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The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury invites Calcasieu residents to learn more about the Parish's Sewer Proposal ballot item on April 5th as well as two parishwide property tax renewal propositions at one of the scheduled "town hall" meetings in Lake Charles (TONIGHT), Moss Bluff and Carlyss. Parish representatives will provide information on parishwide property tax renewal propositions for Mosquito Control and Criminal Justice, as well as a new one-quarter cent sales tax proposal for sewer expansion along main corridors in unincorporated areas of the parish. The meetings will be held in three convenient locations: Tonight at 6 p.m. in the Prien Lake Park Pavilion at 3700 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles; Monday, March 17, at 6 p.m. at the Moss Bluff Middle School located at 297 Park Road; and on Monday, March 24, at 6 p.m. in the Carlyss Park Recreation Center at 6043 Carlyss Drive. Information on all of these proposals can be found on the Police Jury's website at www.cppj.net/taxinfo. The site includes short videos and fact sheets on each of the propositions.
SPONSORS SOUGHT: The Startup Weekend Southwest Louisiana is nearly here, and sponsors are needed provide scholarships to McNeese Students and to offset the cost of this regionally important event. The event will be held on March 28 - 30, at the SEED Center in Lake Charles. The goal of the event is to create an environment where passionate people can come together to turn ideas into action. Startup Weekend is a National non-profit organization powered by GOOGLE and hosted events in over 478 cities around the world last year. This will be the first Startup Weekend event in Southwest Louisiana. Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if their startup ideas are viable. On average, half of Startup Weekend's attendees have technical or design backgrounds, the other half have business backgrounds. If you are interested in contributing please visit our sponsorship link at http://startupweekend.org/sponsor/ where you may select your preferred sponsorship level and make a donation at the bottom of the link via check, paypal or credit card. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, I can be reached at lakecharles@startupweekend.org! For further event details you can visit our website at WWW.SOUTHWESTLA.STARTUPWEEKEND.ORG
McNeese Leisure Learning is offering the following classes in March: Calligraphy for Beginners (Limit 10!), 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 18; The Gift of a Lifetime: How to Create Treasured Letter to Family and Friends, 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 18, 25, April 1; Microsoft Excel I: Introduction, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, March 11, 13; Chef Richard Lipton's Secrets of a Fish Chef, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 11; Outdoor Portrait Photography, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 15; Beginning Blacksmithing Skills, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 25, April 1; Accounting for Stewardship Objectives: Financial Reports Comply with FASB 116 & 117, NON-profit, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, March 18, 20; and Travel Adventure Photography with Keith Monroe, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 25, April 1. To Register, call 337-475-5616. To check more classes visit: www.mcneese.edu/leisure.
SOWELA Technical Community College is offering Women's Entrepreneur Series to take place on the SOWELA campus in Lake Charles, is free to the general public: Mitigating Business Risks (March 11), Business Contracts (March 18), Business Branding & IT Essentials (March 25). All meetings are 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
With KPLC, SOWELA is also offering a Leadership Institute featuring regional leaders! Each seminar will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in their new Arts & Humanities building. Here is the line up for the rest of the year: Michael Kane (March 20), James Mayo (April 17), Sam Hebert (May 15), Dr. Philip Williams (June 19), Martin Thompson (July 17), Jeff Lynn (August 21), Fil Bordelon (September 18), Alta Baker (October 16) and Dr. Neil Aspinwall (November 20). Call 337-421-6964 or email rosemary.august@sowela.edu for more information or to register.
Here is a list of upcoming events at the Children's Museum: Pinwheel Workshop on Wednesday, March 12; Pasta Necklace Fun on Friday, March 14; CyPhaKids on Saturday, March 15; Rainstick Workshop on Tuesday, March 18; Domroo Drums on Thursday, March 20; Spirograph Fun on Friday, March 21; and Playdough Fun on Friday, March 28. The Children's Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. Call 337-433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org for a complete list of admission fees, memberships and birthday party information.
