05_07_2009

VOL. 1, NO. 3 / MAY 7, 2009

Taekwondo School Focuses on Family Fitness The Children's Museum: After the Fire, Hope Superfoods for Better Health • Swine Flu Update

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MAY 7, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

GENERAL 826 Ford St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque publisher@thejambalayanews.com

NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

EDITOR Lisa Yates lisa@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS L. Kay Andrews Terry Backhaus Leslie Berman Sara Blackwell Jen Breen James Doyle Dan Ellender Pam Mattingly Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Steve Springer, M.D. ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Patricia Prudhomme GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck darrell@thejambalayanews.com

BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER L. Kay Andrews The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 826 Ford Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2009 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

DISTRIBUTION: The Jambalaya News is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The Jambalaya News may be distributed only by The Jambalaya News authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Jambalaya News take more than one copy of each issue from its racks.

Volume 1 • Issue 3

contents COVER STORY 22

22

The Wright Stuff

REGULARS 8 10 12 14 15 16 17 20

May 7, 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 3

14

The Boiling Pot The Zestful Life Bayou Biz What’s Cookin’ Doyle’s Place The Dang Yankee A Greener World Financial Forum

FEATURES 5 26 30 32 33

After the Fire, Hope Superfoods for Better Health Swine Flu Update Dry Eye Syndrome Keeping Fit in the Lake Area

ENTERTAINMENT 35 36 37 38 40 41 45

Eclectic Company Funbolaya Family Night at the Movies Red Hot Books Killin’ Time Crossword Society Spice Jambalaya Jam

5 26

12 Clarification: In the April 23 article about Cigar Room, The Jambalaya News stated that they sell Cuban Romeo Y Julietas.

They do sell Romeos, but they are Dominican, not Cuban. Also, Steven’s new cigar is called Odyssey, not Odyssey 317.

17 MAY 7, 2009

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From the Publisher This is the third issue of The Jambalaya News, and we couldn’t be happier. As I’ve been out there marketing, distributing and working with advertisers, I couldn’t have imagined the positive responses we’ve been receiving. The other day, as I was stacking papers at the Coffee Beanery, an older gentleman came over and took a paper. He opened it up, flipped through the pages, and said, “Wow! Maybe I will start reading a biweekly. This looks very appealing!”

And here’s just one of the many wonderful letters we recently received: Lauren and Phil, I finally got a copy of the first edition of Jambalaya, and I wanted to tell you and my pal Phil that you have done a great service to Lake Charles by giving it an optional paper in which to look for fresh reporting, diverse points of view, and wonderful stories like the one written about a man losing a friend.... it made me feel so SAD I wanted to invite the writer to dinner!

You have a great staff, and you must be wonderful “bosses” to work for. I saved the first edition encased in plastic in my cedar chest for my grandkids.

Everything CLICKS! ! !

Full speed ahead, Anne Dentler

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MAY 7, 2009

On that note, our goal is to “wow” you in every issue with unique, professionally written articles, precise attention to detail and colorful layouts that will keep you reading The Jambalaya News from cover to cover!

Again, we thank you for your support and encouragement.

– Phil de Albuquerque TJN

Phil de Albuquerque and Iggy, the lone survivor from the Children’s Museum.

Volume 1 • Issue 3

By Lauren de Albuquerque

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 22, the phone rang at our house. That’s never a good sign. My husband Phil sprang out of bed to take the call. “I don’t want to worry you,” he said when he rushed back into the bedroom. “But The Children’s Museum is on fire. I’ve got to get over there.”

Phil is the president of the board of directors of the museum. He, like everyone else connected with it, has put his heart and soul into making the museum the success that it is. The news was devastating.

The fire When he arrived at the scene, the fire department had just finished extinguishing the fire. The first floor appeared to be a total loss. The second and third floors were suffering the effects of smoke damage—but due to the quick response of the police and the firefighters, the fire had been contained to the first floor. Dan Ellender, the museum director, was cradling Iggy the iguana—the only surviving animal (Iggy’s girlfriend Twiggy, and the turtles and birds, all perished). Iggy was on oxygen provided by the fire department, but needed immediate medical attention.

“I told Dan that the Pet Emergency Medical Clinic in south Lake Charles was open all night, and that I would take him in,” Phil said. First, a crate was needed—so Phil dashed back home to get one of our cat carriers. With his long tail, Iggy

barely fit. Once at the clinic, the staff was encouraged to see that his tongue was still pink. “If it were black, then that would indicate a real problem,” Phil said. They put him on oxygen and made him comfortable.

Phil then headed back to the museum for the remainder of the night to assist Ellender. The fire department instructed them to open all the doors and windows in the entire building as they began to investigate the cause of the fire, which appeared to be electrical. As the sun was rising, Phil went back to the emergency clinic (which is only open when all the other animal hospitals are closed) to pick Iggy up and move him to University Animal Hospital for more observation.

Museum employee, Joi Broussard, cleaning up.

The loss—and the question about insurance That morning, Phil came home exhausted and stressed. With the first floor gutted by the fire, 17 much-loved exhibits were completely destroyed, including Baby Bayou, the Nature Center (which contained the iguanas, birds, and turtles), the Whisper Dishes, the Shadow Room, the Rainforest, Lake Area Industry Alliance and You, Fancy Dancing, Invisible Drums, Mr. Bones, Rowdy’s Café, Sunny’s Market, the Crabbing Pier, Rollyway Ramp, the Lake Charles Fire Department exhibit, Cajun House, the Sound Piano and Animation Screen. And by then, it was determined that there wasn’t enough content insurance to cover the loss.

As coincidence would have it, the monthly

We very much appreciate the outpouring of support for the Children’s Museum. The Museum belongs to the community and together we can make it even better than before. We welcome your all your questions and suggestions, feel free to contact us at 433-9420.

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MAY 7, 2009

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board meeting had already been scheduled for that day. Everyone sprang into action. “This is such a great board,” Phil said. “I’m thrilled at how everyone stepped up to the plate.” First thing on the agenda to discuss was the clean up, and how to get the second and third floors ready to reopen. The museum is hoping to have those floors available to the public soon. But most important, money is needed to replace all the exhibits that were lost on the first floor.

On that note, the board wants to clear up any misconceptions people may have about why there wasn’t enough insurance.

First of all, the Children’s Museum does not own the building it occupies—it rents the space. The owner of the building has the insurance to take care of all the fire damage to the building. This includes the damage to the floors, walls, ceilings and electrical system. What The Children’s Museum needs are donations to help replace lost exhibits and equipment only—not to repair the building.

Being a non-profit organization, the museum is funded by grants, admissions and memberships, and donations. It has a certain amount of money to work with and has to budget accordingly.

Insurance coverage for a museum is very hard to find, and very expensive once a company is found that is willing to underwrite it. The museum needed two types of insurance – liability and content. The biggest concern has always been liability – to cover the museum in case someone were to be injured there – so the bulk of the insurance budget went to that type of insurance.

As for contents insurance, the museum did the best it could with the budget it had available. The value of the exhibits depreciated very quickly over time, and even though they were very expensive to purchase and to build, in just a few years, the cost to replace those exhibits is nowhere near PAGE 6

MAY 7, 2009

the amount that will be received from the insurance company.

Restoration update I visited the museum with Phil recently, and walked through the first floor, gutted to the walls and still stinking of smoke and wet wood.

Employees and volunteers were everywhere, clearing and cleaning.

Dan Ellender was fielding calls from a phone hooked up in the lobby area.

Assistant Director Allyson Montgomery was home, busy at her computer. Everyone was making do, and working hard. Vendors such as Dairy Barn on Ryan St., Pronia’s and Domino’s generously donated lunches to the tired workers throughout the week. And, as we go to press, significant progress has been made.

The first floor has been essentially cleared. Volunteers removed all the large exhibits and the management company pulled up the carpet. The second floor has been prepared for ceiling tile removal, and the large exhibits there have been cleaned and covered. The smaller exhibits have been moved for cleaning and shortterm storage. Rooms of old and obsolete material were cleared, and one dumpster was completely filled with debris and emptied by that evening.

“We are rapidly completing the clearing-out phase,” said Ellender.

“Citgo and others will have volunteers this Saturday, and we should be almost through with throwing things out. We have a lot of old cans of paint that we need help getting disposed of properly. We will use volunteers for continued cleaning next week.”

The next phases are cleaning, planning, funding, and replacement.

Floor tile and carpet squares will be needed in the upcoming weeks, and the museum is hoping that they will be donated. Also, the party walls need to be rebuilt.

“We have a prototype party wall component (a 6x4-foot panel) that is available for copying and fabrication,” Volume 1 • Issue 3

Ellender said. “We need 25, built and stained. These can be made from 2x4s, plywood, and PVC. They link together and can be hinged to make the party walls.” Many a Lake Area child has either celebrated or attended a birthday party at The Children’s Museum, and the walls separate the party from the rest of the museum.

The community begins to respond Cameron State Bank has set up a Save the Children’s Museum fund.

Donations will be accepted at any branch of the bank. You can also donate directly to the museum at 327 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.

Que Pasa on Nelson Rd. will host a “Family Night for the Children’s Museum” on Monday, May 11, from 6-9 p.m. Five percent of all proceeds will be donated to the “Save the Children’s Museum — and Iggy’s Home” fund.

The Jambalaya News printed 1,000 posters of the cover of its inaugural issue featuring Jean Lafitte and the Buccaneers. They are available with any donation at Pujo St. Café, Synergy Salon, Brousse’s A Child’s World, Pigtails and Crewcuts, My Favorite Things, Emily’s A Children’s Store and Indulgence. The posters will also be available at a booth near the Buccaneer Compound during

Volume 1 • Issue 3

Contraband Days, where they will be signed by many of the Buccaneers.

Anise Morein started an e-mail campaign after her son Griffin, a first-grader at A.A. Nelson Elementary, said he’d like to donate his money so the museum could “buy more pets.” She shared the idea with his teacher, who agreed others might be interested, and the other first grade classes at the school have been included. Morein then challenged another teacher at St. John Elementary. Not only was she up for the task, but their principal is also interested. As a result, St. John’s has accepted Nelson Elementary’s challenge and is now striving to beat their collection.

The idea is now catching on at Henry Heights Elementary, McNeese State University Education Department, Calcasieu Parish Libraries, and the Arts and Humanities Council. The Nelson fundraiser is scheduled on May 14.

On May 22, there will be an announcement of the collection results at Downtown at Sundown.

For more information on you can play an important part in saving The Children’s Museum, call (337) 4339420. TJN

Iggy the Iguana Update After several days in the hospital, Iggy was moved to a private home, thanks to two reptile-lovers who heard about his plight. He lost a bit of his tail (either from stress or the effects of the fire), and wasn’t eating much initially, but he has adjusted to his new home and is now doing very well. According to his caretakers, his appetite has returned, he’s gone swimming twice, and has also received a manicure. What especially makes him happy are the female iguanas. He bobs his head in approval as he admires them from across the room!

Both the Pet Emergency Clinic and University Animal Hospital

donated their time and resources.

Iggy would like to thank the Lake Charles police department for noticing the fire in the window so quickly and contacting the fire department. And he would like to express his gratitude to the Lake Charles Fire Department for their unbelievable response. The call was received at 2:01 a.m. and they were there and had the fire contained by 2:13 a.m.

“Thank you for the oxygen. You saved my life.”

“Iggy” - only survivor of The Children’s Museum fire

TJN

MAY 7, 2009

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The

Boiling

P l

Delta Tech Launches New Web Site Delta Tech launched its Web site www.deltatech.edu recently with a dramatic new look and feel. Delta Tech worked with the design team at Bizzuka, Inc. a Web site design firm based out of Lafayette, to create this extension of their business. Bizzuka offers their clients access to the OnDeCC technology (On Demand Content and Components), which enabled Delta Tech to add many enhancements to their Web site to include: • Ease of Navigation – user-friendly buttons for About Delta Tech, Admissions, Academics, Student Life and Graduates, • Updated Look – Eye-catching colors and graphics that will keep the viewers engaged in the material as they browse the site, and • Additional Features - New features on the site include a site search function, photo galleries, news and events, print-friendly pages and “e-mail a friend” elements on each page.

The mission of Delta School of Business and Technology is to recruit, train, retain, graduate, and assist in placing students with the job skills that are in demand by employers and who have a work ethic that will promote success.

Pounders Named Entergy Region Manager for Lake Charles Area Sheila Pounders has been named regional customer service manager in the Lake Charles area for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. Pounders replaces Shady Patton, who recently retired after 35 years with Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. Prior to accepting her new position, Pounders spent the last year as a customer service manager in the Baton Rouge area. There she helped to speed up the resolution process for customer complaints while also managing seven commercial and Sheila Pounders industrial accounts. She also spent a year as a customer service manager with Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Pounders earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from McNeese State University.

Power Squadron Offers Safe Boating Class on Sat. May 23 The Lake Charles Power Squadron will hold a one-day Safe Boating class on Sat. May 23, at their clubhouse located just past the I-210 boat launch past Lafleur Park. The class is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Boaters with insurance may get a discount by completing this approved class. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 must take the class before operating a boat over 10 hp. This class will cover all aspects of safe boating along with information on the hazards of our local waterway. A light lunch will be provided, or you can bring a sack lunch. There is a $5 charge for each person, age 10 and older, to cover refreshments and materials. An adult must accompany anyone under age 13. For more information, call Ship to Shore at 474-0730.

