The Jambalaya News - Special Edition

SPECIAL EDITION / MARCH 7, 2011

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MARCH 7, 2011 PAGE 32011 Special Edition

GENERAL715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601Phone: 337-436-7800Fax: 337-990-0262www.thejambalayanews.com

PUBLISHERPhil de [email protected]

EditorEDITORLauren de [email protected]

ADVERTISINGSALES ASSOCIATESDana Frye

GRAPHICSART/PRODUCTION DIRECTORMichelle LaVoie

ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTDarrell Buck

BUSINESSOFFICE MANAGERKay Andrews

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Produced By MARDI GRAS KREWES8 Des Amis10 Athena11 Autre Chance14 Bon Couer16 Bons Amis20 Bon Temps21 Cajuns23 Carnivale24 Chaos34 Charlie Sioux26 Classique28 Cosmos29 Couillon Cadien30 Déjà vu du Monde32 Embrasser le Bon Vie33 Extraordinaire37 L’Ecore38 Famille40 De la Fou43 Golden Years44 Grand Bois48 Illusions50 Du Lac53 Lunatiques54 Maison de Calcasieu56 Marsh57 Masque58 Noblesse60 Piniere de Beauregard61 Possede62 Des Pirates64 Sauvage

contents

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MARCH 7, 2011 2011 Special Edition

A Note From The PublisherI was born and raised in a rela-

tively small city in Michigan calledMt. Clemens, where I had a wonder-ful, happy childhood. I grew up withfive siblings, and we had that specialkind of fun that large families have:all eight of us packed in the stationwagon on summer vacations, havingall kinds of adventures; the wholefamily building snow forts in thebackyard; screaming our lungs outon amusement park rides; sellingfruit and lemonade in front of thehouse; setting up and decorating ourvery own “Kid’s Tree” in our base-ment at Christmas.

Those were the days—and as Igrew older, I wondered if I’d everhave so much fun again.

I didn’t—not for many years. Iwas an adult, with responsibilitiesand pressures. Of course, there weregood times, but nothing comparedto the carefree days of childhood.

Then I met my wife, and we even-tually moved to Lake Charles—allbecause of a house we saw on theInternet.

I remember people telling usabout Mardi Gras here, and wecouldn’t wait to experience it.

Seven years later, I can’t imaginenot celebrating Mardi Gras everyyear with our wonderful newfriends. Throughout the year,Lauren keeps her eyes open fordeals on ball gowns, and I look forvests and bow ties!

One year, I invited my brotherand his wife from Dallas to one ofour balls. They had so much fun, weasked them to be on court with usthe following year when we wereKing and Queen of Krewe Déjà Vudu Monde. I’ll never forget the funthey had on the float, throwingbeads to the happy crowd. “What alife you have here!” my brothershouted to me on the float. Yes,what a life we have here.

Eight years ago, if you were to askme what time of my life was themost fun, I would have answered,without hesitation, that it was mychildhood. But ask me now and I’lltell you it’s today, right here in Lake

Charles during Mardi Gras season.Give me the balls, the costumes, thecrawfish, the music, and of course,all of our friends, most of whom wemet through our Krewes.

For those of you who are visitingus for the first time, or who arereading this Mardi Gras programand thinking about coming to expe-rience it, all I can say is “Come ondown!”

My wish for you is that you alsoexperience “A time to remember!”As my wife and I tell each otherevery day, “These are the good ole’days!”

We love you Lake Charles! Enjoyour second annual Mardi Gras pro-gram. A lot of hard work went intomaking it special!

Happy Mardi Gras!

– Phil de Albuquerque

2011 Special Edition MARCH 7, 2011 PAGE 5

“We are very proudof our local MardiGras, which bringspeople to SouthwestLouisiana from allover the country.Mardi Gras inSouthwest Louisianais a community-widecelebration and afamily affair. Over theyears, it has grownremarkably into thestandout festival it istoday — the secondlargest in the state!My very best wishesto all for a safe andmemorable 2011Mardi Gras in LakeCharles and all ofSouthwest Louisiana.”

On behalf of the citizensof Sulphur, we welcome youto the 2011 SouthwestLouisiana Mardi Gras festiv-ities.

This is a very excitingevent which revelers antici-pate each year. The kreweswork diligently all year forthe events planned includ-ing Twelfth Night, balls, andof course, the Krewe ofKrewes parade. Local mer-chants have mastered theirfamous king cakes and haveshipped them to thousandswho are fascinated with ourheritage.

Not just a local event,Southwest Louisiana MardiGras attracts tourists fromother areas who travel hereto witness the fun andexcitement that we all know.

Our wish for each of youis for a safe and enjoyable2011 Mardi Gras andremember…

Laissez les bons tempsrouler!


It’s Sunday, and we’re recuperating from ourfourth Mardi Gras ball of 2011. Four down, threemore to go before Fat Tuesday.

For us, life’s a ball during this season. And everyevent is different because every krewe is different.

With almost 50 krewes in the area, there’s some-thing for everyone. There are the more traditional

krewes and there are the wild, let-your-hair-downkrewes. There are costume balls and formal balls;some that are a combination of the two, andballs where you have to dress like a pirate.

Illusions always has its presentation at theRosa Hart Theater, with its “Illusionists” wearinggargantuan creations that it takes them all yearto build. Krewe de Charlie Sioux has membersfrom both Lake Charles and our Sister City, SiouxCity, Iowa, and brings its Mardi Gras gala and

parade to Iowa every July. I’ve been a fewtimes, and it’s a blast.

There are krewes that are strictly maleor female only. Some spend a small

fortune on elaborate court cos-tumes; others dress in the old-

style French medieval garb.The court presentations are

another story. They can beso long that I’ve almostfallen asleep at some ofthem (Phil actually did,

one time. When it’s past a certain hour, he has to beentertained—otherwise, he’s down for the count.)Others are lively, with skits and high-energy musicthat really gets the crowd going.

Phil and I belong to Krewe Déjà vu Du Monde(wild) and Krewe de la Famille (traditional). As of thiswriting, we are the reigning king and queen ofFamille, but that ended on Feb. 26, when the newroyalty was crowned and we had to give up ourthrones at the ball.

We were also king and queen of Krewe Déjà Vu afew years back. In both cases, we got to pick ourtheme. Deja’s was Circus Circus (I wonder why) andfor a crazy krewe, the theme lent itself for acting upand fun costumes. When we decided to be on courtfor La Famille, I selected the perfect theme for a moretraditional organization: the Splendor of Versailles.Our costumes were breathtaking (they’re on displayat the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as we speak)and the coliseum at the Lake Charles Civic Centerwas transformed into a French palace forthe night. It was an amazing evening. Tothis day, I still wonder how an Italiangirl from East Boston ended upa Mardi Gras queen inSouthwest Louisiana.

By Lauren de Albuquerque

WHY THROW BEADS?The tradition of Mardi Gras throws dates

back to the 1920s. The Krewe of Rex in New Orleans report-

edly began the tradition of throws by tossingout cheap glass bead necklaces. They were abig hit and were soon adopted by all theparading krewes. Rex is also credited withfirst adopting and throwing out doubloons.

As throws gained popularity, krewes gotmore creative in what they decided to toss.Here in Lake Charles, you’ll see logo-embla-zoned plastic cups, Frisbees, stuffed animals,candy, moon pies—you name it! Royalty tra-ditional throws large pearl beads, which thecrowd loves. The glass beads thrown in theearly days were imported fromCzechoslovakia and Japan. Today, they’remanufactured mostly in China (big surprise!).

HISTORY OF THE KING CAKEThe history of the King Cake has its roots

in pre-Christian religions of Western Europe.Part of the harvest celebrations practiced bythe pagans was the sacrifice ritual. It wascustomary to choose a man to be the “sacredking” of the tribe. The chosen man would betreated like a king for the year, then, hewould be sacrificed, and his blood returnedto the soil to ensure that the harvest wouldbe successful. The method of choosing whowould have the honor of being the sacredking was the purpose of the King’s Cake. Acoin or bean would be placed in the cakebefore it was baked. The men of the tribewould each eat a piece of cake, and whoevergot the slice with the coin was the chosenone.

Then Christianity came along, overshad-owing the religions that came before it. To

make the new religion more palatable,priests incorporated many of the old cus-toms into Christian tradition. Thus, the King’sCake was converted into a celebration of theMagi—the Three Kings who came to visit theChrist Child. In 12th century France, the cakewould be baked on the eve of January 6 tocelebrate the visit to the Christ Child by thethree Kings. A small token was hidden in thecake as a surprise for the finder.

French settlers brought the custom toLouisiana in the 18th century, where itremained associated with the Epiphany untilthe 19th century. At that time, it became amore elaborate Mardi Gras custom. Here, thefirst cake of the season is served on Jan. 6,although I think you can get them even earli-er now. We all want our King Cake fix!


When Mardi Gras of Imperial Calcasieu was formed back in the 1980s, no one ever dreamed how that vision of uniting the Mardi Graskrewes in the area and providing a parade and otherevents for the general public would expand to the extravaganza that Mardi Gras SWLA has become.

Twenty-five years later, we now have close to 60 krewes coming together to stage the Twelfth Night Celebration, the Royal Gala, and the Krewe of Krewes Parade, under the direction of the Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana. Childrens’ Day, the Gumbo Cookoff, the Zydeco Danceand more, grace the line-up of Mardi Gras events.

Thank you Southwest Louisiana forputting the Mambo in Mardi Gras!


Krewe Des Amis celebrated its31st year on Sat., Feb. 19 in the LakeCharles Civic Center Coliseum. Thisyear’s theme was “Mardi Gras inAnimation.”

The 2010 royal court was present-ed for the final time: King Phillip andQueen Aimee Abshire were present-ed by former Krewe CaptainKenneth Istre. They were followed byDukes and Duchesses Jack andMona Gabriel and Jacqueline andAnthony Duplechin, Jr.

The Krewe’s new Captains,Phillip D. Abshire III and AimeeAbshire were introduced, and it wastime to meet the Royal Court of 2011!

Allen and Gayla Abshire were theDuke and Duchess of Cartoons, rep-resenting The Flintstones. DukeAllen portrayed Fred Flintstone, andDuchess Gayla, who portrayedWilma. The Duke and Duchess residein Lake Charles. Duke Allen attendedMcNeese State University and is aregional information managementexecutive at Christus St. PatrickHospital. He is president of the boardof Samaritan Counseling Center,chairman of the TechnologyCommittee of the Chamber of SWLA,member of the Buccaneers of Lake

Charles and a member of McNeeseCowboy Club. Allen enjoys cookingfor family and friends and tailgatingwith the Rowdy Road Wranglers atMcNeese Football games.

Duchess Gayla earned an Associateof Science degree from McNeese StateUniversity and is a legal assistant forFraser, Wheeler & Bergstedt. Gaylaenjoys sewing and gardening and is amember of the Cruisin’ Cajun CutiesChapter of the Sweet Potato Queens.The couple has four children: JasonAbshire and wife Megan, JerodAbshire and wife Laryn, BrandonAbshire, and Megan Saucier and herhusband Lane. They also have onegrandchild, Keslyn Abshire. TheAbshires are members of UniversityUnited Methodist Church.