The City of Lake Charles Department of Community Development will sponsor two community forums in March to gather public input regarding City priorities related to housing and community development needs, for use in developing the City's next Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2015-2019). The locations, dates and times of the two forums are: Martin Luther King Community Center, 2009 North Simmons St., Wednesday, March 12, at 6 p.m.; and City Hall, 326 Pujo St., Thursday, March 13, at 6 p.m. Guest consultant at both forums will be Mr. James Gilleylen, Consultant, JQuad Planning Group. The Consolidated Plan, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will provide the framework for implementing housing and community development programs over the next five-year period, Fiscal Years 2015-2019. Questions about the Forum may be directed to Esther Vincent, Director, Department of Community Development and Services, 337-491-1440.
The Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority is hosting their Annual Public Forum on March 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Allen P. August Building at 2001 Moeling Street in Lake Charles. For more information, contact Charmaine Anderson or Marilyn Pickles at 337-475-3100. Breakfast will be provided.
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese, is hosting "To Franchise or Not to Franchise" on March 13. Ted Fireman of Frannet Louisiana will deliver the pros and cons of going into business for yours. This event is for anyone contemplating the option of business ownership. Admission is $5. Seating is limited, so pre-register at www.lsbdc.org/upcomingevents or call 337-475-5529.
On Thursday, March 13, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will hold its monthly "Pink Crusade" Breast Cancer Support Group meeting. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the WCCH Board Room, near the Cypress Street entrance of the hospital. March's program will be led by Donna Nevils, RN, who will discuss ways in which friends and caregivers can support patients with cancer. The WCCH Pink Crusade Breast Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the WCCH Board Room. Attendees will be provided with answers to common questions surrounding breast cancer and will receive support through every aspect of their disease. There is no charge to attend these monthly meetings. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (337) 528-7320.
The Salvation Army's annual Empty Bowl fundraiser will take place on March 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at L'Auberge Casino Resort. The event will feature some delicious soups prepared by premier regional chefs in their own handcrafted ceramic soup bowl. Attendees will get to enjoy the music of Chris Miller and the Bayou Roots. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available for individuals and businesses of all sizes. Contact The Salvation Army at 337-433-4155. For more information, visit their website at salvationarmylakecharles.org.
Internationally renowned contemporary dance company PARSONS DANCE takes the Lutcher stage March 14, at 7:30 p.m. with traits described as sexy athleticism, exuberant personality and joyous movement. Tickets from $35-$50 are available at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Theater Box Office at 409-886-5535. Area dance students should not miss this "spring break" opportunity to experience locally, the work of a professional dance company of this caliber.
The Arts Council of SWLA, City of Lake Charles, and Deep South Productions are proud to announce the third season of Live @ the Lakefront will take place on three consecutive Fridays on March 14, 21, and 28, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lakefront Promenade's Arcade Amphitheater. Live @ the Lakefront, sponsored by McDonald's of SWLA, Fusion Five, and the Lake Area Solar Industry, is an annual free outdoor concert series that showcases the best live music with particular emphasis on homegrown talent with Lake Area ties. The 2014 season kicks off on March 14 with the Pine Leaf Boys whose inimitable brand of energetic Cajun music has garnered four GRAMMY nominations. The Flamethrowers will headline the March 21 concert with their high energy cover rock hits that have sold out venues across the Gulf Coast since 2005. March 28 will conclude the concert series with the return of roots reggae band Ashes of Babylon. Originally from Lake Charles, Ashes of Babylon combines jazz, R&B, and funk with their original reggae sound. With the Lakefront Promenade as the setting, Live @ the Lakefront will also offer an extensive market of local artists and artisanal vendors with unique pieces of local art and handcrafted items for sale each Friday. Funds raised benefit the Arts Council which is an umbrella organization for the arts in the five parish region and grants nearly $200,000 annually to Southwest Louisiana artists and arts organizations. For details, visit www.facebook.com/ArtsCouncilSWLA or call (337) 439-2787.
The Partnership for a Healthier Southwest Louisiana is holding another City Challenge - Start Walking Calcasieu on Saturday, March 15. Go online to take the Pledge to walk and move more -- fill out the online pledge at http://healthierswla.com/dare-to-be-healthy or go to one of the March 15 walks.