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MAY 7, 2009

Buddy Roemer to Speak at West Calcasieu Association of Commerce Program May 14 The West Calcasieu Association of Commerce announced that Buddy Roemer will be the guest speaker at the Thurs., May 14 luncheon and program. The public is invited to come hear former La. Governor Roemer speak on “The Current U.S. Economy, the Current Economy in Louisiana and the Current Economic Outlook for Southwest Louisiana.” Catered lunch and program will begin at noon at the Sulphur Parks Recreation and Aquatic Center, located at 933 West Parish Road. In 1987, Roemer was elected as governor of Louisiana from 1988 to 1992. While governor, he worked to create jobs, cleanup the environment, improve education, rebuild highways, and set high ethical standards for public servants. For more information on the meeting or to RSVP, please call (337) 533-1040.

Pictured with the donation, from left, are: Jared Gremillion, UTD executive board member; Jenny Canaday, UTD executive board member; Matthew Welsh, UTD faculty adviser; Anyoleth Sanchez; Laura Dunnick, UTD executive board member; and Collin Brown, UTD executive board member.

MSU’s Up Til Dawn Raises more than $20,000 for St. Jude’s McNeese State University’s Up Til Dawn student organization raised more than $20,195 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and presented a check to Anyoleth Sanchez, St. Jude’s Houston representative, at its spring finale event.

Give McDonald’s Your Cans for Coffee at the Civic Center on May 16 Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s will bring the Cans for Coffee food drive to the Lake Charles Civic Center on Sat., May 16, when the Louisiana Swashbucklers face the Acadiana Mudbugs. Fans will receive a coupon for a free, 12-oz. McCafe coffee when they donate a non-perishable food item to Volume 1 • Issue 3

Abraham’s Tent. Coupons can be redeemed at any Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s and includes all McCafe varieties: Mocha, Iced Mocha, Latte, Iced Latte, Cappuccino, Premium Roast Coffee and Hot Chocolate. The Cans for Coffee food drive will run at all Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s restaurants from Tues., May 5, to Mon., May 18. All donors will receive their choice of any 12oz. McCafe coffee. Calcasieu Parish McDonalds, owned and operated by Doug Gehrig, are dedicated to serving and assisting the Southwest Louisiana community. For more information on Cans for Coffee, contact Jen Breen at (337) 478-7396 or jbreen@ocarroll.com.

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort March Five Star Employees L’Auberge du Lac Names March Five Star Employees L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently announced its March Five Star Employees. Additionally, the property named its Leaders of the Quarter.

The Five Stars are: Denise McMillon, lead laundry attendant; Paul Wright, VIP bartender; Patricia Manuel, impression clerk; Arvet Ledoux, slot floorperson; Tracey Norris, a table games dealer; and Kelly Vo, a table games dealer. Paul Wright is also designated as the Employee of the Month and is now eligible to receive the coveted Employee of the Year award. The Leaders of the Quarter are Cassandra Prudhomme, assistant slot shift manager; Stacy Marcum, Spa du Lac manager; Lisa Wilkerson, revenue audit manager; Vincent Charles, table games pit manager; Harold Taylor, front desk supervisor; and Rebecca Bollmeier, table games floor supervisor.

The employees received their awards on April 14 at a Recognition Luncheon with L’Auberge Vice President and General Manager Larry Lepinski and members of the senior management team.

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort Leaders of the Quarter

Black Heritage Festival would like to THANK All of our Sponsors.

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort u Tobacco-Free Living u Delta Downs SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau u ConocoPhillips u Capital One Nissan of Lake Charles u AT&T u Entergy u Louisiana Lottery City of Lake Charles u Arts & Humanities Council u Jeff Davis Bank Billy Navarre u Cameron State Bank u Sams Club Wal-Mart u Ryan & Associates u Holiday Inn Express Best Western Hotel & Suites

SERVCO Changes Name, Relocates SERVCO Restoration, the region’s largest, full-service disaster response and restoration service provider, has changed its name to Rapid Response Restoration and relocated its main office from DeRidder to 107 Post Oak Road in Sulphur. The newly named Rapid Response Restoration will maintain its U.S. Gulf Coast restoration coverage area with national response coverage capability, Wright said. The company can be reached 24 hours a day at either 477-8400 or (877) 962-6800. TJN

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LAKE CHARLES LOCATION:

3522 Ryan St.

337-474-6625

The

Life

Active Kids are Healthy Kids

By Sara Blackwell

With child obesity on the rise and with the threat of physical education being eliminated from public schools, it is important for parents to take the initiative of educating children on issues of health. Equally vital is the parents’ involvement in the diet and exercise of their young ones. Lake Charles and the surrounding areas particularly have an abundance of options for the physical fitness of young children and teens. The chosen specific physical fitness activity will depend on the disposition of the child, age of the participant and the parents’ ability and willingness to financially fund the activity.

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MAY 7, 2009

For the family with money set aside for their child’s fitness conditioning and enjoyment, Southwest Louisiana offers several fun and exciting activities. Boys, as well as girls, can enjoy a regular karate class.

Available in Lake Charles are several types of karate, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and selfdefense classes. The classes are available in several locations and at several different times of the week.

Specifically, Master Choy Tae Kwon Do Institute located at 4626 Nelson Road offers various classes instructed by an experienced black belt trainer.

Contact them at (337) 477-8080. It is important to find a particular facility which offers classes which match the family schedule with a karate schedule.

There are several gymnastics facilities around the area. Gymnastics builds a child’s strength and teaches skills that are useful in many sports and activities. Additionally, there are dance studios and swim classes available for a monthly charge. Dance studios offer a variety of classes such as tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and classical dance. It is a good idea to speak to your child about his or her interest and attempt to pair your child’s desires with what is available in the

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family’s price range and timeframe.

RayGyms, located on Ryan Street across from Casa Manana restaurant, offers karate, gymnastics, cheer and dance classes. (See www.raygyms.com for more info.)

The one drawback to these aforementioned activities is the frequency, or lack thereof, of the paid class. A one-hour-per-week physical workout is insufficient to positively affect a child’s health. It is important that kids are exposed to other sports or activities in addition to the one-hour a week class. Otherwise, parents should sit in the class and take notes, and then the child should be encouraged to practice the learned skills throughout the week—particularly with parental involvement. The more a parent is involved in the child’s physical fitness, the more a child will increase his or her daily activity.

Another, more affordable opportunity for the promotion of physical activity is the local recreational sports. Lake Charles, Sulphur, Moss Bluff, Westlake and other surrounding areas offer several seasonal and year round recreational sports. Some available sports include football, flag football, volleyball, soccer, (fast pitch and slow pitch) baseball, softball, golf, basketball and cheerleading. Many of the area Baptist Churches offer Upward basketball and cheerleading.

Participation in competition sports not only assists in a child’s physical health, but also teaches life skills such as working as a team, good sportsmanship and socialization.

Finally, a family may choose to increase their endurance and health by taking advantage of good old family-fun activities such as bike-riding.

And virtually all children take pleasure from jumping on a trampoline. A neighborhood or city-owned swimming pool also provides hours of fun in the sun, which can be a great source of physical fitness. The long summer days provide plenty of sunlight for family walks after dinner or a neighborhood game in the front yard. Children strive to imitate the actions of their parents. So parents, keep yourself healthy and active and your children will likely follow suit.

Digital Cameras for Dummies Class Begins May 11 Do you have a digital camera? Do you want to learn what all those buttons are for? Do you want to take better pictures? Then this class is for you. Digital Cameras for Dummies will give you a better understanding of your camera and digital photography in general. Valerie Smith, a local photographer, will be offering a six-week course starting May 11 through June 15 on Monday evenings from 7 p.m. -

9 p.m. All you need to bring is your camera, the owner’s manual and the desire to learn and have fun. The class is limited to 12, so reserve your place early by calling Gallery by the Lake at (337) 436-1008, or Valerie Smith at (337) 302-1978. It will be held at The Gallery by the Lake, Creative Arts Center, at 106 W. Lawrence St., Lake Charles, LA 70601. The cost is $85.

Valerie Smith received her B.A. (Visual

Arts) with a concentration in photography from McNeese State University.

Her work has been shown in several local and regional competitions, and she he held her first independent show, Kaleidoscope, in 2007. Valerie is an active member of the Associated Louisiana Artist (ALA), The Art Studio, Inc. (TASI) and Lone Star Art Guild (LSAG).

TJN

Information on recreation sports can be found at the City of Lake Charles Web site (www.cityoflakecharles.com) or Sulphur Recreation and Parks facility (www.sulphurparks.com).

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 3

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 11

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Slender Solutions Wrapping Your Way to Slim!

It all started right before the 2009 Mardi Gras season. Phil and I were the 2008 king and queen of Krewe Déjà vu du Monde. As past royalty, our presence was required at the Twelfth Night celebration at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Jan. 6 to promenade for the last time.

I dug out my gorgeous costume and tried to zip myself up in the gown. Uh-oh.

I managed to get it on—but it was a tight squeeze. And it looked terrible. I had packed on a few pounds over the past year—not to mention that all that holiday indulging had really caught up with me. Meanwhile, Phil is the same size he was in high school. Life isn’t fair.

What was I going to do?

Then I remembered The Wrap.

I’d heard there was a place in town that specialized in wrapping you up

in something like bandages, and you could lose inches off your body. It was great in a pinch, and I was in a pinch, literally.

So I called Slender Solutions, explained my plight, and made an appointment.

I was told to bring in my gown, so they could see exactly what my situation was. I also realized that I should have started this well in advance of the event, so I could get a least a few wraps in, instead of just one—but I had to hope for the best.

The staff couldn’t have been nicer.

After trying on my gown, I changed into a robe and slippers and followed my wrap tech to a curtained-off area where I was weighed and my arms, legs, hips, thighs, you name it—were measured. Then the wrapping began.

Basically, my entire body was wrapped in ace bandages soaked in a special warm mineral solution. My main problem is with my stomach and thighs, so I was wrapped especially tight in those areas. I also had my neck, chin and head

Hannah Leger, Dixette Williams, Candace Peveto and April Sanders wrapped. My feet and hands were encased in plastic to catch the excess water. When they were done, I looked like the Bride of the Mummy. I was then covered with a plastic poncho to keep the warmth in.

My wrap tech carefully (let’s face it, it’s hard to walk in that get-up— even like an Egyptian!) led me into a room set up with what looked like treadmills. Contrary to what I thought, you don’t lie down and relax for 30 minutes. You get on this contraption and move—to keep your circulation going. Keep in mind that you don’t have to exert yourself at all— you just have to keep your legs moving.

After I was set up on the machine, I was sprayed with warm water, and I started to move. The TV was on, and the staff kept coming in and out to chat. In spite of the way I looked, I felt very much at home. Occasionally, the bags on my hands and feet were changed as they filled with water.

After a half hour, I was led out of the room, and quickly unwrapped. I dried off, and then I was measured.

I was thrilled. I had lost a total of almost 30 inches around my entire body. I tried on my gown again, and it fit! I was able to promenade at Twelfth Night looking like a queen.

So, how does it work?

According to Slender Solutions, aging is accelerated by the accumula-

tion of metabolic wastes and environmental poisons, which cause lack of energy, wrinkles, cellulite and crepe skin. Looking younger is possible by simply freeing the body of this lifelong buildup. With the wrap, while you’re removing those inches from your body, losing your double chin and tightening your skin, you are also cleansing your body of unwanted materials.

Since that first visit, I go to Slender Solutions around once a month for a maintenance wrap. It’s imperative that you help things along by maintaining your weight.

Remember, the wrap gives you a slimmer appearance by helping you lose inches, not weight.

I’ve gone down a size and my skin feels much softer and more supple.

And lazy me realizes that if I exercised more and was more careful about my diet, more inches would come off.

Dixette Williams: How it began Slender Solutions is a licensed provider of The Body Wrap by Victoria Morton, who started Suddenly Slender in Florida 30 years ago.

Dixette Williams opened the Lake Charles Slender Solutions ten years ago. A paralegal for 26 years, she was frustrated with her weight. “I just got fat!” she exclaimed. “The 40s hit me really hard. I tried diet pills and exercise, and all the usual weight loss stuff, but nothing worked.”

Desperate, she went on the Internet, and found a Suddenly

Victoria Morton’s weight loss products and dietary supplements.

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MAY 7, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

562-0054 WEDDING SPECIALS

Tuxedo Rentals Rental Includes: Shirt, Pants, Studs, Bowtie & Cummerbund

Starting At

$

3495*

Grooms tuxedo FREE with five or more paid tuxedo rentals.

We Do Heirlooming for Bridal Gowns

LOCATIONS 3821 Ryan St. • 106 W. Broad St. • 1219 Hwy 171 • 3203 Ryan St. Slender franchise in Lafayette. She went, and the inches came off. She was hooked. In six months, she had quit her job, and opened Slender Solutions in Lake Charles.

She admits that opening the business was a leap of faith. “It wasn’t easy in the beginning,” she admitted.

“People were skeptical at first.” She rented a small building, and Williams’ mother answered the phone. “Only until 2 p.m.; after that, she took her nap!” she laughed. There was only room for one wrap at a time, which made things difficult.

As expected, the concept caught on when clients started seeing results.

After the first year, things started looking up, and Williams was able to buy the spacious building that they are in now. With three wrap techs on duty, three wraps can be done at the same time.

Williams is quick to point out that she will happily accommodate clients who may be self-conscious by not scheduling other appointments at that time. Male clients are always done separately; and couples that wrap together generally get their own time.

