Jean Lafitte, Captain of all Pirates As the Contraband Days Festival is fast approaching, Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates are planning their takeover of the city of Lake Charles. Representing the symbolic figure of Jean Lafitte for 2009 is Lloyd Lauw. This year’s Jean Lafitte was chosen for his commitment to community and for his sharing of the local heritage of Southwest Louisiana. He is devoted to the improvement of the quality of life. Lauw, a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana has lived in the Lake Charles area since 1978. Lloyd is married to JoNell Spears Lauw, they have three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Lloyd, a Past President of The Buccaneers of Lake Charles since 1982 still remains active in the club. Lauw is the owner of Lloyd Lauw’s Collision repair since 2001. He believes in giving back to the community by volunteering his time in many civic organizations. He currently serves as President of West Calcasieu Association of Commerce, Past President of the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club, Member of Ward 8 District II Fire Department, Advisory Board of Sowela, member of the Boat Club, Board Member of Chamber Southwest, and an Executive Board Member and Past President in 2001, 2006 and 2007 of Contraband Days, Inc. Lloyd’s hobbies include wood working, golf, fishing, community volunteerism, and spending time with the grandchildren. Jean Lafitte 2009 Lloyd Lauw invites everyone to come out and have a good time at this year’s Contraband Day’s Festival. Jean Lafitte used the local lakes and waterways as a safe harbor and a place to repair and re-fit his ships. Rumor has it that he buried treasure on Contraband Bayou and the surrounding area. But the truth is he invested in the local people and business leaving a treasure behind that he could use when he came back on future voyages. The history of early Lake Charles is mixed with legends of Jean Lafitte and continued on p26
April 16, 2009
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