MARCH 23
•Miles Perret ‘Mobile Miles’ Cancer Services visits Memorial Cancer Center
Cancer patients throughout southwest Louisiana are invited to visit the Miles Perret “Mobile Miles” Cancer Services’ mobile outreach program on Tuesday, March 23, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This mobile program operates from the Memorial Hospital campus at 1701 Oak Park Boulevard one-day-a-month providing free non-medical support and information for cancer patients throughout the region. The unit will be stationed in the Medical Office Building parking lot on 3rd Street, adjacent to Memorial’s Cancer Center. In addition to emotional and physical support services, “Mobile Miles” will bring medical supplies and equipment, nutritional supplements, wigs, prostheses and other resources to patients diagnosed with cancer—at no charge—regardless of age, financial circumstances, or type of cancer. No appointment is necessary, but a physician referral is required. For additional information, please contact Miles Perret Cancer Services at (337) 984-1920.
MARCH 24 - APRIL 28
•Calcasieu Kennel Club Obedience Classes
A six-week obedience course sponsored by the Calcasieu Kennel Club will begin on March 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. outdoors at Burton Coliseum. Handlers will be taught how to train their dogs to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test to be held on Wednesday, May 5. Cost of the class is $40. Call now as space is limited. Contact Sallie Shepherd at 478-2627 for more information or email ckcevents@yahoo.com.
MARCH 25
•Childhood Obesity Seminar
Healthy children gain weight as they grow, but extra pounds—more than what’s needed to support their growth and development—can lead to childhood obesity, a serious medical condition that often starts kids on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you think these issues are weighing down on your family’s health, there is a seminar for you. Join Danette Null, MD, a family practice physician on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, for A Growing Problem: Childhood Obesity, a free seminar that will cover the causes and effects of this alarmingly common problem, as well as offer helpful tips and suggestions for treatment and prevention. A Growing Problem: Childhood Obesity is a free seminar being held at 12 noon on Thursday, March 25, in the Shearman Conference Center at Memorial Hospital on Oak Park Boulevard. Refreshments will be provided, and reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.lcmh.com or call (337) 494-2936.
MARCH 26
•‘Dinners To Go’ Fundraiser for Sulphur Kiwanis
A ‘Dinners To Go’ fundraiser hosted by the Sulphur Kiwanis Club will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010 at the Lion’s Club on Maplewood Drive. Tickets can be purchased from any Sulphur Kiwanis member for $10 each. Dinners will come packed with 1 lb boiled, headless shrimp, corn and potatoes. For information contact Russell Castille at (337) 625-5388, Millie Deville at (337) 528-9131, Chris Foster at (337) 527-5066 or Sharon Mele at (337) 625-2500. All proceeds support the Sulphur Kiwanis Scholarship Program.
MARCH 27, 28
•Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival
This year’s Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival will be March 27 to March 28 in the Burton Coliseum on the corner of Gauthier Road and Gulf Hwy. in Lake Charles. Robert Turley, LSU AgCenter horticulture agent, said people who attend the festival can learn where to obtain gardening products, accessories and services as well as about garden clubs and plant societies in southwest Louisiana. Information covered during the two days will include traditional woody and herbaceous plants appropriate for the area and new and improved garden plants and shrubs that will be sold at local garden centers. Participants are urged to enter the Burton Coliseum at the south entrance opposite the Livestock Show Barn. It is handicapped accessible. 4-H members will collect the $2 entrance fee for adults; children 12 years and under can enter free. For additional information on the festival, contact Turley at (337) 475-8812, ext. 23.
APRIL 8
•WCAC Meeting
West Calcasieu Association of Commerce will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 8, at noon at the Holiday Inn, Sulphur (330 Arena Road). The $10 lunch meeting will feature guest speakers Perry Pertuit, Louisiana Site Selection Centers, and Ron Childress, Entergy Louisiana Teamwork Economic Development. Bryan Beam with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will also address the group. The meeting is open to all members, guests, and anyone interested in becoming a member of the West Calcasieu Association of Commerce. For more information, call the WCAC office at (337) 533-1040.
APRIL 9
•Spring Art Walk on the Horizon
The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will host its annual Spring Art Walk on Friday, April 9 from 5 until 9 p.m. in downtown Lake Charles. The Art Walk will feature more than 75 artists in 16 separate locations. Locals will enjoy strolling down the historic streets of downtown while experiencing first-hand what their community has to offer. Locations will include The Children’s Museum, Pujo Street Café, The Frame House Gallery, Sweets and Treats, Luna Bar and Grill, Mullers Lofts, 1911 Historic City Hall, Gallery by the Lake, the Central School Arts and Humanities Center, as well as several other landmark venues. Once again, transportation will be provided from the Civic Center parking lot in four New Orleans themed Belgian mule-drawn carriages. Sightseers may disembark at any stop along the way, catching the next carriage after they enjoy the sights, sounds, wine and hors d’oeuvres of each location. This service is provided free of charge through a donation by Citgo. The first 150 visitors will receive a shopping bag and Dasani water from Coca-Cola bottlers. The Spring Art Walk brings exposure to local downtown venues and artists, while at the same time improving the overall quality of life for Lake Area residents. For a carriage route map and complete list of participants, or for more information concerning the Art and Humanities Council, contact (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org
APRIL 10
•City of Sulphur Trash Bash
The City of Sulphur will hold a Trash Bash on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Citizens are urged to clean up streets, neighborhoods, yards as well as adjacent areas. Receptacles will be placed in the back parking lot of W.W. Lewis Middle School on Cypress Street. Let’s keep the pride in Sulphur.