Next, Jason and Megan Abshirewere the Duke and Duchess ofCartoons representing CharlieBrown and Lucy.

Duke Jason, the son of Duke andDuchess Allen and Gayla Abshire,attended McNeese State Universityand is a lead clinical application ana-lyst for Christus Health. DuchessMegan works for CardiologyAssociates of Houston and has a busi-ness administration degree fromMcNeese State University. The couple

resides in Houston. They attend OurLady of Good Counsel Church andenjoy attending McNeese footballgames, where they also tailgate as partof the Rowdy Road Wranglers.

The next court couple to appearwas the Duke and Duchess ofMovie Animations representing ToyStory, Len Ford and his fiancéeBrenda Shelton. Duke Len wasdressed as the movie’s lead characterWoody. Duchess Brenda, hoping tobe Woody’s girlfriend, was dressedas Bo Peep.

Duke Len graduated fromMcNeese State University with a

degree in business administration andworks in government sales for LARadio Communications. He is amember of the Kappa Alpha OrderAlumni Association and has two sons,Chris and Scott Ford. Duchess Brendaworks in sales for SuddenLink Mediaand is a member of Big Brothers, BigSisters. The couple resides in LakeCharles and attends Waters EdgeChurch. Brenda has three children,Nick, Holly and Billy Mowbray. Thecouple has three grandchildren,Aubree Ford, Tayden Guidry and LilyMowbray. Both Duke Len andDuchess Brenda enjoy spending timewith their families.

The Duke and Duchess of MovieAnimation representing MickeyMouse were Chris Ford and LaurieCulotta Ford. Duke Chris portrayedthe iconic Mickey Mouse from

Fantasia. The wizard was ablaze in ared satin full-length robe trimmedin turquoise satin and silversequins. Silver stars and moonscompleted his tall pointed hat.Duchess Laurie portrayed MinnieMouse, wearing a party dress of

turquoise satin, with red satin andsilver sequin trim. Her turquoise

satin back piece was trimmed in redfeathers and featured cartoon charac-ters Donald Duck, Daisy Duck andPluto.

Duke Chris, the son Duke LenFord, has a business degree fromMcNeese State University and is a

2011 King & QueenChad and Kristi Sonnier

Duke & Duchess of Cartoons - Flintstones

Allen and Gayla Abshire

Duke & Duchess of Cartoons - Charlie Brown, Jason and Megan Abshire

Duke & Duchess of Movie Animations -Toy Story,

Len Ford and Brenda Shelton


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project control specialist for ChicagoBridge and Iron. He is a member ofthe Kappa Alpha Order AlumniAssociation and enjoys hunting andfishing. Duchess Laurie earned herBachelor’s Degree in nursing fromMcNeese is a registered nurse at TexasChildren’s Hospital. She is a memberof the SWLA Chi Omega Alumnaeand enjoys photography. The coupleattends Our Lady of Good CounselChurch and reside in Lake Charleswith their daughter, Aubree.

The Duke and Duchess ofComics representing Dick Tracywere Tommy Coyne and AmandaFontenot. Duke Tommy was dressedin Dick Tracy’s satin overcoat.Duchess Amanda was featured asTess.

Duke Tommy has a Bachelor’s ofScience degree from McNeese StateUniversity and works in sales for PortAggregates. Inc. He is a member ofthe Louisiana Home BuildersAssociation and the McNeese AlumniMavericks. He attends St. Andrew’sEpiscopal Church and resides in LakeCharles. He has three children, KristiSonnier, Kara Giovannecci, and KatieCoyne, and two grandchildren Karliand Cory Sonnier. He enjoys huntingand fishing.

Duchess Amanda is a school coun-selor at Elton High School. She has aBachelor’s degree in secondary educa-tion and a Master’s degree in schoolcounseling. She is a member of theAmerican Association of SchoolCounselors, the Louisiana CounselingAssociation and the McNeeseAlumni Association. She attends St.Theodore’s Catholic Church, andenjoys spending time with familyand friends, reading and fishing.

The King and Queen of 2011,Chad and Kristi Sonnier, finallymade their appearance. King Chadwore a New Orleans, Rex-style tunicmade of white satin with large blousysleeves lined in antique gold, whichpoke through slashes at each shoul-der. It featured a breastplate of goldsatin adorned with pearls and fleur delis. The suit was trimmed and embel-lished with sequins, rhinestones andgold and silver beads.

Queen Kristi wore a full-lengthformal gown of white satin with goldtwinkle organza overlay. Her sweet-heart bodice and long flowing skirtwere heavily encrusted with crystalrhinestones and appliqués of gold andsilver. Her long flowing train of twin-kle organza made a very impressivesweep to her beautiful gown. Both

costumes were finished off with elab-orate mantles and capes of the Krewe.

King Chad attended SowelaTechnical College for Instrumentationand is an instrumentation tech forTrunkline LNG. He is a member ofthe Calcasieu Boat Club and enjoyshunting, fishing, boating and sports.Queen Kristi earned her degree ineducation from McNeese and is ateacher and the cheerleader sponsorat S. J. Welsh. She enjoys McNeese,LSU and Saints football and watchesall the sports that her children play.

The couple attends Trinity Baptistchurch and has two children, Karliand Cory.

The Krewe then toasted theirRoyalty and was treated to a finalpromenade by the Court. Then it wastime to party to music by TimeMachine. All court costumes weredesigned and fashioned by KevinHodge, and the photographer wasGary Meeks.

Duke & Duchess of Comics - Dick Tracy,

Tommy Coyne & Amanda Fontenot

Duke & Duchess of MovieAnimations - Mickey Mouse,

Chris and Laurie Ford


The Krewe of Athena celebratedits 9th Annual Mardi Gras Ball onSat., Jan. 29 at the VFW on CountryClub Rd. The themed costume Ballcelebrated the carefree and colorfulCaribbean lifestyle. Master ofCeremonies for the evening was LeePeck of KPLC-TV. Music by the 5thAvenue Band of Lafayette andSouthern DJ Productions providedfor a great evening of fun and enter-tainment.

Captain Athena IX was ClaraWinfree Colvin. Captain Clara is anative of Sulphur and a chartermember of the Krewe of Athena,serving as VP of operations for thepast three years. She has been amember of Krewe of Cosmos forover 25 years. Clara and her hus-band of 30 years, Jack Colvin, havetwo children, Amanda Foster-Bankston and Michael Colvin, son-in-law Jeddie Bankston and threegrandsons, Tristan, Tanner and Eli.

Some of the sons, daughters andnieces of Krewe members were pre-sented as Princesses and Gents for2011. The Princesses were JadaHoffpauir, Celeste Landry, KelseyLatiolais, and Lauren Tarasiewicz.The Gents were John Baker, AlexBegnaud, Kyle Bourgeois andGarrett McCain.

Duchess Aglaia IX was DeidreHardy Begnaud, representing theGrace of Splendor and Brilliance.Duchess Deidre is a native of theLacassine/Iowa area and a residentof Iowa. She has been a member ofKrewe of Athena for four years andis a member of Krewe du Lac. TheDuchess has three children, Brittany,Alex and Leah. Duchess Deidre wasescorted by her husband, DavidBegnaud.

Duchess Euphrosyne IX wasJanet Gain Daigle, representing theGrace of Joy and Mirth. TheDuchess has been a Sulphur resident

for 30 years. She is a charter memberof Athena and has three daughters:Amy Nicholson, Kelly Pandosh andMorgan Daigle; son-in-law LukePandosh, and two grandchildren,Elise and Gabe. The Duchess wasescorted by Francis Daigle, her hus-band of 29 years.

The Grace of Good Cheer andBlossoms was Duchess Thalia IX,represented by Rebecca Hughes.The Duchess has been in the Kreweof Athena for five years. She is thedaughter of Dr. Clarence andJeanette Hughes and Duke and AlineHughes Dupuy. Duchess Becky wasescorted by her personal friend,Allen Dewey.

The Krewe welcomed their“Caribbean Queen” with the arrivalof Queen Hera IX, Rebecca ConnerMcCain. A native of Cameron and aresident of Sulphur for the past 12years, the Queen is a 1981 graduateof South Cameron High and holds a

degree in business from McNeese.Becky is a CPA and tax manager forBroussard and Co. and is a chartermember of the Krewe of Athena. Sheis also a member of the Krewe ofCosmos, currently serving as treas-urer, and belongs to St. Theresa’sCatholic Church in Carlyss. QueenBecky is the mother of a daughter,Alex and son, Garrett; and is thedaughter of Bernice and BobbyLaLande and Terry and JudyConner. She was escorted by herhusband, Curt McCain.

The Krewe of Athena was char-tered in 2002 and is a women’sKrewe comprised of a full member-ship of 130, with a substantial wait-ing list. It was founded on tradition-al Greek and Roman mythology.Their Royal Court and Ball Captainare chosen by the “luck of the draw”each year, and then notified during alimo ride. Their Web site iswww.kreweofathena.com.

JadaHoffpauir

CelesteLandry

KelseyLatiolais

LaurenTarasiewicz

JohnBaker

AlexBegnaud

KyleBourgeois

GarrettMcCain


The Krewe de Autre Chanceheld their Eighth Annual Ball onSat., Feb. 19 at the Knights ofColumbus Hall in Lake Charles.

The 2011 King and Queen wereRon Walters and Jannett Cancella.King Ron has enjoyed being a mem-ber of the Krewe since 2007. Hegraduated from Sulphur High Schooland McNeese State University. A USNavy Veteran, he served on the USSDale (CG-19) from 1977-1981. Ronis employed at Teadit, NA. He is alocal musician, playing drums andpercussion for over 20 years forROZO, Jimmy Juke & the Jammers,The Jammers, Beatniks on Vacationand The Upbeats, and has produceda CD of original music. He enjoysreading, writing, cooking and spend-ing time with family and friends.Ron currently resides in Pierre Part,

La. with his wife of 26 years, Kareen(Greta) Walters. They have threechildren, Amy, Jessica, and Caseyand four grandchildren, Lacie, Riley,Allie and Chase.

Queen Jannett has been a mem-ber of Krewe de Autre Chance since2009 and loves participating inKrewe festivities. A professionalbeekeeper, she and her husbandAngelo own Bees Are My Business,and have a Bee Farm in Paradis, La.She and her husband reside inDestrehan, where she enjoys fishing,participating in the local HeritageFestivals and spending time withfamily and friends. Jannett is themother of six beautiful children,Lynette, Donald, Dewayne, David,Cassandra and Timothy, and 13grandchildren.

The Duchess of Bourbon Street

was Hannah Fontenot. DuchessHannah has been a member of theKrewe since 2010. She graduatedfrom Pine Prairie High School andattended LSU-E and McNeese State,but is currently taking a break fromher studies. She has been a residentof Lake Charles since 2006, when shemoved here from her hometown ofSaint Landry. She is currentlyemployed as a shift manager at KD’sDiner in Lake Charles. She enjoyshanging out with friends, shopping,and going to the gym.

