JANUARY 12 & JANUARY 30
•Driver Safety Program of AARP Announces January Classes
The Driver Safety Program of AARP announces classes for January, 2010. Each person completing the four hour course may receive up to three years in auto insurance savings and should check with their individual insurance carrier for verification of the discount. No tests are given and membership in AARP is not required. The cost is $12 for AARP members (AARP card required) and $14 for non-members. This course has been offered for 30 years by trained instructors and must be taken every three years in order to be current for the insurance discount. It is designed to help drivers improve driving skills, learn defensive driving techniques and offers practical information to reduce traffic violations and crashes. There is no final test to pass. Pre-registration for classes is recommended. Women and Children’s Hospital, 4200 Nelson Road, Lake Charles, will host a class on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, starting at 8:30 a.m. Call Barbara McManus McCann at 433-8910 to register. Leave a message if necessary Ward 3 Recreation Center, Derbonne Sports Complex, 7903 Lake Street, Lake Charles, will host a class on Saturday, January 30, 2010, starting at 9 a.m. Call 433-8910 to register. Leave a message if necessary. The instructor will be Barbara McManus McCann.
JANUARY 13
•Harlem Ambassadors vs. NAMI SWLA’s Hometown Heroes Basketball Fundraiser
The internationally acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors are coming to the Lake Charles Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 6:30pm. Everyone will be entertained by basketball comedy routines, audience participation and youth-oriented booths. Don’t miss local officials and public figures such as Mayor Randy Roach, Senator Willie Mount, Chief of Police Don Dixon, Police Juror Hal McMillan and a host of other players. Presale tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for students. Admission at the door is $11 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office (337) 491-1432 and the NAMI SWLA Office (337) 433-0219. All proceeds from this event will be used to fund NAMI Basics, Parents and Teachers as Allies, and CIT for youth programs.
JANUARY 14
•State Treasurer John Kennedy to speak at WCAC meeting
The West Calcasieu Association of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, January 14, noon. The meeting will be held at the new Holiday Inn in Sulphur off of Ruth Street near the West Cal Arena. Guest speaker will be Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy. He will talk about the state's Government Streamlining Commission and budget. The cost of the lunch meeting is $10 for members and guests. All WCAC members and anyone interested in joining the WCAC are welcome to attend the monthly meeting, which is held on the second Thursday of each month. For more information about the organization, please call (337) 533-1040.
JANUARY 15 - 18
•Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival will be Jan. 15–18 with various activities to celebrate the holiday. On Friday, Jan. 15, L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort will host the memorial breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. Essay winners in the elementary, middle and high school divisions will be honored for writing on this year’s theme, “A Dream: A Terrible Thing to Waste.” The gospel stage play, “Something’s Gotta Change” will be the highlight on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Rosa Hart Theatre in the Lake Charles Civic Center at 7 p.m. The Gospel Extravaganza will be Sunday, Jan. 17, at Throne of Grace Church in Lake Charles at 5 p.m. Singers from all across Louisiana will be there showcasing their talents. Monday, Jan. 18, wraps up the festival with the 26th Annual MLK Coalition Festival Family Day at the Lake Charles Civic Center consisting of a gumbo and sauce piquante cook-off, kids’ games, activities, and a talent contest. Great R&B, Southern Soul and Zydeco musicians will be there to entertain and the whole family can delight in the parade that begins at 11 a.m. in front of the Civic Center. Admission to the MLK Family Day is free with the purchase of an official MLK t-shirt for $10, and children 12 and under enter free. For details, visit www.kzwa.com or call Faye Blackwell at (337) 491-9955 x17.
JANUARY 16
•Mardi Gras Queens’ Pageant
Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana invites all young ladies between the ages of 5 and 23 for Miss divisions or 24 and up for the Ms. division to enter the 2010 Miss Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana pageant. The pageant will be Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Contraband Room at 9 a.m. for pageants featuring participants 5-15 years old and 6:30 p.m. for those 16-24 years old and up. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 years old and under. Programs are $5 each. Visit www.swlamardigras.com.
