover 34 years of experience in the Southwest Louisiana

banking industry, working in a variety of positions, including branch manag-er, personal lending officer, commercial lender, regional manager and seniorvice president. He has held senior management positions for the last 18 years.

JUNIOR LEAGUE HOSTS FORUM WITH KIDS CANThe Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. recently hosted a forum with

Kids Can of Southwest Louisiana to discuss the problems facing our youth.The purpose of the event was to help multiple organizations collaborate tocreate a meaningful community impact to improve the lives of the children ofSouthwest Louisiana. Julio Galan of Family & Youth facilitated the discus-sion guest speakers included Laura Leach from The Junior League of LakeCharles, Inc., William Summers from the Office of Juvenile JusticeServices, Shyrece Celestine and Callie Berwick from the Youth AdvisoryCouncil, Andrew Vanchiere from Kids Can of Southwest Louisiana andDavid Duplechian from the Children’s Advocacy Center.

GARDEN CLUB RECOGNIZES DOWNTOWN HISTORIC CITY HALL Each month, the Lake Charles Garden Club recognizes a business that

they feel has made an effort to enhance their landscape and therefore con-tribute to the beautification of Lake Charles. For the month of February, theychose the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center. Its landscaping ismaintained by Lake Charles Public Works Beautification GroundsDepartment, under the supervision of Ronald Young.

NAVARRE AND GEHRIG DONATE TO SOCCER ASSOCIATION Billy Navarre of Billy Navarre Chevrolet Cadillac and Doug Gehrig of

McDonald’s of SWLA donated $15,000 to sponsor the Imperial CalcasieuSoccer Association, which will provide better equipment and uniforms forall age divisions.

Please submit press releases to [email protected]

Dr. Eugene HongDr. Andrew Foret Kalieb Pourciau, DPM

Lyles McDaniel

Ken Kolde, Charlie Stewart and Curtis Stewart accept the donation from Billy Navarre and Doug Gehrig on behalf of Imperial Calcasieu

Soccer Association


JEFF DAVIS BANK ANNOUNCES EASON PROMOTIONDan Eason, senior vice president and manager of

the Kirby Street branch, has been promoted to LakeCharles market president for Jeff Davis Bank & TrustCo. He will remain at Kirby Street, where he special-izes in commercial lending. A lifelong Lake Charlesresident, Eason earned a bachelor’s and master’sdegree from McNeese State University and joined thebank in 1995.“Since it began, Jeff Davis Bank has beena proud partner in the Southwest Louisiana economy,”Eason said. “I’m looking forward to continuing mypart in helping the Lake Charles market prosper andgrow.” For more information, visit www.jdbank.com.

L’AUBERGE DONATES TO MARDI GRAS MUSEUML’Auberge Casino Resort recently donated $5,000 to the Mardi Gras

Museum of Imperial Calcasieu. The Mardi Gras Museum is located inCentral School Arts & Humanities Center and displays costumes from theLake Charles krewes, past and present. Various King and Queen costumesfrom the museum will be displayed at L’Auberge through Feb. 21.

NW MUTUAL EMPLOYEEHONORED FOR CHARITY WORK

Becky S. Girola has beenawarded the 2011 William S.Hornsby III Community ServiceAward from Northwestern Mutualand is being recognized for herdedication of service to the “Shoesfor Water- Louisiana” program, aprogram of EDGE OUTREACH.Northwestern Mutual of Louisianaalso made a $2,000 donation to thecharity on her behalf. The Shoesfor Water Program provides EDGEOutreach with funds to carry outtheir work to develop, produce anddonate water purification systems that can provide 10,000 people with safedrinking water each day. Once collected, the shoes are given a second lifewhen EDGE exports the donated shoes to retailers in the developing world.The “Shoes for Water – Louisiana” program has collected over 10,000 pairs ofshoes and is continuing to collect. For information on For information onhow to get involved, contact Becky Girola at (337) 437-7826.

CTC ATTENDS LA THESPIAN FESTIVALThe Children’s Theatre Company attended the 2012 Louisiana Thespian

Festival recently on the campus of Northwestern State University inNatchitoches. The festival is presented by the Louisiana Thespians Society, acomponent of the international Educational Theatre Associational. Each year,the organization presents a statewide thespian festival hosting workshops,scholarships and performance opportunities for students. EdTA is the largesttheatre organization dedicated to junior and high school students. The festi-val concluded with performances of some of the best acts presented duringthe weekend.

FAMILY FOUNDATION RECEIVES ENDOWMENTBen and Molly Marriner recently made a $5,000 endowment to the

Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. The FFSWLA, the endowmentarm of Family & Youth, connects donors to the priorities that enhance thequality of family and community life for generations to come. It aims to pro-vide long-term support of Family & Youth’s programs, including TheCounseling Center, The Leadership Center for Youth, Autism SupportAlliance, The Children’s Advocacy Center, Court Appointed SpecialAdvocates (CASA), Performance EAP, Children & Families Action Networkand Human Services Response Institute.

WCCH FOUNDATION ELECTS 2012 OFFICERS The West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation recently elected new

officers to serve until 2013. lra Fontenot, a resident of Sulphur, will serve asthe Foundation’s new president and Terry Backhaus, also a resident ofSulphur, will serve as vice-president. Serving as secretary will be SuzannePeveto-Nelson, with George Clyde filling the position of treasurer. Peveto-Nelson and Clyde are also Sulphur residents. Fontenot and Clyde have servedon the Foundation Board since 1997, and Backhaus and Peveto-Nelson haveserved since 2007. For more information on the mission of the WCCHFoundation or how to join its efforts, please call Debby Nabours, executivedirector, at (337) 527-4144.

FIRST FEDERAL BANK OF LOUISIANA EARNS HIGHEST RATINGBAUERFINANCIAL, Inc., the nation’s leading bank rating and research

firm, proudly recognizes First Federal Bank of Louisiana, Lake Charles, asa Superior 5-Star rated bank. A 5-Star rating denotes that First Federal Bankof Louisiana is one of the best in the nation in terms of its overall financialperformance. In fact, it has earned this 5-Star Superior rating for the last 78consecutive quarters, putting it in an even more elite group of “SustainedSuperiority Banks.” Only 7 percent of the nation’s banks can claim this dis-tinction. First Federal Bank of Louisiana has proudly served its local commu-nities for 63 years. It currently operates through 16 conveniently locatedoffices and can be found at www.ffbla.com.

ARTS COUNCIL DISTRIBUTES FUNDS ON BEHALF OF POLICE JURY Four years ago, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury initiated a new grant

program that would enable SWLA arts and cultural programs to receivefunding for their events and programs. Since its inception, the Arts andHumanities Council of SWLA allocates these funds each year through theCalcasieu Parish Police Jury grant. The program has become an exemplaryavenue of funding for the arts in Southwest Louisiana during a time of eco-nomic hardship. This year, 15 organizations in Calcasieu Parish were awardedfunding. Organizations include the Lake Charles Civic Ballet, Art onWheels, the Children’s Theatre Company, the Brimstone Museum, theSWLA Science Educational Foundation, the Calcasieu HistoricPreservation Society, Louisiana Choral Foundation, Cajun French MusicAssociation, Louisiana Film and Video Art, Bayou Writers’ Group, BlackHeritage Gallery, Dr. F.G. Bulber Youth Orchestra, Whistle Stop, EljayFoundation for Parkinson Awareness, and Iowa Rabbit Festival. TJN

Dan Eason

Anne Bullard, L’Auberge advertising manager; Anne Monlezun, MG Museum president; Jackie St. Romain, L’Auberge VP Human

Resources; and Crystal Miller Briscoe, L’Auberge PR Manager.

Becky Girola receiving the award fromManaging Director Ted P. Harless, Jr.

Ben Marriner; Kerry Andersen, L’Auberge regional director of community and public affairs and Family Foundation trustee; and Julio Galan,

Family Foundation of SWLA, president and CEO.


CHRISTUS St. PatrickFoundation will hold the secondannual “Run with the NunsMotorcycle Ride and CharityEvent” on Sat., March 17, atL’Auberge Casino Resort at 9 a.m.Bikers are invited to participate inthe run to help raise funds for well-ness and diagnostic services atCHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital.

“As a partner in wellness withthe community, CHRISTUS St.Patrick Hospital offers education,screenings and preventive servicesto Southwest Louisiana residentsthroughout the year.” said CHRIS-TUS St. Patrick FoundationDirector, Kay Barnett. “This eventwill benefit those wellness anddiagnostic services and help ourcommunity to get on the path towellness in 2012.”

Registration for the event is $30per person and bikers and passen-gers can register online at

www.stpatrickfoundation.org.Those who register by Feb. 29 willreceive a free event T-shirt. Also,those who want to sponsor theevent or participate in the “LikeNun Other Rice and Gravy Cook-off ” can also get forms online.

Bikers and event medals will beblessed at 9:45 a.m. Bikers willdepart from L’Auberge CasinoResort at 10 a.m. and follow a 65-mile scenic route throughSouthwest Louisiana. The day’sevents are open to the public andinclude music and the cook-offnear Touloulou’s at L’Auberge.

Whether you come out to enjoythe ride or to sit back and relaxbeachside at Touloulou’s atL’Auberge, come out to the event tosupport wellness in SouthwestLouisiana! For more information,visit www.stpatrickfoundation.orgor call (337) 430-5353. TJN

The Lake Charles area will hostthe Louisiana High School AthleticAssociation (LHSAA) BasketballRegional Semi-Finals at the LakeCharles Civic Center, March 1-3,and there is an opportunity forLake Area volunteers to getinvolved. “Southwest Louisiana andthe LHSAA have a strong partner-ship, and we are honored to hostyet another championship event inour community,” said Eric Zartler,senior sales manager/athletics.

“Our area is known for hospitalityand excellence, and for a majorevent, having a pool of volunteersis a tremendous help in makingeverything run smoothly.” Anyoneinterested in volunteering is askedto sign up directly at www.swlas-ports.com, or contact Zartler at(337) 436-9588, [email protected]; or local organizingcommittee chairman, Al Purdy [email protected].

Call for Volunteers for Basketball Semi-Finals

TJN

How about a big, smart three-year-old Heeler mix girl for yournext companion? This dog is perfectfor someone who wants only one bigdog. She is loyal and smart andbonds quickly with her person. Weknow she has something besidesBlue Heeler in her mix, but we can’tfigure out what that might be.Whatever it is, it’s a good thing! Thisbig beautiful girl will make a greatnew family member. Contact KerriMiller at 764-7381 or email us [email protected] to learnmore about Bella. An adoption appli-cation can be found online atwww.4PawsSocietyInc.com underthe “Forms” tab and faxed to (337)

558-6331 or emailed to [email protected]. A vet reference andhome visit are part of the adoptionprocess to ensure a good match forboth the dog and the adopter. If youlive outside the Calcasieu Parisharea, a “virtual” home visit can bedone by emailing photos of yourhome to us. Hurry, Bella is waiting!

