The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

Lillie Chambers LPN Admissions/Marketing Director and Administrator 

pictured with Kevin Boisseau Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) 

Mama Reta's 

Summer Camps & Activities 

Mother's Love: Louise Simpson 

Chief Jackie Womack

editor’s 

May 2016 

She was my first... 

She was my first playmate that looked into my eyes. 

She was my first chef that taught me how to make homemade french fries. 

She was my first leader to enroll me in school. 

She gave me a dictionary and said, "This is a needed tool." 

She was my first to make good choices, so she gave me wonderful educational toys. 

She was my first to teach male & female relationships so she used my dad and 

brothers to teach me how to love and respect all boys. 

She was the first to teach me how to wash, starch and iron all my garments. 

She was also the first to break and run from freaky varmints. 

She was the first to dare me not to walk with a wide stride, 

straddle a fence or climb trees. 

She was also the first to teach me my abc's and 123's. Yes, she was my first, 

taught me how to organize, clean and cook, and always to start my day with 

the "Good Book." She was not a bully because you understood her fully. 

Her instructions were short and very clear and very concise. 

Simply, "Obey mommy and always be nice." 

Multi-Cultural Positive Jounalism 

LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, STORIES & PEOPLE 

www.thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

337-474-2210 

Happy Mother's Day 

Eula Mae McArthur 

1934-1987 

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 


2 EDITOR’S PEN 

4 ROSEWOOD NURSING HOME 

6 REINTRODUCTION OF THE WHOOPING CRANE 

SWLA FOOD 

7 SASSY OIL AND VINEGAR 

8 A MOTHER'S LOVE 

POSITIVE IS ME 

10 THE AL COCHRAN STORY 

THEIR VOICE 

13 BENNY WELCH 

14 RETA'S DREAM 

SUMMER FUN 

15 SUMMER CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES 

22 FUN WITH BIRDS 

SWLA TRAVEL 

24 KEEPING YOUR VACATION ON TRACK 

25 WHAT IS ZIKA? 

SWLA CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE 

26 JACKIE WOMACK: 

CHIEF OF FOUR WINDS TRIBE 

www.thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

EVENTS COORDINATOR | Carl Hubert 

ADVERTISING 

SALES MANAGER | Faye Drake 

fayedrake@sbcglobal.net 

337-794-5678 

CONSULTANTS 

Gene R. Hill, Sr., Reginald Clark 

Published and distributed by 

TEAM PUBLICATIONS LLC. 

4310 Ryan St. Ste. 134 

Lake Charles, LA. 70605 

In the McNeese SEED Center 

(337) 474-2210 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Marilyn Monroe, Alice Wallace, 

Cecely Clark, Crystal Leday, David Booth, 

Trina Morgan, 

Ana Lisa, Joyce R. Kebodeaux 

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. 

MAY 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 10 Volume 3 • Number 10 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MAY 2016

Pictured left: 

Rosewood Residents, 

John Orphey and Ann Ivey 

Pictured Below From L-R: 

Rose Smith is the longest 

employed 34 years at 

Rosewood Nursing Home 

and Brenda Collins has been 

employed at Rosewood Nursing 

Home for 28 years 

May is National 

Nursing Home Month. 

All these “All Week” 

celebrations and 

events are open to the 

public 

Rosewood 

Nursing Home 

By Joyce R. Kebodeaux 

In 1967, (as per McNeese archives) when 

Rosewood first began here in Lake 

Charles, Louisiana. the words ”Nursing 

Home” were not words senior citizens or 

their families wanted to hear. In fact, for 

many, that subject is still taboo. A visit 

to Rosewood would definitely change 

long held beliefs handed down from our 

ancestors. Along with its sister facility 

Holly Hill in Sulphur, Rosewood is locally 

owned by Geriatric Inc. Owner Dr. Charles 

Fellows. His daughter Carol Fellows and 

other family members make themselves 

available to both homes. 

In spite of the sign in the foyer that reads, 

“We are remodeling,” the entry, like the 

rest of the facility, is spotless and serene 

with a pleasant aroma throughout the 

home. The halls are wide and clear of 

anything that might impede access to 

the rooms along their way. Each hall is 

staffed with a Nurse and CNA’s. An RN is 

WE’VE COME A 

LONG WAY, BABY 

on the premises 24 hours a day to provide 

faster service and, if needed, take care of 

emergencies. 

Rosewood has space and the staff to care 

for 110 residents. On the day I visited 

there were 93 beds filled. The facility is 

designed to have married couples as well 

as singles live or recover here. Rosewood 

offers several therapies, such as Speech, 

Occupational, and Physical. Because of 

the excellent reputation of the therapy 

department many doctors refer patients 

of all ages to come here for rehabilitation 

after accidents and/or surgeries. 

Lillie Chambers LPN, Admissions/ 

Marketing Director and Administrator, 

along with Kevin Boisseau, LNHA knows 

the majority of the cares of each resident. 

Their individualized health care plan and 

their family members are important to 

them also. The day I visited, Jamie Schiro, 

local Walgreen store manager, was there 

to donate medical equipment from his 

Lillie Chambers, LPN, Admissions/Marketing 

Director & Administrator 

company to Rosewood. Mr. Boisseau 

knew that a particular resident would be 

especially delighted with a certain piece 

of equipment, so he immediately rushed 

off to show the item to the resident. This is 

only one of the many examples showing 

how Rosewood 

is willing to 

accommodate each 

individual resident 

when possible. 

In a place this size 

it would be easier 

to make things 

standard or “one 

size fits all.” Not at 

Rosewood. The staff 

also caters to the 

desires of the residents. The private 

bedrooms are decorated specifically 

to suit the needs of the resident, while 

the airy multi-purpose rooms serve 

many types of activities like watching 

TV, visiting and playing games. The 

large fish tanks and a resident bird 

are favorites with families as well as 

residents. Outdoor patios and porches 

surrounding the facility are especially 

popular in warmer months by guests 

and residents who sit and enjoy the 

fresh air and smell the flowers while 

birds serenade them. 

At mealtime, for those who do not 

want the regular menu, there are 

alternate choices available, with 

snacks between meals. Bath-times 

are planned according to each 

resident’s time schedule and exercise is 

encouraged but not mandatory. 

The large dining hall is used for many 

other activities like prayer services and 

bible studies led by local Churches of 

many denominations. Musicians and 

dance groups come here to entertain. 

Rose Smith, Activity Director, has held 

a variety of jobs before her present 

position. Having been employed at 

Rosewood for 34 years, longer than 

any other employee, Smith says, “Being 

here is more like staying with family 

than working.” In charge of activities 

she and her assistant, Brenda Collins 

[employed here 28 years] spend a 

lot of their time playing games. Their 

calendar is filled with daily activities 

like jazzacerize, sittercize, checkers, ice 

cream socials, rope a coke, beanbag 

toss, pretty nails, tell a story, cheese 

ball day and coffee time. 

For more information contact 

Lillie Chambers at 337-439-8338. 

5/8/16 • Sunday 

Mother’s Day • 2:00 PM 

Honoring all mothers with 

entertainment, food and drinks. 

Area Walgreen's stores are making it 

possible for those ladies over age 90 to 

receive picture quilts made with their own 

family pictures. 

