MAY 19
•‘Game On!’ Hospitality Ambassador Training Program
The mission of the free Game On! program is to increase awareness of the attractions and tourism products in Calcasieu Parish in an effort to make visitors feel especially welcome. It is open to the entire hospitality community in Calcasieu Parish including hotels, restaurants, attractions, transportation companies, festivals, caterers, galleries and other tourism related entities. The program is completely funded by the CVB at no cost to participants. The first training session will take place May 19 in the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Contraband Room and is open to anyone in Calcasieu Parish involved in the hospitality industry. The meetings will consist of informing front line staff of all assets, attributes and happenings in Southwest Louisiana. Participants will also be provided with an easy to use training manual and collateral pieces which will assist them in providing superb hospitality information to visitors and guests they encounter. Additional training sessions will occur throughout the remainder of the year specifically geared toward local accommodations personnel. For more details or information on how to register for the program, contact Megan Monsour Hartman at (337) 436-9588 or mhartman@visitlakecharles.org. For more information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or visit www.visitlakecharles.org/GameOn.
MAY 20
•VFW Exceptional Citizens Party
The VFW and Aux 8107, 125 E Napoleon St in Sulphur will host an Exceptional Citizens Party on May 20, 2010 from 8 p.m. until 9 p.m. Music will be provided by Sam Hewitt and Louisiana Dust. Please rsvp at 527-0246 or 527-0075 by May 18, 2010.
MAY 21, 28 & JUNE 4
•Downtown at Sundown
The City of Lake Charles and the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana announce the line up for the twelfth annual Downtown at Sundown concert series. The event takes place at the Downtown Merchants’ parking lot at the corners of Ryan and Broad streets from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on four consecutive Fridays. The free shows feature a variety of music from local and regional bands. Also offered are food and beverage booths, table top galleries, art sales and activities for kids.
This year’s line up will be:
May 21 - Whiskey South
May 28 - T-Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers
June 4 - Static
If inclement weather prevails, the concerts will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, however, no outside beverages or pets are allowed on site. For more information, call the Arts and Humanities Council at 337-439-2787 or visit www.artsandhumanitiescouncilswla.org or www.cityoflakecharles.com.
MAY 22
•Mac Burns/WCCH Foundation Golf Tournament
On Saturday, May 22, the Mac Burns/West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament will be held at Frasch Park in Sulphur. This year's tournament will feature former and current NFL pro football players. For more information or to participate in the tournament, call Debby Nabours at 527-4144. Sponsorships at various levels as well as hole sponsorships are available.
•Poker Run for Family of Melissa Kathleen Dowers
A family-friendly benefit for the family of five-year-old Melissa Kathleen Dowers will take place on May 22 at Expedited Logistics & Freight Services located at 1665 Swisco Road in Sulphur. Registration begins at 8 a.m., $35 per bike, $10 per passenger. The poker run begins at 9 a.m., at 10 a.m. the barbecue and spaghetti dinners will begin being served, and at 11 a.m. the auction will begin. Music will be going on throughout the day. If you would like to donate directly to the benefit account, the information is as follows: City Savings Bank, Maurice Dowers/Benefit account for Melissa K. Dowers, Account No. 182495. The poker run is sponsored by the following: Raymond Felice family, Bailey family, Bullock family, Duet family, Naquin family, Dowers family, Lognion family, Grabowski family, and many loving friends. Any help rendered or donations made are greatly appreciated and will be a wonderful blessing. For more information, please call Lisa Dowers-Duet at 337-463-9868, Merrell and Denise Bailey at 337-328-7310, or Raymond Felice at 337-533-8882.
MAY 22 & JUNE 12
•Rabies Vaccination Clinics
The Office of Animal Services will be offering two rabies clinics in an effort to prevent the spread of Rabies Infection. Calcasieu Parish and other municipal ordinances require that all dogs and cats over the age of three months be vaccinated for rabies and licensed. The clinics will offer rabies vaccinations to pet owners at a reduced cost. Vaccination and licensing rates for spay/neutered animals is $8. Unaltered pets will cost $10. The public is encouraged to bring their pet’s license from last year, as well as correct change to pay to ensure a short wait time. All dogs will need to be on a leash and cats must be in a portable kennel. Vendors will also be on-hand at the clinics showcasing animal-related products; a local licensed pet dog trainer will be there to answer questions. Local rescue organizations have been invited to answer questions about their groups.
Clinic dates, time, and locations are:
May 22, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Burton Coliseum
June 12, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Cal-Cam Fairgrounds
Once a pet is vaccinated by a licensed Louisiana Veterinarian, and licensed in Calcasieu Parish, the law requires pets to wear the license tag both in all areas of the Parish. Cat owners are encouraged to place the tag on a humane breakaway collar. Please note: residents feeding stray animals should keep in mind that the legal definition of a “pet owner” is any person, business, corporation, or any other legal entity that provides care, harbors, acts as custodian, or permits an animal to remain on or about his premises. If someone is bitten, this entity could be held responsible. For more information, call Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center at 721-3730.
