The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

March 2016 

Robert M. Turley 

The Tipitina Foundation 

Medical 

Community Safety

Levert, The Voice of SWLA 

Editor, Brenda Hill’s son, 

measuring for 

a new garden bed. 

Morning 

Glory 

2 EDITOR’S PEN 

SWLA LAWN & GARDEN 

4 THE CHRISTMAS TREE THAT GREW UP TO BE A BONSAI 

6 TIME TO THINK ABOUT YOUR SPRING VEGETABLE GARDEN 

8 SHAWN KNAPP: BEE REMOVAL SERVICE 

9 TABLE TALK: EASTER HAM 

SWLA EDUCATION 

10 GIFTED ARTIST AND TEACHER, LIAN QUAN ZHEN 

LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, STORIES & PEOPLE 

March 2016 

By Brenda Hill 

Raising a child in the way he should go... 

Do you ever wonder what’s being planted in the rich soil of your child’s mind? While 

pregnant with my firstborn son, I was enrolled at McNeese, and read to him everything, 

everyday. I took a Biology and Zoology class at that time, and after his birth, I continued 

to read and share my study material with him. As he grew, my Biology and Zoology books 

became his books of special interest. The information from it naturally flowed into 

him like soil taking in seed, sunlight and water. He started 

planting seeds in a cup at an early age, and by age five, understood the 

entire phylum system. I knew he had a God given gift for information by listening 

to him speak and sing. By age five, he maintained a seasonal garden 

in our back yard and a flower bed in the front yard. He enjoyed surprising me 

with a fresh bouquet of flowers, and fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. He 

explained how each flower in the bouquet would work together to bring 

healing to me. 

When he was in high school, my neighbor became gravely ill. Before she passed 

away, she shared these words with me one morning when I visited her, “I have 

awakened every morning over these years to watch that young man care for those 

flowers. I enjoy listening to him sing to them and watching how the earth yields a 

return to him and to me. He brings me flowers too.” I was moved with deep 

emotion. 

Today, his home is filled with plants and his garden has seasonal fruit of broccoli, 

cauliflower, cucumbers, dill, nasturtium, etc. He says, “I grow a garden to eat, 

simple as that.” 

Bell 

Pepper 

Blossom 

Sage, 

Broccoli, 

Cauliflower, 

Nasturtium 

and Dill 

SWLA HEALTH & FITNESS 

12 MOVING MOTIVATION: T’AI CHI CHIH 

SWLA MEDICAL 

14 WOMEN EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS 

15 QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH CARE COVERAGE? 

16 ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION 

SWLA ENTERTAINMENT 

18 AREA EVENTS 

SWLA NON-PROFIT 

19 TIPITINA’S FOUNDATION 

SWLA BUSINESS 

20 OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT 

SWLA FASHION 

18 THE PERFECT FIT: BARBARA DUBOSE 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Brenda Hill 

brenda@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

GENERAL MANAGER | Tracy Clark 

tracy@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

OFFICE MANAGER | Kay Andrews 

kandrews_thevoice@yahoo.com 

GRAPHIC LAYOUT | Kyra Labrie 

voiceofswlagraphics@gmail.com 

www.thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

ADVERTISING 

SALES MANAGER | Faye Drake 

fayedrake@sbcglobal.net 

337-794-5678 

ADVERTISING SALES | Chester Rogers 

chesterdrogers@yahoo.com 

337-215-0547 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Mark Wayne Allen, Marilyn Monroe, 

Lisa Addison, Roberty L. Spinks MA, MS, 

Angie Kay Dilmore, , Kay Andrews, 

Robert M. Turley, Jake LeBeau, Cardiologist, 

Kenneth Ewane, M.D. Urologist 

All materials contained in the publication are copy-righted and may not be reproduced or 

reprinted in part or its entirety without the expressed written permission of The Voice of 

SWLA. The views expressed in articles of The Voice of SWLA are not necessarily the views of the 

ownership or sponsors in this publication. The Voice of SWLA assumes no liability for errors or 

omissions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content. 

CONSULTANTS 

EVENTS COORDINATOR | Carl Hubert 

Gene R. Hill, Sr., Reginald Clark 

Happy National Vert Day! You are a Shining Star! 

MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016 

Published and distributed by 

TEAM PUBLICATIONS LLC. 

4310 Ryan St. Ste. 134 

Lake Charles, LA. 70605 

In the McNeese SEED Center 

(337) 474-2210

SWLAlawn & garden 

he found the Louisiana Bonsai 

Society (LBS). Following a 

social work career path, and 

while completing graduate 

studies at LSU in Baton Rouge, 

he attended the spring 1974 

exhibit of the LBS beginning 

a lifelong journey as Bonsai 

Aficionado in the true sense 

of the word. Bonsai uses 

cultivation and training 

techniques like pruning, root 

reduction, potting, defoliation, 

wiring and grafting to produce 

small trees that mimic the shape 

and style of mature, full-size 

sustain the National Bonsai and 

Penjing Museum. While living 

in New Orleans, Alan joined the 

Greater New Orleans Bonsai 

Society (GNOBS) and held office 

in GNOBS from 1976 until he 

moved to Lake Charles in 1983 

serving as Vice President in 1976 

and President in 1977 and 1980. 

In 1989, upon returning 

from the First World Bonsai 

Convention in Omiya, Japan, 

Alan cofounded the Lake 

Charles Bonsai Society(LCBS) 

and began publishing the 

with Lake Area Psychiatry. He 

is married to Kathy E. Walker, 

MD, a retired obstetrician/ 

gynecologist. Alan has attended 

bonsai conventions all over the 

world and has studied bonsai in 

workshops conducted by most 

of the leading bonsai masters. 

As for the Christmas tree 

that grew up to be a bonsai, it all 

started Christmas 1974 with the 

purchase of a balled in burlap 

foemina juniper; using a bean 

bag chair for a base, the tree 

After 41 years of diligent 

care, wiring, pruning, carving, 

etc. the Christmas tree that grew 

up to be a bonsai, died in 2015. 

As one would imagine, this was 

a tragic loss for Alan. He has one 

other tree, an elm, just as old 

that continues to thrive. 

If you are interested in 

delving into bonsai cultivation, 

Alan suggests that finding a 

local bonsai club will be helpful. 

Good starter plants would 

By Kay Andrews 

Just because one’s 

childhood involves family 

gardening the participation 

thereof does not a gardener 

make. Such is the case with 

Alan Walker, Bonsai Aficionado, 

who did engage in gardening at 

an early age and, in his words, “I 

despised it.” 

Alan Walker born in Illinois, 

resided in several Midwestern 

states in his youth, the moves 

of which were dictated by his 

father’s ministerial pursuits. 

In 1973, Alan began his 

graduate work in Louisiana 

at LSU, and eventually 

settled in Lake Charles. 

Putting down roots in 

Lake Charles began with 

the purchase of the old 

Chalkley home place on 

Kirby Street. The original 

Chalkley home had been 

torn down in 1961; 

however, the lot remained 

vacant until purchased by 

Alan and his wife, Kathy 

in 1983. Alan and Kathy 

currently reside in the 

home they built there in 

1986 with two cats and 

two dogs. 

Fresh out of college 

in 1972 and while living in 

Tulsa, OK, Alan began his first 

job with Ray Storts. Alan and 

Kathy enjoyed camping with 

the Storts and it was during 

these early camping days that 

Alan was introduced to the art 

of bonsai. While camping, Ray 

would dig up trees, put them in 

pots and call them Bonsai. 

Finding this to be a cheap 

hobby, Alan Walker, Bonsai 

Aficionado was born. Drilling 

holes in pots he and Kathy 

made in ceramics classes, Alan 

Alan with foemina juniper, 

Christmas tree turned bonsai 

began seeing 

trees in an entirely 

different light, and 

this inexpensive and 

intriguing hobby 

became a lifestyle. 

Now with a 

collection that 

includes dozens of 

trees and tropical 

plants, Alan enjoys 

FOEMINA JUNIPER 

the therapeutic aspects, 

and rather loosely binding 

caretaking commitment, or to 

quote Alan, “…benign neglect” 

as regards bonsai maintenance. 

The social interacting, traveling, 

and club involvements are all 

part of the bonsai lifestyle that 

Alan continues to enjoy. 

Alan’s early efforts remained 

the basic “tree in a pot” until 

trees. 

Alan is a Lifetime Member of 

Bonsai Clubs International (BCI) 

serving in various capacities 

on the Board of Directors; has 

served since 2012 on the Board 

of Directors of the National 

Bonsai Foundation (NBF), a nonprofit 

organization created to 

monthly newsletter, BONSAI 

NEWS, which was shared 

with dozens of sister clubs 

throughout the world. In 

addition to serving as newsletter 

editor. Alan was President of 

LCBS in 1994 and beginning 

in 1994 continues to serve as 

treasurer of LCBS. 