Slender Solutions also offers airbrush tanning, tanning beds, facial waxing, face taping and skin-conditioning masks. I always get the Mineral Body Wrap, but there are others, including the Fat Burner Wrap, Body Lift Wrap, and the AntiAging Wrap. And there are a host of products to enhance the results of the wraps, such as Mineral Magic Plus, the No-Diet Combo, the Flat Stomach Combo and more.

Slender Solutions is located at 1602 West McNeese St. in Lake Charles. The hours are Mon., 9 a.m.

–2 p.m.; Tues. –Fri- 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; and the second Sat. of each month from 9 a.m. –2 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 562-9400,or check out the Web site at www.slendersolutions.com.

TJN

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MAY 7, 2009

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If you have a recipe and story you would like to share, e-mail us at lauren@thejambalayanews.com

What’s Cookin’ Carole Cox Shares Old Family Recipe Carole Cox is a native of Lake Charles, as was her father and grandfather. She was born at St. Pat’s, (a long time ago, she says) and has never lived more than 15 miles away. She has lived in Sulphur since 1966 and has been a widow for 16 years. She has five daughters, one son, 18 grandchildren, and 14 great-grand children, with two more due in late summer. Carole is a decorative painter, and has been a master gardener for almost five years. She is an avid reader, and loves to travel when the budget permits.

She has been employed by the City of Lake Charles at the 1911 Historic City Hall, as operations manager, since September of 2004. She loves Southwest Louisiana, and would not want to live anywhere else!

The following is one of her family’s favorite dessert recipes, handed down from generation to generation. TJN

Great-Grandmother Hickerson’s Sugar Cookies 1 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup shortening 2 eggs 3 cups sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 8-10 cups of flour 1 cup of ground pecans (optional) Pour the buttermilk in a large bowl that can contain at least 2 cups. Add the baking soda and stir to dissolve.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and the shortening.

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MAY 7, 2009

Carole Cox

Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix well.

You may add the pecans now, or start adding the flour to make a fairly still dough.

The dough may be refrigerated at this point, or you may start rolling the dough out. My grandmother always made big round cookies. Sprinkle the sugar before baking.

Bake at 375 until barely brown around the edges.

These cookies keep, and freeze very well. All dough should be used within a week.

Enjoy!

Volume 1 • Issue 3

come up with the broadsword and take a wide swooping swing at the middle of the pig. It cut him in half, not unexpectedly (AWWWWW-RIIIITE!!!).

In the end, when they showed the match-up between the actors playing the parts of the pirate and the knight respectively, the pirate won by throwing a granado at the knight as he came down a hill on his horse. The knight looked a bit confused. He staggered around and fell to the ground. The pirate then came up with

Doyle

By Jim

his flint-locked pistol, raised the knight’s visor, and put a round in his nose. That did the trick.

My son Harry was ecstatic.

“Dude, did you see that?!?!”

Yes, I did, Harry.

I haven’t yet decided if I am going to watch next week. The match- up is between a Yakuza (Japanese mobster) and an American Mafia operative.

“Take the gun. Leave the wasabi.”

Have fun finding your own escapist entertainment, and I’ll see you guys on the flip. TJN

Savage Amusement Years ago, when I was a sportswriter covering LSU basketball, Dale Brown was fond of saying his team “couldn’t beat the Little Sisters of the Poor” on any given night. With today’s technology, it might be possible to find out.

Remember that scene from the movie Fight Club when the two sides of Tyler Durden were talking about people they would like to fight, alive or dead?

“I’d fight my dad,” one guy said.

“I’d fight Lincoln,” said another.

Believe it or not, today, you could fight Lincoln.

You find these things out when you have a 15-year-old roommate.

There is a show on Spike TV, one of those channels in the middle of the cable guide between the shopping network and the movies, which has a show called “The Ultimate Warrior.”

In this series, the creators of the show bring figures from history to life with actors and computers, using real weapons and real people, to see who’s better. This week it matched a pirate with a knight from the Middle Ages.

It really wasn’t a fair fight. The knight had armor. The pirate had a granado, which is, as you might expect, a grenade. Armor is good for lots of things. Unfortunately, it doesn’t hold up well to a granado.

Actually, granado sounds like a drink you might get on Bourbon Street, but that’s another story.

The pirate also had an advantage with his blunderbuss, a nasty looking sawed-off shotgun fired from close range. Even one pellet piercing the knight’s armor could do him in, as

Volume 1 • Issue 3

they demonstrated with one of the life-like mannequins they used to show the proficiency of their ancient weapons.

These mannequins are something.

They are actually mockups of human beings, complete with skulls full of brain matter and blood. The way they are usually attacked is with a bludgeoned weapon of one kind of another, a pike with a sharp point and an axe blade, and the force exerted by a professional killer, usually a former Special Forces operative.

These real human beings go up to the fake human beings, slash into them with the weapon, blood and brain matter sprays all over the place, and the guys in the room make grunting noises (AWWWWW-RIIIITE!!!

And other assorted man noises).

They actually have some kind of computer animation set up to judge the efficiency of the blows, and they have an emergency room doctor on the set to evaluate whether the mannequin would have died from the assault. Yep, that blow to the head would really do him in. “When you see brains splashing around, you killed your opponent,” said the doctor one night, solemnly.

In the match-up between the pirate and knight, they also judged the relative killing power of the pirate’s cutlass versus the knight’s broadsword. Now, the broadsword is a technologically advanced weapon, at least for 1136 A.D. Because of its heft, it could actually cut through bone. They demonstrated this by hanging a pig carcass from the ceiling, having the Special Forces guy

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PAGE 15

Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

Howdy, Neighbors!

Greetings, fellow citizens of Southwest Louisiana! I am, as the title implies, a Dang Yankee. I’m sure that you’re familiar with this term. It sure didn’t take long for me to be made aware of it after arriving here from the North Country. (And no, it doesn’t have anything to do with a baseball player and the devil.) Let me explain just to be sure we’re on the same page.

The Dang Yankee is the kind who comes here and doesn’t go back. I at least partially resemble that remark.

See, I’m really not considered by other Northerners to be a pedigreed Yankee, since I’m actually from a “bor-

der state.” What’s a border state, you ask? It’s simply where you’re not actually in Yankee land, but you can see it from your house. I am from the southern side of the Mason-Dixon Line, which I’m told is the official border between North and South. I really don’t know who came up with that definition or under what authority. He must have been either some snob on the north side who was trying to make being a Yankee something more exclusive, or it was somebody from the south side who didn’t want to be associated with the folks on the north side.

Well, now that you know a little

Bessette Realty, Inc. Phil and Lauren, you have given me the perfect tool for relocation.

I have wished for a way to express the personality of Southwest Louisiana for years. The warmth, charm, and caring of our people for one another is not easily conveyed in a few words. The beauty of our area, the cultural richness and the zest of our food and humor abound in the pages of your magazine. The Jambalaya News captures all of these features within its covers and serves it up as spicy as the dish for which it takes its name. Congratulations on a job superbly done. This will be an integral part of my relocation kits from now on.

— Derenda Grubb - CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty, Inc. (337) 842-2696 • www.derenda.com

PAGE 16

MAY 7, 2009

about me, here’s why I’m writing this column. You see, this new paper here in town just happens to be published by a couple who are themselves Dang Yankees (and real ones at that, unlike yours truly). So, l figured they’d be keen on the idea of a column reflecting on life here in Southwest Louisiana from the perspective of Northern transplants like ourselves. After all, we share the sentiment that life can’t get much better than it is in this neck of the woods. It abounds in resources and has got the friendliest, most funloving people around. You can’t beat that combination, can you?

I came here about six years ago, and I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive at first. Before I left my perch with the splendid view of Yankee land, everything I knew about Louisiana at the time was from a few former coworkers who’d visited. And they weren’t real, uh, positive. Of course, both of them are just the plain old kind of Yankees who came and went back. The first one described his experience in Louisiana as being completely alien, and likened it to being on the moon. (Well, I always did think this guy could have made a good extra on Men in Black.) When I asked him why he felt so out of place, he said, “Well, I found out that they only have one Rainforest Cafe in the entire state- and they opened it up only a few months ago.” Hah, let him have his Rainforest Cafes. Who needs ‘em when you’ve got Steamboat Bill’s?

The other co-worker actually lived in Baton Rouge a whole few months— then he, too, went back. Man, I thought he was a real expert on the subject of Louisiana life—especially when he gave me a lecture about the five scourges of Louisiana. (The five scourges would take an entire article to go into, so let’s leave them for later.)

The short story is, he was full of it.

Needless to say, I didn’t pay much heed to those two guys. Now, let’s get to the subject at hand.

I’ll start with the weather, since that’s how about 90 percent of all conversations get started. One thing that struck me right away about the folks here is how proud you all seem to be about your summers. I mean proud in the same way as an old soldier is proud of his war wound. When I first came here, everyone was asking me how I liked the weather. It was February. The first thing I did was take the ice scraper out of the glove box and crush it under the heel of my shoe. That seemed to horrify some people. “Man,” they’d say to me. “You should have kept that! You know we had an ice storm here back in 1997.”

“Yeah,” I’d reply. “Well, we had one

back home last Thursday.”

As it turned out, these inquiries were meant just to set me up.

Inevitably, they’d follow with, “Yeah, well you ought to wait until summer comes down here! Man, you ain’t gonna’ be able to take these summers!

We got a hunn’erd-degree temperatures and a hunn’erd and ten percent humidity! Man, come July, you’re gonna’ wanna’ tuck your tail between your legs and get on back to where you came from.”

Now, what folks here don’t seem to get is that, since I’m not actually from Yankee land, we had some pretty toasty summers ourselves. I felt like I’d been there and done that. The prevalent opinion around here seems to be, if you are from anywhere north of, say, Shreveport, you may as well be in Siberia as far as the climate is concerned.

Me, I’ll take a hunnerd an’ ten percent humidity and needing an ice scraper once every ten years.

Northerners , they justify their miserable winters by saying, “Well, you can always put more clothes on, but you can only take so many off.” Now, what kind of lame statement is that? It’s like saying it’s good to be unemployed because you don’t have to worry about what to wear to work. I mean, who likes having to wear a parka over a turtleneck sweater over a pair of long johns? You can’t even move in that stuff!

The other thing that struck me right off was how friendly people are. I first noticed this when I was in the car with my realtor on a house-hunting trip. We’re driving along, and we passed somebody who stopped and waved to us. “Who was that?” I asked.

“Don’t know,” she replied. “Never seen him before.”

“But he just waved to us,” I pointed out.

“Oh, people around here do that all the time,” she shrugged.

“Wow!” I thought. People waving at strangers just to be friendly! What a concept! If somebody did that back north, you’re liable to think he’s flagging you down so he can try to steal your car.

By now, I believe myself to be pretty much acclimated to Louisiana life. I know this for sure because I no longer think the people here speak with an accent. Instead, my family back home thinks I have an accent.

Here’s looking forward to sharing more ruminations about life here among the live oaks and alligators with all of you.

Mike McHugh is an engineer at Sasol North America, Inc. in Westlake.

He and his wife Susan hail from the "border" state of Maryland. TJN Volume 1 • Issue 3

A Greener

W

Raised Beds

By Pam Mattingly, Two Creek Farm

No, I’m not talking about the latest craze of the “perfect” sleeping equipment. In the world of gardening (a serene place to be) raised beds are becoming more popular and are also known as square foot gardening.

We all know that gardens come in different sizes. Raised gardening is just adding another dimension.

The raised bed techniques can be especially beneficial if you only have a small area to plant. For a farm girl, this is not my dilemma.

As you may remember, my gardening adventure started out because we were looking at our many acres and trying to figure out what to do with it. One of my new discoveries is raised beds.

Two Creek Farm was formerly used as cow pastureland, and flat it is. We recently discovered that too much rain in a short amount of time can be quite discouraging to a newly prepared garden on pastureland. When obstacles avail themselves, a true gardener plows on, right?

Volume 1 • Issue 3

RLD I had read about square foot gardening, but never tried it until recently. The concept of a defined garden area can be quite comforting, because you know exactly what area must be cared for, and the compact size lessens the amount of time you spend on pulling weeds.

Actually, the benefits of a square garden are increasing as I experiment on my fresh 4’ x 6’ (semisquare) garden. My square garden is actually a rectangle because I wanted it to fit in this certain spot where the ground was ready.

Making a square garden is simple. First, you must decide on the size. A 4’ x 4’ square garden is ideal for beginners. This size allows you to reach it from every side because you don’t want to walk on your garden. We used cedar (pest-resistant) 2” x 6” boards to make our garden.

After nailing the boards together, we used a small tiller to prepare the soil. If you don’t have a tiller, a hoe will do just fine.

Now you must fill in the wood box. Our next layer consisted of

cow manure that we got from our neighbor’s barn. We have several composting piles on the farm, so I put a deep layer of the compost as my second layer. We cranked up the little tiller and tilled all that together.

Once that’s done, you’re ready to plant. It is recommended that you plant 4-6 inches apart. We planted tomatoes and cucumbers with a trellis for the cucumber to climb.

Next, we put newspaper on top, leaving a space between the plants, and covered that with leaves. The newspaper helps keep the weeds out and helps keep the moisture in. I always like to mix flowers among my plants, and this garden certainly has room for some on the edges.

I hope to report to you on the success of our first square foot garden as the summer approaches.

Promoting locally grown food gives us a sense of community and adventure. Join us by starting your own square foot garden in your backyard!

TJN

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 17

R•U

By Eric Zartler

GAME?

If You Build It…They Will Come!

Just like everything else in Calcasieu Parish, area athletic facilities are changing before our very eyes. In the past year and a half, facilities such as Westlake High School’s Ram Football Stadium and Cowboy Stadium at McNeese State University have undergone “field-lifts” with new artificial turf being installed at both facilities.