Duchess Marie Laveau wasDarlene Gotreaux. Duchess Darleneis a Krewe co-founder and served inthe capacity of Captain for threeyears. She has been on Court twiceand has been involved in three otherKrewes in Southwest Louisiana.Darlene is married to Walter

Gotreaux of Lacassine. They havethree children, Scott, Hope andTodd, and six grandchildren

The Duchess of Café Du Mondewas Martha Comeaux. A co-founder of the Krewe, she has heldthe positions of president andCaptain and is currently Krewetreasurer. She was on the Mardi GrasCourt as Queen in 2005 and asDuchess in 2007. Duchess Martha isan active member of St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Churchand member of Seekers SundaySchool class. She is a personalbanker with Cameron State Bank.Martha has been married to EdwardComeaux of Iowa for 35 years. Theyhave one daughter, Cathy LynnEdmaiston, and three grandchildren,Ted, Ty, and Mandy.

2011 King and Queen, Ron Walters and Jannett Cancella

The Duchess of

Bourbon Street,

Hannah Fontenot

Left: DuchessMarie Laveau,Darlene Gotreaux

Below: Duchess ofCafé Du Monde,Martha Comeaux


The Krewe du Bon Coeur openedits 2011 Mardi Gras social seasonwith its annual Ball Feb. 5 at theHabibi Hall in Lake Charles. Thisyear’s theme was “Bon Coeur SalutesMusical Families.” The Krewe of theGood Heart has enjoyed 14 years ofgood times and good friendships.

The pageant began with Master ofCeremonies Dale Mann as he bidfarewell to the past royalty, CaptainTroy Portie, King Bon Coeur XIIICurley Faulk, Queen Bon Coeur XIIILynn Bourque, Duke and Duchess ofthe Louvre, Mark Farr and KathyFarris, Duke and Duchess of theEiffel Tower, David Wyatt and GloriaBasone, Duke and Duchess of TheArc de Triomphe, Paul Schuldes andJosephine (JoJo) Monfils, and Dukeand Duchess of The Grand Palais,Robert Davis and Katrina Leckband.

The Presentation began followingthe traditional blowing of theCaptain’s whistle. Captain SherryCampbell was introduced andentered the ballroom accompanied bythe music of Donny Osmond. Sherryis a graduate of Barbe High School,McNeese State University, andCentral Arkansas Radiation TherapyInstitute and is an alumna of Zeta TauAlpha Fraternity. She is a registeredradiation therapist and currentlypractices as a certified medicaldosimetrist. She has been employed atCHRISTUS St. Patrick’s RegionalCancer Center for the past 26 years.

The 2011 honorary debutanteswere presented to the members andguests. Miss Jenna Rae Conner is thedaughter of Ramona Conner and theniece of Krewe members Kurt and KJSmith. She is a 2010 graduate ofGrand Lake High School.

Miss Morgan Jan Falls is thedaughter of Krewe membersGerald and Heather Johnson. Sheis a 2010 graduate of Iowa HighSchool. Morgan is currentlyattending McNeese StateUniversity and majoring in generalstudies.

Miss Christina Ronnette Meshis the daughter of Krewe membersRonald and Linda Mesh. She is a2010 graduate of St. Louis HighSchool and is currently attendingMcNeese State University, major-

ing in nursing.The 2011 Royal Court represented

famous musical families beginningwith the Duke and Duchess of TheStaple Singers, Todd Williams andSusan Dever. Todd is from SouthwestLouisiana. He is a 1986 graduate ofIowa High School and a 1990 gradu-ate of McNeese State University. Heand his wife, Sissie, are the parents oftwo children. Todd is currentlyemployed as an accountant at ForestCapital Partners, LLC. He is a former

member and president of the LakeCharles Young Men’s Business Club.He has been an active Boy Scoutleader for over six years, and is a vol-unteer youth league bowling coach atPetro Bowl in Lake Charles. Susan is anative of Natchez, Mississippi, but haslived most of her life in Sulphur, andis a graduate of Sulphur High School.She is employed by ConocoPhillips.Susan and her husband, Mark, arecharter members of Krewe du BonCoeur. They are the parents of four

children and the grandparents ofseven.

The Duke and Duchess of SisterSledge were Casey Colter andJeannie Guidry. Casey is originallyfrom Lake Charles and is a graduateof Barbe High School. He is employedby PPG. He and his wife, Donna, havethree children and three grandchil-dren. His hobbies include fishing,hunting and cooking. Jeannie and herhusband of 41 years, Frank, are co-owners of Gayle’s Hardware and haveone child and one grandchild. Theyare charter members of Krewe duBon Coeur and Krewe des Pirates andare 22-year members of TheBuccaneers of Lake Charles. Jeanniehas worked as a volunteer for severalcharities, including the localAmerican Red Cross.

The Duke and Duchess of TheBeach Boys were Tyler Leckbandand Susan Patrick Lamendola. Tyleris a native of Lake Charles and a grad-uate Barbe High School. He and hiswife, Katrina, currently reside in MossBluff with their two children. He is anengineer for Weatherford and hasbeen in the oilfield for ten years.Susan is the owner of TranquilityTherapeutic Massage and Skin Carein Lake Charles and is the mother oftwo children. She is a member ofImmaculate Conception Cathedraland currently resides in Sulphur.

The Duke and Duchess of Earth,Wind and Fire were Pierre Malusand Joy Sampey Fruge. Pierre wasborn in New Orleans. He attendedschools in Lake Charles and graduat-ed from Covington High School. Heand his wife, Debbie, currently reside

in DeQuincy and have three chil-dren and one grandchild. Pierre isthe owner of Dairy Barn at Nelsonand in Sulphur.

Joy is originally from MorganCity. She and her husband, Gerald,have been married for 46 years andhave three children and six grand-children. She is the accountingmanager of Lake Charles Musicand is a member of Our LadyQueen of Heaven Catholic Church.Joy is a past member of EpsilonSigma Alpha Sorority where shewas East St. Mary ParishCoordinator for Cystic Fibrosis.

Jenna Rae ConnerMorgan Jan Falls

Christina RonnetteMesh


She has also volunteered with theAmerican Heart Association,American Cancer Society, and theUnited Way. Joy is a charter memberof Krewe du Bon Coeur and was alsoits first Captain.

King Bon Coeur XIV, DavidThompson, made his presenceknown to the music of The Jackson 5as he was escorted by Selena Bryant.The King is a native of Lake Charlesand graduated from McNeese StateUniversity with a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in agronomy. He and his wife,Pamela, are members of Our LadyQueen of Heaven Catholic Church.David is the owner/manager of

Thompson Shipping Agency.Queen Bon Coeur XIV, Vicki

Wing Saxby, made her entrance intothe ballroom accompanied by themusic of The Pointer Sisters andescorted by Krewe President GeraldBryant. Vicki is originally fromOklahoma and has lived in SouthwestLouisiana for the past 32 years, gradu-ating from Westlake High School. Sheand her husband, Gordon, currentlyreside in Moss Bluff. She has one step-son. Vicki has been employed at BillyNavarre Chevrolet for 25 years and iscurrently comptroller.

The audience was entertained byBon Coeur’s very own Musical

Families. The Jackson 5 was played byCarrie Marcantel, RichardMarcantel, Carolyn Tolbert, AbbyWyatt, and Ashley Thibodeaux. TheShangri-Las also made an appearancewith the help of Kim Vaughn,Andrea Wyatt, April Davis andMiranda Head. Don Marx and LynnBourque represented Donny andMarie Osmond.

Following the traditional toast byCaptain Sherry Campbell, the Kingand Queen, along with the Captain,led in the traditional promenade. Atthe conclusion of Presentation, mem-bers and guests danced the night awayto the music of The Kadillacs.

Deep South Productions providedthe music for presentation.

Susan Lamendola was responsiblefor the script and ballroom decora-tions. Krewe talent was choreo-graphed by Katsie Fanelli. TheCaptain’s costume, royalty robes andcollars were made by Valerie Smith.

Krewe du Bon Coeur Board ofDirectors: Captain Sherry Campbell,President Gerald Bryant, Vice-President David Patrick, SecretaryBrian Vanderlick, Social DirectorAmy Grimes and Treasurer VickiSaxby.

All photos shown here were takenby Gary W. Meek.

CaptainSherry Campbell

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Tyler Leckband &Susan Patrick Lamendola

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Krewe des Bons Amis celebratedits sixth annual Ball on Jan. 22 at theHabibi Temple in Lake Charles.With the theme “Moonlight andMagnolias,” the ballroom was trans-formed into a scene from the OldSouth. Many of the formal gowns ofthe guests were reminiscent of thetraditional Southern Belle.

After a rousing rendition of “TheDevil Went Down to Georgia” byPresident Jimmy Bastow, he greetedthe members and guests and intro-

duced the Master of Ceremonies forthe night, Justin Morris.

Captains Jackie Bastow andCarrie Cubbage were recognized,with the song “Sweet MagnoliaBlossom” playing as they made theirwalk. Carrie Cubbage sounded thewhistle, marking the beginning ofthe Ball.

A fond farewell was bid to KingHenry V, Dennis Lavergne andQueen Anne V, Judy Lavergne asthey made their final walk as King

and Queen. It was rumoredthat Queen Anne V wouldnot go peacefully; however,she maintained her graceand dignity.

The Royal Presentationbegan with the introductionof King Henry VI andQueen Anne VI. With amedley of “Sweet HomeAlabama” and “Moondance”playing in the background,Charles and Leslie Cubbagewere announced as the 2011Royal Couple. Wearing atraditional antebellum gown,the Queen was beautiful inluminous green fabric withrhinestone accents. The fab-ric changed colors in thespotlights from green to aluscious shade of purple.

The King’s tuxedo was trimmed inthe same fabric.

The King and Queen are resi-dents of Sulphur and are newly certi-fied foster parents. Charles isemployed by Vector Electric andControls as a foreman at PPG. He isalso the music director for theKrewe, assisting the Captain eachyear. Leslie is employed bySouthernCare Hospice as communi-ty relations director and is also adesign consultant for Willow House.

Charles enjoys cooking, golfing andfishing in his spare time, while Leslieenjoys scrapbooking and photogra-phy. The King and Queen are bothfounding members of Krewe desBons Amis.

While the crowd was waiting forthe Presentation to continue, ForrestGump appeared to the song“Running on Empty” by JacksonBrowne and quotes from Forrest’slife could be heard in the back-ground.

Representing the Duke andDuchess of Graceland were Mattand Leslie Gillespie. Elvis in hissplendor graced our presence andpassed out scarves to his screamingfans. But there was one fan, theDuchess, who was crazier than therest and was desperately attemptingto gain Elvis’ attention. With her sig-nature poodle skirt and scarf at herneck, she pranced around him witha large sign stating, “I Love Elvis.”After ignoring her for what seemedlike an eternity, Elvis finally gave inand they walked off arm in arm.