Alan is a Clinical Social 

Worker in private practice 

was promptly decorated for 

the season. After Christmas 

the juniper, about 5’ tall, was 

defrocked, and planted in a 

pot. After several more years 

of doing bonsai and basically 

just keeping the juniper alive, 

in 1990 Alan took the tree to 

the GNOBS founder, Vaughn 

Banting, who saw the “bonsai” in 

the tree. 


be elms, which have lots of 

branches and junipers, which 

have lots of foliage. You can find 

Lake Charles Bonsai Society at 

http://LCBSBonsai.org and on 

Face Book. You can also visit the 

bonsai garden of Alan Walker 

as part of the Calcasieu Historic 

Preservation Society’s 2016 

Palm Sunday Tour of Homes 

on March 20th.

SWLAlawn & garden 

By Robert M. Turley, 

LSU AgCenter – Extension 

Horticulturist 

There is no better time 

to start thinking about your 

spring vegetable garden than 

now. Browsing seed catalogues 

and local nurseries for new 

varieties of vegetables to grow 

is a good way to get started. 

Ordering seed is the first 

step in prepping for a spring 

garden. Clean the garden 

of old fall vegetables that 

have not yet been harvested, 

remove any weeds, and till 

the soil. Remember to till at 

least 8 inches into the ground 

for adequate root growth on 

vegetable crops. 

Vegetables to Plant 

in March. 

Direct plant snap beans, 

Swiss chard, radishes, lettuce, 

collards, mustards, turnips, 

cabbage, broccoli and sweet 

corn seeds. Plant tomatoes, 

peppers and eggplant 

transplants in March; delay 

planting cantaloupes, squash, 

cucumbers and watermelons 

until well after danger of frost 

is over, usually after March 15 

in south Louisiana. 

... April. 

Plant snap beans, butter beans, 

radishes, collards, cucumbers, 

eggplants, cantaloupes, okra, 

Southern peas (field peas), 

peanuts, pumpkins, winter 

squash, summer squash, sweet 

corn, sweet potatoes (late 

April), tomatoes (transplants), 

peppers (transplants) and 

watermelons. 

... May. 

Most spring vegetables can 

be planted in May, since 

the soil has warmed and 

danger of frost has passed. 

Plant sweet potatoes 

(transplants), okra, Southern 

peas, pumpkins, peanuts, 

sweet corn, watermelons, 

cucumbers, butter beans, 

squash, cantaloupes, collards 

and eggplants (transplants). 

Snap beans, butter beans, 

sweet corn, tomatoes and 

peppers (transplants) should 

be planted in the early days of 

May to prevent poor fruit set as 

a result of high temperatures. 

Crop Highlights 

Tomatoes. Begin transplanting 

plants in mid-March after the 

danger of frost is over. If a frost 

occurs, you will need to cover 

the newly planted transplants! 

To avoid severe damage 

from disease and insects, 

spray tomatoes after fruit set 

every seven to 10 days with a 

fungicide (Daconil or Maneb) 

and an insecticide (Sevin, 

Malathion or Permethrin). 

Plant tomatoes in a welldrained 

site that receives 6 

to 8 hours of direct sunlight. 

When tomatoes receive too 

little sunlight, few blossoms 

are formed, and many that 

do form fall off before setting 

any fruit. Space tomato plants 

18-24 inches apart. When 

transplanting, pour about 1 

cup of a starter solution in the 

hole. Make your own by mixing 

½ cup of a complete fertilizer 

(8-8-8) in 2½ gallons of warm 

water and stirring completely. 

This will encourage a strong 

root system and faster growth. 

Tomato vines may be 

determinate or indeterminate. 

Indeterminate types have 

a vegetative terminal bud 

that continues to grow. 

Determinate types have a 

fruiting terminal bud that 

keeps the plant from growing 

beyond a predetermined 

height. Determinate types 

are better suited for container 

gardening. Indeterminate 

types will need to be staked 

in the garden. Determinants 

have very productive vines 

that grow to heights of 4 feet. 

Stems terminate in a flower 

cluster. Determinants should 

be pruned only once or twice 

up to the first cluster. 

Snap beans. Plant bush 

varieties every two weeks, 

starting right after the average 

last frost date of March 15. 

This will provide a continuous 

harvest for an extended 

period. One-half pound of 

seed will be more than enough 

to plant a 100-foot row. Plant 

seed about 1-2 inches apart in 

the row. 

High temperatures at bloom 

cause many of the flowers to 

fall off. Generally, snap beans 

don’t produce well when 

planted in late May. For best 

quality, harvest pods before 

the developing seeds cause the 

pod to bulge. Beans can be held 

for up to seven days at 40-45 

degrees F and 90-95 percent 

humidity. 

Bell peppers and eggplants. 

Wait to transplant bell peppers 

and eggplants until the weather 

has warmed considerably. These 

vegetables are sensitive to cold 

soils and weather. Once stunted 

by cool weather, they recover 

slowly. A garden site with full 

sun is required for growing 

bell peppers. Any shade will 

greatly reduce fruit set. Space 

peppers about 12-18 inches and 

eggplants about 18-24 inches. 

Cucurbits. All squash and 

cucumbers are members of 

the cucurbit family and can 

be planted in May, but yields 

may be lower than normal with 

the late plantings. Plant these 

outside well after the danger 

of frost is over. Do not keep 

transplants in pots longer than 

three to four weeks prior to 

planting in your garden. 

Don’t be concerned if the first 

several squash fruit fall off 

the plant before they reach an 

edible stage. The first flowers 

to form in early spring squash 

are the female flowers (with the 

miniature fruit). Male flowers 

do not form at this time, so no 

pollination takes place. In a few 

days, though, the male flowers 

appear, and normal fruit set 

begins. In summer, the process 

reverses – with the male flowers 

usually developing first and the 

females later. 

Cucumber yields may be doubled 

by growing plants on a trellis. 

To get cucumber vines to climb 

a trellis or fence, you may need 

to tie them to the trellis in the 

beginning. Once they catch hold, 

they will continue to climb. 

Use pesticides on cucurbits 

late in the afternoon so as not 

to reduce the bee population. 

Side-dress cucumbers, squash, 

with 1-pint ammonium sulphate 

per 100-foot row as vines begin 

to run. Weekly applications of 

a general-purpose fungicide 

(Daconil or Maneb) starting 

at first bloom, will protect the 

foliage and improve yield. 

Okra. Soil needs to be warm 

(65-75 degrees) for okra seeds to 

germinate. Soak seeds overnight 

in tap water to soften seed coat 

before planting. 

Mulching. Remember to mulch 

your garden. Using mulch has 

several benefits. It reduces weed 

germination. It also prevents soil 

from splashing on your vegetable 

leaves and fruit, which, in turn, 

reduces insect and disease 

damage. And it adds organic 

matter to your soil – improving 

the soil’s health and tilth. 

A copy of the Louisiana 

Vegetable Planting Guide may be 

obtained by sending a request to 

Robert Turley, LSU AgCenter – 

Extension Horticulturist at 

rturley@agcenter.lsu.edu. 

LOOKING AHEAD... 

Garden Shows 

and Plant Sales 

31st Annual Louisiana Nursery Festival 

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 

March 18, 19 and 20 

Forest Hill, Louisiana 

17th. Annual Garden Conference & EXPO 2016 

Louisiana’s Premier Garden Show & Plant Sale 

April 8 and 9 

Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Burton Coliseum 

7001 Gulf Hwy. & Gauthier Rd. 

Lake Charles, Louisiana 

MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016

Their “VOICE” 

Each voice is different. Each voice has something to say. The Voice of SWLA 

connects you to others in our 5-parish area to hear Their “Voice”. 

Shawn Knapp, Bee Removal Service 

By Trina Morgan 

Deep in Beauregard Parish, between Fields and Merryville, there’s a place 

called Bearhead. In the mid-to-late nineteenth century, when Beauregard 

parish was settled, names were attached to logging camps and turpentine stills. 

Bearhead is one of those. If you do a google search, you will find an obituary and 

an oil company’s website, but not much else. Bear Head Creek runs through the 

woods there. 

Just east of the creek you will find Bearhead Bees. Shawn Knapp operates 

what is known as a “bee removal service.” 

I went up to see what a bee remover looks like. 

He looks like a young family man with a busy lifestyle. He works in the chemical 

industry, but the vocation he loves is, well--bees. Since 2005, right after The 

Storm (which is what we call Hurricane Rita in Beauregard Parish), Shawn has 

been capturing and removing bees. 

In the springtime, swarms of honeybees move out of their homes and look 

for places to relocate. Now and then, they will take up residence inside the 

walls of someone’s home or business, and that’s when the owner calls Shawn. 

“Sometimes we need scaffolding or even a man-lift to get to the swarm,” 

Shawn said. The swarm’s activity generates heat, and they locate the bees by 

feeling the wall. Then they use a circular saw to cut out a piece of the wall to 

obtain access to the swarm and insert the vacuum hose that 

extracts the bees into a screened box. 

“Doesn’t the saw disturb the bees?” I asked. 

Shawn laughed. “Oh, yes, it aggravates them plenty,” he said. 

Shawn and his dad, who work together in the business, use 

protective clothing and a bee vacuum to remove the bees from 

their inappropriate housing choices. A wooden box with a motor 

and hose attached, the bee vacuum contains screened inserts 

which are removed with the bees inside. 

Shawn is not an exterminator. Once the bees have been 

removed from a home or business, he takes them home for honey 

production. I was amazed and expressed my concern about 

handling wild bees. 