5/9/16 • Monday 

Parade • 9:00-10:30 AM 

A parade will roll down Hodges and Common 

Streets. Everyone is invited. Come prepared to 

catch candy and beads with Grand Marshall 

Mayor Randy Roach. 

5/10/16 Tuesday 

Inter-cultural Food Fest • 1:00-2:30 PM 

Fifteen area vendors located in the dining 

area to serve samples of their wares. 

5/11/16 • Wednesday 

All Day Senior Olympics 

Lots of fun and challenges among residents 

and guests. Age appropriate games. 

[Or maybe not so] 

5/12/16 • Thursday 

Hawaiian Luau • 2:00 PM 

Wear your beach clothes and come to sip a 

daiquiri and do the hula. 

5/13/16 • Friday 

Western Day • All Day 

Yippee! ‘Ring the Bell’ in the dining hall with 

barbeque on the menu. Wear your best 

jeans, cowboy hats and come feast with the 

residents. 


Reintroduction 

Whooping 

Crane 

By Eva Szyszkoski 

SWLA 

A major milestone was reached this spring, 

in the reintroduction of the whooping crane in 

Louisiana, when the first hatching of a chick in the 

state in more than 75 years occurred in Jefferson 

Davis Parish. 

The hatching, the first seen in Louisiana’s wild 

since 1939, represents another step forward in the 

program established in February of 2011 when 

the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 

reintroduced whooping cranes back into the state 

at the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in 

Vermilion Parish. Once abundant in Louisiana in 

the 1800s, the species dwindled to two in 1945 

and had disappeared by 1950 in the state. 

“This is something we’ve been looking forward 

to and anticipating since the reintroduction began 

in 2011,’’ said LDWF biologist Sara Zimorski, who 

leads the Louisiana whooping crane project. “It’s 

an exciting time for us and all of our partners who 

have worked so hard alongside us.” 

“This couldn’t have been done without the assistance of 

private landowners. The support and cooperation of the many 

landowners and farmers on whose property the birds spend time 

is critical to the success of the project.’’ 

The new parents paired earlier this winter and nested and 

produced eggs for the first time in mid-March. The female is 4 

years old and the male is just 3 years old. Two days after the first 

egg hatched, their second egg also hatched and the family of four 

began moving around the area a couple days later. 

Anyone encountering a whooping crane is advised to 

observe the bird from a distance and to report their sighting to 

LDWF (http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/webform/whooping-cranereporting-form). 

By Ana Lisa 

I love flavor packed foods, especially 

flavor infused olive oils and balsamic 

vinegars. These flavors transport you to a 

memory of home, or a desire for faraway 

places, and they are trending throughout 

SWLA in gatherings called "Tasting Socials." 

Liz Fuselier, "Sassy Oil & Vinegar Guru" is 

present to help you liven up your menus 

and dishes at home or in the office. 

I recently attended our regular 

writer’s meeting and met Liz Fuselier, 

Sole Proprietor of Sassy Oil & Vinegar 

LLC, a mobile boutique that specializes 

in olive oils and balsamic vinegars with 

online shopping. She provided lunch for 

us and I could not stop saying, “WOW!” 

I was immediately hooked on all the 

many flavors to choose from. I was very 

impressed with the many ways to use them 

in various menus. She explained to us how 

her products are made to order, and the 

flavors are rotated regularly so that they 

are always fresh. 

Who Knew? The first mobile boutique 

specializing in Olive oils and Balsamic 

Vinegars! Her motto: “Try it before you buy”. 

Which brings me to their specialties. 

Back to Tasting Socials! Now this is not 

your regular Tupperware social. They are 

interactive meals with discussions on ways 

to use Olive oils & Balsamic vinegars in the 

comfort of your home; card groups, supper 

clubs, library clubs or your office or church 

gatherings. I am not kidding about being 

“creative and unique” in how to use these 

oils and vinegars. How many of you would 

consider using a balsamic vinegar as your 

ice cream topping? DELICIOUS! Blackberry 

and Ginger Balsamic Vinegar on Blue Bell 

(home-made vanilla ice cream). This is now 

my official favorite treat. Stop calling me 

crazy and try it for yourself. 

Plan for your Tasting Social for some 

summertime fun. Liz supplies the bread for 

dipping these oils and balsamic vinegars. 

You provide the meal, consisting of a meat 

(chicken, fish, pork, beef, etc.) and ice 

cream for dessert. No one is pushy for sales. 

Trust me! The product sells itself. 

I booked a Tasting Social for our 

church’s Fellowship Hall Committee. 

We had marinated beef briskets: Bacon 

Olive Oil, Portobello & Garlic Olive Oil 

and Roasted Garlic Olive Oil, and all three 

included the White Garlic Habanero 

Balsamic. I dare you to try something 


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By Crystal Leday 

On March 22, 2014, at approximately 

5 o'clock in the evening, Louise 

Simpson received a heart-breaking call 

from her daughter. A celebratory day, 

at Holbrook Park in Sulphur, Louisiana, 

turned into a nightmare. Her 20-yearold 

son, Kyle Simpson, fell into the 

water after playing on a rope swing that 

was attached to a branch and never 

resurfaced. Kyle's body was found 

underwater near the swing and he was 

pronounced dead at the scene. 

Fourteen months after the death 

of her son, Louise decided that it was 

time to “come out of her shell.” In May of 

2015 she began voicing her idea to kick 

off life jacket loaner stations to various 

community leaders. She was left with 

the impression that her project would 

be released in 2016. Unfortunately, she 

has not been contacted since then. 

“Other families need to be more 

prepared. They should know CPR and 

safety devices, take swimming lessons, 

and have supervision or a buddy 

system. If you are in a natural body of 

water, have a life ring or a life jacket. 

Guys don't have to be jocks to impress 

girls. Being safe will impress them even 

more. It is the worst feeling in the world 

to lose a child to drowning. Parents 

need to be more conscious,” said 

Simpson. 

According to the National Water 

Safety Statistics, Louisiana is a part 

of the 2014 Top 10 Drowning States. 

Interestingly, 80 percent of all drowning 

victims are males or boys. Younger 

children are more protected by being 

surrounded by adults, but teenagers 

venture out on their own. They are 

risk-takers and looks can be deceiving. 

Natural bodies of water are deep, 

muddy and unsafe without proper 

precautions. Kyle knew how to swim, 

but pools and natural bodies of water 

differ drastically. 

Offering advice to parents who 

have lost a child, Simpson said, “Get 

involved with the community. Give a 

voice to your child by trying to make a 

difference in other lives so they don't 

go through what we're experiencing. 

Join a support group if you need to.” 

Compassionate Friends is a support 

group located in the Lake Charles 

area that helped Louise through 

her rough patch. It is dedicated to 

parents, grandparents and siblings 

who have lost someone. With summer 

approaching, take precautions and sign 

up for swim lessons and water safety 

now! 

Be cautious 

when approaching 

water, anywhere. 

Don’t be afraid to 

ask for help! 

HAVE A SAFE 

SUMMER!! 

Pictured above: 

Louise Simpson holding her adorable baby boy, Kyle. 

Kyle Simpson 


By Crystal Leday 

#PositiveIsMe 

Memorial Day: 

The Al Cochran Story 

Al Cochran, 

McNeese 

Cadet 

Three years following the Civil War, 

Memorial Day originated to honor the 

men and women serving in the U.S. 