TJN

Meet Bella!


YankeeDangThe

By Mike McHugh

A Royal FussAs a couple of Yankees living in

Louisiana, we knew we’d finally arrivedwhen we were asked to be on theRoyal Court of our Mardi Gras krewe,Déjà vu du Monde. It still seems likeyesterday when I attended my firstMardi Gras parade. It stunned me howthe people on the floats were throwingbeads and other sorts of novelties tothe frenzied crowd. Up in YankeeLand, I was used to objects beinghurled in the opposite direction. Theydon’t do beads up there, however. Beerbottles are a more common projectile.

The story of our ascendance toroyal status began one morning last

summer. My wife got up from hercomputer and darted into the break-fast room, where I was enjoying thenew day’s quiet over the daily cross-word puzzle. She always seems to picksuch times to drop a bombshell.

“You won’t believe it!” sheexclaimed.

“What, did our nephew finallypost something semi-intelligible onFacebook?” I asked, still scribbling atthe newspaper.

“No, I was checking e-mail. We’vebeen invited to be on the court!”

“What kind, kangaroo or basket-ball?”

“No, silly,” she answered. “It’s fromTom, the president of Krewe Deja VuDu Monde. He wants us to be Dukeand Duchess this year!”

“So what’s that involve? Whileyou’re in here, can you think of afour-letter word for ‘Wagnerian earthgoddess’? Begins with ‘e’.”

And so we were on our way. First,we had to attend an organizationalmeeting, which convened at a boardmember’s place of business. “Park inthe back,” my wife said as we pulledup. “Nobody’s supposed to knowwe’re here.”

I realize that the makeup of thecourt is supposed to be a secret untilthe night of the ball, which was sever-al months away. But her anxietyseemed a bit absurd. “Come on,” Itold her. “Nobody else knows aboutthis meeting except the court mem-bers and the board. What, do youthink, some member hacked intoTom’s e-mail or something? This isn’texactly a Presidential campaign.”

“You can never be too careful,” shereplied.

She did have a point. This wasactually our second time on a MardiGras court, and I understood howtricky it could be keeping our identitya secret. It would have been easier to

get away with spying for the Chinese.The membership of a Mardi Graskrewe would make fertile recruitingground for the CIA.

At the meeting, we learned thatthe theme for the coming year‘s ballwould be “Goosebumps,” a referenceto old horror movies. Each courtmember—King and Queen, Captain,Dukes and Duchesses—would play acharacter related to the theme. I wasselected to assume the part of theFrankenstein monster. “I get it. Uglyand stupid,” I observed.

“We couldn’t think of a better per-son for the part,” Tom answered. “Theboard was unanimous.”

So that’s how a Yankee gets to beon a Mardi Gras court. You just haveto wait for the right part to comealong. The last time I was on court,the theme was “Legends Of MountOlympus,” and I was the God ofWind. I’ll leave that one to yourimagination.

John Chavanne, our costumedesigner, produced some sketches ofwhat he had in mind for us. “I’mgoing to make you green!” heenthused as he showed me his con-cept for the Frankenstein character.

“Perhaps so,” I replied. “For whatthese costumes are costing me, itlooks like I’m going to reciprocate.”

I have to admit that, all in all, itwas an electrifying experience. Iclomped onto the ballroom floor thatnight in my five-inch boot heels—befeathered, green-faced, andscarred— and at that moment, I wasFrankenstein. And I don’t think it wasa great stretch for my wife to imagineherself as his bride.

As far as I know, the secretremained safe up to that night. Evenour weekend houseguests from Dallasdidn’t figure it out, despite our lameexcuse for sneaking away the nightprior to attend rehearsal. I guess thatgoes to show you how easy it is tofool people from Dallas. Jerry Jonesdoes this all the time.

Here’s one sign that you’ve hadmore than enough alcohol for oneevening. That’s when you walk ontothe stage and convince the band to letyou sing “Monster Mash” with them.It’s amazing what a costume will do topeople. “Yes, sir!” they cowered, “Wedon’t know the song, but we’re goingto go out into the parking lot andlearn it right now!”

Hopefully the video hasn’t made itonto YouTube.

See you at the Gala!

Now you can follow The DangYankee on Facebook and Twitter!Facebook.com/TheDangYankeeTwitter.com/dang_yankee TJN


MOVE DOWNTOWN ATSUNDOWN TO AMPHITHEATER

It has come to our attention thatLake Charles and the Arts Councilwill jointly sponsor a “Live at theLakefront” concert series for the lastthree Fridays of March at the ArcadeAmphitheater. These presentationswill be a wonderful opportunity tofeature the latest renovations to thelakefront promenade, MillenniumPark, marina and Civic Center area.Louisiana performing and visualartists will be spotlighted for thisnew series.

A portion of the vacant area ofdowntown Lake Charles has beensold and will no longer be availablefor our Downtown at Sundown pro-gram that has long been a very suc-cessful fundraiser for the Arts andHumanities Council. Other thanblocking off Ryan Street betweenPujo and Broad Streets, a new loca-tion must be found for this popularevent. With Millennium Park mak-ing a literal return from the ashes,one cannot help but think about theadjacent Arcade Amphitheater onthe Civic Center grounds.

What a great way to combinefamily fun and entertainment in onearea without having to go to separatelocations. The park can provide pre-concert play for the little ones, moretime for the vendors to present theirwares and restaurants to sell a bite toeat (hors d’oeuvres before going outto eat after the concert?) and for usto enjoy the breeze off the lakeinstead of sweating in a box concretecanyon. It is an obvious solution.And there could be some savingsinvolved by having a ready-madestage for the performances, with theadded attraction of the environs.

A HOTEL ON CIVIC CENTERGROUNDS?

The Civic Center grounds areagain being proposed for a hotel. Ifwe use what scarce area we have left;other than filling in the lake, we havegone too far.

There is barely enough parkingfor events now. Parking garages are anightmare and provide no solution.Many people have a fear of just driv-ing into these structures, not to men-tion the mugging potential, evenwith surveillance systems in place. Itwas not that long ago that a elderlylady was mugged in the parkinggarage of a local hospital

The argument for having a hotelnext to the Civic Center is that itwould entice bigger and better con-ventions, trade shows, etc. to comehere. But the remains of the hotelthat are already on the lakefrontshould be the site for any new hotel.There certainly could be shuttle serv-ices to the Civic Center, and a watertaxi could be utilized for transporta-tion to the casinos, and would be anattraction in and of itself. We simplydo not need to have a hotel at theCivic Center.

CHECK YOUR SALES FLYERSIf you bargain hunters take

advantage of the differing sale peri-ods that occur between the Sundayadvertisers and supermarket pricechanges on Wednesday, there isopportunity to play the spreadbetween the sale periods.

Normally, the drug stores havetheir sales from Sunday to Saturday,thereby allowing comparisons of over-lapping product categories, such assoft drinks. For example, the sodamanufactures have pushed the price ofthe normal 12-pack to over $4. Onsale, you can find prices of $2.50 orpossibly less at one source, while theother is going for the gold. If youcheck the prices in the Sunday flyers

By George “Tip” Cline with the ones out on Wednesday, youmay be able to stock up at an attrac-tive price and make some nice savings.

SUPERMARKET ROUNDUPOur shopping comparison is for

Wed. Feb. 1. The stores are:Albertsons, Country Club Road;Market Basket, Lake Street; Kroger,McNeese Street and Walmart, NelsonRoad. The prices reflect the postedprice on the shelf or on the product’spackage.

Ragu Sauce-Traditional, 2-lb., 13-oz jar: Albertsons $2.99;

Market Basket $4.29; Kroger $2.99; Walmart $2.98.Pears, fresh per pound: Albertsons $.99; Kroger $1; Market Basket $1.49; Walmart $1.37.Cheerios cereal, 8.9 ounce box: Albertsons $3; Kroger $3.19; Market Basket $3.37; Walmart $2.50.Pork tenderloin, per pound: Albertsons $5.49; Kroger $3.99; Market Basket $3.89; Walmart $4.48. TJN


If you’re looking for the best in car audio, hometheater systems, whole house audio, marine audio,and window tinting, look no further than Bailey’sAudio. They offer top-of-the-line brands and com-petitive pricing, along with professional installation.

“I’ve been involved with Bailey‘s Audio for sev-eral years now,” said Home Audio manager ClintHolt. “Scott Bailey owns the shop. The Bailey fami-ly has been in the audio and electronics businessfor many years here in the Lake Area.”

Holt initially installed car audio at Bailey’s andis excited to have made the change to designing andinstalling home audio.

“I personally love technology, as most guys do, Iguess,” he said. “But I really enjoy learning howthings work and how I can make it better. I lovelearning about our products and I try to get famil-iar with the equipment we sell and the componentsthat go with it. I do a lot of research on what we sellnow as well as the new products that are comingout. Being familiar with the products helps metroubleshoot and get the job done right the firsttime. “

Bailey’s services include:

CUSTOM SURROUND SOUND SYSTEMSThey design, sell, and install custom surround

sound systems, which make watching televisionand movies an experience. The picture will not justlook great, but the sound will be fantastic. You canreally feel the excitement!

WHOLE HOUSE AUDIO“We also install Whole House Audio, which can

allow the family to listen to Sirius/XM radio, aniPod, or even Pandora throughout the home,” Holtexplained. “We install easy-to-use keypads, whichlet you to choose what you want to listen to, nomatter where you are in your home. Since we alsocarry outdoor audio systems, you can listen to yourfavorite music while you’re outside relaxing withthe family, while those inside the home can enjoythe same music, too.”

CUSTOM LIGHTINGBailey’s is now

involved with design-ing and installingcustom lighting andhome automationsystems. “This issomething I’m gettingreally excited about,”

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Holt said. “There are so many exam-ples of why having custom lighting inyour home is such a wonderful thing.”He knows of one that appeals to hiswife. “When she gets home at night,she won’t have to walk into a darkhouse,” he said. “She can just press thegarage door opener when she drivesin the driveway, and our hallway lightor the lamps in our living room willturn on.” How’s that for security?

GLASS TINTINGLarge windows in your home may

allow for a great view, but they alsolet in a lot of heat or glare, along withharmful UV rays that can damageyour furnishings and flooring. Glasstinting can make a significant differ-ence without blocking the beautifulview outside.

CAR AUDIOBailey’s Audio specializes in car

audio installation, which they’veoffered since 1990. “We carry all themajor brands such as Pioneer, JLAudio, Rockford Fosgate, and Alpine,”Holt said. “We definitely make yourfavorite music sound even better. Wealso install navigation systems andback-up cameras, along with remotestart, keyless entry and alarms sys-tems.” One favorite for families is theoverhead DVD systems, which maketraveling with children much easier.Do you have an ATV that you wouldlike to customize with sound? Bring itin! They do ATVs, golf carts, andeven coolers. And feel free to bring inyour motorcycle.

