NOW through MAY 18
•Cans for Coffee
The Cans for Coffee food drive benefiting Abraham’s Tent will begin Tuesday, May 5, and run until Monday, May 18.
Visit any Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s to drop off a non-perishable food donation and receive your choice of any 12oz. McCafe coffee, including Mocha, Iced Mocha, Latte, Iced Latte, Cappucino, Premium Roast Coffee and Hot Chocolate.
Help make a difference by donating to Abraham’s Tent’s food bank. Abraham’s Tent provides an essential community service by offering the area’s hungry hot meals everyday, without requiring fees, criteria or limit to how often one can be served.
Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s, owned and operated by Doug Gehrig, are dedicated to serving and assisting the Southwest Louisiana community. For more information on Cans for Coffee, contact Jen Breen at 337-478-7396 or jbreen@ocarroll.com.
MAY 14
•Buddy Roemer to speak at WCAC meeting
West Calcasieu Association of Commerce invites you to attend the May Luncheon and Program. The Thursday, May 14th meeting will be held at noon at SPAR's Aquatic Center (933 West Parish Road). Guest Speaker is Buddy Roemer, former La. Governor. He will speak on "The Current U.S. Economy, the Current Economy in Louisiana, and the Current Economic Outlook for Southwest Lousiana." Catered lunch is $10 per person and reserved tables are available for $100. Members from area chambers, guests, and prospective members are welcome. RSVP Required to Janice Ackley, WCAC Executive Director, (337) 533-1040.
•Exceptional Citizen’s Dance
VFW & AUX 8107 will host an exceptional citizen’s dance on Thursday May 14, 2009 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. It will be held at 1235 E. Napoleon St.; RSVP to 527-5477 or 527-0075 or 527-3946.
MAY 15
•Calcasieu Food for Seniors and Food for Mothers and Children
The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services will be issuing Food for Seniors Food Boxes on Friday, May 15, 2009 in accordance with the following schedule:
Sulphur V.F.W. Post #8107, 1325 Napoleon Street, Sulphur, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Moss Bluff V.F.W. Post, Hwy. 171 and Joe Miller Road, Moss Bluff, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Christian World, 2001 E. Gauthier Road, Lake Charles, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Calcasieu Multi-Purpose Center, 2001 Moeling Street, Lake Charles, 12 noon to 3 p.m.
St. Henry Catholic Church, 1021 8th Street, Lake Charles, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
DeQuincy Fire Station, 300 N. Holly Street, DeQuincy, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Willie T. Garrick Center, 900 Garrick Road, Westlake, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Starks V.F.W. Post #4749, Hwy. 12 West, Starks, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Vinton Ward 7 Recreation, 1516 Horridge Street, Vinton, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Seniors who qualify to receive food boxes are encouraged to bring someone over the age of eighteen to assist with the carry out of their food boxes. For additional information, please contact the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services at (337) 437-3560 or (800) 543-7074. Rules for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap.
•Sulphur Garden Club Raffle
An original painting by Gloria Yang is being raffled by Sulphur Garden Club. Tickets are $1 and can be purchased at the Henning Cultural Center. The drawing will be held on May 15, 2009.
MAY 15, 22, 29, and JUNE 5
•Downtown at Sundown
The City of Lake Charles announces the line up for the eleventh annual Downtown at Sundown concert series. The event takes place at the Downtown Merchants’ parking lot at the corners of Ryan and Broad streets from 6-9 p.m. on four consecutive Fridays. The shows feature a variety of music from local and regional bands. Also offered are food and beverage booths, table top galleries, art sales and activities for kids. The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana partners in the planning and receives the revenue from beverage sales; this is one of their main fundraisers. Events such as Downtown at Sundown help establish downtown Lake Charles as a thriving urban community offering something exciting for its residents, businesses and visitors. Corporate sponsorships have made it possible for an estimated number of 1500 attendees each week to gather and enjoy the family-friendly event. The American Press, Entergy, Global Industries and Whitney National Bank have been faithful sponsors. Downtown at Sundown has been Voted “Best Music Event” for 5 consecutive years by the “Times of Southwest Louisiana.” This year’s line up will be: May 15 - Boomerang; May 22 - Soul Vacation; May 29 - City Heat; June 5 - The Bad Roads. If inclement weather prevails, the concerts will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center . Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, however, no outside beverages or pets are allowed on site. For more information, call the City of Lake Charles Arts and Culture Department at 337-491-9147 or visit www.CityOfLakeCharles.com
MAY 16
•SPD to hold Bicycle Rodeo, Registration
On Saturday, May 16, 2009, the Sulphur Police Department will hold a bicycle rodeo (safety course) and bike registration for ages 12 years and under.