“A bee is a bee,” he said. 

We walked down the slope behind the house to see the hives, 

two grown dogs and a three-month-old German Shepherd pup 

trailing along with us. The day was overcast, and Shawn said that 

on days like this, the bees are grouchy. I wanted photos, but I didn’t 

want to get too close. One pup needed experience, however, and he 

put his nose into the bottom of a hive. 

The family laughed as the pup loped away from the hives to the 

pond. “He knows what to do,” they said. 

It’s still early in the season, but in a few weeks bees will begin 

to swarm, and Shawn will receive calls for help. He doesn’t have an 

advertising budget, but word gets around—there’s a guy in Bearhead 

who can get rid of those bees for you. 

And he’ll sell you some honey, too. 

By Lisa Addison 

When I think back on all of the scrumptious meals that my 

mom fixed for our family of seven when we were growing up, she 

probably should have been given some kind of an award! Whether 

she was throwing together whatever she had in the fridge to put 

together a weeknight meal for all of us or whether it was a fancy 

dinner after church on Sundays, it was always good. One of my 

favorites was the traditional Easter dinner. 

We would come home after Easter service at church and within 

minutes, she would have a delicious meal on the table that she 

had prepped the night before. Her Easter menu usually included a 

mouth-watering juicy ham that was tender and tasty and looked 

like a work of art topped with a glaze, pineapple slices and cherries 

on top. Side dishes included mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli 

casserole, corn, rolls or homemade biscuits, and some type of 

decadent dessert such as a homemade cake or pie. 

Other popular side dishes for Easter dinner menus include 

scalloped potatoes and green beans. While you’re waiting for your 

ham and side dishes to cook, dig in to appetizers such as the alwayspopular 

deviled eggs. One year, my kids had fun making deviled eggs 

that looked like Easter chicks! They were just as tasty as the regular 

deviled eggs. 

If you want to make a traditional Easter meal, try this recipe for 

ham that will help to get you started. As for side dishes, there are many 

to choose from, so pick something that works for you and your family. 

EASTER HAM RECIPE 

Ingredients: 

1 spiral-sliced half ham 

1 20-ounce can of pineapple slices; reserve the juice 

15-20 whole cloves (optional) 

1 small jar of maraschino cherries 

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 

2 tablespoons yellow mustard 

Directions: 

Preheat the oven as directed on the ham package and follow the 

instructions for baking the ham. Remove ham from the oven about 

30 minutes before the end of the warming time. Decoratively arrange 

the pineapple slices on top of ham, and secure with whole cloves or 

toothpicks. Place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring and 

secure with a clove or toothpick. 

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard, and just 

enough of the reserved pineapple juice to make a thick glaze. Spoon 

the glaze over the ham and bake for the remaining 30 minutes. 

Remove ham from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and 

carve. Enjoy the meal and give thanks for all of the blessings in your 

life. 

Happy Easter! 


SWLA 

All That 

Bull... 

Hardluck Takes 

the Prize! 

Contributied Article 

Gifted artist and 

teacher, Lian Quan 

Zhen, is coming to Lake 

Charles in early April. In addition to teaching 

two 3-day Watercolor Workshops, Lian will 

be honored with a Reception where his 

paintings and books will be on display. The 

public is invited to the Reception hosted 

by St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 4020 

Hodges Street on Friday evening April 8 from 

7:00 – 9:00 pm. Lian was recently honored 

by being chosen one of only two artists 

throughout the United States to publish a 

coffee table book of his art by North Light 

Publishing. This book will be available for 

purchase as will many original watercolor 

paintings and prints and his other books. A 

percentage of sales will benefit the Missions 

of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church which 

include Papua New Guinea, Habitat for 

Humanity, Youth Bible Study Group, and 

others. Lian has a unique way of signing his 

books which includes an original painting in 

the front of the book. 

Lian began painting as a child and 

continued painting while practicing medicine 

as a family physician in Canton Province, 

China. After immigrating to 

the US in 1985, he earned a 

Bachelor of Arts Degree from 

the University of California 

where he later taught for 

eight years. He also earned 

a Master of Architecture 

Degree from MIT. MIT 

commissioned him to paint 

in watercolor all of their 

major buildings. The MIT 

Museum has collected 

fourteen of his paintings. 

He has authored six 

books including his 

latest coffee table book. 

Currently Lian travels 

the globe presenting 

his Watercolor Workshops. 

Two Watercolor Workshops will be offered 

in Lake Charles. Workshop # 1 is from April 

7 – 9; Workshop # 2 is from April 11 – 13. 

If interested in attending contact Nancy 

Melton by emailing 

her at nmelton@suddenlink.net. 

By Cecely Clark 

Leslie D. and Peggy 

Griffith own a prize-winning 

bull with an amazing story, 

and a name that only tells 

the beginning...Hardluck. 

He started out with some 

tough knocks in life. Born in 

May of 2013, Hardluck came 

down with a fever as a very 

young calf causing his eyes 

to turn white and his mother 

rejected him as a result. For 

two weeks Peggy bottle-fed 

Hardluck, finally the Griffiths 

purchased a milk cow to 

nurse him. He finally healed 

up rather well and began to 

thrive again, beginning to 

go to shows and place in the 

middle of his division. Soon 

after a show in Shreveport in 

November of 2014, Hardluck 

had an accident in which 

he fell down between the 

grating and walkway of a 

chute, injuring his leg and 

facing more recovery time. 

However, just like southwest 

Louisianans recovered from 

more than one round of 

hurricane devastation, he 

was strong and he survived 

again and again. He went 

on to succeed and beat the 

odds! 

In 2015, he delighted 

everyone by beginning 

to do really well at the 

shows, culminating in 

taking the title of United 

Braeford Breeders Bull 

of the Year at the Dixie 

National Livestock Show 

in Jackson, MS. That was 

a super proud day for 

Leslie and Peggy, as 

they could see a clear 

pay-off for the work 

and extra care and 

attention that they had 

invested in the wellbeing 

and unlikely 

success of Hardluck. 

They had stuck with 

him until his luck finally 

turned around and he had 

the honor of proving his 

name wrong! 

Hardluck is about to 

try his luck one last time 

before he turns 3 years old 

and is disqualified due to 

age. He will be appearing 

for his last show in Houston, 

TX on Sunday, March 6. 

We sincerely wish you 

the very best of luck in 

Houston, Hardluck! And 

congratulations will no 

doubt be in order to the 

Griffiths, who have put a 

whole lot of time and effort 

into changing Hardluck’s 

luck for the better! 


SWLA 

Caroline Guilott 

T’ai Chi Chih Instructor 

“Focus on balance as you 

gently rock your body from 

one foot to the other. Allow 

your mind and body to relax.” 

Accredited instructor Caroline 

Guilott calmly leads her class 

through repetitive movements. 

“Feel the energy between the 

palms of your hands,” she says. 

T’ai Chi Chih is a form of 

Fondel Memorial Chapel 

“The people who will help you in your time of need.” 

Serving Calcasieu, Beauregard, Allen, Jeff Davis 

and Cameron Parishes 

Lake Charles 

337.433.1707 

Kinder 

337.735.5637 

moving meditation that focuses 

on balance and circulation of 

the body’s energy known in 

Chinese philosophy as Chi. The 

practice is easy to learn and can 

be performed by people of all 

fitness levels, young or elderly, 

even those with disabilities. No 

special equipment or clothing is 

required. 

T’ai Chi Chih was originated 

in 1974 by Justin Stone, a master 

of the ancient discipline T’ai Chi 

Ch’uan for many years. T’ai Chi 

Chih differs from T’ai Chi Ch’uan 

in several ways. T’ai Chi Chih 

lacks the martial arts aspect. It 

is not designed for self defense. 

There are only nineteen standalone 

movements and one pose, 

Jennings 

337.824.7465 

www.fondels.com 

By Angie Kay Dilmore 

Moving Meditation 

Find Peace, Joy, and Good Health through T’ai Chi Chih 

compared to 108 movements 

in T’ai Chi Ch’uan. Stone’s book, 

Joy Thru Movement, is the 

primary “textbook” for students 

practicing T’ai Chi Chih. 

The health benefits of T’ai 

Chi Chih are many and vary from 

person to person, but generally 

include a reduction in stress, an 

improved sense of well-being, 

peace, and joy. Other benefits 

can be emotional, physical, 

mental, or spiritual. 

Arlene Cain practices T’ai Chi 

Chih in Guilott’s classes. “I had 

been suffering from high blood 

pressure. After I started T’ai Chi 

Chih, I was able to come off the 

blood pressure medication. 

T’ai Chi Chih is very meditative, 

Raymond M. Fondel, Jr. 

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soft, and circular. It helps me 

to focus on my body and mind 

at the same time. And it helps 

me release stress,” she says. “I 

enjoy the practice. It helps me to 

center myself.” 

Mike Peal, an engineer at a 

local industrial plant, also studies 

T’ai Chi Chih with Guilott. “I have 

a fairly stressful job. T’ai Chi Chih 

helps calm me. Five years ago, 

I developed type 2 diabetes 

related to stress and diet. T’ai 

Chi Chih has helped me manage 

that, as well. Since college, I’ve 

tried stationary meditation off 

and on. I don’t enjoy it. I get 

so much more out of moving 

meditation.” 

