FEBRUARY 4
•Exceptional Citizen Party
VFW and Ladies Auxiliary 8107 will host an Exceptional Citizen Party on Thursday, February 4, from 6 until 9 p.m. Music by Sam Hewitt and Louisiana Dust. Please RSVP to 527-0246, 287-4591, 527-0075 or 527-7104. Leave a message if there is no answer.
•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 4 - 7
•Tickets for Pinocchio on Sale
The Children’s Theatre Company has tickets on sale now for Pinocchio. Performances will be staged on February 4 at 10 a.m. (school performance), 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m., and February 7 at 3 p.m. All performances are held at Central School of the Arts & Humanities Center (809 Kirby Street) located in downtown Lake Charles. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children. School performance tickets are $7 each. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the website at www.childrenstheatre.cc or calling the box office at 337-433-7323. The Children’s Theatre Company is now on Facebook.
FEBRUARY 5
•Contraband Days Announces Poster Contest
Artists of all ages are invited to enter their original works in the Contraband Days poster contest. The winning artist will receive $500 and have their winning entry reproduced on the annual festival poster which will be used for promotions and sold at Contraband Days. The deadline for artwork submissions for the contest is Feb. 5 to the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana in Lake Charles by 4:30 p.m. Call the Arts & Humanities Council at (337) 439-2787 or email cdc@artsandhumanitiesswla.org for specific entry details.
FEBRUARY 6
•Benefit Rummage Sale
On Saturday, February 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall (located at 401 Ash Street next to Sulphur High School), Paw Rescue and Cat Rescue girls will be holding their semi-annual Flea Market/Rummage Sale. All money raised will benefit the Spay/Neuter, TNR (trap, neuter, release) and Emergency Foster Care Programs. For those wanting to have picked up any clean, gently used items please call (337) 515-7477, (337) 515-7528, or (337) 287-1711. Items may also be dropped off at the K.C. Hall on Friday, February 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No contribution is too small. Donate and then come on by to shop. All donations are tax deductible.
•Citgo presents ‘Dancing Classrooms on Tour’
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
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.
•Benefit marathon hosted by SPAR Stars
The SPAR Stars running group, coached by AunJelle LaFleur, is hosting a benefit marathon on Saturday, February 6 for Jimbo Nope. Jimbo is the husband of a SPAR Star and is undergoing cancer treatments in Houston. In lieu of registration fees, donations and pledges for mileage ($1, $2, etc. per mile) are accepted and appreciated. Tech T-shirts commemorating the event can be ordered for $30 on race day. This race is not a sanctioned or closed course route. Not a runner? Volunteers are needed along the running route. Run should end before interfering with other Saturday activities. Run Day registration at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 Center Circle, Sulphur begins at 6 a.m. and ends promptly at 6:45 a.m. with the event starting at 7 a.m. For more information, call AunJelle LaFleur at 337-842-5879 or email at ajattack@gmail.com.
FEBRUARY 8
•17th Annual Krewe of the Golden Years Mardi Gras Gala 2010
The Calcasieu Council on Aging presents their 17th Annual Krewe of the Golden Years Mardi Gras Gala 2010 to be held on Monday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall. Enjoy a continental breakfast, plenty of music, dancing, and merriment. Delight in watching an entourage of beautiful costumes during the presentation of the Krewe of the Golden Years King and Queen. The Calcasieu Parish Nursing Home King and Queen presentations will begin at 10 a.m. Enjoy a delicious lunch served with all the trimmings. As always this event is free to all senior citizens. For more information, please contact the CCOA at 474-2583, ext. 210.
•Childbirth education classes scheduled at WCCH begins
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, February 8 and will last until Monday, March 29. This seven week series of classes is offered at no charge. The last class on Monday, March 29 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, please call (337) 527-4361.
FEBRUARY 9
•LDR to hold School Expense Tax Deduction forum
A new tax deduction is available for school tuition and supplies. To explain the new School Expense Tax Deduction, the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) announces a free community forum. Everyone is invited to attend. It will be on Tuesday, February 9, 6 p.m., at the Capital One Tower, 1 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, 12th floor.
Seating is limited. Attendees are urged to register by calling the Lake Charles LDR office at (318) 491 2597.
FEBRUARY 11
•WCAC Meeting
The West Calcasieu Association of Commerce will hold its monthly lunch meeting on Thursday, February 14, 12 noon, at the Holiday Inn--Sulphur at 330 Arena Road. This month's speakers will be Judd Bares and Oran Parker with Sweet Spot Telemedia in Sulphur. They will present timely information to help you promote your business or service using Facebook and Twitter. For more information on the second Thursday WCAC meetings or membership in the Association, please contact Janice Ackley at 337-533-1040.
