WWW.TIMESSW.COM • AUGUST 7, 2008 / VOL. 13, NO. 16
Staying Healthy During Your College Years Car Care 101
Southern Bar-B-Que Spices It Up College Calendars
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GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . 617 Drew St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-439-0995 Fax: 337-439-0418 PUBLISHERS Patrick Marcantel Scot Hebert
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august 7, 2008 Volume 13 • Number 15
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contents
NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren.dealbuquerque@timessw.com
EDITOR Lisa Yates timesedit@timessw.com
CONTRIBUTORS Kay Andrews Scott Bergstedt, M.D. Jen Breen Matt Jones Bill Krull Dr. Peter Mahony Richard McGregor, M.D. John Noble, M.D. A.J. O’Byrne, M.D. Jason Ramm, M.D. Albert Richert, Jr., M.D Terri Schlichenmeyer
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E N T E R P R I S E B O U L E VA R D LC Makes Forbes.com’s Top Ten List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
COLUMNS
POLITICS John Maginnis Dan Juneau ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Andy Jacobson
Who’s News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Business Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Inside Baton Rouge: The Governor Who Didn’t Care to Play . . . . . . . . . .11 Biz Bytes: Some Bad Business Taxes Leaving Soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 MSU Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Patricia Prudhomme GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . OFFICE MANAGER Tracey Smith
The Times of Southwest Louisiana is published every two weeks by Patsco Publishing, 617 Drew Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 439-0995. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $25 per year. Bulk mailing permit #9 paid at Lake Charles, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Times of Southwest Louisiana, 617 Drew Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. FAX to (337) 439-0418. The Times of Southwest Louisiana cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. Copyright 2008 The Times of Southwest Louisiana all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. DISTRIBUTION: The Times of Southwest Louisiana is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The Times of Southwest Louisiana may be distributed only by The Times of Southwest Louisiana authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Times of Southwest Louisiana, take more than one copy of each monthly issue from its racks.
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COVER STORY A Day in the Life of the Coushatta Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
FEATURES SWLA Infrastructure Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Home Grown: Southern Bar-B-Que . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 College Students and Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Dorm Daze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Healthy Wake-Up Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Eating Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Let’s Get Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
ENTERTAINMENT Book Beat: How to Survive Your Freshman Year . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Times Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Coffee Break Cross Word: The Rainbow Connection . . . . . . . . .42 The Shadow: The Phantoms of the Cowbell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Parting Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Visit us online at: www.timessw.com Special thanks to photographer Richard Hadden for contributing photos to the “Salvador” story in The Times' July 24, 2008/Vol. 13, No. 15 issue. AUGUST 7, 2008
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Community Mourns Loss of United Way Leader By Lisa Yates The community is mourning the loss of Tom Morris, long-time president/CEO of the United Way of Southwest Louisiana. Morris died suddenly in New Hampshire, July 25, while on vacation. He was 74. Considered “a true leader and community visionary” by peers and colleagues, Morris headed the non-profit group since 1989. Along with his loyal staff, Morris assisted in disaster recovery efforts in Southwest Louisiana following Hurricane Rita in 2005. Under his leadership, United Way of SWLA disbursed grant awards totaling more than $750,000 to more than 30 non-profit organizations as part of recovery programs and services. Most recently, he wrapped up the 2008 campaign, which brought in a record $4,605,000, which was $230,000 more than the group's campaign goal, and $256,636 more than the 2007 campaign raised a year earlier. Morris was known for “his booming presence, tender concern for his fellow man and woman, and his love for this community.” “Every day of his life he worked towards bettering our community,” said Jim McGough, chairman of the board for the United Way of SWLA, and long-time friend. “He was a great leader and he will be missed.” Chairman-elect Bob Chandler described Morris as “ the face of the United Way of Southwest Louisiana.” “While Boston was where he began, he adopted Southwest Louisiana as his home,” he said. “He surrounded himself with an excellent, committed staff. All who benefited from their work and dedication will continue to benefit for many years to come.”
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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso, chairman of the 2009 United Way campaign, offered condolences to Morris' family, which included his United Way family. “He was their rock,” he said. “His leadership, his friendship and kindness made them want to follow him. I saw that and anyone who interacted with him saw that. He accomplished so much in his career. He was committed; and, he truly loved his work. Obviously, he will be deeply missed.” Morris worked for the United Way organization for more than 40 years, most recently in Southwest Louisiana at 715 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. He also held the position of president with the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce and with radio station WLCS in Muskegon, Michigan. Morris is survived by his wife Denise Martin of Westlake; one son, Thomas Morris Jr. of Durango, Colo.; three daughters, Robin Jensen and husband Carl Jensen Jr. of Muskegon, Mich., Jan McCarthy of Muskegon and Linda Morris of Simi Valley, Calif.; a sister, Claudia Poulos of Morresboro, N.C.; one aunt, Mary Kozlowski of Peabody, Mass.; one uncle, Stan Drabczuk of Peabody; three grandchildren, Randi Lee Thompson, Christina McCarthy and Samantha Lee Jensen; and one greatgrandson, Ryker Thomas Bryant. His funeral was held on July 31 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. He was buried in Prien Memorial Park in Lake Charles. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.mem.com.
NEWS
ABOUT
SOUTHWEST
LOUISIANA
ENTERPRISEBOULEVARD Lake Charles makes Forbes.com's Top Ten list By Lisa Yates he Forbes.com list of upand-coming tech centers: 1. Columbus, Ohio, 2. Santa Fe, New Mexico, 3. Palm Beach County, Florida, 4. Houston, Texas, 5. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 7. Boise City, Idaho, 8. Iowa City, Iowa, 9. Lake Charles, Louisiana, 10. Yuma, Arizona. Lake Charles may not be the next Silicon Valley, but the city – a major player in the energy industry – has secured the No. 9 spot as an up-andcoming tech city in America, according to a recent list by Forbes.com. George Swift, president/CEO of Southwest Louisiana Economic Alliance, said the ranking gives Lake Charles the attention it deserves for its port and energy operations. The city was highlighted by Forbes as “a key choke point in America's energy distribution network.” “Our region is poised for a great economic surge,” he said. “Our Port is now the 11th largest in the nation, and, due to lucrative GO (Gulf Opportunity) Zone incentives, we are still fielding interest from around the nation about expanding into Southwest Louisiana. Many large projects have been announced with several more around the corner.” Congress established the Gulf Opportunity Zone program in 2006, which gave Louisiana the capacity to issue $7.9 billion of tax-exempt bonds to help rebuild the state's economy from the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Proceeds from GO Zone bonds that have been sold, to date, have been used to build homes and apartments, as well as, fund various economic initiatives, including a multi-billion dollar oil refinery expansion. The goal of the Forbes ranking was to help regions develop their tech potential. Philip Auerswald, a public policy professor at George
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Mason University in Virginia, studied trends in patents to determine which cities showed the most improvement in technology development the past 15 years. The Forbes ranking will help convince investors to take another look at Southwest Louisiana, according to Swift. “Many people outside of the region think that all of South Louisiana is New Orleans; and, that up until last year, we were possibly still under water,” he said. “Our mission, after Rita, was to let people know that not only were we up and running, but that we were open for business.” In addition to participating in various trade shows throughout the year, Swift said the SWLA Economic Alliance has set aside resources to feature regional assets in trade and industrial expansion periodicals as an effort to attract new businesses. “We must put information out there about whom we are and our capabilities,” he said. A key part of the area’s success is “location, location, location.” “Our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the (Interstate) I-10 makes our region a viable trading route for most commercial enterprises,” Swift said. “We sit on a hub between New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Houston, and we are accessible by water, air, road and rail. Our cost of living is enviable by all national standards; and, our resources can't be beat. This is a great region to live and raise a family.” The overall job outlook is positive with the major drawback – finding a skilled workforce. “Our challenge is finding workers to fill the jobs we have,” Swift said. “To do that, the Alliance will spearhead a multi-faceted approach: We will work with young students letting them know of the career paths available to them in relation to
the industries within the region; we will encourage those who are underemployed to get up-dated skills; and, we will target high unemployment areas in the nation to attract skilled workers and veterans to our region.” Swift said the region's technological resources can help create and fill jobs in growing areas such as health care and logistics. “There are no limits to what our regional institutions can accomplish,” he said. “Dr. Miller at SOWELA hit the ground running with new programs; and, Dr. Hebert and McNeese are actively seeking new venues for expansion and development. Our community college system and university are ready to train the workforce needed to further develop and expand our regional workforce.” Swift said he is optimistic the area's strong economy will offset problems associated with the struggling national economy. “I will not say that we are immune from the struggles facing the rest of the nation, but we are insulated,” he said. “Yes, we face the rising gas prices like everyone else and also have to adjust our budgets for increased rates related to the products and services which are affected by the rising gas prices. But, we have long been insulated from the financial woes of the rest of the nation. Our industrial base is stable, built on the solid ground of oil and gas, petrochemical, health care and aviation – all of which are always in demand.” To learn more, visit: www.forbes.com/entrepreneurstechnology/2008/03/10/columbus-milwaukee-houston-ent-techcx_wp_0310smallbizoutlooktechcity.html. Click on the photo of the offshore drilling rig.
Who’s News
Louis M. Todd, Sr., CIC, of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. will succeed Joe Calloway, Jr. as the chairman of LAMMICO’s Agents Advisory Committee, effective next year. Todd brings to LAMMICO more than 25 years of experience as a professional working in the health care insurance industry and holds the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). His clientele consists primarily of health care facilities, including hospitals, surgical centers, physician groups and related health Louis M. Todd, Sr., CIC care entities. Todd attained the professional designation of CIC in 1998. Presently, Todd serves on the Board of Directors at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital in Lake Charles. LAMMICO provides health care practitioners unparalleled service and affordable medical malpractice insurance, and is a Louisiana-based company, owned by its policyholders. For a quarter of a century, LAMMICO has been the only physicianowned company specializing in medical professional liability insurance products and services for Louisiana physicians. A.M. Best, the world’s oldest and most authoritative source of insurer financial performance, rated LAMMICO “A- ,” or Excellent, with a stable outlook for its financial stability. LAMMICO has received similar Excellent ratings for the past 15 years. Ted P. Harless, Jr. of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network has been recognized as a financial professional with an expertise in long-term care insurance by achieving the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) designation. With the CLTC designation, Harless has received one of the most extensive educations available for financial professionals in the field of long-term care insurance. Graduates of the CLTC designation program from the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification, Inc. have Continued on Page 6 AUGUST 7, 2008
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Who’s News, Continued from Page 5
completed a multidisciplinary curriculum with a detailed concentration on essential information involved in the sale of long-term care insurance. The program, acknowledged by state regulators as an appropriate continuing education means, is a valuable resource for financial professionals desiring to remain up-to-date on industry trends. As a financial representative with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Harless is part of a network of specialists offering a wide array of insurance, investment products and services. He is associated with National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Sons of the American Revolution and Boy scouts of America. Further information on Northwestern Mutual, its subsidiaries and affiliates can be found at: www.nmfn.com.
From left: Rex Ratcliff, Ramona Orsot, Michele Martell, Henry Stewart and John Clements, Maria Mays not pictured.
L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently announced its July Five Star Employees and Employee of the Month. Additionally, the property named its Leaders of the Quarter, chosen from eligible managers and supervisors. The Five Stars are: Henry Stewart, a laundry room attendant; John Clemens, a table games dealer; Maria Mays, a guest room dispatcher; Ramona Orsot, a cage cashier; Michele Martell, a limo driver; and Rex Ratcliff, a floral assistant. Rex Ratcliff 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 E.J. McMichael, a building and grounds supervisor; Jared Rising, a banquets Sous chef; Zachery Thomas, a slots supervisor; Melinda Williams, assistant manager at Jack Daniel’s® Bar & Grill; and Christopher Craig, a slots assistant shift manager. L’Auberge recognizes eligible managers and supervisors every quarter as Leaders of the Quarter for their extraordinary customer service to guests and employees. L’Auberge also recognizes at least five outstanding employees, or Five Stars, every month for their service skills. All of these employees went to great lengths to uphold L’Auberge’s quality and image as the most successful and respected entertainment destination in the South. In recognition for their hard work, the employees receive a substantial cash prize, a personalized L’Auberge gift, VIP parking and gift certificates. The Employee of the Month also receives dinner for two. The employees received their awards on July 25 at a special Recognition Luncheon with L’Auberge Vice President and General Manager Larry Lepinski and other executive staff members.
From left: E.J. McMichael, Melinda Williams, Jared Rising and Zachery Thomas, Christopher Craig not pictured.
Dr. Michael Turner, M.D. of the Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana recently attended the 3rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of PAGE 6
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Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) in Orlando, Fla. Preceding the scientific sessions, Dr. Turner completed a review course in preparation for the first-ever board certification examination in Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. He is one of the few physicians in Louisiana with a level 3 (highest) certification. Cardiovascular Computed Tomography is a scan that enables cardiologists to view all angles of the heart and vascular system. It is a non-invasive medical imaging method used mostly for evaluating coronary and pulmonary arteries and testing for peripheral vascular disease and pulmonary embolism. Dr. Turner is one of a group of board-certified cardiologists that form Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana. The organization offers patients comprehensive cardiac care focusing on prevention and early intervention. Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana is located at 600 South Ryan Street in Lake Charles and has additional locations in Sulphur, Moss Bluff, DeQuincy, DeRidder, Jennings and Kinder. For additional information on Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana, call 436-3813 or visit www.csswla.com. Louisiana State Senator Willie Mount, D-Lake Charles, has been named the recipient of the 2008 CHRISTUS Health Eagle Award for her outstanding legislative leadership and strong commitment to health care issues. The award was presented to Mount at the National Conference of State Legislators annual summit in New Orleans. The annual award, now in its ninth year, is presented by CHRISTUS Health to one or more lawmakers who share the health system’s mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. A former small business owner, Mount has been very active in a variety of civic and community betterment projects. She is past president of the Sen. Willie Mount Louisiana Conference of Mayors and served on the executive boards of the Louisiana Municipal Association and Council for a Better Louisiana. Mount also serves on the McNeese State University Foundation Board, the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Board of Councilors and the Alzheimer’s Association State Board. Bonnie Cappo has joined the Wound Healing Center at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital as its program director. Cappo will be responsible for all aspects of the center’s operation including ensuring quality patient care, recruiting and hiring, compliance with federal and state guidelines, budgeting and fiscal policies, and marketing and sales. Most recently, she served as Director of Business Development at Harbor Hospital of Southeast Texas. Cappo holds a Masters of Science degree from McNeese State University. Joanie and Romain Theriot of Salon Elegance Day Spa and Fitness would like to welcome Robert Patten, L.M.T. to their staff. Robert is a licensed massage therapist trained in Swedish and deep tissue massage as well as Reiki energy work. He is also skilled in various spa services such as manicures/pedicures, facials, and hydrotherapy services including body wraps. Robert also offers the Aveda Chakra balancing massage, giving the client a massage experience that is soothing to the mind, body, and spirit. To make an appointment with Robert, or to find out how Salon Elegance can serve all of your salon needs, call 598-3400. The Salon is located at 10002 Gulf Hwy. Lake Charles. Governor Bobby Jindal has announced the appointments of several Lake Area residents to state commissions. Mark Oxley of Sulphur has been appointed to the State Police Commission. He has thirty-one years of law enforcement and emergency services experience and served as a member of the Louisiana State Police from 1975 to 2006. He will represent the 7th Congressional District. Ronnie Johns of Sulphur has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Louisiana State Lottery Corporation. Johns is an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance Agency, Inc. and is a former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing the 33rd District. Johns will serve on the board as an at-large member. In addition, the governor made appointments to the Board of the Calcasieu River Port Pilot Commissioners and Examiners. The Board serves to establish rules and regulations for the purpose of regulating pilots, pilot associations, masters, and owners of vessels on the navigable waters of the state of Louisiana. Appointed were Brett A. Palmer, Robert Noland and David Darbone, all of Lake Charles. Palmer has been a licensed river pilot since 1992 and is a member of the Pilot Review and Oversight Board. He will represent the Pilots for the Port of Lake Charles. Noland is the owner of a timber business and also has a business affiliated with the oil and gas industry. Noland will represent the business community. Darbone is the current chair of the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal Chairman and will serve as an ex-officio member.
WHAT’S
UP DOC?