Ms. Guilott has been 

practicing T’ai Chi Chih since 

1997. From the first time she 

participated in a class, she was 

hooked. In 1999, she became a 

certified instructor. She says, “T’ai 

Chi Chih means ‘the knowledge 

of the supreme ultimate.’ It’s 

designed to promote peace, 

quiet, and balance. The purpose 

is to activate balance and 

circulate the energy through the 

body. From that, good things 

happen. You learn to let go and 

become aware of yourself.” 

Justin Stone is quoted as 

saying, “You can’t appease the 

appetite by reading the menu! 

To experience T’ai Chi Chih, you 

must do it.” Guilott offers day and 

evening classes at Soulstice, 1423 

Prien Lake Rd.; Good Shepherd 

Episcopal Church, Kirkman St., 

and her T’ai Chi Chih Center, 

3324 Center St., Lake Charles. 

For more information, see 

Guilott’s website, 

taichichihlakecharles.webs.com or 

call her at 337-302-5928.Facebook: 

taichichih/lakecharleslouisiana 

We’re moving and we’re growing! 

337-474-7581 

•In-Patient 

Behavioral 

Services 

•Intensive 

Outpatient 

Programs 

•Adults 18 to 

55 and over 

We’ll be in our new location 

at 4250 5th Avenue 

in late March! 

Visit our website: obhlc.info 

for a complete list of our services 

Dax Parker, VP Community Education • Bill Willis, Administrator 

Care starts here, and spreads 

through a whole community. 

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Every year, Lake Area Medical Center provides quality medical care to 

thousands of people from our community. But the care we offer extends 

beyond our doors. If you’ve ever been to our hospital, you know that we 

take care personally. And now, you know just how personally invested we 

are in making this community a better place to live and work. 

2015 Statement 

Providing Quality Care: 

Inpatient Admissions ..........................................................................3,009 

Outpatient Visits................................................................................49,295 

ER Visits .............................................................................................28,222 

Surgeries ...............................................................................................5,069 

Financial Benefits: 

Payroll (398 Employees) ..........................................................$24,125,559 

Property & Sales Taxes ...............................................................$1,461,404 

Capital Investments ....................................................................$1,062,413 

Caring for Our Community: 

Charity & Uncompensated Care ............................................$11,680,932 

Charitable Contributions ................................................................$47,159 

total Community Investment .......................................... $38,463,062 * 

*Dollar amounts are approximate. 

Bryan S. Bateman 

Bryan S. Bateman, CEO, Lake Area Medical Center 

LakeAreaMC.com 

Macs Crawfish 

“The Best Around” 

Opening Friday February 12th 

Mushrooms $5.00 12oz Cup 

Crawfish $6.00lb Total Includes,Corn Potatoes and Tax 

Floyds Grill Open: Chargrilled and Raw Oysters XL Boiled Shrimp, 

Sausage and Crackers • Boudin 

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday • 5pm | Sunday • 3pm 

4017 E Broad St • 337-436-5502 • 337-433-2952 

The information contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute 

for professional medical advice. If you have medical concerns, 

please consult your healthcare provider. 


90154_LAMC_CB2015_4_4x8_16c.indd 1 

2/15/16 12:09 PM

SWLAmedical 

By Jake LeBeau, Cardiologist 

Lake Charles, LA. 

Every 43 seconds, someone in 

the U.S. suffers a heart attack. 

Each year, more than 600,000 of 

those afflicted will not survive 

the attack, with nearly half of 

the victims being women.While 

we’ve all become familiar with the 

“Hollywood heart attack” (man 

suddenly clutches chest and 

immediately falls unconscious), 

only a portion of victims will 

experience a heart attack in this 

way – and women’s symptoms 

may be significantly different. 

The American Heart 

Association recently published 

a scientific statement about 

women’s heart attack causes 

and symptoms in its journal 

Circulation. Three key points are 

made in this new statement – 

women frequently have different 

underlying causes to heart attacks 

than men, such as the types 

of plaque build-up; compared 

to men, women tend to be 

undertreated and are less likely to 

participate in cardiac rehab after 

a heart attack; and risk factors 

such as high blood pressure and 

diabetes increase heart attack risk 

in women more severely than in 

men. 

“While the most common 

symptom for any heart attack 

victim is chest pain and 

discomfort, women are more 

likely than men to experience one 

or more of the other, less obvious 

symptoms,” said Dr. Jake LeBeau, 

a cardiologist and independent 

member of the medical staff at 

Lake Area Medical Center. 

“Women are also less likely to 

assume their symptoms are heartattack 

related, and to wait longer 

to seek help. I tell my patients that 

time loss actually means muscle 

loss so every minute matters. Even 

if you have doubt – call 9-1-1.” 

Women and their loved 

ones need to know what a heart 

attack looks like so they can get 

treatment fast. According to 

Dr. LeBeau, “In addition to the 

obvious feeling of pain, pressure 

or heaviness on your chest, here 

are the most common symptoms 

experienced by women having a 

heart attack”: 

• Sharp pain in the upper body, 

including in the neck, back and/or 

jaw area; 

• Severe shortness of breath, 

either at rest or with minimal level 

of exertion and with or 

without chest discomfort; 

• Sudden and/or “cold 

sweating” that you suspect is NOT 

Women Experience 

Different 

Heart Attack 

Symptoms 

menopause-related; 

• Unexplained or sudden fatigue 

– one of the most common 

symptoms, and the easiest to 

ignore or misdiagnose; 

• Unfamiliar dizziness or lightheadedness; 

• Unexplained nausea – women 

are twice as likely as men to 

experience nausea or vomiting 

during a heart attack. 

Awareness campaigns over 

the past decade have helped 

improve survival rates for women 

having heart attacks but much 

work remains. Here in Louisiana, 

cardiac-related conditions are 

responsible for 1 in 3 female 

deaths, and are more deadly than 

all forms of cancer combined. 

Some other heart 

health facts include: 

• Heart disease and stroke account 

for 30.9% of all female deaths in 

Louisiana. 

• On average, nearly 17 women 

die from heart disease and stroke 

in Louisiana each day. 

• Heart disease alone is the 

leading cause of death in 

Louisiana, accounting for 4,891 

female deaths in 2009. 

Unfortunately, some women 

are in more danger than others. 

Black women of any age have 

a higher incidence of heart 

attacks of all women. Black and 

Hispanic women more often have 

related risk factors like diabetes, 

obesity and high blood pressure 

compared to non-Hispanic white 

women. 

“As a critical healthcare 

resource in Southwest Louisiana, 

Lake Area Medical Center is 

focused yearround on the 

prevention and treatment of heart 

disease,” said Bryan S. Bateman, 

Chief Executive Officer. “But 

February brings the opportunity 

for national awareness to a 

significant health problem right 

here in the five-parish area. The 

statistics are both telling and 

alarming, in terms of the impact 

on our local communities.” 

In honor of National Heart 

Month, Lake Area Medical Center 

would like to encourage women 

throughout Southwest Louisiana 

to make their heart health a 

priority. 

To find a physician to help 

you care for your heart, whether a 

cardiologist or primary care 

physician, or to learn more about 

your heart health and risk factors, 

visit LakeAreaMC.com. 

ABOUT LAKE AREA MEDICAL CENTER: (LAMC) is a full-service acute care hospital located at 4200 Nelson Road in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

Lake Area Medical Center is the area’s preferred leader for Women’s Services and offers inpatient, outpatient, medical and surgical 

care for men, women and children. LAMC is an accredited Bariatric Surgery Center and is equipped with a 24-hour physician-staffed 

Emergency Department and a Level 3 Neonatal ICU. Lake Area Medical Center is recognized by Modern Healthcare Magazine as a 

2015 Best Places to Work in Healthcare and a Top Performer in Key Quality Measures® from The Joint Commission. 

SWLAmedical 

By Cecely Clark 

Questions about 

health coverage? 

Latania Ramirez is here to help 

Latania Ramirez works at 

Lake Area Medical Center as a 

Certified Application Counselor 

who can help individuals get set 

up with coverage in conjunction 

with the healthcare Marketplace. 

She’s been at this particular job 

for about 14 months, and she 

says she is able to work with 

anyone who stops by her office 

to see what kinds of coverage 

and subsidies they qualify for. 

“It’s actually a pretty efficient 

process; what’s more, everyone 

can receive some type of 

coverage,” she said. 

Many however had not been 

aware of this until filling out an 

application. She has helped a lot 

of people who were previously 

not covered, and she has 

enjoyed hearing people tell how 

their lives have improved and 

how it is a blessing to them to 

have gotten health insurance. It’s 

wonderful to be on the receiving 

end of another person’s relief 

and thankfulness. 

Latania emphasizes that 

it’s really important to have 

healthcare coverage, because 

anything can happen at any 

given time. Many young healthy 

people feel invincible, but she 

encourages us all to wake up and 

realize the uncertainty of daily 

circumstances in life. The human 

body isn’t cheap, she says, and 

many of us take for granted how 

valuable our health insurance 

policy is. If a vehicle wreck or 

other type of accident were to 

happen to you, you would be so 

grateful that you took the time 

to fill out that application. There’s 

no need to be intimidated when 

an Application Counselor can 

help you with making the phone 

call or going on line with you 

and talking you through it. 