In addition, Sulphur Parks and Recreation completed two brand-new high school baseball fields complete with turf infields and digital video boards, and the fields located at McMurry Park played host to the US

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MAY 7, 2009

Olympic Softball Team in April of 2008.

2008 also saw the opening of the long-anticipated McNeese Women’s Athletic Field house, which is adjacent to Cowgirl Diamond and the Cowgirl Soccer field. The facility houses offices and locker rooms for both the universities’ softball and soccer teams.

The National Golf Club of Louisiana in Westlake has been an attraction that residents of not only Westlake but also Calcasieu Parish have been talking about for many years.

Perhaps the largest project in the area is

the Multi-Purpose Facility at Ward 3 naments, and the addition of this facility Recreations Power Center Complex. will broaden the opportunities. The While most of the above-menPower Center complex has played host tioned additions to our area are up to events such as the Southwestern and running, the National Golf Club Athletic Conference (SWAC) Soccer of Louisiana and the Multi-Purpose Tournament and the Southland Facility at Ward 3 are slated to open Conference Soccer Tournament as well in August of 2009. as the Louisiana Showcase of Soccer The National Golf Club of and the Louisiana Soccer Association Louisiana, an 18-hole, par 72 course West Division Qualifier. designed by David Bennett, will feaThe complexes’ unique five-plex of ture an abundance of water hazards baseball fields has also played host to and roughly 90 bunkers. The course some impressive baseball tournayardage ranges from 6,065 to 7,025 ments including the Governor’s from the five sets of tees. The course Games and the USSSA World Series. will make a great addition to the other And now, with the new Multiarea links and will make Southwest Purpose Facility about to be online, Louisiana an even more desirable desthe possibilities are endless. tination for vacation golfers.

“We like to think outside of the box.

The Multi-Purpose Facility at We are aggressive and willing to explore Ward 3 is a project that residents of unique opportunities that fit our design Lake Charles have been anticipating here at Ward 3,” offered Texada. He for some time now. The 40,000 and his staff are excited about the square foot facility features a weight opportunities that will be available once room, three activity rooms, a fourthe facility is complete. AAU lane indoor walking track, four dress- Basketball and Volleyball only touch ing rooms, four restrooms, two conthe surface of what Texada is hoping to cession stands, administrative offices bring to Lake Charles through the and an enormous 10,000 square-foot development of the newest facility. He hardwood floor gymnasium. and his staff at Ward 3 have big plans Kip Texada, Executive Director of that will add more bang to an already Ward 3 Recreation, has been around booming complex when it comes to since day one of the creation of the economic impact for Calcasieu Parish. recreational district. When you talk to Several event operators throughout him about all the growth that they the state and region have a close eye on have been through, you can see the the facility, and it should not be long pride that he takes in the facilities by before you drive along Power Center the grin on his face.

Parkway and see a baseball, soccer, bas“I remember back in August of ketball or volleyball tournament all 2005; I was the second person that the going on simultaneously. It will be a board hired. All we had beautiful sight—and one that was a chair, a table, and a Texada is looking forward to vision, and now that vision seeing regularly. has come through, and we will be able to provide a Eric Zartler is the Athletic facility and service to not Sales Manager at the Lake only the residents, but we Charles/Southwest Louisiana will also be able to host Convention and Visitors large basketball and volleyBureau. Contact him at ball tournaments,” he said. ezartler@visitlakecharles.org Ward 3 is no stranger TJN to hosting large-scale tourEric Zartler Volume 1 • Issue 3

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Thermage/Fraxel Informative Seminar Friday, May 15, 2009 at 2 pm LASER TECHNICIANS Vicki Vezina • Mona Duhon • Irma Robin

Volume 1 • Issue 3

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 19

Are you Recession Ready?

Financial

Forum

By Terry Backhaus CFP Backhaus Financial Group LLC

The national headlines tell us that unemployment is at 8.5 percent and growing, yet we still see the occasional Help Wanted signs in local businesses and we wonder: Is the recession going to miss Southwest Louisiana? Short answer—probably NOT. While most experts agree that Louisiana will not see the massive downturn that is occurring in Florida, Las Vegas, California, etc., we will see some amount of decreased economic activity.

Our local economy has been largely blessed with two things that we really did not have a lot of control over. The first were the storms: Ms. Rita and Katrina. Government aid and large insurance payments pumped billions of dollars into the economy in the southern part of our state. Obviously, we don’t hope for repeats of those natural disasters, and if they occur again, our government has already maxed out its credit card. Therefore, we would not see that level of government aid again.

The next factor, which is an asset during this economic downturn, is the same factor that was a liability during the 2003 – 2007

time period while our national economy was growing: The very low rate of growth of our state economy.

If you take a look at the Sunbelt section of our country (those states south of a line from San Francisco thru Denver to North Carolina), Louisiana is the only state in the Sunbelt that will most likely lose a U.S. Congressman as part of the 2010 census (Civics 101…less people, less U.S. Congressmen)!

One common denominator of those areas that have been hardest hit by the housing and economic downturn is that they had the highest rate of growth in the U.S. during the most recent economic expansion. Since we didn’t have that massive growth here in Louisiana, we won’t see a massive pullback in economic activity. But we will see some reduction in employment and business sales.

The positives Now to be fair and balanced, let’s highlight a couple of positives that Louisiana has going for itself.

The first is our oil and other natural resources. While prices of these resources have been depressed,

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PAGE 20

MAY 7, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

along with the stock market, they will again be back in demand, once the world economy gets back on its feet.

Also, these resources will not spoil waiting on that recovery.

Another positive is that we really learned our lesson after the 80s recession, when, because of our perceived corrupt political system and lackluster schools and roads (to say the least), we could not effectively compete for good jobs with other regions or states. Many men and women, black and white, Democrats and Republicans, have worked very hard to upgrade the intellect, the infrastructure, and the political climate of this state over the last 20 years. While we may not lead the nation in as many categories as would like, we at least can compete for those good jobs that will be created in the next economic expansion. But, what is a person to do until that happens?

Stop the bleeding First of all, stop the bleeding.

Look at ways that you can reduce your expenditures to minimize your cash burn rate if things get tough.

Everything should be on the table in this review of not only your personal finances, but that of your business if you’re self-employed. Do you have three to six months of cash to meet those necessary expenses in your emergency fund? If not, you need to get there, ASAP! A lot of people have taken out loans from their 401-K plans (now known as 201Ks), but did you know that if you lose your job, a lot of 401Ks require that you pay back the loan in 30 days? If not, that loan will automatically be repaid (with the funds in your 401K) and it will be considered a Taxable Distribution by the IRS—also possibly subject to that 10 percent tax penalty! At a minimum, you should determine if your 401K has that provision (ask for the Plan Document to verify). If it does, you need to try to identify where you might get the funds to repay the loan within that 30 days if you do lose your job.

Health and life insurance The next area is health insurance.

Thanks to the Obama stimulus, your children might get the opportunity to help pay for your health insurance.

While for the last 10 years or so, COBRA has always been there to provide access to health insurance, it was always very expensive, since it is not subsidized by your ex-employer.

Thanks to the Obama stimulus plan, this will possibly be subsidized for up to nine months.

Next, instead of trying to maintain that “Cadillac” policy that you Volume 1 • Issue 3

had with your previous employer, you may want to switch to a high deductible plan, coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA).

However, if you have substantial health issues, or have small children, you may be better off, in the long run, paying for the Cadillac policy. Also, if you have children, look at putting them on LaCHips, the state health insurance program for children. You have been paying for it with your taxes over the years—why not at least see if you qualify? It will reduce the cost of health insurance, since you will only have to pay for you and your spouse, and not your children.

Now, don’t forget about life insurance. The last thing you would want to happen is that you die after losing your job, leaving your family without an income and possibly without life insurance proceeds. Most employers do offer very inexpensive life insurance while you are an employee, but in most cases, that goes away after 30 days of your employment termination.

If you’re healthy, it’s not a problem to go out and buy your own policy. But if you’re not, you need to check to see if your group coverage can be converted to an individual policy upon your employment termination. Again, this can vary from company to company, and you only have a very short time to make this change.

Final thoughts In summary, is the economic world coming to an end? No! As long as people are still willing to sell their soul to come to America, we will again see economic expansion.

However, you do have to understand we are a mature economy, and countries like China, Africa, etc., will, for the next generation or so, grow at a rate faster than the U.S. The indicator that I like to use to determine when the (economic) end is near is to watch the young people. If they start leaving a region, state, or country…its over. At the moment, I don’t see

that…so focus on getting your house in order, and not on the news media telling us that the sky is falling.

Terry Backhaus is the owner of Backhaus Financial Group LLC in Lake Charles. He can be reached at 437-9950. Securities offered through Questar Capital Corporation (QCC).

Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Questar Asset Management (QAM), A Registered Investment Advisor. Backhaus Financial Group LLC is Independent of QCC and QAM. TJN

401K and investments What about “robbing the piggy bank,” i.e., your 401K, to get you through your temporary period of unemployment? Again, the short answer is not only no, but hell no! If you think you will need the money now, I promise you that you will need the money even more when you are 70 or 75. The only way that you will win that bet is if your doctor signs your death certificate before you get to that age!

Now, you have your emergency fund, you have your ducks in a row relative to your various insurances, you’ve figured out how not to raid your 401K while you’re out of job, but what the heck do you do with your investments? Well, if you don’t need the money for at least five years, there is not much you really should or can do. However, if you were very close (i.e., three to five years) to your planned retirement, you may want to reduce the risk level, just in case we see some additional erosion in the markets. I know that may be a bitter pill to swallow, but the stock market could retest the March lows under certain low probability scenarios.

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 21

By Lisa Yates

Warming up for class.

Taekwondo Instructor Focuses on Affordable Family Fitness

Aaron Redmond

Andrew Yen PAGE 22

MAY 7, 2009

Anncie Wright has been practicing taekwondo for five years, and it all started in the parking lot of a grocery store.

“I was out grocery shopping and, in the parking lot, a new taekwondo school was out signing up students,” she said. “I was Master Hans’ first student.”

Wright, 32, joined because she wanted to get some exercise. Also, she thought it would be an activity her whole family could do together. Her husband John joined, too, along with their four children: Kevin, 17; Jesse, 16; Angel, 11; and, John Cody, 7.

In addition to losing weight, Wright said she experienced other health benefits.

“When I first joined, I was on medication for a panic disorder,” she said. “After six months, I was able to get off the medication.”

Her next goal was to get a black belt. Wright worked and trained. Eventually her skills improved enough to earn her a black belt – winning a couple of tournaments along the way.

Wright said she has other goals she wants to accomplish.

“My long-term goal is to become a Master (Instructor),” she said. “That takes a lot of training and a lot of years to accomplish – at least 10 or 12 years - it depends. Also, you have to be mentally ready for it.”

Wright said her immediate goal is to grow her classes, while continuing to give quality instruction to her students.

Jesse and Kevin Wright

She said a low pupil-teacher ratio allows her students to have more individual attention.

Her main focus is on family fitness.

“The main thing about us is, we started as a family; we teach as a family; and, we encourage families to come,” she said.

Teaching classes Today, Wright and her husband own Wright’s Taekwondo in Lake Charles. They and their two oldest sons, who are both black belts, teach classes at the Enos Derbonne Sports Complex, at 7903 Lake Street.

The kids’ class is for ages 6-16, and starts at 6:30 p.m., on Mondays and Wednesdays. The adults’ class is for ages 17 and older, and starts at 7 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“I was not intending to teach, but Master Han moved back to Korea, giving us his mats and pads telling us to teach,” she said.

One of Master Han’s classes was taught at BeauCARE in DeRidder; so every Saturday, the family drove there to teach – free of charge.

“We did that for two years,” she said.

Volume 1 • Issue 3

Anncie working with her senior students, Michael Porter, Aaron Yen and Andrew Langley.

One day, she answered an ad for a fitness instructor at the Enos Derbonne Sports Complex – a Ward 3 Recreation facility. She got the job and started teaching a class.

“It wasn’t a taekwondo class, but I did teach some martial arts movements, along with cardio,” she said.

“That class never did take off.”

She asked if she could teach a traditional taekwondo class for kids, instead, and her supervisor agreed.

When Wright started the class, she had three students. Now, she has 30 students and two classes with more in the works.

“You know you’re doing something right when that happens,” she said.

Affordable fitness Since Ward 3 Recreation is a public entity, the classes are affordable. The first taekwondo class is free. After that, the classes are $3 each.

There are no contracts to sign, but there is a $15 belt and board fee for students, when they test. Sparring gear is loaned out to students at no charge, but it must be returned in good shape.

Wright said the only safety equipment parents need to purchase is a mouthpiece – boys will need to have an athletic cup, also.

“I tell parents not to go out and buy a uniform and sparring gear until they know their kids will stick with it,” she said. “They just need to wear something that they can move and kick in, comfortably.”

Martial arts studios can be expensive. When selecting a studio, a good question to ask is: “What is the TOTAL actual cost, of all required fees for advancement, for all belts and levels of instruction combined, in addition to the studio’s regular instruction fee?”

Wright said her own training was expensive.

Volume 1 • Issue 3

“It was $400 a month for all six of us,” she said. “Just the belt test was $300 a month. It was hard for us. I know a lot of families can’t afford that.”

By keeping classes affordable, every member of the family can participate.

Kyle McComb and Logan Buck working on their forms. the foot and fist” or “the way of kicking and punching.”

Students also learn board-breaking!