I am having pain all the time in my neck and shoulder, and it keeps me up occasionally all night. When I get up or roll over, I can't stand to move. Sometimes Aleve will help, but I have to take quite a few to get relief. What could this be? This is likely related to a cervical disc or nerve root problem, but sometimes shoulder problems will cause these types of symptoms. A good history and physical are essential, and X-rays and possibly MRI may be needed to provide an exact diagnosis. John Noble, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, Center for Orthopaedics
Luncheon Honors Top 50 Businesses By Lisa Yates
Jeff Davis Bank hosted the 2008 The Times Imperial Calcasieu Top 50 luncheon on July 18, at the Lake Charles Country Club. The event featured keynote speaker George Swift, president/CEO of Southwest Louisiana Economic Alliance, and also honored the area’s top-grossing businesses for providing employment and stimulating the local economy. Jeff Davis Bank President Dan Donald welcomed guests and presented
awards, along with Patrick Marcantel and Scot Hebert, publishers of The Times of Southwest Louisiana. “The 2008 The Times Imperial Calcasieu Top 50 luncheon was a huge success and we wish to thank all of the participants and our sponsor Jeff Davis Bank,” Marcantel said. “All of the recipient businesses have accomplished a great deal and we are proud of their successes. They are definitely deserving of being honored.”
With all the advances in fertility treatments, what is the new upper age limit for a woman to try to get pregnant? All women see a decline in their fertility beginning at around age 35, making it far more difficult to conceive naturally. Treatments such as in vitro fertilization have extended the window of fertility significantly, making it possible to conceive well into the mid-40s. And there have been several well-publicized cases of women even older successfully conceiving and delivering healthy babies. However, these cases are the exception, not the norm, and the publicity surrounding them does not take into account the high risks associated with pregnancy over age 45 -- the age most doctors consider the cutoff point for pursuing pregnancy. After this age, the health of a woman’s eggs declines dramatically, greatly decreasing the chances of a normal, health conception and pregnancy, although normal pregnancies can and do occur at this age. It’s also important to note that the risk of certain birth defects increases as a woman ages, as does the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Scott Bergstedt, MD, ob/gyn with OBG-1 I’ve worn glasses or contacts since I was eight years old. I’m in college now and am very interested in LASIK for correcting my vision. What age do you have to be to get LASIK? For young adults who crave freedom from prescription eyewear entirely, the college years are when LASIK becomes an option. The biggest changes in a person’s vision take place during the teen years, and the earliest age at which LASIK is recommended is 18. Age 21 is often the optimum age, but this is a decision that is made on a case-by-case basis. We don’t want to do LASIK until a person’s vision is stable, and this is usually closer to age 20 or 21. At this point, if your vision prescription has been relatively stable, with only small changes for a few years, then we are confident that we can give you excellent results with LASIK. A.J. O’Byrne, MD, ophthalmologist with The Eye Clinic How prevalent is skin cancer these days? Warnings about sun damage have been in the news for the past few years. Is it doing any good? The education about the impact of sun damage has helped people realize the importance of using a good sunscreen, and being more aware of sun damage. However, even with the warnings and information, a full 50 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers today are skin cancers. Approximately 1.3 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Skin cancer is the most preventable type of cancer, and if caught early, it’s usually curable; but if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal. If you’re going to be in the sun for more than 10 minutes, using a sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 will help protect you. SPFs go up to 45, and the higher the better for reducing the sun’s damage on your skin. There is no further benefit greater than SPF 45. Jason Ramm, MD, family practice physician with Cypress Family Medical Clinic
AUGUST 7, 2008
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Rededication of the Official Louisiana Memorial Oak Tree Members of the community recently gathered at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur for the ceremonial rededication of the Official Louisiana Memorial Oak Tree, located on Interstate 10 between Sulphur and Vinton. Formally rededicating the tree were Mayor Ron LeLeux of Sulphur; Mayor Kenneth Stinson of Vinton; Shelley Johnson, executive director of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Ed Jardell, rededication supervisor. “With the interstate construction a few years ago, the tree was not in the best condition, and it had to be removed. However, Ed Jardell and other members of the community pulled together to preserve a piece of our history, ensuring the future of a new tree to carry the title of being the state’s only memorial oak,” said Johnson.
The original memorial oak was designated after a group of local residents of the West Calcasieu Old Spanish Trail Association had a vision to help bolster more support and awareness for Old Spanish Trail and Louisiana’s veterans and citizens during the time of the 1984 World’s Fair held in New Orleans. Ed Jardell and the late Daisy Winfree were among those who asked former State Representative Burt Andrepont to encourage the Louisiana Legislature to pass a resolution declaring the tree as the Official Louisiana Memorial Oak Tree. This was in an effort to honor all veterans and Louisiana citizens. The new Louisiana Memorial Oak Tree is marked with a plaque, compliments of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Ed Jardell is donating all paperwork, newspaper clippings and the resolution to the Brimstone Museum Complex.
City of Lake Charles to Host Partner Appreciation Ceremony On Tuesday, August 19, at 10 a.m., the City of Lake Charles will host a Partner Appreciation Ceremony at the parking lot of the former Sears automotive center located at 100 Mill St. (the northeast corner of the intersection of Mill St. and Ann St.). The purpose of the Partner Appreciation Ceremony is to recognize the many business and government partners who have contributed to and supported the City’s revitalization efforts; specifically, the former Sears PAGE 8
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building property located in the 600 block of Ryan St. The removal of blight is central to many revitalization and economic development efforts, and the City appreciates the importance of the various programs, which have helped make this effort a reality. The Partner Appreciation Ceremony is open to the public, which is encouraged to attend.
BUSINESS
notes Surgical Clinic and is located adjacent to the Urgent Care facility at 4320 Lake Street in Lake Charles. In addition to CT, Clinic Imaging provides a full range of imaging services, including X-ray, MRI, mammography, ultrasound and bone density assessment. All services are provided under the medical direction of board certified radiologist, Barbara Tomek, M.D. The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.
From left to right, Billy Navarre, Chuck Ehlers, Charles Spaetgens, Nic Hunter, Sam Doucet, and Victor Monsour.
“Operation Appreciation” was recently formed by business owners Billy Navarre, Chuck Ehlers, Nic Hunter and Victor Monsour. The group put together 2,000 “Thank You Packages” for active members of the military in Calcasieu Parish containing over $100 worth of gift certificates from local participating businesses. They also handed out dozens of $100 Visa gift cards and Harlequin dinners to local veterans who entered in the drawings. On July 4, a fundraiser/party was held at The View downtown, raising $15,000 for the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home. One lucky veteran, Vietnam Veteran Mike Long, won an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.
Roy Raftery, Jr., President and CEO of Cameron State Bank presents Megan Ward the July spa package, valued at $1,000 which includes spa treatments at Spa du Lac and an overnight stay at L'Auberge.
Front row: Lauren Johnson, Mason Hicks, Lesley Sanner, Allyson Sanner, and Garrett Guidry. Back row: Kevin Moreau and George Mack.
Cameron Communications General Manager George Mack presented a $6,500 check to Kevin Moreau for the Marshland Festival. In addition to being one of the major corporate sponsors, Cameron Communications also contributed towards advertising and printing of bill stuffers for the event. The festival was held at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Aug. 1-2. The new CHRISTUS St. Patrick Healthy Living retail shops opened on July 31. This newest service line includes the Healthy Living Marketplace and Coffee Café in the main lobby of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, and GiGi’s Fitness Center Pro Shop at GiGi’s Nelson Road location. The Marketplace will provide exclusive health and wellness products such as CHRISTUS Health pharmacy-grade vitamins, as well as aromatherapy, spa, and mineral make-up products. The adjacent Coffee Café will offer a variety of healthy snacks and specialty chocolates, as well as gourmet coffee, specialty drinks, and unique gift items. GiGi’s Pro Shop will carry an array of products geared toward health and fitness needs. Money made from Marketplace purchases will help support the CHRISTUS mission and contribute to new facilities, technology and services in Southwest Louisiana Clinic Imaging has been awarded a three-year term of computed tomography (CT) accreditation for the Toshiba Aquilion 64 Slice CT Scanner as the result of a recent quality and safety survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Clinic Imaging is a service of Lake Charles Medical and
The first winner was announced in Cameron State Bank’s Great Escape Spa Giveaway. Megan Ward of Moss Bluff won the “Total Relaxation” spa package valued at $1,000 with Spa du Lac. As a nursing student, with three jobs and two children, Ward said the spa package is greatly appreciated! She registered at the mid-city location on Ryan Street. A spa package will be given away each month through November. The grand finale in December is an all-inclusive seven-night stay at Lake Austin Spa Resort for the winner and a guest, valued at over $12,000. Registration slips are available at all Cameron State Bank locations. The Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council (SLAC) announces its partnership with the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living (TFL) of the state’s Public Health Institute through a grant which will enable SLAC to integrate the TFL message in the agency’s extensive programs of outreach and education. “We feel particularly well-suited for this partnership, because for decades, our efforts have included advocating for overall healthy lifestyles for our clients and the community at large,” stated Kelli Barnes, SLAC Program Director. SLAC will emphasize this message in its existing community programs, “Becoming a Responsible Adult” and “Becoming a Responsible Teen” and in its HIV-positive support groups, “Being Well” and “Living Well.” The agency’s case management program will also begin to provide their HIV-positive clients with a consistent flow of information regarding tobacco-use cessation and prevention. SLAC was founded in 1987 as a safe haven for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS; and to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in Southwest Louisiana through programs of client services, prevention and education, and community relations and development. City Savings Bank of DeRidder was awarded the 2008 Distinguished Partners in Education Award from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Department of Education. City Savings Bank was nominated for the award by Rita Mann, M.Ed., Superintendent of Beauregard Parish Schools, for its active involvement as a charter member of the Partners in Education Program. The bank has been a part of the program since 1993, and now directly works with five parish schools: Pine Wood Elementary, Continued on Page 10 AUGUST 7, 2008
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BUSINESS Business Services Telephone Systems Computer Repair Wireless Networking Wired Networking Phone label templates Home Service Computer Repair Wireless Network Setup
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South Beauregard High School, South Beauregard Elementary, East Beauregard Elementary and East Beauregard High School. The employees of City Savings Bank play a hands-on, active role in many educational activities, such as teaching math and civics classes, presenting gifts, sponsoring lunches, dining with students in the Lunch Buddy Program, judging academic fairs and contests and attending school programs. The partnership has also given the students real life financial lessons with field trips to the bank, a senior internship and “Teach Children To Save Week.” The bank has also been a continuous supporter of the schools’ academic, athletic and extra-curricular activities. City Savings Bank has extended its dedication to education to Calcasieu Parish, where they have partnered with six parish schools. For more information on the bank’s involvement with the Partners in Education Program contact: Matthew Bowles at (337) 463-8661. For more information about City Savings Bank and its services, visit www.citysavingsbank.com. Home Health of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital has received a special recognition from the Louisiana Home Health Care Review, Inc., the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization, for maintaining an acute care hospitalization rate at or below 25 percent from October 2004 to August 2007. This special recognition, which was bestowed on only three home health agencies statewide, was announced recently at the first Louisiana Health Care Quality Summit in Baton Rouge. Memorial’s Home Health received the Louisiana Home Health Agency Quality Award for actively employing quality initiatives aimed at improving patient care in the home health setting. As the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana, LHCR is committed to working with providers in all healthcare settings to improve the health of Louisiana.
Animal Angels presents a $10,000 check to Animal Concern, the humane auxiliary of Calcasieu Parish Animal Services. From left to right: Phil de Albuquerque, Animal Angels treasurer; Diana Morales, Calcasieu Parish Animal Services, and Marianne Kerr, Animal Angels president.
Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center, and its humane auxiliary, Animal Concern and Education Corps., recently teamed up with Animal Angels to continue spay/neuter efforts. Animal Angels recently hosted a very successful fundraiser “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” and thanks to the community’s generosity, Animal Angels donated $10,000 to fund the low cost spay/neuter program that is provided by Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Animal Concern. Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when considering the benefits. Animal Services, along with Animal Concern, and now Animal Angels, will continue reaching out to Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes providing low-cost surgeries for those who are on some type of public assistance. This effort would not be possible without the many local vets that have agreed to help. Pet owners who feel they qualify are encouraged to stop by the shelter and fill out an application to receive a voucher. For more information, contact Diana Morales, Public Relations and Community Outreach Coordinator for Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center at (337) 721-3730 or e-mail at dmorales@cppj.net.
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AUGUST 7, 2008
BIZ BYTES — by Dan Juneau
INSIDE BATON ROUGE — by John Maginnis
The Governor Who Didn't Care to Play f lawmakers can divine any consistency in Gov. Bobby Jindal's vetoes of their local government projects in the state budget, it's best summed up as, "All work and no play." What stayed in the bill were public works like sewer systems, water towers and fire trucks. Lined out was nearly everything to do with sports and leisure, whether playgrounds, recreation centers or theaters. Since the governor offered no guidance beforehand or much explanation afterward in his approach to local government grants, one can only guess his attitude derives from a youth not wasted on Little League. Yet what really bugs legislators is not the lost projects, but the lack of communication from the governor's office. Had legislators known the governor's predisposition against fun, they would have addressed other local priorities and not gone home empty-handed. Two sentences of gubernatorial guidelines on funding local government items would have spared 90 percent of the angst. But full clarity, apparently, was not the administration's goal. As with the funding for non-profit groups, he left enough ambiguity to cloak rewards to allies--such as $550,000 requested for a community organization by Sen. Ann Duplessis, DNew Orleans, who sponsored his top priority education voucher bill--and punishment to dissidents--such as Rep. Neil Abramson, D-New Orleans, who passed a disclosure bill linking the governor's campaign contributors to subsequent job appointments. The governor vetoed that bill and, for good measure, Abramson's amendment of $50,000 to a non-profit group that is actually doing something about homelessness. What addles legislators is a governor who very selectively plays quid-pro-quo politics when it suits him, but not enough for more than a handful to join the game. That's why he and his top aides don't return phone calls or mix much with politicians outside of very controlled circumstances, usually, in which any substantial communication is one way. Legislators rarely want to talk to the governor about what they can do for him; he doesn't have to say no to their entreaties if he can avoid being asked. Though they are hot over the vetoes, the problem for legislators seeking payback is that the majority of them agree with Jindal on most major issues. Few lawmakers will oppose an overdue
I
revamp of the public healthcare system-whenever it is offered--just because the governor nixed a boat ramp. The next time they meet, likely in a special session early next year, the governor will offer a plan to spend a $1 billion surplus. How mad can you stay at a guy like that? But legislators don't have to get mad to get even or, rather, equal. After the legislative pay raise debacle, Jindal promised to "tighten the reins" on lawmakers in future sessions. Actually, the situation could and should be the other way around. The governor can veto as he pleases, but he can't spend a dollar if lawmakers don't let him. Going forward, Jindal will find a Legislature less willing to accept his policy and spending initiatives unchallenged, as they largely were this year. That's a good thing, for any proposal is strengthened by debate and critical analysis. Legislative officers who act like leaders and not intermediaries can take greater charge in fashioning budgets and crafting major policies with input from the governor, but not on his marching orders.
WHAT ADDLES LEGISLATORS IS A GOVERNOR WHO VERY SELECTIVELY PLAYS QUID-PRO-QUO POLITICS... Though Jindal talks about getting more involved in the legislative process, he doesn't seem interested in the necessary care and feeding of lawmakers-returning their calls, stroking their egos, trading favors--that comes with taking ownership of the legislative branch. Now that legislators realize that Jindal doesn't want to promise them much or to keep all the promises he makes, they are free to change the power game by which governors have long dominated the Capitol. On the other hand, the game would have ended already were not legislators so anxious to keep it going. Too many would rather be rewarded for having an agreeable relationship with the governor-even if slave and master--than to take their chances among their peers. But they need to get over that and to come up with new rules of engagement, since it seems the governor, as with his recreation vetoes, doesn't care much to play.
Some Bad Business Taxes are Leaving Soon number of years back, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) set out to eliminate certain business taxes imposed in Louisiana but not collected by other states. Those taxes put Louisiana at a competitive disadvantage in the competition for jobs and capital investment. The removal of these taxes would not give Louisiana an advantage over other states, but it would help remove some obvious disadvantages. The taxes in question were: The corporate franchise tax assessed on a business’ debt; the state sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment; and the state sales tax imposed on business utilities. Taxing a company’s debt is simply illogical. Businesses borrow money to start anew and to expand. Taxing debt hinders new job creation on both fronts. Manufacturing jobs are at the top rung when it comes to salaries and benefits for workers and the positive economic effect they create for local economies. Putting a significant sales tax on the extremely expensive equipment that manufacturers use is a big deterrent to attracting or increasing manufacturing jobs. And collecting a high state sales tax on rapidly rising business utility bills only adds to the high costs plaguing all businesses in Louisiana. LABI first approached thenGovernor Mike Foster about phasing out these anti-business taxes back in early 2003. Unfortunately, he expressed no interest in doing so. Not to be deterred, the organization made the removal of the business taxes a key issue in the elections that year. During that campaign, Kathleen Blanco committed to begin phasing out some of these onerous taxes if she were elected. She was, and she did. During her first term, she had bills introduced to do a multi-year phase-out of the debt portion of the franchise tax, the state sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, and all but one percent of the business utilities tax. I attended the bill signing ceremony at the site of a small but highly successful Louisiana manufacturing company in Lafayette.