She says also that it is very 

important for us to look into 

what we are really buying, and 

gives these points to consider: 

• The amount of the deductible 

and of the co-insurance. 

• Is it a major medical policy and 

what exactly does it cover? 

• What would be your 

responsible part to pay? Asking 

questions on the front end is 

crucial; prepare yourself with 

knowledge. 

Latania’s assistance is free 

of charge to the consumer, 

and she is qualified to help out 

with applications for Medicaid, 

Affordable Care Act, Disability, 

new mothers and their babies, 

and medical care for the victims 

of crime. She is glad that she is 

blessed to work for such a good 

company as Lake Area Medical 

Center, and her position there is 

Latania shares information with Cecely about 

coverage and subsidies in the healthcare Market. 

Latania Ramirez, Certified Application 

Counselor at Lake Area Medical Center. 

clearly not only a job for her, 

but also a labor of love that 

extends from her Christian faith. 

She loves her Lord, her family 

and friends, and her job very 

much. This is a great example of 

someone who is shining a bright 

light in our community. 

Thanks Latania! 

Shaklee Life 

Energizing 

Shake 


• 24 grams of protein, including 16 

grams or proprietary, plant-based, 

non-GMO protein 

• Added leucine to help preserve 

lean muscle and achieve a 

healthier weight 

• A powerful combination of 

probiotics and one billion CFU of 

patented probiotics to support 

digestive and immune health 

• Gluten-Free, lactose-Free, low 

glycemic, kosher, no artificial flavors, 

sweetners or preservatives 

• Available in Vanilla, Chocolate, 

Strawberry and Cafe Latte 

Pat Landreneau Nutrition Consultant 

pat@cajunslick.com 

Lake Charles & Jennings 

337-230-3598 

www.patsnc.myshaklee.com

SWLAmedical 

Alzheimer’s 

Association: 

Helping Lake Charles 

with care, support 

and research 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s 

disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. 

Currently there are some 5 million Americans with 

Alzheimer’s disease. Every 67 seconds another case of 

Alzheimer’s develops. By the year 2050 it is estimated that 

16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease. In 

Louisiana there are some 83,000 citizens with Alzheimer’s 

disease. But these devastating statistics don’t tell the 

complete story. 

The statistics do not explain the anxiety, fear, 

devastation, confusion, guilt, and loss experienced by 

families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. This fatal brain 

disease literally destroys brain cells as it moves along its 

path of devastation. Alzheimer’s disease is far more than 

forgetfulness and it is not part of normal aging. Alzheimer’s 

disease kills. As the disease progresses, families experience 

stress, worry, and overwhelming changes to their lives. 

Persons with Alzheimer’s may experience paranoia, mood 

swings, depression, or withdrawal. Families watching 

their loved ones experience Alzheimer’s are often caught 

unaware and unprepared to deal with changes in family 

dynamics and family roles. 

The Alzheimer’s Association is working to make a 

difference to these families. The Alzheimer’s Association 

is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s 

care, support, and research. Our vision is a world without 

Alzheimer’s. Realizing this vision will take a movement 

across the country. Here in Lake Charles, the Alzheimer’s 

Association is working with dedicated volunteers to 

change the course of Alzheimer’s disease. We CAN make 

a difference! Call the Alzheimer’s Association today 

at 318.861.8680 to find out how YOU can volunteer in 

southwest Louisiana. 

By Kenneth Ewane, M.D. - Urologist 

Kidney stones are inconvenient, often unexpected and notoriously 

painful. More than 10 percent of Americans will suffer from a kidney 

stone at some point in their lives, and a person who has already had a 

stone has a 50 percent chance of developing another. 

Fortunately, many of these stones can be prevented by minor 

lifestyle changes. In order to prevent kidney stones, it is important 

to understand how they develop. “The kidneys are two bean-shaped 

organs located on the back of the torso. They remove excess fluid, 

electrolytes and waste from the blood. They also help regulate salts, 

phosphates and other substances,” states Kenneth Ewane, M.D. a 

Urologist and member of the medical staff at Lake Area Medical Center, 

“stones develop in the kidneys when there is an imbalance between 

these substances. ” The most common stones are a combination 

of calcium and oxalate or phosphate. These substances crystallize 

together if they are too highly concentrated. Kidney stones can occur 

with little warning. A person is not likely to have noticeable symptoms 

unless the stone causes a blockage or is accompanied by an infection. 

However, some potential signs of a stone include bloody or cloudy 

urine and the constant urge to urinate. A person generally becomes 

aware of the stone when it dislodges itself from the kidney and moves 

through the urinary tract. This event is marked by excruciating pain that 

lasts until the stone has passed. 

A great number of kidney stones pass without causing any 

permanent damage. Studies indicate that more than 80 percent of 

stones pass through urination. For stones that will not pass on their 

own, physicians often prescribe lithotripsy. In this procedure, shock 

waves are sent through the patient’s abdomen. They break up the stone 

so it can pass more easily. When this is not effective, doctors can either 

remove kidney stones through an incision in the back, or, if the stone 

moves to the ureter, they can pass a tube through the bladder and pull 

it out. 

“In Southwest Louisiana we live in what I call the ‘Stone Belt’ as 

kidney stones are abundant due to the rich foods we eat. One effective 

way to prevent stones is to drink plenty of water. If the body is not 

provided with sufficient fluids, the concentration of other substances 

becomes too high. These substances are filtered out by the kidneys, 

and if they are too concentrated, stones can develop. Another way to 

prevent stones is to have a balanced diet. Too much salt and animal 

protein increases the chance of developing a stone while plenty 

of whole grains, potassium and magnesium and citrus fruits help 

lower that risk. Finally, an active lifestyle helps prevent kidney stones. 

Low physical activity causes the bones to release calcium into the 

bloodstream, eventually landing it in the kidneys,” says Dr. Ewane. Not 

all kidney stones can be prevented, and many factors play a role in 

their development. However, simple lifestyle changes can reduce your 

chances of developing one. If you would like to learn more about the 

causes and treatment of stones, make an appointment to speak with a 

physician or call Lake Area Urology at 337-439-8857. 


SWLA 

5 - The Princess Bride/Banners - 6 PM - Cinemark 

SWLA 

Local music co-op working to preserve Louisiana 

music and culture through support of artists 

8-12 - LHSAA Boys’ Top 28 Marsh Madness - Burton Complex 

11 - David Sears/Banners - 7 PM - Civic Ctr/Contraband Rm 

11 - Empty Bowl Fundraiser - 6-9 PM - L’Auberge 

11 - LABT Spring Gala -7 PM - Rosa Hart Theatre 

11 - Live @ the Lakefront - 6-10 PM - Lake Front 

11-12 - Sulphur Mines Festival - Fri 5-10 PM - Sat 10AM-10PM - Sulphur 

12 - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - 8 PM - L’Auberge 

15 - Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre - 7 PM - Burton Complex 

17 - MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub St. Patrick’s Day Festival 

8 AM - 12 AM - MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub 


18-19 - Iowa Rabbit Festival - Fri. 5 PM-Midnight 

Sat. 10 AM-Midnight - Burton Complex 

19 - Bullying Walk & 5k - 9 AM - Lake Charles Civic Ctr. Amphitheatre 

19 - Lady of the Lake River Cruise - Boarding at 5:50 PM - Loggerheads Riverside Bar 

19-20 - Becket X Five - Sat. 7:30 PM - Sun. 2 PM - Tritico Theatre 

20 - LCCB Assemble’ 2016 - Sat. 7 PM - Sun. 3 PM - Rosa Hart Theatre 

22 - Symphonic Band - 7:30 PM - McNeese Dept of Performing Arts 


29 - 41st Annual Palm Sunday - Kirby/Pujo Neighborhood Tour of Homes - 1 PM-5 PM 

Broad St Charpentier Historical District 

• Pink Life enrollment- “Earn While You Learn” Program 

Every Friday, starting March4, 2016 4 -5:30 PM 

Allen P August Anex Multi Purpose Ctr - 337-764-2715 

• Charlestown Farmers Market (Downtown) Recurring 

weekly on Sat. 8AM-12 PM until Nov. 17, 2016 

1911 City Hall 

• Charlestown Farmer Market (University 

Park) Recurring weekly on Thurs. 3 PM-6 PM until 

Nov. 17, 2016 

• Cash and Carry Farmers Market Recurring weekly on 

Tues. 4 PM – 6 PM until Dec. 27, 2016 Cash & Carry Building 

By Marilyn Monroe 

The mission of the Tipitina’s 

Foundation is simple. 

“It is mainly to preserve Louisiana’s music 

and culture,” stated Cedric Ferrell, manager of 

Tipitina’s Lake Charles Music Office Co-op. 

To that end, the non-profit organization 

works, according to their website, “diligently 

to uplift the music community of Louisiana 

through educational programs and musician 

support services.” And funding for that 

work, according to Ferrell, mainly comes in 

the form of various grants and from their 

memberships. 