•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
•Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride
Chickens, horses, bulls and more! Mardi Gras is definitely not limited to big city glitz and glamour. Experience a traditional Mardi Gras celebration with the Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride, including chicken runs and a trail ride parade on Saturday, Feb. 13. The trail ride starts and ends at the West Calcasieu Arena. Floats and horses are welcome to join in the festive cavalcade. Line up begins at 6:30 a.m., with the parade rolling at 8:30 a.m. Admission for trail riders is $5, and the proceeds will go toward the Carlyss Fire Department. For more information, contact Tatus Hoffpauir, parade chairman, at (337) 912-9780 or Cyndie Seaford at (337) 528-3508 or (337) 309-0509. For more information on Mardi Gras events, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or visit www.swlamardigras.com.
•Make Your Heart Race 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
The eighth annual “Make Your Heart Race” 5K and 1-mile Fun Run will be held on Saturday, February 13, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. This fun and healthy event, sponsored by The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Heart Center, GiGi’s Fitness Centers and KPLC-TV will include a variety of age group categories and the chance to win cash prizes. A wheelchair division will be available for all age groups. Entry fee for the 5K race is $25 for early registration (must be postmarked by February 5) and $30 on Race Day. Entry fee for the 1-mile Fun Run is $12 for early registration (must be postmarked by February 6) and $15 on Race Day. Late registration will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. on race day. This event will help benefit the American Heart Association. Participants can register online at www.christusstpatrick.org or call 491-7577 for more information.
•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.
FEBRUARY 15
•Mardi Gras Royal Gala Dazzles the Public
The Cinderella night of Mardi Gras comes to life on Mardi Gras eve, Monday, Feb. 15, with a lavish promenade of more than 50 krewes’ royalty in extravagant, glittering costumes before thousands of residents and visitors to the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum at 7 p.m. Kings and queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans, and jesters in museum quality costumes will be in full display, complete with music and dancing for everyone at the second largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana. Register for a chance to win a luxurious grand prize worth more than $500 from L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. One lucky attendant will walk away with a one night stay for two, two rounds of golf at Contraband Bayou Golf Club, dinner for two at Le Beaucoup Buffet and a breakfast room service for two. Must be present to win! Advance tickets to the Royal Gala are $5 and available at the following locations: Gordon’s Drug Store, Party Time Store, Medearis’ Costumes, Joseph’s Electric and the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office in Lake Charles. In Sulphur, advance tickets are available at Hamilton House, and in Moss Bluff, Moss Bluff Flower Shop. Tickets are $6 at the door. Children age 5 and younger are admitted free. The 2010 Royal Gala is sponsored by the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana and Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana. For more information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or visit www.swlamardigras.com for a full schedule of Mardi Gras events.
FEBRUARY 19
•Women’s Shelter Gems & Stems Fundraiser
The Calcasieu Women’s Shelter’s annual Gems & Stems fundraiser will take place on Friday, February 19, at Treasures of Marilyn’s in Lake Charles. This sparkling and innovative event benefits both the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Outreach. As guests enter, they may purchase beverages in stemware with velvet pouches attached. Inside this pouch is a gem of mountable quality. The silent auction may be viewed prior to dinner and dancing. A live auction will be featured after the Lenten menu dinner. By popular demand, Gervis Guidry and John Haley will return to provide dinner and dancing music. Gems & Stems provides much needed funding to provide for the Shelter and programs in our community that address domestic violence and sexual assault. Sponsors include Entergy, First Federal Bank, Cameron State Bank, L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, and ServiceMaster. Cocktails and the unveiling of the Silent Auction items begin at 6:30 p.m., with dinner and music set to begin at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $50 per person. Cocktail attire is requested. Contact the Shelter to purchase individual tickets or tables at 436-4552 or (800) 223-8066. Those who cannot attend but would like to make a donation to The Calcasieu Women’s Shelter & Rape Crisis Outreach, please mail your tax deductible donation to: CWS, PO Box 276, Lake Charles, LA 70602.
FEBRUARY 21
•Muller’s Annual Reunion
All former employees of Muller’s are invited to attend the Muller’s Annual Reunion covered dish on February 21, 2010 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Sale Street (across from K-Mart). The menu is Christmas party style covered dish. Cost is $5. For information please call Bobby Conner at 337-478-4361 or 337-309-5786.
FEBRUARY 25
•Class for Teen Girls at WCCH
Smart Choices for Teen Girls, a class offered by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, will be held Thursday, February 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in hospital’s cafeteria conference room. The class is designed for girls 12-15 years of age.
Dr. Jenny Thomas, pediatrician, with The Pediatric Center, will lead the class. Topics that will be discussed include building healthy relationships, pregnancy and abstinence, tips on improving self-image and information on coping with peer pressure. Cost to attend is $20. Class size is limited. Call (337) 527-4361 today to reserve space.