•'Show and Tell' at SWLA Genealogical & Historical Library
The regular meeting of the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical Society, Inc. will be held on Saturday, January 16, in the Carnegie Meeting Room of the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical & Historical Library, 411 Pujo St., Lake Charles, beginning at 10 a.m. Coffee and fellowship will begin at 9:30 a.m The program will be 'Show and Tell' by SWLGS members. Guests are always welcome.
•OLS accepting applications for Distinguished Graduate Award
Our Lady’s School is accepting nominations for the National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Graduate Award. Applications are available in the Our Lady’s School office. Please return applications to the school by January 16, 2009. The Distinguished Graduate will be announced at the Catholic School Week Mass in January.
JANUARY 16 & 17
•Lake Charles Gun and Knife Show
Visit the Lake Charles Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for the Lake Charles Gun and Knife Show. Find everything from guns, knives, gun accessories, jewelry, coins, surplus, ammo, antique guns, militia and more. Admission is $7 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free. Call (337) 527-9885 or visit www.gatorguns.com for more information.
JANUARY 18
•Look Good…Feel Better Seminar
Looking good can often be an important step toward feeling good – especially for women who are fighting the cancer battle. With that in mind, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society are offering women struggling through cancer—the diagnosis, treatment, and concerns about their appearance—a chance to Look Good…Feel Better. A free seminar offering help and encouragement in coping with the side effects of cancer treatment, Look Good…Feel Better will be held Monday, January 18, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Shearman Conference Center at Memorial Hospital on Oak Park Boulevard . Specially trained beauty professionals will be on hand to offer practical tips about skin care, makeup techniques, and guidance for coping with hair loss. The program also offers a sense of community where women are taught what to expect and how to deal with changes to their appearance. Since 1989, Look Good…Feel Better has helped improve the quality of life of 550,000 cancer survivors through its free services, which include group programs; one-on-one consultations; self-help materials; and a Web site, www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org. Reservations for Look Good…Feel Better at Memorial are available through the American Cancer Society at (337) 433-5817.
JANUARY 19
•Lushes with Brushes
Ronnie Collins will be at The Wine Store on Jan. 19 for Lushes with Brushes! Bring your favorite wine (or other beverage) and create your own version of one of his paintings, directed by the artist himself, and leave with a masterpiece all your own! The cost is $45 per person and limited to 16 people. E-mail thewinestorelc@yahoo.com to register.
JANUARY 20
•LOWV to hold Census 2010 meeting
"Everything you ever wanted to know and ask about the 2010 U.S. Census” will be presented by the League of WoMen Voters at a town hall meeting Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Room located at 1015 Pithon Street in Lake Charles. Panelists will be U.S. Census Bureau-DARCC Senior Partnership Specialist Dieter K. Krause and U.S.Census Bureau-DARCC Partnership Specialist Danielle Edwards.
Everyone has been reading and hearing about the 2010 census for over a year now and the League of WoMen Voters urges you to get the facts on how this census will affect this community. So, come prepared to have all your questions heard and addressed at this special meeting.
For additional information please contact Lollion Elmer, LWV Public Relations, 337-439-3896
JANUARY 21
•EPA reps to hold information session in Mossville
There will be a information session on the Preliminary Assessment in the Mossville community on Thursday, January 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Rigmaiden Recreation Center, 3825 Old Spanish Trail.
Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 (EPA) will be available to discuss and answer your questions. This is not a formal meeting. You will have the opportunity to talk directly with agency representatives in an informal setting. Participation is welcome.
The January 21 meeting is being held in a fully accessible facility. Should you have specific needs or questions about this facility’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Bill Little, U.S. EPA Community Involvement Coordinator/SEE at 1-800-533-3508 (toll-free) or 214-665-8131 (direct line).
