Pictured: Philip C. Earhart, IBERIABANK Southwest Louisiana Market President; George Swift, Chamber SWLA & Foundation President & CEO; and Barry Brown, IBERIABANK Vice President of Commercial Banking. 

IBERIABANK donated $20,000 as part of their ongoing support to the SWLA Alliance Foundation's SWLA on the Move five-year campaign.  

Lake Charles Toyota and Tarver Ford recently donated $14,923 to CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital to underwrite the cost of a Tran-Sit®Car Transfer Simulator. The simulator will be used in the CHRISTUS  Physical Rehabilitation Center with the goal of minimizing the impact on both the patients and caregivers by training the patients to be more self-sufficient, to be more confident in their abilities and to maintain a lifestyle with minimal limitations if possible.

CHRISTUS Physician Group opened a new family medicine clinic, CHRISTUS Family Medicine-Lake Charles, at 711 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. The physicians and advanced practice nurse located at the clinic are Dennis Fletcher, M.D., Holley Kelley, D.O., Michael Traub, M.D., and Joan Gatte, APRN, FNP-BC. They are now accepting new patients and will offer primary care, wellness visits, annual check-ups and physicals.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 436-6100.

City Savings Bank was recently ranked among the top three banks in Louisiana by the nationally recognized financial firm Financial Management Consulting (FMC) Group. City Savings Bank is one of only two Southwest Louisiana banks to be listed in the top ten.

Greg Robertson, President of the Lake Charles Banking Center, will become Executive Vice President and CEO of the new Business First Bank Western Region, leading teams in Lake Charles, Lafayette and Shreveport/Bossier City.  A graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU, Robertson has almost 20 years of banking and investment industry experience including merchant services, commercial lending, credit card portfolio management and regional branch management.  He has been with Business First Bank since 2011. 

Caitlin Delafield, Coordinator and Forensic Interviewer at the Children's Advocacy Center, a division of Family & Youth Counseling Agency (Family & Youth), was recently named an Advanced Child Forensic Interviewer by The National Association of Certified Child Forensic Interviewers. Delafield is the fourth person to receive the certification in the state of Louisiana. Delafield joined Family & Youth's Children's Advocacy Center in July 2013. She assists with the day to day operations of the Children's Advocacy Center and conducts forensic interviews.

Everyone is invited to the Launch of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team Raffle and Fundraiser this afternoon at the SEED Center.  The launch will take place at 4 p.m. 

SOWELA Technical Community College is offering the last of the Women's Entrepreneur Series tonight at the SOWELA campus in Lake Charles.  It is free to the general public.  Tonight's topic: Business Branding & IT Essentials from 6 p.m. to  7:30 p.m.

L.I.F.T  (Living Information For Today) "A Social Program for Widows and Widowers" will meet 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

Friends of Tuten Park will conduct a public meeting at the Tuten Park Education Building, 3801 Nelson Rd., on March 27, at 5:30 p.m.  Topics to discuss will include: upcoming Earth Day observance event exhibits (April 26, 9 to 12 p.m.); ways to use community planters; the butterfly garden greenhouse; science education programs; and, exploring nature in Tuten and Riverside parks. For more information, contact Golden Tradewell, Education Specialist, at 491-9199 or golden.tradewell@cityoflc.us.    

The Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce will host a Business and Community Leaders Luncheon on Friday, March 28, from 11:30-1:30 p.m. at the Wooten Theatre, 102 E. 1st St., in DeRidder. Scheduled to present are George Swift, president and CEO of SWLA Economic Development  Alliance; Dick Myers, manager of public affairs for PCA DeRidder Mill; and Michael Reese,  chairman of Fort Polk Alliance. This panel of speakers will inform luncheon attendees about economic development activities in the surrounding parishes, workforce development initiatives to meet the increasing demand for skilled labor and the latest federal budget impacts on Fort Polk and the immediate area. Reservations are required by noon on Wednesday, March 26.  Seating is limited; cost is $20 per person. Call the Beauregard Chamber of Commerce at 337-463-5533.

The wildly successful 2014 season of Live @ the Lakefront will conclude this Friday, March 28, with live performances by roots reggae band Ashes of Babylon and Acadiana folk duo the Onlies at the Lakefront Promenade's Arcade Amphitheater from 6pm to 10pm. The evening is sponsored by the Louisiana Solar Industry. Presented annually by the Arts Council of SWLA, City of Lake Charles, and Deep South Productions, Live @ the Lakefront brings live music, local art, and cuisine to the downtown lakefront on the last three Fridays in March for an all-encompassing celebration of Lake Area culture.