Matt and Leslie are residents ofMoss Bluff and have two daughters,Ayasha and Kira. Both are graduatesof McNeese State University andhave been members of Krewe desBons Amis for four years. Matt isemployed at the Isle of Capri as sen-


ior staff accountant and enjoyshunting, fishing and golf. Leslie isthe executive assistant to the CEO atFarmer’s Rice Mill. She has been thesocial chairperson for the Krewe forthe past two years, and enjoys scrap-booking and cooking.

The Bons Amis Players enter-tained the members and guests with“Harper Valley PTA” as the PTAaccused Mrs. Johnson (KyshaHebert) of wearing her skirts “waytoo high,” among other things. Ofcourse, we all know the outcomewhen she addressed the meeting ofthe Harper Valley PTA! Others inthe skit included Carrie Cubbage,Christine Stevens, DennisLavergne, Craig Arabie and JimmyBastow.

Representing the Duke andDuchess of Moonlight were Annaand Michael Allen. Dressed aswerewolves in formal attire, the

Duke walked through the darkwoods while the Duchess prancedtrying to get Mr. Werewolf ’s atten-tion. Eventually, she let him catchher and they waltzed around thestage. The very appropriate musicincluded “Werewolves of London”and “Dancing in the Moonlight,”complete with a moon over theirheads.

The Duke and Duchess are resi-dents of Lake Charles. They are bothgraduates of McNeese StateUniversity and have been membersof the Krewe des Bons Amis forthree years. Michael is senior geolo-gist for Fugro Consultants and Annais a fifth grade teacher at HenryHeights Elementary School in LakeCharles. They enjoy traveling andspending time with their goddaugh-ter, Kaitlyn.

The Bons Amis Players appearedagain at the Watermelon Festival,

with the Sheriff (Christine Stevens)presiding. A line dance includedKysha Hebert, Dot Whatley, JudyLavergne, Suzanne May, Pat Burnsand Jolene John.

Representing the Duke andDuchess of Magnolias were Bryanand Candace Hollingsworth.Magnolias and fleur de lis coveredtheir costumes. Being true to theirhome state flower, they paid homageto the sports and tailgate traditions.With a medley of “LouisianaSaturday Night,” “Tiger TailgateParty” and “Louisiana Hot Stuff,” theDuke and Duchess paid respects toThe Saints and LSU, as well as hunt-ing and tailgating. The couple endedtheir tribute with a little Louisianatwo-step.

Candace and Bryan are residentsof Moss Bluff. Bryan is a graduate ofLamar State University, and is a reg-istered nurse and the clinical man-

ager of Business Health Partners inSulphur. Candace is a graduate ofMcNeese State University and isemployed at South Beauregard HighSchool in Longville. They are theparents of two children, Jackson andLilly. Bryan enjoys hunting, fishing,golf and all things sports-related.Candace loves spending time withfriends and traveling. They havebeen members of Krewe des BonsAmis for two years.

The Court was reintroduced tothe guests with the song “It’s GonnaBe A Good Night” playing in thebackground. After the Court wasintroduced, the entire Krewe andtheir guests were asked to join them.It was a sign to all attending fromthe Krewe that, indeed, it was goingto be a good night! The Royal Toastwas next on the program, followedby the Mardi Gras Second Linedance.

Bayou Katz provided music, withsound and lighting provided bySouthern DJ Productions.

A special thanks go to the Kreweboard members: President JimmyBastow, Vice President CraigArabie, Secretary Anna Allen,Treasurer Jackie Bastow, and Sgt.at Arms Roger Felter. Also, a big“Thank you” to Amy Gerard, Ballchairperson; Jody Fawvor, Balldecorating chairperson; DennisLavergne, float chairman; andLeslie Gillespie, social chairperson.

Top left: Captains Jackie Bastow and Carrie Cubbage

Top right: Duke and Duchess of Graceland, Matt and Leslie Gillespie

Bottom left: Duke and Duchess of Moonlight, Anna and Michael Allen

Bottom right: Duke and Duchess of Magnolias, Bryan and Candace Hollingsworth


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Krewe de l’ Bon Temps held its 24th annualMardi Gras Ball on Sat., Feb. 5 at the VFW Poston Highway 171 in Moss Bluff. The theme wasthe 1980s.

The ball began with the presentation of theKrewe banner by CJ and Sue Langley. The firstroutine performed by Jesters Laura Matthewsand Scotty Schadler was done to the themefrom Ghostbusters with the help of Robert andPaulette Dartez .

The first Court couple, Duke Sam Brumettand Duchess Dana Brumett, came out in col-lars depicting scenes from “The Dukes ofHazzard.” Duke Sam and Duchess Dana areresidents of Westlake, and have been marriedfor ten years and have two children, Abby andTex. They have been Krewe members for fiveyears and are both currently serving on theboard of directors. Duke Sam is employed byTrouth Plumbing and Duchess Dana is a stay-at-home mom.

The Jesters donned extra pounds and enter-tained us with their version of “Eat It” by WeirdAl, which led into the introduction of the nextcourt couple.

Duke Sean Hayes as Richard Simmons andDuchess Kim Hayes, depicting Jane Fonda,were introduced to the tune of “Let’s GetPhysical.” Duke Sean and Duchess Kim live in

Ragley and have been marriedfor five years. They have three chil-dren, Allie, Becca and Hannah. Duke Sean iscurrently employed by Wright Plumbing;Duchess Kim sits for her nieces and nephewswhile their parents work.

Madonna (Laura Matthews) performed to“Material Girl” as the introduction to the nextcourt couple.

Duke Ricky Peshoff as Rod Stewart andDuchess Sara Peshoff as Cyndi Lauper cameout to “Do you Think I’m Sexy” and “Girls JustWant to Have Fun.” Duke Ricky and DuchessSara reside in Moss Bluff and have been mar-ried for five years. They have two children,Hayden and Chloe. Ricky is a sales consultantfor AT & T and Sara is a teacher at Brenda H.Hunter Head Start.

Next, the Jesters performed skits to the com-mercials for the new Atari game “Pong” and thearcade game “Pac Man,” with the help of CJand Sue Langley and Paulette and RobertDartez.

This geared everyone up for the Royal Event:the presentation of King Maurice XXIV, JerryGoodeaux and Queen Monique XXIV, CathyGoodeaux. His Royal Highness wore a collarthat mirrored an Atari Joy Stick and the 3-Ddepiction of the game “Frogger.” The back of

his collar was embel-lished with black ostrich feathers.Her Royal Highness wore a collar thatdepicted the arcade game “Pac Man.” The backof her collar was covered with white ostrichfeathers and white black-tipped ostrich plumes.

The Royal Couple has been married for 30years and currently resides in Ragley. Theyhave two children, Jeri Shortridge andKimberly Culbertson, and seven grandchildren.They have been members of the Krewe for twoyears, with Queen Kathy currently serving onthe board of directors. King Jerry is employedby Trouth Plumbing and Queen Cathy is (asshe says) employed by her husband in takingcare of all of his needs.

Our special thanks go out to Dyane Elliottfor all the hard work and hours she spent com-ing up with costume designs and jester skits.

Also, a special thanks to Phil deAlbuquerque—without him this publicationwould not be possible. THANK YOU!


Krewe de les Cajuns held its 23rdannual Mardi Gras Presentation andDance on Sat., Feb. 12 in the VFW Post120 on Country Club Road in LakeCharles. Captain Jerrie Young and Co-captain Otis Young entered the gaily-decorated hall blowing their whistles,signifying the beginning of the festivities.

The 2011 King Gabriel XXIII,Clifford Granger, is retired from IMTC,Inc. He is an affiliate of the Cajun FrenchMusic Association (CFMA) as a memberand past vice president and board mem-ber. He is currently the secretary ofKrewe de les Cajuns. Queen MadelineXXIII, Barbara Sue Granger, is a home-maker, mother and grandmother. She isa member of the CFMA and belongs tothe Crazy Quilters. The King and Queenare dancers with the Les Bon TempsDanseurs of the CFMA Lake CharlesChapter. They have one daughter, LoriVerzwyvelt and her husband Jason, and agrandson, Jacob.

Duke Matt Sonnier is employed by

Capital Valve. He graduate fromMcNeese State University with a degreein plant instrumentation. He was a recip-ient of three scholarships from theCFMA. The Duke is the proud father oftwo boys, Drake and Keaton, and isDuchess Renola Simon’s grandson.Duchess Renola Simon has been theKrewe’s treasurer for 22 years. A memberof the CFMA, she also belongs to theCajun French Mass Choir. She has twodaughters, Drusilla and Charmaine;three grandchildren; Matt, Dawn andBrittany; two step-grandchildren,Melissa and Glen; and five grandchil-dren, Drake, Keaton, Katelyn, Nolan andAubrie.

Also there that evening were 2010Miss Cajun Music, Kelsey Starks, and2010 Mrs. Cajun Music, Mrs. BrittanyRichard. The evening’s festivities includ-ed a costume contest and entertainmentby Chris Miller and Bayou Roots.Mistress of ceremonies was LoriVerzwyvelt.

Pictured left:2011 King Gabriel XXIII, Clifford Granger

& Queen Madeline XXIII, Barbara Sue Granger

Pictured right:2011 Duke Matt Sonnier & Duchess Renola Simon


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The Krewe de Carnivale’ celebrated theirMardi Gras ball on Jan. 22 at the Lake

Charles Civic Center in the Contrabandroom. With the theme of “TheRoaring 20s,” elaborately masked

and costumed members welcomedtheir costumed or formally dressedguests as they entered Club 1920. Thebricked entrance was decorated toresemble a prohibition speakeasy

with crates, empty bottles and whiskeybarrels. Tables were decorated with tall

glass cylinders filled with black and whiteostrich plumes, and black and white bal-

loons spiraled from ceiling to flooraround the columns in the room.

Ball Captain Preston Smith,dressed in a black and white

pinstriped Mob Boss suit and

black fedora hat, presented the Royal Couple.King Rex Ratcliff was striking in his rhine-

stone embellished black tailed tuxedo and tophat covered in rhinestones. Queen CourtneyMouton Pearce was magnificent in her ivoryand silver Stevie reproduction flapper dress,embellished with silver and iridescent beadsand sequins. Her crown was adorned withrhinestones and pearls. She completed the out-fit with a white-feathered boa and black patentleather Mary Janes.

Rex is employed by Top Deck Incorporated,where he is a scaffold builder. He is the son ofEunita Ratcliff of Dequincy.

Courtney is married to John Pearce, Jr. andis the daughter of Larry and Elizabeth Moutonof Carlyss. She is employed by Family MedicalCenter as a business office assistant. She lovesspending time with family and friends andenjoys the outdoors.

Throughout the evening, the Krewe stagedmany bead tosses, which are unique to thisKrewe. All the fun was captured by photogra-pher John Stickney.


Krewe of Chaos held its Sixth Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Feb. 12 inthe Isle of Capri Flamingo Ballroom. This year’s theme was “Ice, Ice,Baby…Chaos Sinks the Titanic.”

