October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Oasis, a Safe Haven for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence, is hosting a series of events. There are multiple events every week across the region including a Walk from Vinton to Lake Charles (27th). For more information, call Oasis at 337-436-4552.

The USS Orleck dares everyone to visit their experiment in terror - The Bludd Vessel which will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October (and October 30 and 31). Ship hatches will open at 7pm. For information, call 337-214-7447, email info@orleck.org , or find them on Facebook.

The Institute for Industry-Education Collaboration at McNeese State University is offering the following classes: Basic Metallurgy (October 22, 8 am - 5 pm, $250); and DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation (HM-181) (November 3, 8 am - 5 pm, $300). For more information or to register, call 337-562-4139 or e-mail iiec@mcneese.edu

McNeese University's Leisure Learning has even more classes of interest to the business community! Basic Blacksmithing Skills starts Tuesday, Oct 23; Microsoft Excel I: an Introduction starts Thursday, Oct 18; Creative Clay with Tracy LeMieux starts Thursday, Oct 18; Jitterbug starts Monday, Oct 22;  QuickBooks II, Setting up Payroll, Financial Reports & Misc. Transactions starts October 29; Sushi is rescheduled to Oct 30; PowerPoint, Level I: Creating a Presentation begins Oct. 30; Where I'm From: A Workshop Approach to Writing from Life begins, Tuesday, Oct 16. To register, call 337-475-5616. Go to their website: www.mcneese.edu/leisure for more class descriptions.

The Women's Commission of SWLA, Inc. will be hosting the Annual Women's Fall Conference this Thursday, October 18th in the Lake Charles Civic Center. 

Movies Under the Stars continues with My Big Fat Greek Wedding (October 19), and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (October 26). Movies Under the Stars is a free event to the public. Each movie will begin at 6pm. Residents are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and food. Snacks can also be purchased on-site. Prien Lake Park is located at 3700 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. In the event of inclement weather, dates may be cancelled. For more information please call 721-3500.  

The Cans for Coffee food drive benefiting Abraham's Tent began Monday, October 15, and will run until Monday, October 29, with each donor receiving a free McCafé coffee beverage from McDonald's. All Calcaseiu Parish locations are participating.

Tickets are now on sale for the first Wine Down: Vino 101 event scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, at the Lake Charles Country Club. The event will kick off at 6pm and will feature wine basics in a fun, casual atmosphere. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about different types of red and white wines from Nathaniel Allured, area manager for Republic National Distributing Company's wine division. The wine will be paired with delicious food samplings. Tickets are $35 each and proceeds will benefit the Calcasieu Community Clinic which serves more than 2,000 patients in the community and provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical services and pharmaceuticals to underinsured citizens in the Lake Area. Each ticket is an entry to win one of 12 door prizes. Tickets can be purchased at the following Lake Charles businesses: The Wine Store (4070 Nelson Road, #100), Mimosa Boutique (3101 Ernest St., Ste. 1) and Healthy Image Marketing (836 University Drive). For more information on purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, call (337) 478-8650.

The BeauCARE Afterschool Program will sponsor a Lights On Afterschool rally on Thursday October 18th at 3:30pm.  The rally will be one of more than 7,500 such events around the nation that day, the 13th Annual Lights On Afterschool, organized by the Afterschool Alliance. The event will focus on keeping the "lights on" and expanding afterschool opportunities so that every child who needs a program has access to one.  A live action tour and screening of the community engagement DVD "Middle School Moment" will be at 4pm in the Blue Building with a discussion afterward.  Attendees will each receive a compact fluorescent lightbulb and light refreshments will be served.  Also at the event, parents and supporters will be asked to sign a petition that urges lawmakers not to deny or divert funding for afterschool programs. Invitees to the Lights On Afterschool rally include Mayor Ron Roberts, School Board Chair Tim Cooley, as well as local business leaders, educators and other officials. The event will showcase the significant contributions that BeauCARE's afterschool program makes to DeRidder: keeping kids safe and healthy, inspiring them to learn, and relieving working parents of worries about their children's activities during the afternoon hours. Parents, supporters, and community members are invited to attend. It will take place at BeauCARE located at 628 High School Drive in DeRidder.

The Better Business Bureau is hosting their B2B Breakfast on October 19, from 8am to 9am at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Admission is $10 for BBB members, $15 for non-members. Call 478-6513 or email cmillion@suddenlinkmail.com to register or for more information.

The Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer Foundation is now taking applications for any local companies or individuals who are interested in setting up a booth at the annual Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer Walk. As business owners you understand the value in positive advertising, and the Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer walk is a perfect opportunity to promote your brand and interact with over 3000 walk participants. The walk is set to take place October 20, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.   If your company is interested in setting up a booth or getting more information on the matter, please contact Annette Garber at 337-475-4102 or email Annette at annette.garber@women-childrens.com.

The Hector San Miguel Memorial Fund is now seeking nominations for the second annual award to be bestowed in the former American Press reporter's honor. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, the goal is to bestow an annual award stipend for a recipient selected by the fund's advisory board. Recipients must meet the following criteria: Outstanding achievement in journalism and/or relentless pursuit of the truth, must live in the five-parish region or their work shall have impacted Southwest Louisiana, and must be nominated in writing no later than October 19. Written nominations, including a brief description of the candidates' work, can be mailed to the attention of the Hector San Miguel Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, PO Box 3125, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70602, sent via fax to (337) 491-6710, emailed to lverrette@foundationswla.org or delivered to any advisory board member. No clips, videos or other supporting material are to be submitted but contact information is requested for those making nominations. Current journalists may be nominated, and non-journalists who relentlessly pursue the truth may also be nominated.

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department is hosting a special event to educate seniors and small business owners about health benefits and programs available to them. The event is entitled "The Health Care Law and You" and will take place October 22, from 9am to 11am at the Allen P. August Multi-Purpose Center Annex on 2000 Moeling Street in Lake Charles, LA 70601. For more information please contact the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department at 337-721-4030 ext. 8937.

On October 22, there will be a Work Pay$ Job Fair from 9:30am to 12:30pm at the Lake Charles Civic Center. This job fair will help willing and disABLEd workers find employment. A strong workforce is an Inclusive Workforce. For more information, visit www.WORK-PAYS.org.

BNI-Lake Charles Chapter is hosting a Visitor's Day and cordially invites everyone to a Networking Luncheon at Reeves Uptown Catering (1639 Ryan Street) on Tuesday, October 23, noon to 1:30pm. Admission is $13 per person. Pre-registration is required, so please contact Becky Franks at becky.franks@manpower.com or 337-431-7134.

Performance Employee Assistance & Business Services is providing the following workshop as part of their 2012 Employee Relations Workshop Series: Job Performance - What Guarantees Individual Success? Did you know that 80% of all performance problems can be attributed to a lack of expectations, standards, and feedback? This workshop will be on October 24, from 8:30am to 10:30am in the Family & Youth Conference Room. Register at www.fyca.org/erworkshops.html or contact Sue at 337-436-9533 or sue@fyca.org.

Once again, the City of Lake Charles is teaming up with the Louisiana Crossroads concert series in the Central School Theatre. The concert series is known for its trademark mix of music and conversation, which includes moderated artist and audience question and answer sessions. The program airs via 100,000-watt regional National Public Radio affiliate KRVS, simultaneously streaming audio worldwide via krvs.org. The season premiere will take place at 7pm, Wednesday, October 24, with a very special performance by Grammy-Award winning Cajun super-group BeauSoleil. Advance tickets for the Lake Charles shows are $10 and can be purchased at the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana on the second floor of Central School or on line at www.louisianacrossroads.org. Tickets at the door will be $12. For more information, please call (337) 491-9159 or visit the department of cultural affairs at www.cityoflakecharles.com.

The World Trade Center of New Orleans, Chevron, and the State of Louisiana will host the Ambassadors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for a two day event promoting trade and investment opportunities in both the ASEAN and Gulf Coast regions. The nations represented by their respective Ambassadors include: Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand. The Ambassadors and representatives from state, local, and national public and private entities will convene on Friday, October 26 for a program that will include presentations, individual meetings, and a luncheon with a special keynote speaker. General inquiries can be directed to asean@wtcno.org. Please visit www.wtcno.org/asean for more information.

Dr. George "J." Trappey IV, orthopaedic surgeon and shoulder specialist, will be the speaker at "Reach for Shoulder Pain Treatment," on Thursday, October 25, at Center for Orthopaedics in Lake Charles. The seminar will begin at 5:30pm. Seating for the seminar is limited and pre-registration is requested. Refreshments will be served. Center for Orthopaedics is located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles. Call 721-2903 or register online in the event section of www.centerforortho.com.

Habitat for Humanity is having a Baked Chicken Plate Lunch Fundraiser on October 26. For $8, you will get a Baked Chicken Leg Quarter, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Bread and Dessert. Pick up time is from 10:30am to 1pm. Orders of 15 or more can be delivered. Call Tony at 497-0129.