Military. Each year on the last Monday 

of May, we reflect on the lives of fearless 

heroes who have fought for our country. 

This year, 70-year-old Vietnam War 

Veteran, Al Cochran, will cross a milestone 

in his life, inspiring many. 

On May 14, 2016, Cochran will 

graduate from McNeese State University 

after entering college in 2012. 

“I returned to school with the 

intent of taking some courses in digital 

photography. Once enrolled, I enjoyed 

being on campus again and competing 

with the much younger students. I have 

been retired for 15 years and currently 

have no plans to return to work. My plans 

after graduation include taking additional 

courses in Criminal Justice, and continuing 

to serve on the Lake Charles Mayor’s 

Armed Forces Commission helping 

veterans by being a veteran’s advocate,” 

said Cochran. 

During his college career Cochran 

was diagnosed with cancer and received 

28 radiation treatments, as well as 

chemotherapy. He was also diagnosed with 

heart artery blockage, which resulted in 

open heart surgery. However, his cancer is 

under control and he is currently recovering 

from the surgery. 

Aside from health concerns, Cochran 

has faced lack of understanding and care 

from the public, sometimes displayed for 

those serving in a combat zone. 

“Students and the public have no 

concept of the hardships Vietnam veterans 

faced on a daily basis. It begins with stating 

an equation. All groups of Vietnam veterans 

are not created equal. 20 percent of the 

servicemen/women in Vietnam did 80% of 

the actual fighting in ground combat. On 

the other hand, many places were so secure, 

personal weapons were not required. 

Americans abandoned us during Vietnam, 

and still continue because the Vietnam War 

is forgotten,” said Cochran. 

According to Veterans United, public 

perception of veterans are surrounded by 

accusations of PTSD, which has caused 

soldiers to struggle with wanting to receive 

help or treatment. 

Speaking on behalf of his return from 

Vietnam, Cochran stated, “When I retired 

my world crashed, and I was forced to get 

mental medical treatment. The VA was 

awesome in helping me. I am still struggling 

today, but receive help from a combination 

of therapy and medication. I have learned 

many coping skills to somewhat function.” 

Though life has thrown him many 

curve balls, Al Cochran has been fearless in 

conquering every aspect of it. He is 

a positive reason we celebrate 

Memorial Day. 

Send your well wishes and 

encouragements to Al Cochran at 

alcoch15@gmail.com 

Al Cochran, 

Army Engineer 

Officer 

VETERANS ADVOCATES PASS 'BLUE WATER ACT' 

Advocates for Vietnam veterans 

who were indirectly exposed 

to Agent Orange while aboard 

ships in coastal waters are 

again asking Congress to pass 

the Blue Water Navy Vietnam 

Veterans Act (HR 969), which 

will restore benefits to these 

servicemen and women. 

"During the entire Vietnam War 

potable water contaminated 

with Agent Orange was 

provided to ships anchored 

in Da Nang and Qui Nhon 

harbors," said Cdr. John Wells 

(USN, Ret.), executive director 

of Military Veterans Advocacy, 

a Louisiana-based non-profit. 

"Reports from Commander, 

Naval Forces Vietnam confirmed 

that over one million gallons of 

potable water per month were 

delivered to Seventh Fleet ships 

in Da Nang Harbor. The crew 

used this water for drinking, 

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cooking, laundry, cleaning and 

hygiene. Despite this common 

knowledge, the Secretary still 

continues to refuse to grant the 

presumption of exposure to 

those veterans aboard ships in 

the harbors." 

Under current regulations, the 

VA has determined that ships 

in "inland waters" are eligible 

for the presumption. Over 340 

ships have been identified as 

covered under the existing 

regulation, representing 

approximately 84,000 veterans. 

In April of 2015 the Court of 

Appeals for Veterans Claims in 

Gray v. McDonald, found the 

exclusion of bays and harbors 

from the VA definition of 

"inland waters" to be irrational 

and ordered them to rewrite 

the regulation concentrating 

on probabilities of exposure. 

Instead of including the harbors 

in their revised definition 

of "inland waters," the VA 

arbitrarily and captiously 

chose to "double down" on 

their earlier policy. They 

continued to exclude 

the bays and harbors 

from the presumption 

of exposure. Several law 

suits questioning this 

action have been brought 

by MVA and are pending 

in the Court of Appeals for 

the District of Columbia, the 

Court of Appeals for the Federal 

Circuit and the Court of Appeal 

for Veterans Claims. 

In a letter to Congressman 

Jeff Miller, chair of the House 

Veterans Affairs Committee, 

Wells asked the chairman to 

hold a hearing on HR 969 and 

advance it to the House floor, 

where it has 319 co-sponsors. 

"Military Veterans Advocacy is 

prepared to be your resource 

on this issue," Wells wrote. 

Military-Veterans Advocacy 

is a tax exempt non-profit 

corporation based in 

Slidell, Louisiana. For more 

information please go to www. 

militaryveteransadvocacy.org 



Benny Welch: 

Benny Welch with his 

alligator heads 

“Because of their lifesaving heart care, 

I have a second chance.” 

--- Brice Perrin 

Heart attack survivor 

Photographer 

Radio personality 

91200_LAMC_CardBrice_6_7x5_4c.indd 1 

May LUNCH Seminar 

Thursday May 19, 2016 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM CDT 

Governor's Mansion • 1025 Broad Street • Lake Charles, LA 

Our health is important at any age, but who says it has to 

deteriorate as we get older? Join us at our next Healthy Woman 

Seminar as we discuss Women's Health through their 20's, 

30's, 40's and beyond! The newest members that have joined 

the medical staff at Lake Area Medical Center will be on hand 

to help us keep our health in check. James Barrow, M.D., OB/ 

GYN, will talk about weight loss, gynecological issues and 

preventative measures you can take to maintain your health and 

wellness. Also joining us, Ophthalmologist, Gregory A. Richard, 

M.D. will share information on blade-free Lasik surgery to help 

you see as great as you feel! This is one event you won't want to 

miss! Grab your girlfriends, and let's do lunch! 

“I got to the ER at Lake Area Medical Center just in time,” explained Brice Perrin. 

“My chest was hurting and I had pain down the back of both arms. It was a heart 

attack! They took me to the cath lab and immediately opened my blocked artery. 

I wouldn’t be here without the staff’s prompt care and attention. They gave me a 

second chance at life! And I’m making the most of it.” For more information on 

Lake Area Medical Center’s cardiac services, visit LakeAreaMC.com. 

Please note, this seminar will be held at a new time and 

location and will be limited to the first 120 registrants. 

Make sure and register early to secure your spot! 

In a medical emergency, call 911. 

4200 Nelson Road • Lake Charles, LA • LakeAreaMC.com 

Get more information 

Register Now! 

If you have any questions about the event or how to 

register, please contact Krystle Blue, 

Lake Area Medical Center 

krystle.blue@lakeareamc.com 

337-475-4064 

MAY 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 10 Volume 3 • Number 10 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MAY 2016 

4/26/16 3:43 PM 

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Roots 

in the 

Marshlands 

By Marilyn Monroe 

Benny Welch has deep and strong roots in 

the marshlands of Cameron Parish. 