Yayi Beads , Gems and Gallery is offering the following classes this month: Wire Wrapping technique on Saturday March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (fee $25); Introduction PMC3 Basics-Pendant or earrings on Saturday March 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (fee $120); Kumihimo Braiding I with leather on Saturday March 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (fee $20); Basic Trio Earrings on Saturday April 5, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (fee $20); and Leather Wraps Bracelet on Saturday April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (fee $20). Call them at (337) 494-9294 for more information and to register for any of the dates of these great classes. Please remember to register at least three days prior any scheduled class.
Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) is proud to present Girls' Night Out on Saturday, March 15, from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. Girls ages 9-16 are invited to come hear physicians, nurses and other professionals engage in direct and honest dialogue concerning a wide arrange of topics including anatomy, puberty and hygiene, fitness and nutrition, self-esteem, sexual health and more. Pre-register by March 7th and a signed parental consent is required. Cost is $20.00 per person, which includes dinner. For more information or to register, call 337-475-4075 or visit LakeAreaMC.com/GirlsNightOut
Holiday Travel has already lined up some great bus tours for 2014. In the first quarter alone, they are visiting Orlando on 3/09/14 for the Holy Land; the Brenham Ice Cream Factory/ Bush Museum on 3/19/14; and the Painted Churches of Texas on 3/24/14. In 2014, they are also coordinating trips to Pigeon Forge, the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, Branson, Niagara Falls, Cape Cod, and the Shrine of Guadalupe in Mexico City. For more information on trip you can take, they host special meetings at their offices on trips to Disney, Alaska, River Cruises and more. They are located at 3020 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. You can contact them at 337-480-1090, 1-888-480-1090, or holidaytravel@suddenlink.net. You can also visit their website at www.gowithholidaytravel.com.
Residents who were unable to attend recent public meetings in Lake Charles and Sulphur to gather input on long range transportation planning for Calcasieu Parish can still let parish officials and the planning consultants, Neel-Schaffer, Inc., know their priorities by completing an online survey. The survey is available now through Friday, March 14th on the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury website, www.cppj.net/transportationsurvey, as well as the Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development Commission (IMCAL) website, www.imcal.webs.com, for citizens to rate the parish transportation system, identify priorities for funding and provide suggestions for the future.
Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) will host a free bariatric seminar Wednesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. in the First Floor Classroom of the hospital, located at 4200 Nelson Rd. Board-certified general surgeon, Keith Chung, M.D. will discuss the three surgical weight loss procedures offered at WCH, an accredited Bariatric Surgery Center, and will help you find out if weight loss surgery is right for you. Call 337-475-4760 to reserve your place. Feel free to bring a support person with you.
L.I.F.T (Living Information For Today) "A Social Program for Widows and Widowers" will meet again in Sulphur on Wednesday, March 19, at 10 a.m. at the Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. They will also meeting in Lake Charles on Wednesday, March 26, at 10 a.m. at the Lake Charles Hixson Funeral Home. For More info call L.I.F.T. Director, Jody Barrilleaux 794-3113
The City of DeRidder and Impromptu Players present the 6th Annual Arts Parade Concert Series starting on March 20with Charlie Miller & The Jazz Masters, followed by St. Cecilia's Asylum on April 24, and The Victory Belles on May 16. Tickets for all three are $40 per person. Call Misty Clanton at 462-8900 to get your tickets. The City also is hosting Downtown at Sundown on March 27 with Grabow Riot, on April 3 with Beauregard's Courtesy, and on April 10 with Young Band Nation. Downtown at Sundown is free. There will be activities for children. Each week will have food and drinks.
CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex is partnering with the City of Lake Charles, Team Green of Southwest Louisiana, Keep Calcasieu Beautiful, McNeese State University, and Waste Management to host the sixth annual E-Recycle Day, where community members can bring their electronics for recycling, on Saturday, March 22, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the McNeese Cowboy Stadium parking lot.
The 3rd Annual Fill the Truck Food Drive will be held this year from March 24 - March 29. Each person who brings in 3 cans of food will receive an entrée at no charge! Those who bring in a flat (or case) of cans will receive a free Value Meal! (A Value Meal is an entrée, side order and choice of drink.) Chick-fil-A of Lake Charles is located at 3435 Nelson Road. Non-perishable food may be donated between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. (inside the restaurant) Monday through Saturday.