Laurie Porter Laurie Porter learned about the class from Christy; then, she enrolled her 11-year-old son, Michael.

“My son has ADD, but I refused to put him on drugs,” she said. “This is one of the things I’ve tried and it’s helped considerably, along with, of course, a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep.”

Porter said taekwondo helps her son to burn off his excess energy.

“The exercise has been the No. 1 thing that’s helped him,” she said. “It’s also helped him to learn to focus, and it’s helped with discipline. Once he started this class, I saw a definite improvement.”

With traditional taekwondo, children learn discipline, self-control, selfconfidence, responsibility and concentration.

For example, Wright’s students learn to respect the “do jong” (workout area) by bowing, and removing their shoes, before stepping onto the mat.

There’s no horseplay allowed, and they must handle the equipment properly.

Christy Langley Christy Langley and her husband Mike found Wright’s class online, while searching for an activity for their 10-year-old son Andrew.

“Andrew was on a boys’ gymnastics team, but he was burnt out and needed a change,” she said.

Her son Andrew said he is enjoying taekwondo.

“I like being with my friends and learning self-defense,” he said.

Andrew’s friends, Aaron and Michael, take the class, too.

All three boys are in the same fifth-grade class at Thomas S. Cooley Elementary School.

They also were in Wright’s first taekwondo class.

Andrew’s six-year-old brother, Christopher, is also able to participate.

“He’s a special-needs child, and he just loves it,” Langley said. “It warms my heart to see that he’s a part of the group.”

Christopher said his favorite part of the class is running and kicking.

Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from other martial arts. In fact, the word – taekwondo - is loosely The Wrights - In back from left to right: John, Kevin and Jesse; translated as “the way of in front from left to right: Angel, John Cody and Anncie MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 23

The adult class from left to right: Danny McComb, Darrell Buck, Laurie Porter, John Wright, Anncie Wright, Brenda Buck, Ruvelia “Ruby” Olivares and Arnulfo Olivares. Not Pictured Josh and Sarah Arnold.

Before and after sparring, her students bow and shake hands with each other as a sign of respect.

Wright’s No. 1 rule: No fighting, unless it’s in self-defense and only to get away from the situation.

She expects her taekwondo students to exercise their minds as well as their bodies by asking to see report cards and progress reports.

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Keeping it fun Even though there are a lot of rules to follow, Wright makes sure the children have fun learning taekwondo.

“It takes a lot of discipline, but we add some fun to it,” she said. “We play a coordination game called scorpion fight, which helps with balance and helps keep the focus on the center. We also do relays and some form of gymnastics to develop agility.”

Porter, 49, joined the adult class after seeing how much fun the kids were having.

“I’m too old to be doing this, but I enjoy it,” she said.

Even though she exercises regularly, Porter said taekwondo is challenging and a great way to stay in shape.

“It’s not as easy as it looks,” she said.

Porter added taekwondo helps young people learn to set goals.

“It gives them something to work towards,” she said. “They work towards getting their next belt.”

The thing Porter likes most, however, is Wright’s focus on the family.

“Anncie gets the whole family involved,” she said. “Last summer we did a demo at a Swashbucklers game.

To get ready for that, we would get together Saturdays at the park to practice. Someone brought burgers; someone else brought hot dogs; and, sometimes we met after class at Casa Ole. I really liked that.”

Porter said the families get together outside of class to celebrate birthdays and holidays. Recently, they held a surprise birthday party for one of the students.

“A lot of parents at other places just drop their kids off,” she said. “We don’t do that. We enjoy staying, watching, and chatting with each other. I look forward to coming here.”

Melody Yen Melody Yen learned about the taekwondo classes from Laurie, and then enrolled her sons: Aaron, 11, and Andrew, 6. She also joined the adult class.

“At first, I enrolled Aaron,” she said.

“I wanted him to exercise. I thought

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337-479-2200 PAGE 24

MAY 7, 2009

Christopher Langley

Landon Arnold Volume 1 • Issue 3

Kevin demonstrates a back flip kick. taekwondo would be the best way to exercise and learn self-discipline. It also encourages him to be assertive.”

She said self-confidence is important and she wants her sons to have the skills to defend themselves, both verbally and physically.

Yen said she enjoys her taekwondo class and looks forward to it.

“I wanted to have something in common with the kids – something we could do together – and, I need to exercise,” she said. “Actually, they teach me some things.”

Yen said they practice taekwondo at home as a family.

“It’s become our family activity,” she said. “It’s brought me closer to my boys. We exchange information about sparring. There’s just more to talk to them about at a child’s level.”

Darrell Buck Darrell Buck, art director at The Jambalaya News, takes the adult taekwondo class with his wife Brenda.

Their seven-year-old son, Logan, is in the kids’ class.

Buck said his three-year-old daughter Autumn is too young for the class, but she knows how to do taekwondo by watching the family practice.

“She can even count to 10 in Korean,” he said.

Often, students count in Korean during their class, and during tests they are usually asked what certain Korean words used in class mean.

That’s because Taekwondo is a Korean martial art – and the world’s most popular in terms of practitioners. Sport taekwondo has also been an Olympic event since 2000.

Logan, 7, said he likes going to taekwondo class.

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“It’s fun,” he said. “I like running and fighting (sparring).”

His father said he wanted Logan to be involved in some type of sport.

Buck said he didn’t want his son sitting in front of the television all day playing video games.

“I wasn’t going to raise a couch potato,” he said.

Buck said Logan wasn’t yet interested in football or soccer, so he thought about martial arts – something he always wanted to learn as a child.

“During the first class, Logan just watched,” he said. “By the second class, he was out there with the other kids.”

Today, Logan is an orange belt!

Kid’s summer camp Wright is proud of all of her students.

“This is the best group of students – their overall commitment is great,” she said. “I wish I had 100 students like them.”

One of Wright’s goals is to teach taekwondo full-time. Right now she works full-time for the Calcasieu Parish School Board, in the billing department.

This summer, she is hosting an allday camp for kids, beginning June 8, at the sports center.

“It’s not a sports camp,” she said.

“It’s a kids’ camp with arts and crafts, talent shows, and a whole lot more.

We just want kids to come out and have fun.”

For more information, call (337) 502-5214, or visit Enos Derbonne Sports Complex, at 7903 Lake Street in Lake Charles; or call Anncie Wright at (337) 912-1058, or e-mail at WRIGHTSTKD@yahoo.com. TJN MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 25

By Lisa Yates

With the focus today on eating smarter, it’s hard to miss the buzz about “superfoods.” Salmon, nuts, blueberries and more are big news because they are especially rich in antioxidants, and other nutrients that have been shown to help fight cancer and heart disease while boosting the immune system.

Shively Lampson, co-owner of Pure Foods and Health in Lake Charles, said all foods have some nutritional value, but there are some so beneficial to your health they are known as “superfoods.”

“Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods from the plant kingdom – nothing with a face,” she said.

Lampson and her husband Gene, a retired medical doctor, teach classes on healthy living. They counsel individuals diagnosed with health issues, such as food allergies, helping them with recipes and menu planning.

It’s important for everyone to incorporate superfoods for better health, according to Lampson.

“One thing about superfoods is they contain nutrients, antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, fiber, omega-3s and protein,” she said. “They have everything, whereas with an animal product, you won’t find antioxidants, phytochemicals and fiber.

Plant foods have all of that and water.”

Her list of superfoods includes these superstars: green vegetables and grasses; cruciferous vegetables; fruits; good fats; legumes; whole grains; and water.

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MAY 7, 2009

1. Green vegetables and grasses Lampson said dark green leafy vegetables, like spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, and kale, rule the roost in the plant kingdom, having the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food.

“The king of superfoods is leafy green vegetables – the darker, the better,” she said. “Also, green grasses, like wheat and barley. I call these super, super foods.”

Leaf vegetables are low in calories, low in fat, high in protein per calorie, high in dietary fiber, high in iron and calcium, and very high in phytochemicals such as vitamin C, carotenoids, lutein and folic acid.

What are phytochemicals?

In addition to vitamins, minerals and macronutrients, phytochemicals are chemicals in plants that have a beneficial effect on the body, boosting the immune system and helping with cellular repair.

Lampson said phytochemicals are anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial, like antioxidants.

“Phytochemicals make a quick exit through the body, grabbing toxins,” she said. “They are in all green vegetables and grasses.”

She said research suggests that the nutrients found in dark green vegetables may prevent certain types of cancers and promote health.

For example:

• Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that individuals who eat leafy greens had a 23 percent reduction in coronary heart disease.

• Scientists found that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables actually showed a significant reduction in the chance of developing colon cancer.

• Research shows that folate, one of the impressive B Vitamins in greens, may protect against cognitive decline in older adults.

• Studies found that caratenoids (powerful antioxidants) in green leafy vegetables can inhibit the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, skin cancer cells, lung cancer and stomach cancer.

• Another study showed that women who ate the most leafy greens had half the risk of ovarian

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cancer compared to those who ate the least.

Lampson said phytochemicals, and other nutrients, in plant foods may be destroyed by certain processing techniques, including over-cooking.

She recommends eating greens raw, steamed or frozen to prevent nutrients from being destroyed. Each month, her store features raw foods cooking classes. The store’s Web site, www.purefoodsandhealth.com, also features simple, yet delicious recipes for drinks, appetizers, main dishes and desserts.

“A quick way to get nutrients in the cells is through green powder shots,” Lampson said. “You mix a teaspoon in juice or water. Within a week, you will feel your energy level go up.”

She said green powder is a product she sells at the store, which is made from wheat and barley grass dried slowly in a food dehydrator to preserve the nutrients. Then, the dried grasses are crushed into a powder.

2. Cruciferous vegetables Lampson said one of the big reasons to eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables - like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage – is that

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they may help to lower your risk of getting cancer.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, various components in cruciferous vegetables have been linked to lower cancer risks. Some have shown the ability to stop growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining, lung, colon, liver and cervix. And studies that track the diets of people over time have found that diets high in

cruciferous vegetables are linked to lower rates of prostate cancer.

Lampson recommends a book called Eat to Live, by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D., a board certified family physician in private practice in New Jersey. Dr. Fuhrman specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods.

“All of his books are very good,” she said.

She encourages everyone to get

Dr. Fuhrman’s DVD called The Greatest Diet on Earth, because it summarizes the latest scientific information from thousands of studies on the beneficial effects of various foods.

Also, Lampson recommends his Web site: www.DrFuhrman.com, for more information on superfoods.

3. Fruits Lampson said vegetables are higher in minerals than fruit, but fruits are higher in vitamins and both are needed in a healthy diet.

However, she cautioned against eating some fruits.

“A green bell pepper is an immature red bell pepper and we are not supposed to be eating them,” she said.

“They contain potential toxins. That’s what protects them from insect damage as they are growing. As they ripen, they don’t need the protection.”

Even green tomatoes contain potential toxins, according to Lampson. She said to only eat red, ripe tomatoes.

“There’s nothing like the flavor of a ripe tomato,” she said.

She said nightshade vegetables are fruit - potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and egg plants.

“Don’t eat green fruit,” she said.

“Also, it’s best to buy organic.”

If organic is too expensive,

MAY 7, 2009

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Shively Lampson, co-owner of Pure Foods and Health.

Lampson said shop at the local farmer’s market.

“Buying local supports local business,” she said. “Or, you can grow your own. Nothing beats picking it off the tree.”

Lampson said acai and goji berries are getting a tremendous amount of good press as superfoods. She said both are chocked full of antioxidants, amino acids and other essential nutrients for good health.

She said the acai (pronounced ahsaw-ee) is from Brazil and can be dried like a raisin, dried and ground into a capsule, or made into a juice.

Many health benefits are attributed to the acai – everything from increasing stamina to anti-aging and longevity. Youth and beauty guru Dr. Nicholas Perricone claims acai’s antioxidant properties support supple skin, hair and nails.

Goji berries, from the Himalayas in Tibet, have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, India and Tibet to: • protect the liver • help eyesight • improve sexual function and fertility • strengthen the legs • boost immune function • improve circulation • promote longevity They are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins. Lampson said dried, they can be sprinkled over salads or eaten as a snack food in trail mix.

“It’s one of the ingredients of our Raw Power trail mix,” she said. “Other ingredients are pistachios, cashews, mulberries and cacao – raw chocolate nibs.”

4. Good fats: nuts and seeds Lampson said not all fats are bad.

Essential fatty acids, called unsaturated fats, lower blood pressure and cholesPAGE 28

MAY 7, 2009

terol, and reduce cardiac mortality rates.

Essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fats, are required for the production of certain hormones important for blood clotting, blood pressure control, and eye and brain function. Since the body cannot make these fatty acids, they must be obtained from foods.

Many people know that a good source is salmon, but Lampson said it’s not necessary to eat meat to get omega-3s - nuts and seeds, flaxseed oil, and ground flaxseed meal, are also important sources.

5. Legumes Legumes - a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas and lentils - are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available, according to Lampson.

She said legumes are typically low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. They’re also a good source of protein and can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol.

Lampson said legumes are a good source of fiber, also.

“Fiber is good for the colon,” she said. “Fiber works like a broom to sweep away undigested food from the large intestine, cleaning the colon.”

6. Whole grains Lampson said whole-grain foods are top nutritional performers, too.

“But go easy on the grains,” she said. “They are best eaten in moderation.”

Most studies, including some from several different Harvard teams, show a connection between eating whole grains and better health. For example, eating whole grains can protect against heart disease and lower cholesterol level; ward off certain cancers; reduce Volume 1 • Issue 3

the risk of diabetes; promote digestive health; and, keep weight off.