“It is just home, and it was a great place 

to grow up,” he said. Along with his wife 

Linda, Benny lives in the Creole area or, 

according to him, “what you call Oak 

Grove.” The couple has three sons, one 

daughter, several grandchildren and great 

grandchildren. 

Generations of his family have lived in 

the area, and Welch spoke of the similar 

difficulties each has faced as well as the 

common lifestyle. They have all faced 

alligators, trapped animals for fur and 

hunted ducks. He noted that his great 

grandfather, James Monroe Welch, fought 

during the Civil War, serving as a member 

of Company F in Lt. Col. William Henry 

Griffin’s battalion. 

“He was the only guy from Cameron Parish 

to fight in the only civil war battle fought 

in Cameron Parish – the Battle of Calcasieu 

Pass,” said Welch. And they all have faced 

devastation from hurricanes. 

“Hurricane Audrey hit my family and 

they lost everything. I was 16 years old at 

the time, and we came back from that,” 

he said. Later, his family would face the 

devastation of Hurricane Rita in 2005 

and the difficulties that followed when 

Hurricane Ike struck in 2008. 

A 1959 graduate of South Cameron High 

School, where he was one of the school’s 

first quarterbacks, Welch earned his 

degree at McNeese State University and 

spent about 30 years in education. 

“I taught junior high math and science, 

and I became one of the junior high 

football coaches. I went on to become 

principal of Grand Chenier Elementary 

School and got my Master’s degree in 

administration and supervision,” he said. 

He spent 17 years as a principal. “I retired 

22 years ago and that is when I started 

Cajun Ben’s Alligator Products,” said Welch. 

His business at that time involved running 

an alligator farm. 

“We were the first people in the state 

to have an alligator farm back then. We 

raised alligators for their hide and meat,” 

he said, “I was one of the first ones to do 

alligator meat. After we started doing that, 

we started using the heads and teeth that 

were being thrown away.” 

All three of his sons - Ben, Jr., Yancy and 

Rusty – came aboard and it grew to be a 

big family business. 

But then, in 2005, Hurricane Rita took it 

away. 

“We lost everything except the house,” 

he recalled, “But instead of sitting around 

crying, we just got busy and started 

working again. We slowly got back our 

alligator business. In about two years, we 

were back to doing what basically we did 

before Rita came.” 

However, the alligator farm was gone. But, 

Welch’s sons, Rusty and Yancy, hunt for 

the alligators while Ben Jr., who runs his 

own airboat business, buys them. “I just do 

everything to keep the company running,” 

said Benny. 

Some of the products they sell include 

alligator teeth necklaces and key chains; 

alligator foot key chains; and alligator 

heads, among other items. Located out of 

Grand Chenier, the business has a website 

- cajunbens.net - that people can order 

from. “We do this in big volume,” said 

Welch. 

In their spare time, Welch and his family 

hunt ducks, play sports and are involved 

in the annual Louisiana Fur and Wildlife 

Festival, where they have displayed 

their prowess for skinning and trapping 

animals. Before Rita struck, they had raised 

cattle. 

And while he loves his home, Welch 

admits that, “it is hard to live down here 

right now.” 

“We only have one store and two gas 

stations,” he said. “It is just like old times. 

It is very much like when I was in high 

school. That was 57 years ago and it is 

almost comparable to that.” 

“Still, I have been all over the world 

and the United States,” said Welch, “And 

there is no place I would rather live than 

Cameron Parish.”

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury—Human Services Department 

2016 Summer Food Service Program 

DREAM 

JUNE 6, 2016 - JULY 29, 2016 

MONDAY—FRIDAY 

BREAKFAST: 8AM—9AM 

LUNCH: 12PM—1PM 

(NOTE: ALL SITES ARE CLOSED ON JULY 4 TH ) 

By Cecely Clark 

Reta Durgan, better known as Mama 

Reta, did not give up on her dream. 

Back in 2008, a vision of establishing 

a restaurant with a passion to offer 

southern soul food here in Lake 

Charles remained in her mind. She 

considered designing and building 

her own restaurant. She drew up 

the blueprint for the kitchen from 

which she would one day craft her 

masterful southern renditions. 

Years rolled by and her blueprint still 

remained tacked up on her wall. 

One day in 2014, a nightmare struck: 

Reta was diagnosed with breast 

cancer. That diagnosis seemed 

to bring her face to face with the 

brevity of life. She deeply mourned 

that her dream had not yet come to 

pass. Her husband advised her to 

watch and wait. He told her that her 

dream would go on the back burner 

while she cared for her health, and 

after her recovery, she could pursue 

her dream. 

In May of 2014, she underwent 

surgery and all of the cancer was 

removed. Many prayers were 

uttered. She opted not to undergo 

chemo or radiation, and yet 

experienced complete healing. 

In September of 2014, she happened 

to notice an empty restaurant on 

Broad Street. On her tour of the 

building, she noticed that the 

kitchen almost completely matched 

the blueprints she had drawn up 

all those years ago. Even more 

delightful was that this kitchen 

was fairly ready for the restaurant 

business. 

Today, Mama Reta is loving every 

second of meeting new people at 

the restaurant and making them 

smile with delicious soul food 

choices. Customers especially 

comment about how wonderful it is 

to find a place to order such a variety 

of tasty vegetable dishes from the 

menu. “I enjoy feeding people their 

favorite dishes that brings back so 

many good memories to them. We 

nourish not only their bodies but 

their spirits,” says Mama Reta. 

AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN UP TO THE AGE OF 18. 

NO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION REQUIRED. 

Free Summer Meals 

Healthy Eating, Fit Kids, Arts & Crafts, Games, Meeting Local 

Heroes & New Friends 

ALL FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED ON SITE!! 

Feeding Site Locations: 

DeQuincy Primary, E. K. Key Elementary, J.I. Watson Elementary, Gillis Elementary, 

W.T. Henning Elementary, Vinton Elementary, Western Heights Elementary. 

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program 

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 

SERVICE • VISION • LEADERSHIP 


Louisiana 4-H Youth 

Resident Summer Camp 

By Jennifer Cantrell 

Assistant Extension Agent 

4-H Youth Development 

Louisiana 4-H Youth Resident 

Summer Camp is more than just fun and 

games. 4-H Camp strives to develop a 

variety of life skills related to Head, Heart, 

Hands and Health. One of the most 

important skills children learn from camp 

is self-sufficiency. That is, they learn how 

to survive four whole days on their own, 

with the guidance of numerous 4-H 

agents and volunteers to help them. 

A typical week includes: Monday: 

Registration, cabin assignment, track 

selection, swim test, free-choice 

recreation, camp tour and counselor 

meeting. Tuesday, Wednesday, 

Thursday: After breakfast campers 

participate in one of 6 tracks: Food 

& Fitness; Dramatic Arts; Outdoor 

Adventures; Hunter Education; Science, 

Engineering & Technology; or Louisiana’s 

Wetlands. Campers also will have 

recreational time to play softball, 

kickball, volleyball, washers, jump 

rope, basketball, parachute games, 

board games or horseshoes. Other 

choices include visiting with friends, 

shopping for souvenirs in the camp 

store, archery, canoeing, and swimming. 

Evening programs are fun and filled with 

excitement, such as dances and special 

guests. 