This Saturday, The American Cancer Society will host their SECOND ANNUAL Bark For Life SWLA event at the Lake Charles' Civic Center Amphitheater.  From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., humans and canines alike will walk to #finishthefight against cancer and help raise money for cancer support programs in SWLA.  KPLC's Ben Terry will be the Master of Ceremonies, the Mayor's office will designate a Bark For Life proclamation, and food vendors, games, a pet costume contest, animal safety demonstrations, and our very own Canine Cancer Survivor Lil Bit will be present to take pictures and show us that surviving is beautiful.  Registration is at 9 a.m. and Opening Ceremonies begin at 10am.  Admission is $20 per dog, humans walk for free.  For more information please "like" their Facebook/Bark For Life Southwest Louisiana page, or contact the local ACS office at 337-433-5817 x3, rosa.alfred@cancer.org. 

Yayi Beads , Gems and Gallery is offering the following classes this month: 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.

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 Foreman-Reynaud Community Center is hosting a "Get Fit When You Sit" Exercise Group beginning March 26.  Classes are free and open to the public.  They will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Call 337-436-2500 for more information.

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.

If you want to unlock the secrets to feeling young and energetic, to living a longer more fulfilling life, do not miss the FREE seminar on Thursday, March 27, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center - 780 Bayou Pines Drive, East - Lake Charles, LA 70601.  Call to reserve your seat at 337-312-8234. For more information go to www.yourinfinitehealthnow.com Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LiveTheInfiniteLife

Jamie Vollmer, an award-winning champion of public education, and the author of the highly acclaimed book, Schools Cannot Do It Alone, will be the keynote speaker for the Education Symposium set for March 27 at the Fort Polk Bayou Theater.  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, 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.

The City of DeRidder recently announced the lineup for their Spring Concert Series of Downtown at Sundown.  The event takes place at the Amerisafe Pavilion downtown from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on three consecutive Thursdays.   The free concerts feature a variety of music from local bands.   Complimentary food will be provided and drinks will be sold for $1. The lineup will be: Grabow Riot on March 27, Beauregard's Courtesy on April 3, and Young Band Nation on April 10.  On April 3, children are encouraged to come dressed as what they want to be when they grow up!  For more information please contact City Hall at (337) 462-8900. 

Holiday Travel has lined up the following bus trips: Savannah, Jekyll Island & Beaufort on May 4; Grand Canyon & The Hoover Dam on June 3; Niagara Falls on August 27 (passport required); Cape Cod on October 3; the Holy Land Experience - Orlando on October 19; and Christmas in the Smokey Mountains on November 30.  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.

The Lafayette based band, The Onlies, will highlight the Symphony's annual Wild Beast Feast on Sat., March 29, with its special blend of folk and bluegrass music. With the release of "Open Road" in 2013, the group has discovered that the road truly has opened up for them.   Their album was produced by Grammy nominated producer and engineer Terry  DuPuy who has worked with Hunter Hayes, Roddie Romero, and Feufollet among many others.  Guests at this popular symphony fundraiser will be tapping their feet and singing along while sampling the savory dishes of more than 20 cooking teams.    Doors open at 5:00 p.m., a live auction begins at 7:00 p.m., and music will be played until 9:00  p.m.   Tickets are $50 for ages 14 & up, $25 for ages 7-13, and 6 & under are free.    For ticket info, call (337) 433-1611 or go online at www.lcsymphony.com.  

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.

The City of DeRidder in cooperation with Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, will explore the professions and the people that sustain American society when it hosts "The Way We Worked," a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. "The Way We Worked" will be on view March 29th through May 10th.  The City of DeRidder and the surrounding community have been expressly chosen by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to host "The Way We Worked" as part of the Museum on Main Street project-a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. "The Way We Worked," adapted from an original exhibition developed by the National Archives and Records Administration, explores how work has become a central element in American culture. It traces the many changes that have affected the workforce and work environments over the past 150 years, including the growth of manufacturing and increasing use of technology. The exhibition draws from the Archives' rich collections, including historical photographs, archival accounts of workers, film, audio and interactives, to tell the compelling story of how work impacts our individual lives and the historical and cultural fabric of our communities.  The Beauregard Parish Library is located at 205 S Washington Avenue in DeRidder.  Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm and Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm. Contact Ashley Rush with the City of DeRidder at 337-462-8900 or arush@cityofderidder.org for more information.

The Foreman-Reynaud Community Center is providing Life Guard Classes starting on March 31.  Classes will start at 5 p.m. and cost $250.  For more information, call 337-436-2500.