This last point may seem shocking - after all, aren’t carbohydrates fattening? Don’t they raise blood sugar and insulin levels and make the body store fat?

That depends on what type of carbohydrate.

Both whole grains and refined grains are high in carbohydrates, but their effects on the blood sugar differ.

Refined grains quickly raise the blood sugar while the fiber in whole grains helps slow down this rise.

What Are whole grains?

Whole grains contain all three edible parts of a grain: the inner germ, the middle endosperm and the outer bran covering. This makes them rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and a multitude of disease-fighting substances.

By contrast, refined grains have most of their germ and bran removed during processing, resulting in a depletion of many of these nutritious compounds.

Examples of whole grains: • Whole wheat berries, whole wheat bulgur, whole wheat couscous and other strains of wheat such as kamut and spelt • Brown rice (including quick cooking brown rice) • Corn, whole cornmeal, popcorn

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• Oat groats, steel-cut oats, rolled oats (including quick cooking and instant oatmeal) • Whole rye • Hulled barley (pot, scotch and pearled barley often have much of their bran removed) • Triticale (pronounced try-ti-KAYlee) • Millet • Teff (reported to be the world’s smallest grain and to have a sweet, maltlike flavor) • Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) “Pasta made from quinoa is very good,” Lampson said. “Brown rice pasta is another good pasta and children like it.”

7. Water Although water isn’t a food, Lampson put it on her list of superfoods because it’s needed in order for cells to remove toxins and function properly. She recommends drinking filtered water, or distilled, to remove harmful chemicals and pollutants.

“So many people don’t get enough water and are dehydrated,” she said.

“The body is made up of 75 percent water and we lose a quart and a half a day. It has to be replaced.”

Lampson said a vegan diet provides a lot of water, but the standard American diet does not.

“People on a standard American diet need to take their body weight and divide it in half – that number is how many glasses of water they need each day - and they need to start early, or else they’ll be up all night!” she joked.

It’s common sense Although many of these foods have reported medical benefits, Lampson said that if you have any type of health problem or physical symptom, do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, - even if with a food or herb. She said to trust your medical professional first and foremost in this department.

“I’m not saying that everyone needs to become 100 percent vegan to be healthy,” she said. “If they would just cut back on animal products and add more vegetables to their diets, they would be healthier or, they should, at least, eat organic meats.”

A lot of this is common sense, but here’s the thing: Even though people know what’s good for them,

they don’t always know how to work these foods into three meals a day.

That’s where Lampson’s classes can help.

“My desire is to educate others to achieve optimal health and weight by making adjustments in their present eating habits and lifestyle,” she said.

For information on upcoming classes, call (337) 905-7873, or visit online at www.purefoodsandhealth.com, or stop by the store located at 138 W. Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. TJN

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 29

By Steve Springer, M.D.

The spotlight has been set for the most popular medical topic for the next several weeks. Swine flu is causing great concern over the public airways and it rightly should. I have taken some time to distill the mountains of information the CDC has online as well as the American Academy of Family Physician’s database and feel the following questions and answers deserve your attention: How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs, and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from

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MAY 7, 2009

another person on a surface such as a desk, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. But there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay

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home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

I think the most important thing to remember is if you are sick, you should stay home and avoid con-

Many Lake Area children who are overweight or obese are at risk for obesity-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Obesity also impacts many systems of the body including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal systems, as well as orthopedics.

Kid Power of Southwest Louisiana is an eight-week healthy nutrition and physical activity weight loss program uniquely designed for area children, ages 6 to 14. The program will take place this summer, June 6 through August 1. Throughout this eight-week period, participants will be offered an array of physical fitness activity choices and healthy eating education seminars. Those achieving weekly weight goals will be rewarded with great prizes!

To qualify for the program, participants must be overweight and must go through a one-time health screening process which will include a height and weight check, and health history questionnaire. The Kid Power health screening sessions are scheduled for April 27, May 4, May 11 and May 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Calcasieu Community Clinic, located at 550 East Sale Road. Cost of the Volume 1 • Issue 3

tact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

I hope this has been a helpful resource for you in the bulk of sometimes confusing and frightening information on TV. Pandemics are serious business in the medical field and unfortunately can be even better for TV ratings. Don’t panic, and just remember a few of the common-sense principles outlined above to keep you, your family, and your co-workers safe.

Dr. Steve Springer is a family physician whose practice is located at 601 Dr. Michael DeBakeyDrive in Lake Charles.

To schedule an appointment, call (337) 436-1370. For more information on the swine fu go to the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov.

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program is $10 cash per child per household, and $5 cash for each additional sibling. Payment is required at the time of the screening – cash only.

For more information, or to register for any of the upcoming Kid Power health screening sessions, call Kid Power of SWLA at (337) 478-3780.

TJN

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 31

By Jen Breen

Did you know that “dry eye” is the most common eye problem? In fact, an EagleVision-Yankelovich survey found that one out of five Americans have dry eye syndrome. That’s approximately 59 million people. At this point you may be asking, “What is dry eye?” Don’t worry—you are not alone.

According to the study, 89 percent of the population has not heard of it.

William B. Hart, M.D, an ophthalmologist at Hart Center, said, “We rarely hear about dry eye syndrome, because many people assume that the irritations associated with the condition, such as watery eyes, grittiness and redness, are just a normal part of life. But dry eye is not just a discomfort. If left untreated, it can turn into a very serious vision problem.”

What is dry eye syndrome?

“Dry eye syndrome occurs when there is an imbalance in the eye’s production of the quantity and quality of tears, or a drying out of the tear film,” says Dr. Hart. A three-layer tear film made of water, oil, mucus, antibodies and special proteins form tears. The eye is dependent on the lubrication from tears to maintain comfort, vision and protection from infection.

A person may experience dry eye when the tear system is disrupted.

When the eye’s moisture level is not maintained, dry spots appear on the eye and cause irritation, which can adversely affect vision.

According to Dr. Hart, a person with dry eye may experience: • pain • light sensitivity • itching • redness • a feeling of having sand or a foreign object in the eye • a “gritty” sensation • blurring of vision PAGE 32

MAY 7, 2009

• eye strain, and • excessive tearing “It may be surprising to learn that excessive tears can also be a symptom of dry eye. These tears are a distress signal. It means that the eyes are not getting enough lubrication and treatment is necessary,” Dr. Hart said.

Who is at risk?

Dry eye is often attributed to aging, because it affects approximately 75 percent of people age 65 and over.

However, it can affect anyone at any age.

Dr. Hart encourages everyone to be aware of the following factors that can cause dry eye: • Women experiencing hormonal changes with pregnancy, lactation, menstruation, menopause or postmenopause, • Medications: Antidepressants, decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure medication, oral contraceptives, diuretics, ulcer medication, tranquilizers and beta blockers, • Medical conditions: asthma, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid abnormalities, lupus, cataracts, glaucoma, • Contact lenses, especially soft contacts, which can evaporate tears from the eye, • Exposure to environmental conditions: Smoke, fluorescent light, air pollution, wind, heat, air conditioning, dry climates, • Excessive computer use, reading and television watching, • Individuals who have undergone LASIK surgery, and • Poor diet

or risk factors. Dry eye syndrome is easily treatable. You do not have to live with the irritations or risk developing a serious vision problem,” says Dr. Hart.

How is dry eye treated?

There are a number of ways to effectively treat dry eye syndrome, such as artificial tears; eye drops; prescription eye drops, such as Restasis, which can help produce natural tears, or FreshKote, which directly treats the tear film; and surgical procedures which can seal or plug tear drainage.

What can I do to prevent dry eye?

“You can take simple measures in your daily life to help prevent dry eye and other eye diseases,” said Dr. Hart.

The following should help:

• Keep your body moisturized by drinking plenty of water.

• Protect your eyes from UV rays and harsh weather conditions like dust and wind.

• Maintain a healthy diet with eye nutrients vitamins A, C and E. • Take frequent breaks when using the computer, reading or watching television.

• If you wear contacts, remember to take them out at regular intervals and keep your eyes well hydrated.

• Make sure you get plenty of sleep.

If you are concerned that you may have dry eye syndrome or have additional questions, call Hart Eye Center at 439-4014. Visit www.harteyecenter.com to learn about vision conditions and the latest advancements in eye care. TJN

How do I know if I have dry eye?

“It is important to make an appointment with your eye doctor if your are experiencing any symptoms Volume 1 • Issue 3

By Brandon Shoumaker

With the United States in the grip of a global economic recession, many Americans are looking for relief in one form or another.

One way many people are finding solace is through sweat.

According to a recent article in the Chicago Sun-Times, gym and fitness club membership has soared as people look to work out the stresses of their everyday lives. Many who have lost jobs in the last year are still searching for work and, with an abundance of free time on their hands, some of the unemployed are finding release from the job search at the gym.

For many though, the cost of a gym membership can be prohibitive, but that doesn’t mean the healthy benefits of regular exercise are out of reach. Locally, there are a multitude of ways to stay fit without wringing out the pocketbook.

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Tennis, anyone?

Tennis is one way locals are finding an athletic outlet. According to an article on the Tennis Week Web site, people who participate in tennis at a moderate pace for at least three hours a week reduced their risk of death by any cause in half.

The Lake Area Community Tennis Program is hosting a beginner’s tennis program for adults beginning May 9.

The cost of the program is $30 and is open to adults 19 years of age and older.

The class will be held in six weekly sessions from May 9-June 13 with the first two held at the Lake Charles Racquet Club, the next two at Graywood Country Club and the last two at the McNeese State University tennis courts. A registration flyer is available at the Racquet Club.

“Tennis is a great balance of physical play,” said Johan Kjellsten, Southwest Louisiana representative for the United States Tennis Association. “You’ve get the

cardio aspect from running as well as you build strength in the legs and upper body. It’s an outdoor sport that has very little downtime. It keeps you active. It’s a great way to keep lean and fit.”

Kjellsten said the community tennis program in the Lake Area is not only one of the fastest growing programs in the South, but also a great way to stay in shape while saving money.

“It’s a great value,” Kjellsten said of the program. “There’s no membership requirement and it gives everybody, regardless of playing level, instruction with qualified coaches that they can take to the public courts. It can help bring families together; it’s great family fun.

“You get six lessons of two hours for five bucks each. That’s what people are looking for in these times. It makes it easier to learn than just picking up a racquet and going out and trying to hit tennis balls. The element of instruction is there,” he added.

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Just run Simply running can also be a great way of staying in shape and, beyond a good pair of sneakers, is practically free of charge. The city of Lake Charles offers the casual runner an abundance of places to run, whether on the street in your neighborhood or down at the nearest local park.

There are also options for runners who seek a more organized and competitive atmosphere.

Lake Area Runners, a group of local running enthusiasts, sanctions and volunteers at local racing events and also promotes the sport of running. A yearly membership with the group costs $20

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MAY 7, 2009

and includes discounts to Athlete’s Corner and on entry fees to local races.

The group is sanctioning the Contraband Days 5-Miler race coming up on May 9.

For beginning runners, the group’s Web site also offers tips from healthy stretching and exercising while pregnant to tips on running with your dog and eliminating athlete’s foot.

Another local running group, Go Run LA, is offering a training program for beginning and experienced runners as well as walkers.

The Spring 5K and 10K training program is designed to build strength in beginning runners while building on

base miles for more advanced athletes.

The cost of the program is $100 for 19 weeks of training and is for people of all levels of fitness.

Between tuition, books and other expenses, most college students are, traditionally, strapped for cash. But, for McNeese State students, having limited finances doesn’t mean they can’t stay healthy.

Students with a valid university identification card are allowed full use of the university’s on-campus recreational complex. The building provides many amenities, including basketball, volleyball and badminton courts; an indoor-outdoor swimming pool; a well-

ness center with aerobics and a weight room; an indoor track and a racquetball court.

Faculty and staff and their dependents can use the complex for $20 per semester while the university offers single and joint memberships to alumni.

For more information regarding the Community Tennis Program, contact Johan Kjellsten at kjellsten@suddenlink.net or the Lake Charles Racquet Club. Lake Area Runners and Go Run LA can be visited at www.eteamz.com/LakeAreaRunners and www.gorunla.com respectively.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 3

Classical Gas

Zuill Bailey, with Navah Perlman and the St. Petersburg String Quartet

By Leslie Berman, Photos by Donald McKnight For those of you who have only taken your classical music medicinally, or because your [parent/spouse/child] dragged you to the symphony, I heartily recommend starting your classical music listening over again from scratch, beginning with the exquisitely strong and sensitive cello performances of Zuill Bailey.

I was brought up by a Dixieland jazz-loving, trumpet-blowing (and occasionally scat-singing) dad, and a Broadway melody-loving, off-key carsinging mom, so I rarely heard classical music at home. Oh, sure, I took ballet lessons from Melissa Hayden at four. As she was the prima ballerina for the New York State company at that time, it was Stravinsky and Debussy and other romantic classicists whose tunes we osmosed as we practiced our plies and jetes and beautiful torso-stretching poses every Saturday morning at her tiny storefront school in suburban Woodmere, New York.

But when I turned six, my stylish, opera-singing Aunt Miriam decided to take charge of my musical education. On Saturday mornings, we’d take the A

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train from Far Rockaway to Manhattan to hear popular and avant-garde classical music played extraordinarily well by the New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

At my age, I had no sense of either history or occasion, but my aunt must have known how lucky we were to see and hear the maestro conduct those “Young People’s Concerts,” which were for me the centerpiece of many pleasurable outings.