MARINE AUDIOIf you have a boat, Bailey’s has

various marine audio systems tochoose from. They have their ownwoodshop, so they can build customspeaker boxes and customize the inte-rior of your boat.

AUTO WINDOW TINTINGAuto window tinting is almost a

must for your vehicle here inSouthwest Louisiana. Tint blocksmuch of the heat and UV rays, andprovides a measure of privacy foryour car.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE“We always say that if you can

dream it for your home, then we cando it,” Holt said. “We’ll figure out away for you to get exactly what youimagine.”

Regardless of the complexity,Bailey’s will work with you to designa system that meets your family’sneeds. After it’s designed, theirinstallers will then pre-wire andinstall the system and—most impor-tant—show you how to use it.

“We’re with you every step of theway,” Holt said. “We also sell a greatuniversal remote that is very easy touse. You can eliminate the basket ofremotes and control all your compo-nents with just one remote!”

Bailey’s believes that audio sys-tems should sound big without look-ing big, so they have come up withsolutions to make speakers and elec-tronics disappear.

“We even have a complete line ofin-wall/in-ceiling speakers that giveyou big sound without the look of abig system,” Holt said. “They comewith paintable grills so you can matchthe color of your walls or ceilings. Wehave a solutions that hide all of yourequipment.”

WHAT’S AHEAD?Holt and Scott Bailey just returned

from the Consumers Electronic Showin Las Vegas. “I was determined toactually visit every booth there—andI did,” Holt said. “It was amazing tosee all the new products that are com-ing out soon, and I’m excited to inte-grate them in with the quality prod-ucts I already have available.”

At Bailey’s Audio, the most impor-tant thing is customer satisfaction.“When clients take the time andmoney to have us install somethingspecial in their home, meeting theirneeds and making sure they’re happywith our work is the top priority,”Holt said. “We take pride in doing thejob right the first time, and are alwaysavailable to our customers if theyneed us.”

Bailey’s Audio has two home the-ater showrooms at their location.Stop by or make an appointment withHolt to discuss exactly what youwould like to see in your own home.

Bailey’s Audio 3711 Ryan St.Lake Charles, LA 70605(337) 433-4005, Clint Holt’s cell:990-2168 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Also goto www.baileysaudio.net or check outtheir Facebook page! TJN


When two successful businessesteam up, the results can only meanmore success for the client.

If QuienCade Builders is buildingor remodeling your home and youneed a fabulous stone fireplace,patio, barbecue pit—or just someamazing stone accents—FiresideStone LLC can make those dreamscome true.

Curtis Williams is the owner ofQuienCade Builders. Born andraised in Lake Charles, he graduatedfrom McNeese State University.Active in the community, he is cur-rently board president of Oasis, for-merly the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter.

The unique company namecomes from the middle names of histwo sons.

“We do new construction andremodeling for both residential andcommercial clients,” he said. “We also

do custom homes and camps, andoutdoor kitchens and pool houses.”They even offer custom cabinets andtrim. But they’ll also do the mun-dane, such as metal buildings, metalroofs, and awnings.

When referrals are 100 percent ofthe business, you know the companyis doing something right.

“We’ve been blessed,” Williamssaid. “We’re really busy springthrough fall, and steady throughoutthe winter.” He estimates that they doan equal amount of construction andremodeling.

The company enjoys creatingunique spaces. He said the most inter-esting job they’ve done was an out-door kitchen area with a half log barand grill area. This is where the serv-ices of Fireside Stone LLC come in.

Their slogan is “Old WorldCraftsmanship, Old World Elegance,”

and they specialize in fireplaces, fire-pits, custom bar-b-que pits, indoorand outdoor kitchens, waterfalls, andfloors and patios.

“We offer a wide variety of prod-ucts,” said owner Paul Thompson.“We specialize in all stone, both fauxand real. We can fabricate precastconcrete and install any kind of con-crete, brick or tile product.”

Thompson was born and raisedin San Diego, where he learned histrade. “I worked mostly for veryaffluent people, there and in the sur-rounding areas,” he said. “I alsoworked for a lot of stars.”

On an average, he would be on ahome from one to three years at atime. “These were monumentalhomes,” he explained. “They were15,000 to 35,000 square feet. Most hadseven to 12 fireplaces in each home,and 10 to 20 car garages. Very ornate.”

Thompson has now brought hisenergy and expertise to the LakeArea with Fireside Stone LLC, alocal, family-run business. He isproud of having over 30 years of per-sonal experience, along with fivegenerations of familyexperience. And because of this,many companies use Fireside Stonefor their knowledge and technique.

Thompson is happy to say thatbusiness is booming. “We’ve had agreat growth rate over the last fewyears,” he said. “We’ve already sur-passed what we had done last year atthis time. Exterior is more plenti-ful most of the year, and interiorgives us a 30 percent business share,with showers, fireplaces , arches,counters and floors,”

The company is busy year‘round—rain or shine—butThompson said they go into overload


337-477-6765921 Manuel Rd.Lake Charles

337-558-7491109 HWY 108Sulphur/Carlyss

from March to July. “Everyone wantsto be ready for summer,” he said.

There isn’t one special job thatstands out in Thompson’s mind.

“Every job is my favorite,” hesaid. “I have the best job in theworld. I get to take people’s ideasand put them to paper, design theirdreams and build something beauti-ful that they enjoy forever. I designit personally and build it for eachindividual. After I am done, theynever want to leave their home. Itell them that they will never need avacation again!”

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDSIt sounds as if you can’t miss if

you utilize the combined efforts ofQuienCade Builders and FiresideStone LLC.

“We pride ourselves on qualityconstruction, and can provide plen-ty of references” Williams said.“We’re a local company, and we’rehere to stay.”

“I love the idea that I can gosomewhere and see something Ibuilt 20 years ago and say, ‘Idesigned that and built that.’”Thompson said. “That’s awesome!”

QuienCade Builders LLC(337) [email protected]

Fireside Stone LLC(337) 255.7844Email: [email protected] TJN


What’s the difference betweenusing manufactured stone versus natu-ral stone in your home?

Calcasieu Stone & More, ownedand operated by Richard and SusanAssunto, sells a high-quality, light-weight, man-made stone that is manu-factured at their location in Sulphur.

It has the look and feel of realstone, with many styles to choosefrom. The veneer stones are cast frommolds that are made from actual stoneusing lightweight aggregates, ironoxide pigments and Portland cement.

The Assuntos say there are numer-ous benefits to using man-made stonewhen building or remodeling. “Youhave more colors and styles to chosefrom, and the stone’s light weightinsures an easier installation procedureresulting in a lower cost per squarefoot,” they explain.

Its can be applied over any struc-turally sound wall of masonry, wood,or metal siding, and can easily be used

on new construction or remodelingapplications, such as fireplaces, accentwalls or columns. The company offersa limited 40-year warranty on theproduct.

For other stone applications,they do provide a large selectionof natural stone from quarries inOklahoma, Arkansas and Texas,using it primarily for patios, sidewalks,flowerbeds and pool surrounds.

“Right now, the rave forAmericans is taking the kitchenoutside,” Richard Assunto said.“The rising popularity of out-door kitchens has created amarket that is extremely attrac-tive and affordable. Do-it-yourselfshops are making it easier to pur-chase an outdoor kitchen for allbudgets.”

For more information, goto www.Calcasieustone.com.

Talented local artist CandiceAlexander began a body of workin 2007, called “Fleur de lis-Worlds Within Series,” and is theessence of her native community.“It speaks to the diverse colorsof the Cajun, the roughneck, theCreole, the hurricane survivor,the swamp rocker, the ricefarmer, the Mardi Gras queen,and the jazz musician,” she said.“I have traveled around the worldcollecting inspiration for my art.Nothing has brought me morecreativity and kept me more intouch with my community thanthis fleur de lis series.” While shehas over 100 designs, she’s creat-ing a Limited Edition Series ofonly 10 designs that is a culmina-tion of this body of work.

For more information, go towww.candicealexander.com.

CandiceAlexander

Creates LimitedEdition Series

TJNTJN


Things are dull and drab thistime of year, and the exterior ofyour home is probably no excep-tion. But using a high-pressurewasher at full blast is not really theanswer to your problem, as it cancause damage to the siding.

You want your home’s exteriorcleaned, but power washing alonedoesn’t do the job. Instead, it’s bet-ter to utilize a low-pressure wash-ing technique with landscape-friendly cleaners, according toRick’s Exterior Cleaning. It kills themold and removes its source ofgrowth from the material beingcleaned, so your property becomescleaner, safer and healthier.

A good cleaning service willcome out to your home and evalu-ate the condition of your exterior.Based on what they see, or your

specific requests, they will recom-mend a course of pressure washingservices.

Rick’s can handle a large varietyof surfaces, including brick, stucco,concrete, wood, and aluminum.They can also take care of variousroof surfaces and clean and/or stripand seal the surface of wood decks,piers and boathouses.

Remember, if the dirt, grime,and mildew that are collected onyour home are not cleaned in atimely manner, this can result incostly repairs, renovations, and/orreplacements. Removing contami-nates without using excessive waterpressure is the way to go.

For more information, contactRick’s Cleaning Services at (337)287-3888. TJN


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The Lake Charles/SouthwestLouisiana Convention & VisitorsBureau recently held a community-wide Mardi Gras Shoebox FloatContest. Those entering rangedfrom school groups, clubs andorganizations, civic groups and resi-dents of all ages.

Claire and Marlee Musgrove tookhome first place in the Children’sDivision. Emma Istre was awardedsecond place and Alex McMillanwon third place.

First place winner in the TeenDivision was Zaire Bernard Laroussi.Sarah G. Jacobsen took home secondplace and Claudia Mayo won third.

Capturing first place in theElementary School Division was Ms.Valentine’s Class from DolbyElementary School. Ms. Pruitt’s Classfrom Vincent Settlement Elementarylanded second place honors and Ms.Carlin’s Class from Lake Charles

Charter Academy won third.St. Margaret’s Catholic School Art

Club members Tara, Sarah, Blakeand Aiden took home first place inthe School Age Club/OrganizationDivision. Girl Scout Troop 095placed second and St. Margaret’sCatholic School Art Club membersBud, Bryce and J-Allen placed third.

Kate Smith won first place in theAdult Division and Emeritus at LakeCharles won first place in the AdultCivic Club/Organization Division.

Best of Show was awarded to Ms.Valentine’s Class at Dolby Elementary.