The Louisiana Crossroads will soon feature Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. Gal Holiday is a Country Swing band from New Orleans that incorporates original material with the best of country, rockabilly and western swing classics. This year's season wraps up with the James Hunter Six with Louisiana All Stars on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Grammy nominated, classic yet perpetually modern brand of British rhythm and blues. Van Morrison caught James' act at a gig in Wales and hired him as a backup singer. To create a true Louisiana Crossroads, this show will feature a group of Louisiana Allstars in guest performances throughout the evening. Stay tuned for details. Both shows will be in the Central School Ben Mount Auditorium located at 809 Kirby Street in Lake Charles. Admission is $12 in advance, and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA on the second floor of the Central School, or on line through www.CityOfLakeCharles.com. For more information, call 337-491-9159.
A General Session of the Education Symposium, set for 9-11:30 a.m. March 27, at the Bayou Theater at Fort Polk. All sessions of the Education Symposium are free and open to the public. Topics include: Education Rankings, Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Tools and Technology Available to Support Teachers, Parents and Students, and a Draft Action Plan to elevate Vernon Parish Schools from Good to Great. The keynote speaker for the General Session is Jamie Vollmer, author of "Schools Cannot Do It Alone. After the General Session, there will be an afternoon Parent University from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Fort Polk Warrior Community Activity Center (WCAC) covering Common Core State Standards, Parent-Teacher-School Communication and Engagement, College and Career Readiness, and a review and parent input into the Draft Education Initiative Action Plan. An evening session at a location to be announced will be held from 6-7 p.m. to provide a recap of the Symposium to working parents. No special passes will be required to enter Fort Polk. Only a driver's license is needed to enter the installation, and signs will point the way for those in attendance. To pre-register for the Education Symposium visit www.fortpolkprogress.com.
One of the most enduring Broadway classics of all time, HELLO, DOLLY! starring Sally Struthers, arrives in Orange, TX as the Lutcher Theater presents this timeless masterpiece Wednesday, March 26 through Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for HELLO, DOLLY! are on sale now and start at only $35. Tickets are available online at www.lutcher.org or at the Lutcher Theater Box Office. To Charge-By-Phone, call 409-886-5535. Groups of 10 or more should call 409-886-5535 to make group reservations.
Startup Weekend Southwest Louisiana is nearly here! This event creates an environment where passionate people can come together to turn ideas into action. Startup Weekend is a National non-profit organization powered by GOOGLE and hosted events in over 478 cities around the world last year. This will be the first Startup Weekend event in Southwest Louisiana. Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable. On average, half of Startup Weekend's attendees have technical or design backgrounds, the other half have business backgrounds. Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday teams focus on customer development, validating their ideas, practicing LEAN Startup Methodologies and building a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening teams demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of judges and one team will be crowned SW Winner and receive valuable prices to help start their business. The event will be held on March 28 - 30, at the SEED Center in Lake Charles. If you have any questions, email lakecharles@startupweekend.org or visit WWW.SOUTHWESTLA.STARTUPWEEKEND.ORG.
Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) will host their next Healthy Woman event "Southern Charm on the Avenue" on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Treasures of Marilyn's located at 3510 Fifth Ave. The event will feature Certified Etiquette Instructor & Consultant Karen P. Bowles, Founder of The Etiquette School of the Commonwealth in Virginia. Women are encouraged to put on their best hat and heels and enjoy a fun ladies day out. Tickets are $25 each and table sponsorships are available for $250. Purchase your tickets by March 19 at LakeAreaMC.com/HealthyWoman or call 337-475-4064.
Congressman Charles W. Boustany's office is accepting submissions for the 33rd annual Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition provides an avenue for South Louisiana's young artists to showcase their talents to the entire country. This competition allows high school students within the Third Congressional District an opportunity to share their creative abilities while promoting the importance of art within our community. High school age students not enrolled in a formal art program are also encouraged to participate. The entries must be submitted to the Acadiana Center for the Arts located on 101 W. Vermilion Street in Lafayette, Louisiana, on March 17, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Kristie Broussard at (337) 235-6322. The awards presentation will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m., at the Acadiana Center for the Arts located on 101 W. Vermilion Street in Lafayette, Louisiana. All entries must meet the following criteria: be two dimensional, be no larger than 28 inches wide by 28 inches tall by 4 inches thick, not weigh more than 15 pounds, and be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.