There are two age groups that are 

offered summer camp, 4th-6th and 

7th-8th. Our 4th-6th grade camp is July 

18th-22nd and our 7th-8th grade ‘LOST 

Camp’ is July 31st- August 3rd. The cost 

for the younger camp is $175 with an 

available income based scholarship 

available. The cost for the older kids’ 

camp is $160. These costs include 

transportation to and from camp, all 

food and drink during their camp stay, 

and their housing while at camp. Plus 

any goodies they get to bring home! 

More information about how to get 

your child involved can 

be found at our 4-H office. Feel free to 

stop by or give us a call at 

337-721-4080. 

More information can be found at 

the Calcasieu Parish 4-H Facebook page 

or http://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/ 

kids_teens/camps/summer_camp, which 

is the official page for 4-H Summer Camp 

through Camp Grant Walker. 

If you have any questions about the 

info, you can contact Jennifer Cantrell, 

one of our 4-H agents for Calcasieu 

Parish. 

SOWELA Announces New 

Welding & Computer 

Youth Camps for Summer 2016 

The Office of Workforce Development at SOWELA Technical 

Community College will host two new Youth Camps this summer 

for middle and high school students. These camps include: 

Fusion Welding Camp – July 11-15 

For eighth through twelfth graders, campers will learn welding 

basics, including key techniques and safety guidelines. Cost is 

$279 and includes lunch. 

Wacky 3D Printing and Circuitry – June 6-10 

For sixth through eighth graders, campers will learn to set up 

and print out 3D designs and experiment with a microcontroller. 

Participants will leave camp with their own Arduino 

Microcontroller Starter Kit. Cost is $230 and includes lunch. 

The welding and computer camps are in addition to annual 

Summer Youth Culinary Camps. Spots are still available for the 

following: 

Culinary Camp – June 6-10 or June 20-24 

An annual favorite for young cooks entering fifth through eighth 

grades. Cost is $185 and includes breakfast and lunch. 

Kids in the Kitchen – June 13-17 or June 27-July 1 

A fun, age-appropriate, and educational camp for younger cooks 

entering first through fourth grade. Cost is $185 and includes 

breakfast and lunch. 

A La Cart 101 Camp – July 11-15 • 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Kids learn how to work in a restaurant from the front to the back 

of the house. For seventh through twelfth grades. Cost is $185 

and includes breakfast and lunch. 

Grandparent and Me Camps – July 18-July 20 

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Create special memories between grandparents and grandkids 

with this camp geared toward kids entering first through eighth 

grades and their grandparents. Cost is $100 and includes breakfast 

and lunch. 

To register, call SOWELA’s Office of Workforce Development 

at (337) 421-6964 or visit www.sowela.edu/workforcesummer-camps 

to sign up online. 

SOWELA Technical Community College provides traditional, distance, and lifelong learning 

experiences and awards associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates that empower 

learners in transfer, career and technical education to excel as globally competitive citizens. 

The College has been educating the region’s workforce for 75 years. 

Mallard Cove 

Summer Junior Golf Camps 

for kids from the ages of 7 to 13 

To register, go to cityoflakecharles.com, 

find departments, find Mallard Cove Golf Course, and go to 

our Junior Golf page. There is a link to the 2016 

Summer Junior Camps Application. Print it 

out, fill it in, and mail it or drop it off. 

SWLA Youth Development Golf Tour 

Summer golf tournament program for boys 

and girls from the ages of 9 to 17. 

Six tournament dates and sites from 

June 2nd - August 11th. 

For more information, go to swlayouthtour.com 

Calcasieu Crawfish PGA Jr Golf League 

Little league golf program for boys and girls, 

ages 8 to 13. Weekly Team practices and 

Team Matches from May 20th - July 10th. 

This is a good place to start for 

parents who don’t yet know 

the interest level of their child. 

A fun, introductory 

program to the game of 

golf with a tournament, 

pizza party and awards 

on the last day! 


Contraband Days Louisiana 

Pirate Festival 

April 26, 2016 - May 8, 2016 

Location: Civic Center 

Contraband Days: Children's Pirate 

Costume Contest 

May 5, 2016 

Times: Registration: 5:00- 5:45 PM 

Contest: 6:00 PM 

Location: Boater's Stage 

Address: 900 Lakeshore Drive 

Lake Charles, LA Lake Charles 

McNeese Softball vs. Central Arkansas 

May 6, 2016 - May 7, 2016 

Times: Friday: 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; 

Saturday: noon 

Location: Cowgirl Diamond 

Address: 4017 Hodges St. Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 475-5000 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame 

May 6, 2016 - May 8, 2016 

Times: Fri. & Sat.- 7:30 P.M.; Sun. - 3 P.M. 

Location: Children's Theatre Co 

Address: 809 Kirby Studio 313 

Lake Charles 

Phone: 337-433-7323 

Admission: $15 Adults (13+), $13 

Children 12 & Under 

Bowl For Kids' Sake 

May 7, 2016 

Times: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM 

Location: Petro Bowl 

Address: 630 Petro Point Drive 

Lake Charles 

Phone: 478-5437, ext 114 

Admission: $180 minimum fundraising 

goal per team (up to 6 per team) 

Contraband Days Fireworks 

Spectacular 

May 7, 2016 

Times: 9:45 PM 


Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 436-5508 

Admission: One-Day Admission: $5; 

Kids 5 & Under: FREE; 

Festival pass: $15 

Contraband Days: BBQ Cookoff 

May 7, 2016 

Location: Main Stage 


Lake Charles, LA 

Admission: $250 Per Team 

Contraband Days: Boat Parade 

May 7, 2016 

Times: Starting: 3:00 PM 



Derby for Dollars 

May 7, 2016 

Times: 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM 

Location: The Stables at Le Bocage 

Address: 4550 S. Park Dr. Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 436-9533 

Lake Area Runners Contraband 5 Miler 

May 7, 2016 

Times: Race starts at 7:30 AM 

Location: Capital One Building 


Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 274-3360 

Admission: $25 

Creole Nature Trail Adventure 

Point - One Year Anniversary 

Celebration 

May 7, 2016 

Times: From: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

Location: Creole Nature Trail 

Adventure Point 

Address: 2740 Ruth Street Sulphur, LA 

Phone: (337) 502-4358 

Admission: FREE 

Downtown at Sundown Concert Series 

May 13, 2016 

Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

Location: 1911 Historic City Hall 

Address: 1001 Ryan Street Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 491-9159 

Admission: Free 

LCCB Spring Performance 

May 15, 2016 

Times: 3 p.m. 

Location: Lake Charles Civic Center, Rosa 

Hart theatre 


Lake Charles 

Phone: 337-474-0311 


Starks Mayhaw Festival 

May 19, 2016 - May 21, 2016 

Times: See Website Link 

Location: Corners of Hwys. 12 and 

109 Starks, LA 

Address: Corners of Hwys. 12 and 

109 Starks, LA 70661 



May 20, 2016 

Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 



Phone: (337) 491-9159 


14th Annual NAMI Walk for 

Mental Health 

May 21, 2016 

Times: Starting at 7 a.m. 

Location: Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater 

Address: 715 Ryan St. Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 433-0219 

Admission: Free to attend. Donations encouraged. 