The foundation operates out of a main 

location in New Orleans and through coops 

located in Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, 

Lafayette, Alexandria, Shreveport and 

Monroe. Tipitina’s Lake Charles Music Office 

Co-op, located at 2128 Hodges Street, 

officially opened its doors in late 2013 and 

has, according to Ferrell, approximately 200 

members. 

“There is a rich culture here in music and 

arts, and we felt that we needed to be here to 

help out,” said Ferrell about the Lake Charles 

co-op. 

A primary function of the co-op is to 

operate as a center for technology access 

and workforce development. In support of 

that aspect, the Lake Charles co-op offers 

access to Presonus Studio One digital 

audio software; Adobe Creative Cloud; 

on-site technical support; a network of 

music business professionals; classes and 

workshops to foster business development; 

tutorials on basic computer skills; Windows 7 

and Mac computers; high-speed internet; a 

laser printer and scanner; a telephone and fax 

machine; web design and page layout tools; 

volunteer production assistance; an evergrowing 

library of specialized information 

resources; and access to the pro-bono 

Entertainment Law and Legal Assistance 

(ELLA) program which helps artists secure 

and protect their intellectual property and 

resolve contractual issues. The site also has 

a green screen room for photography and 

video, a conference room, a recording studio 

and 31 rehearsal spaces. 

“The musicians seem to really like having 

a place to record, to rehearse or to learn 

about the way the music industry keeps 

continually changing,” said Ferrell. 

And for those up and coming young 

musicians, the co-op offers the Sunday Youth 

Music Workshop and an internship program. 

According to Ferrell, the workshop is 

usually held on the second Sunday of each 

month at the Luna Live venue on Ryan Street 

in downtown Lake Charles. 

“What happens is that we bring in an 

established musician to run a show for the 

kids,” said Ferrell. “Afterwards, the kids get to 

bring their instruments on stage and play 

along with the artist.” 

As for the internship program, Ferrell 

stated that, “It is an afterschool jazz and 

recording arts program for motivated teens 

who want to pursue music as a career. The 

purpose is to teach them and keep them 

motivated and growing in music so that 

when they decide to go to college, they 

will be eligible for certain scholarships and 

certain special programs.” 

Students are expected to attend a class at 

least once a week throughout the school year. 

Classes began in September. In Lake Charles, 

the instructor is Chester Daigle. 

The foundation also holds an annual 

event called “Instruments A Comin” that helps 

school bands with their instrumental needs. 

In Lake Charles, the event is usually held in 

November. 

“Depending on the donation, the school 

may directly get new instruments or money 

towards refurbishing existing instruments,” 

said Ferrell. 

Four local schools have benefitted 

directly from the two local events held so 

far- LeBlanc and Maplewood middle schools 

in Sulphur and Molo Middle and Washington- 

Marion High schools in Lake Charles. But 

any school, private or public, can apply for 

the assistance, as long as they have a band 

program. Local recipients are chosen by the 

home office in New Orleans. 

For more information about the Tipitina 

Foundation, visit their website at www. 

tipitinafoundation.org. 

The Lake Charles co-op is open Monday 

through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and can 

be contacted by phone, (337) 433-5779, or 

through email, lakecharles@tipitinas.com. You 

can also look them up on Facebook by typing 

in Tipitina’s Music Office Co-op Lake Charles. 


SWLA 

SWLA 

Our Economic 

Future Looks 

Bright 

Puerto Ricans 

in Southwest 

Louisiana 


We all know it. Our local 

economy is in the midst of 

a major expansion. At the 

forefront with over 1500 

members is our Southwest 

Louisiana Chamber-Economic 

Development Alliance, an 

organization that supports 

and encourages business 

development in our five-parish 

region. Chamber President 

George Swift touts the region’s 

growth with startling statistics. 

“We currently have 97 billion 

in industrial announcements 

with about 40 billion already 

underway. That’s the most of 

anywhere in the United States.” 

I recently corresponded 

with Chamber Chairman of 

the Board, John Pohorelsky, a 

local attorney. He shared his 

thoughts on the changes our 

community will likely see this 

coming year. 

The Voice: What benefits of 

this economic boom do you 

anticipate our region will 

experience? 

Pohorelsky: I think that 

throughout the five parish 

area we will continue to see 

new housing starts and new 

businesses offering goods 

and services (e.g., shopping, 

restaurants, entertainment, etc.). 

This and the rise in population 

should increase tax revenues 

which local government can use 

to improve our infrastructure, 

educational facilities and 

government services. We 

should continue to see lower 

levels of unemployment and 

the increase in employment 

should result in increases in 

wage rates and an elevation in 

our quality of life. I am bullish 

and it doesn’t hurt that as I 

am writing this, we received 

announcements from two as 

yet unbuilt LNG plants that 

they have entered into letters 

of intent with customers in 

large markets who are in need 

of their fuel. Of course they will 

require a workforce to build 

and a workforce to ultimately 

operate these facilities. I am 

hopeful that worker villages will 

be permitted and constructed 

so that the construction workers 

George Swift 

SWLA Chamber-Economic Development 

Alliance President 

who are not local will have a 

place to live and will have bus 

and van transportation to and 

from their worksites so as to 

minimize their impact on traffic. 

The Voice: Do you expect any 

drawbacks to the expansion? 

Pohorelsky: Economic 

expansion usually produces 

some level of inflation which 

hopefully is offset by increased 

wages. It also typically causes 

increased traffic, which we have 

seen for the last year or two, 

and some crowding in schools 

and other venues. I have heard 

some express concern that the 

rise in population will result 

in increased criminal activity, 

but I have not seen evidence 

of that and have not heard 

reports of this from local law 

John Pohorelsky 

Chairman of the Board: 

SWLA Chamber-Economic 

Development Alliance 

enforcement. One thing I 

believe many are experiencing 

is delay in obtaining services 

from those in the construction 

business. I know that new 

qualified contractors have 

recently entered the local 

market, which was a necessity. 

Those hiring contractors will 

have to be vigilant in checking 

qualifications since the pressure 

in the market may entice less 

qualified people. 

The Voice: Thank you, Mr. 

Pohorelsky. Is there anything 

else you’d like to add? 

Pohorelsky: All in all, I believe 

the growing pains will be 

temporary and, with continued 

planning and oversight by 

our government agencies, our 

area will be energized with 

new neighbors, increased tax 

revenue and greater access to 

the entertainment, goods and 

services that comes from an 

increased population. 

By Ana Lisa 

The smallest and most 

Eastern of the Greater Antilles 

Islands which include Cuba, 

Dominican Republic/Haiti and 

Jamaica is Puerto Rico. Located 

between the Caribbean Sea 

and the North Atlantic Ocean, 

about 1,000 miles southeast 

of Florida, is an area of 3,425 

square miles, a trench of 1,090 

miles long, 60 miles wide and 

it lies within the Milwaukee 

Depth. 

Its climate is tropical, 

marine and year round 

summer temperatures are 

enjoyed. Spanish and English 

are the official languages, 

where English is spoken 

by about a fourth of the 

population and is required in 

federal matters. 

Puerto Ricans seem to 

acclimate to Southwest 

Louisiana very easily, due in 

part to the cultural mix of 

Spanish, African, and Native 

Indian who reside therein. 

As in Puerto Rico, the British 

and French influence of 

these cultures are evident in 

Southwest Louisiana. 

Puerto Ricans are very 

proud of their identity and 

contributions to this great 

country. Their tenacious, 

passionate, and straight 

forward attributes are 

recognizable in many ways. 

Songs, such as, “Feliz Navidad” 

(I want to wish you a Merry 

Christmas) by José Feliciano 

and “Shake Your Bon Bon” by 

Ricky Martin are just a few 

examples that we enjoy today. 

Other artists and notables 

include Roselyn Sanchez, 

Jennifer Lopez, Benicio Del 

Toro, Mark Anthony, and Sonia 

Sotomayor, Associate Justice 

of the Supreme Court of the 

United States. 


David Sears 

Naval Special Warfare Development 

Group Veteran Troop Commander 

Erin Kelly, A reading 

Thursday, March 17 | 7pm 

Stokes Auditorium, Hardtner Hall 

Let us Entertain You! 

Undergraduate Scholar and 

Research Symposium 

Tuesday, March 15 | 7pm 

Friday, March 11 | 7pm Shearman Fine Arts Annex/McNeese 

Civic Center Contraband Room State University: Tritico Theatre 

29th Annual McNeese National 

Works on Paper Exhibition 

Exhibition: March 24-May, 12, 

Reception: March 24, 6-8 pm, 

Juror’s Gallery Talk: 7pm 

Desert Dancer 

(PG-13; 104 minutes; 2014) 

Saturday, March 19 | 6pm 

Cinemark Movie Theater 

Broaden your mind, 

learn something 

new, and experience 

unique events with 

Banners at McNeese. 

Popovich Pet Comedy 

Tuesday, March 15 | 7pm 

Burton Coliseum 

Robert Cooper, A reading 

Wednesday, March 23 | 7pm 

Stokes Auditorium, Hardtner Hall 

Tickets on Sale Now 

Sylvia Stelly, of Puerto 

Rican descent, moved to 

Southwest Louisiana in 2003. 