Fifty years later, I can still remember how Bernstein laughed and thundered and questioned us and talked to us as if we were adults, even though I at least was sitting on my specially-made cushion “handbag” so I could see from a perch on my Carnegie Hall aisle seat left in the “upright” position.

What I really remember best is Bernstein’s contagious excitement as he strode about the stage (and sometimes the aisles) and stopped the orchestra mid-chord so he could yell about the music they were playing, and that he wanted us to love.

(Twenty-five of those Young People’s Concerts have been released on DVD. Get them and you, too, will fall in love with classical music. I swear. (www.leonardbernstein.com.)

Until a few weeks ago, I would probably have said there was only one other classical musician after Bernstein whose infectious enthusiasm made me want to listen for the different voicings of strings and reeds and brass instruments, or the poly-rhythms and overtones and the sweetly discordant notes of certain sound-pairings that make your ears ache until the tones resolve.

That would be my hipster friend, the composer and conductor David Amram. His own instruments of passion – French horn, flutes and recorders, dumbeks and bodhrans and tambourines and finger-snaps – are served up equally well in folk songs, jazz, and the modern classical pieces he’s written for flutist James Galway, as well as for school orchestras! (www.davidamram.com) Then a few weeks ago, I heard cellist Zuill Bailey do the same – at a private house concert for Banners’ patrons, where he tore through “Flight of the Bumblebee” as the punch line to a story about a dare and a successful bluff. The same charisma, the same sparks leaping from his every gesture.

The next night, he did it again at a prepublic concert lecture-demonstration, where he showed us his outsized left hand, bulked up from 30-plus years of fingerboard exercises, and then gave us Bach’s Prelude No 1 in G Major, urging us to watch Jamie Foxx appear to do the same in The Soloist.

And finally, he did it in concert at Bulber Auditorium, accompanied by Navah Perlman (violinist Itzhak’s beautiful, deft, and self-effacing pianist daughter, who told me “it’s relaxing to be an accompanist for a change, and not have to be responsible for make the decisions”) and for Anton Arensky’s String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 35 – a rare piece for two cellos, violin and viola – performing with three members of the St. Petersburg String Quartet.

Between the stories and the songs, Bailey conjured up Bernstein, proselytizing for the instrument and the music he loves in purring sounds and warm laughter. Like Bernstein, Bailey has a gift for imparting even mundane information in artlesssounding stories that feel like he’s sharing special secrets instead of preaching. I know, because I hate Schubert, but by the end of the Bulber concert, I was listening to Schubert with new ears, because Bailey asked me to.

“Why do you hate Schubert?” he picked on me in the pre-concert Q&A. I wasn’t articulate, but he nailed it – because Schubert’s audiences wanted facile, teeth-itchingly sweet background tunes for their salons, and the composer/musician always goes where the patrons lead him. And indeed, after hearing that night’s Schubert, an unusually meaty piece, “Sonata in A minor, D. 821,” I did think a little bit better of the old court card.

And what of Bailey’s sound? It’s an artfully magical caress. Bailey plays with absolute clarity, fingering precise attacks on individual notes that yet feel so smoothly sounded it’s as if they’ve been struck by a breath rather than by the placement of a finger. He flutters his wrist and the vibrato goes on forever, yet he can end it so subtly and swiftly that you’re scarcely aware of movement from one note to another. All the while he’s teasing a warm ooze out of the cello’s mouth with seemingly effortless bow strokes. “It helps,” he said, “to have started playing when I was four.”

Whether bench-pressing all three pounds of his carbon fiber and Kevlar cello case, or showing off his relatively huge left keyboard-fingering hand, Bailey talks about classical music as if it’s pop stuff, and soon to be as commonly heard as a teenager’s ring tone: “I’m Coming Up So You Better Get This Party Started.” Maybe it soon will be. After he had channeled Bernstein for the last time, he gave us two encores at Bulber, ending solo with Bach’s “Prelude No. 3 in C Major” and the second standing ovation of the night. Beautiful. [www.zuillbailey.com.]

TJN

MAY 7, 2009

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U A B A F N OLY

GET ACTIVE, GET HEALTHY! WORD SEARCH E V E S Y

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I C R E X E N E R G Y

J N C C P S A M T P Y A C

D O N

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G X G M L H R K M E S M N A S G Y Y A R O S H R T O E O W O L G T T B Y E N R T A E A Y O M E D

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S N C V L Y T O N S N S E O T W S N T O C K T O I

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Players take turns connecting two dots. When a player completes a box, they write their initial in the box. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.

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MAY 7, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

der useum n e l l n E dren's M a D By e Chil of th r o t c Channel and others, Disney Dire

Earth Disneynature 2009

Back in the 60s, Walt Disney had the great idea of using animals as actors in his “True-life Adventure Series.” With a narrator that sounded like Grandpa Walton, viewers would watch as bears, wolves, and other animals were filmed in their natural habitats, telling a story of sorts. It was cute, homey, and usually part of a double feature in the movies, or seen on Walt’s TV show, “The Wonderful World of Color.”

With Earth, which opened nationwide on Earth Day 2009, Disney has decided to put all its expertise and magic back into the animals once more. Part of this may be because of the positive reception of March of the Penguins a few years ago. Whatever the reason, Earth is a visual masterpiece.

You should see this movie. It is extravagant. In collaboration with BBC, the Discovery

has turned Fantasia on its head, using stop motion video and high altitude cameras to capture bears, birds, elephants and whales as you have never seen them before.

Narrated by James Earl Jones, the movie starts near the North Pole with a family of polar bears that are literally buried in snow, coming out of hibernation with the Arctic daybreak The scene is cute and yet poignant, as Jones tells us that climate change is making it harder for the bears to survive. The Arctic ice melts quickly, shortening the window for finding food on the frozen plains.

With vivid special effects, we see landscapes of glaciers actually move and break up before our eyes. We see a flock of migrating birds, and the camera zooms out and out, until it seems we are seeing a whole planet of birds headed south.

Traveling down the globe, we almost lose our balance floating over the tops of trees, practically falling out and over a waterfall, and following a flock of geese as they fly, straight up, over the Himalayan mountains. Vertigo would best

describe the sensation I felt, over and over, while watching this film.

However, parents may find this movie is not suited for young children.

There is a cheetah running down an okapi. True, the chase is slowed down and backed up with music that makes it seem more a dance than an attack.

Disney makes sure the camera stops before the downed okapi is eaten by the ravenous cheetah. But this drama will raise questions in small children that they may not be able to voice or understand.

Balancing the dark scenes of animals in survival mode, we see baby wood ducks jumping out of an impossibly high nest to land, like awkward flying squirrels, in a soft bed of leaves on the forest floor. We see funky lyre birds dancing to soul music, doing their best to impress the cool females.

We find baboons wading through waist-high floodwaters, like a parade of children on the outing of their lives. The floods also contain elephants, playfully swimming, like a family in a hotel pool.

But the elephants are almost skin and bones, and the baboons are running for their lives.

At one point, flocks of animals are gathered around a pitiful watering hole. Starving lions attack and down an elephant like fire ants on a beetle.

The story here is not that the predators are cruel and the prey are their bloody victims. It is more one of desperate survival in a wild that is rapidly shrinking.

The voice of Darth Vader tells us that it is a beautiful but tragic world we live in. At the end of the movie, the father polar bear is weakly trying to attack a group of walruses, in a final effort to get food.

However, make sure you stay in your seat for the credits. Earth has one more animal up its sleeve.

TJN

Every Monday night, feast on juicy mouth watering Prime Rib. Rubbed with our own mix of seasonings and roasted to perfection.

Enjoy a 8, 12, or 16 oz. Prime Rib with aujus and horseradish cream sauces, a loaded baked potato and mixed vegetables.

Come early, supplies are limited.

901 Ryan St., Lake Charles • 439-2054 • pujostreet.com Volume 1 • Issue 3

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 37

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Historical Thrillers:

Strap Yourself In and Enjoy the Ride!

In 1988, a novel was published that combined fact and fiction, multiple settings of time and place, real historical figures and imaginary characters, and several stories within a story. The Eight by Katherine Neville basically spawned a new genre of historical thriller. A host of authors have taken her format and run with it, including the others in this column and one of today’s most successful writers, Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code. Neville’s book was remarkable — one of the best I’ve

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MAY 7, 2009

ever read. After 20 years, she has finally written a sequel.

The Fire picks up some of the first novel’s characters and re-starts “the Game,” a living chess match filled with word games, number puzzles, riddles, symbols and, ultimately, one of mankind’s most-desired secrets.

The action takes place on several continents and involves the search for missing pieces of a jeweled chess service that once belonged to Charlemagne. The characters are Russian, American, British, Arabian,

Italian, French and probably more, with names such as Xie, Nim, Key and Cat. The plot is complicated, but accessible. The writing style is readerfriendly, and I enjoyed the author’s sophisticated knowledge of chess and her ability to compare the game to life. But the characters’ motivation seems strangely absent to me. The plot’s pace is inconsistent; there were moments when I was tired of all the exposition, and then suddenly it would come to life again and I couldn’t put it down.

The reader really has to commit to the book: Dive into it wholeheartedly and allow yourself to believe, and you’re in for a really rich adventure. In the end, I think quite a few things are left hanging. But maybe that means there will be another sequel. I’d read it.

The chess theme is used again in Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower by David S. Brody, a novel based on actual archaeological evidence found all over New England. This turned out to be one of the best reads ever! I am, in fact, crowning it the deserved sequel to The Da Vinci Code, as it continues some of the same subjects into America. It contains ideas as powerful and controversial as those of the DVC, and as believable — or not.

And it’s riveting. (Both authors are D.B. — hmm … has anyone ever seen them together?)

In the story, a bully tries to force an elderly couple to sell him their home. Lawyer Cameron Thorne intervenes and finds himself caught up in the middle of a treasure hunt involving pre-Columbian exploration of North America, the Knights

Templar, the Bible, Freemasons, Indian legend, nature lore, symbols, murder and church cover-up.

It all has to do with Prince Henry, who came to America from Scotland in the 1300s. The evidence is documented; the author shows photos with comprehensible explanations, Web sites and references for further investigation. (In a final author’s note, he explains the few parts he invented.)

In the end, I couldn’t tell precisely where the truth veered into fantasy, because it all sounded so persuasive.

It’s an absolutely firstclass, jaw-dropping, blue-ribbon, brass-band winner. A portion of the book’s sales will go to research into preColumbian exploration of North America.

The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry continues the adventures of Cotton Malone, an exU.S. Justice Department agent. Malone’s father

Volume 1 • Issue 3

died in a Navy submarine on a topsecret mission under the Antarctic ice in 1971, but the government lied to the families of the men on board.

Malone is now discovering the truth, which involves a 1,200-year-old book written in the “language of heaven”

and found in Charlemagne’s tomb, a World War II Nazi Antarctic expedition, and rumors of an advanced civilization that existed 50,000 years ago.

There are good and evil twins, murder, double-dealing, mythology and medieval history. I read it in one day; I loved the unique premise, and what a great story! (Not to give anything away, but I did not buy the deaths at the end.) This author knows what he’s doing, and he gets better with each book. This is my favorite of Berry’s so far — maybe because of the subject. The Da Vinci Code has nothing on this book! It’s a good, solid thriller that will take you somewhere you never imagined before, so strap yourself in and enjoy the ride.

In The Memorist, author M.J. Rose follows the themes of her best-selling The Reincarnationist.

Most of the book is set in Vienna and features past-life regression, murder and betrayal, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Add some spice to your life!

The Jambalaya News is looking for a Media Sales Representative.

Full-time position, prior sales experience required.

E-mail resume to publisher@thejambalayanews.com or call (337) 263-4736 for more information.

826 Ford Street, Lake Charles, 70601 Volume 1 • Issue 3

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 39

Killin’ Time Crossword

Meer Logan has always had odd spells she refers to as “the dreads.” As a child, she drew images of an “illusory treasure chest” over and over, and she associates the box with the music she “hears” just before the dreads take over. She calls the attacks “pseudomemories,” refusing to believe they have anything to do with a past life. But the music, her memories — it all relates to Beethoven and 1814 Vienna.

The premise: Certain sound frequencies, such as musical notes, can “induce the states of consciousness necessary for (people) to remember previous lives.” And one way to do this is to use memory tools, including a “dangerous” memory flute. Are Meer’s flashes evidence of reincarnation? Is a young boy’s frozen lack of response to his surroundings a “past life break?” Will the memory flute cause untold suffering and chaos?

While I find it plausible that certain sounds or images (or scents) can trigger past-life memories (or at least images that seem to be from a past life), I don’t agree with the author that those memories will be disastrous and lead to personal ruin. But it makes another good, action-packed story.

Copyright (c) 2009 Mary Louise Ruehr Mary Louise Ruehr is the Books Editor for the Record-Courier in Ravenna, Ohio. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Kent State University. Mary Louise is interested in all subjects and has many favorite authors, including Pearl S. Buck, James Michener, and P.G. Wodehouse, as well as mystery writers Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich. She blogs at http://blogs.dixcdn.com/shine_a_light/ and you can write to her at Books@recordpub.com. TJN PAGE 40

MAY 7, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

Dobet Gnohore’ Banners Series In collaboration with the Black Heritage Festival, McNeese Banners Cultural Series presented another unique taste of a foreign world as Dobet Gnahore’ took the stage. Dobet was trained in a multi-faceted approach to music and performance where dance, percussion, song, poetry and theater are intertwined.

Afrika came alive for the audience as Gnahore’ utilized her entire being in music and dance, to the delight of the audience.