Visitors to the center throughoutthe month of February vote on theirfavorite shoebox float for the People’sChoice Award to be presented onThurs., Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.

For more information on the con-test, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/shoebox. TJN

Best of Show was awarded to Ms. Valentine’s class from Dolby Elementary for their trio of Mardi Gras Shoebox Floats.


Opening its doors in 1933, The Junior League of Lake Charles,Inc. (JLLC) framed their purpose as an exclusively educationaland charitable organization of women, committed to promotingvoluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improvingthe community through the effective action and leadership oftrained volunteers. The legacy began with 11 young visionaries,who would surely be proud of the growth, impact and continued

success of this local chapter.As part of the Association of Junior Leagues

International, the Lake Charles chapter is host to over500 local members, and is one of 294 Junior Leaguesacross the United States, Canada, Mexico and theUnited Kingdom, whose total membership includesapproximately 170,000 women volunteers.

What that has meant to Southwest Louisiana isa long list of established local community projectsand organizations that have served our community

for years, most of which are still thriving today.

Most people are unaware that the Junior League ofLake Charles is responsible for setting up the followingagencies and programs:

Art & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Arts Fest

Lake Charles Symphony

Calcasieu Community Clinic

Literacy Council of SWLA

The Children’s Museum

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Rebuilding Together

Family and Youth Counseling Agency

Speech and Hearing Center

First Steps

Substance Abuse Resource Center

Harbour House

Teen Leadership Council

Heritage Awareness/Heritage Hike

Volunteer Center of SWLA

Done in a Day

HELPing Hands

Kids in the Kitchen

Lego Motion

Liberty Belles

Life Lessons 101

That’s My Bag

In addition, the Junior League of Lake Charles,Inc. continues to serve Southwest Louisiana throughits current projects:


JLLC also researches and/or ini-tiates new programs every yearbased on current community needs.During the last five years, JLLCvolunteers have performed over120,000 hours of community serv-ice and funded over $600,000 incommunity projects and volunteertraining. Plus, last year alone,$10,000 was granted to local edu-cators through its grant program“Branch Out and Grow.”

Although it seems like theseladies put the “fun” in fundrais-ing, the Junior League is far

from a social club.Rather, it’s an extreme-ly hands-on organiza-tion that builds proj-ects, as well as theirmembers’ knowledgeand experience, fromthe ground up.

“We have a wonder-ful, diverse group ofwomen who have dedi-cated their time to pro-mote voluntarism,” saidPublic Relations ChairCharlotte McCann.“Seventy-seven percent ofour members work out-side of the home. TheLeague makes it possiblefor these women, despitetheir hectic schedules, tomake a lasting impact onSouthwest Louisiana.”

McCann said thatmembers have a wide variety ofcareers including teachers, businessowners, government officials andstay-at-home mothers.

“The League brings all of thesewomen together for a commongoal,” she explained. “The Leagueidentifies each member’s strengths

and builds on them. Through avariety of training opportunities,members are taught how to beeffective community leaders. Infact, training is an integral partof the League’s mission.”

Yvette Ware, past Presidentof the Junior League, said thatsaying “Yes” to the JuniorLeague of Lake Charles wasone of the easiest things she’sever done.

“From the day I wasasked to consider joining, Ifelt it was an honor to beassociated with such awonderful group of

women,” she said. “At the time, Iwas new to Lake Charles and find-ing it difficult adjusting to a newplace. Almost immediately, I waswelcomed with opened arms.Everywhere I went there werefriendly faces of Junior Leaguemembers ready to include me intheir projects and their lives.”

Ware recalls that during heractive years, she received manymember benefits. “Of course, con-tributing to the community was amajor advantage of being in theJunior League,” she said. “Also, Iwas able to develop my potential.Before joining the League, I neverhad the confidence to volunteer fora leadership position. ThroughLeague training, I’ve been able tolead several committees and haveeven had to opportunity to serve inexecutive positions. The JuniorLeague has also allowed me toattend many leadership workshopsin places like New York, Hollywoodand Washington, D.C.”

The Junior League enables mem-bers to develop new skills, buildself-confidence, meet new people,feel valued and make a difference insomeone’s life. In addition, the com-munity benefits from thousands ofvolunteer hours every year.

“Much of the JLLC’s successcomes from our ability to addressthe specific needs of this communi-ty for that moment in time, whilealso tackling issues that have globalimportance,” McCann said.

She explained that in 2010, theLeague, in collaboration with TheUnited Way, conducted a communi-ty needs assessment that identifiedseveral important issues facing thechildren of Southwest Louisiana.

“Based on the results from thisassessment, three major issues wereidentified: childhood obesity, work-force skills and low literacy rates,”she said. “The League members arebeing educated about these topicsand will be redefining the League’scommunity projects to ensure theseissues are addressed.”

The Junior League of LakeCharles has provided trained volun-teers, developed community part-nerships and given direct financialsupport to non-profit agencies fornearly 80 years. It is proud of itsdeep roots in Southwest Louisianaand will continue to have a lastingimpact for many years to come!


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The League is currently

involved in several

community projects:

Done in a DayThe Done in a Day committee (DIAD) was designed to impact the

community in a day. The program provides a dedicated group of JuniorLeague volunteers to work on a number of unrelated, short-term com-munity projects when non-profit agencies are limited in achieving theirgoals because of lack of manpower.

The committee has been busy with working with the Arts andHumanities Council of Southwest Louisiana during their Arts and CrabsExperience and their Arts Festival, with the Family and YouthCounseling Agency during their Family Festival, and with the Girl Scoutsduring their Mommy and Me Campout.

They helped with rebuilding Millennium Park and volunteered withJunior Achievement during their Junior Achievement in a Day held atNelson Elementary. DIAD participated in Common Ground’s inauguralInternational Festival and held the annual JOY Drive where items wereprovided to four families, women and children at Potter’s House and theWomen’s Shelter; children at the Methodist Children’s Home in Sulphur,and children at TLP and Harbour House.

DIAD helped with registration during the Hector San MiguelLuncheon, and will be helping Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana, Inc. byproviding volunteers to help with “Children’s Day” which will be held atthe Civic Center in February. They will also be painting a room in thespring at the Women’s Shelter.

This committee is always looking for new ways to roll up their sleevesand get meaningful projects done…in a day!

Lego MotionAs the League’s newest project, volunteers collaborate with the

McNeese State University Autism Program to assist children with autismto learn social skills through supervised play with Lego play materials.The program targets conversational skills such as eye contact, initiatingactions, turn-taking and cooperative play.

The JLLC has received testimonials from parents expressing thanksfor establishing a program that benefits their children while offering aplace for parenting experiences to be shared. One such testimony camefrom Tamara Fontenot, whose son Zachary attends Lego Motion.

“Zachary was diagnosed with Aspergers at age 8,” she said. “He is nowin the sixth grade and faithfully attends Lego Motion once a week. As aparent of a child with Aspergers, it has been very difficult and challeng-ing to find after-school activities that he can engage in due to his lack ofmotivation and social skills. This program has been very therapeutic forboth of us. It has given me an opportunity to share my stories and expe-riences with other mothers that may be going through the same and toshare community resources.”


Junior Leagues’

Kids in the

KitchenLeague members strive to com-

bat childhood obesity by empower-ing children to make healthy nutri-tional and lifestyle choices. InFebruary of 2006, Leagues fromfour countries implemented aninternational initiative called JuniorLeagues’ Kids in the Kitchen,designed to help communitiesaddress the urgent issues surround-ing childhood obesity and poornutrition. The JLLC has been busy“cookin‘ up some fun” with localschool kids and Girl and Boy Scoutgroups, and enlists the help of thesenew health experts when showcas-ing their recipes on television.

That’s My BagThis program was initiated to

design, create and distribute per-sonal care packages for childrenwho have been recently removed ornewly placed in foster care. In thepast year, the committee provided200 bags that were distributedthroughout the area, sending bagsto both the local and regionaloffices of the Office of Children’sServices, along with gifts to thelocal Women’s Shelter. The duffelbag, which has a detachable back-pack and overnight case, is stuffedwith much-needed toiletries plusitems that will help kids smile dur-ing a tough time. Depending onages and the weather, the bag mayalso contain sunglasses, sunscreen,mittens, or scarves. The childrenremain nameless and faceless to theJLLC, but hold a special place intheir hearts.

Life Lessons 101This project, an enrichment

program, is currently designed forstudents in the third through fifthgrades. It is currently assisting withthe “Leader in Me” program at OakPark and Dolby ElementarySchools. The children learn lifeskills such as goal setting, timemanagement, teamwork, problemsolving, respecting diversity, andlife balance.

HELPing HandsHELPing Hands stands for

“Health, Education, and Literacyfor Patients.” And was set up to bean extra set of hands at MossRegional Hospital. Working in thePediatric Clinic and theChemotherapy Clinic, Leaguemembers read to the kids, providebooks for them to take home andhave installed a television for themto watch while they wait. Last yearalone, 2,000 books were given tothe children at a cost of $4,000. Inaddition, nurses have passed out300 JLLC-provided stuffed tigers tochildren after surgery. The mem-bers plan and conduct the ArtProject for the ChemotherapyClinic and have provided hours ofconversation and fun to the adults.


The Krewe famous for wonderful show-stopping costumes and terrific theatrical numbers

INVITES YOU TO ENJOY ITS2012 Extravaganza

“MusiKaleidoScope”MUSIC THROUGH THE 20TH CENTURY

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 • 7:30PMin the Rosa Hart Theater Lake Charles Civic Center with Ball to Follow.An evening filled with song, dance, the royal court and many delightful surprises.

ORCHESTRA TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH WILLIAM COLTRIN AT 436-5843.BALCONY TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: THE CIVIC CENTER BOX OFFICE,PARTY TIME STORE at 4452 Lake St. and MY PC TECH at 2404 Ryan St.May purchase balcany tickets at the door on night of performance if available

BALCONY SEATING(casual attire)$15.00 general • $18.00 reserved

ORCHESTRA SEATING AND BALL(formal attire required)$30.00 per person

She’s the only one who appreciatesyour dry humor.

He understands that you and yourgolden retriever are a package deal.

You can’t imagine your future without them in it.

You’ve found the one; now choose a ring that captures how you feel. Choosefrom the Bijoux Collection, an exclusiveselection of unique wedding sets chosenby our jewelry experts. They aredesigned to withstand day-to-day bumpsand maintain their brilliance for years tocome, just like your love for each other.

Become a fan of the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. Follow uson Facebook, support us as a donor, or best of all, become a

member! Visit www.jllc.net for details.

Yearly FundraisersContinuing to help the community by creating lasting and effective programsrequires a substantial amount of local fundraising and support. The League

depends on funds from their membership dues, donations and widely popu-lar fundraisers to keep current and ongoing projects alive. This all-volunteer,non-profit organization is proud to return the proceeds from their fundrais-

ers directly to the community through their projects and grants.

