Community Calendar of SWLA

OCTOBER 6
•CCOA Sulphur Fall Festival
The Calcasieu Council on Aging (CCOA) will be having their annual Fall Festival at Sulphur Parks and Recreation, located at 933 W. Parish Road in Sulphur, on October 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All guests will be treated to delicious gumbo with all the trimmings, music by the Sam Hewitt Band, dancing and fellowship. This event is sponsored by the City of Sulphur and Treasures of Marilyn. Desserts provided by AARP. For more information please call CCOA at 474-2583 or the Sulphur Senior Center at 527-4574.

OCTOBER 7
•Return of the Celebrity Servers (proceeds benefit the Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis Walk)
Local media personalities are once again teaming up with community leaders and elected officials to serve up a good time for a great cause. Return of the Celebrity Servers will be held 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, October 7 at O’Charley’s. This year’s servers include, Senator Willie Mount, Mayor Randy Roach, Mayor Chris Duncan, Representative A.B. Franklin, John Ieyoub, Mark Eckard, Judge Kent Savoie, Hal McMillin, Joey Alcede, Chief Don Dixon, Mark Kraus, Heather Ieyoub, Lee Peck, Adam Hooper, Jeff Jumper, Elizabeth Temple, Scooter Hobbs, Jeff Bennett, Laura Heller, Brad Puckett, Nancy Tower, Amanda Bird, and Rhonda Kitchens. Door prizes and silent auction items have been donated by MB Rich Jewelers, Diamond Durrel’s, Bijoux Fine Jewelers of Sulphur, Tiger Nation, and Academy Sports. Proceeds benefit the Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis Walk, being held in honor of former Lake Charles American Press sports writer, Brian Guilbeau.
•Late Nite Catechism Play
Support the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Outreach Center by purchasing your ticket now for “Late Nite Catechism.” Late Nite Catechism is an uproariously funny play that takes the audience back to their youth. The irrepressible ‘Sister’ teaches class to a roomful of ‘students.’ The play is on October 7 at the Rosa Hart Theatre. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30, $40, and $50 and can be purchased at the Lake Charles Civic Center or Ticketmaster.

OCTOBER 8
•Elliott Erwitt: Dog Dogs Exhibit
The City of Lake Charles will host a new traveling exhibition Elliott Erwitt: Dog Dogs. The public is invited to the opening reception Friday, October 8 from 6-9 p.m. at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street. There is no charge to attend, all ages are welcome and refreshments will be served.