Glenn Wiltz, Donald Ladd and Danny Williamson.

Otto Strasburg, Fred Rickman and Ed McCanless.

Chantal Iles and Nettra Soileau.

Nathalie Miller, Robbi Dowden and Megan Miller.

Oscar Ortega, Erin Green, Jim Boverie, Carolina and Rodrigo Cardoso.

Amilcar Torre, Frank and Angel Tartamella.

Black Heritage Festival Queens, Megan Smith, Miss Ambassador; Alex Garcia, Youth Ambassador; Morgan Delphin, Teen Miss.

Lake Charles High/Kiltie Reunion Lake Charles High again resounded with the sounds of students past who gathered to celebrate the 70th year of Lake Charles High School.

The Kilties lined up and did a quick step around the gym floor with the drums echoing across the campus.

The celebration spread to the library, where graduates, their families and friends viewed the archives of photos and information on display.

Charlotte Mericle Maxcy (’68), Kempa Perrin Rider (’64) and Gayle Byrley (’64).

Volume 1 • Issue 3

Susan Morris, Gerry Blalock and Cookie Phillips.

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 41

Eleanor Gayle Carmouche (’48), Gloria Gaudet Bumpus (’48) and Gayle Carmouche Vicknair (’73).

James Nelson (’57), Charles Mackey (’54), Bobby Greenwood (’57), Wayne Day (’57), Paul Arnold (’55) and Dean Thibodeaux (’57).

Lynette Micelle Billedeaux (’71), Ann Caston and Janelle Theriot Vincent (’71).

Tour of Nations Eljay Foundation for Parkinson Awareness The Eljay Foundation for Parkinson Awareness created an exciting setting for their annual auction fundraiser dinner. Tour of Nations Extravaganza Experiencing the Culture and Traditions of Greece delivered flavor in a multitude of mediums including Greek wines, food items, décor, music and dance. The Islanders Greek Folk Dancers, dressed in traditional costume, demonstrated various dances, and also invited guests to dance.

Chuck Harrison, Lauren Johnson, Morgan Wilson, Taylor Stokes and Logan Wilson.

Lori and Ron Lazard.

Sharon and Dale Bayard.

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MAY 7, 2009

Jill Breaux and Karen Stubblefield.

Stephanie and Allen Jarvis.

Tracy and Chris Clark.

Derrick and Lyndee Brassieur; Beth and Ron Mueller.

Wayne Mouille, Gaye Courville, Daphne Oliver and Kathy Higgins (standing).

Volume 1 • Issue 3

La Cage Aux Folles The ACTS theatre was the setting for La Cage Aux Folles, on a recent Saturday evening, with a black tie reception prior to the show, cosponsored by ACTS and members of Krewe de Carnivale. Great show, boys and girls! And thanks to Marc Pettaway, ACTS executive director, who always makes the Spice Girl feel welcomed!

Rachel Pack, Johnny Broussard and Jessica Wilde.

Randall Williams and Tamryn Nixx, Miss Gay Louisiana 2000, and reigning Miss Gay Lake Charles.

Volume 1 • Issue 3

Joe Broussard, Erica Shay Mathews and John Chavanne.

Greg and Cindy Stracner.

Tracy Lemieux and George Jacobson.

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 43

Swashbucklers and The Jambalaya News The Lake Charles Swashbucklers’ opening night was filled with activity, food, music and lots and lots of fans of all ages. Shetler Ford put on a big tailgate party, with free hot dogs and hamburgers, and The Jambalaya News team distributed copies of our latest issue. The Swashbucklers were big winners on their opening night!

TJN Bobby and Sandy Lafleur and Mariella Welch.

Jack, Peyton and Corina Joshlin.

Swashbuckler First Mates, Brandi (front), Jessica and Micha.

Zilly Stevens and Robert Floyd.

Theresa Cormier and Cindy Smith.

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MAY 7, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

L’AUBERGE PARTY BY THE POOL MAY 7 AND 14 Doors open at 7 p.m. with live entertainment scheduled to begin each Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Party by the Pool ends at 11 p.m.

May 7: Everclear – Rock Opening act: Magnolia Sons May 14: Mustang Sally – Variety Ladies get free admission to Party by the Pool. Gentlemen pay just $5; the cover charge is waived for mychoice members. Must be 21 to enter. Please note that the event location is subject to change and/or cancellation due to inclement weather.

Dress code will be strictly enforced at the discretion of L’Auberge. Following Party by the Pool, the fun continues late into the night at the stylish globar inside the L’Auberge 30,000 square foot Vegas-style casino and at hot spot Jack Daniel’s® Bar & Grill. Hang out with friends while enjoying drink specials and a variety of local favorites on stage.

AMERICA DANCE! MAY 8 AND 10 The Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale will present its spring concert America Dance! On Fri., May 8, at 7:30 p.m., and again on Sun., May 10, at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of Lake Charles/Boston Academy of Learning at 1509 Enterprise Boulevard. The Chorale will perform folk songs of the pioneer days of America that retell the history of our country in the early days. Masterworks Chorale will be assisted in this concert by dancers from Dance Theatre Southwest (the studio of Sarah Quinn Jones). Masterworks will also be joined by the newly formed Bill Rose Trio. Finally, in acknowledgement of the importance of the Civil Rights movement and its impact on our country, the Chorale will be joined by former McNeese State University student Fred VanNess for a poignant rendition of We Shall Overcome. The Chorale is under the direction of artistic director Darryl Jones and will be accompanied by assistant artistic director Abbie Fletcher. Tickets are $15 for adults and $3 for students, and may be purchased from any Chorale member, Swicegood Music Store, or by calling (337) 491-9348.

“POKING FUN” AT THE IMPERIAL CALCASIEU MUSEUM MAY 9 Anyone who has ever read Baton Rouge daily newspapers knows something about the work of David Ingram Norwood III (DIN). It has appeared in the StateTimes, the Morning Advocate, the Sunday Advocate, SATURDAY and The Advocate since 1961. During that time, DIN has produced story illustrations, section front covers, advertising art and editorial cartoons.

This collection - only a small representation of classic DIN favorites - has won the attention and affection of Louisiana’s newspaper readers for the past 46 years.

The exhibit opens May 9 from 7-9 p.m. at the Gibson-Barham Gallery at the museum. The exhibit will run through June 20.

KEYS TO LONGEVITY AND HEALTH AT PURE FOODS MAY 15 Craig Sommers, naturopathic doctor and nutritionist, and author of the Raw Foods Bible, will be presenting a class, “The Keys to Longevity and Vibrant Health,” on May 15 from 5-7 p.m. at Pure Foods and Health at 138 W. Prien Lake Rd. In Lake Charles. $20 includes class and delicious raw treats. Lecture topics include Food as Medicine, Cancer Prevention, Safe Cellular Phone Use, the Mind/Body Connection, and more. Call 905-PURE to reserve your space.

Volume 1 • Issue 3

JAM

Boomarang

BOOMARANG KICKS OFF DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN MAY 15 As the sun goes down, things really heat up in Downtown Lake Charles on the corner of Ryan and Broad. The first concert of the 2009 Downtown at Sundown series, will feature the sounds of Boomarang. With over a century of combined live performance experience, there is something for everyone when Boomarang is on the scene. They will perform from 6-9 p.m., while local artists will come out to exhibit their talents in table op galleries along side kids’ entertainment and food booths. In the event of rain, the concert will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs; however, no outside beverages or pets are allowed. Beverage revenue will benefit the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA. The audience is invited to meander through Downtown Lake Charles for more entertainment in the restaurants and pubs. For more information, call (337) 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

TONY BENNETT TO PERFORM AT L’AUBERGE EVENT CENTER MAY 29 An American singer of popular music, standards and jazz, Tony Bennett has released over 70 albums during his career and received thirteen Grammy Award; including the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On May 29, he

Tony Bennett

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 45

will perform at the L’Auberge du Lac Event Center. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 488-5252; and are $125 for floor seats; $95 for stadium seats. All acts, dates and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Guests must be 21 years of age and present a valid photo ID. For more information, log on to www.ldlcasino.com HURRICANE AUDREY DOCUMENTARY ALL OVER BUT TO CRY MAY 30 Stories of people who survived Hurricane Audrey will be retold in a new documentary, All Over But to Cry. The film’s premier showing will take place in historic F.G. Bulber Auditorium on the McNeese State University campus at 7 p.m. Sat., May 30. The documentary brings to life true stories of several survivors of the night Hurricane Audrey rushed ashore in 1957, tremendously impacting families and friends with the tragic loss of life in Cameron Parish. McNeese’s Frazar Memorial Library is creating an exhibit to accompany the film, which will be on display in F.G. Bulber Auditorium the night of the premier and then move to the library through Sept. 1.

Starting May 1, free tickets for the premier of the Hurricane Audrey documentary will be available for pick up at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1205 N. Lakeshore Dr., McNeese Connection on Ryan Street and the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur.

The premier will be presented by the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau and the McNeese Banners Series. For more information, contact Katie Harrington, public relations manager, at the bureau by calling (337) 436-9588, or log onto www.visitlakecharles.org for more information.

SULPHUR LOCATION:

1811 S. Ruth St.

337-527-0318

as a child, who brought a little magic into your life?

LAKE CHARLES FEATURE FILM GOOD BOY TO BE SCREENED MAY 30 Director/producer Patrick Roddy, in partnership with the City of Lake Charles, will screen Good Boy on May 30, 8 p.m. at Central School Theatre, 809 Kirby Street. Good Boy, Roddy’s third film, was shot last summer in the Lake Charles area with cast and crew predominantly from Southwest Louisiana, including Josh Marcantel and Gary Shannon. The psychological thriller was written by Ken Henderson of Moss Bluff. Henderson is a semifinalist in the Nicholl Fellowship screenwriting competition. Admission to the screening of Good Boy is free. The film is not rated; however, it is suggested for mature audiences. Roddy is a professor-in residence in the School of Media Arts at The University of Arizona and is a former professor of mass communications at McNeese State University. Good Boy will be his eighth film as a producer and his third as a director. For more information, call (337) 491-9147, or visit www.patrickroddy.com. TJN

Good Boy featuring Josh Marcantel and Gary Shannon.

Little Moments.

Big Magic.

4135 Common St. Lake Charles LA 70607 337-478-KIDS www.bbbs-swla.net PAGE 46

MAY 7, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

Around Town With The Jam

JAM

Concert Listings Toucans

ck 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Ro Chris Watson Band p.m. – 1 a.m. Rock 10 m ra 2nd Party Prog d an n ow Br xy Bo g – 10 p.m. – closin Open Mike Night ks in dr ice pr lf gets ha Service industry . a.m 2 Karaoke 9 p.m. – May 12 a.m. R&B r Work 6 p.m. – 12 te Af at Flo ns, May 14 ra te rcast Ve Paper Planes, Colo ck May 15 Ro . a.m – 12 Tyler Read 9 p.m. p.m. – 1 a.m. Rock 10 s er ow hr et Flam May 16 Open Mike May 18 Karaoke May 19

May 7 May 8 May 10

May 7 May 8 May 9 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 18 May 19 May 20

Sylvia’s Bistro

Dave Pellerin 6-10 p.m. Piano Ba Dan deSandro Tr r io 9-12 p.m.

Jimmy Pardon Tr io 9-12 p.m. Classic Ro Acoustic Pie ck 8-10 p.m.

Alvin Touchet 7-9 p.m.

City Heat 8-10 p.m. R&B Dave Pellerin 6-10 p.m. Piano Ba Sylvia’s Bistro – So r uthbound 9-12 p.m.

Salsa Night Lesson 8-9 p.m., Dance 9 Sylvia’s Bistro – Ac p.m.-1 a.m. oustic Pie 8-10 p.m.

Alvin Touchet 7-9 p.m.

Sylvia’s Bistro – Ci ty Heat 8-10 p.m.

The Jambalaya News has had a busy few weeks. We were one of the sponsors of the NAMIWALKS for the Mind of America on April 25 at the Lake Charles Civic Center, providing and handing out wristbands for the event. We also handed out a thousand copies of The Jam. The walk was fantastic— what a turnout for a great cause!

That evening, the Jambalaya crew was back at the Civic Center, handing out The Jam at the opening night of the Swashbucklers!

With Thom Hager on the cover and the schedule inside, Buccs fans were eager to snatch up copies. The Jam gave away a Swashbucklers football to a lucky fan at halftime.

What a thrilling game!

The fire at The Children’s Museum is a devastating loss for the city, but with the help of the community, it will come back, better than ever. The Jambalaya News donated 1,000 posters of the first issue cover depicting Jean Lafitte and his Buccaneers. See the article

Phil de Albuquerque and a NAMI participant. in this issue to find out where you can get a poster to support the museum.

Lloyd Lauw, Jean Lafitte 2009, has graciously decided to auction off his pirate locks to the highest bidder, with proceeds going to the museum. For more information, contact us at 436-7800.

TJN

Lisa Yates, Lauren de Albuquerque and Jessie Kelly

Luna’s

May 7 May 8 May 9 May 10 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 18

Thursdays aturing Be Well On fe ic us M ic st ou Ac Turtles Luna’s – Research Beer s gu Toast, Lin , featuring Abita nger songwriters Si – t gh Ni e ik is M tin Open doe Mar ght featuring Mon Acoustic music ni e gl Ea a sh ei ing with El An Elegant Even a Prep School oi qu Se , ar ct Ne Fresh Magnolia Sons, ita Beer Plump ers, featuring Ab – singer/songwrit Open Mike Night

Volume 1 • Issue 3

MAY 7, 2009

PAGE 47

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