Mistletoe & Moss Holiday MarketMistletoe & Moss is a holiday market with vendors from across the

country, as well as from our local community. This one-stop shoppingexperience, held annually at the Lake Charles Civic Center, allows visitorsto enjoy shopping, entertainment, food and many special events for thewhole family. The proceeds from this fall event help provide the suppliesfor all of the community projects. Save the date for Nov. 14-17 this year!

Leaguers & Links Golf TournamentThe JLLC hosts the annual Leaguers & Links Golf Tournament at

Contraband Bayou at L’Auberge. This year, the tournament will be held onMarch 26, 2012. The cost for a team is $400; the cost for a hole sponsor is$250. This event is a great way to support the League and have a lot of funin just a few hours!

Marshes to Mansions The Junior League of Lake Charles shares carefully guarded family

recipes, both old and new, that will warm hearts and homes. ThisRegional Tabasco Community Cookbook Award winner was published inSeptember 2007, following a widely popular JLLC cookbook debut,Pirate’s Pantry.

Marshes to Mansions cookbook features an extensive collection ofrecipes, photographs, and stories intended to present South Louisiana as it

is…unique! Junior Leaguemembers collected

and tested thou-sands of recipesto fulfill yourevery cookingand entertainingneed and bring toyou over 250recipes that sureto add joi devivre to your

table. Book salessupport all of the

community projectsof JLLC. Follow the

cookbook on Facebookand www.jllc.net for recipes

and tips of the month.

The Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. could not continue their valu-able services to Southwest Louisiana without the dedication and hard workof their volunteer members or the support of the Lake Charles community.

The Junior League Headquarters is located at 1019 Lakeshore Drive,Lake Charles, LA 70601. To become a volunteer member, learn moreabout our year-round community impact, or to support our programsthrough donations and sponsorships, please visit www.jllc.net or call (337)436-4025. TJN


Sports Report

By Brandon Shoumaker

I am not a big fan of the SuperBowl.

Considering I am paid to writeabout and analyze sports, thatmight come as a surprise to someof you out there.

I’m just not a fan.This year’s Super Bowl is XLVI

(which, I think, adds up to 216),and is no exception. In fact, I mightfeel more ennui toward this cham-pionship game more than most.

Usually, these games are prettyanticlimactic and, unless the Bearsor Saints are playing, I don’t have arooting interest in any team play-ing in the championship. Thus,unless the commercials are good(they’re typically not), it’s a prettyblah experience all around.

This year, you’ve got a run-of-

the-mill 9-7 team (the New YorkGiants) against a New EnglandPatriots team that has won threeSuper Bowls and five conferencechampionships this century.Hardly a compelling storyline onthe surface. In fact, the only juicethe media has been able to squeezeout of this lemon is that the Giantsbeat the Patriots in Super BowlXLII (212) and ruined the Pats’perfect 2007 season.

They’re rehashing old beefsfrom five years ago. What can Isay? I’m “thrilled.”

And Louisiana, or so the citi-zenry has been told, must(MUST!) root for the Giantsbecause Eli Manning played highschool football here or some suchnonsense. Never mind thatLouisiana high school folk heroKevin Faulk still plays for thePatriots.

Don’t get me started on the cir-cus surrounding the Super Bowl.Reporters dressed up as super-heroes writing stories about whatRob Gronkowski ate for breakfast?Beer commercials questioning mymanhood? Phil Simms? Sports Report

A National Yawn and Local Greatness


tough, but the Cowgirls have thetalent to make it happen.

Guard Ashlyn Baggett is fifth inthe conference in scoring, averag-ing 15.7 points per game while hertwin sister Caitlyn is eighth (14.6ppg). Caitlyn leads the Southlandin 3-point percentage, making aridiculous 44 percent of shotsfrom behind the arc and is third inassists per game.

Kitty Wells is third in theSouthland in rebounds and Wellsand Martika Hull are both in thetop-10 in steals per game.

As a team, McNeese is secondin scoring defense, scoring mar-gin, free-throw percentage, 3-pointpercentage, and reboundingdefense. The Cowgirls lead theconference in 3-pointers made pergame (the only team averaging 7or more) and turnover margin bynearly double.

To say that this is the bestMcNeese women’s team in schoolhistory is likely an understate-ment. Sure, McNeese has had greatplayers in women’s basketball (PatJean, Robin Daniels, and ShantePerry, to name a few), but never tomy knowledge has McNeese hadsuch a great team.

It seems, also, that gone are thedays when the Cowgirls played infront of, well, the other team’s busdriver and a smattering of localhoopheads.

The Cowgirls are averagingover 1,600 fans, which, at the mid-major level of women’s basketball,says a lot. McNeese currently out-draws four SoutheasternConference teams (Alabama,Florida, Mississippi State, and OleMiss).

But, while 1,600 fans is a dropin the bucket compared to the bil-lions who will see the Super Bowlthis year, the Cowgirls will at leastbe a heck of a lot more interesting.

Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate ofMcNeese State Universityand has covered sports formore than a decade for vari-ous publications. Coaches orparents with story tips orcomments may contactBrandon [email protected] orsend him a message onTwitter (@bshoumaker).

No thanks.So, long story short, I’m taking

the Patriots 31-24 and I’m movingon to more interesting topics.

Like the chances the McNeeseState women’s basketball team notonly makes the NCAA tourna-ment again this year, but whetherthe Cowgirls can win a first-roundgame.

I think, depending on the seed-ing, that they definitely can.

The latest bit of bracketologyI’ve seen gives the Cowgirls a 16-seed and matches them up againstNo. 1-seed Notre Dame. This, tome, is complete garbage.

At the very least, McNeeseshould be a 14-seed should it beatCentral Arkansas in the returnmatch on February 11 at BurtonColiseum and the Cowgirls winthe Southland Conference tourna-ment.

The 14 seeds, according to thelatest mock bracket I saw, werePrinceton, Hampton, High Point,and UC Irvine. Princeton andHampton are probably safe bets at14 with RPI ratings at 24 and 76respectively. McNeese is No. 102 inthe latest RPIs while High Point,which is a very similar team toMcNeese on paper, sits at No. 121.

However, UC Irvine is a joke ata 14. First, the Anteaters have astupid mascot. Second, they areNo. 245 in the RPI ratings, No.274 in strength of schedule; theyhold a 9-12 record with a 5-3 con-ference mark. Their worst losscame on Jan. 26 to a 4-16 UCRiverside team.

Arguably, McNeese’s “worst”loss came against No. 33 LSU onDec. 16. The Cowgirls have playedtwo of the best teams in the coun-try, Baylor and Texas A&M, andnearly beat A&M, the defendingnational champions, on the road.

So, in my opinion, if theCowgirls do everything they’resupposed to from here on out,they deserve a 14 seed inthe Big Dance.

What would that getMcNeese? According tothe bracket I read, itwould be Delaware,Miami, Fla., Rutgers, orMaryland.

Could the Cowgirlsupset one of theseteams? It would be Brandon Shoumaker Sports Report

TJN


Familiar personalities as well asnew characters offer up a slew ofsleuthing entertainment.

My favorite private investigator,Kinsey Millhone, takes on her 22ndcase in Sue Grafton’s V is forVengeance. A shoplifting incidentleads Kinsey into a complex web oftheft, predatory lending and murder.The action takes place in 1998, upand down the Pacific Coast ofCalifornia, and moves inland to thegambling casinos of Las Vegas. AsKinsey works to find the culprits,

she puts her own life in jeopardy. Wediscover that even gangsters can fallin love, and the police can’t alwaysbe trusted. As always, Grafton’snovel is very nicely written. The plotis clever and well laid out, likestrands braided into nice loops. Italso has a good, strong ending, withplenty of vengeance to go around.Adult language and situations.

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows byAlan Bradley is the fourth entry inthe series set in the 1950s and fea-turing 11-year-old British sleuth

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Flavia deLuce. The cozy mysterytakes place inside the huge familymansion, Buckshaw, during theChristmas festivities, under a steadysnowfall. Characters include Flavia’sfather, her two horrible sisters, andthe wonderful Dogger, who’s sort ofa Jeeves with PTSD: “I don’t knowhow he does it, but Dogger alwaysappears at precisely the right instant,like one of those figures that popsout of the door on a Swiss clock.”

Because Flavia’s father, Colonelde Luce, needs money, he’s allowinga movie crew to use the house forlocation shots. Famous actors, adirector, and a passel of film peoplefill up the house the week beforeChristmas. The colonel has agreedto let the actors put on a special per-formance at Buckshaw to raisemoney for the church, and when theweather turns bad, many of thetownspeople gathered in the bighouse find themselves snowed in,along with the family and the filmcrew — what a time for someone tobe caught dead.

In addition, Flavia has been look-ing forward to the holiday, but notbecause of the gifts: she intends tocapture Father Christmas and,indeed, has even set a trap for him.

But will she be caught in her owntrap by a murderer? This may be thebest Flavia book yet, full of emotion,plot, characters, backstory, and anexciting chase scene on the roof.

The Deception at Lyme by CarrieBebris is the sixth title in the award-winning Mr. and Mrs. DarcyMystery series, which includes Prideand Prescience, Suspense andSensibility, North by Northanger,The Matters at Mansfield and TheIntrigue at Highbury. Each of the

A Slew of Sleuthingfor Mystery Fans


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books in the series puts Darcy andElizabeth in the setting for one ofthe original Jane Austen books,interacting with some of the charac-ters from that book and solving amystery.

It is the summer of 1815. Darcyand Elizabeth are visiting England’ssouthern coast (the locale of Austen’sPersuasion), where a sinister inci-dent occurs at the Cobb, an ancientmanmade seawall. Familiar charac-ters from Persuasion pop up(including the newly married Capt.Frederick and Anne Wentworth),along with a handsome sailor who’sattracted to Darcy’s sister,Georgiana. There’s a murder, a baby,shipboard deceit, and a question ofidentity.

Bebris, who mimics Austen’s stylewell, adds subtle humor and uses per-tinent quotations from Austen writ-ings. It’s a rollicking good story, a sat-isfying mystery with action, a touch ofromance, and unexpected plot twists.And you don’t have to be familiarwith Austen’s work to enjoy it.

Author Janet Evanovich’s 18thbook featuring bounty hunterStephanie Plum is ExplosiveEighteen. In a continuation of theprevious book, Stephanie has justcome home from Hawaii. The whiteline on her ring finger where there isno tan — and no ring — is a mys-tery she won’t explain: “It’s compli-cated,” she says. But who went toHawaii with her? And what the heckhappened?