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Whether or not you are planning a vacation this summer, International Dance Company can make you feel like you are experiencing the wonder and beauty of Hawaii with lessons on the traditional Hula dance of the islands! These classes will begin Tuesday April 1 (really, no joke!) from 6 to 7 and will continue for the following 7 Tuesdays for a cost of $80 per student. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore one of the world's most beautiful art forms as every dance tells a story! Students must pre-register. Please register by calling Sarah Ford at 337-499-6933.
If you will be attending any weddings this season, you can brush up on your ballroom dance skills and be the hit of any reception at the International Dance Company's ballroom dance lessons! Classes start Friday, April 4, and last from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. They will continue for the following five Fridays for a cost of $80 per couple. Couples must pre-register. Please register by calling Sarah Ford at 337-499-6933.
CHENIERE proudly announces its 3rd ANNUAL CHARITABLE GOLF CLASSIC to be held Friday, April 4, 2014 at Gray Plantation in Lake Charles. It will be hosted by the nonprofit organization, United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. The proceeds from this tournament will benefit the Senior Citizens of Cameron Parish through the Cameron Council on Aging with emergency needs such as: medical bill payments, physician payments, utility bill assistance, prescription payments, rental payments, or food vouchers. More details next week!
On April 5, men from all walks of life will walk one mile inside Prien Lake Mall in women's high heeled shoes to protest rape, and sexual assault. The event begins with registration at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. This event is coordinated by the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Proceeds from sponsored walkers in the event will benefit Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Programs in Southwest Louisiana, Oasis Sexual Violence Program (formerly Rape Crisis Outreach), and The Child Advocacy Center of the Family and Youth Counseling Agency. The registration fee is $20 per person. For additional information or to register please visit www.walkamileswla.org or call (337) 494-2187.
Calcasieu residents are invited to the Business & Career Solutions Center Calcasieu Consortium's Job Start Job Fair. Pre-registration for this quarterly hiring event has begun and can be done at 2424 3rd Street in Lake Charles. The Business & Career Solutions Center is accepting registrations during business hours between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Thursday. Business attire is required at the job fair and attendees are asked to bring their ID and resume with them. The event takes place from 9 a.p. to noon, Wednesday, April 9, at the Business & Career Solutions Center located on 2424 3rd Street in Lake Charles.
Annual Boy Scout Fundraising Auction, that benefits the programs of the Calcasieu Area Council, will be held on Thursday, April 10, at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank. Gordon's Drugs & Fine Gifts/ Paret Family will present this year's auction. Tables are $400 and sponsorships are available. Please call 337-436-3376 for more information.
The Better Business Bureau will hold their annual Secure Your ID Day "Shred Fest" on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Residents and small businesses are encouraged to attend the event and take a key step in identity protection by shredding and properly disposing of their sensitive paper documents as well as CDs and floppy discs. BBB staff will also be on-site to provide expert advice and tips for identity theft protection. Join them anytime between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Prien Lake Mall. For additional information, call 337-478-6253 or visit www.lakecharles.bbb.org
The Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury are hosting the 2014 Youth Summit on Wednesday, April 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. This free event - for ages 16 to 24 - will include a job fair, break-out sessions, and lunch. To pre-register, visit www.cppj.net/youthsummit. For more information, call 721-4010 ext 5002 or 5004.
The City of Lake Charles is hosting the Mayor's Commission on Disability Conference on April 17, at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 8 a.m. to 1p.m. If you are interested in having a booth or being part of their program, contact Adele Mart at 721-4020 or amart@cppj.net.
IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals) Magnolia Chapter will hold its 19th Annual Administrative Professionals Community Luncheon. The spectacular event will be held on Tuesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Treasures of Marilyn's (3510 5th Avenue, Lake Charles). The luncheon is a great place to network and have a little fun. The Luncheon will consist of Vendor Displays, Entertainment, a Silent Auction, Dutch Treat Luncheon, and a Fashion Show. Reservations are required, please register on line at http://iaap-magnolia.org/apw14.html to attend or have a Vendor Display. Registration is open now until April 17. For more information please contact mreeder@iaap-magnolia.org.