Founder of LaFamilia, Stelly 

has been helping the growing 

Hispanic community as they 

transition into the area. 

In a recent chat with 

Stelly, she shared the vison 

and mission of her work in 

Southwest Louisiana saying, 

“The vision of La Familia was 

birthed out of a need to help 

Hispanic families. I began 

helping by interpreting for 

them at doctor and lawyer’s 

appointments. As these 

families continued to approach 

me for help, I found time to 

volunteer more of my time. It 

was then that I realized how 

limited the resources were for 

the Hispanic population.” 

La Familia is a bi-lingual 

multi-service non-profit 501c3 

organization that facilitates 

the integration of Latinos 

and other multicultural 

families into the community. 

They are able to gain access 

to community agencies, 

interpretation services, 

after school tutoring and 

community referrals. 

Sylvia Stelly, 

Founder of LaFamilia 

Stelly explains, “We do not 

discriminate on the basis of 

age, gender, national origin, 

ethnicity, religion, sexual 

orientation, or disability. 

Building community… that 

is our mission. We are very 

excited about the eminent 

economic and cultural growth 

in our community and desire 

to be a part of the continued 

progress here to make 

Southwest Louisiana the Best 

Place to Live!” 


Open House/ 

Ribbon Cutting 

March 15, 9:00 AM at The Voice of SWLA 

inside the SEED Center, Suite 135, located 

at 4310 Ryan St. 

We will have refreshments and door prizes throughout 

the day in the East Wing Conference Room. 

WITH PASTOR MARY 

“A LASTING LEGACY” 

By Pastor Mary Ringo 

March 10th is the one year 

anniversary of my mother 

having passed away. The past 

year has been filled with many 

“firsts”. The first Christmas 

without her; the first road trip 

without mom in the backseat 

entertaining us with funny 

stories; the first time I visited 

the doctor and had to delete 

her name as my emergency 

contact person. 

She was 85, and many 

times we had discussed her 

final wishes and expectations 

for the family to remain strong, 

unified, and committed to our 

faith. I thought I would have 

been better prepared for that 

day when she would finish her 

course, retire her garment of 

flesh, and take on incorruptible 

immortality. Not so. A year 

later, I still cannot use the word 

deceased or died in the same 

sentence with her name. 

Even though I am a minister 

of the gospel, I am still Edna 

Guidry’s little girl, and always 

will be. Even though I preached 

my own mother’s funeral, the 

most difficult moment of my 

life was the day I had to sign the 

release papers on behalf of my 

four siblings, authorizing Mom’s 

medical team to discontinue life 

support. Not that we had lost 

faith; we had enough faith to 

step aside and let God have the 

final say. 

At 3:45 a.m. on a Tuesday 

morning, I cradled Momma in 

my arms and committed her 

spirit to God’s eternal care, as 

her children and grandchildren 

stood around her bedside. 

There remains a deep void 

in our hearts and a physical 

pain that only the Holy Spirit 

can fill and heal in time. There 

are moments when for a brief 

second, I forget Mom has 

passed away. Then harsh reality 

shoots through my entire body 

like the jolt of a high voltage 

electrical current to remind me 

that she is… gone. 

Maximize each and every 

opportunity to make the most 

of relationships among family 

and friends. Take the time to say 

I love you, I’m sorry, or I forgive 

you. Make certain that when 

that time comes, and it will, 

that you know the difference 

between managing your grief 

or having to wrestle with the 

bitter lingering taste of regret. 

Build a lasting legacy of love. 

Attend “Lasting Legacy Grief 

Support Group” every 3rd 

Thursday evening at Faith 

Vision Ministries, 

8000 Frontage Rd, Iowa. 

5:00 to 6:30 p.m. 

(337) 582-1634. 

A night of comedy featuring Ms. Cocoa Brown, 

Jeff DeRouen and local comedians Kristine Comeaux 

Lopez & Zack Locke: 

DATE: FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 

TIME: 7:00 pm • (doors open at 6pm) 

LOCATION: Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum 

900 Lakeshore Drive • Lake Charles, LA 70601 

$25 at the Civic Center box office or at the door 

Sponsored by: 

Lake City Improv is presented by SLAC, in an effort 

to support its innovative programs and generate 

greater community awareness for HIV/AIDS. 


SWLA 


When a new customer comes into 

Barbara DuBose’s cozy dress shop at 312 

Pujo St., Barbara welcomes her with a 

smile. “Come on in, sit down. How may I 

help you?” she says. On a recent Thursday, 

a client was looking for the perfect 

mother-of-the-bride dress. She and Ms. 

Barbara poured over dress catalogues and 

discussed style and color choices. Barbara’s 

goal is to find her client the ideal dress. She 

helps her choose a dress that compliments 

the client’s skin tone and body type. She 

measures her client from head to toe and 

places a custom order. When the garment 

arrives, Barbara professionally fits the 

dress on her client, then sends the dress 

to her expert tailor. She ensures that her 

customers look chic and feel comfortable. 

Ms. Barbara has been an icon in the 

Lake Charles fashion industry for 33 years. 

She says each step of her life led her to 

where she is today. One of ten children, 

she was born to German immigrants in the 

sleepy hamlet of Robert’s Cove near Ragley, 

La. As a farm girl, Barbara milked cows, 

slopped pigs, plucked chickens, and rode 

horses. Her mother was a seamstress. With 

a passel of children, she didn’t have time 

to teach Barbara how to sew. But Barbara 

was fascinated by the process. On occasion, 

she’d sneak into her mother’s sewing room 

and teach herself to sew. 

Barbara met and married her husband 

Stephen, an only child. Fortuitously, his 

mother was a tailor. She took Barbara 

under her wing and showed her the 

business. “How blessed can a person be?” 

Barbara says. “My mother-in-law taught me 

everything I know.” 

Barbara and Stephen had five children 

– four boys and a girl. Sadly, her husband 

was ill the last seventeen years of his life. 

Once the children were grown, Barbara 

knew she’d need to support herself. She 

got a job at Maurice and Jane Kleinman’s 

upscale dress shop and made a name for 

herself as an expert tailor. Over the next 

many years, she worked for several other 

fashion establishments. In 2006, her clients, 

friends, and family encouraged her to open 

her own business. She aptly named her 

boutique The Perfect Fit. “It has been the 

biggest blessing anyone could have. God 

puts you where you are supposed to be. I 

want to tell every young person, you don’t 

have to have a lot of money. If you want to 

do something and you have a gift, you can 

do it! It takes a lot of determination. But 

anything is possible in life” 

Barbara offers fashion consultation, 

dress ordering, professional custom 

fitting and alterations, and occasionally 

personalized dress design. She offers trunk 

shows by designers such as Lafayette 148 

and Lourdes Chavez. Open by appointment 

only, Barbara stays busy year around, but 

Mardi Gras is definitely her busiest season. 

Barbara says her most important 

responsibility is her relationships with 

clients. She helps them find the perfect 

dress and gives her opinion when 

appropriate. “I can guide someone, but the 

woman has to love the dress.” 

Ms. Barbara recently began a new 

hobby. She acquired an embroidery 

machine and learned to use it. “I never 

thought I could learn how to do it; but I 

did it! I sat here with the instruction book 

and taught myself. It’s a gift that I have. I 

can’t take credit. It’s a gift from God. Every 

person in this world has a gift.” 

Barbara says she is the only person in 

Lake Charles who offers all the services she 

provides. “There is such a need for these 

specialized services in this town. When I’m 

not doing it anymore, it’s gone. I would 

love to mentor a young person in this 

business.” No worries. Barbara has no plans 

to retire anytime soon! 

For more information, call Ms. Barbara at 

337-540-0729 or see her website, 

www.perfectfitlc.com. 

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA 

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA, INC. 

ANNUAL LUNCHEON 

Thursday, April 28, 2016 

Reeves Uptown • 1629 Ryan Street • 11:30 A.M. 

Cost $ 35.00 per person 

To purchase ticket/s call 337-433-2602 

Sponsored By: J. Walker & Co., Entergy 

and Semien Law Firm, Marshall Semien, Jr. 

1004 North Lake Shore Dr. • Lake Charles • 337-494-1070 


SMALL & EMERGING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

The SWLA Alliance for Economic Development, in partnership with Louisiana Department of Economic 

Development, is offering its Small & Emerging Business Development Program (SEBD) for persons 

desiring to further develop their own business. 

Want to learn the truth about 

access to business capital 

for your business? 

Do you need managerial and 

technical assistance? 

SEBD Program offers at a reduced 

cost managerial & technical assistance 

to certified SEBD businesses. 

DiSC is a personal assessment tool used to improve work 

productivity, teamwork and communication. This can be 

within a work team, a sales relationship, a leadership 

position or other relationships. 

CLASS BEGINS SOON 

For program details and eligibilities contact: 

Adrian L. Wallace 

Executive Director SEED Center Business Incubator 

433-0977 • awallace@allianceswla.org 


Community Safety 

McNeese University Campus 

By Robert L. Spinks, MA, MS 

Chief of Police 

McNeese State University 

Police Department 

University policing is a 

unique niche in the criminal 

justice system. Just as harbor, 

railroad and airport policing 

focus on specific areas of crime, 

university-policing centers focus 

on helping first and enforcement 

second. 