A
During the 2007 gubernatorial election campaign, Bobby Jindal committed to speeding up the elimination of this trio of bad taxes during his first term as governor. In his second special session this year, the state sales tax on business utilities was reduced from 3.3 percent to 2.3 percent starting July 1 of this year. The other 2.3 percent will be gone next July 1. Also ending July 1 of 2009 (a year sooner than originally scheduled) will be the state sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment. And, last but not least, the tax on corporate debt will end effective January 1, 2011 (also advanced by one year.)
THERE ARE STILL AREAS WHERE LOUISIANA STICKS OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB FROM A TAXATION PERSPECTIVE. As noted before, the removal of these taxes imposed by Louisiana will not give our state a strategic advantage over other states from a taxation standpoint—but it will remove some critical disadvantages. There are still areas where Louisiana sticks out like a sore thumb from a taxation perspective. Firms that assist industries with location and expansion decisions still score Louisiana low when it comes to the proportion of state and local taxes paid by business. They note that the property tax in Louisiana is—to a significantly larger degree than in other states—a business tax. And they are absolutely astounded by the huge number of local taxing authorities that collect sales taxes and have the power to individually audit companies. In almost every other state, there is only one collector of the sales tax and one auditing authority. Progress has definitely been made on the business tax front in Louisiana, but challenges still remain.
AUGUST 7, 2008
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Infrastructure Projects Support SWLA’s Future By Bill Krull
Infrastructure isn’t one of those sexy issues that stimulate the public’s energy. Water and sewer lines and that irritating roadwork don’t excite the imagination like the neon lights of a thriving downtown or a promenade along the lakefront. Yet, these drab projects have to happen well before the start of really exciting things. Area planners and leaders had this reality reinforced five years ago in a meeting in Falls Church, VA. In the spring of 2003, defense contractor General Dynamics included Lake Charles in the final cut for a $55 million project to build amphibious assault vehicles for the Marine Corps. The project would have created up to 60 jobs and tremendous opportunity for service and support businesses. Lake Charles was selected out of 127 applicants nationwide. Southwest Louisiana officials walked into a meeting of the finalists at the company’s Falls Church headquarters feeling on top of their game. Their confidence crumbled when General Dynamic’s engineers began probing about the area’s infrastructure. The area lost the bid.
CHARTING THE FUTURE Those who cannot learn from history, George Santayana wrote, are doomed to repeat it. Today, spring boarding from the opportunity created from the chaos of hurricanes Rita and Katrina, planning officials are keeping that lesson at the forefront as they begin implementing a long-term, sustainable economic development strategy. This strategy incorporates not only the all-important infrastructure, but also, all the components of a rich quality of PAGE 12
AUGUST 7, 2008
life: Social, cultural, financial, economic, etc. Area leaders expect this plan to shape Southwest Louisiana for generations to come. In a recent presentation for the Small Business Committee of the Chamber Southwest, Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach flipped through dozens of dry PowerPoint slides detailing the plan and its long-term ramifications. As he spoke, the magnitude of what’s happened since voters approved the $90 million less than two years ago began emerging from the numbers and charts. Like most infrastructure projects, progress has been largely transparent to voters. No yachts are yet floating in the envisioned Bord du Lac Marina and the beautiful South Park; the Lakefront Promenade and Ryan Streetscape exist thus far only in the architects’ plans. Thanks to extensive, careful planning, however, and a lot of preliminary work, progress will soon be visible to the most casual observer. MAKING IT WORK “We haven’t seen many ribbon-cuttings yet—you usually don’t have a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a sewer—but they’re not far off,” said Lori Marinovich, Executive Director of Downtown Development for the City of Lake Charles. “Much of what we’ve been doing is necessary stuff like utilities, sewers, feeder roads, signage— things that are leading up to a beautiful downtown that help to not only attract new business and their employees, but also keep our talented, creative people here. What we’re doing is creating a Louisiana urban landscape that’s essential to the vision of a new Louisiana.” A huge effort, Marinovich said, has
leveraged the $18 million that voters devoted to lakefront/downtown development into nearly $32 million to date from state and federal sources. The long-term America’s Wetland Discovery Center on Lake Charles, for example, was made possible by funding secured by Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter and Congressman Charles Boustany, Marinovich said. Landrieu, an active member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduced the Gulf Coast Open for Business Act in 2006 in support of small business. Such businesses, she said, are vital to long-term recovery and are the spearhead of economic growth. Projects such as Lakefront/Downtown Development are powerful support for small business owners throughout Southwest Louisiana. “The leaders in Lake Charles and in all of Southwest Louisiana are at the forefront of moving Louisiana forward. What they’re doing is important, not to just Southwest Louisiana, but also to our entire state,” Landrieu said. “Small business needs this sort of wise planning and investment, and Louisiana needs small business. These businesses create jobs and put food on the tables of countless families across our state.” For example, more than 65,000 of the new jobs in Louisiana in the past decade were created by small businesses. In 2004, more than 97 percent of the 96,084 Louisiana firms with employees were small businesses. “In Washington, I’m fighting for the resources the region needs, but it is strong leaders on the ground who turn those resources into long-term growth,” she said. “All this is important to the big picture of economic development because
what we’re doing is embracing the future—we’re embracing change, which is scary to some, but we’re creating the urban landscape unique to Louisiana that no other region in the nation can offer,” Marinovich said. “That will keep people here and bring new people in. Today’s generation of workers places high value on quality of life and a thriving, vibrant downtown area is a very prominent aspect of the quality of life they demand.” KEEPING THEM HOME “Keeping Louisiana’s best and brightest and attracting others from beyond Louisiana’s borders is vital to continued progress,” Mayor Roach said. The hurricanes of 2005 accelerated changes already in progress and dramatically highlighted the need for a skilled, motivated workforce. “A lot of our workforce evacuated during the hurricanes and never returned,” Roach said. “We’re feeling that impact now. We’re experiencing a head-on collision between economic growth and workforce issues. It’s a cultural challenge. It’s not just a Lake Charles issue. The Southwest Louisiana region can’t grow to its real potential without the influx of outside resources. The $90 million bond issue affects not just Lake Charles but the entire region because it greatly enhances the quality of life here, west of the (Calcasieu) river and other SWLA parishes.” WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? In talking with people outside the Lake Charles city limits, Roach often hears the question “What’s in it for me?” with respect to lakefront/downtown development. Progress in Lake
Charles stimulates progress throughout the region, Roach said, acting as a magnet to pull in visitors, investors and workers. Following Roach’s presentation, local photographer Victor Monsour said that he sees excitement mounting throughout the region. Area residents, he said, see the energy created in the rebuilding effort being transformed into a long-term opportunity to greatly enhance the region’s quality of life. “I have clients from Cameron to Allen parishes and they are very optimistic about what’s going on,” Monsour said. “Even though they don’t live in Lake Charles, they strongly support what’s going on because they know that it will benefit them, their families and their business.” The lakefront and downtown—the centerpieces of the unique Southwest Louisiana urban landscape—are in effect the anchor of the entire region’s economic development efforts. A progressive urban center, hosting judicial, financial and entertainment districts, creates a place that compels people to travel long distances to visit, and businesses and their employees to come and set up shop, Roach said.
ENTIRE REGION WILL BENEFIT The importance of the lakefront and, by extension, downtown, was illustrated shortly after Hurricane Rita stormed through. FEMA initiated the Emergency Support Function (ESF) #14 process as part of the recovery effort. Partnering with the Governor’s Louisiana Recovery Authority Louisiana Speaks initiative, FEMA initiated the Calcasieu Parish Long-Term Community Recovery Planning and Recovery Tool. Area residents identified lakefront development as the number one priority. “In terms of regional importance, not just Lake Charles, people identified lakefront development as the highest value for recovery,” Roach said. “It’s important not only for our continued recovery, for rebuilding, but also for building our economy. Lake Charles is spearheading the effort, but it benefits the entire region.” “May you live in interesting times,” is either an ancient curse or blessing, depending on one’s viewpoint. The storms of 2005 with their immense destruction thrust Southwest Louisiana into interesting times. Marinovich and Roach, along with area leaders and visionaries, are intent on turning the challenges into blessings for generations to come.
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B U S I N E S S E S
Southern: Jennings company cooks up delectable sauces with a Cajun kick By Jen Breen outhern Bar-B-Que Sauce has enjoyed a place in kitchens throughout Cajun Country since 1957, when a Jennings grocer decided to bottle his wife’s popular sauce to sell in his store. Word quickly spread, and soon the demand was so strong, production outgrew the grocer’s kitchen, prompting him to build a small production facility behind the family home. Over time, Southern passed through a series of different owners, and its repertoire grew to include Southern Basting Sauce, Southern Cajun Seafood Boil, Southern Cajun Roux and Southern Cajun Seasonings. Through the transitions, the mom-and-pop brand continued to maintain its position in local grocery stores and on the taste buds of devotees. But the items eventually disappeared from the market. To the delight of their frantic fans, however, the Guinn family stepped in and returned Southern products to the shelves.
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In March 2007, Southern was acquired by the successful father-andson team of Andrew “Andy” Guinn, Sr., and Andrew “Drew” Guinn, Jr. The duo has approached this new endeavor with 50 years of combined business experience. The Guinns are committed to supporting the local economy and are making an investment in the Jennings community through carrying on the Southern tradition and creating jobs. Although they are savvy entrepreneurs, the Guinns do not primarily see this venture in terms of profit, but instead—and more importantly—feel it is an institution worth preserving. They not only view Southern as a local tradition, but also as a family tradition. Andy Guinn remembers Southern Bar-B-Que Sauce from his boyhood, “When I was a kid, my mother would send me to the store for barbecue sauce and she didn’t have to tell me Southern was the brand to buy. I just did it.” The Guinns firmly believe in their products because of the personal attachment they have to them. Andy and
Drew and Andy Guinn
Drew both have a passion for hunting, fishing, sports and the outdoors. Southern foods are a perfect complement, whether they’re barbecuing, tailgating,or just telling stories over a home-cooked meal. The Guinns are not just selling a product to their customers; they are sharing a piece of their family. NEW PRODUCTS The Guinns’ personal connections with the brand have given the family a special devotion to the integrity of Southern’s products. They have made careful provisions to preserve the quality of the original recipes. However, this is not simply a mission of preservation, but also innovation. Under the Guinns’ guidance, Southern has introduced a new line of products that include gourmet frying oil, basting spray, salsa and gourmet pepper sauces. Southern produces two versatile cooking oils, Southern Cajun Frying Oil and Southern Cajun Basting Spray. The oils not only infuse any meat with savory flavors, they also make delectable salad dressings. One of Southern’s newest releases, Southern Cajun Frying Oil, is a one-ofkind product that is adding a new twist to traditional Cajun cooking through flavor and aroma. Available in Lemon Herb and Smoked Chipotle & Garlic, the oils infuse a distinctly delicious taste into any fried or sautéed meal, while also filling the kitchen with inviting scents. Southern’s other oil, Southern Cajun Basting Spray, is available in three flavors: Original Bar-B-Que, Zesty Garlic & Herb and Jalapeno Butter. The basting sprays make life a little easier on the cook by coming in easy-to-use spray bottles. Southern’s fine sauces do not end with barbecue; their new line includes an inventive salsa and a variety of gourmet pepper sauces. And Southern does not plan to stop with these new offerings. They are currently researching and developing a marinade, fish fry, chicken batter, meat rub, a smooth-based barbecue sauce and a few different varieties of salsa. EXPANSION In August 2007, Southern broke ground for a 24,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, which will be officially up and running in September. The new plant will include two 100-gallon steam kettles; two 300-gallon steam kettles; two 60-gallon cast-iron roux pots; a fully automated packaging, filing and labeling line; ribbon blenders for mixing seasoning and dry mixes; a form, fill and seal machine; a bulk filler; and a full assembly line. So there will be a lot of delicacies coming our way! Look for their products at Market Basket and Wal-Mart, or you can visit their Web site at www.southernbbqsauce.com.
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AUGUST 7, 2008
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Book Beat
By Terri Shlichenmeyer
Sound Advice for College Freshmen— From the Source For thirteen years, you’ve worked and waited for this time to come. You’ve taken hundreds of tests and written countless essays and papers. You’ve slept through more classes than you’d ever admit to your parents. You’ve been energized by teachers you’ll never forget. Now, you’re ready for the next step: College. You leave soon, and while you’re excited, you’re also scared to your bones. Will you like your roommate? How will you find your classes? Will the pressure to party ramp up a dozen notches? Take a deep breath and find How to Survive Your Freshman Year: By Hundreds of College Students Who Did. This book is going to make the next 10 months the best ever. For parents and students alike – particularly if this is the first child off to a higher education – going off to college can be emotional and difficult.
For students, “How to Survive Your Freshman Year” may be a lifesaver. For parents, it’s a relief to have reminders reiterated in print. Written by hundreds of past freshmen and upperclassmen, this book (an updated third edition) is filled with words from the trenches. Although there’s plenty of conflicting advice (take a computer, don’t take a computer; stay in a dorm, get an apartment), it’s going to give the Class of 2012 a few things to ponder and some direction in this time of thinking amok. Right about now, you’re throwing things in a box, and getting ready to move into your dorm or off-campus housing. Or at least you’re thinking about it. Never fear: This book is chock-full of information that will help a nervous student navigate the unpredictable waters of freshman year in college. For example, the first thing to remember is not
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to over-pack, particularly if you’re going to be living in a teensy room. Take your favorite blanket and pillow, your music, a really good alarm clock and be judicious in what else you pack. If you can, talk with your roommate so you don’t bring duplicates. And about that near-stranger you’ll be living with: There’s lots of advice on roommates in this book. First, and maybe the most important, is to ask for a transfer if you absolutely can’t stand one another. Learn to be flexible and accommodating. Don’t choose a roomie you already know. And for heaven’s sakes, get out of the dorm often! On that note, beware. Freshman year means going a little wild, but not too wild. Party, but remember that you’re there to go to class and get a degree. Set aside time to study; don’t push yourself into just any relationship; and make friends with your R.A. and your professors. Have fun, but be responsible. Freshman year is the time to learn more about you, but do it safely. And the biggest thing to remember: College is not high school. Whether you’ll be attending a private school, tech school or a state university, grab this book. How to Survive Your Freshman Year jumps to the head of the class. How to Survive Your Freshman Year: By Hundreds of College Students Who Did c. 2008, Hundreds of Heads, LLC $15.95 / $18.00 Canada 302 pages Terri Shlichenmeyer has been reading since she was 3 years old, and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books. AUGUST 7, 2008
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Lake Charles Foster Family Makes
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AUGUST 7, 2008
When Ann and Robert Polak decided to accept two foster children into their home, they had a family meeting with their three teenagers to vote on the proposition. Shortly after that meeting, 18-year-old Betty, 16year-old Sam and 14-year-old Charlie welcomed 15-year-old Nick and 13year-old Andrea Limbers into their Lake Charles home. Then, the Polaks began plans to add three rooms – a bedroom, a bathroom and a utility room — to the house. “We knew we wanted to be a permanent placement,” says Ann Polak, who was a first-time foster parent when the teens moved in with her family. The Polaks represent a special group of families and individuals who provide 2,679 certified foster homes for more than 5,100 abused and neglected children in the state’s care. And, Polak encourages others to consider providing a safe and loving home to these children. “Every child needs a special adult in his or her life, and some don’t have that,” she said. Many families have much to offer children and youth, but may not do so because they are concerned they will become attached to the children, and unable to maintain the relationship. The Polaks decided that they
wanted to play a lifelong role in Nick and Andrea’s lives when a friend who believed they could offer the children a good home approached them. Robert, an oil company engineer, and Ann, a stay-at-home mother at the time, had been considering becoming foster parents, and this seemed like the opportunity to make a difference. Almost 25 years later, and although they never adopted Nick and Andrea, they consider them as much a part of the family as their other three children. They share most holidays and many weekends camping or kayaking with Nick, who lives nearby. They also stay in touch with Andrea, now living in Texas, though they don’t see her as often due to the distance. “You gain a lot from this experience. It isn’t all about giving,” says Polak, who is now the executive director of the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter. “Whether you are a natural parent or the parent of a foster child, to make a difference in the life of a young person is the greatest gift you can give.” Through no fault of their own, Nick and Andrea were taken into custody when their parents and grandmother could no longer provide a safe
home for them. They had a previous stay with another family that proved unsuccessful. “One September evening they moved in with their bags and off we went to a football game,” Polak said. A frustrated teenager, Nick told them that all he needed was a bed to sleep in and food to eat. He claimed he’d never call them Mom and Dad. “Two weeks later, he was calling my husband ‘Dad,’” Polak says. “He came to us very angry, and he had no male role model. He was searching for his place in the world and hitting walls. We just treated him like a member of our family.” There were ups and downs, including having to find another home for Andrea after a couple of years due to her behavior concerns. It was among the family’s “greatest challenges,” Polak added. Nick had his challenges too, including anger issues. But with the Polaks’ guidance, he eventually overcame the obstacles and graduated from LSU, earning a master’s degree in environmental science. Today, he is a high school teacher and a role model for the volleyball team he coaches. He is also married and the father of two boys, ages 3 and 4, who call the Polaks, “MawMaw” and “PawPaw.” He credits the Polak family with providing the support and direction he needed to succeed. “When I came into foster care I was terrified by these people I didn’t know. I kept to myself a lot and didn’t open up quickly. They were patient with me, good to me and fair,” he said. “They accepted me for who I was, and I grew to love them.” Nick adds his encouragement to those considering opening their homes to foster children and youth. And, he offers some advice. “It’s a thankless job in the beginning and there may be some problems you’ll have to live through. But it (foster parenting) is a wonderful gift. It will have a huge impact on these kids. If you hang in there, you’ll see great results,” Nick said. “Because of my foster parents, my quality of life is much better. I’ll always be grateful for what they did for me.” To learn about becoming a foster parent, visit the Department of Social Services Web site at www.dss.state.la.us and click on the “Learn About Foster Care Services, Adoption Services and Kinship Care Services” link in the Special Features box.