Chaos Krewe members and their guests entered the ballroomthrough a lighted silhouette of the Titanic. The stage area was decorat-ed “ship-like” with railings and lifesavers. Each table was adorned withilluminated ice blocks as centerpieces.

Complete with jester attire, emcee TimmyWilson introduced the Chaotic Jesters as theyperformed their own version of “Ice, Ice, Baby”Chaos-style. Mikki Myers was the 2011 coordi-nator of the Chaotic Jesters. Krewe of Chaosofficers were introduced starting with CaptainTodd Bruney, followed by Co-CaptainVanessa Clavier, Treasurer Scott Jackson,

Captain-Elect Allison Everage and Co-Captain-Elect Jill Polak. The 2010 King ChaosIV, Rod Myers and Queen Gaea IV, MikkiMyers, along with their Court, were sum-moned to bid farewell to the tune of “NoParking on the Dance Floor” by Midnight Star.

Captain Todd Bruney


The guests were told to Stop, Collaborate, and Listenas the emcee for the evening rocked his mic like a vandaland played a dope melody, anything less than the best is afelony. “Check Baby, Check Baby, 1,2, 3...”

The first Duchess was spotlighted on the presentationfloor with “Rump Shaker” by Wreckx-n-Effect playingalong as she entered. Hope Benoit was introduced asDuchess Rump Shaker of the Seas. The Duchess hasbeen shaking her rump with her husband Rodney for 13years. She is a self-employed massage therapist and also agymnastics coach who can still pull a heel stretch and dothe booty hop. The Sulphur native is mother to Luke andLibby. “Never Gonna Stop, Give it Up.”

The next couple hit the floor to the tune of “MySharona” by The Knack. Joey and Tracy Mere were intro-duced as Duke and Duchess Spirit of Sharona. She’s hispretty one and he’s been her destiny for 15 years. TheLake Charles and Alexandria natives make their motorsrun while employed at Market Basket. They are parents toSavannah and Steven.

“Yo baby, What’s up?” To the tune of “Brass Monkey”by The Beastie Boys, Tracy Stelly was introduced asDuchess Brass Monkey Princess. This funky monkeyrocked a business degree at McNeese State and has a casein place at Southwest Louisiana Veterinary Hospital.Tracy was escorted on the night of the Ball by CliffHarris.

“Keep on Turnin.’” The next couple entered the ball-room to “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner. Jason and KristinDraper were introduced as Duke and Duchess USSProud Mary. These big wheels are from Sulphur andOklahoma and have been rolling down the river togetherfor the past 13 years. This Duke and Duchess don’t workfor the man every night and day, but instead run fourSpirit Halloween stores. They are the proud parents ofAndrew and Grace.

The Krewe of Chaos’ fifth royal couple entered theballroom wearing Chaos custom collars and robes of pur-ple and white. King Chaos V and Queen Gaea V, Ranand Lani Prince, were presented along with their fourchildren. Her Royal Highness is a Sulphur native whograduated from Sulphur High School and Stage One. Sheis a stay-at-home mom and has been married to her Kingfor 11 years. In her “free” time, she enjoys hangingout with her family and friends.

His Royal Highness is a graduate ofMcNeese State and St. Augustine University.He is employed at Southwest Louisiana Sportand Rehab Center. His favorite pastimes arehunting, golfing, and adventure racing. TheKing and Queen are parents to Kalli, Matti,Dash, and their newest addition, Emeri Lynn.They also have a Mexican hairless namedBenji.

Music was provided by SouthernDJ Productions. Ball committee chairwas Dena Everage, along with her co-chair Alicia Silver. Royal Courtcommittee chair was KarahWilson, along with her co-chair Stephanie Hankins.

Krewe of Chaos waschartered in February2005 as a social organi-zation with the solepurpose of bringingtogether family andfriends to celebratethe merriment of fel-lowship year round.

Hope Benoit, Duchess Rump Shaker of the Seas.

Tracy Stelly, Duchess Brass Monkey Princess

Joey and Tracy Mere,Duke and Duchess Spirit of Sharona

Jason and Kristin Draper, Duke and Duchess USS Proud Mary


Krewe de Classique held their 24th Annual Mardi Gras Ball atthe Habibi Temple on Sat., Jan. 29. This year’s theme was “Classiquein the Garden of Good and Evil.”

The Washington-Marion High School Junior ROTC ColorGuard opened the Ball, and the Mistress of Ceremonies, JackieSemien, sang the national anthem.

The Royal Court of 2010 was led by King and Queen ClassiqueXXXIII, Randolph and Monica Rideaux.

Making their debuts for 2011 were debutante ChristinaJones and beaus Michael Rigmaiden and Jeremi

Edwards.Classique’s Garden was divided into four

sections and was let by Krewe CaptainFrederick Rideaux as a Wizard and

Consort Nellie Rideaux as a VoodooLady. This year’s Court featured

Dukes and Duchesses who have allserved as King and Queen at some

point in the Krewe’s history.The Duke and Duchess of

Science Fiction, Danny andSusan Barron, entered tothe theme of BattlestarGalactica preceded byKrewe members depict-ing the crew of theStarship Enterprise.

King Classique XXIV,

Freddie Talbert and

Queen Classique XXIV,

Debora Talbert


The Duke and Duchess of Witches andWizards, Foster and Vina Charles, weregreeted by Krewe members performing askit dressed as witches and wizards.

The Duke and Duchess of Cops andRobbers, Johnnie and Annie Mouton,were preceded by Krewe members per-forming to “Bad Boys” as bank robberseventually stopped by the Marshal.

The Duke and Duchess of Angels andDemons, Bernard and Dolores Beacoentered to the music of “Touched by anAngel.” Krewe members dressed as vam-pires and the Women of Darkness per-

formed to “Black Magic Woman.”In keeping with the tradition of glitter

and glamour, Classique presented KingClassique XXIV, Freddie Talbert andQueen Classique XXIV, Debora Talbert.The King and Queen were attended bytheir children, RaShann Dudley andKiarra Talbert. Krewe member DaleBlack was the King’s Attendant.

After the crowning of the new RoyalCouple and the King’s Proclamation, Krewemembers started the party with a perform-ance of “Thriller” and the Second Line.

Consort Nellie Rideaux as a Voodoo Lady with Krewe Captain Frederick Rideaux as a Wizard

The Duke and Duchess of Witches and Wizards, Foster and Vina Charles

The Duke and Duchess of Angels and Demons, Bernard and Dolores Beaco

The Duke and Duchess of Cops and Robbers, Johnnie and Annie Mouton

The Duke and Duchess of Science Fiction, Danny and Susan Barron


The Krewe of Cosmos celebrated its 61stAnnual Mardi Gras pageant on Sat., March 5 inthe Sulphur High School auditorium. UniformedActive Service Personnel greeted the audience asthey entered through an Avenue of AmericanFlags into the Military Ballroom. Cosmos “Salutesthe Military” for defending our precious rightsand freedoms that we have as citizens of this greatcountry.

The pageant began with the presentation of col-ors by the Boy Scouts of Troop 83, followed by theNational Anthem, sung by Krewe member Joe

Castro. This was followed by the presentation ofthe Krewe officers: President Jill Lockhart, VicePresident Karen Farnum, Treasurer BeckyMcCain, and Secretary Dawn LeBato. The Masterof Ceremonies for the evening was Tom Hoefer.

The Captain took control of his troops as heintroduced the night’s Royalty: the CommandingOfficers of the five branches of the Armed Forces.

The Commanding Officers of the Army were,Duke Art Little and Duchess Mary Little. TheDuke and Duchess graduated from Sulphur HighSchool, and the Duke graduated from McNeeseState University. They belong to ImmaculateConception Catholic Church, and are the parents ofJessica Wilfer, Amy Dever and Bobby Dever. Theyhave eight grandchildren.

The Commanding Officers of the Navy were,Duke Brandon Dever and Duchess Amy Dever.The Duke and Duchess both graduated fromSulphur High School and the Duke graduated fromMcNeese State University. Brandon and Amybelong to Our Lady of Prompt Succor CatholicChurch. They have four children, Kerri-Beth,Jammi-Anne, Faith, and their little angel in heaven,Payton Joseph.

The Commanding Officers of the Marineswere, Duke Bobby Little and Duchess Jamie Little.The Duke and Duchess both graduated fromSulphur High School and McNeese State University.The couple has an 18-month old son, and are mem-bers of Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles.

The Commanding Officers of the CoastGuard were, Duke Pete Bayles and Duchess MaryJo Bayles. Duke Pete graduated from Cleveland(MS) High School, Delta State and LSU School ofDentistry. Duchess Mary Jo graduated from WestMonroe High School and Northeast Louisiana

University. The Duke and Duchess attendDeQuincy Methodist Church. They have twodaughters, Mallory Blair Padgett and Julia MadisonWall, and one grandson, Ethan Carlisle Padgett.

The fifth and final branch introduced was theCommanding Officers of the Air Force, DukeGlenn Wilfer and Duchess Jessica Wilfer. TheDuke and Duchess graduated from Sulphur HighSchool and are members of Our Lady of PromptSuccor Catholic Church. They have three children,Kelsey, Austin, and Kennedy.

It was now time to reveal the 2011 Captain ofthe Ball, Tim Leger. Tim has been an activemember of the Krewe for 15 years, and he and hiswife Lynn have served on Court. They have fivechildren, Sean Davis, Eric Leger, Ryan Davis,Amie Young, Kate Leger, and eight wonderfulgrandchildren.

Finally, The 2011 King of Krewe of Cosmos,King Maximus Meridius Delirious, Carl Vincent,and the 2011 Queen of Krewe of Cosmos wasQueen Cecelia Elizabeth Liberte’, Carla Vincent,were presented.

King Carl is a native of Crossett, Arkansas and agraduate of Sulphur High School and McNeeseState University. He is a local State Farm agent andthe executive director for Sulphur AcademicFoundation for Excellence. He is a member of theMcNeese Foundation and on the board of theMcNeese Athletic Foundation. The King was the2002 Distinguished Partner in Education for theState of Louisiana and the 2001 West CalcasieuCitizen of the Year.

Queen Carla, a native of Alexandria, is a grad-uate of Neville High School in Monroe andNortheast Louisiana University. She is the officemanager for Carl Vincent State Farm Agency, and

is a member of the SulphurAcademic Foundation forExcellence, McNeese Petro ChemClub, McNeese Foundation andMcNeese Athletic Foundation.

The King and Queen have beenin the Krewe for seven years, servingas Duke and Duchess in 2007, and asjesters and adult pages. The annualcrawfish boils have been heldnumerous times at their home aswell as other Krewe functions. Carland Carla are members of HenningMethodist Church in Sulphur. Theyhave five children, Curtis Rogers,Hanna Doty, Nick Rogers, RamseyVincent, Emily Vincent, and twograndsons.