“McNeese State University 

is a city within a city,” says 

University Police Chief Robert 

Spinks, “covering over 3.5 square 

miles, in three parishes, including 

university property and facilities. 

The cities of Westlake and Iowa 

cover similar amounts of area.” 

Spinks, who has two 

graduate degrees, took over the 

reins as Police Chief at McNeese 

four years ago. He had 35 years 

of policing experience, mainly 

from the west coast in Oregon 

and Washington, where he had 

served in all positions from 

police officer to police chief. 

With a student population of 

over 8,000 and staff and faculty 

of over 600, McNeese is truly a 

city. There are 1,000 students 

in residence halls that call the 

campus home, too. Annually, 

over 150,000 visitors attend 

on-campus activities, sporting 

events and meetings. 

Crime prevention, 

deterrence and displacement of 

crime are a major focus for the 

McNeese police. The small state 

agency consists of 12 officers 

who have full police power and 

supported by a 24-hour-a-day 

dispatch crew. Last year more 

than 16,000 people came to the 

university police station for help, 

information or to report a crime. 

McNeese continues to be 

one of the safest university 

campuses in Louisiana because 

of a combination of proactive 

policing and the involvement 

of the McNeese community, 

according to Spinks. 

“See It, Hear It, Report It,” 

is the university police motto 

for students, staff, faculty and 

visitors to embrace when they 

are on campus and see any 

suspicious activity. ”While 

we make arrests and traffic 

stops just like any other police 

department, ” Spinks says, 

“we also provide mentoring, 

outreach, a speaker’s bureau and 

even help to students who have 

car problems.” 

The McNeese Police 

Department is also unique in 

that all of its officers have been 

trained as Emergency Medical 

Responders and have had Crisis 

Intervention Team training. “No 

other law enforcement agency 

in Louisiana cross trains all of its 

officers to this level”, says Spinks. 

While the McNeese Police 

handles nearly 5,000 incidents 

every year, the university is one 

of the safest locations in the 

parish. “See It, Hear It, Report It” 

is much more than just a slogan 

here,” he said. “This embodies a 

community looking out for one 

other.” 

“Even when our officers 

make arrests or are stopping 

traffic violators, our staff uses 

the lowest level of enforcement 

to gain the highest level of 

voluntary compliance,” according 

to Deputy Chief Mike Powell, 

who brings almost 35 years 

of policing to his current 

assignment. “Some would say 

that is an element of communityoriented 

policing, but we figure 

that’s just common sense.” Powell 

worked in the suburbs of Seattle, 

Robert L. Spinks, MA, MS 

Chief of Police 

McNeese State University 

Police Department 

Wash. for over three decades, 

including over 10 years as a city 

police chief. 

According to Lt. Pedro 

Vazquez, most issues handled 

by the university police rarely 

involve actual university 

members, but involve “the forces 

of evil that may try to make their 

way onto the university.” Says 

Vazquez, a recent retired U.S. 

Army Major who last served as 

the Provost Marshal at Fort Polk, 

“We pride ourselves on being 

successful in keeping those 

forces at bay,” so, if you see or 

hear something suspicious at 

McNeese, be sure to report it to 

475-5711. 

Community Safety 

Chief Don Dixon 

Lake Charles Police 

Department 

By Lisa Addison 

If drivers want to be safer on the 

road and safer in general when they are 

out in public, Police Chief Don Dixon 

of the Lake Charles Police Department, 

has one bit of advice that he says is vital 

to achieving that: “Stay off of your cell 

phones!” 

Dixon stated that there were 4,000 

vehicle crashes within the city limits of 

Lake Charles in 2015, many of which 

involved drivers who were either 

texting or talking on their cell phones at 

the times of their accidents. “It’s pretty 

simple,” Dixon said. “Just stay off of the 

cell phones while driving unless there’s 

an emergency that requires you to be 

using them.” 

As Police Chief, Dixon is concerned 

about citizen safety in all aspects and 

that includes neighborhood safety. 

“The public has to be our eyes and 

ears,” Dixon said. “It’s all about paying 

attention. If you notice something 

suspicious, report it. If you see a crime 

happening, call 9-1-1. If it’s suspicious 

activity that you want to report, you can 

call our front desk at 491-1311.” 

Dixon said that the police 

department wants to hear from its 

citizens and that people may not be 

aware of this but they do not have 

to give their names when calling 

in and they can report something 

anonymously. 

He said that Neighborhood Watch 

programs have become a good way for 

citizens to stick together and keep their 

neighborhoods safe. “If someone wants 

to start a Neighborhood Watch program 

for their neighborhood, they can call Lt. 

Craig Wright; they can also reach him by 

Chief Don Dixon 

Lake Charles Police Department 

calling our front desk.” 

With the current economic growth 

in Lake Charles, these are very exciting 

times but Dixon cautions that with an 

increase in population there is also 

typically an increase in crimes. “The 

most important thing that I would 

tell our citizens is to simply be aware 

of your surroundings,” Dixon said. 

“Use common sense and if something 

doesn’t feel quite right it’s because it 

isn’t. Go with your gut feeling because 

there’s usually a reason that something 

makes you feel uneasy.” 

Dixon said that cell phone use while 

driving is not the only times cell phones 

could cause problems. “We’ve seen 

people so attached to talking or texting 

on their cell phones, that they simply 

aren’t aware of what’s going on around 

them and they become crime victims 

because they are caught off guard,” he 

said. 

The police chief reiterated that 

being aware of your surroundings, 

using common sense, reporting 

suspicious activity and staying off cell 

phones while driving are some of the 

top ways that you can protect yourself 

and your loved ones! 

Pick up your 

copy of The Voice of 

SWLA while you’re out 

and about. 

Here’s a few locations 

where you’ll find us: 

LAKE CHARLES 

Infinite Health 

Gordon’s Drugs 

Happy Donuts 

Pappy’s Deli 

Don’s Carwash 

IOWA 

Rabideaux 

Outlet Mall 

WESTLAKE 

Round Top Hamburger 

Caraway’s Pharmacy 

SULPHUR 

Joe’s Pasta 

Misse’s Grocery 

Dairy Barn 

ORANGE, TX 

Stark Museum 

Post Office 

Kroger 



Variety Gift Shop 

Specializing 

in Fashion 

Jewelry 

‘Nearly New’ 

All Sizes for All Ages 

1822 Horridge St. • Vinton, La. 

337.589.5600 

Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 

Contact Agnes Ceaser 

Post 

7321 

FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE SINCE 1959 

Roach Law Building 

2917 RYAN STREET • 433-8504 

www.larryaroachinc.com 

Barry A. Roach • Larry A. Roach, Jr. • Fred C. LeBleu III 

David M. Hudson • Christopher S. LaCombe 

WWW.THELAB4COLOR.COM 

Banners, Business Cards, Postcards & Flyers 

deltaworldtire.com 

Hall Rental For Weddings, 

Reunions, Birthdays, etc 

Hall accommodates up to 250 people! 

•Kitchen •Changing Room •Tables & Chairs Furnished 

Call 337-764-5754 For Rates and Availability 

2668 Hwy 171 N Moss Bluff, La 

1111 Hwy. 14 

Lake Charles, La 

Phone: 337-437-3900 

Fax: 337-439-1009 

4851 Lake St. 

Lake Charles, La 

Phone: 337-474-1240 

Fax: 337-474-1256 

Planning for Sucessful Events! 

Catering & 

Banquet Room 

Owner-Becky Fuselier 

102 Dennis Ave. 

Sulphur, LA 70665 

Corporate 

Events 

Receptions 

Off Site 

Catering 

337.583.4063 

Southern Tire Mart 

Solutions Provider to the 

Transportation Industry 

Office: 337-882-0777 

Fax: 337-882-0216 

www. 4zacks .com 

Everything for trailers & trailers for everything 

PARTS• SERVICE • ACCESSORIES 

337-626-9925 • 115 S. CITIES SERVICE • SULPHUR 

UTEC 

Utility Truck & Equipment Co. 

Boat Trailer Axles &Springs Flat Beds • Service Bodies 

Truck Cranes • Tool Boxes • Fabrication • Big Truck P & B 

We’re At Your 24 Hour Road 

Service! 

Service 

1432 BROAD ST. • 433-5361 

McCarty Ins and Fin Svcs Inc 

Dave McCarty, Agent 

2108 Oak Park Blvd 

Lake Charles, LA 70601-7864 

Bus: 337.478.7052 

Toll Free: 888.478.7052 

dave.mccarty.b202@statefarm.com 

The greatest compliment you can give is a referral. 

BUILDERS SAV-MOR 

LUMBER & BUILDING SUPPLIES 

Mon-Fri 7-5 

For all your 

building needs! 

477-1311 

1910 E. McNeese St. • Lake Charles, LA 

Joseph C. Duhon 

Vice President / Branch Manager 

Lake Charles & Grand Lake 

Lake Charles (337) 477-8661 

Fax (337) 477-1019 

Grand Lake (337) 598-2177 

Fax (337) 598-2668 

joseph.duhon@citysavingsbank.com

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

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