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A Day in the Life of the
Coushatta Nation By Lisa Yates A typical day in the life of David Sickey is much different than the days his ancestors spent as members of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana. For almost 200 years, the Coushatta Tribe’s struggle was simply to survive. Chased by 19th century soldiers into Southwest Louisiana, the Indians battled poverty and neglect to gain independence and sovereignty. Now, thanks to casino gambling, the tribe is prospering. Health care is free and tuition – preschool through college – is covered for the tribe’s 840 members. “I feel fortunate that the Coushatta Nation still exists and has still survived to see the twenty-first century,” he said. “Many Indian tribes have not been as fortunate. Many have been decimated. We are fortunate we have survived hardships, an official policy of termination, as well as assimilation.” Sickey, 30, begins his morning answering to the constituency he was elected to serve as vice chairman of the Coushatta Nation. “That’s first and foremost,” he said. “It’s a priority to address tribal members’ issues – on a one-to-one basis, if PAGE 20
AUGUST 7, 2008
at all possible.” Sickey was elected to the Coushatta Tribal Council in May 2003, at the age of 25, which made him the youngest member to be elected to the council. He was re-elected in 2007, and is currently serving the Nation of Coushatta along with his brother Kevin Sickey, chairman; Tee LaBuff, secretary/treasurer; Verlis Williams and G. Pratt Doucet, council members. Coushatta Nation Chairman Kevin Sickey said the tribal council serves as the sovereign nation’s main governing body. “We were elected to serve the people and that’s what we’re striving to do,” he said. WHAT IS A SOVEREIGN NATION? What makes American Indian tribes so unique from other ethnic minorities, besides their indigenous status, is that they are land-based and have a political relationship with the United States government. The Coushatta struggled for decades to obtain federal recognition, which didn’t happen permanently until
1973, when the tribe regained their tribal government and the right to control their own affairs. Part of David Sickey’s job as vice chairman is public relations, which includes answering questions nonIndian people have about the tribe. “The average person doesn’t realize that Indian tribes function much like other autonomous nations,” Sickey said. “Our tribal nation has its own government, which is based on an Anglostyle with executive, legislative and judicial branches.” He said American Indian tribes, however, do not enjoy absolute sovereignty. They are domestic independent nations -- nations within a nation, having a nation-to-nation relationship with the Federal Government. Additionally, the Federal Government has a unique trust of fiduciary responsibility for American Indian tribes and their interests and assets, as a result of treaties which stressed services such as education and health care, in exchange for land. For Sickey, and the other council members, that means occasional trips to
Washington D.C. aboard the sovereign nation’s private plane to conduct business on behalf of the Coushatta Nation. “We fly to Washington, D.C. to attend Senate Committee hearings related to Indian health care, jurisdictional issues or educational funding,” Sickey said. “We also meet on an as-needed basis to discuss whatever issue affects the tribe.” The council’s official meeting schedule also includes weekly government meetings and monthly financial meetings in the boardroom at home in Elton or at one of the executive meeting rooms in the Coushatta Grand Hotel at the Coushatta Casino Resort. Like many executives, Sickey relies heavily on his assistant, Melissa Bell, to keep his schedule straight and expedite concerns. “She’s the gatekeeper – she determines which information needs to go to the council and what can be handled through a specific department,” Sickey said. His regularly scheduled meetings do not include meeting with members of the United South and Eastern Tribes
(USET) organization. USET, established in 1968, is a non-profit interTribal organization comprised of several federally-recognized Indian Tribes from Maine to Florida to Texas. “That’s a positive sign,” Sickey said. “When tribes are performing well, there’s no need for collective efforts to achieve goals. Each tribe is demonstrating self-governance. That’s what every government strives for – self government and self determination.” Even though the tribe is not currently involved in collective bargaining, it is entering into a bi-tribal resolution with the Department of Commerce, which is an effort to attract economic development to the area from countries around the world. AMBITIOUS GOALS “Many tribes have not explored the full benefits of being a sovereign nation,” Sickey said. “This council is making every effort to explore the benefits being a sovereign nation offers.” Recently, the Coushatta Nation entered into a formal agreement with Jefferson Davis Parish, which Sickey called “historic” as it is the first formal agreement addressing economic development between the two governments. “This administration has ambitious goals to expand the nation’s revenues beyond gaming,” he said. “In order to achieve our goals, we have to leverage our resources and use the resources of other entities – It’s a joint effort, which will be mutually beneficial.” There are also plans underway to appoint ambassadors and locate an embassy in Washington, D.C. as part of the tribe’s plan to attract long-term sustainable industries to the region and lessen its dependence on gaming. “We’ll be providing employment to our non-Indian neighbors as well,” Sickey said. “The tribe has had a positive economic impact on the region; and we plan to continue to enhance the regional economy and become a leader in the state.” Prior to the 1970s, the tribe lived in primitive conditions similar to that
of third-world countries – many houses had no running water and no electricity. Through federal grants and gaming revenues, conditions improved providing the Coushatta Nation modest housing, health care, education, and other services. PRESERVING A HERITAGE Now as a leader of his tribe, Sickey talks about protecting his culture as well as providing for children and elders. “This administration is dedicated to preserving, protecting and also promoting our heritage, culture and proud traditions,” he said, noting plans for new construction. He said the tribe is in the process of building a new high-tech Coushatta Heritage Center designed as a major tourist attraction. The center will feature interactive exhibits, such as a language game that allows visitors to hear and learn the Koasati language. Plans are also being made for a new early childhood development center and preschool – a combined dualrole facility. “Human resources is the No. 1 asset in any community,” Sickey said. “It’s very important and critical to develop human resources at an early age.” He added an emphasis on education, along with funding, has led many students within the Coushatta Nation to pursue higher education and graduate from top tier and Ivy League universities throughout the United States. “Although it’s not mandated, we hope these students will come back one day to run our government,” Sickey said. Not forgetting the elderly, a constituency easily overlooked, the tribe’s administration is planning a new facility called: “The Tribal Elders Activity Center.” “This generation is a fortunate generation,” Sickey said. “I’m just thankful for the sacrifices made by the generations before me.”
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AUGUST 7, 2008
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MORE ABOUT THE NATION OF COUSHATTA Enrolled Members • 330 Members under the age of 18 • 415 Members over the age of 18 • 95 Members over the age 55 Total members enrolled: 840 • 585 Members living in Louisiana • 255 Members living outside of Louisiana Total land owned: 4,064.9 Land in Trust: 1,088 Land not in Trust: 2,976.9 For more information, visit the Sovereign Nation of Coushatta Web site at www.coushatta.org.
On June 26, The Coushatta Tribe entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jefferson Davis Parish Economic Development Commission. The two governments pledged to work together towards increasing economic activity on a government-to-government basis. Ronnie Petree, Director of the Jefferson Davis Parish Economic Development Commission and Kevin Sickey, Chairman of the Tribe, signed the Memorandum at the signing ceremony and banquet held on the reservation in Elton. They pledged to explore new investment opportunities and facilitate the opening of new markets in their respective governmental jurisdictions.
Lela Offers Students, Parents Ways to Save While Paying for College College-bound students can still secure funds for college as well as save money through the Louisiana Education Loan Authority (Lela). Due in part to changes passed in federal legislation, undergraduate students can experience greater savings than before when they take out a federal Stafford loan and save even more when they go through Lela, Louisiana’s only non-profit student loan provider. “Although some lenders have announced that they are exiting the business, Lela is fortunate to be in a position where we are able to continue providing loan access through our core programs, which have helped Louisiana students save millions of dollars over the years,” said Tricia Dubroc, Lela’s vice president of student loans. “One of the ways Lela does this is by absorbing the cost of certain fees charged by the federal government.” Effective July 1, the federal interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans was lowered to 6 percent from 6.8 percent for undergraduate borrowers. Borrowing limits on unsubsidized Stafford loans for undergraduates were raised by $2,000. The federally assessed origination fee on all Stafford Loans has been lowered to 1 percent from 1.5 percent. Parents who borrow PLUS loans now have the option to defer payment until six months after the student graduates or stops attending school on a half-time basis. Although the new legislation has caused some lenders to reduce savings to students, Lela is continuing to offer programs such as HELP Teachers and HELP Nurses, which make zero interest loans available to those studying to be teachers and nurses who meet certain criteria on a limited basis. These programs allow Louisiana teachers and nurses to apply to receive interest waivers on their eligible Stafford loans during repayment. PAGE 22
AUGUST 7, 2008
McNeese Announces 2008-2009
Theatre Season
McNeese Theatre Bayou Players will open the fall season with “Blithe Spirit,” one of Noel Coward’s most beloved and hilarious comedies about a writer, recently remarried, who invites a medium, Madame Arcati, to hold a séance to assist him with writing a novel. Instead, Madame Arcati conjures up the spirit of his first wife who attempts to intervene in his present marriage. When his second wife dies and comes back as a spirit, the madcap action is non-stop with the wives vying with each other, turning the once peaceful, sedate household into a topsy-turvy merry-go-round of spirits. It will be on stage Oct. 8-12. Lewis Whitlock III is director. “Two Rooms,” a powerful play by Lee Blessing, takes place over a period of three years during the time an American professor is held hostage in Beirut. The scenes move from his prison cell, where he is blindfolded and handcuffed, to his study in the United States, where his wife is battling the Washington bureaucracy for his freedom and is being constantly harassed by an ambitious reporter. Their love is the catalyst that helps them survive each day. The hostage’s wife finally speaks out against the government, but compassion and fairness become meaningless when dealing with those who would commit such barbarous acts. “Two Rooms,” the American College Theatre Festival production, will be performed Nov. 12-16. Charles McNeely III is director. The spring season opens with “DRUMS OF WAR: The Sacrifice of Troy” written and directed by Theadora Skipitares. Based on several ancient Greek texts, “DRUMS OF WAR” is a pair of plays about the events surrounding the Trojan War, featuring various styles of puppetry, dance, video projections, and unique
scenic effects. “With abundant ingenuity that brings to mind the wonders of Alexander Calder’s circus, Skipitares makes the Trojan War, a central saga of Greek tragedy, a puppet spectacular. The great stories come across in all their ruthlessness, raising timeless questions about human responsibility...” (The New York Times) Performance dates are March 4-5. “DRUMS OF WAR” is a Banners event co-sponsored by McNeese Theatre’s Department of Performing Arts. A classic suspense thriller, “Wait Until Dark” takes place in a Greenwich Village apartment, where a blind woman is stalked by a ruthless killer, trying to locate a doll stuffed with heroin that her husband innocently brought home when a woman he met on an airplane asked him to keep it for her. When the woman is murdered, he is implicated in the crime. The killer, posing as a friend of Susy’s husband, tells her that if she will give him the doll, he can prove her husband’s innocence. But Susy suspects that she is a victim of a bizarre charade, and a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues when she turns off the lights. Directed by Joy Pace, the production dates are April 29-May 3. Season subscriptions are $45 for adults; $30 for McNeese faculty/staff, senior citizens, and youth (K-12) and includes four shows for the price of three. All season subscriptions support McNeese Theatre scholarships and book stipends. McNeese Theatre, Department of Performing Arts, is offering Season 69 subscriptions online. Log on to www.mcneese,edu/theatre to subscribe. For information, call 4755043.
Hard Lessons to Learn: College Students and Finance Summer vacation is winding down, and you don’t have long before you’re back on campus. This year, in addition to whatever courses you may be taking, try to master some financial lessons as well. Many students have one foot in the “real world,” because in addition to taking classes, they’re working long hours to help pay for school, rent and living expenses. But even if you’re a full-time student, living on campus and paying for school through a combination of grants, loans, savings and help from your parents, you can learn some financial basics that can help you throughout your adult life. Specifically, consider these suggestions: • Don’t overuse credit cards. Credit card marketers aggressively target college students, so you’ll need to be vigilant about all the offers that will bombard you. While it might not be a bad idea to carry a single credit card for emergencies, it’s very easy to overuse the plastic and rack up big bills. You’ll need to discipline yourself to save for the things you want, rather than charging them. • Shop around for financial services. You’ll find plenty of banks willing to give you a T-shirt or a frying pan for opening an account with them. But, these places may not be offering you the best deal on checking or savings accounts or loans. It pays to shop around. • Keep track of your student loans. Make sure you understand all the terms of your student loans: How much you’re
expected to pay each month, when payments are due, what interest rate you’re paying, what credits may be available for on-time repayment, etc. You might be able to achieve a more favorable repayment schedule by consolidating two or more loans. Once you start repaying your loans, do whatever you can to stay on track with your payments. • Never stop looking for financial aid. The aid package you may have received as an incoming freshman doesn’t have to be the final word on financial assistance. Colleges offer some scholarships based on college-level academic achievement or real-world experience— both of which you may have accumulated since your freshman year. Study your college’s scholarships and be aggressive in going after them. • Estimate your future income. You may not know exactly what you want to do when you graduate, but if you have a career path in mind, try to learn what sort of salary you can expect during your first few years out of college. Once you have a realistic idea of how much you’re going to earn, you may have the motivation you need to avoid bad financial practices, such as accumulating big debts. College should be a learning experience—in many ways. And if some of the knowledge you obtain during your college years can help you develop sound financial habits, so much the better. For more information, contact Mike Allen at Edward Jones Financial Advisors at (337) 477-0040. AUGUST 7, 2008
PAGE 23
Real-World Experience, Industry Partnerships Help Make McNeese Engineering Graduates Job-Ready
Designing an energy-savings project for a local refinery is not something college students usually do. But for future engineers and engineering technicians at McNeese State University, tackling the real-life challenges of local industry is par for the course. McNeese students have designed exit ramps off of I-10 to eliminate congestion in high-traffic areas, recommended heavy lift dock facility improvements at the Port of Lake Charles, and advised a paper company about converting a machine from producing newsprint to brown stock paper. It’s all part of a strategy, promoted by the university and Lake Area industries, to produce engineers and engineering technicians that are industry-ready. It also lends to the regional and statewide effort to strengthen Louisiana’s work force and boost economic prospects. “In the Lake Area, we’re more focused on production and manufacturing than we are on research. So we’re looking for graduates with practical skills,” said Joe Churchman of Georgia Gulf, chairman of the Lake Area Industries/ McNeese Engineering Partnership.
REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE He and other industry representatives work closely with McNeese officials to refine coursework, give students real-world experience and provide continuing education to engineers and technicians once they are on the job. It’s a partnership that benefits students, the university and companies alike. The university’s close working relationship with industry helps keep it focused squarely on the realities of the workplace, according to McNeese College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Dean Dr. Nikos Kiritsis. PAGE 24
AUGUST 7, 2008
“Industry representatives provide feedback which shapes our content so we can make our students more competitive for industry and a better fit for them after they graduate,” he said. The experience has been essential to recent McNeese graduate Frank Kowatz, whose senior group project was to design an energy-saving program for CITGO Petroleum’s Lake Charles facility, the fourth largest refinery in the nation. In their final year of college, students choose from a list of industry-proposed projects. Then they design, research, and present their findings, complete with an economic analysis, just as actual engineers do. The
project serves as a first draft for the company to consider. “Basically, we break the project down to an actual work schedule. It’s the kind of schedule you would see in an actual work environment,” said Kowatz, who became one of CITGO’s newest chemical engineers in May. “Our project pretty much prepared us for what we’re seeing on the job.” The Pineville native had been acquainted with CITGO prior to his senior year, as a result of his participation in McNeese’s cooperative education program, in which students alternate working at a facility one semester and attending school the next.
“The co-op program helps break the cycle that has students saying I don’t have a job, so I can’t get experience but if I don’t have experience I can’t get a job,” Kiritsis said. “It’s a win-win situation. The student makes money. They enrich their résumé. They get the experience. And the company gets to see its potential employee before making the commitment to offer the student a fulltime job.” According to CITGO Senior Process Engineer Karen Shuler, the coop program combined with the senior or “Capstone” project, serves students as well as companies’ ultimate goals. “Generally, you hire somebody out
of school, and they have all this book knowledge, but they don’t have any practical knowledge. And you have to train them. With this experience, it’s that much less training you have to do,” said Shuler, who acted as supervising engineer on the energy saving project. FILLING ENGINEERING VACANCIES CRITICAL Preparing high quality workers for the Lake Area’s petrochemical industry is a high priority at McNeese, Kiritsis said. The industry is essential to Southwest Louisiana’s economy, accounting for $713 million in payroll and benefits and another $970 million in goods and services purchased in 2006, according to a Lake Area Industries Alliance report. “It’s this area’s bread and butter,” he said. The industry is also indispensable to Louisiana as a whole, but statistics show that companies are short the engineers and technicians they need for their operations. The most recent Louisiana Department of Labor statistics show 3,140 vacancies in engineering. The University of Louisiana System Board, presidents, and eight universities, of which McNeese is a part, are seeking to address the shortage. They have pledged to produce an additional 2,400 new graduates per
year by 2012 in high demand areas, including engineering and technology. Governor Bobby Jindal’s administration has made strengthening Louisiana’s work force a top priority. “One of the goals of our redesign of the workforce development system in Louisiana is to connect the dots between market demand for employees with particular skills and the education and training institutions that can turn out graduates with those skills,” Secretary of Labor Tim Barfield said. “Once we can draw a straight line between them, we will have overcome one of the largest obstacles to economic development in our state. The eight campuses of the University of Louisiana System are an important component of that solution.” In addition to preparing graduates, McNeese works with Lake Area industries to provide valuable training and continuing education to professional engineers and technicians. “McNeese helps us pull together effective seminars using university facilities. As a result, we are able to offer focused seminars that industry is looking for, while conserving travel time and expenses,” said Churchman, a McNeese graduate. “This is an extremely valuable service that the university provides.”
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION McNeese is also helping to attract the next generation of students to the industry through a program known as dual enrollment. Last fall, for the first time, the university offered an introductory engineering class at Sulphur High School in which students earned both college and high school credit. “I think it went very well. I hope to see all nine of those students at McNeese in the fall,” Kiritsis said. All this contributes to Louisiana’s economy – strengthening existing businesses, expanding job prospects for graduates and keeping more educated young people at home. “We need to develop our work force and get workers trained to take care of the jobs right here so they won’t have to leave the area to find employment,” Churchman said. For more information about McNeese’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, visit www.mcneese.edu/colleges/eng.
AUGUST 7, 2008
PAGE 25
MCNEESE STATE BASKETBALL SCHEDULE McNeese State will play a 16game home basketball schedule for the 2008-09 season. Head coach Dave Simmons released the slate, which has more than a third of the games being played at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Six of the contests will be at the Civic Center with the other 10 at Burton Coliseum. These are the most home games the Cowboys have played in several years. “It’s a very competitive schedule,” Simmons said. “I think that it is also one of our most attractive home schedules since we have Louisiana Tech, Florida Atlantic and LouisianaMonroe coming in along with our conference opponents.”
On the road, the Cowboys will tackle such teams as Tulane, ULLafayette, Southern Miss, LSU and Texas A&M. The schedule begins Nov. 9 in Burton Coliseum with an exhibition game. The first regular season contest will be Nov. 15 in New Orleans against Tulane. The Cowboys play at Southern Miss on Dec. 18, at LSU on Dec. 22 and at Texas A&M on Jan. 3. Home games in Burton will be against Dillard on Nov. 22, Florida Atlantic on Nov. 28, Samford on Dec. 30, Wiley on Jan. 7, Lamar on Jan. 17, Central Arkansas on Jan.24, Nicholls State on Jan. 28, Northwestern State on Feb. 4, Texas State on Feb. 8, SFA on Feb. 14, Sam
Houston State on Feb. 25 and Southeastern Louisiana on Mar. 4. Games in the Lake Charles Civic Center will be against Louisiana College on Dec. 10, UL-Monroe on Dec. 13, Louisiana Tech on Dec. 15, Nicholls State on Jan. 28, Northwestern State on Feb. 4 and Texas State on Feb. 8. The Cowboys are expected to feature a big and strong squad this season, with eight players standing 6’-6” or taller. Also, McNeese is hoping to obtain another year of eligibility for 6’-11” Kleon Penn, the fourth ranking shot blocker in the nation last season. John Pichon is back as a returning starter while Diego Kapelan returns as one of the league’s top three point
shooters. Stephan Martin, C. J. Collins, P. J. Alowaya and Adrian Garr are back after good rookie seasons. Newcomers who should make an immediate contribution to the team are 6’-7” Will Morning, 6’-4” Patrick Richard, 6’-8” Jamarcus Little and 6’9” Elbryan Neal. A year ago, the Cowboys marked their second straight appearance in the Southland Conference post-season tournament and compiled a 13-16 overall record.
MCNEESE STATE 2008-09 SCHEDULE Opponent
Location
Time
NOVEMBER 9 Exhibition 15 Tulane 20 UL-Monroe 22 Dillard 28 Florida Atlantic
Burton Coliseum New Orleans, LA Monroe, LA Burton Coliseum Burton Colilseum
3 p.m. TBA 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m.
DECEMBER 2 UL-Lafayette 10 Louisiana College 13 UL-Monroe 15 Louisiana Tech 18 Southern Mississippi 22 LSU 30 Samford Univeristy
Lafayette, LA Lake Charles CC Lake Charles CC Lake Charles CC Hattiesburg, MS Baton Rouge, LA Burton Coliseum
7 7 3 7 7 7 7
JANUARY 3 Texas A&M 7 Wiley College 10 UT San Antonio 17 Lamar 21 Southeastern Louisiana 24 Central Arkansas 28 Nicholls State 31 Stephen F. Austin
College Station, TX Burton Coliseum San Antonio, TX Burton Coliseum Hammond, LA Burton Coliseum Lake Charles CC Nacogdoches, TX
TBA 7 p.m. TBA 3 p.m. TBA 3 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA
PAGE 26
AUGUST 7, 2008
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. pm. p.m.
FEBRUARY 4 Northwestern State 8 Texas State 11 UT Arlington 14 Stephen F. Austin 18 Northwestern State 21 TAM-Corpus Christi 25 Sam Houston State 28 Nicholls State
Lake Charles CC Lake Charles CC Arlington, TX Burton Coliseum Natchitoches, LA Corpus Christi, TX Burton Coliseum Thibodaux, LA
7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA 3 p.m. TBA TBA 3 p.m. TBA
MARCH 4 Southeastern Louisiana Burton Coliseum 7 p.m. 7 Central Arkansas Conway, AR TBA 12-15 SLC Tournament Merrell Center, Katy, TX TBA
MSU Academic Calendar
FALL SEMESTER 2008
SPRING SEMESTER 2009
(Subject to Change)
(Subject to Change)
AUGUST 13, Wednesday — Freshman orientation 14, Thursday — Late registration begins 18, Monday — Classes begin 20, Wednesday — Last date to register, add courses, make section changes and change credit or audit classification
JANUARY 5, Monday — University reopens 12, Monday — Freshman Orientation 13, Tuesday — Late registration begins 14, Wednesday — Classes begin 16, Friday — Last date to register, add courses, make section changes and change credit or audit classification 19, Monday — Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday (University offices closed)
SEPTEMBER 1, Monday — Labor Day Holiday (University offices closed.) 12, Friday — Last date to make grade appeal from previous semester 19, Friday — Last date to file for degree for fall commencement OCTOBER 30, Thursday — Last date to resign from the University or withdraw from courses NOVEMBER 3, Monday — Last date for major professor to receive completed thesis for fall commencement 10, Monday — Last date for comprehensive final examination for graduate degree candidates 14, Friday — Last date for submitting approved thesis for fall commencement 24-28, Mon.-Fri. — Thanksgiving Holiday (Classes will not meet Saturday, Nov. 29. University offices closed Nov. 26-28.) DECEMBER 1, Monday — Classes resume 2, Tuesday — Last date for faculty to remove "I" grade from previous semester for currently enrolled students 2, Tuesday — Classes end (Classes beginning at or after 4 p.m. will not meet.) 3, Wednesday — Study Day (Final examinations for evening classes begin.) 4, Thursday — Final examinations begin 9, Tuesday — Final examinations end 9, Tuesday — Grades for graduating students due by 3 p.m. 11, Thursday — All remaining grades due by 10 a.m. 13, Saturday — Commencement exercises, 10 a.m. 19, Friday — University closes at 4:30 p.m. and reopens on Monday, Jan. 5.
FEBRUARY 10, Tuesday — Last date to make grade appeal from previous semester 17, Tuesday — Last date to file for degree for spring commencement 23-25, Mon.-Wed. — Mardi Gras Holiday (University offices closed) APRIL 2, Thursday — Last date to resign from the university or withdraw from courses 8, Wednesday — Last date for major professor to receive completed thesis for spring commencement 10-17, Fri.-Fri. — Spring Vacation (Evening classes will meet on Thursday, April 9. Classes will not meet on Saturday, April 11 and 18. University offices closed April 10 and 13.) 20, Monday — Classes resume 20, Monday — Last date for comprehensive final examination for graduate degree candidates 24, Friday — Last date for submitting approved thesis for spring commencement MAY 6, Wednesday — Last date for faculty to remove "I" grade from previous semester for currently enrolled students 6, Wednesday — Classes end (Classes beginning at or after 4 p.m. will not meet.) 7, Thursday — Study Day (Final examinations for evening classes begin.) 8, Friday — Final examinations begin 13, Wednesday — Final examinations end 13, Wednesday — Grades for graduating students due by 3 p.m. 15, Friday — All remaining grades due by 10 a.m. 16, Saturday — Commencement exercises, 10 a.m.
AUGUST 7, 2008
PAGE 27
NEWS
ROUNDUP
McNeese Football on Radio McNeese State athletic director Tommy McClelland and GAP station manager Sara Cormier jointly announced that GAP Broadcasting and Gator 99.5 FM will be the flagship radio station for McNeese State football in 2008. The Cowboys play 12 games this season, six at home and six on the road, beginning with an Aug. 30 meeting with North Carolina in Chapel Hill. “On behalf of GAP Broadcasting and Gator 99.5, I want to say that we are very excited about carrying McNeese football,” Cormier said. “Our listening area extends from the Atchafalaya Basin well into Texas around the Winnie area. We’re looking forward to a great season and to many
years of broadcasting McNeese football.” McClelland said, “The Cowboys and Country are a natural fit. I want to thank Sara and her staff for their efforts in getting Cowboy football on FM. With Gator FM we’ve hit a home run.” Tom Hoefer will continue to serve as the play-by-play announcer for the football games with former McNeese assistant coach Johnny Suydam handling the color. Also, Richard Dow will serve as an onfield reporter. McNeese men’s and women’s basketball games as well as baseball contests will continue to be carried over the company’s Cajun Radio (KLCL and KJEF AM) in the coming season.
Late Registration Begins August 14 Late registration for the fall 2008 semester at McNeese State University begins at 7:45 a.m. Aug. 14 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Aug. 20. Students registering late must register online or with their faculty adviser. Students must also be admitted to the university prior to registration. Classes begin Aug. 18. To late register, students can go online at www.mcneese.edu and click on Banner Self-Service to begin the registration process. Students who late register must pay fees in Smith Hall by 4 p.m. Aug. 21 or all courses will be dropped. Fee invoices will not be mailed to late registrants. Students who late register and have received a financial aid notification letter stating the amount of financial aid awarded should report to the fee assessor’s area in Smith Hall after they reg-
ister for classes. Students who have not received a financial aid notification letter should check with the Office of Financial Aid after registering to determine eligibility to use financial aid toward semester expenses. A $50 late fee will be charged for those who participate in late registration. Students who sign up for three hours or less or are first-time freshmen do not have to pay late fees. During late registration, students who wish to drop or add classes can do so online. Additional fees for added classes must also be paid by 4 p.m. Aug. 21, or all courses will be dropped. For more information on McNeese’s late registration for the fall semester, contact the registrar’s office at (337) 475-5356 or 1-800-622-3352, ext. 5356.
Bill Simon Named Assistant Director of Athletics for External Affairs
Bill Simon PAGE 28
AUGUST 7, 2008
Bill Simon, a McNeese State graduate and former athlete, has been named the university’s assistant director of athletics for external affairs by Athletic Director Tommy McClelland. Simon has served as the university’s director of recruiting for the past year. “Bill brings several years of administrative experience to McNeese athletics. His passion for sports as well as for McNeese State will allow him to be very successful in his role. However, it is his passion for the student-athlete to succeed that is going to make our department even better. I have known Bill for a couple of years now and the one thing that stands out is his energy. He always has a positive outlook on everything that he is
FROM
MSU
involved in. We are very excited to have him on our team.” Simon’s new responsibility within the athletic department will be to oversee all areas of fundraising, corporate sponsors and private donations. He will also have oversight of the athletic department’s marketing and promotions department and will oversee all ticket campaigns (season and single game).
Simon holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from McNeese and he was a cum laude graduate of the university. As an athlete at McNeese, he twice earned all-Southland Conference honors and was named the team MVP in 1975. He and wife Sheila have a son, Cody, who graduated from McNeese in 2003.
Tuition Fees Due by August 13 Students who have registered for McNeese State University’s fall semester have until 4 p.m. Aug. 13 to pay tuition fees. Fall classes begin Aug. 18. Fee payments may be made online at www.mcneese.edu through Banner Self-Service, in person at the cashier’s office located in Smith Hall, mailed to Administrative Accounting, Box 92935, Lake Charles, LA 70609 or placed in the drop box located on the north side of Smith Hall. If payment is mailed, students should be sure to include the remittance of the fee bill with check, credit card authori-
zation or financial aid/scholarship authorization form. Receipts are no longer required to acquire or renew parking decals or to set up Personal Touch Accounts in the bookstore. Also, financial aid authorizations can now be electronically signed and parking decal fees can be added on Banner Self-Service. Students who fail to meet the fee payment deadline will lose all classes and must register again during late registration. For more information about fees, call (337) 475-5107 or (800) 6223352, ext. 5107.
“8 in ‘08” Season Ticket Campaign Tops 6K Mark The McNeese State Athletic Department announced today that the “8 in ‘08” season ticket campaign has topped the 6,000 seat milestone. This is an unprecedented accomplishment as sales continue to rise. Even though the ticket campaign has already beaten the 2007 figure, the athletic department still needs help in obtaining the 8,000 goal. According to McClelland, “The response from Cowboy fans has been phenomenal, but we still need your help to achieve our goal of 8,000 season tickets in 2008.” “There are still a few good seats available, but seats are moving quickly,” said ticket manager Peter Colon. “Fans looking for east side tickets have
limited availability in sections C-F. Fans looking for tickets on the west side of the stadium have limited availability in sections K-N,” he said. Family plans are also available in sections A&H (east side) and I&P (west side) for only $204, and include two adult and two children’s tickets. Group tickets are also available by contacting the ticket office at (337) 475-5200. To purchase season tickets and become part of Cowboy history, call the ticket office at (337) 475-5200. For more information on the “8 in ‘08” season ticket campaign and all Cowboy and Cowgirl information, visit www.mcneesesports.com.