The Foreman-Reynaud Community Center is also hosting the 2014 Summer League Streamliners Swim Team.  Classes start on March 31 and are for ages 9-18.  Admission is $80 and includes the entire summer.  For more information, call 337-436-2500.

LATER

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.

McNeese Leisure Learning is offering the following classes: Microsoft Excel, Level III - Frequently Used Functions on April 1, 3; Getting Social with the iPad, Saturday, April 5 (Limit 6); Ballroom Dance (Foxtrot and Waltz) April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5; Acrylic Painting with Pam Templeton, April 7 - 11; Microsoft Excel IV - Styles & Templates, April 8, 10; SAGE - Lunch with the Speaker - Dr. Blain Roberts, 11:30 am, Monday, April 14, Pioneer Club; and Easter Cakes - Chef Jeanette Richardson, April 14. To Register, call 337-475-5616.  To check more classes visit: www.mcneese.edu/leisure.

The American Heart Association invites everyone to join them on National Walking Day (April 2) at the Bord du Lac Marina near Millennium Park.  The official ribbon cutting of their new Walking Path will be at 11:30am followed by a quick walk.  Lace up and Get Fit!  www.startwalkingnow.org.

Controlling diabetes during pregnancy is possible, whether there is a history of diabetes or gestational diabetes is developed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually develops in the second trimester, sometimes as early as the 20th week of pregnancy. Join Dr. Joseph Semien, an OB/GYN with Memorial Medical Group, for Diabetes and Pregnancy, a free seminar that will cover how to maintain a healthy pregnancy with diabetes,  on Friday, April 4, at 12 noon in the Guth Education Room at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women on the corner of Nelson and Gauthier Road. A light lunch will be served, and reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. For more information or to make a reservation for this seminar, please call (337) 494-2936 or visit www.lcmh.com/seminar.

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!

This April kick off your weekends at Prien Lake Park with the Spring Series of Movies Under the Stars! Beginning Friday, April 4th, and continuing the Series April 11th, 18th and 25th, movies to delight all ages will come to life on the big screen at Prien Lake Park. This year's movies are Frozen (April 4), The Amazing Spider-Man (April 11), Steel Magnolias (April 18) and Despicable Me 2 (April 25).  Movies Under the Stars is a free event that's open to the public. Each event date will begin at dusk around 7 p.m. Seating is first come first serve and residents are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. 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 contact Lacie Carter at lcarter@cppj.net or call 721-3515.    

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.

Are you looking for funding for your telemedicine program, but don't know where to start or how to build your value proposition for success?  Or perhaps you have already gone through this process, but need to maintain sustainability. Denison and Associates, Inc., invite you to attend our Telemedicine Program Funding & Sustainability webinar so you can learn how to cut through all the confusing "noise" of what funding is available, the application process, and proving your telemedicine program's value.  The webinar will take place on April 8, at 1 p.m. (CST).  It should last around 45 minutes, plus Q &A session.  Only the first 100 will be able to participate.  Register online at http://www.amdtelemedicine.com/telemedicine-resources/TelemedicineFundingWebinar.htm

The City of Lake Charles and Louisiana Crossroads will present an evening with the James Hunter Six and Louisiana All Stars in the Ben Mount Auditorium in Central School, Tuesday April 8, at 7 p.m. With his last two albums, 2006's Grammy-nominated People Gonna Talk and 2008's The Hard Way, James Hunter delivered a classic yet perpetually modern brand of British rhythm and blues. His sound captivated listeners across generations and earned him two Billboard Blues number 1's, tours with Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Etta James, and Willie Nelson, performances on Leno, Letterman, and Conan, and critical raves everywhere from the NY Times to USA Today. Advance tickets can be purchased for $12 at the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana on the second floor of Central School, or on line at www.cityoflakecharles.com. Tickets at the door will be $15. For more information, please call (337) 439-2787. For a complete line-up of season 14, including the Lafayette performances, go to www.acadianacenterforthearts.org.

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.m. 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 Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society announces its 39th Annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes for April 13, 2014.  Themed "Beautiful Bones: Historic Preservation in Action," the tour will feature six distinctive homes located in and near the Charpentier District. The homes will display a variety of architectural styles from the turn of the 20th century.  The tour is set for 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Homes on tour include the Rhoden home (1112 Hodges), the Shreve home (518 Clarence), the Moreno home (633 Cleveland), the Schindler home (912 Pujo), the Cash home (1030 Pujo), and the Bourge home (1025 Kirby). Event patrons are asked not to wear spiked heels, as they can damage the hardwood floors.  The event is open to the public. Tour of Homes ticket sales are available online at www.calcasieupreservation.org. Pre-sale Tour tickets are available for $10 (by cash or check) from Gordon's Drugs and the Arts and Humanities Council at Historic Central School. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event, if still available, for $15.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury are hosting "Ticket to Work" on April 14, May 5, and June 9 for people who have a disability and want to work.  They will receive valuable information on programs and services available in the region.  They will be held at the Business & Career Solutions Center located at 2424 Third Street in Lake Charles at 10 a.m.  To register or to get more information, contact Catherine Thomas at 721-4010 ext 5010 or cthomas@lwia51@com.