•Spring Fling Clean Up at Boys Village
Local Kiwanis Clubs and the Boys Village Board of Directors are teaming up for a Spring Fling Clean Up at Boys Village on Saturday, April 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Invite family, friends, volunteer groups, churches, etc. to spring clean this beautiful campus. Please contact Cindy Mathieu at 436-7553, of Boys Village with volunteers and items donated to ensure the work flow is smooth and plenty of refreshments are available.
APRIL 17
•Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Fest
The movers and shakers of the south are pleased to present the first Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Fest on Saturday, April 17, in downtown Lake Charles. This festival will be held in the Downtown Merchants Parking Lot on the corner of Broad and Ryan Streets between the hours of 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Crawfish, crawfish, and more crawfish. That’s what going to be happening at the first Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival. Enjoy the best music, food and fun at one of the largest Crawfish Festivals in Southwest Louisiana. Featured artists are the Gator Band and True Spirit, Linda Toussaint, Zydecane, and Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Tymers. Come out and bring the whole family for good fun and fellowship all day long. Come on and get in on the action Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Fest. Tickets are only $7 before 6 p.m. and $10 after 6 p.m.
APRIL 22
•Senior Citizen’s Safety Awareness & Fun Day
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will be holding a Senior Citizen’s Safety Awareness & Fun Day on Thursday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be at the Lake Charles Civic Center and is free for seniors 55 years and older. For more information, call 263-4563.
APRIL 23
•Golf Tournament in Sulphur
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso will be sponsoring the LHSAA Golf Tournament on Friday, April 23, at the Frasch Golf Course. It will be a four person scramble with a $75 entry fee per player. For more information, contact Pam LeBlanc at 491-3713.
APRIL 24
•NAMIWalks for the Mind of America
The 8th Annual NAMIWalks for the Mind of America will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater. If you would like to walk or find out more about this event, go to www.nami.org/sites/namiswla or call 433-0219.
ONGOING
•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.
•ATSDR Offers Free Health Classes For Mossville and Calcasieu Parish Residents
Residents of Mossville and Calcasieu Parish can learn more about health topics such as environmental health, cancer, and heart disease in a series of free classes offered by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) during March and April. The series of free classes, titled “It’s All About Your Health,” are in response to community surveys in which residents said they wanted access to more health information, and are based on health questions shared by residents. ATSDR has been working in the community since 1997 to look into possible health effects from environmental exposures. “ATSDR is committed to working with community members and being an advocate to help communities dealing with potential environmental hazards,” said Acting ATSDR Director Henry Falk in a letter to area residents about the classes. From March 13 to April 10, four different topics are being offered each Saturday. The classes begin at 9 a.m. and will be repeated in the afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. People can come for any or all of the classes. Residents do not need to sign up to attend the classes. No classes will be held April 3 because of the Easter holiday. This week and in upcoming weeks, classes will be held at Sulphur Regional Library, 1160 Cypress St., Sulphur, LA.
March 20 classes are:
9 a.m. or 1 p.m.: Taking Care of My Asthma
10 a.m. or 2 p.m.: What is Dioxin?
11 a.m. or 3 p.m.: Undercover Health: What you need to know about STDs
12 p.m. or 4 p.m.: Women and Reproductive Health
For more information, community members can contact Maria Terán-Maciver at 770-488-0720 or toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
For more information about ATSDR’s work in Mossville and Calcasieu Parish, visit http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/mossville.
Media inquiries should go to the ATSDR press office, 770-488-0700.
ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.
•The Literacy Council Offers Summer Programs To Students
The Literacy Council of SWLA, Inc. - A United Way Agency will be hosting a 10-week Summer Enrichment Program for students entering grades 1 to 6. The 2010 Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) will begin on June 1 and will end on August 13. Hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 3 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 and 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 Also being hosted by the Literacy Council is a 7-Week Intensive Summer Youth Program for youth entering grades 7 to 12. The program will begin June 7 and end July 22. The Council will provide help to youth who are enrolled in school and who need help with reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. The program will also help youth develop their study skills in preparation for the challenges of the new school year. To be eligible for the program, youth must meet one or more of the following criteria: 1) need to improve their reading or mathematics levels, 2) been held back at least once in the prior two school years, 3) earned below a “C” average in one or more subjects, or 4) scored below grade level expectations on the LEAP, iLEAP, or GEE. The parent or guardian must give permission for the student to participate in the program. Proof of enrollment in school, including grade assignment, must be provided. The most recent report card or standardized test scores are acceptable. A one-time $25 registration fee is required to enroll in the program. To register your child for the program or for more information, please call the Literacy Council at 494-7000.
•‘Frasch Pictures America’ Exhibit
The Brimstone Historical Society and Frasch Elementary would like to invite the public to a very special exhibit. Frasch Elementary’s library (led by Jeni Anderson) and the Art Department (led by Jennifer Manuel) have worked very hard to prepare a display which incorporates history, art, and literature all in one exhibit. The exhibit is part of a “We the People” grant. This grant is given by the National Endowment of the Humanities to special programs throughout the country.The display features paintings, writings, and collages from 4th and 5th grade students at Frasch. This will be on display from now until April 1, so don’t miss your chance to see how “Frasch Pictures America!” The Henning Cultural Center also has new Saturday hours. The Cultural Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, effective immediately. For more information about this or upcoming exhibits, please call at 337-527-0357.
•Care Help of Sulphur “Life Skills Classes” Schedule
April 9 - The Hidden Job Market; May 14 - Skills Assessment; 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 New Hours
Care/Help of Sulphur’s Wise Penny Thrift Store new hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Care/Help is opening one hour early for your shopping convenience. 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.
•Mayor’s Commission for the Needs of the Disabled
On the second Wednesday of each month, 10:30 a.m., the Mayor’s Commission for the Needs of the Disabled meet in the Sulphur City Council Chambers, 500 N. Huntington Street.