•Swashbucklers' Cheerleaders Camp
The Swashbucklers' First Mate cheerleaders will be presenting the "Cheer"-Ful Heart Camp, sponsored by Market Basket, on Saturday, May 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Participants will receive a t-shirt and certificate of achievement. Snacks and drinks will be provided for everyone. During the camp, participants will learn a dance/cheer routine and will perform that evening during the half-time show.
To enroll any children between five to 10 years of age, contact the Swashbucklers office between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at 310-7277, or visit any participating Market Basket stores for registration forms.
•E-recycle Day
CITGO is once again partnering with Team Green, the City of Lake Charles, and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury in sponsoring E-recycle Day at the Cowboy Stadium Parking lot on Saturday, May 22. Residents are invited to swing by between 8 a.m. and 12 noon to drop off computers, computer items, copiers, televisions and other electronics, phones, and mercury items. (They can not accept microwaves, smoke alarms, fire alarms, dehumidifiers, large appliances, non-decontaminated medical equipment, or any unit with sludge or liquids.) For more information, contact the City of Lake Charles at 491-1481.
MAY 24
•Calcasieu Parish School System Informational Discussion
An informational discussion will be held on May 24 as the Calcasieu Parish School System works to transition from Developmentally Delayed Preschool classes to Early Childhood Special Education Programs for the 2010-2011 school year. Those invited to attend are parents of preschool children with special needs, teachers of students with IEPs ages three to five years old, special services staff, principals, community agencies and other interested persons. If you are unable to attend this session, there will be an additional session scheduled. The meeting will take place Monday, May 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Department of Special Services located at 3301 Old Spanish Trail in Westlake. For additional information, please call 337-217-4300.
MAY 26
•Safe Sitter® Babysitting Class Registration Deadline
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will offer a Safe Sitter® class for girls and boys age 11 to 13 on Tuesday, June 8 at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Registration for the program is open until Wednesday, May 26. The Safe Sitter® program is a medically accurate program that teaches young adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children. The cost to attend is $35. To register your son or daughter or your child’s babysitter, call 527-4361. Thousands of young adolescents across the country have been trained by Safe Sitter® to handle life threatening emergencies. During the course, students will get hands on practice in basic life-saving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis. Safe Sitters also receive helpful tips to make them more confident caregivers. They learn safety precautions, how to understand children of different ages, and even the business of babysitting.
MAY 27-29
•Barbe Class of 1990 20 Year Reunion
A Party by the Pool at L’Auberge will be the kick off for Barbe’s “Class of 1990” reunion on Thursday May 27 with Bag Of Donuts playing. On Friday, May 28 at 7 p.m. the party moves to Frosty Factory. Saturday the 29th is Family Day at Skate City at 11 a.m. followed by a night at the Brick House at 7:30.
JUNE 1
•Summer Enrichment Program - Literacy Council
The Literacy Council of SWLA, Inc. will be hosting a 10-week summer enrichment program for students entering grades one through six. The 2010 Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) will begin on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, and will end on Friday, August13, 2010. Hours of operation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The purpose of the 2010 SEP is to coordinate activities during the summer that promotes continued development in reading, writing, mathematics, technology, and communication. There will be a variety of experiences including group projects, leadership development, library visits, guest speakers, arts & crafts, and physical fitness. The themes for this summer include Jungle Jim & Jane, Beaches and Sunshine, Health & Fitness, Friendship & the Great Outdoors, and Playful Puppets & Art Explosion. Financial assistance is available. Before-care and after-care are available at no additional charge. To enroll your child in the 2010 SEP, contact the Literacy Council offices at 494-7000.
JUNE 2
•LDR offering free seminar
The Louisiana Department of Revenue offers a free seminar to help business operators understand sales tax and other important financial issues. The next session is 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 2 at LDR’s Lake Charles office, One Lakeshore Drive, Suite 1550. For details or to register, call (337) 491-2504.
JUNE 5
•CPSO Youth Fishing Derby
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will hold a Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 5, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the CPSO pond, 5400 E. Broad Street. The event is for youth 15 years and younger. Youth groups welcomed. Call 491-3761 or 494-4520 for more information.