Praxis Exam Deadline August 14 Aug. 14 is the registration deadline for the next Praxis exam that will be given Sept. 13 in Farrar Hall at McNeese State University. The Praxis exams are a series of assessments that provide educational tests that Louisiana uses as part of its teaching licensing certification process. Informational handouts and registration information can be found in the Office of Scholarships and Testing, Kaufman 156, or by visiting www.ets.org/praxis. A series of Praxis clinics will be held to provide information to educa-
tion majors on the Praxis exams and study guides, according to Dr. Reba Powers, assistant professor of teacher education and Praxis coordinator for the Burton College of Education. The clinics will be held on Aug. 26 from 5:25-8:05 p.m. in Farrar 306; on Sept. 8 from 1-4 p.m. in Farrar 239; on Sept. 9 from 5:25-8:05 p.m. in Farrar 306; and on Sept. 11 from 1-4 p.m. in Farrar 239. For more information, contact Dr. Powers at 475-5427 or by e-mail at rpowers@mcneese.edu.
NEWS
ROUNDUP
FROM
MSU
Pictured are the winners of McNeese State's bench-a-thon....left to right they are LaDarius Key, Bart Crader, David Ballard and Drew Johnston...they are pictured with strength and conditioning coach Zeb Hawkins
Dave Ballard wins Football Bench-a-Thon Offensive lineman David Ballard, a pre-season all-conference selection, recently won the fourth annual McNeese State football bench-a-thon. Ballard, a native of Lake Charles who has already earned his degree and will compete as a graduate this coming season, benched 415 to take the top ranking. It is the third time that he has won the title. A year ago, linebacker David Turnage prevented him from making it three in a row. He claimed his third title while competing against offensive and defensive linemen. Other top performers during
Thursday’s event, which was held on campus in McNeese’s Memorial Gymnasium, were LaDarius Key in the skill division and Drew Johnston in the athlete division. Key, who is a cornerback from Monroe, went 355 pounds to win the skill division. Johnston, a fullback from Newton, TX, benched 405 pounds. Bart Crader, a native of Friendswood, TX, set a bench press record for Cowboy quarterbacks by benching 325 pounds. The overall performance by the Cowboys during the event was the best in its four-year history.
Car Care 101 For College Students
(NewsUSA) - While some students are dropped off at college by their parents, many more keep vehicles on or near campus. Regular maintenance and service performed at a reputable repair facility near campus will keep those wheels dependable. For some collegians, a vehicle is basically a way back home between semesters, while others use their car more frequently, for regular transportation to part-time work or daily transportation to and from campus. Either way, lack of maintenance can cause inconvenient, and potentially unsafe, breakdowns. Vehicles that are infrequently used are prone to battery failures, moisture accumulating in gasoline lines, and poor engine performance. Those used for frequent, short trips to and from campus have little chance to warm up thoroughly and can fall prey to premature exhaust system failure and excessive engine deposits that can adversely affect engine performance. A new Care Guide tells students and parents, in plain, non-technical language, what to do to maintain their vehicle for safety, dependability, and value. Tech-savvy students can order the free guide, published by the Car Care Council, directly from the council’s Web site at www.carcare.org. The guide, which can be stored easily in a vehicle’s glove box, explains the most common preven-
tative maintenance procedures and repairs that need to be performed to help keep vehicles operating safely and reliably. It also includes a list of questions to ask when these maintenance or repair procedures are being performed at a repair shop. A Car Care Checklist is included to remind busy students what vehicle systems need to be maintained and when service or repair should be performed. To further familiarize students with their vehicles, the guide has clear, concise descriptions of 12 major vehicle systems and parts. Examples include steering and suspension, fuel and air intake, belts and hoses, and more. Even students who typically depend on their fathers or uncles for car care between semesters or during the summer months will benefit from the guide by learning about the vehicle’s warning systems, service lights, and various symptoms before a breakdown occurs. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer-education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org. AUGUST 7, 2008
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Delta Tech Academic Calendar & News
FALL SEMESTER 2008 (Subject to Change)
August 18 — New Student Orientation August 19 — Mid-Quarter Start September 1 — Labor Day September 24 - 25 — Finals September 29 — New Student Orientation September 30 — Quarter Class Start November 5 - 6 — Six-Week Class Finals November 10 — Veterans Day November 11 — New Student Orientation November 12 — Mid-Quarter Start November 27 - 28 — Thanksgiving Vacation December 16 -17 — Finals December 22 - January 2 — Christmas Vacation Delta Welcomes New Instructors Delta Tech would like to announce the additions of Brandi Russell, Belinda Nichols, David Edgar and Michael Richard to our instructor staff. Brandi holds a B.A. in criminal justice from McNeese State University and has worked in the social services field for six years. She comes to Delta Tech from the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Disaster Recover Ministry, where she held the title of Director/Operations Coordinator. Belinda holds a B.S. in behavioral sciences from McNeese State University and an A.S. in accounting from Lamar University. She has 17 years of experience in the accounting field, is a notary and a member of the National Scholars Honors Society. David has a B.A. in accounting from McNeese State University, is a CPA, a notary and has over 20 years of experience in the field. Michael holds an A.S. in electronic technology from McNeese State University. He has 17 years of teaching experience in Information Technology and is a Microsoft Certified Professional, CompTia A+, CISCO CCNA certified.
Delta Graduates over 120 at Recent Ceremony Delta Tech School of Business & Technology’s Commencement Ceremony was held on Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m. in the Rosa Hart Theater of the Lake Charles Civic Center. The school was proud to have over 120 graduates in both diploma and associates degree programs, along with nearly 1,500 family and friends in attendance. This year’s keynote speaker was Nancy Tower, the HR Services Supervisor for Sasol North America and a Sulphur City Council Member. Student speaker was DeUna Noel, a Medical Office Assistant graduate who is currently working for Dr. Susan A. Jones. Delta Tech Placement/Internships Delta Tech is a good resource for qualified employees in clerical, data entry, secretarial, medical office assistance, accounting, computer-aided drafting, or information technology. After determining an employer’s specific requirements, Delta will submit résumés for suitable candidates. Call Career Services at (337) 312-0938 or (800) 259-JOBS for additional information. Employers can also try Delta’s internship program. The Delta student works free of charge three to four hours a day for three months, for a total of 180 internship hours. All that is required of employers is to make sure that interns gain working experience with supportive supervision, and receives a grade based on their abilities at the end of the program. And if the interns are a good fit with the company, they’ve already been trained for free. Thus far in 2008, over 35 different companies have participated in Delta Tech’s Internship Program, and Career Services has received over 100 contacts for job opportunities in SWLA. 53 Positions Filled with Career Services Assistance This Year Here are some of the companies that have hired Delta grads since January of 2008: Developed Solutions, First Federal Bank of LA, Heaven On Earth Network, Hilliard & Hilliard CPAs, Keystone Engineering, King Architects, L’Auberge Du Lac Casino Resort, Lake Charles Housing Authority, Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic (The Clinic), Lake Charles Police Department, M & M Family Clinic, Management Data Systems, Med South Record Management, National Networks, Dr. Alan Perry DDS and Sabine Pools and Spas. Delta Tech – Serving SWLA for Over 35 years Delta School of Business and Technology was founded in 1970, and was first housed at 502 Broad Street. In 1977, Delta moved to its current location at 517 Broad Street, which is in the city’s historical district. Today, the school offers basic business, medical and technical courses. It was first accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools in 1976, and was recognized by the Department of Education to participate in student-aid programs in 1977. The mission of Delta Tech is to recruit, train, 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. Day and night classes are available with diploma programs in Accounting, Administrative Assistant and Medical Office Assistant while Associate degrees are offered in the following: Accounting, Administrative Assistant (Computers), Administrative Assistant (Legal), Business Management, Drafting Technology, Information Technology, and Medical Office Assistant. For information about attending Delta Tech, call (337) 439-5765 or visit online at www.deltatech.edu.
Another Success Story...
Being a small business success story we know the value of advertising, and part of that success is knowing your target market! The Times of SWLA delivers that audience in unparallel quanity. — Randall Lanza ALA Lighting Specialist Residential, Landscape and Commercial.
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AUGUST 7, 2008
SOWELA Academic Calendar & News FALL SEMESTER 2008 – AUGUST 18 – DECEMBER 5, 2008 (Subject to Change)
August 11 (Mon) 9am ................................Fees Due for Fall 08 Registration August 12 (Tues) 3 pm ............................................Purge Unpaid Schedules August 13 (Wed) ................................................Fall 2008 Late Registration August 14 (Thurs) 8am – 1pm ............................Fall 2008 Late Registration August 15 (Fri) 8am – 11am................................Fall 2008 Late Registration August 18 (Mon) ....................................Classes Begin / Add Period Begins/ Fall 2008 Late Registration ................................................(1pm – 3pm) August 19 (Tues) ..............Last Day to Register (1pm – 3pm) or Add Classes August 20 (Wed) 9am ....................................Fees Due for Late Registration August 21 (Thurs) 3pm............................................Purge Unpaid Schedules August 22 (Fri) ......................................................Last Day for 75% Refund August 29 (Fri) ......................................................Last Day for 50% Refund September 1 (Mon) ..........................................................Labor Day Holiday September 22 (Mon) ..................................................................Career Fair October 23 (Thurs) ..........Last Day to Drop a Class or Withdraw from School November 7 (Fri), November 10 (Mon), November 11 (Tues)....Advising Days November 12 (Wed) ..............................................Spring 2009 Registration November 13 (Thurs) 8am – 1pm..........................Spring 2009 Registration November 25 (Tues)......................................................Last Day of Classes November 26 -28 (Wed – Fri) ....................................Thanksgiving Holiday December 1 – 5 (Mon – Fri)..............................................Final Exam Week December 5 (Fri) ..............................Fall Semester Ends, Grades Due 12pm December 9 (Tues)....Deadline for New Applications for the Spring Semester
Sowela fall registration Sowela Technical Community College’s fall registration will run from August 13 – 15. Fall classes begin August 18. First-time students, and students who did not attend Sowela during the fall 2007and spring 2008 semesters have until August 1 to submit their application. For more information, contact Student Affairs at (337) 491-2688. Sowela offers Bank Teller, Medical Coding and CNA courses Sowela is offering Bank Teller, Medical Coding and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses for individuals interested in careers in these fields. Bank Teller courses begin September 9, Medical Coding courses start August 18 and CNA courses begin September 2. All classes are completed in one semester and provide the training necessary to enter the workforce upon completion. Grant money may be available for students enrolled in these courses. Call (337) 491-2684 for more information. Sowela instructor publishes poem, article Sowela instructor Rita Porteau has published a poem and article in the national journal, Teaching English in the Two Year College. Her poem, “Student in Class at Noon” is her second poem to be published. Additionally, Porteau’s article “Grammar Games” appears in the “What Works for Me” section and discusses techniques she uses in her classroom to engage students in the learning process while teaching grammar.
SPRING SEMESTER 2009 – JANUARY 14 – MAY 11, 2009 (Subject to Change)
January 5 (Mon) 9am ........................Fees Due for Spring 2009 Registration January 6 (Tues) 3pm ............................................Purge Unpaid Schedules January 7 (Wed) ............................................Spring 2009 Late Registration January 8 (Thurs) 8am – 1pm ........................Spring 2009 Late Registration January 9 (Fri) 8am – 11am ..........................Spring 2009 Late Registration January 12 (Mon) ..........................................Spring 2009 Late Registration January 13 (Tues) ..........................................Spring 2009 Late Registration January 14 (Wed)..................................Classes Begin / Add Period Begins/ Spring 2009 Late Registration............................................(1pm – 3pm) January 15 (Thurs) ..............Last Day to Register (1pm – 3pm) or Add Classes January 16 (Fri) 9am ....................................Fees Due for Late Registration January 19 (Mon) ................................................Martin Luther King Holiday January 20 (Tues) 3pm ..........................................Purge Unpaid Schedules January 21 (Wed) ..................................................Last Day for 75% Refund January 28 (Thurs) ................................................Last Day for 50% Refund February 23 – 24 (Mon – Tues) ......................................Mardi Gras Holiday March 2 (Mon) ............................................................................Career Fair March 20 (Fri)..................Last Day to Drop a Class or Withdraw from School March 27 (Fri), March 30 (Mon), March 31 (Tues) ................Advising Days April 1 (Wed) ................................................................Summer Registration April 2 (Thurs) 8am – 1pm............................................Summer Registration April 9 – April 17 (Thurs – Fri)..................................................Spring Break May 4 (Mon) ......................................................................Last Day of Class May 5 – 11 (Tues – Fri, Mon) ..............................................Final Exam Week May 8 (Fri) ..............Deadline for New Applications for the Summer Semester May 11 (Mon) ..............................Spring Semester Ends, Grades Due 12pm May 19 (Tues) ....2009 Commencement, Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum May 25 (Mon) 9am ............................Fees Due for Summer 09 Registration May 26 (Tues) 3pm ................................................Purge Unpaid Schedules
AUGUST 7, 2008
PAGE 31
FALL SEMESTER 2008 (Subject to Change)
AUGUST 2008 25........First class day for Fall Semester and 8-Week Session I Schedule revisions - late registration with penalty fee 29........Application process for December graduation begins
LAMAR State College Academic Calendar
SEPTEMBER 2008 1..........Labor Day ~ NO CLASSES ~ (buildings closed) 10........12th Class Day - census date - no penalty for dropping Last day to apply for Grade Replacement 19........Last day to drop or withdraw from 8-Week Session I with a Q or W
PAGE 32
OCTOBER 2008 13........Last day to drop or withdraw from 8-Week Session I with academic penalty Last day to drop or withdraw from Fall Semester with a Q or W Last day to petition for No Grade Last class day for 8-Week Session I Last day to register for 8-Week Session II 14........First class day for 8-Week Session II 27........Early advisement begins Distribution of Winter Mini-Session and Spring 2009 schedules NOVEMBER 2008 3..........Last day to apply for December graduation Early registration for Winter Mini-Session and Spring 2009 Semester begins 7..........Last day to drop or withdraw from 8-Week Session II with a Q or W 14........Last day to pay for diploma, cap and gown 21........Last day to drop or withdraw from Fall Semester and 8-Week Session II with academic penalty 26........Thanksgiving recess begins at 10 p.m. ~ NO CLASSES ~ (buildings closed November 27-30) DECEMBER 2008 1..........Classes resume at 7 a.m. 9..........Last class day for Fall Semester and 8-Week Session II 10-16 ..Final Examinations 16........Last day to register and pay for Winter Mini-Session 17........Winter Mini-Session begins 18-19 ..Winter Mini-Session class days 19........Commencement 22-23 ..Winter Mini-Session class days 29-31 ..Winter Mini-Session class days SPRING SEMESTER 2009 (Subject to Change)
27........Last day to drop or withdraw from Spring Semester with a Q or W Last day to petition for No Grade MARCH 2009 6..........Last class day for 8-Week Session I Last day to register for 8-Week Session II 9..........Spring Break begins at 7 a.m. (buildings open) 16........Classes resume at 7 a.m. • First class day for 8-Week Session II 30........Early advisement begins 31........Last day to apply for May graduation APRIL 2009 3..........Last day to drop or withdraw from 8-Week Session II with a Q or W 6..........Early registration for Spring Mini-Session, Summer and Fall 8..........Last day to drop or withdraw from Spring Semester and 8-Week Session II with academic penalty 10-11 ..Holiday ~ NO CLASSES ~ (buildings open) 17........Last day to pay for diploma, cap and gown MAY 2009 6..........Last class day 7-13 ....Final Examinations 13........Last day to register and pay for Spring Mini-Session 14........Spring Mini-Session begins 15........Commencement • Spring Mini-Session class day 18-22 ..Spring Mini-Session class days 25........Memorial Day ~ NO CLASSES ~ (buildings closed) 26-29 ..Spring Mini-Session class days JUNE 2009 1..........Spring Mini-Session class day 2..........Spring Mini-Session last class day • Final Examinations SUMMER SESSION I (SSI) 2009 (Subject to Change)
JUNE 2009 8..........Classes begin SSI - schedule revisions and/or late registration with penalty fee • Application process for August graduation begins 11........Fourth class day 23........Last day to drop or withdraw for SSI with a Q or W Last day to petition for No Grade JULY 2009 3..........Last day to apply for August graduation Last day to drop or withdraw from SSI 4..........Independence Day observances ~ NO CLASSES ~ (buildings closed) 9..........Last class day for SSI classes • Final Examinations 10........Last day to pay for diploma, camp and gown
JANUARY 2009 5-8 ......Winter Mini-Session class days 9..........Winter Mini-Session last class day/Final Examinations 12........First class day for Spring Semester and 8-Week Session I Schedule revisions - late registration with penalty fee 19........Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday observed ~ NO CLASSES ~ (buildings closed) • Application process for May graduation begins 28........12th Class Day - census date - no penalty for dropping Last day to apply for Grade Replacement
SUMMER SESSION II (SSII) 2009
FEBRUARY 2009 6..........Last day to drop or withdraw from 8-Week Session I with a Q or W 17........Last day to drop or withdraw from 8-Week Session I with academic penalty
AUGUST 2009 4..........Last day to drop or withdraw from SSII with academic penalty 13........Last class day for SSII classes • Final Examinations 14........Commencement
AUGUST 7, 2008
(Subject to Change)
JULY 2009 13........Classes begin SSII - schedule revisions and/or late registration with penalty fee 16........Fourth class day 28........Last day to drop or withdraw from SSII with a Q or W Last day to petition for No Grade
Getting Through the
Dorm Daze
It’s back-to-school time, and for college students, the hassles are many. One of the most daunting is getting situated in your dorm. There are rules and regulations to follow, not to mention you’ll be living with someone you probably don’t even know. But don’t get overwhelmed. The key to a successful dorm life is organization. Keep in mind that you’re living in a small space with another person—and it’s not a younger sibling that you can lock in the closet when you’re fed up with them. You have to make the effort to get along with this person, which means you should be aware of their needs. So, be considerate, and don’t
Other than your personal items, here’s a list of essentials to make your college life easier: Bookends Desk organizer Thesaurus Dictionary Pencil sharpener File box Stamps Envelopes Address book Note pads Index cards Markers Rubber bands Paper clips Tape Stapler Highlighter Pencils, pens Hole punch Computer Computer diskettes or other removable storage media Glue stick Ruler Folders Calendar Bookmarks Calculator
bring boxes and boxes of personal items that are going to overflow into your roommate’s space. Because space is tight, you need to use every square inch to your advantage. See if you can raise your bed with cement blocks. That will give you extra space to store luggage, books, etc. Plastic crates come in all sizes and colors and are inexpensive. Use closet organizers for shoes, accessories and toiletries. Stick plastic hooks on the back of your closet door. As the seasons change, bring any clothes you’re not wearing back home. Just keep the necessities so you don’t clutter up your area. A dry erase calendar is great for
helping you keep track of your busy schedule. Hang a dry erase board in your room to communicate with your roommate or make notes to yourself. You’ll need space for your computer, so make sure you have an adequate table or desk, a comfortable chair, and good lighting for late-night studying. You’ll be spending a lot of your time there, so make the effort to get it right. When it comes to decorating, don’t let your roommate’s design ideas prevent you from expressing yourself. You should both respect each other’s right to decorate your spaces however you want. You can find inexpensive, fun items at discount or thrift stores, or even
garage sales. Posters, pictures in colorful frames, or lights strung across a wall will brighten your area. (First, check your college’s rules—you may not be allowed to use nails—but there are other options, such as removable plastic adhesive). Pick out a comforter that doesn’t show dirt—which means a white comforter is impractical. Go with a solid color (preferably reversible) that you can accent with colorful throw pillows. You also may need extra long twin sheets, depending on the types of beds in your dorm.