OCTOBER 9
•Fall BBQ at Maplewood-Hollywood Lions Club
Maplewood-Hollywood Lions Club will be holding there annual Fall BBQ on October 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lions Club on 3310 Maplewood Drive. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 626-9752, please leave message. Dinners will consist of 1/2 chicken, potato salad, baked beans, bread and dessert for only $7.
•Pumpkin Patch Pumpkins Arrive in Sulphur
The church grounds of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will once again be covered with big orange pumpkins. The pumpkins are scheduled to arrive on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 9 a.m. It is always so much fun to unload the pumpkins, and the church would appreciate any help in doing so. If anyone is interested in helping them, please feel free to join them that morning. There will be service certificates for members of groups from the local schools, scouting groups, etc. The Pumpkin Patch will be open until October 31, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays, and 12 noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. School classes, daycare facilities and grandparents bring children to Pumpkin Patch Storytime, which is conducted by a former kindergarten teacher. There are two classes on 10 different days. Storytime is a gift to the children of the area from the church. Call the church office (625-4288) to schedule a visit. Picnics can be held in the Pavilion if arrangements are made beforehand. Those with a sweet tooth can purchase delicious pumpkin bread made by members of the church. The proceeds from the sale of pumpkins, gourds, and pumpkin bread fund Holy Trinity’s outreach projects, such as providing Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, donations to mission trips, etc. There are wonderful locations in the Patch for photo taking, along with free games for the children to enjoy. Make sure you plan a trip to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s Pumpkin Patch located at 1700 Maplewood Drive in Sulphur.
•Benefit Ride for Methodist Children’s Home
A benefit ride for the new Methodist Children’s Home of Southwest Louisiana will be held on Saturday, October 9. The new home is located north of the intersection of Hwy. 27 and Houston River Road, north of Sulphur. Local participants will arrive at the site by 11:15 a.m. to greet a group of supporters from the Lafayette area, including bikers and cars with passengers, who will arrive at the new Methodist Children’s Home of Southwest Louisiana at approximately 11:30 a.m. Special events for the day include Music by “Subject 2 Change” and Josh Broussard, food, door prizes, auction, and bike games. Bikers, cars and vans welcome to attend. Registration costs for bikers are $20 per bike, includes driver and passenger. Registration costs for cars or vans, $20 per driver, $10 per car passenger, and $5 for children under 12, registered participants receive tickets for food and door prize. Early registration participants will receive a free T-shirt. Construction for the new home began in October 2009. The new home will welcome children to the facility in January 2011. More information about the Children’s Home can be found at www.lmch.org. To request a registration form, Contact Doug Hall at 985/860-5247, dhall@lumcfs.org or Libby at 337/456-6116, luckycat200@att.net or sue_crise@yahoo.net
•Open House Scheduled at WFD
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, the Westlake Fire Department, 2401 Guillory Street (across from Westlake High School), will be having an Open House on Saturday, October 9. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature hot dogs, drinks, and demonstrations. The public is invited to come by for a visit.
•Stepping Up for Downs
It’s time to step out and STEP UP for Downs. Southwest Louisiana is home to many angels with Down Syndrome and they need your continued help and support. For the past seven years UP4DOWNS, a local non profit support group, has gathered for a fun filled day of community spirit, education, food, games and a walk to remember. Formerly known as the Buddy Walk, this year’s Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is set for Saturday, October 9 at the Sports Complex on the McNeese campus off Common Street. Registration begins at 9 a.m., the walk is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. with face painting, moon jumps, great food, dancing and kids games to follow from 10 a.m. to noon. The 2010 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is the primary fund raiser for UP4 DOWNS, which is committed to raise community awareness and understanding of the special abilities of children and adults with Down Syndrome. UP4DOWNS’ mission is to offer education, activities and support for our citizens with Downs and their families. There are several levels of registration for this fun filled event, which includes participation in the walk, t-shirt (guaranteed for pre-registration entries), lunch and drinks with hours of entertainment and prizes. Event t-shirts will be available the day of the walk on a first come first served basis. Individual registration is $10, family of two registration is $20, family of three registration is $25, and family of four registration is $30. To form your own team for the walk, contact Debbi Seaux at 582-6138 or 309-7530.
•Swinging Rebels Square Dance Club Fall Festival
The Swinging Rebels will hold a Fall Festival on Saturday, October 9, starting at 7 p.m., 809 Mulberry Street, Westlake. Early rounds will be from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the cuers will be Mark and Pam Prow from Seabrook, Texas. Squares will be from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with Stu Ringer of Houston as the caller. There will be refreshments provided and the cost is $7 per person. If you need information about the Fall Festival, call 436-9970.

OCTOBER 9 and 23
•Hart Eye Center Free Eye Screenings
Hart Eye Center of Lake Charles will hold free eye screenings on October 9 and 23 to help people protect their vision from the damaging effects of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. To schedule a free screening, you must call Hart Center at 439-4014 to make an appointment. For more information on free eye screenings or to check for future dates and schedule changes visit www.harteyecenter.com or call 439-4014.

OCTOBER 10-12
•Animal Rescue Groups Event
Area animal rescue groups invite the public to join them for the Fall "2nd Chance at Love" National Adoption weekend, October 10 through October 12, at Pet Smart in Lake Charles. There will be many wonderful dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens available for adoption. All are anxiously awaiting a forever home.
The dogs and puppies are heartworm free, have been spayed or neutered, and are current on all vaccinations. The cats and kittens have been tested and found negative for feline lukemia, aids, and heartworms, have been spayed or neutered, and are current on all vaccinations. Can't adopt? Unable to foster? Not to worry, there will be volunteers on-hand to explain the many other ways to help. The LAPAW Animal Rescue and T.N.R. group will be tempting your tastebuds with ice cold lemonade and delicious homemade sweets. Hobo Hotel and the Humane Society have teamed up to serve cokes and hot dogs.
Please join them for a rewarding experience.

OCTOBER 12
•WCCH Diabetes Support Group Meeting
Koni Bridges, LCSW, BCB, BCPCC, social worker, will be the featured speaker at the October 12 diabetes support group meeting at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Bridges will highlight the importance of staying motivated with a diagnosis of Diabetes. The diabetes support group at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the hospital’s cafeteria conference room. There is no charge to attend these monthly meetings. For more information, please call (337) 527-4282.
•Shoulder Smart Seminar
A Shoulder Smart Seminar will be held with Geoffrey Collins, MD on Tuesday, October 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Center for Orthopaedics located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles. Call 721-2903 to pre-register.