JANUARY 28
•CPSO Bingo
Free to all senior citizens 55 years and older, CPSO is sponsoring a BINGO event on Thursday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the V.F.W. located at 4403 Hwy. 12 in Starks. Sandwiches will be available to all. Call 491-3626 or 263-4563 for more information.
•Chamber SWLA Banquet
Reserve your table for the 2010 Chamber SWLA Banquet. This year’s speakers, USA Today columnists Bob Beckel and Cal Thomas, will help everyone find some political ‘Common Ground’. The banquet will be held on Thursday, January 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can visit the Chamber SWLA website www.allianceslwa.org to register. The earlier you register, the better the placement.
JANUARY 30
•Mardi Gras pageant in Vinton
For the first time in Vinton there will be a Mardi Gras pageant for ages zero through the Mom’s. Last year the “Throw me something mister” pageant was held in Westlake, due to lack of a space in Vinton. This year the Vinton American Legion Post 208 has provided their space. The pageant will be held on Saturday, January 30. Competition for the youngest will begin early in the day with the Mom’s event concluding by around 6 p.m. The entry fee is $60. Hopefully winners will parade in the Vinton Mardi Gras parade. The numbers to call for more information and registration are 337-842-2193 (Penny) pborel73@yahoo.com and 337-563-1855 (Gwen).
FEBRUARY 1
•VFW Outstanding Young Volunteer Contest
The Outstanding Young Volunteer Contest is for outstanding youth who submit, by February 1, 2010, three letters of recommendation from the organizations for which you volunteer. Contact VFW Post 8107 for more details.
FEBRUARY 4
•Childbirth Education Classes at WCCH
Childbirth is a life changing experience. To help with the adjustment, the Labor and Delivery Department at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital offers whole-family support by conducting childbirth education classes for expectant mothers and their partners. These once-weekly classes cover childbirth preparation, breathing and relaxation techniques, parenting and breastfeeding. Upcoming childbirth education classes at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital are scheduled to begin on Monday, January 4 and will last until Monday, February 22. This seven-week series of classes is offered at no charge. The last class on Monday, February 22, will provide information on breastfeeding and is open to new or expectant parents wishing to learn more about the topic. Breast pump rentals and supplies will be available. For more information or to reserve a seat in these classes, call 527-4361.
FEBRUARY 6
•Citgo presents ‘Dancing Classrooms on Tour’, a fundraiser for The Whistle Stop
If getting in shape or learning to dance is a part of your New Year’s resolution then get your dance on with Daniel Gonzalez on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at CITGO Park in Sulphur. Learn the salsa, macarena, stomp, and cha cha slide.
This dance workshop is open to all age groups. Both individuals and couples are welcome. The cost includes a take home practice CD with music for salsa, swing, and line dances. All proceeds go towards The Whistle Stop, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children, and are tax deductible.
Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. that day with lessons starting at 1 p.m. The cost is $100 per person. Space is limited so please register in advance.
Comfortable dress and leather-sole shoes are recommended.
Contact The Whistle Stop for a registration form or information at 337-562-2344.
•Vinton 2010 Mardi Gras with a parade, live music, free gumbo and king cake.
The parade will include horse back riders, some in traditional mask and costumes, and floats. Hopefully the queens of the “Throw me something mister” pageant will provide royalty. Music will fill the air. The parade will begin on the corner of Grace Street and Horridge Street and end at the parking lot of City Hall. The smell of gumbo cooking will greet the revelers. Gumbo will be free for all and, of course, what would Mardi Gras be without the taste of king cake. Music will be provided by Big Daddy’s DJ.
Everyone is invited to come out and join in the Vinton’s Mardi Gras! Vinton is as always the “Gateway to Cajun Country” providing a small town, family-friendly celebration of Mardi Gras for the participants and the spectators. For more information, call Becky at 337-589-7453.