Fabric softener Laundry bag/basket Iron Ironing board Sewing kit Safety pins Dish soap Trash bags Paper towels Sponge Glass cleaner Food and utensils Hot pot Microwave Pop-up toasters (if allowed) Coffee maker Cups, mugs Eating utensils Can opener Bowls, plates Microwaveable cookware Small Refrigerator (less than 4.3 cu. ft.) Dorm living does not have to be stressful. Remember, organization is key. Keep everything in its place, utilize as much storage space as you can, and respect your roommate’s side of the room. Don’t you wish your midterms could be this easy?
Laundry and cleaning needs: Laundry soap Stain remover Bleach
AUGUST 7, 2008
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AUGUST 7, 2008
for
HEALTHCARE
College Students
College Students Need a
Healthy Wake-up Call As young men and women head off to college, many for the first time, it’s a safe bet that few will be thinking about their health or the health care decisions they may need to make over the next year. “Students are naturally more focused on the excitement and anxiety of being away from home and smaller details, such as buying books and finding their way around campus. But students and their parents should realize that several important health issues are likely to arise during the college years,” said Richard McGregor, M.D., member of the medical staff at Jennings American Legion Hospital. “From needed vaccinations to mental health to food choices, learning about their own health care is one of the most important challenges for college students.” New research emphasizes the magnitude of this challenge. A study released by the University of New Hampshire found that college students are headed down a path toward many chronic health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inactivity. And although research is limited, national data suggest this trend is widespread among college campuses. “They’re young, they feel good, and are entering an exciting new phase of their lives, but unfortunately, college students are not as healthy as they think they are,” says Dr. McGregor. “The college years are a great time in a young person’s life. It’s also a time when students need to really think about their own health status. This research highlights the fact that while college students may feel they are in peak health, some very serious health problems exist in this group that need to be addressed. It’s very important that they take a more active role in their health care.” The data in the new study was collected from more than 800 undergraduates. Students completed questionnaires on their lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits, chronicling their smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption, and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Their body mass index (BMI) was calculated from their height and weight, and they were screened for blood pressure as well as glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density cholesterol. The students also completed a three-day food diary and analyzed their calories, carbohydrates, and nutrient intakes with nutrition software.
Results showed that at least one-third the students were overweight or obese, putting them at a much higher risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, among others. Sixty percent of the males had high blood pressure, and more than two-thirds of women were not meeting their nutritional needs for iron, calcium or folate. Dr. McGregor said this new data is important because the college-age group is a very understudied population. “They’re very hard to reach, and they are at a time in their lives where they feel invincible. They may expect their parent’s cholesterol to be high, but not theirs, “ he said. “The good news is late adolescence is a great time to change bad health habits and learn good ones.” Most college students are making independent choices about food and activity for the first time in their lives, so habits are not yet set. The challenge is getting them to understand that decisions they make now will have an impact on their health later in life. “If students today continue this trend toward poor health, they are going to have much more serious health problems at age 50 than their parents have.”
AUGUST 7, 2008
PAGE 35
Eating
Right
You’re on your own for the first time. You don’t have your parents looking over your shoulder to make sure you eat your vegetables or go to bed at a reasonable hour. While your newfound freedoms may be exhilarating, they may not be good news for your body. The foods you eat affect your energy, concentration, and memory, because your body and brain need the right amount of nutrition to function properly. So before you reach for a candy bar or a chilidog, remember that the right choices from the different food groups will help you feel your best. Most students eat what they like without paying much attention to what their bodies need. Dorm rooms are filled with all kinds of unhealthy snacks for the late-night munchies. Even someone with the best intentions probably finds it difficult to resist the less-healthy choices—it’s easier to grab a burger than find a more nutritious option.
R. Dale Bernauer, M.D.
4150 Nelson Rd., Bldg. D, Ste. 1 Lake Charles, La. 70605 PH: 337-474-6960 FAX: 337-474-6970
A non-surgical technique to fight against arthritis and sports injuries. Do you need a joint replacement or suffer from arthritis or sports injuries? We offer a non surgical solution. Regenerative Therapy is designed to regenerate joint cartilage and decrease arthritic changes and pain. This therapy uses a combination of injection therapy, laser therapy, exercises, bracing and other modalities. Parts of the program can be covered by insurance while parts are not. A commitment to the whole program is necessary for success. This is how it works: The physician introduces natural medicine into damaged, arthritic cells by means of a precise injection. This process is followed by infrared laser as well as several other modalities in order to accelerate the process. Depending on tissue damage, severity of the condition and the size of the joint that needs to be injected, people usually need a series of 1 to 6 treatments to improve. There is usually no downtime, and people can go back to their usual activities or work immediately. The treatments can help most musculoskeletal problems such as knee pain, shoulder pain, whiplash, tendonitis, sprain, strains, torn ligaments and cartilage damage. For more information and to schedule your treatment call 337-474-6960. PAGE 36
AUGUST 7, 2008
What your body needs Nutritional requirements vary from person to person, depending on age, sex, size, level of activity, and so on. In general, however, your diet should provide you with a balance of protein, dairy products, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits. Many nutritionists recommend that the majority of our diet come from grains, vegetables, and whole fruit. Whole-grain carbohydrates — such as brown rice and whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta — are better choices than their more processed counterparts (such as white bread and regular pasta) because they retain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Vegetables and fruits are much better fresh than canned or frozen, since they don’t contain added salt, sauces, or sugar. Don’t just concentrate on fruit; experts say that you should actually eat more vegetables than fruit for an ideal balance. Protein is another essential part of any diet. This includes meat, fish, poultry, eggs, or non-animal sources such as dry beans and nuts. Dairy products such as cheese,
yogurt, and milk also provide protein, as well as calcium. A few servings of lowfat dairy such as yogurt or skim milk and two to three servings of additional lean protein-rich foods every day add nutritional benefits without too much fat and cholesterol. To snack or not to snack When you’ve been up late cramming for an exam, you may crave sugar, caffeine or fatty snacks because you think they’ll give you a boost—not to mention they’re readily available. But make sure that unhealthy snack foods play a small role in your overall diet. Popcorn is good, but don’t use too much salt or butter. Try an apple with peanut butter, yogurt mixed with low-fat granola or walnuts, or a tortilla with cheese, heated in the microwave and topped with salsa. Yum! Moderation is key Ultimately, you need to take the right approach to food. Don’t feel guilty if you occasionally indulge in junk food. Most experts advise that moderation is the key. Pay attention to the size of your portions and how often you eat that food. Don’t count every calorie. It’s more important to concentrate on getting the nutrients you need by eating a wide variety of food and including plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. Remember, there are all kinds of food available to you in the dining hall on campus. It’s up to you to choose the right ones. Source: Nemours Foundation
for
HEALTHCARE
College Students
Healthy Tips for
Healthy Minds
College will, no doubt, exercise your mind. But it may also pose challenges that could affect your mental health. Starting school brings new and sometimes stressful experiences. You may be away from home for the first time. It may take a while to make new friends. The class loads may feel overwhelming. Dr. Peter Mahony of Lake Area Psychiatry said that mental stress brought on by these sudden life changes is not unusual. “It is normal for college students to face a variety of social, economic and academic pressures,” he said. “The key is to identify the challenges, and to find practical ways to adapt.” Dr. Mahony recommends mental health tips such as these, from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Friends and roommates Friends become your main support
system while in college. It may take some time to make friends, but it will happen. You will most likely meet some people you like in your dorm, in classes or through other friends. Your roommate may be a great friend or a tremendous source of stress. Even if you like each other, conflicts may arise over things such as cleaning and bedtimes. It’s best to discuss any conflicts early, before they grow serious. If you still can’t seem to get along, talk to your resident advisor. Homesickness Homesickness is a common problem for college students. If you’re homesick, it doesn’t mean you’re less mature than those who aren’t or that you’re not ready to be on your own. You can deal with homesickness by talking with other students about it. They may share some of your same
feelings. You can also keep in touch with family and friends at home, but you should make sure you develop new relationships at school. If your homesickness lingers for a few months or more, then you need to address the situation. Dr. Mahony adds that going home for the first visit may be difficult. “You or members of your family may have changed, and old conflicts don’t just disappear,” he says. “But if things become too difficult for you to handle alone, speaking with a counselor may be helpful.” Depression There may be days when the pressures of college life get you down. Feeling blue occasionally is normal and will pass. If you’re feeling down, do something that makes you feel good. If you’re depressed for more than two
weeks, however, it may be more serious. Depression is treatable if you get help. Alcohol Alcohol abuse is a big problem for many college students. Heavy drinking can cause long-term drinking problems, aggression and violence, physical illness and death. It can also cloud your judgment, causing you to make poor decisions about sex or other important matters. The best way to prevent drinking-related problems is to avoid alcohol. Talk to a doctor if you suspect drinking is becoming a problem for you. To learn more about available services to improve mental health, visit www.christusstpatrick.org and click the Behavioral Health link under the Services tab.
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for
HEALTHCARE
College Students
College students:
Let’s Get Physical! In college, time is of the essence. You run from class to class, grab a bite to eat, and before you know it, your day is over. Many students have jobs on top of their many scholastic responsibilities, and if there’s any free time available between classes and studying, it’s probably going to be spent having some college fun. With all of these obligations, it’s no wonder that students have difficulty adding daily exercise to their schedules. Exercise has many health benefits, so you really should make the effort to fit it into your daily routine. If you try, you just might find a few extra minutes to go for a little jog or make a quick trip to the gym. Even taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or fast-walking to classes, counts as exercise. Just 30 minutes a day (not necessarily all at once), five days a week of some type of physical activity can make a real difference to your health today and tomorrow. Keep in mind, though, that the more vigorous the physical activity, the better the health benefits. If you just can’t fit a solid 30-minute chunk of time into your schedule, consider trying to build up 30 minutes of exercise throughout your day. But
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you should try to make a concerted effort to exercise on a regular basis. Benefits Exercise, combined with healthy eating, is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It keeps you at a healthy weight, lessens feelings of depression and anxiety, increases good cholesterol and lowers the risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and back pain. It also makes you feel better about your body and yourself, increases muscle tone, clears your head, and helps you to concentrate on your schoolwork. Sounds good, right? So what are you waiting for? Where to go, what to do Be creative with your physical activity. Remember, most types of exercise can double as social events. Going to the gym or for a run with a friend will allow you to spend time with someone that you haven’t see in awhile. And teaming up with a friend means that you’ll have someone to give you moral support if you find that you’re losing your
motivation. Team sports or dance classes can also provide another opportunity to meet people and get in shape at the same time. Need time away from the roommate and crowded lecture halls? Getting away from campus by going for a walk or run will give you a pleasant escape from school pressures and allow you to have uninterrupted thoughts. You’ll probably return refreshed and more prepared to face your responsibilities. Make sure you take advantage of any facilities available to you. Most colleges have workout facilities or gyms that you can use for little or no cost. Tennis and basketball courts, biking paths, and soccer fields are also available on many campuses. Look into taking physical education classes for advanced skill building if you’re just getting started in a workout routine. This could help you determine your personal fitness level and give you an idea as to what types of exercise you enjoy. Remember, lots of things that you already do count as physical activity. Swimming, biking, walking, dancing, roller-blading, etc., are all considered exercise. Find what you like to do and stick with it. If you’re physically fit, you’re more apt to be mentally fit, which will help with your academics. Sounds like a win-win situation!