FEBRUARY 26
•2010 Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games Registration Deadline
Registration begins for the 2010 Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games. The Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games is a sports program designed to promote physical fitness and active involvement for individuals fifty (50) and older and to encourage all older individuals to improve the quality of their lives by being physically active, which promotes a wellness awareness and an active involvement in life. Entrants do not have to be an experienced athlete to compete. The registration deadline is Friday, February 26, 2010. For additional information or entry form, contact: Adele Mart at 721-4020 or 625-2145 or email her at amart@cppj.net or check out www.cppj.net for more information.
FEBRUARY 28
•SPAR Wall of Honor Nominations Deadline
The Wall of Honor Committee is now taking nominations for the 2010 honor. All nominations must be turned in by February 28, 2010 to be considered for the award. All names received will remain on a permanent list for the following years.
The goal of the Wall of Honor is to recognize and honor those individuals who have given their time and knowledge toward making the youth of Sulphur not only better athletes and sportsmen but also better individuals in life.
Mail nominations (no telephone calls will be accepted) to Sulphur Parks & Recreation, 400 Picard Road, Sulphur, LA 70663, or to Charles Schrumpf, 3801 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur, LA 70663, with the following information:
Name and telephone number of person nominated; family members' names; years of service; which sport(s) involved; in what capacity; basis for nomination; and name, address and telephone number of the person nominating.
The year's winner will be announced at the regular meeting of the SPAR Board of Directors in April.
MARCH 1
•First Monday in the Atrium at LCMH
The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is pleased to present First Monday in the Atrium, a musical interlude held on the first Monday of each month from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the atrium at Memorial Hospital on Oak Park Boulevard. March’s performance will be held on Monday, March 1, and will feature the McNeese Steel Band. First Monday in the Atrium is free and open to the public. The performances are made possible thanks to the generous support of Gold Sponsors - Business First Bank, The Eye Clinic and Todd & Associates, and Silver Sponsor - Rau Financial Group. For more information on First Monday in the Atrium or The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, please call (337) 494-3226.
ONGOING
•Saints Yard Signs for Sale - Benefits Haiti Quake Victims
Signs Now at 1400 E. McNeese Street is selling Saints Yard Signs ($10) and decals ($5). Proceeds will go to Haiti. Drop by to pick one up to support our State team while helping out those in need. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 494-5533 for more information.
•CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospice hosting Bereavement Group
CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospice is now hosting a bereavement group. The group meets each Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Spiritual Care Conference Room on the second floor of St. Patrick Hospital. The group is open to the community at large. For more information call CHRISTUS St. Patrick Home Care and Hospice 337-395-5600.
•Give A Day, Get A Disney Day
Rebuilding Together – Calcasieu is participating in Disney’s “Give a day, Get a Disney day” project. Anyone interested in volunteering with the organization can go to www.disneyparks.com and register. The volunteer must complete an eight hour work day and upon doing so they will receive an free ticket to any of the Disney Parks. For more information contact Rebuilding Together - Calcasieu at (337)478-1755.
•Care Help of Sulphur “Life Skills Classes” Schedule
February 12 - Interviewing Techniques; March 12 - How to Prepare A Budget; 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.
•Lions Offer Summer Jobs to Students
The Louisiana Lions Camp in Leesville is now screening applicants to be staff members for seven weeks this summer. The pay is $85 a week with one day off each week. Room and board is included. Counselors must be high school or college students at least 16 years of age. The 170 acre camp on Lake Vernon has operated for 40 years but has been in existence for 51 years. It has been a non-profit camp for special needs children. There are seven one week sessions for boys and girls with mental and physical challenges, diabetes and pulmonary disorders. The job of the counselors is to help run the camp and also assist the kids any way that is needed. The staff will assist in games, sports, talent shows, arts and crafts, movies, carnivals and contests. These jobs provide much more than a summer job. Most previous staff members leave with memories of a life time. For students that may consider the education or medical field, the summer would be invaluable to them. They learn the rewards of giving and loving and the feeling of helping people that are less fortunate. These kids, in the environment of the camp, are so happy there and have so much fun that being a part of that is very rewarding. Anyone interested in being a counselor this summer should apply as soon as possible as there is only 60 staff members a summer. The camp takes applications from the Lions Clubs from all over the state. Bill Levy is the coordinator for the Maplewood-Hollywood Lions Club and is available for any questions at 337-625-5755. For more detailed information about the camp and for applications, go to the website at www.lalions@lionscamp.org or www.lionscamp.org.
•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 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.
•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. Please call Debbie Russell, 528-2273, for more information.
•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.
•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.
Sulphur, La. —