Story Time and Photography Walk 

May 21, 2016 


Location: Sam Houston Jones 

State Park 

Address: 107 Sutherland Rd 


Phone: (337) 855-2665 

The Producers 

May 27, 2016 

Times: Friday & Saturday - 7:30 PM; Sunday 

- 3 PM 

Location: ACTS Theatre 

Address: 1 Reid St. Lake Charles 

Admission: $20 


May 27, 2016 

Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 


Address: 1001 Ryan Street Lake Charles- 

Phone: (337) 491-9159 


Lady of the Lake River Cruise - Music by 

The Kadillacs! 

May 28, 2016 

Times: Boarding at 5:30 p.m. from 

Loggerheads 

Location: Loggerheads Riverside Bar 

Address: 3748 Hwy 3059 (Old Town Road) 

Lake Charles 

Phone: 337-491-6794 

Admission: $75.00 per person 

Red, White, and Blue Oval 

Car & Truck Show 

May 28, 2016 

Location: Bolton Ford 

Address: 1500 E. College St. 

Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 474-0070 

Admission: Free for Spectators 

$15 Pre-Registration per Vehicle $20 

Registration per Vehicle day of 

Kevin Gates Concert 

May 29, 2016 


Location: Lake Charles Civic Center 


Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 491-1256 

Admission: See registration info. 

"My Life Through Water Colors" 

by Ruth Shelton 

April 1, 2016 – May 25, 2016 

Times: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM 

Location: Black Heritage Gallery, 

Central School 

Mercury Rising 2016 Running and 

Walking Challenge 

April 3, 2016 - December 31, 2016 

Location: your choice 

Address: 123 State St. Lake Charles 

Phone: (385) 237-4974 


USS Orleck Daily Tours 

April 4, 2016 - Recurring weekly on Monday, 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 

Saturday 

Times: Mon. - Fri. 10 AM - 3 PM; 

Sat. 10 am - 4 pm 

Location: USS Orleck Naval Museum 

Address: 604 N. Enterprise Blvd. 

Lake Charles 

Phone: 337-214-7447 

Admission: $10 for adults; Kids 6-12 $5; 

under 6 Free; Senior (60 +) $8; 

Active Military $5 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s "Samara" Exhibit 

April 4, 2016 - Recurring weekly on 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday until 

May 28, 2016 

Times: Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm; 

Saturday: 10am-2pm 



Phone: (337) 491-9147 


Sandra Walkin's "Furniture with Soul" 

Exhibit 



Saturday until May 28, 2016 





Phone: (337) 491-9147 


Steve Maurer’s “Smaller Dimensions” 

Exhibit 



Saturday until May 28, 2016 





Phone: (337) 491-9147 


McNeese National Works on Paper 

Exhibition 


Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 

until May 12, 2016 


Location: McNeese State University, Grand 

Gallery 


Phone: 337-475-5060 


"Secrets" Exhibit at Gallery 

by the Lake 

April 5, 2016 - Recurring weekly on Tuesday, 

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 

until June 30, 2016 

Times: Gallery Hours: Tue.-Fri. 12-5 PM, Sat. 

10 AM-2 PM 

Location: Gallery by the Lake 

Address: 106 W. Pryce Street 

Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 436-1008 


Colorful Cajun Art by Jock McGregor 



Saturday until June 30, 2016 

Times: Gallery Hours: Tue.-Fri. 12-5 PM, Sat. 

10 AM-2 PM Cont. on next page 



Address: 106 W. Pryce Street 

Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 436-1008 


Cash and Carry Farmers Market 

April 5, 2016 - Recurring weekly on Tuesday 

until December 27, 2016 

Times: From: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 

Location: Cash & Carry Building 

Address: 801 Enterprise Blvd. 

Lake Charles 

Phone: 337-802-5506 

Intermediate Watercolor by 

Sue Zimmerman 

April 5, 2016 - Recurring weekly on Tuesday 


Times: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM 


Address: 106 West Pryce St. 

Lake Charles 

Admission: $40 per month 

Makin' Art Wednesdays 


Wednesday until June 29, 2016 

Times: Day Classes: 10 AM-12 PM, 

Evening Classes: 6-8 PM 

Location: The Art Factory 

Address: 1753 Common Street 

Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 802-2999 

Nancy Melton's Watercolor Classes 

April 7, 2016 - Recurring weekly on Thursday 



Location: St. Andrew Presbyterian 

Church, 4020 Hodges St., Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 477-6784 

Charlestown Farmers Market 

(University Park) 

April 7, 2016 - Recurring weekly on Thursday 

until November 17, 2016 


Location: University Park Recreational 

Center -1001 Central Parkway 

Lake Charles 

Phone: 337-309-1389 


Charlestown Farmers Market 

(Downtown) 


Saturday until December 17, 2016 


Location: Behind 1911 Historic City 

Hall - Bilbo Street Lake Charles 

Phone: 337-309-1389 


Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalist 

Program-Naturalist Training Classes 

April 9, 2016 - Recurring every 2 weeks 

on Saturday until July 23, 2016 

Address: 3801 Nelson Road 

Lake Charles 

Phone: (225) 206-0400 

Admission: Limited to 20 students 

Sunday Youth Music Workshop 

April 10, 2016 - Recurring monthly on the 

2nd Sunday 

Times: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 

Location: Luna LIVE 


Family Art Night 


2nd Tuesday 


Location: The Art Factory 

Address: 1753 Common Street 

Lake Charles 

Fire Flow and Drum Circle 


3rd Saturday until Dec. 17, 2016 

Times: 7:00 PM 

Location: Walnut Grove Development 

Center - 2070 Jabez Drive 

Lake Charles - Admission: Free 

Walnut Grove Institute: Erica Nelson & 

Heather Boston Art Exhibit 

April 21, 2016 - Recurring daily until 

July 8, 2016 

Times: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Location: Walnut Grove Lake Charles 

Post Office - 2025 W. Walnut Street, Suite 

1B Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 497-0825 


Cajun Dance Lessons 


3rd Thursday 

Location: Cajun French Music 

Association Building 

Address: 3481 E. Prien Lake Road 

Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 562-9156 


Dutch Oven Cooking 


4th Saturday until Oct. 22, 2016 

Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Location: Sam Houston Jones State Park - 

107 Sutherland Rd Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 855-2665 

Sulphur Market 

May 7, 2016 - May 8, 2016 

Times: 5/7: 9:00 am-5:00 pm; 5/8 

12:00 pm-4:00 pm. 