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t i m e s
picks the best in lake area entertainment
Azalea by Brian K. Miller HENNING CULTURAL CENTER PRESENTS “OUR COLORFUL SOUTH” JULY 21- AUGUST 28 — The Brimstone Historical Society and Henning Cultural Center are proud to host an exhibit featuring Brian K. Miller, a renowned New Orleans photographer. Miller holds a master’s degree in wildlife ecology, and focuses on nature, wildlife, and travel photos from around the globe. All of his prints are done inhouse on canvas, which is then treated with a giclee veneer coating. Miller has been featured in numerous magazines, calendars, and books, including National Wildlife, National Geographic Traveler, National History, Wildlife Conservation, Brown Trout, and Audubon. National Geographic named him one of “our finest…photographers,” and he was a featured photographer in their book, “Heart of a Nation: Writers and Photographers Inspired by the American Landscape.” The Henning Cultural Center is located at 923 Ruth Street in Sulphur and is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is closed from noon – 1 p.m. Prints of Mr. Miller’s work are also on sale. If you would like more information about this exhibit, call Thom Trahan at (337) 5270357, or e-mail at trahan@brimstonemuseum.org MAGNUM CINEMA PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT AUGUST 8-OCTOBER 25 — The City of Lake Charles announces the opening of a new photography exhibition at 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center. Magnum Cinema, a stunning exhibition of 206 color and black-and white photographs documenting the film industry, will be on exhibit from Friday, August 8 through Saturday, October 25. For 50 years, the photographers of Magnum such as Robert Capa, Bruce Davidson, Eve Arnold and others, have observed the world of film through their own lenses. For this exhibition, the photographers sorted through their private archives and pulled out more than 5,000 photographs, many of which were previously unpublished. The final selection bears the inimitable Magnum stamp and tells of remarkable encounters between a family of photographers and the world of cinema. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, August 8 from 6 – 8 p.m. There is no charge to attend and refreshments will be served. Magnum Cinema will be accompanied by several entertaining and educational programs. On Sept. 12 and Sept. 26, beginning at 6:30 p.m., renowned Film Historian, Dr. Peter Dart will give informative introductions and screenings of two significantly famous films. Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but
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donations are gladly accepted. For more information, please call (337) 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com. AUGUST EVENTS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM — Ice Cream Days are Here! Come to the museum on Tuesdays and Thursdays and cool down with us! Ice cream will be served from noon-1 p.m. in the ArtSpace. Saturday, August 9: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Join Sasol employees at 11 a.m. for a demonstration. Experiments are designed to show the chemistry involved in foods we eat every day. See how to pull iron out of cereal, how to separate curds and whey and how to make butter. Wednesday, August 13: ArtSpace Workshop Come and create a Candy Dish Creature for all of your sweet treats! The workshop is free of charge for museum members. Non-members will be charged $1.00 per child. Each class is limited to 15 children. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, August 16: Dog Adoptions Calcasieu Parish Animal Control has several dogs and cats that need good homes. Stop by the museum between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to adopt your own furry friend. Saturday, August 16: Amos the Artistic Alligator Meet our featured artists, Tommie Townsley and Anne Dentler at 11 a.m. As Tommie reads her latest book, Anne will draw Amos Alligator. Thursday, August 21: Third Thursday This is a program for families of children with autism spectrum disorders. Come from 5-7 p.m. and enjoy the museum with families dealing with similar impairments. It allows parents to help their children develop language and social skills. Admissions are paid by SWLA Autism Chapter. Donations are welcome. Saturday, August 23: Imagination Celebration 2008 Join us at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall for the Children’s Museum’s 6th Annual Imagination Celebration fundraiser! Dance the night away with music by the Backyard Cowboys! Enjoy food from over 20 area restaurants and a wine tasting. Shop during the famous live and silent auctions and visit with special guests Tommie Townsley and Anne Dentler. Tickets are on sale now at the Children’s Museum or available through any Board Member. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Museum. Call (337) 433-9420 for more information. BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT OF THE STARS AUGUST 8-10 — The Tournament of the Stars is set for Friday-Sunday, Aug. 8-10, at Barbe High School, McNeese State University, S.J. Welsh Middle School and the Lake Charles Civic Center. In addition to the tournament, entertainment includes a slam-dunk contest and dance competition on Friday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m. at Barbe High School. The finals will be held on Sunday, Aug. 10, beginning at 11 a.m. and finishing up with the final game at 6 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The weekend’s events will be kicked off by a golf tournament at Gray Plantation beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, August 8. Star players that have participated in the past include NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway, NBA Champion Steve Jackson, Hall-of-Famer Moses Malone and many others. The tournament will consist of more than 60 pro-am men’s and women’s teams, with players from around the country competing. Awards will be given to first through sixth place teams in the men’s division, first through fourth place in the women’s division, and to the most valuable players in both divisions. The proceeds of the tournament go toward local scholarships for high school seniors and other youth programs in the Imperial Calcasieu area. For more information, contact the Tournament of the Stars office at (337) 491-1466, toll free at (877) 746-8867, via email at tos@city-lakecharles.org or visit the Tournament of the Stars, Inc., Web site at www.tournamentofstars.com. GO CRAZY AT JAMAICA ME CRAZY AUGUST 16 — Tables are still available for the American Cancer Society’s tenth annual Jamaica Me Crazy Party for a Cure Gala to be held on Saturday, August 16, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. The doors will open at 7 p.m. with “Cold Sweat” providing live music from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. There will be an auction as well as a Jamaican Village!! Admission is $50 per person and $90 per couple in advance, and $50 per person at the door. Tables of eight (8) are available for $500. Food will be provided by O’Charley’s Restaurant. Tables are limited. Proceeds help the American Cancer Society to continue its efforts of lifesaving research, education, advocacy, and patient services. Sponsors include Hertz Investment Group, Kroger Food Store and First Federal Bank. For more
information regarding tickets, reserving tables or corporate sponsorship for the Jamaica Me Crazy Party for a Cure Gala, contact the American Cancer Society at (337) 433-5817. FREDDIE PATE’S HITSVILLE USA, STRAND THEATER, JENNINGS AUGUST 16 — Freddie Pate has become synonymous with great family entertainment and bringing back memories. At the Strand Theatre in Jennings, Freddie will take you on a musical journey back to the 60s, when tie dye was in and the Motown sound was king of the radio. Included in this night of entertainment will be the music of the Temptations, Otis Redding, the Righteous Brothers, Aretha Franklin, the Beach Boys, the Beatles and more. As always, we will transform the theater stage into the look of the day: Tie dye, peace signs, flower power, and of course, great music. Call for tickets and info at (337) 779-2343.
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TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR ROUGE ET BLANC OCTOBER 18 — Tickets to Rouge et Blanc, the area’s largest wine- and food-tasting event, will go on sale Monday, July 28. Rouge et Blanc is presented by the McNeese State University Foundation and the Downtown Development Authority. All profits support the McNeese Banners Series. More than 100 fine wines will be available for tasting, which will be paired with a wide variety of food. Signature dishes are being prepared by the Blue Duck Café, the Brick House, Chinese King, Community Coffee, Cookey’s Caterers, Louis DeAngelo’s, Derrick and Paul, Gray Plantation, Harbor Lights, The Harlequin, Kinloch Plantation Products, La Truffe Sauvage, Lake Charles Country Club, Outback Steakhouse, Pujo Street Café, Reeves Uptown Catering, Snake River Grill at L’Auberge, Sweets & Treats, Blazin’ BBQ & Grill, Vista Grill at Delta Downs, and more. Tickets are $60 a person and can be purchased by calling (337) 475-5123. The event will take place from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, on the grounds of the 1911 Cultural Center and the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse. More information is available at www.rougeetblanc.us. In addition, three wine classes with special, themed wine tastings will be held the morning of Oct. 18 in the 1911 Cultural Center and will cost $10 each. Information will be available at a later date on the Web site. AUGUST 7, 2008
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"The Rainbow Connection" — someday you'll find it.
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Across 1 Former Supreme Court justice Abe 7 Crafts from another planet 11 Armenia, once: abbr. 14 Camden Yards player 15 Survivor in the movie "Aliens" 16 Figure skater Midori 17 Patterns that chickens run in? 19 ___-Tse (figure in Taoism) 20 Raid target 21 Totally 22 They follow I 23 Fade off in buzz? 26 "West Side Story" side 28 Word before strain or candy 29 1997 CBS flop with Bronson Pinchot 30 Checks the totals again 33 Where swamp creatures get married? 36 Muesli bit 37 Mnemonic that figures into each theme entry's "color shift" (from top to bottom) 39 "___ Stone" (ABC show with Jonny Lee Miller) 40 Site where donkeys are allowed to make noise? 42 Altima maker
44 "Never ___ Give You Up" (song featured in the YouTube prank "Rickrolling") 45 Auto racer Fabi 46 "___ the highest bidder!" 48 Actress Gertz greeting guests? 53 March Madness org. 54 "It's not that exciting" 55 Scratch-'n'-sniff sticker feature 56 Long time 57 French woman with a sexy shape? 61 "Breaking Bad" network 62 One side in an eternal battle 63 NYC subway line that runs from Bedford Park Boulevard to Brighton Beach 64 Billy ___ Williams 65 Send a quick message, perhaps 66 Cord for a jumper Down 1 ___ point 2 University of Maine town 3 Disturbs the peace, maybe 4 High-ranked tournament player 5 What bars need a license to sell: abbr. 6 Endangered baleen whale variety 7 "No more!" 8 Plummeted
9 10 11 12 13 18 22 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 41 43 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 57 58 59 60
Come up short Road map lines: abbr. Comfy after-bath outfits Follow way too closely W offerings Bust some rhymes NHL recordholder JaromÌr Fixture that dogs may pee on "So what'll it be already?" Embedded Less likely to float away 14-across's gp. Former "The Daily Show" correspondent Corddry Clip-on locale In brief ___ Khan Ending for pay or Cray Bombay Sapphire liquor "___ verily" Sage voiced by Frank Oz Layover Golf legend Sam "___ All Ye Faithful" Passed out on the poker table? Electrical resistance unit "What ___!" ("Bummer!") Rentable entertainment "Me, Myself & ___" (2000 film) DIII times III Bumped into "___ Maria" (popular wedding song) Fade, like the tide Jack Bauer's org.
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The Phantoms of the Cowbell
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he Central School Arts & Humanities Center was the place to be recently when the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA presented the second Business of Art Summit in conjunction with the McNeese Small Business Center. Irene Vandever, Deb King and Diane Rathbun welcomed participants from Lake Charles and the surrounding area including Vinton, Lafayette and New Orleans. Presenters Gene Meneray and Veronique Le Melle had a captive audience of established and beginning artists and entrepreneurs who came to learn about identifying their potential market and crafting an artist’s statement. Imogene Dewey of Studio 347 enjoyed meeting participants Thomas Landry and Dora Lotz. Dinah Fontenot encouraged her daughter Molly Reed to attend the workshop to learn how to turn her talent and skills into an enterprising venture. Others attending with the same goal included David Martin, Jackie and Robin Butaud, Josie Scott, Ronnie and Jackie Simien and P.A. Reliford. At the lunch break, the Shadow caught up with Don McCaughey, Joey Daigre, Darol and Rosalyn King and Cynthia and Larry Eagle. One hot Saturday found the Shadow at the 21st Annual Cajun Music & Food Festival. If it’s Cajun, you can find it at the festival, including food, music, dancing, handmade crafts, etc. The Cajun French Music Association Lake Charles Chapter
PHOTOS SHOWN: 1–David Martin, Jackie and Robin Butaud are ready for the workshops at the Business of Art workshop. 2–Molly Reed and Dinah Fontenot were all smiles and excited to have the opportunity to learn about the Business of Art. 3–Don McCaughey from Vinton and Darol and Rosalyn King smile for the camera at the Business of Art Summit. 4–It’s a family affair for Angela, Avery, Hailey, Jennifer, Iiam, Christopher and Gerry Wubben at the Cajun Music and Food Festival.
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5–“Miss Cajun Music 2008,” Adrienne Romero, shows her winning smile as she and friend, Cody Trahan enjoy the Cajun Festival. 6–Boudin was a big hit with Adrienne, Bailey and Karen Williams at the Cajun Music & Food Festival. 7–Lake Charles Chapter members Wilma Manuel, Jo Ann Gautreaux, Betty Bergeron and Elvira Daigle, work hard to make the 21st Annual Cajun Music & Food Festival a success. 8–Michael Broussard, Monty Hurley and Tico Soto are ready for Some More Cowbell at the Gridiron preview night.
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PHOTOS SHOWN: 9–Friends Judy Davidson, Jinette Evans and Ann Polak flash a smile for the camera as they arrive for preview night at Gridiron. 10–Jess and Joan Wallace, at their first Gridiron with veterans, Kay & Jim Dimmitt. 11–Connie Colston, Herbert Olivier, Shirley Olivier, Genevieve Colston, Earlene Olivier, Gussie Taylor and Theresa Olivier share many memories of Sacred Heart St. Katharine Drexel School. 12–Dennis Shelton and E.B. Davis pose for the Shadow at the Centennial Celebration of Sacred Heart.
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sponsors the event each year at the Lake Charles Civic Center and it just keeps getting better. Young and old alike joined in the festivities, as evidenced by 81-year-old twins Lucy Bonsall and Lottie Romero, who love to dance, and 1-year-old Bailey Williams, who enjoyed the boudin. Bobby Lancon, Roma Richard, Adrienne and Karen Williams, Anton King and Brandi Hughes shared in the fun, sampling the food and stopping at the crafts booths to pick up local, handmade items. Angela, Avery, Hailey, Jennifer, Liam, Christopher and Gerry Wubben had front-row seats to the dance floor. A good time was passed by all! If you didn’t see someone you knew at the 36th Annual Gridiron Show, then you just weren’t looking. A packed house awaited the preview of the traditional comedy revue by the Ad and Press Club of SWLA. Michael Broussard, Monty Hurley and Tico Soto may have had an inkling of what was to come, but they didn’t let on as they made their way to their table shared with Shelley Johnson. Few politicians and local community leaders were left unscathed by the jabs and cowbells. Judy Davidson came with friends Jinette Evans and Ann Polak, Reve Greenberg, May Gray and Louise Marks. The Shadow met Frou
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PHOTOS SHOWN: 13–Lorenzo & Donna Muellendorf with Dorenda Turner are three generations celebrating the Centennial of Sacred Heart. 14–Jim and Janis Pauley, Karen and Darryl Drewett, Lucie and Phil Earhart and Michelle and John Simpson having some good laughs with the Shadow at the Phantoms in Concert. 15–Just before the Phantoms in Concert performance Bethany Smith, Jimmy McCord, Dodie Stuart, Amanda Kayser and Austin Ishee pose for the camera.
Lorenzi and Mollie Pickette from the Clerk of Courts office, along with Debbie Ford, Cindy Lucowitz, Kevin Natali, Jess and Joan Wallace and Kay and Jim Dimmitt. Patricia and Brian Prudhomme shared a table with Carol Cox and Karen Wade. Laughter, cheers and applause greeted the antics of the cast as they ribbed and jabbed to the audience’s delight. The Shadow had ample opportunity to sample food from neighboring tables and enjoyed some of Claire’s Chinese Salad from the table of Roni and Ron Kemerly—thanks folks! Smooth jazz music wafted down the hallway as the Shadow entered the Central School Arts and Humanities Center for the exhibit celebrating 100 years for Sacred Heart St. Katharine Drexel School. Guests enjoyed the music and culinary offerings of
Patrick and Joel Hardy of Donella’s Catering. Charles Honore and Willa Golden were available to answer questions about the history of Sacred Heart. Connie and Genevieve Colston, Shirley, Herbert, Earline and Theresa Olivier and Gussie Taylor came to join the celebration. The exhibit contains memorabilia, artifacts and other interesting items, some dating back to the 1800s. Florence Guillory, Delores C. Fontenot, Betty D. Lavergne, Kirby Hardy and Joseph Chachere, Dennis Shelton, E.B. Davis, Dorenda Turner, Donna and Lorenzo Muellendorf were among those who reminisced and exchanged stories throughout the evening. The Shadow paled in comparison to the presence of the Three Phantoms in Concert at the Lake Charles
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AUGUST 7, 2008
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The Winners Are!
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PHOTOS SHOWN: 16–Family and friends Sarah King, Alexa and Rebecca Swan, Maggie King with parents Barbara and Randy King and Bill and Barbara Swan make it a family affair at the Three Phantoms Concert.
Symphony Summer Pops 2008 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Gary and Heather of 92.9 The Lake brought their high energy to the stage to welcome the audience to an evening of unforgettable entertainment. Music-lovers Jim and Janis Pauley, Karen and Darryl Drewett, and Michelle and John Simpson were eager for the concert to begin. Nearby, the Shadow spotted Nicole and Shannon Spell with Charlotte Colosky, Jana King and Geralyn Davis. The Three Phantoms,
Brad Little, Craig Schulman and Kevin Gray entertained with a variety of tunes ranging from “Jesus Christ Superstar” to “Les Miserables,” but the real audience pleasers were the selections from “The Phantom of The Opera.” Caroline and Dottie Harrington, Joe and Tanya Brewster, and Kathy Pfleiger and Mike Beillon all agreed that Summer Pops is one of the highlights of the summer season!
Chico the Clown, former Ringling Brothers performer, presents tickets to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's Boom A Ring Circus to Chris Sumpter, Kim Breaux and her son Dallen, and Denise Spencer (not pictured) – the lucky winners of The Times Circus Tickets giveaway.
Below: In the blue t-shirts, the Lake Charles Junior Putting Team at National Putt-Putt Competition in Burlington, NC. Second place finish! Below: Gumbeaux Gator checks out an interesting set of wheels at a classic car show in Sulphur.
Above: Members of the Calcasieu Boat Club show off their winnings at the Hot Fun in the Summer bingo.
Above: Chevy and Joseph enjoy their afternoon catnaps!
Parting Sh o ts
1) E-mail your snap shots to myphoto@timessw.com. Must include a contact name and phone number. 2) Photos should be attached as a file and not imbedded in copy or photoshopped into a format. Original size, please, do not compress the file. No mailed or fax photographs can be used.
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3) Subjects in photo must be identified by name. Children should also be identified by parent or guardian. Unidentified or anonymous photos will not be considered for publication. 4) The Times reserves the right to decline publishing photos of questionable taste or subject matter, or for space limitations.
The Times of SWLA is continuing its commitment to the people of our region to bring you the very best coverage of events possible. Our readers have asked for more local high-school football coverage, and The Times of SWLA is answering the call! “Gridiron Prep Preview” is a comprehensive, in-depth look at the 2008 high-school football season. 25 area teams will be highlighted in this “must-have” publication, one that families will cherish for a lifetime. Rival schools from Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Beauregard, Allen and Vernon parishes will be included! See the entire 2008 schedule of games, player and coaching stats, team photos and much more! The Times of Southwest Louisiana’s “Gridiron Prep Preview” will bring the excitement of the up-coming high school football season right to parents, families, friends and businesses that follow and support our local athletes and favorite schools!
Final Ad Deadline: August 20th To Reserve Your Advertising Space Call Andy or Patricia at 337-439-0995 AUGUST 7, 2008
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