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 Coushatta Tribe presents the Coushatta Family Carnival on April 16 - 19 at the Pavilion Parking Area.  You can ride all day for just $20.  Admission is Free.  

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.

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: 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.

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.

Coyote Blues and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will be "arresting" regional leaders on April 24, to raise money for the MDA. Are you ready to get locked up "for good?"  On Thursday, April 24, you can be picked up at work or a uniformed officer or turn yourself in at Coyote Blues to serve your hour behind bars.  To sign up, go to www.mdalockup.org/coyoteblues2014.

The City of DeRidder and Impromptu Players present the 6th Annual Arts Parade Concert Series continues with St. Cecilia's Asylum on April 24 and The Victory Belles on May 16.  Call Misty Clanton at 462-8900 to get your tickets. 

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.

Family & Youth invites everyone to Dinner at Mi Casa on Sunday, April 27.   This unique dining experience benefits the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the abused and neglected children they serve.  Dinner is $200 per couple.  Seating is limited and attire is casual.  For more information, contact Roxanne Camara at 337-436-9533 or Roxanne@fyca.org.

The Foreman-Reynaud Community Center will be hosting a community wide Health Fair on April 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This fair is free and open to the public at their facility at 215 Albert Street in Lake Charles.  Call 337-436-2500 for more information.

Get ready to laugh out loud with Louisiana comedian Corey Mack on Wednesday, April 30, starting at 8 p.m. in the Caribbean Cove. In 2005, Mack was the regular host and emcee for the Baton Rouge Funny Bone Comedy Club while performing across southeast Louisiana. Since then Mack has appeared on the monthly Politics with a Punch at the Eiffel Society in New Orleans, emceed the 24th Annual Mirlitoon Festival, and made an appearance on the Tonight Show with John Calhoun at The Bayou Boogaloo Festival.  Mack was also selected to appear on Gus Bennett's New Orleans People Project and his comedy show series was featured on the NOLA live Magazine's summer edition. For more information about Corey Mack, please visit his website at http://www.coreymack.us/welcome.

The City of Lake Charles Community Development Division is requesting citizens to complete a survey located on the City's website www.cityoflakecharles.com at the Community Services & Development page or to pick up a paper copy at City Hall, 326 Pujo St., fifth floor. The purpose of the survey is to gather public input regarding City priorities related to housing and community development needs.  The survey can be submitted to Mr. James Gilleylen, Consultant or returned to the fifth floor of City Hall.  The deadline to submit the survey is May 1, 2014.

The international hit show Menopause The Musical® will return to the LUTCHER THEATER for 2 performances May 7 and 8 only at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at 409-886-5535 or by visiting www.lutcher.org.  Group discounts of 10+ are also available by calling 409-886-5535.

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.

E-filing wage and tax reports for unemployment insurance is no longer just an option in Louisiana, it's the law.

Quarterly wage reports, amendment forms, new employer registrations and employer reports of account changes must be e-filed with the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Paper forms and reports will no longer be accepted, and are no longer available for download on our website.

R.S. 23:1531.1, which was amended in 2008, requires all employers to e-file unemployment insurance wage reports and taxes after Jan. 31, 2014.  So far, 90 percent of employers have switched to e-filing.

E-filing provides important benefits: it reduces errors, saves money and shortens the time needed to pay unemployment benefits claims.  E-filing features include:

• Secure filing any time from any internet-connected computer or tablet
• Automatic calculation of wages in excess of the $7,700 taxable wage base
• Automatic calculation of taxes due, which will save you time and reduce errors
• An electronic payment option means tax payments will post faster
• The ability to view, amend, and print reports 

If you're one of the 10,000 Louisiana employers who've yet to make the switch, time is running out, and LWC staff is standing by ready to assist you. To get started: visit www.laworks.net and click "File Wages and Taxes."

If you have a computer but are having trouble filing:  Call 225-342-0210 or 225-326-6999 for assistance.

Wage reports and taxes for the current quarter must be e-filed no later than April 30, 2014.  Quarterly wage reports are due electronically by the last day of the month that follows the end of each calendar quarter:  Jan. 31, April 30, July 31, and Oct. 31.