The rodeo and bike registration will be held at the Wal-Mart Super Center on Hwy 108 in Sulphur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The bicycle rodeo (safety course) will teach the bicyclists the real world of skills they will need to ride a bicycle safely.
At the beginning of the course, they will have inspection and a quick check of each bike. The intent is not to make your bike like new or put it in good condition, but to check the bicycle for basic fit and condition.
Skills that will be covered will be fitting your bicycle helmet, hand signals, stopping/breaking, exiting a driveway or parking lot, riding a straight line – where to ride on the road and other great skills.
Thanks to Wal-Mart, the SPD will have some great prizes and refreshments will be provided by Victory Worship Center Children’s Church and Carlyss First Baptist Church Youth Group.
For more information and to register, call Mel Estess at 527-4590.
•Prien Lake Mall hosts Hurricane Expo
Prien Lake Mall and KPLC-TV will be hosting a free Hurricane Expo at Prien Lake Mall on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Hurricane Expo will focus on safety and preparedness this hurricane season. The Hurricane Expo will be a family-friendly event featuring vendors, KPLC-TV anchors and meteorologists and educational presentations.
Exciting giveaways include Sam's Club goody bags for the first 100 people to arrive and official KPLC-TV hurricane-tracking charts. Door prizes include a Sears chainsaw, a $250 Holland Stainless Steel Companion Gas Grill from Ferguson Hardware and Supply and many more prizes from Prien Lake Mall retailers. The complete list of prizes will be posted on the KPLC web site at http://www.kplctv.com/. A bounce house will also be onsite for kids to enjoy.
•SWLA Genealogical Society Meeting
The regular meeting of the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical Society, Inc. will be held on Saturday, May 16, in the Carnegie Meeting Room of the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Library, 411 Pujo Street, Lake Charles. The program will be “The Wayfaring Stranger” presented by Curt Iles of Dry Creek. Coffee and fellowship begins at 9:30 a.m. Guests are always welcome.
MAY 16 and 19
•Retirement Planning Course at Sulphur High
An educational retirement planning course for adults will be conducted at Sulphur High School. The instructor will be Troy L. Stine, a Registered Representative with NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Dates for the course are May 16 at 9 a.m. to 12 noon and May 19 at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuition is $49 (includes workbook). Call them today at 337-304-6366 with questions or to register. Class sizes are limited so register today. Advanced registration is required.
MAY 17
•LC Civic Ballet presents Lady Leah Lafargue School of Dance
The Lake Charles Civic Ballet proudly presents students of Lady Leah Lafargue School of the Dance in their spring performance to be held on Sunday, May 17, 3 p.m. in the Rosa Hart Theatre. Company members are slated to perform “Base Hit”, “Cherry Blossoms”, and “Pray for Peace”, all selections from the Civic Ballet repertoire. The public is invited to attend and the performance is free of charge.
MAY 20
•Leadership Success: How Women Defy the Odds
Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana is hosting a workshop presented by Dr. Candis Carr entitled "Leadership Success: How Women Defy the Odds" on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.
Do you have what it takes to navigate the path to leadership? Please join Dr. Carr to learn more and to discover for yourself what makes the biggest difference in defying the odds.
Children & Families Action Network (CFAN) members may attend for $10, and the regular fee is $25 for others. Please RSVP by e-mailing Ann Bruner at Ann@fyca.org or by calling 337-436-9533. Make all checks payable to: Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. The workshop is presented in partnership with Entergy, Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, and The Twenty-First Century Foundation.
MAY 22
•Animal Angels Presents: Come Look what the Cat Dragged In ...again
Events happen on Friday May 22, at Buccaneer Room at Lake Charles Civic Center. Doors open at 6 p.m., allowing you plenty of time to look over the many new and unusual silent auction items while enjoying the delightful music of the evening, generously provided by Skipper Drost and his Six Dollar a Day Band. There was so much fun last year, they decided to get together again. If you love animals and care about the community over-population crisis, this is where you need to be. Be prepared to enjoy a Doggone-Good cocktail buffet followed by Kitty-licious desserts. Hold on to your hats when the live auction begins! Local celebrities and dignitaries will be putting themselves and/or their wares up for bidding.