Her cousin Vinnie’s bail bondsoffice is still operating out of a con-verted motor coach in front of theconstruction site. The usual comple-ment of characters are on hand,along with Stephanie’s nemesis,Joyce Barnhardt, who may or may

not have committed a felony andmay or may not have gotten herselfcompacted at the junkyard. As usual,there’s an odd assortment of crimi-nals for Stephanie and her sidekick,Lula, to round up. Oh, and bothgood guys and bad guys are liningup outside Steph’s door, demandingthat she hand over a photo sheswears she doesn’t have. Oh, yes, wedo find out who went to Hawaii withher — and we get the lowdown onwhat happened there.

It’s great fun, and Lula makes melaugh, as always, as when she’saccused of eating a dozen doughnuts:“I didn’t eat the whole dozen,” Lulasaid. “There’s two left in the box.And I wouldn’t have eaten so many ifthey weren’t all different. I hate whenI miss a culinary experience.”

The Plum books are seriouslyfunny, but don’t start with this one.Go back to the first one, One for theMoney — quick, and THEN go seethe movie that just came out. Adultlanguage and situations.

Foul Play at Four is author AnnPurser’s 11th Lois Meade cozy mys-tery. Lois is married to DerekMeade, who’s on the parish councilin their English village. She runs theNew Brooms cleaning agency, andshe also does detective work — shecalls it ferretin’ — but she won’t takemoney for it. Her cleaners, who aresome fun characters, help her solveher mysteries. When her daughter’sshop is robbed and Derek is injured,Lois leaps into the case. She followsthe robbers to their hideout andfinds murder on the moors. This is asolid series, and a pleasure to read.

Copyright © 2012 by MaryLouise Ruehr. TJN


FF LYNBU AO AHAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! - WORD SEARCH

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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.

D R C A E E C T B R S G S I N

D C T H V H C E L E B R A T E

O E A O O A T N N R V E H M N

A N D S L C L W A I Y P A R G

C N R O E C O N R M M T E A A

A V S M U R E L D D O E R T P

A E B P R H R B A A G R B E M

A R I A T R A D I T I O N S A

S D R A C G N I T E E R G E H

H E R S E S E S O R C S O I C

R E D E D T T R A C E O T A E

Y V A L E N T I N E S D A Y G

O A T R I C C P I S O I B E M

E L T H T E P C O A C Y C R U

C R E I A S Y D Y L N I E R R

ArrowBe MineCelebrateChampagneChocolates

CupidGreeting CardsHeartsRedRomance

RosesSecret AdmirerTraditionsTrue LoveValentine’s Day


ExtremelyLoud andIncrediblyClose(Warner Bros./Paramount 2011)

To mark the 10th anniversary ofthe bombing of the World TradeCenter, Extremely Loud andIncredibly Close was filmed in 2011,even though it hit theatres in widerelease in 2012.

The story is about a young boy,Oskar, and his father. The boy appar-

ently has one of the autism spectrumdisorders and his father is obviouslydedicated to helping his son copewith life. None of this is apparent atthe beginning of the movie, where wesee the boy being sent by his fatheron wacky expeditions to discover thelost sixth borough of New York.

Tom Hanks as Tom the father isincredibly likeable and infinitelypatient with his son, who seems pret-ty normal if a little introverted in thefirst scenes. Sandra Bullock, whoplays Oskar’s mother Linda, seems tostay in the background, although shehas a job in Manhattan like her hus-band, which is also where they live.

During his quest for the sixth bor-ough, Oskar hikes all over New YorkCity on the weekends. His dad printsout calling cards for Oskar, so he canintroduce himself to folks on his

By Dan Ellender

Director of the Children's Museum

quest. Slowly we come to see thatOskar is different from other children.He wears a close-fitting toboggan overhis ears and carries a tambourine likea security blanket with him wheneverhe leaves the apartment.

This unusual movie doesn’t both-er with being linear. We learn earlyon that Oskar’s father dies in the twintowers, but Oskar relives the disasterand his father’s phone messages totheir apartment over and over. A yearlater, he discovers a key in his Dad’scloset among his belongings, in anenvelope with the name Black writtenon it. To Oskar, this becomes a newquest, something his Dad obviouslyleft for him to find, a last puzzle tosolve: Find Black, and open whateverfits the key.

Oskar finds there are over 400people named Black in the New YorkCity phone books, but this doesn’tstop him. He maps them all out inobsessive fashion, and spends hisSaturdays going to meet strangers inone of the biggest cities in the world.

Even though all we see of thetwin towers exploding are some dis-tant views, the “worst day” figureshugely in Extremely Loud.Throughout the movie, it stands asthe pivotal event in Oskar’s life andthe life of everyone he meets. This

film is a tribute to what the citizensof New York went through—the trau-ma, aftermath, and healing that hadto take place.

Here in Southwest Louisiana, weknow something of group trauma,having been subjected to HurricaneRita just four years after 911. For me,that made this movie pretty hard totake. Though we’re spared the close-ups of the event, we still see 911 on itsragged edges, mainly through itsaftereffects on others. As such,Extremely Loud is a thoughtful and insome ways gut-wrenching tale of aten-year-old’s coming to grips with hisworst day. But it is extremely hard tosit through the pain and loneliness heand his mother are left to deal with.

In the long run, there’s enoughmystery and a few surprises that keepthings interesting. And the peopleOskar meets are all unique and intheir own way, special. Overall, it’s anextremely fine movie.

Extremely Loud and IncrediblyClose is rated PG-13. I can’t imagineanyone taking their young childrento see it. On the other hand, parentsof autistic children will probablywant to go themselves, either to getinsight in or to refute the premise ofthe film: that in some way, healing ispossible to all of us. TJN


Mandy and Dallas Kingham Peggy Kelley and Brent Flash

Bobby Mudd and Nancy McClusky Mike and Megan Wittler

Tommy Schields, Tweeny Swoopeand John Nabours

SWLA RODEO PRESS PARTYIt was a packed evening at The Porch Coffee House & Café as

rodeo friends, fans and supporters gathered for the SWLARodeo Press Party. There were tasty treats, pretty rodeo

queens, and lots of energy and excitement for the 73rd AnnualRodeo and Livestock Show. We met Lake Charles calf roperBobby Mudd, announcer Mike Mathis, and various PRCA

cowboys and LSU livestock agents. Ride ‘em, cowboys!

CHAMBER SWLA ANNUAL BANQUET Just about everyone in town came outfor the 108th Annual Chamber SWLA

Banquet held recently at the LakeCharles Civic Center Coliseum. Reeves

Uptown Catering supplied the deli-cious meal, and this year’s keynotespeaker, Rebecca Ryan, futurist and

author of Live First, Work Second, firedup the crowd with her positive outlook(backed by statistics) on the economic

future of SWLA. Let’s hear it for us!

Mike Mathis and Blain Crochet

Brooke Heinen and Kain Miller Kirk and Julie Burleigh Paul Pettifer, Guy Brame and Mark Abraham


Debra and Irven Guillory

Cora with mom Kendra Cutrer-Diedrich Brian Abshire and Jan Ferris

Cody, Tyra and Ashley Fee A’Mari and Ciara Tousaint

Derrick and David Rau

Kacee Tate and Chris Khoury

Cheynne Hatcher and Alicia Keever

ANDY WARHOL: CELEBRITIESHope you didn’t miss the opening recep-

tion of the “Andy Warhol: Celebrities”exhibit at the Imperial Calcasieu

Museum in Lake Charles. The ICM is thefirst museum in SWLA to exhibit the

priceless works of the “Original King ofPop Art.” It was amazing to see the col-

lection of 15 large silk screens of MarilynMonroe, Liz Taylor, Mick Jagger, Jackie

Kennedy and so many more icons of thepast. Congrats to Susan Reed and her

board for a great exhibit. Your fame willlast more than 15 minutes!

Allison Bell with Tatum WebbMea and Payton Herpin

73RD ANNUAL SOUTHWEST DISTRICT RODEO

It ain’t no bull—a big crowd of rodeofans had a galloping good time at the

Burton Coliseum during the 73rdAnnual Southwest District Rodeo!

There was something for everyone toenjoy: bull riding, calf roping, barrel rac-ing, steer wrestling, buddy-barrel pick-

up, team roping, bronc riding and more!Rodeo clown Lecile Harris was a barrel

of laughs—and there was a long line toget the autograph of world champion

bullfighter Clay Collins. Yee Ha! TJN


THE LITTLE MERMAID FEB. 10-12Tickets are now on sale for The Children’s

Theatre Company’s production of The LittleMermaid. Performances will be held at the Central

School Arts and Humanities Center at 809 Kirby St. indowntown Lake Charles. The show will run Fri., Feb. 10 and

Sat., Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Tickets are$15 for adults and $13 for students. To order tickets, call 433-

7323 or e-mail [email protected].

HOBO HOTEL ART AUCTION FUNDRAISER FEB. 11The Hobo Hotel and Spankey Halfway House for Cats and Kittens ,

a local non-profit rescue group, is holding the Sweet Art Silent Auctionon Sat., Feb. 11 at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The event is free to the public and will feature works of art in variousmediums, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, furniture and more.Proceeds will provide Hobo Hotel’s “residents” with food, shelter, medi-cine and supplies as they wait for adoption. For more information, callRobin Anderson at 477-3757 or e-mail [email protected].

FOR THE LOVE OF ART FEB. 11For the Love of Art Show and Sale will be presented by Art du Lac, a

SWLA artists’ consortium at Stellar Beans Coffee Shop at 319 Broad St.,Lake Charles. The show will feature incredible art for you to experienceby some wonderful SWLA artists. Grab your love and come sip somewine, nibble on some treats, listen to Chris Shearman on guitar, and see(and purchase) some amazing works of art. Artists include Rex

Alexander, pottery; Katherine Petty, engravings; Monica Hebert, land-scapes and abstracts; and many more! The show is from 6-8 p.m.

NEWCOMERS CLUB’S MONTHLY MEETING FEB. 13The Newcomers Club of the Lake Area will hold its monthly

meeting on Mon., Feb. 13, at the Pioneer Club, 127 West BroadStreet, Lake Charles. Meet and mingle begins at 11 a.m., fol-

lowed by a buffet luncheon and the program, which beginsat noon. Guest speaker will be Tim Scarborough of

Prestige Landscaping & Irrigation. Luncheon cost is$15. Annual membership dues are $25, but are now

on special through August 2012 for $12.50.

Checks and cash are accepted. Please makeluncheon reservations by noon on Thurs, Feb. 9. Send ane-mail with “Lunch Reservation” in the subject line to

[email protected] or call Deb Haack at (337) 496-7490.A discounted childcare option is available through Lil Rascals

Childcare, 601 Ryan Street, Lake Charles. Contact Lil RascalsChildcare directly at (337) 433-8381.