OCTOBER 14
•Annual CONOCO Luncheon
SW Louisiana CONOCO retirees and spouses (including former refinery employees who transferred to Chemicals), are invited to the annual covered dish get together. The 2010 luncheon will be held Thursday, October 14, 2010, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Managan Recreation Building at the corner of Sampson and McKinley in Westlake. It will be a time to visit and renew old friendships and make new ones. Each single or couple should bring a main dish, a vegetable, a salad or a dessert. For more information, call:  Kathy Trahan @ 656-2349
•Pumpkin Patch Storytime again
Beginning the morning of October 14, Frances Wynn, retired kindergarten teacher, will present stories, songs and games at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch on Maplewood Drive. All Kindergarten and Pre-K classes, as well as any nursery schools or day cares are invited to bring their groups free of charge. Groups are also encouraged to plan a picnic under the pavilion. Call Mrs. Wynn to reserve a time at 527-5179.

OCTOBER 16
•Lake Charles Sail & Power Squadron-Public Boating Course
Americas Boating Course, anchorage from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To RSVP for the public boating course, please contact Ship-to-Shore at 337-474-0730. For more information on the Lake Charles Sail & Power Squadron, please see their web site at www.lcsps.org.

OCTOBER 27
•Works Pays Job Fair for People with DisAbilities
On October 27, the Calcasieu Parish Business & Career Solutions Center is having a "Works Pays Job Fair for People with DisAbilities" from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information visit: www.work-pays.org or call 225-342-7651.

OCTOBER 29-31
•Sesame Street Live in Lake Charles
Audiences in Lake Charles are invited to make a world of adventure come to life with Elmo, Abby Cadabby and friends as the stage lights come up on Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends”. This imagination-inspired musical will make a stop at Lake Charles Civic Center (Rosa Hart Theater) from Friday, Oct. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 31. Tickets for all five performances go on sale Monday, Sept. 20. Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. The universal appeal of each Broadway-quality musical production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written script, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children. Performance times are as follows:
Friday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. (*Opening Night Discount)
Saturday, Oct. 30, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 31, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12, $16 and $21. A limited number of $27 Gold Circle seats and $45 Sunny Seats** are also available. *Opening Night, all seats (excluding Gold Circle and Sunny Seats) are $12. A facility fee of $0.75 will be added to all ticket prices. Additional fees and discounts may apply. **Special $45 Sunny Seat packages are available at all shows. Sunny Seats feature front row seats and a pre-show Meet & Greet with two Sesame Street Live friends. For more information, call the Civic Center Box Office at 337-491-1432. To charge tickets by phone, please call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. For information online, please visit www.sesamestreetlive.com. Become a fan of Sesame Street Live on Facebook.

ONGOING
•Team Matthew Seeks Your Help
Matthew Lucas, a precious little four-year-old diagnosed with cancer just three week after turning four on June 27, needs help from the community. Matthew is the son of Marc and Jessie Lucas of Suphur, and the grandson of Wayne and Aleata Tharp of Vinton, Kent and Linda Lucas of Lake Charles, and Janet Clark in Michigan. Medical expenses are mounting and an account has been set up at Cameron State Bank for anyone wishing to make a donation. Please use Matthew’s first name when speaking to the teller. The family is also asking everyone to remember Matthew in their prayers. With the prayers of family, friends, the community, and those being said around the world for him, his family feels he will be okay. This is the reason behind calling this fundraiser “Team Matthew,” because with everyone working together we are a team. The family would like to say thank you to all the people who have already helped. It is wonderful to know that so many are willing to give of their time and money to help little Matthew. Matthew has a fan page on Facebook so you can follow his progress. Thanks to everyone for all your help and prayers.
•Section 8 Waiting List
The Calcasieu Parish Housing Department will be accepting applications for placement on the Section 8 waiting list at the following locations: DeQuincy - First Church of God in Christ Fellowship Hall, October 11, 621 S. Grand Avenue, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Lake Charles - Office of Community Services, October 12 through October 15, 2424 3rd Street, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
•Extended Day Care at Henning
W.T. Henning Elementary School has added an after school extended day care program for this school year. Anyone interested in registering their student should call the school office at 217-4840 for more information. The extended day program will be until 6 p.m. each day and during major holidays.
•Care Help-Life Skill Classes
Care Help of Sulphur’s Life Skills Classes have changed to every second Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Social Service Waiting Room. Upcoming classes are slated for September 8 - Budgeting, October 13 - Resume Writing, November 10 - Skills Assessment, December 8 - Budgeting. Seating is limited, so call 528-2273. Free and open to all regardless of income. Visit our website www.care-help.org and visit us on Facebook.
•Sulphur Kiwanis Club Meeting
The Sulphur Kiwanis Club meets each Wednesday at noon in the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital conference room located at 701 Cypress Street in Sulphur.
•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.
•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: 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 Sulphur, Lake Charles, Westlake and Cameron.
•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.
•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.