Tickets may be pruchased at Misha's Pets in Lake Charles or Sulphur. Tickets are $35 each or Corporate Tables at $500 each. For further information, donations or tickets please contact Marianne at 337-499-3582 or Dana at 337-499-3584.
MAY 23
•Sulphur Heritage Festival Jambalaya Cook-off
The 2009 Sulphur Heritage Festival Jambalaya Cook-off is right around the corner. Come join the fun on Saturday, May 23 at the Heritage Festival for a taste of the best jambalaya the lake area has to offer. This competition is open to businesses, individuals, or nonprofit organizations who have a desire to show off their cooking skills. There will be prizes for first, second, and third place winners, so be sure to use your best secret family recipe. If you haven’t reserved your team’s entry, you are not too late. You can still call 527-0357 to reserve your spot. The entry fee is $25 and can be paid at the Henning Cultural Center up to the day of the festival. Set-up is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and cooking is from 10 a.m. till noon, with judging to follow. All cooking must be done on-site, so bring your equipment. No equipment will be provided by the Henning Cultural Center except for basic power requirements. All proceeds from this cook-off go to the Brimstone Historical Society. The public is invited to attend this event, and for a small fee, can taste all of the different flavors of Southwest Louisiana jambalaya until the food runs out. For more information about this event, or to reserve your entry, please call 527-0357.
•Girl Talk Class
Girl Talk, a class offered by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, will be held Saturday, May 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Large East Conference Room inside WCCH, near the Stelly Lane entrance. It is designed for girls ages nine to 12 and their mother or guardian. There is a $10 fee for each girl attending, with a $20 maximum per family. Class size is limited, call 527-4361 to reserve space.
MAY 30
•Firearm Safety and Self-Defense Workshop
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will host, “Safe & Secure: A Ladies Firearm Safety and Self-Defense Workshop,” on Saturday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CPSO Training Academy located at 3958 Mallard Cove Dr. in Lake Charles. This free event is open to women from Calcasieu Parish who are 18 years of age and older. The firearms safety class will consist of classroom safety training which will include learning the legal issues in regard to carrying and using a gun for protection. Also, ladies will learn about different types of handguns, safety issues with having a gun in the home or car, and how to safely handle a gun. After classroom discussions each lady will get a chance to fire their weapons on the shooting range. Ladies are asked to bring their own handgun inside a carrying case or holster along with 10 to 12 bullets. If they do not have a handgun, the Sheriff’s Office will have some revolvers that can be used. The self defense workshop will include hands-on instruction in women’s self defense techniques, along with information on prevention of sexual assault, home safety and personal safety. This workshop will be taught by the CPSO deputies who are certified self-defense instructors. Ladies must pre-register to attend “Safe & Secure: A Ladies Firearm Safety and Self-Defense Workshop” by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 491-3850. Class size is limited.
•Hurricane Audrey Documentary
Fresh Media, Inc. has created a documentary on Hurricane Audrey that tells the story of eight hurricane survivors, including photos, stories and footage from archive records. It will premiere on May 30 at 7 p.m. at the F.G. Bulber Auditorium on McNeese’s Campus. Tickets to the event are free and will be available at the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the McNeese Connection and the Henning Cultural Center.
JUNE 6, JUNE 27 & JULY 18
•Carlyss Fire Dept works to help MDA
Make sure to watch for the Carlyss Fire Department as they hit the streets again this year in support of MDA. They have already collected once this year, bringing in close to $600. Their tentative dates for the 2009 Fill the Boot campaign are set for June 6, June 27, and July 18; weather permitting. The department has a goal of $2000 for the year.
You can call the local MDA office at 337-234-0088 for more information.
JUNE 12
•Care Help of Sulphur Life Skills: Budgeting Class
On Friday, June 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Care Help of Sulphur will offer a Life Skills class on budgeting. In this class you will learn why a budget is necessary, how to prepare a simple budget, how to avoid financial pitfalls, and how to repair bad credit. All Life Skills classes are free and open to all regardless of income. There will be a drawing for a Wise Penny Thrift Store gift certificate. Please call 528-2273 to sign up. Care Help is located at 112 E. Thomas Street.
JUNE 13 to 14
•Louisiana Sci-Fi Expo
Calling all Sci-Fi fans, Con. Du Lac—The Louisiana Sci-Fi Expo will be held at Enos Derbone Recreational Complex in Lake Charles, June 13 and 14, 2009.