Location: West Cal Event Center 

Address: 401 Arena Road, Sulphur 

Phone: (337) 313-1302 

Admission: $5 for adults, $3 with 

military ID, Free for kids under 12 

Southland Conference Softball 

Tournament 

May 11, 2016 - Recurring daily until 

May 13, 2016 

Times: Various times 

Location: Cowgirl Diamond 

Address: 4017 Hodges St. Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 475-5000 

McNeese Baseball vs. Central Arkansas 

May 13, 2016 - Recurring daily until 

May 15, 2016 

Times: Friday at 6:00 pm, Saturday at 3:00 

pm, Sunday at 1:00 pm 

Location: Cowboy Diamond 

Address: Common Street and Contour 

Drive Lake Charles 

Phone: (337) 475-5000 

SOCCER CAMP NORTH June 27th-29th(FREE) 

M.L.K. Center • 2009 N. Simmons St., Lake Charles, LA • 8:00am-10:00am 

SOCCER CAMP SOUTH June 6th-8th(FREE) 

Enos Derbonne • 7903 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA • 8:00am-10:00am 

BASKETBALL CAMP $25 

Girls Ages: 5-12 • June 20th-22nd 

1:00-3:00pm • Lake Charles Ward 3 Recreation 

3210 Power Center Parkway, Lake Charles, LA 

Boys Ages: 5-12 • June 6-9 • 8:00am-Noon 

Pryce/Miller • 216 Albert St., Lake Charles, LA 

337-502-5231 

MSU WOMEN’S FUNDAMENTAL 

CAMP June 13th-15th • 9:00am- Noon 

Power Center • 3210 Power Centre Parkway, Lake Charles, LA 

MSU WOMEN’S TEAM TOURNEY 

June 13th-15th • ALL DAY 

Power Center • 3210 Power Centre Parkway, Lake Charles, LA 

VOLLEYBALL CAMPS - July 11th - 13th 

Enos Derbonne • 7903 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA 

$25.00 • 11:00am-1:00pm 

TENNIS CAMP June 11th-13th • $25 

University Community Center • 1001 Central Parkway 

Lake Charles, LA • 8:00-10:00am 

Session II • July 18th-20th • $25 

Power Center • 3210 Power Centre Parkway 

Lake Charles, LA • 8:00-10:00am 

Session III • July 25th-27th • $25 

Huber Park • 2401 4th Avenue, Lake Charles, LA• 8:00-10:00am 

GOLF CAMP June 13th-15th • $25 

Power Center • 3210 Power Centre Parkway 

Lake Charles, LA• 8am-10:00am 

OTHER CAMPS 

& EVENTS 

FISHING & CASTING CAMP 

JULY 9 (FREE) 

Prien Lake Park • 8:00am-12noon 

MID-NIGHT BASKETBALL 

JUNE 3-JULY 29 (FREE) 

Pryce/Miller • 8:00pm-12:00 midnight 

MIDNIGHT INDOOR SOCCER 

JUNE 3-JULY 29 (FREE) 

Enos Darbonne • 8:00pm-12:00am 

NOTE TO PARENTS: 

If weather does not permit, there will be no 

make-up days for campers. 

Camp fees are non-refundable. 

Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) will 

host a series of educational summer 

events for our community. 

Friday Night Girls’ Night Out is for girls ages 9-16. This class 

teaches young females about puberty, self-esteem, fitness, 

nutrition and allows them an opportunity to have their 

questions answered by a healthcare professional. Cost is $20 

per child and pre-registration and a parental consent are 

required. For registration information please 

call: (337) 475-4075. 

Class Dates: Class Times: Deadline to Register: 

Friday, June 24 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. June 17 

Friday, August 12 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. July 29 

The best babysitter is a Safe Sitter®. This is a hands-on class 

that teaches boys and girls ages 11 to 13 how to handle 

emergencies and care for children safely. Cost is $45 per child 

and includes supplies, a tote bag and lunch. To register for a 

class please call (337) 475-4788. 

Class Dates: Class Times: Deadline to Register: 

Friday, June 3 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. May 8 

Monday, June 27 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. May 30 

Monday, July 18 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. June 20 

Prenatal Classes: For more information or to register 

please call (337) 475-4700. 

Natural Childbirth • $25 

Thursdays, June 2, June 9, August 4 and 

August 11 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Breastfeeding • $20 

Thursdays, June 16, July 21 and 

August 18 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Pediatric CPR • $15 

Thursdays, June 23 and 

August 25 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Baby Basics • $20 

Monday, July 11 • 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Prepared Childbirth • $35 

Saturday, July 16 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 


By David Booth 

Getting out in the green spaces is a 

blast and even more fun when we mix in 

some red, yellow, black and blue! April 

and May are key months in the avian 

spring migration. This is a time when 

many thousands of colorful birds make 

their way through Southwest Louisiana 

on their way to summer homes in 

Northern states and Canada. We have 

the awesome opportunity to take part in 

Spring migration as observers and more. 

We enjoy feeding them, finding them and 

identifying them. It is like a giant ongoing 

natural video game with challenges 

and rewards. Enjoying and solving 

the mysteries of what goes on 

around us. 

During migration, birds wear 

their best spring outfits. They have 

molted and are the most colorful 

they will be for the year. It is a lot 

like the Rose Parade, a long line 

of progressively colorful floats 

promenading through our area for 

a time. Over 450 species of birds 

travel through or make Southwest 

Louisiana their homes. We are one 

of the birding hot spots, drawing 

thousands of birding tourists from 

all over the world each year. Finding 

and enjoying the birds is a fun and 

exciting adventure anyone can join. 

Getting started is easy. Open 

your eyes! Get into any green 

space, or put feeders in your back 

yard. Many folks have recently 

been surprised with a colorful 

array of migrants coming to 

their feeders during migration. 

“I have never had three Rose 

Breasted Grosbeaks at the 

feeder before”. “I have had 30 

Indigo Buntings, three Rose 

Breasted Grosbeaks and two 

Painted Buntings at one time”. 

If you don’t have feeders, visit 

feeding stations at local parks such as 

Tuten Park in Lake Charles. Irvin Loque 

is the Program Manager and says “… 

radar images are showing loads of birds 

migrating to the Gulf Coast …. No doubt, 

some of these will be seeking food and 

rest in Tuten Park.” The park is open 9 am 

to 7 pm, weekdays and noon to 7 pm 

weekends. There are also many other 

locations to go birding in our area. Typical 

spots are Sam Houston Jones State Park, 

Pintail Drive at Cameron Prairie National 

Wildlife Refuge and Peveto Migratory Bird 

Sanctuary west of Holly Beach. 

To meet others and learn more about 

this fun sport, anyone can join with other 

birders, during local birding events. This 

is one of the best ways to learn the birds 

and have a good time. Birding is great for 

all ages and especially kid friendly. Regular 

opportunities include meetings of the Gulf 

Coast Bird Club, monthly bird walks, and 

bird classes. There is a Beginner’s Birding 

Class offered this summer at Tuten Park 

by members of the local bird club. All are 

welcome to attend. 

However you plan to do it, be sure to get 

out and check some green space for the 

red, yellow and blue as soon as you can. 

You will thank yourself for it later. 

The Gulf Coast Bird Club is dedicated 

to promoting the knowledge and 

conservation of birdlife, and to fostering an 

appreciation of our natural environment. 

The Club seeks to provide educational 

opportunities to the general public and 

to other organizations regarding our 

beautiful, bountiful birds. We welcome all 

who are interested in birding and nature 

to attend our educational meetings and 

participate in our field trips. For more 

information contact David Booth at 337- 

526-0837. For online information visit 

the website, http://sites.google.com/site/ 

gulfcoastbirdclub/ or Like Us on Face Book. 

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's 

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 



SWLA 

SWLA 

Keeping Your 

Vacation on Track 

Whether your plan is to play tourist in your hometown, travel overseas or 

something in between, unexpected illness can ruin your summer vacation. 

Use these tips to stay healthy while on the road: 

1. Manage your medications. If you take prescription drugs, visit your 

primary care doctor and request any refills you may need during your time 

away from home. Also ask for copies of your prescriptions, including generic 

names of your medications and dosages, as a record in case of a medical 

emergency. You can also ask your doctor for an advance antibiotic prescription 

in the event you contract moderate to severe diarrhea while away, 

or malaria treatment medications if you are traveling to a country where 

malaria is common. Be sure to pack your prescription medications in their 

original containers in your carry-on luggage to ensure you won't lose them. 

