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

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

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.
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
1540 MLK Hwy. • Lake Charles
337-433-6540
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.
MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016
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
MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016
• 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.
MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016

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 - Live @ the Lakefront - 6-10 PM - Lake Front
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
25 - Live @ the Lakefront - 6-10 PM - Lake Front
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.
MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016

SWLA
SWLA
Our Economic
Future Looks
Bright
Puerto Ricans
in Southwest
Louisiana
By Angie Kay Dilmore
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.
MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016

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!”
LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, STORIES & PEOPLE
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.
MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016

SWLA
By Angie Kay Dilmore
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
LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, STORIES & PEOPLE
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
MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016

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
LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, STORIES & PEOPLE
MARCH 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 8 Volume 3 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM MARCH 2016

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