The Literacy Council is hosting an event at Central School on Saturday, October 27th from 5pm to 9pm. For more information, contact Tommeka Semien at 337-494-7000.

MADD, Mothers against drunk driving, is having their first walk on October 27 at Prien Lake Park. Registration starts at 7am and the walk starts at 9am.  Sign up on line at WALK LIKE MADD.org. There will be great prizes and zumba to warm up. If you have lost a loved one to drunk driving or you are a victim, please attend. They will have a balloon release at the end of the walk to remember our lost loved ones, so please bring a picture of your loved one.

The SWLA Alliance is hosting an ITA workshop on October 30, on Building Customer Loyalty. In the world of non-profits, it is more important than ever to keep and nurture the customers, volunteers, and donors that you already have on board. This event is perfect for Executive Directors and front-line staff for non-profits. It will be held at the McNeese Alumni Center from 8:30am to 10:30am. RSVP to Gaye Courville at gcourville@allianceswla.org.

The Healthy Woman program at Women & Children's Hospital will host their next free seminar on Thursday, November 1.  The topic is "Survive the Holidays" featuring Dennis Miller, M.D. and Hilma Lisa Green, M.D. with Lake Area Physician Services. The event will be held at the Lake Charles Country Club and will include light refreshments and door prizes.  Doors open at 5:30pm and the program begins at 5:45pm.  Register by October 26 by visiting www.women-childrens.com/healthywoman or call Nadia Nazeer at 337-475-4064.

The Wishing Well Gift Shop at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital will hold its Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 8 from 7:30 am until 7pm.

The City of Lake Charles Mayor's Armed Forces Commission will host the City's annual Veterans Day observance activities beginning with the Veteran's Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, Lakeshore Drive, on Saturday, November 10, at 10am.   

American country music singer-song writer, Ronnie Dunn, formerly of country super-duo Brooks & Dunn, will perform at the L'Auberge Lake Charles Event Center. Floor seating is priced at $70; stadium seating is priced at $55. Discounts apply for mychoice® members. The performance begins at 8:30pm on Saturday, November 10; doors open onehour before the show. Show tickets can be purchased in person at the L'Auberge Business Center, Legends or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 488-5252.Guests must be 21 years of age and present a valid photo ID.  For more information, visit www.mylauberge.com.

The Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting Game On! a free Hospitality Ambassador Training Program on November 13, at either 9am or 1pm. Participating organizations will gain a more informed and motivated team, prepared to provide excellent guest service. RSVP to mhartman@visitlakecharles.org or call 436-9588. For more information, go to visitlakecharles.org/gameon.

The SWLA Alliance is hosting an ITA workshop on November 15th on Employee & Volunteer Engagement: Increasing Results by Increasing Engagement. Could your staff and volunteers be more engaged in the mission of your organization? Increased engagement will increase morale, decrease turn-over, and increase your bottom line. This event is perfect for non-profit executive directors, board chairs, and team leaders. It will be held at the McNeese Alumni Center from 8:30am to 10:30am. RSVP to Gaye Courville at gcourville@allianceswla.org.

Call to reserve your place on the Lady of the Lake for the 1st 121 Wine Cruise. The cruise will take place on November 18, from 3pm to 7pm. Get on board of the Lady of the Lake at the Lake Charles Civic Center Marina at 3pm for an afternoon of heavy hors d'oeurves paired nicely with wine.   Tickets are $100 per guest and the cruise is limited to 150 guests. For reservations, call 310-7499.

Performance Employee Assistance & Business Services is providing the following workshop as part of their 2012 Employee Relations Workshop Series: Crisis Intervention - Five Factors That Matter Most? Sooner or later, a crisis occurs. Depending on several factors, what happens next can be relatively manageable or even more frightening than the crisis itself! Learn what to pay attention to and how to move forward after the unexpected happens. This workshop will be on November 28, from 8:30am to 10:30am in the Family & Youth Conference Room. Register at www.fyca.org/erworkshops.html or contact Sue at 337-436-9533 or sue@fyca.org. 

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's PurpleStride Lake Area 2012 event takes place on Saturday, December 8, at Prien Lake Park at 7am. This year marks the eighth year of the walk and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and money for pancreatic cancer research. The event also features a raffle, silent auction, children's activities, a sweets shop and food and refreshments. For more information or to register for the event, visit the event website at www.purplestride.org/lakearea.