The expo will combine science fiction, science fact (NASA and the National Weather Service), paranormal research, medieval arts crafts and combat demonstrations. There will also be mini-renaissance fair, acting workshops and more. Richard Hatch from Battlestar Galactica, who has been a part of both the original show in 1978 and the recent series on the SciFi channel written by Ronald Moore, will be a featured guest at this year’s expo. He will also be hosting an acting workshop titled “Acting from the Heart - Unleash Your Creative Vision: A Transformational Acting, Writing & Self-Expression Class.” In addition to Hatch’s appearance, panels on Star Trek and Star wars will be featured. Attendees of all ages are asked to dress up in their favorite Sci-Fi costumes for an intergalactic costume contest to be held on Saturday evening. Another event at the expo will be a presentation of various medieval fighting tactics from the Society for Creative Anachronism and the Amtgard groups from Lake Charles. The Star Wars fan group, the 501st (star garrison - Louisiana Bayou Bandits) will also be on hand to round out the Sci-Fi portion of the event. Con. Du Lac is presented by the Southwest Louisiana Science Education Foundation, a non-profit corporation. Tickets are on sale now through June 5th and are $25. Admission at the door will be $30 and children 10 and younger will get in for free. On Saturday, June 13, Lifeshare Blood Center will be hand for a limited time and all donors will receive $5 off their admission. All tickets are valid for both days of the event. For more information on Con. Du Lac, contact Justin Toney at 337-513-8927 or visit www.condulac.net and www.myspace.com/condulac. For general tourism information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 337-436-9588 or www.visitlakecharles.org.
OCTOBER 9 and 10
•SHS Class of 1999 Reunion
The Sulphur High class of 1999 is currently looking for classmate addresses in preparation for their 10th reunion. Addresses can be emailed to sulphurhighschoolclassof1999@hotmail.com. The reunion will be the weekend of October 9th and 10th.
ONGOING
•Summer Leadership & Career Exploration Program 2009
The Leadership Center for Youth offers a new innovative summer leadership program for students ages 10-17. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Membership is $50 per year. Summer fees are: Member rate $10 a week, Non-member rate $25 a week, Registration fee is $25 per child. Activities include weekly focus on art projects, culinary arts, sports competitions, field trips, academic focus on reading and lots of fun. Career exploration and guest speakers in areas of medicine, computer technology, banking, restaurant management, and government. The Leadership Center for youth is located at 2517 Ryan Street in Lake Charles, directly across the street from Casa Manana. You can also visit us on the web at www.fyca.org.
•Memories of World War II
Historic City Hall, Lake Charles. Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (337) 491-9147. Exhibit is open through June 13.
•Help Save Iggy’s Home!
On April 22nd, the Children’s Museum suffered from a devastating fire that destroyed nearly everything on the first floor including 17 exhibits and all of their animals except for Iggy the Iguana. With summer vacation only a few weeks away, museum staff members are working around the clock to clean the smoke damage from the second and third floors in hopes of reopening these areas as soon as possible. Insurance money will only cover a small portion of what was lost on the first floor. They are desperately seeking the help of the community to help quickly replace these exhibits and reopen the 3,600 square feet of damaged museum space. Donations can be mailed to the Children’s Museum, 327 Broad St. in Lake Charles, or dropped off at any Cameron State Bank location. To reach the museum, call (337) 433-9420.
•Wise Penny Thrift Store
Care/Help of Sulphur’s Wise Penny Thrift Store is having a sale. Every first and third Friday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all clothes, shoes, and purses are just 50¢ each. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fifty percent off sales everyday. Care/Help is located at 200 N. Huntington Street.
•POMC Monthly Meeting
The montly meeting for the parents of murdered children is held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 2409 2nd Street (across from St. Henry’s Church in Lake Charles). POMC is a support group helping families, friends and survivors of homicide with the resolution of grief. For more information, call 583-2602.
•Care/Help of Sulphur Bible Study Classes
Study the Bible with Pauline Rogers and Betty Coleman feeding your soul with basic Bible truths that can change your life for the better and forever. Classes are held every Tuesday morning at Care Help of Sulphur’s Social Service waiting room from 9 to 10 a.m. at 200 North Huntington St. They will have Bible’s available for each person attending. Don’t be intimidated by God’s very own words written especially for you, His child, as a guide for you life. You will be amazed at how basic God’s principles are to improve your life in getting closer to Him. This class is free and open to everyone regardless of income and open to all denominations. They look forward to meeting you as they start a journey getting to know each other in fellowship and discovering what God has to say to us through His written Word. No sign up, just show up as you are!