POETRY OUT LOUD FEB. 17On Fri., Feb. 17, at 6 p.m., high school students representing several

schools in the Lake Area will compete at the Central School Theater aspart of Poetry Out Loud’s SWLA Regional Competition. These studentshave already made it through the first round of competition at theirschools or local library. Community leaders and published poets willserve as judges. Last year, the Louisiana State Champion, David Douglas,came from Washington-Marion High School in Lake Charles, and he willserve as a special guest judge at Regionals. The top three students at theRegional Competition will not only win prizes, but will also go on to com-pete with students from across Louisiana at the State Competition inBaton Rouge. The state winner will receive a cash prize and a stipend forhis or her school for the purchase of poetry books. For more informationon Poetry Out Loud or the Regional Competition, contact the ArtsCouncil office at (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org.

DANNY O’FLAHERTY’S CHILDREN’S PROGRAM FEB. 19Join Irish singer/storyteller Danny O’Flaherty on Sun., Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.

at Stellar Beans, 319 Broad Street, Lake Charles, as he brings his “Celtic

From left: Justine Chiappetta of the Poetry Foundation, 2011 Louisiana StateChampion David Douglas, and Dana LaFonta of Louisiana Division of the Arts.


People, Lands and CultureChildren’s Program” to Lake

Charles. Come explore the fullpower of music and story as Danny

creates a learning environment forchildren, taking them around the

world and to their own backyards.Tickets are $5 for children and $7 for

adults and are available at the door. Forreservations or more information, con-

tact Beth at (337) 564-4702 or StellarBeans at (337) 564-5739.

GALLERY TALK: AFRICAN ART FEB. 23

The City of Lake Charleswill host a special interactive

gallery talk by JeffFerguson, African art col-lector. Ferguson will sharesome his collection and

knowledge as he coverstopics including how and

where to collect and pur-chase African art. Is it really

art? Who made it? Who was itmade for? What was it made for?

How to tell how old it is? And thebig question, why does it smell?

The gallery talk will take place

Thursday, Feb.23 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the1911 Historic City Hall Arts &Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street. Allages are welcome to attend at no charge.

BANNERS PRESENTS ‘BOMBAY BELLYWOOD’ FEB. 26Banners presents “Bombay Bellywood” by the

Bellywood Superstars Sun., Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the RosaHart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center. The show merges tra-ditional and tribal belly dancing with Indian dance styles for anextravaganza rich in costuming with exciting, infectious music.Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children or students. A basicmembership to the Banners Series includes two tickets to all events for$150, plus invitations to exclusive meet-the-artist receptions. You can joinby calling the Banners office at 475-5123 or visiting the Banners websiteat www.banners.org.

CHRISTIAN WRITER’S RETREAT MARCH 1-3“The Creek,” a writer’s retreat, will be held March 1 – 3 at Dry Creek

Baptist Camp. Guest speakers include DiAnn Mills, winner of the 2011Christy Award, and Frank Ball, founder of North Texas Christian Writer’sGroup. The retreat is open to all writers and is especially designed for writ-ers with a Christian worldview. The cost to attend is $250, which includeslodging at the historic White House on the grounds of the Dry CreekBaptist Camp, meals, seminars and discussions. Commuter price is $175and the pre-registration fee is $50 for all attendees. The Creek Writer’sRetreat is hosted by Creekbank Stories and Curt Iles. To register or formore information, visit www.creekbank.net, or call (337) 396-5372

Danny O’Flaherty

Gallery Talk:African Art


For information on 2012 events call (337) 475-5123 or visit www.banners.orgTickets available through membership, website and at the door.

Bombay BellywoodSun., Feb. 26, at 7:30 pm

Rosa Hart Theatre,Lake Charles Civic Center

‘BOWL FOR KIDS’SAKE’ MARCH 3

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SouthwestLouisiana’s annual fundraiser “Bowl For Kids’Sake” will be held on Sat., March 3, at Petro Bowl inLake Charles. The theme for this event will be “The BigEasy: It’s Easy To Be A Big.” A team consists of six peoplewith a minimum pledge of $30 per bowler. Each team willbowl one game and have seven bowling times to choose from(the times are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis). Prizes areawarded based upon the amount a bowler raises, and are also givenfor Best Team Costume and Best Company T-shirt according to thetheme. Traveling Trophies are awarded to organizations raising themost money in various categories. For more information on this bigevent, call your local BBBS agency at 478-KIDS (5437)-Lake Charles, 460-KIDS-(5437) DeRidder or 824-HUGS (4847)- Jennings. The agency deliv-ers team packets. Get started today!

ICM’S ‘ANDY WARHOL: CELEBRITIES’ EXHIBIT THROUGH MARCH 3The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is proud to present “Andy Warhol:

Celebrities,” organized by the New Orleans Museum of Art. The ICM isthe first museum in SWLA to exhibit the priceless works of the “OriginalKing of Pop Art.” This iconic collection of 15 large silkscreens featuressome of Warhol’s most well-known pieces, including Marilyn Monroe,Mick Jagger, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Elizabeth Taylor. The exhibit isopen to the public in the Gibson-Barham Gallery and will continuethrough March 3. Museum hours are Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Rates are$7\adults, $5\seniors, $2\children and students. Please contact themuseum at 439-3797 if you would like to schedule a free school grouptour, which must be booked in advance.

BANNERS PRESENTS MOZART GROUP MARCH 4Banners presents mozART GROUP Sun., March 4, at the F.G. Bulber

Auditorium at McNeese State University at 3 p.m. The group’s concertsevoke the spirit of Victor Borge. In the group’s own words: “We treat ourmuse with a humorous irony, and we’re sure she will have nothingagainst it!” Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children or students. Abasic membership to the Banners Series includes two tickets to allevents for $150, plus invitations to exclusive meet-the-artist receptions.You can join by calling the Banners office at 475-5123 or visiting theBanners website at www.banners.org

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA’S BEATS & EATS MARCH 9Volunteers of America will hold its Beats & Eats fundraiser on Friday,

March 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Treasures of Marilyn’s in Lake Charles. Thecasual event will feature a buffet, dancing to music by Kaine Badon &The Razin Kaine Band, and a cash bar. Products and services donated byarea businesses will be auctioned. Additionally, there will be a raffle foran LSU Blue Dog print signed by artist George Rodrigue. Raffle ticketsare being sold in advance for only $5, and you do not have to be pres-ent to win. The proceeds from Beats & Eats will be used to support thelife-changing programs provided by Volunteers of America in SWLA.Tickets are only $30 for individuals or $250 for a reserved table of 10. Topurchase event tickets, raffle tickets or sponsorships, call Volunteers ofAmerica at (337) 497-0034.

T-GALOP: A LOUISIANA HORSE STORY MARCH 15The Arts Council is sponsoring a free screening of the new docu-

mentary T-Galop: a Louisiana Horse Story on Thurs., March 15, at 7p.m. at the Central School theatre. The screening is part of the FolkloreSociety’s annual meeting. The documentary examines the long relation-ship between horses and French Louisiana and the role horses played infolklore, history, and in the building of the Cajun and Creole culturalidentities. For details, call (337) 277-5292.

EMPTY BOWL FUNDRAISER MARCH 15The Salvation Army’s annual Empty Bowl fundraiser will be held at


ABBEVILLE(337) 893-1451

WELSH(337) 734-2166

LAKE CHARLES(337) 436-4366

www.hendersonimplement.com

L’Auberge Casino Resorton Thurs., March 15 from 6-9P.M. Popular Cajun comedian JonathanPerry will headline the entertainment. Soupswill again be prepared by local restaurants, and eachguest will receive a ceramic bowl made by area potters.Tickets are $100 and will go on sale Jan. 26. They may beobtained by calling (337) 433-4155.

THE LCCB’S SLEEPING BEAUTY MARCH 17-18The Lake Charles Civic Ballet (LCCB) will present the full-length story

ballet of The Sleeping Beauty on Sat. March 17, at 6:30 p.m. andSun., March 18 at 3 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre.The Saturday evening performancewill include the LakeCharles Symphony orches-tra performing theTchaikovsky score, and issponsored by L’AubergeLake Charles. The Sundaymatinee will be performedwith recorded music. Ticketsare available at the CivicCenter box office, (337) 491-1432, or via ticketmaster.com.Visit www.lakecharlescivicbal-let.com to register to win 2 tick-ets in the sponsor section for theSaturday evening performancewith the Symphony.

MEMORIAL HOSPITALFOUNDATION FUNDRAISERMARCH 31

“On the Town – London” benefit-ing The Foundation at Lake CharlesMemorial Hospital will be held Sat., March31, at the Historic Calcasieu Marine NationalBank, 844 Ryan Street, from 7 to 11 p.m. Enjoyappetizers served by local restaurants and caterers, com-plimentary wine, cash liquor bars, fabulous raffle basketsand outstanding entertainment featuring BeatlemaniaMagic. For more information, contact The Foundation at(337) 494-3226 or marketing at (337) 494-2355. Ticketsare $75 per person. To purchase tickets online, go to:www.lcmh.com/on-the-town.

Katelyn Chargois and

Drew Anderson as the Princess

Aurora and Prince Desire.

Photo by Romero &

Romero Photography

TJN


The

Sponsored by

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.• Brad Brinkley & Comfort Zone @ Caribbean

Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9• Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la Prairie @

DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress @ Mikko,

Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.• Ivy & Tim Dugas @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of

Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.• DJ Epic One @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,

L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10• Megan Brown & Tit Monde @ DI’s Cajun Food &

Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• August Broussard & Friends @ Aucoin’s Cajun

Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.• HolleeStar @ Happy Hippie Pizza, 8 p.m.• Percy Sledge @ L’Auberge Event Center,

L’Auberge Casino, 8:30 p.m.• Fatty Lumpkin @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.• Chee-Weez @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.• X-It 43 @ Linda’s Lounge, 9 p.m.• Phil Vaught @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 9 p.m.• Chasing Scarlett @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 9 p.m.• Pookie Marceaux Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle

of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Triggerproof @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11• Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Food

& Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Lochness Mobsters/Certain Satellites/Dumpster

Junkies @ APO Theater Fundraiser, Shearman Fine Arts Building, McNeese State University, 7 p.m.

• August Broussard & Friends @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• Horace Trahan & Ossun Express @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.

• Chasing Scarlett @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

• Phil Vaught @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Lee Johnson & Texas Squeeze @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Triggerproof @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12• Brad Sapia & Bayou Soul @ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15• Briggs Brown & Bayou Cajuns/Children’s Mardi

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

• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Loaded 44erz @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16• Jamie Berzas/Iota-Tee Mamou Mardi Gras Run

@ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder,

7 p.m.• Static @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino,

Westlake, 8 p.m.• DJ Que @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge

Casino, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17• Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie/Mardi Gras Run @

DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Ron Miller & Midnight Ramblers @ Aucoin’s

Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.• Stellar @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.• Steel Shot @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.• Brian Best @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 9 p.m.• Zydeflo Super Show/Jo El Sonnier @ Mardi Gras

Music Fest, Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Khris Fuselier @ Twiggy’s, 10 p.m.• Soul Vacation @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,

L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18• Briggs Brown & Bayou Cajuns/Iota-Tee Mamou

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

• Ron Miller & Midnight Ramblers @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• Charlie Wilson @ Delta Event Center, Delta Downs, Vinton, 7 p.m.