Joining Hands for Autism 5k and 1 mile awareness walk benefitting Autism Society SWLA Chapter, Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana, and St. Nicholas Center for Children is on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 a.m. at ICCS (1536 Ryan Street). Event pre-registration is $20 for 5K and $15 or 1 mile walk. Register by April 5 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. For more information, visit http://support.autism-society.org/site/Clubs?club_id=1169&sid=21422&pg=event or call Stephanie at St. Nicholas Center at 337-491-0800.
The Toys for Tots Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, May 16, at The National Golf Club of Louisiana in Westlake. Show your military support and register soon for the four-player scramble for only $125 per player, or $500 per team. Only the first 32 teams will be accepted. If you would like to sponsor this worthy event, hole sponsorships are $100 (basic) or $250 (party hole). Call John Lamar at 337-515-2639 or 337-419-1833 to set up your hole sponsorship soon.
Join St. Nicholas Center for Children for A Brewer's Plate presented by Hoffoss Devall on Saturday, May 17 at 6 p.m. at the Historic Cash & Carry Building in Lake Charles. This six course meal and beer pairing will feature live entertainment by The Flamethrowers, as well as a silent and live auction. Call Stephanie at 337-491-0800 to email Stephanie@stnickcenter.org to reserve your table of 8 for $800. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1458221064399728/.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will lead an Energy Business Development Mission to West Africa with stops in Ghana and Nigeria from May 18-23, 2014. This mission will promote U.S. exports to Africa by helping U.S. companies launch or increase their business in the energy sector in West Africa. It will also help the African region develop and manage energy resources and systems, build out power generation and transmission, and distribution. The President approved the Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) on Sub-Saharan Africa on June 14, 2012, which has become known as the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa. The Strategy recognizes that Africa holds the promise to be "the world's next major economic success story," and this is the first time that promoting U.S. trade and investment has been a cornerstone of a PPD on Sub-Saharan Africa. With more than 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacking access to electricity, the power development challenge is enormous. More than two-thirds of the population is without electricity, including more than 85 percent of those living in rural areas. According to the International Energy Agency, sub-Saharan Africa needs more than $300 billion in investments to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 - far beyond the capacity of any traditional development program. The mission will make stops in Accra, Ghana and Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Businesses interested in participating in this trade mission should complete an online application at the Africa Energy Mission website at http://www.export.gov/AfricaEnergyMission2014 or call the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Business Liaison at (202) 482-1360. The application deadline is Friday, March 14, 2014.
The Calcasieu Parish School System and the Arts Council of SWLA are pleased to announce the 34th Annual Summer Arts Camp 2014 with this year's theme as "Wacky, Wild & Whimsical!" Art classes, which offer a variety of engaged study in visual arts media and performing arts, are open to students who have completed grades kindergarten through eighth. The Arts Camp will take place at Lake Charles Boston Academy at 1509 Enterprise Boulevard and will begin Tuesday, June 3rd and end Thursday, June 26th. Friday, June 27th has been set aside for parents to pick up the students' artwork. Classes will be limited in size, and class assignments will be made upon receipt of registration and tuition. Tuition is $250 if registration is received by the early bird deadline of May 10, and rates increase on May 11. Tuition covers three classes of specialized instruction for the entire month, all art supplies, a themed T-shirt, and an open house reception. Reduced rates are provided for additional children within the same family. Tuition balance is due May 30th. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis, and forms can be downloaded under the Parents and Students menu at www.cpsb.org and credit card payments are accepted on the Arts Council website at www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org. Forms can also be picked up at the Arts Council office at Central School or at Lake Charles Boston Academy. For more information call Bobbi Yancey, Arts Camp Director, at 337-526-2908.
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This year's EXPO Luncheon speaker is Giovanni Coratolo, Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. There he provides strategic leadership on policy and advocacy efforts related to small businesses. Giovanni also oversees the Chamber's growing Council on Small Business and Corporate Leadership Advisory Council. These two councils provide important platforms for the U.S. Chamber's small and mid-market business members to become fully engaged in public policy and advocacy.