2. Raid your medicine cabinet. Pack an assortment of basic over-thecounter 

medications for unexpected illness, such as a pain reliever and/or 

fever reducer, antihistamine, decongestant, anti-diarrheal medication and a 

mild laxative. 

By Alice Wallace 

If you are a traveler or if you were planning 

on traveling outside of the U.S., you 

probably have heard about Zika. What is 

Zika? Who are most likely at risk? What 

precautions should you take if traveling? 

Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease that 

is spread to people primarily through 

the bite of an infected Aedes species 

mosquito. The most common symptoms 

of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and 

conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is 

usually mild, with symptoms lasting 

for several days to a week, after being 

bitten by an infected mosquito. People 

usually don’t get sick enough to go to 

the hospital, and they very rarely die of 

Zika. For this reason, many people might 

not realize they have been infected. 

Once a person has been infected, he or 

she is likely to be protected from future 

infections. Only one in five people who 

are infected with the virus are likely to 

be symptomatic. 

The Center for Disease Control and 

Prevention has a wealth of information 

on the Zika virus and many other health 

matters. Travelers are always strongly 

encouraged to seek credible and current 

information for any travel destination to 

assist them in their preparation for travel. 

What we know (CDC website) 

• No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus 

disease (Zika). 

• Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites. 

• Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite 

mostly during the daytime. 

• Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also 

spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. 

• Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by 

using condoms or not having sex 

Information links for travelers: 

-http://www.cdc.gov/ 

-http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/ 

zika-information 

-https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/ 

find-insect-repellent-right-you 

-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- 

registered insect repellents 

"However, the real concern with this virus 

is the infection in pregnant women that 

has been associated with fetal loss, birth 

defects and other adverse outcomes. A Level 

2 notice is an alert that there are special 

precautions that should be taken with 

regard to a disease condition, or special 

populations that are uniquely at risk for 

adverse outcomes from the virus, and this 

is the type of alert notice we currently have 

right now.” Dr. Martin Cetron CDC Zola 

Business Partners Conference Call. 

Travelers should regard Zika as they would 

any health related matter. Arm yourself 

with credible and updated information 

to assist you in making prudent (travel) 

decisions . 

Alice Wallace 

Alice has over 14 years in travel and is a 

Master Cruise Counselor with CLIA 

www.avaloncruises.com 

mariner@avaloncruises.com 

3. Pack for protection. Depending on your final destination, bring items 

such as sunscreen, bug spray and protective clothing to prevent sunburn 

and bug bites. 

4. Bring your own water bottle. If you are staying in the country, help 

your wallet and the environment by bringing reusable water bottles instead 

of buying bottled water or sodas. 

5. Don’t forget first aid. Pack a well-stocked first-aid kit in case of minor 

scrapes, bumps or bruises. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

recommends that you include bandages, antiseptic, gauze, an elastic bandage, 

aloe gel for sunburns, moleskin for blisters, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped 

applicators, a digital thermometer and oral rehydration solution 

packets (a concoction you mix with water to help rehydrate after diarrhea, heat exhaustion or vomiting). 

Before you take time off, visit your primary care doctor for a well visit to discuss healthy 

habits and get up-to-date on medications and vaccinations. 

Lake Area Medical Center 

4200 Nelson Rd. · Lake Charles, LA 70605 


SWLA 

Jackie Womack, Chief of Four Winds Tribe 

A Mother and a Chief 

By Trina Morgan 

I didn’t know there was an 

Indian tribe in my neck of the 

woods. 

And if I had, I wouldn’t have 

expected the chief to be a 

woman. 

Jackie Myers Womack, also 

known as Talking Leaves, is the 

leader of the Four Winds tribe 

of the Louisiana Cherokee. 

This spry lady with a sweet 

voice and an impressive 

knowledge of genealogy 

research—in fact, Chief Jackie 

is an American Native Indian 

Lineage Specialist—met with 

me to share her passion for 

discovering and preserving 

the culture of her people for 

future generations. Her pride 

and enthusiasm for her work 

lit her eyes and quickened her 

movements as she showed 

me around the room where 

she had placed numerous 

Native American-themed 

items. When she told me about 

the discovery of her lineage, I 

realized that there was much 

about the culture of my native 

Beauregard Parish that I had 

never known before. 

The Four Winds tribe is made 

up of 2500 members who 

live all over the U.S. but who 

originated in “No-Man’s 

Land”—an area that spreads 

through the western parishes 

between the Calcasieu 

and Sabine Rivers from 

Natchitoches to the Gulf. 

After the Louisiana Purchase, 

this area was under dispute 

with Spain. In order to 

avoid a war, the area was 

declared a neutral zone in 

1806 and became a safe 

haven to Native Americans 

who were migrating away 

from the Carolinas where 

the government was taking 

away their land. In order to 

be included in the Four Winds 

tribe, a member must prove 

that his or her ancestors lived 

in this neutral zone prior to 

1860. 

I found the names of the 

people in the tribe familiar— 

Myers, Doyle, Perkins, 

and Burgess are names of 

childhood classmates and 

neighbors. Many of their 

ancestors came from the 

Carolinas before the Trail of 

Tears and thus missed being 

included in the records of 

the removal to Oklahoma. 

Chief Jackie says this has 

made it very difficult to trace 

the lineage of the tribe. She 

has spent decades doing 

research, finding names 

in old Bibles, courthouse 

records, and wills. These 

people are not listed in 

census records as “Indian” or 

“Native American.” They were 

sometimes listed as “white” 

or “free person” or “mulatto,” 

either for fear that identifying 

themselves as Indians might 

lead to persecution, or because 

the census taker did not know 

that they were Indians and 

wrote down whatever he 

thought fit. 

The Four Winds tribe recently 

purchased ten acres just west 

of DeRidder to build a cultural 

center. The center is supported 

by the tribe members’ dues 

and the buildings at the 

cultural center are constructed 

by the members of the tribe. 

The center offers workshops in 

Native American crafts such as 

pine straw basket weaving, and 

a Native American museum 

and gift shop is scheduled to 

open in the fall of this year. 

The tribe was established in 

1995 and received recognition 

from the State of Louisiana 

in 1997, and is in the process 

of applying for federal 

recognition. The council 

members are elected (this is 

how Mrs. Womack became 

chief in 2003) and meet once a 

month. 

Chief Jackie told me that the 

main reason for the work that 

she does is to pass down the 

knowledge and pride of her 

people. I came away from the 

meeting with the feeling that 

her devotion to the tribe’s 

heritage will be sure to inspire 

the younger generations and 

that the traditions and 

culture of the Four 

Winds will certainly 

live on. 

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 

Jennings 

337.824.7465 

www.fondels.com 

Raymond M. Fondel, Jr. 

Insurance Agency 

Call Us For All Of Your 

Insurance Needs! 

• Home 

• Auto 

• Commercial 

• Workers’ 

Compensation 

Raymond M Fondel, Jr. 

Agency Owner 

241 W. Sallier St. • Lake Charles 

337-433-6363

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

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