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


• Stellar/Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Choke/White Light Cemetery/ Crowbar @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Louisiana FIYA @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.• Brian Best @ Gator Lounge, Delta

Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.• Da Classics/Dog Hill Stompers/

Chris Ardoin & NuStep Zydeco @ Mardi Gras Music Fest, Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Soul Vacation @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19• Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress

@ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m.• Daughtry @ L’Auberge Event

Center, L’Auberge Casino, 8:30 p.m.• T-Broussard & Zydeco Steppers/

Charles Mann/Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band @ Mardi Gras Music Fest, Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20• Lundi Gras Party w/Keith Frank @

Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.• Al Roger & Louisiana Pride/

Iota-Tee Mamou Mardi Gras Run

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

• Horace Trahan & Ossun Express/ Zydecane/Barry Badon & Bayou Boys @ Mardi Gras Music Fest, Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21• Scotty Pousson & Pointe aux

Loups Playboys/ Iota-Tee Mamou Mardi Gras Run @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Brandon Ledet & Creole Touch/ Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band/Damon Troy & Final Five @ Mardi Gras Music Fest, Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill,

7 p.m.• Brad Randell & Zydeco Ballers @

Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. TJN


Over the holidays, I learned that a vocal-

ly abrasive (think Marge Simpson as voiced

by Julie Kavner, and you’re halfway there),

stuck-cheerfully-to-her-guns (even when

wrongheaded) opinionated New York talk

radio host had died, and a piece of my youth

took flight. Before hers became the liberal

AM radio show thrown for sauce piquante

into the tasteless meal of Rush Limbaugh

and other bombastic conservatives on New

York’s WABC, I knew Lynn Samuels as the

emcee and soundboard engineer for open

mike nights and benefit concerts at Folk

City, the Greenwich Village nightclub that

showcased Bob Dylan and others in the bud-

ding New York folk scene in 1961.

I can’t remember if she was hired by his

successor, or by the legendary bar-and-

sometime-restaurant owner, Mike Porco,

who didn’t understand, or like, much of the

folk music or the folksingers who crowded

the Village in post-beatnik shaggy hairdos

and scruffy mismatched clothing. Mike was

an Italian gentleman of an old school, and

watching him wipe down the bar with a

damp rag, gesturing to make his meaning

clear, it was obvious that he didn’t know

what the world was coming to. But he could,

in his gruff way, be very kind, feeding the

folk kids – hiring them – and listening to

their dreams without scoffing, as any really

hardheaded club owner would have done in

a New York minute.

Anyway, I introduced Robbie Woliver to

the place, and eventually, he and his wife

Marilyn Lash and their friend Joe Hillesum

bought Mike out, and made a pretty good go

of Folk City, and Robbie hired or maybe

rehired Lynn.

Whenever I saw her, she’d rasp her

“Howiya?” at me, sympathizing with

woes and cheerleading for any upswing in

my fortunes. We’d dish NYC politics and

folk scene gossip, and naturally talked about

boys. After her death, Robbie and I were

Facebooking about her, and I remembered

Lynn, once having been fired, asking Robbie

to rehire her by croaking “Please Mr.

Sellack/can I have my job back,” a quote

from a song by The Roches, a trio of sisters

from New Jersey who were Greenwich

Village folk scene favorites.

“It was more than once,” he told me, a

sad smile lurking around his texts. “And I

always took her back.” Robbie told me that

they’d spoken and had some laughs only a

few days earlier, and that if he’d known it

would be their last conversation, he would

have tried harder to remember and store up

what she’d said. Lynn offered many bons

mot in her time, but I didn’t save them

either. I assumed, with the arrogance of

youth, that I’d have plenty of time to hear

them again. Vaya con dios, Lynn. You had

an excellent run.

Revisiting Warren Zevon

Then last night while idly YouTube-ing

around for some interesting slightly-more-

than-background music, I ran into the four-

part recording of Warren Zevon’s last

appearance on the David Letterman show,

and held another private wake for the

incredible songwriting rocker who’d died

aged 56 of lung cancer in 2003.

I must not have been watching much

Letterman for many years, because I hadn’t

known how often Zevon had subbed for

Paul Shaffer, the Canadian pianist/band-

leader/bon vivant who still leads Letterman’s

musical team.

During the interview, Zevon said, yes it

had been about 20 times he’d subbed, and

yes it had been five or so appearances as a

musical guest on the show. And then frail,

but unbroken, Zevon turned in slightly

shaky performances of some of his incredi-

ble songs, ending with one of my favorites

(and apparently one Letterman had specially

requested be performed in the last segment

of this show on which Zevon was the only

featured guest),

“Roland the Headless

Thompson Gunner.”

If you never knew Zevon’s music,

you missed something, and I suggest you

repair that omission right now, stop reading

right this second and YouTube him up. One

of my favorite novels, a spoof about Country

Music fame – And My Shoes Keep Walking

Back To You by Kathy Kamen Goldmark –

has the heroine learning to sing harmony to

choruses of Zevon’s “Excitable Boy.” It’s a fic-

tional conceit, but rings really true. Try it if

you don’t believe me, and you’ll find yourself

harmonizing ever after.

I’ve Changed My Mind

While on the subject of old and new

ghosts, I have to admit that after 30 years of

writing about music, I’ve changed my mind

about a musician I panned in my very first

published Village Voice review, and it’s time

to let go of it, and so forth. He and I share a

birthday, and we’ve had a few friends and

acquaintances in common over the years.

They include Lake Charles’ own incredible

tenor vocalist, Bobby King, who spent years

successfully arranging harmonies and back-

up singers for the likes of Bruce Springsteen,

Billy Joel, John Hiatt, etc., and is now

involved in one of the church choirs at the

Refuse Temple in Chennault. All have told

me that I was harsh in my assessment back

then, and that he deserved another try.

Somehow, that well-meant advice

always stuck in my craw, and added to my

arrogance and my pride. Never, I

thought, not until Hades freezes over.

Well, I had to get out my ice-skates the

other day, because Ry Cooder finally

got me with “No Banker Left Behind,”

a witty elegant ditty from his GRAM-

MY-nominated album, Pull Up Some

Dust And Sit Down.

I cast my ballot for him, and I

hope he gets the award for this

spare, fine portrait of life in the

21st Century. No matter how

much you may have liked his pro-

duction of traditional Cuban

music on the Buena Vista Social

Club album, which director

Leslie Berman’s career in music spansfour decades, and includes stints as afolksinger, music teacher, coffeehousebooker, concert promoter, publicist, fes-tival director, music journalist, albumnotes writer, artist managerwwwww,trade organization president, enter-tainment attorney, and president ofthe Music Museum of SouthwestLouisiana. She prefers all thingsmusically eclectic, and votes on the

GRAMMYs as a member of theRecording Academy. She can be

reached at [email protected].

Two Eulogies and

an Unqualified

Change of Heart


Killin’ Time CrosswordACROSS1. Attorney's organization4. Peacock Throne ruler8. Functions12. LAX posting13. Shrewd14. Prefix with sphere15. Figured out16. Abnormal18. Besmirch20. Bubkes21. Butts24. Theme28. Band member32. Falafel bread33. Symbol of might34. Bite-the-bullet type36. Plating material37. Oscar winner Sorvino39. Lauding41. Cartoon voice Mel43. Cambodia's Phnom __44. Wise one46. Outspoken50. Espresso cup55. Smelter input56. Wilson of "WeddingCrashers"57. Climb58. "60 Minutes" network59. Frobe who playedGoldfinger60. Actress Daly

61. World War II agcy.

DOWN1. Panhandles2. Bit of physics3. Miles per hour, e.g.4. Sacred beetles5. Solo in space6. "Give it ___!"7. Mass number8. Horse gait9. Oklahoma Indian10. Down Under bird11. "Send help!"17. Fire preceder?19. Pitcher's asset22. Sweater eater23. Pry25. South American mon-key26. Pack ___27. Tooth28. Mausoleum29. Commuting option30. Creole vegetable31. German article35. Organize conference38. Consecrate40. Fraternity letter42. 100 lbs.45. Endure47. Designer Chanel48. Wall St. workers

49. Lacking50. Plague51. Flock member52. Debussy's "La ___"53. Reserved54. Fall from grace

© Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd

To purchase more puzzles visit our websitewww.lovattspuzzles.com

Wim Wenders kicked up a notchin his movie of the same name(both of which revived the careersof some incredible musicians), orhis soundtracks for Paris, Texas,Crossroads, Last Man Standing,or Primary Colors, Pull Up SomeDust And Sit Down is somethingelse again.

For one thing, the album does-n’t just show off Cooder’s immer-sion in an ethnic music he’s justdiscovered, for which I busted hischops all those years ago. From my

vantage point, with this album, he’spretty much stripped off the pro-tective layering of other peoples’music and let us hear instead howthe real Ry Cooder with nothingleft to prove, feels, and thinks, andplays. Pull Up Some Dust And SitDown reflects a greater complexityin a greater simplicity than all thatCooder has been able to show mebefore. It is, just possibly, his per-sonal best, ever. I’m delighted to beable to say that after all these years,he finally changed my mind. TJN

WE WEAR GLOVESNot white gloves, but

heavy duty ones as wecomplete projects all over town.We can get a lot Done in a Day!!!

We've been busy transforming buildingsand transforming lives for over 75 years.

WE HAVE GREAT TASTEWe sell our cookbooks, not only to share great recipes, but to

enrich the lives of families in SWLA. We use the proceeds from our cookbook sales and other fundraisers to put our passion into action

all year long through our projects and grants.

WE DELIVERNot only to our community, but also to our members. We help

women develop their potential for a lifetime of service. Through ourvarious placements and diverse backgrounds, we gain skills that are

valuable in our "day jobs" and volunteer work.

Last year, the JLLC...• tackled issues such as childhood obesity,

poor nutrition, literacy and women's health• granted $10,000 to innovative teachers at

five local schools• completed and distributed more than

200 personal care packages • led 27 sessions to help autistic children

increase social skills with their peers• worked in partnership with over

10 community agencies• provided nearly 6,800 hours of

service to SWLA

BECOME A FANBecome a fan of the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. Follow us onFacebook, support us as a donor or best of all, become a member!

Visit jllc.net for details.(337) 436-4025

The Jambalaya News - Vol. 3 No. 22

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Transcript of The Jambalaya News - Vol. 3 No. 22