JUNE 5 - JULY 31
•Kid Power - Children’s Weight Loss Program
Kid Power of Southwest Louisiana is an 8-week healthy nutrition and physical activity weight loss program uniquely designed for area children, ages 6 to 14. The program will take place this summer, June 5 through July 31. Throughout this 8-week period participants will be offered an array of physical fitness activity choices and healthy eating education seminars. To qualify for the program participants must be overweight and must go through a one-time health screening process which will include a height and weight check and health history questionnaire. The Kid Power health screening sessions are scheduled for April 19, April 26, May 3 and May 10 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Calcasieu Community Clinic, located at 550 East Sale Road. Cost of the program is $10 cash per child per household and $5 cash for each additional sibling. Payment is required at the time of the screening - cash only. For more information, or to register for any of the upcoming Kid Power health screening sessions, please call Kid Power of SWLA at (337) 478-3780.
JUNE 21-JUNE 25
•Sasol’s Summer Teacher Institute
Sasol is now accepting applications for its 14th Annual Summer Teacher Institute. The institute will take place from Monday, June 21 through Friday, June 25. Participating educators will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of employment opportunities with area industry and how to best prepare students for these jobs. The Summer Teacher Institute is available to instructors of all disciplines and grade levels with special preference given to Junior and Senior High Science, Chemistry and Math teachers. Those participating will receive 25 continuing education credits, a $25 stipend per day and will have breakfast and lunch provided. The deadline to register for Sasol’s Summer Teacher Institute is June 4, 2010. For more information visit the local Sasol website at www.sasolswla.com or call (337)494-5811.
JULY 17
•Ninth Annual Lake Charles High School Reunion
For nearly a decade, Lake Charles High School has held an open reunion for all classes. This year, there will be a special tribute to the band and cheerleaders. The open reunion will be at 10 a.m. at Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning on Saturday, July 17. Band members who are interested in attending or performing at the reunion should contact Shelley Galloway Johnson at sjohnson@visitlakecharles.org or Charlotte LaFargue Rewerts at crewerts@juno.com.
ONGOING
•American Flags Needed
The VFW and American Legion are soliciting American flags (9 1/2 x 5 or 9 1/2 x 5 1/2) for a display on the Avenue of Flags for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the 4th of July celebrations. For more information please call 528-2907 or 527-7104 and leave a message.
•Teen Dances at VFW
The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary 8107, located at 1235 E. Napoleon Street in Sulphur will sponsor Teen Dances every Wednesday night from 8 until 11 p.m. all summer from June 2, 2010 until the Wednesday night before school begins. Cost is $6. Teens will be required to sign in and sign out. Dress and behavior codes are enforced. Security will be on duty and there will be plenty of chaperons as well.
•Sulphur Alzheimers/Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group
For caregivers struggling to care for a loved one with some form of dementia, the Sulphur Alzheimers/Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets at Stonebridge Place each month in the second floor activity room at 6 p.m. Stonebridge is located at 1511 S. Huntington Street in Sulphur. Meeting times for the remainder of the year are as follows: May 18, June 22, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16, and December 14. For more information, please contact Kelly Savoie at (337) 527-4433 or Beverly Morrison at (337) 842-6890.
•Literacy Council Offers Online G.E.D. Course
Need help preparing for your G.E.D.? Work on-line at your own pace. All that’s needed is access to a computer with Internet and a $25 registration fee. Call the Literacy Council of SWLA to schedule your orientation at (337) 494-7000. Orientations are offered in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake and Cameron.
•Life Drawing Classes at Gallery by the Lake
Life drawing classes are being offered to the public from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Creative Arts Center of the Gallery by the Lake, 106 W. Lawrence (Pryce) St. in Lake Charles. Fee and other information is available from Associated Louisiana Artists at (337) 436-1008. Gallery by the Lake is operated by Associated Louisiana Artists Inc., a nonprofit organization.
•Care Help of Sulphur “Life Skills Classes” Schedule
June 11 - How to Prepare a Budget. Location: 112 E. Thomas St. in Sulphur from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 528-2273 to reserve a seat. There is a drawing for a Wise Penny Thrift Store Gift Certificate. Please visit their website at www.care-help.org.
•Wise Penny Thrift Store Hours
Care/Help of Sulphur’s Wise Penny Thrift Store regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Every first and third Friday is 50 Cent Day for clothes, shoes, and purses as well as daily 50 percent off sales.
•Lifelong Learning Center Classes
Take charge of your life in 2010 by enrolling in classes at the Lifelong Learning Center. Classes are available for adults wanting to get their GED or improve their reading, writing, math, and spelling skills. The Learning Center also offers ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. These classes are for people moving here from other countries who need to learn the English language. Classes are taught by experienced and qualified instructors in small group class settings to allow for individualized attention. Morning and night classes are available. Improving your skills today makes for a brighter tomorrow. Call 494-7000 for more information, or to find out how you can register for classes at the Lifelong Learning Center. Free bus tokens are available to help with transportation needs.