FEBRUARY 11
•CPSO AARP Driver Safety Program
CPSO is sponsoring an AARP Driver Safety Program on Thursday, February 11 from 9 to 1 p.m. There is limited seating and lunch will be provided. The cost is 12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Call 488-3559 or 263-4370 to reserve your seat. Classes will take place at 5400 E. Broad Street.
FEBRUARY 11 & 12
•Tank Truck Emergency Response Workshop
There will be a Tank Truck Emergency Response Workshop on February 11 and 12 at Carlyss Fire Department in Sulphur. Training hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This 16-hour course is dedicated to tank truck emergency response and was designed with the fire service and emergency response community in mind. Contact Sgt. Kelly Feet at kelly.feet@dps.la.gov or call 225-658-7208 for more information and/or to register.
FEBRUARY 13
•Jon Secada coming to the Delta Event Center
On Saturday, February 13, Jon Secada will be bringing his soulful voice and hits to the Delta Event Center for a one-night-only performance, starting at 8 p.m. One of the most gifted artists of our time, Jon is not only blessed with a soulful voice, but also with an artistry to create, write and produce music. Tickets for Jon Secada start at $25 and are available online at deltadowns.com or ticketmaster.com, at The Delta Downs Gift Shop, or to charge by phone call 1-800-745-3000. The Delta Event Center is an 800-seat venue located at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Highway 3063. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.
MARCH 31
•VFW Young American Creative Art Contest
Young American Creative Art Contest for Grades 9 through 12. Please submit a sketch, painting or drawing of a patriotic theme. The deadline is March 31, 2010. Contact VFW Post 8107 for more details. Contact VFW Post 8107 for more details.
ONGOING
•SHS 40th Reunion Class of 1970
The following names are graduates of Sulphur High’s Class of 1970 who have not been able to be contacted for the 40th class reunion. Please email raymond.venissat@yahoo.com, db52back@yahoo.com, classof1970shs@yahoo.com, or call (337) 62504842 and leave a message to be included in this event. Kathy Carroll Briggs, Terry Lee Carter, Karen Lucille Chandler, Kenneth Lee Cooley, Stephanie Jane Courter, Deborah Ellender, Eric Judson Ellzey, Janelle Gage, Judy Gray Gamboa, Michael Paul Jude Granger, Pat Guidry, Elizabeth Louise Howard, Dwight Hunt, Sherilyn Faye Smith McCarley, Jock Alan McGregor, Ernest Dale Melancon, Robert Michael Meriam, Susan McFatter O’Quinn, Michael E. Perry, Albert Lee Perry, Joe Allen Pryor, Thomas Dale Riggs, Bobbie Dale Robbins, Marlon Dale Roberts, Genny Lynn Romero, Jean Davis Shetley, Charles Sirmon, Clarence Michael Swire, James W. Taylor, Brenda Smith Thigpen, Deborah Walker, Rebecca Ward, Amber Catlon Ware, Daniel Weger, Larry Jean Williams, Robert Leo Williams, Arthur Ray Williams, David Keith Avery, Daniel Wallace Breaux, Elizabeth Collins, Gervis Dwayne Dousay, Kenneth Clay Floyd, Gerald Gordon Griffith, James Morgan Hearnsberger, James Gordon Hebert, Arlene Jones, Cynthia Louise O’Quain, Carolyn Glenn Peters, Ann Champagne Rassmussen, Ronald Rasberry, Raoul Ray Batchelor, Burley Keith Broussard, Lena Angel East Metcalf, Deborah Mouton Daniel, Ileda LaSalle David, David Allen DiGeorge, David Dunman, Cecil Ellender, Dale Roberts, Claire Rogers Sark.
•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 start Monday, January 11. 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.