King Maximus Meridius Delirious, Carl Vincent and

Queen Cecelia Elizabeth Liberte’, Carla Vincent

Captain of the Ball, Tim Leger Commanding Officers of the Army, Duchess Mary Little and Duke Art Little

Commanding Officers of the Navy, DukeDuchess Amy Dever and Brandon Dever

Commanding Officers of the Marines, Duke Bobby Little and Duchess Jamie Little

Commanding Officers of the Coast Guard, Duchess Mary Jo Bayles and Duke Pete Bayles

Commanding Officers of the Air Force, DukeGlenn Wilfer and Duchess Jessica Wilfer


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Krewe Déjà Vu du Monde heldtheir 22nd Annual Mardi Gras Ball onSat., Feb. 5 at the Lake Charles CivicCenter. The theme was “Francais duPassé” –France of the Past, recreatinga lavish meal in a French palace.

Master of Ceremonies GayleMarshall presented the Board ofDirectors: President Tom Price, VicePresidents Read Ellender and JulieBabineux, Treasurer EileenGrantham, Secretary Lauren deAlbuquerque, and Krewe RepsJennifer Gill, Chase Wilson andBarbara Downer.

The Royal Court of 2010, Kingand Queen XXI, Tip and Gayle Clineand their loyal Dukes and Duchesses,Chase and Ashley Wilson andTommy and Mary St. Romaine,made their final promenade.

The 2011 debutantes were MarilynDiane Blount, daughter of SteveBlount and Krewe member ChristinaSmith; Caroline Downer, daughter ofKrewe members Brett and BarbaraDowner, and LindseyKathryn Woods, daughter ofKrewe members Tim andTheresa Woods. Eachdebutante was escortedby her father.

Captain Phil de Albuquerque, asNapoleon, got the crowd going asonly he can! Captain Phil was bornand raised in Michigan and was aRingling Brothers Barnum and Baileyclown. He and his wife Lauren movedto Lake Charles seven years ago fromBoston. They are the publishers of TheJambalaya News. Phil is also a con-tractor at Ft. Polk and is the presidentof the Children’s Museum board; andsits on the board of Big Brothers/BigSisters, the Imperial CalcasieuMuseum, and the Calcasieu BoatClub. He and his wife have beeninvolved in cat rescue since coming toLake Charles.

Krewe Mascot Julie Babineauxstrutted her stuff as Fifi, the FrenchMaid. Born in Oberlin, she graduatedfrom Oberlin High School and theUniversity of Penn. with an Associate’sDegree in paralegal studies. She isemployed by the Calcasieu ParishPolice Jury, Family and Juvenile CourtDivision C. She is the PR director ofMardi Gras Southwest Louisiana, Inc.,

a board member of Mardi GrasMuseum, VP and mascot and ofKrewe Deja vu du Monde and a mem-ber of Krewe de la Louisiane. She isalso a member of the advisory boardfor BAAK (Bikers Against AbusingKids). She is the mother of Airman1st Class Justin Kyle Chatman, sta-tioned at Scott AFB, Illinois, andSebastian the cat.

The 2011 King and Queen of DéjàVu du Monde were David and BoHuddle of Lake Charles. King Davidhas been a practicing attorney since1973. After graduating from LakeCharles High School, he obtained aBachelor’s degree from LSU in busi-ness administration, a Juris Doctorfrom LSU School of Law, and aMasters of Law in taxation fromSouthern Methodist University Schoolof Law. He is board certified in estateplanning and administration and tax-ation, and is past chair-man of the EstatePlanning Specializationcommittee. He is a

member of the SWLA Bar Associationand Louisiana State Bar Association.He was a lieutenant in the US Armyreserve, and is a member of the LakeCharles Kiwanis Club.

Queen Bo graduated from MountSterling High School in Kentucky. Sheattended Morehead State and graduat-ed from McNeese State with anAssociate’s degree. She was employedas a paralegal from 1985 to 2004 andhas been a realtor with Century 21Bono since 2004. King David andQueen Bo have five children, David,Brady, Mary, Marcus and Katherine,and nine grandchildren. David is agolfer and Bo loves gardening. Theyboth enjoy snow skiing and findimmense pleasure in spending timewith their family and friends.

Duke and Duchess Scott andRhonda Folds represented theInvitation to the Dinner. Duke Scottis the owner of Custom ControlSolutions, LLC, and Duchess Rhondais a stay-at-home mom. They havebeen happily married for 17 years andhave two children, Summer Marie and

2011 King and Queen, David and Bo Huddle


Brooklyn Nickole. The Duke andDuchess are active members of WatersEdge Community Theater Church.Scott golfs in his spare time, andRhonda enjoys reading and cooking,but they both love spending timewith their family the most.

Duchess Margaret Steele repre-sented the Wine Selection.

From Pineville Kentucky, theDuchess attended Eastern KentuckyUniversity and is a forensic analystwith the Southwest Louisiana CrimeLab. She lives in Lake Charles andloves reading, music and dancing,spending time with family, friendsand her dogs, watching the sunriseand sunset, and traveling.

Duchess Barbara Monroe repre-sented the “Sauce” on the MainCourse.

Duchess Barbara was born on theBayou Teche in New Iberia but movedto Lake Charles when she was three.She is a descendant of the Salliers, oneof the pioneer families who settledLake Charles. The Duchess graduatedfrom Lake Charles High School, andwent to McNeese 19 years later,obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science anda Master’s in environmental science.She works for the Calcasieu Parish

Police Jury as stormwater coordinator forthe parish and threesurrounding cities. She has three chil-dren, Don, Cindy and Mark; sevengrandchildren, two great-grandchil-dren, and two cats, Belle and Nick.

Duke Kalan Powers representedthe Dessert. He was born and raisedin Wamego, Kansas. (Yes, they dohave a Wizard of Oz Museum thereand are currently building a yellowbrick road!) The Duke graduatedfrom Southwestern College with adegree in business and was an honor-able mention NAIA All-Americanbasketball player. He is a financialanalyst for ConocoPhillips, whichbrought him to Lake Charles a yearand a half ago. Upon his arrival, Kalanwas immediately welcomed intoKrewe Déjà Vu du Monde. He spendshis free time playing tennis at the rac-quet club and visiting friends andfamily. He says that the one thing he’slearned since being down here is thatit’s true what people say aboutSouthern hospitality.

Duchess Katherine GayleArmstrong Petty represented theFinale. Duchess Katherine is a nativeof Lake Charles and graduated from

St. Louis High School. She is currentlyattending McNeese State Universitymajoring in education, with a concen-tration in fine arts. Katherine is amember of Our Lady Queen ofHeaven Church and theCalcasieu Boat Club. She hasfour children: Jessie, who ismarried with three children;William, who is in pre-med atLSU and currently studying inthe Czech Republic; Allan, whoattends OLQH School; andWilliam Lynch, who attendsMcNeese. She enjoysspending time withfamily and friendsand working in herstudio for herbusiness, K.Petty Prints.

Captain Phil de Albuquerque

Krewe Mascot Julie Babineaux

Duchess Margaret Steele

Duchess Barbara Monroe

Duke and Duchess Scott and Rhonda Folds

Duke Kalan Powers

Duchess Katherine GayleArmstrong Petty


Krewe de Embrasser Le Bon Viewas established in 2003 and partici-pated in their first Krewe of Krewesparade in 2004. Le Bon Vie, whichhas 40 members, is one of severalKrewes that call DeRidder home.

Mardi Gras in DeRidderhas become a communityendeavor with social groupsand Krewes sponsoring orsupporting each event. TheCity of DeRidder partici-pates by nominating theKing and Queen and sev-eral Dukes and Duchesses.Anyone can be nominat-ed; the applicant thencompletes a form thatincludes their back-ground and communityservice. The DeRidderWomen’s League choos-es the Court from theapplicants.

The Court is introduced to thepublic on Twelfth Night, which issponsored by Beta Sigma Phi. Allproceeds from sponsors and ticketsales are donated to muscular dystro-phy. The present Queen and all pastQueens get together at a luncheonand raise funds amongst themselvesto be donated to the BeauregardAssociation for Retarded Citizens.The Mardi Gras Ball is hosted by theDeRidder Women’s League, and allproceeds are also donated to BARC.

Krewe de Embrasser Le Bon Viewould like to extend a heartfeltTHANK YOU to their sponsor,whose generosity allowed the Kreweto make their first appearance in theMardi Gras edition of TheJambalaya News.

2011 Court


La Krewe Des GensExtraordinaire celebrated their 2011 ball

on Jan. 22 at the Lake Charles Civic Centerwith the theme, “Wide World of Sports.”This Krewe of Extraordinary People, found-ed in 1995, has made a commitment to fos-ter and promote this joyous celebration byparticipating in all Mardi Gras activities inSouthwest Louisiana

Master of Ceremonies Nora Poppillionwelcomed the Washington-Marion MagnetHigh School R.O.T.C. along with ShannonRyan Moore, who sang the NationalAnthem. This was followed by a tribute tothe deceased family members of the previ-ous year. Next, Krewe PresidentDorothy King and Vice PresidentBarbara Forsythe presented theKrewe Flag.

The 2010 King and Queen ofDisco Fever, Ronald Atlow andQueen Theresa Atlow, made theirfinal appearance before Ball Captains Mrs. SybilIrving and Mr. Herman Joseph introduced the 2011Court.

Representing the NFL were Duke Earl Williamsand Duchess Robin Williams. A graduate ofMcCauley High School, Duke Earl is the owner of4A Quality Movers and Suddath United Van Lines.He enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting and barbequingfor his family and friends. Duchess Robin is a nativeof Lake Charles, but has resided in Dallas for the last20 years. She is a graduate of Washington School andNational Beauty College, and attended the Universityof New Orleans and McNeese State University.Duchess Robin is the Owner of R. Williams LastingImpressions and Bling Girl Events, and is the presi-dent of Ardyss International and RBTL Book Club.The Duke and Duchess have been married for 16years and have three sons.

Following their presentation, Karen Parker,Shantel King, Dorothy King and Paula Armelinperformed a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders skit.

Next, representing the World Boxing Associationwere Duke Errick Wesley and Duchess DarleenWesley. Duke Errick is a native of Lake Charles andis employed at Westlake Petro Chemical

Corporation as an operator. He formally worked as asenior district parole officer with the TexasDepartment of Criminal Justice. Duchess Darleen isa native of Sunset, Louisiana and has lived in LakeCharles for the past 11 years. She is a project special-ist with the City of Lake Charles, Office of the Mayorand has worked as a radio personality, “Diva D” onKZWMA for 15 years. The Duke and Duchess havebeen married for the 14 years and have three chil-dren, Emily, Kephera and Errick Jr. (Zeek).

Following their presentation, Jonathon Simien,Willie Hamilton

Jason Nesbitt, Willie Irving and Kenneth Caseperformed a boxing skit, complete with MohammedAli and Howard Cosell.

Representing the NBA were Duke Sean Simpsonand Duchess Brandi Nixon. Duke Sean is a hugesports fan and loves all things Louisiana. He is theowner of Lagniappe cafe and catering in LakeCharles. He enjoys spending time with his wife Darlaand their three kids, Demonte, Crystasia, Victory,and the much-loved family pet, Hera. DuchessBrandi is from Lake Charles. She graduated fromSam Houston High School and attended Delta Techand University of Phoenix. She is employed

with the U.S. Department of Labor.Duchess Brandi is the mother of BrysonStrauss and Sydney Golden. A member ofFirst New Life Missionary Baptist Church,Duchess Brandi enjoys networking, shop-ping, traveling, cooking and spending timewith family.

