JANUARY 27
•Mardi Gras Community Dance
Community Inclusion and Families Helping Families present the Mardi Gras Community Dance Jan. 27 at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 6–8 p.m. This is a unique and special event for people with equally special abilities to enjoy. Enjoy great music, popcorn and refreshments.
JANUARY 28
•Ulster Meeting in Westlake
An Ulster meeting will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Managan Center in Westlake. Families are encouraged to bring a new family. A total of six girls and four boys are needed for this year. Two youth leaders are also needed along with money and prayers. Board Members are Phil Johnson, president; Barbar Hogan, vice president; Nannette Lonkowski, treasurer; Paula Johnson, secretary; Brent Borill, program coordinator; and Judy Ward, Catholic coordinator. The retreat director is Jesse Menard.
•CPSO to host Free Bingo In Starks
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Elderly Services Division will host a free bingo and sandwich lunch on Thursday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the V.F.W. located at 4403 Hwy. 12, Starks. This free event is for Calcasieu Parish senior citizens 55 years old and older. For more information, call 491-3626 or 263-4563.
•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.
•Motorcycle Awareness Campaign SWLA Meeting
For those interested in motorcycle safety, this one’s for you. The Motorcycle Awareness Campaign (MAC) Southwest Louisiana’s meeting will be held, Thursday, January 28 at Piccadilly’s on Ryan Street. The doors open at 6 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m.
JANUARY 28 - JANUARY 29
•Wellness Tour Coming to Sulphur and Lake Charles
A big red bus equipped to deliver $60 million worth of free health screenings is coming to Sulphur and Lake Charles as part of the national AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour. The Wellness Tour offers all adults 18 and over six free health screenings: bone density, cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass analysis. No appointment is necessary, results are immediate and from start to finish all six screenings take around 20-25 minutes. The free screenings are conducted inside the vehicle and are valued at more than $140. Free one-year AARP memberships will be given to all adults who receive screenings. The tour will be in the Lake Charles/Sulphur area for the next 10 days. The following is a list of locations for January 28 and January 29: Thursday, January 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Walgreens, 4097 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 70605; Friday, January 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Walgreens, 1021 Beglis Pkwy, Sulphur, LA 70663 For video and photos, please visit: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/aarp-walgreens/37888/
JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 6
•Southwest Louisiana District Livestock Show and Rodeo & Heritage Days
The Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off its week of festivities Jan. 29–30 with a trail ride and parade in downtown Lake Charles. The livestock shows begin on Monday, Feb. 1 and continue through the end of the Rodeo, Feb. 6 at the Burton Coliseum. The rodeos will be held Feb. 4-6 and begin at 7:30 p.m. each night. Western Heritage Days, held in conjunction with the Livestock Show and Rodeo, will be Saturday, Feb. 6, and celebrates the spirit of the cowboy and the wild outdoors. Enjoy activities such as story-telling, stick horse rodeo which begins at 10 a.m., petting zoo, music, food and a shoot out at high noon! The Southwest Louisiana District Livestock Show & Rodeo & Heritage Days was selected by the Southeast Tourism Society at a Top 20 Event for 2010. Contact Blain Crochet at 337-802-4879 or Jeff Miller at 337-661-4240 for information. Tickets for the rodeo are available at www.harperrodeo.com and at Burton Coliseum.
JANUARY 30
•Children’s Miracle Network Hosts Health and Information Event for Kids
Kids Matter an event focused on children up to 17 years old and their families will be held on Saturday, January 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Prien Lake Mall. Brought to the community by KPLC, Children’s Miracle Network of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, Kids Can and community groups dedicated to the well-being our children. Local organizations will be on hand to provide childhood immunizations, H1N1 vaccinations, fun learning activities and information on services available such as: growth and development, childhood obesity, foster care, adoption, child abuse, summer community program, exercise, mental health, fire safety, and much more. This event is free and open to the public. For more information call Louise McDaniel at 491-7555.
•Fly Fishing Club Hosts Clinic
On Saturday, January 30, the Contraband Flycasters, the fly fishing club of Lake Charles will host dozens of fly fishermen from throughout the area and around the state. The one day event will be held at the Southwest Louisiana Fishing Club building, located adjacent to the I-210 boat launch an parking area, and will run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Fly fishing is not just for trout streams. Come and learn how to use this very effective fishing technique to catch everything from bluegills to redfish. Highlights of the day’s activities will include:
- Registration (complimentary coffee and pastries will be served.)
- Fly tying and fly casting demonstrations
- Presentations by regional/nationally known fly tiers
- Casting clinis held by certified casting instructors
- Kayak exhibits, demonstrations and test rides
- Learn the basics needed to fly fish for bluegills to redfish
- Auction of various fly fishing and related equipment/materials
- Raffles and door prizes
- Food and refreshments (Cajun jambalaya along with hot and cold drinks will be available for a nominal fee at the midday break.)
Contraband Flycasters extends to all invitation to attend the event and experience fly fishing in Southwest Louisiana. There is no charge for registration and participation and everyone young, old, or in between is invited to come out and enjoy a day of fly fishing and fellowship. The Club meets every third Tuesday of each month at the Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church on 1620 East Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. For more information call Ronnie Foreman at 337-842-1439.
•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. 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.
•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 & 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 . The next performance is on Monday, February 1, and will feature the soothing jazz sounds of the Rick Condit Trio. “Each month we see new faces in the audience, many of whom are community members who have heard about First Monday in the Atrium and just want to spend a few minutes of their day surrounded in such a relaxing atmosphere,” said Leif Pedersen, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at Memorial. “Music truly lifts the spirit of all who attend the series and we can all use this at least one day a month.” 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.
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.
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.
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
•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 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.
ONGOING
•Vinton Organizations Issue Challenge for Haiti Relief
In order to help relief efforts in Haiti, Vinton’s VFW Post 9854 donated $250, the American Legion Post 208 donated $250, and the American Legion Post 208 Ladies Auxiliary donated $300. They issue a challenge to all area organizations to donate as soon as possible to the cause.
•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 our 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.
•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.