•‘Art Behind Bars’ Showcase in Lake Charles
The Black Heritage Gallery, located at 809 Kirby Street, Lake Charles will be showcasing “Art Behind Bars” featuring the artwork of artists from C. Paul Phelps Correctional Center during the month of January, 2010. The Art Behind Bars program was supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by The Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA. Various art mediums will be displayed. Mrs. Vicki Gruca and Ms. Kathleen Rigler were the art instructors for the program.
•Care Help of Sulphur Needs Volunteers
Care Help of Sulphur - Volunteer Wheels & More asks you to “Resolve to Volunteer” in 2010. If you have three hours a week or a month, please consider helping your neighbor get to a medical appointment, run an errand or go grocery shopping. Friendly visitors are also needed to make weekly phone calls and once-a-month visits. Vehicle Liability insurance is provided.They will be holding volunteer training sessions on Friday, January 15 at 10 a.m. and Monday, January 18 at 2 p.m. at their Community Education Building, 112 E. Thomas Street. Attendance at one session is required. Please call Debbie Russell, 528-2273, for more information.
•LNG’s ‘Energized by the Environment: The Beauty of our Community’ Exhibit
Cameron LNG’s Photo and Drawing Contest entries will have their moment in the spotlight. The Henning House Cultural Center in Sulphur will host an art show exhibiting all entries submitted by contestants in Cameron LNG’s “Energized by the Environment: The Beauty of our Community” contest. The exhibit runs from December 14, 2009 through January 27, 2010 at the Brimstone Museum Complex, Sulphur. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until noon, and 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.brimstonemuseum.org
•CTC Holiday Gift Certificates
Holiday Gift Certificates are now on sale at The Childen’s Theatre Company (CTC). CTC is offering a limited number of Applause Season Memberships to give as gift certificates. According to Artistic Director Kerry Arthur Onxley, “This unique gift is something everyone in a family can enjoy for the entire year!” Families can experience professional productions developed especially for young people. Applause Season Memberships are available in Individual Packages (two tickets per production) for $50 and Family Package (four tickets per production) for $60. Each Applause Season Membership has a decorative card with an envelope. For more information, contact the theatre at 337-433-7323 or visit the website at www.childrenstheatre.cc
•Sponsors Wanted for new Community Garden
The Maplewood/Hollywood Lions Club is looking for sponsors for the new Sulphur Community Garden that is located next to the Lions Club building at 3310 Maplewood Drive. Any business or non-profit organization interested in sponsoring a garden bed should call Lion Nancy Tower at (337) 842-7849 or leave a message at the Club by calling (337) 625-2516.
•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.
•CFO Offers Saturday Morning Sports Injury Clinic
Center for Orthopaedics (CFO) will be offering a Sports Injury Clinic for high school athletes every Saturday morning beginning August 29. The Sports Injury Clinic will be open from 8 to 10 a.m. at CFO’s new Lake Charles office, located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. (just off Nelson, 1/2 mile South of Country Club). CFO’s staff of orthopaedic and sports medicine physicians and support staff have extensive experience in working with local and national high school, college and professional athletes. Walk-in patients with sports injuries are accepted and no appointment is needed. The Sports Injury Clinic is offered as a convenient service for area athletes and will continue throughout the high school football season. Call 721-7CFO for more information or visit www.centerforortho.com.
•Shots for Tots Program
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is a provider of the Shots for Tots program. The schedule is as follows: First Saturday of each month, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, 701 Cypress Street, Sulphur; First Saturday of odd months, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Vinton Medical Clinic, 1611 Hampton Street, Vinton; Second Thursday of each month, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dynamic Dimensions East, 602 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, Moss Bluff. There is a $10 fee for shots. Program is open to children, teens and adults. For more information, or for schedule changes, call (337) 527-4361 or visit www.wcch.com.
•WCCH Diabetes Support Group Held Monthly
The next Diabetes Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. in the hospital’s large east conference room. All meetings after this one will be held on the second Tuesday of each month in the hospital’s cafeteria conference room at 11:30 a.m.