Following their presentation, ClaudeSyas, Marshall Semien, Dr. Clyde Smoot,Ricky Armelin, Willie Irving, Ron Nashand Mary Baker performed a basketball skit.

Now, it was time to meet the La KreweDes Gens Extraordinaire’s

2011 King and Queen, who represented AWide World of Sports. King

Extraordinaire XVI was CalvinLinden. King Calvin is a graduate ofThomas Jefferson High School inPort Arthur and Lamar Universityand holds a degree in criminal jus-tice. He served 10 years in the

United States Marines, and retiredafter 32 years from Huntsman Industries. He nowowns C and L Trucking. The King is a member ofChristian Fellowship Baptist Church in Port Arthur.He has two children, Tracy and Kevin, three grand-children, Jaland, Korus and Kanji, and enjoys hunt-ing and traveling.

Queen Extraordinaire XVI was Lutricia Cobb.Queen Lutricia, the owner and broker of LutriciaCobb Real Estate, and has been in the real estatebusiness for 30 years. She is a graduate of SacredHeart High School and attended McNeese StateUniversity and Los Angeles City College. She gradu-ated from the American Institute of Banking of LosAngeles and belongs to the National Association ofRealtors of SWLA and the Association of Realtors.Queen Lutricia is the secretary of Lake CharlesKiwanis North, a member of the Calcasieu ParishPlanning and Zoning Board, and is a charter mem-ber of Krewe Extraordinaire. A member of SacredHeart of Jesus Catholic Church, the Queen has oneson, Raymond, and four grandchildren, Alexis,Aaron, Dejondra and Malakai. She enjoys readingand traveling.

Duke & Duchess of the NFLEarl and Robin Williams

Duke & Duchess of the World BoxingAssociation, Errick and Darleen Wesley

Duke & Duchess of the NBASean Simpson and Brandi Nixon


The Krewe de Charlie Sioux was sanc-tioned by the state of Louisiana in 1997.That same year, Lake Charles and SiouxCity officially became Sister Cities at atwinning ceremony in Lake Charles.Members consist of Sioux City, IA andLake Charles, LA residents. Each city hasits own Krewe president and Ball Captain.Sioux City members come to Lake

Charles for Mardi Gmembers travel to Siof July Fourth and brSiouxland in the formand Zydeco concert.

The purpose of thmote Mardi Gras andriences as well as devcity. Sioux City dona

Pink - Shannon McSwain

Peter Paul & Mary -Jeanne Lane

Lady GaGa - Marcie Miller

Kiss - Greg Jones

Queen Siouxland XIII, Joy Caudron, left; and

King Charles XIII, Roger Caudronof Sioux City, right.


ras and Lake Charlesioux City the weekring Mardi Gras tom of a gala, parade

he Krewe is to pro-d share cultural expe-velop tourism in eachated thousands of dol-

lars and goods to Katrina and Rita vic-tims, as well as $3,500 towards MardiGras 2006 in Lake Charles.

Roger Caudron, King Charles the 13thand Queen Siouxland the 13th, JoyCaudron of Sioux City, reigned over thisyear’s festivities in Sioux City.

Police - Marty Pottebaum

Elton John - Dick Lindlom

Janis Joplin - Teresa Zinn

Elvis - Dan Carlson

To participate in Krewe de CharlieSioux events, please contact

Blaine Bourgeois at [email protected]


John Chavanne thanks all of the Krewes for their continued business and wants

to remind everyone to get started early on costumes for 2012.

John is the man behind the mask of Mardi Grasin Southwest Louisiana, making costumes

for over 15 years.

Call and ask about costumes workshops. Call today for your appointment

(337) [email protected]


Krewe de l’Ecore held its 13thannual Mardi Gras Ball on Fri., Feb.25, at Habibi Temple in LakeCharles. Board officers are Donnaand Randy DeBarge, Russell andShelly McNabb, Bryan and TeliseWinters, Roy and Ruth White,Darrel and Anissa Darbonne, Kimand Dwayne Chapman, and Markand Jacki Nixon.

The Krewe’s theme for theevening was “Vive’ la France.” MarkNixon of Lake Charles was Masterof Ceremonies. Entertainment wasprovided by Clay Rougeau, withphotography by Rod RodriguezPhotography.

Debutantes for the evening wereOlivia DeBarge, 16, daughter ofRandy and Donna DeBarge ofMoss Bluff; Allison Fields, 15,daughter of John and Sharon Fieldsof Moss Bluff; Demi Knighton, 16,daughter of Stacy and DeannaKnighton of Moss Bluff, RosemaryPrejean, 16, daughter of Keith andShana Prejean of Westlake; LexieReed, 16, daughter of Murray andMeg Reed of Moss Bluff; and AlidaVickers, 16, daughter of Wendelland Bridgette Bertrand of MossBluff.

The revelry began with the GrandDuchess of France, AnissaDarbonne, with her three costumechanges representing the theme ofthe Court as a French chef, cabaretdancer, and a royal maid. TheGrand Duchess resides in MossBluff with her husband of 14 years,Darrel Darbonne. The couple has

two children, Madison andKennedy. The Grand Duchess is astay-at-home mom and is a memberof St. John Bosco Catholic Church.

Roy and Ruth White of MossBluff reigned as the King andQueen of “Vive’ la France.” Theywere preceded in the presentationby their grandchildren Cade, Alyse,and Emma White, who carried theRoyal Krewe banner.

The King and Queen have been

married for 37 years and have twochildren, Brandon (Sandy) Whiteand Eric (Candace) White and fourgrandchildren, Cade, Alyse, Emmaand Addyson White. They havebeen members of Krewe de l’ Ecore’for seven years and presently serveon the board of directors as decorat-ing chairpersons. The King isemployed by Citgo, and the Queenenjoys her time as a homemaker andbeing “Mimi” to her grandchildren.

Both King and Queen enjoy makingand decorating Mardi Gras col-lars. They attend St. Theodore’sCatholic Church.

Jeremiah and Natalie Reddittappeared as The Duke and Duchessof 18th Century French Service,representing a French Maid andButler. The Redditts reside in Ragleyand have been married for fiveyears. They have two daughters,Abigail Marie and Aubrianne Kate.The Duke is a senior networkadministrator at Amerisafe and theDuchess is a registered nurse at St.Patrick Hospital. They attend St.Pius X Catholic Church in Ragley.

Representing the Duke andDuchess of The French MoulinRouge were Randy and JenniferBellon. Married for 18 years, theBellons reside in Moss Bluff andhave four children, AnissaDarbonne (Darrel), Brandie Arrant(Brian), Jamie Gibson (Randy), andAshley Felice (Jason), and ninegrandchildren: Madison, Kennedy,Randie, Braeden, Austin, Emma,Brynna, Aubree and Brock. TheDuke is retired from the LakeCharles Police Department and ispresident of the Lake CharlesFraternal Order of Police. TheDuchess is an investigator for theDistrict Attorneys Office. The cou-ple owns Hot Off The Press in MossBluff and attends St. TheodoreCatholic Church.

King & Queen of “Vive’ la France, Roy and Ruth White

Grand Duchess Anissa Darbonne Duke & Duchess of 18th Century FrenchService, Natalie & Jeremiah Redditt

Duke & Duchess of The French Moulin RougeJennifer & Randy Bellon


Krewe de la Famille staged its 32ndannual Ball Sat., Feb. 26. The theme was

“Famille Pops to the Music,” featuring songs,skits, and costumes representing the differentdecades of pop music and artists. Dale Mannserved as Master of Ceremonies with KatsieBarbier Fanelli directing the evening’s presenta-tion. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Cajun Division,posted the colors of our country. Mrs. SaraBenoit Green sang our National Anthem, anddance music was provided by “Krossfire.”

The 2010 Splendor of Versailles Royal Court,King and Queen Famille XXXI Mr. and Mrs.Philip de Albuquerque, and Dukes andDuchesses Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henderson IIIand Mr. and Mrs. Wesley McFadden returnedfor their last promenade.

Next, Famille’s beautiful debutantes appearedon the arms of their escorts. They were DelaneyIvey Dupin, daughter of Krewe members Mr.and Mrs. Ted Dupin; Anna Camille Ward,granddaughter of Krewe members Mr. and Mrs.Al Ellender; Mary Margaret Inez Laborde,granddaughter of Krewe members Dr. and Mrs.Cliff Laborde; and Madelyn Pearl Lanza, grand-daughter of Krewe members Mr. and Mrs. JoeLanza.

Captains Scot and Bea Hebert made theirentrance on a grand piano to a medley of Beatlessongs. Representing “Stars on 45s,” their Lyonsvelvet costumes had accents of black, red, whiteand silver, adorned with music notes.

The presentation opened with “Elvis Presley”(Jason Baglio) singing “Jail House Rock” accom-

panied by dancers from the Glenda MossAcademy of Dance.

King and Queen Famille XXXII, Mr. andMrs. Christopher Bergeron reigned over theevening’s festivities. They wore matching customcreations featuring Austrian crystals, silverstones, gold lace, and accents of royal blue andmusic notes. Large white feather-plumed collars,Austrian crystal scepters, and ornate flowingmantles completed the royal outfits.

King Chris graduated from St. Louis CatholicHigh School. He has owned Bergeron, Inc. for29 years. Queen Romona graduated from BarbeHigh School and attended McNeese StateUniversity where she studied psychology. Sheworks with Chris in his business. They havebeen married for 36 years and have four children,


Duke and Duchess Stephen Quinn Hagood and Kelly Lynn Coleman Hagood

Bryan, Julie, Davidand Tina and her husband,

BJ Richard. They have onegrandson, Zachary Taylor.The King and Queen’s Royal

Pages were Gavin Tate Harper andTyler Hoover. Their RoyalPrincesses were Marley SommersNail and Hallie Marie Kleckley.

Duke and Duchess StephenQuinn Hagood and Kelly LynnColeman Hagood represented“Sonny and Cher.” Duke Stephen’scostume was a typical 60s mix ofyellow, blue, green and orange withpuff sleeves, a fur vest, striped bell-bottoms and platform boots. Hisheadpiece and cape were toppedwith peace signs, stars, and featherplumes. His lovely wife, DuchessKelly, wore a regal yellow Lyons vel-vet Indian-style dress typical ofCher, adorned with red, blue, andgreen sequins and rhinestones. Herheadpiece and large feathered collarwere an array of colors, patternsand green rhinestones.

The Duke and Duchess both

graduated fromDeRidder HighSchool, and Kelly has an Associate’sdegree from McNeese StateUniversity. Together they own andoperate K & S Ink, a home-basedbusiness that handles printing,office, and office furniture needs.They have been married for 10years, and have one son, WilliamAndrew Hagood, married to Amy,and two grandchildren, AbigailElizabeth and Hunter Andrew.

Duke and Duchess Michael andNatalie Hayes represented the popicons of the 80s, “Madonna” and“Michael Jackson.” Duke Michaelwore black Lyons velvet adornedwith silver sequins and rhinestonesand a cape featuring a silhouette ofMichael Jackson. His headpiece wasa top hat embellished with rhine-stones and ostrich plumed feathers.Duchess Natalie wore black andfuchsia lace, accented with silverrhinestones and sequins. Her blackand fuchsia ostrich-plumed collarwas accented with back and silver

stones. Herbustier-style dress

was complete with “Madonnacones.”

Duke Michael graduated fromThomas Jefferson High School inPort Arthur. Duchess Natalie grad-uated from West Orange Stark Highin Orange, and both graduatedfrom Lamar University inBeaumont. Mike works at Sasol inenvironmental and governmentrelations Natalie is a project manag-er at DuPont Orange River Works.They have been married for 14years and have thee children,Ashley, Evan, and Brian, and fourgrandchildren, Jacob, Tyler, Lane,and Adrian. They live in Westlakeand are members of St. John BoscoCatholic Church.

The LC Divas, Sara Benoit Green,Gwen Auld and Tami Barnes pro-vided royal entertainment.

Krewe skits were performed byAndy Buisson, Brian and LindaDaigle, Phil de Albuquerque,Ricky and Tricia Guidry, Roby

Dyer, Doug and Adele Hamer,Eddie and Gay Hebert, KyleHebert, Carl Himel, JJ Johnson,Jim and Rhonda Kleckley, BruceMaerhofer, Bill Maxcy, WesMcFadden, Micky Moss, Tim andMaria O’Dowd, Dan Plummer,Gene Poe and Curtis and EmmaVincent.

The Pink Ladies under the direc-tion of Linda Moss were LindaBlooming, Janelle Brahm, MaggieCromwell, Roby Dyer, JudyFanguy, Birdie Harter, DorothyJones, Patsy Manuel and AnneMonlezun.

Board of Directors: Anne Prague Gillett Monlezun

and Dr. Lee J. Monlezun, Jr.,Captains Emeritus; Mr. and Mrs.Charles Henderson III, Mr. andMrs. Johnny Johnson, Mr. andMrs. James Manning, Mr. andMrs. Wesley McFadden, and KreweRepresentatives Mr. and Mrs.Michael Hayes.

Duke and Duchess Michael and Natalie Hayes


This year, Krewe De La Fou’s theme for their2nd annual Mardi Gras Ball was Hollywood.

Guests were asked to dress as their favoritemovie character. They were entertained by

the Krewe De La Fou jesters, who per-formed their take on Annie, Sister Act,

and Thriller to the enjoyment of thenewly crowned king and queen. MCAaron Turner of Townsquare Mediaguided the guests through “A Nightat the Oscars.” Lake Charles DJsand Big South Entertainmentprovided production services.

THE ROYAL COURT

KING OF MGM AND QUEEN OFPARAMOUNT

King La Fou ll, TylerLeckband, was born inLake Charles and is theson of the late attorneyCarl Leckband, Jr. ofLake Charles andNita Baldwin of SanAntonio. He grad-uated from BarbeHigh School andattendedMcNeese State

University. Tyleris an engineer and is currentlyworking for Weatherford. He has worked in theoilfield for 10 years. Queen La Fou II, KatrinaLeckband, was born in Weaubleau, Missouri andis the daughter of the late John Skinner of MacksCreek, MO and Tracey Myrick Willis of MossBluff. Katrina went to Westlake high school untilher junior year, when her family moved toSoldotna, Alaska. After graduating from SoldotnaHigh School, Katrina moved back to Louisiana,where she met Tyler.

The King and Queen have been married for 13years and have two children, Cameron, andKaitlyn. Tyler has a daughter, Laiken, from a pre-vious marriage. They lived in Alaska for 6 years,with Tyler working for Halliburton on the NorthSlope until he was transferred back to Louisiana.

Katrina has been a domestic engineer for 12years and loves her job! She is also the PTO secre-tary at Moss Bluff Elementary where their chil-dren go to school. Tyler and Katrina are chartermembers of Krewe De La Fou, and are also mem-bers of Krewe Du Bon Coeur. They enjoy MardiGras and passing a good time. Their hobbiesinclude attending their daughter’s cheerleadingcompetitions, watching their son spar at Judo,boating, BBQ’s, and anything that they can dowith friends and family. Tyler and Katrina arehonored to be the second King and Queen ofKrewe de la Fou.

DUKE OF WARNER BROTHERS AND DUCHESS OF DREAMWORKS

Kenneth and Monica Shadle have been mem-bers of the Krewe for two years. Kenneth wasborn and raised in Corpus Christi, and Monica

was born and raised in Lake Charles. After a briefmove to Corpus Christi, Monica met Kenneth.They have been married for 21 wonderful yearsand have two beautiful children, Brittany, andBrandon. Kenneth is currently employed byACTT and Monica is an employee of LakeCharles Memorial Hospital. When Kenneth is notworking, he enjoys fishing, hunting, riding bikesand playing sports with his children. In Monica’soff time, she enjoys going to a nice dinner and amovie, fishing, and watching her kids enjoy them-selves playing sports.

DUKE OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND DUCHESS OF MIRAMAX

Zenaido and Jana Duque have been membersof the Krewe de la Fou for one year. Zenaido wasborn and raised in San Luis Potosi, Mexico andJana is from Lake Charles. They have been happi-ly married for 15 years and have two children,Domingo, and Daniel. The Duke and Duchessattend St. Theodore Catholic Church, where Janais involved in the CCD program and rosary mak-ing with the youth. Zenaido is the owner of Z’sLawn Service and is in the process of opening anauthentic Mexican Restaurant in Moss Bluffnamed Tres Mexicanos. When he’s not maintain-ing lawns, he enjoys playing music. Jana is a cus-tomer service representative at Jeff Davis Bank,and is involved in the Big Brothers/Big Sistersprogram, Relay for Life, and Breast Cancer events.The couple cheers on their boys when they playsoccer and baseball and run cross-country andtrack.

DEBUTANTESLoryen Paige Rainwater is the daughter of

Keeley Rogers of Westlake. She is 16 and attendsLouisiana Home School. She has two brothers,Tucker, and Zachery. In her spare time Loryenlikes to draw, play guitar, write songs and spendtime with her friends and family. After high


school, Loryen plans to attend theArt Institute of Houston and majorin Graphic Design. She would alsolike to start a foundation for breastcancer research in honor of herGrammy who passed away frombreast cancer.

Devany Brooke Hooper is thedaughter of Cody and DawnHooper of Moss Bluff. She is 16 andattends Sam Houston High School.Devany has a sister, Makensi, and abrother, Griffen. In her spare time,Devany likes to text, talk on thephone, and spend time with herfriends and family. She also enjoyshelping the Salvation ArmyChristmas Bellringers. After highschool, she plans to attend LSU andmajor in pre-law and then attendLSU Law School.

KREWE DE LA PETIT FOU ROYAL COURT

Prince Daniel Duque is the sonof Duke and Duchess Zenaido andJana Duque. Born and raised inLake Charles, he is 7 years old andin the first grade at St. TheodoreHoly Family Catholic School. Hisbrother, Domingo, is a freshman atSam Houston High School. Danielenjoys playing soccer and baseball,and in his spare time he likes to play

onhis Playstation,aggravate his brother, build thingswith his Legos and Kinex, and col-lect coins that his Granny started forhim. Daniel thinks that being ableto ride the goats and donkeys inMexico where his dad is from is thebest vacation ever.

Princess Ava Trahan is the five-year-old daughter of Eric and LeslieTrahan of Moss Bluff. She is thegranddaughter of Donald andTheresa Vines of Moss Bluff andCharles and Lea Trahan of Rayne.She attends kindergarten at GillisElementary and is the proud big sis-ter of her new brother, Ross. Sheenjoys going to Sunday school atCrossroads Church, and loves color-ing, dancing, playing dress-up, andspending time with her friends.When she grows up, she wants tobecome a doctor.

Prince Nicholas Miguez, almosta teenager, is a student at W.W.Lewis Middle School. He is the sonof Crystal Simon and stepson ofTerame Simon. He’s a vibrant, ener-getic, sociable 7th-grader where he’sactively involved in the Builder’sClub and History Club. Nicholas isalso 2nd chair in Concert Band. Onthe weekends, he enjoys playing

Halo and Black Ops on hisX-Box 360 Live.

Princess Sierra Suttles, 11,is the daughter of Ryan andLea Suttles of Moss Bluff. Shehas an older sister, Alicia. Herhobbies include being withfriends, playing the Wii, beingoutdoors and spending timewith her dogs Baby, Chaos and

Bear. She also loves playing softballand soccer. Sierra loves to makepeople smile and has an amazingsense of humor and a magnetic per-sonality. Sierra is a great friend anda wonderful daughter with a care-free spirit and a love for life.

King Aaron Weaveris the 15-year-old son of Clayand MarcyWeaver, and hasa youngerbrother and sis-ter, Jacob andIrena. Aaron is asophomore at SanHouston HighSchool where heplays football and isa member of TARS.He has been inSPARK the last 10years and loves tohunt and fish.

Queen BrittanyShadle, 13, wasborn and raised inCorpus Christiand has been liv-

ing in the Lake Area for the pastfour years. She is the daughter ofDuke and Duchess Kenneth andMonica Shadle, and has a brother,Brandon. Brittany currently attendsMoss Bluff Middle School and is inthe 7th grade. She enjoys outdoorsports like basketball and softball,but most importantly, she enjoysspending time with her familywatching movies or playing games.

QueenBrittany ShadleKingAaron Weaver

Loryen Rainwater Devany Hooper Daniel Duque Ava Trahan Nicholas Miguez Sierra Suttles

Pictured left: Duchess of Dreamworks,Monica Shadle & Duke of WarnerBrothers Kenneth Shadle.

Pictured right: Duke of Universal Studios & Duchessof Miramax, Zenaido & Jana Duque.


Call (337) 215-0025 for more information on these pets.For information on the last 5 cats, call Rachel at (337) 513-1749.

Tinkerbell - 2yrs. Molly - 1yr. Buddy - 2yrs. Tilly - 1yr.

Cookie - 3yrs. Brook - 2yrs. Who Dat - 7mos. Akirra - 3yrs.

Zippie Noah Loso Ben

Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Cat 4 and 5

The Jambalaya News at (337) 436-7800 Ext.107for more information on these pets.

Kittens Oscar - Declawed Juanita - Declawed Jolie - Declawed


The Krewe of the Golden Years celebratedtheir 18th annual ball on Mon., Feb. 28 at theLake Charles Civic Center.

The 2011 Court included Mrs. Terri HayesBraquet, Mr. Todd Darrin Hayes, Mrs.Alexia Morgan Braquet, Mr. Austyn AaronBraquet, Ms. Dylan Alyse Hayes, Ms. Alec

Sophia Hayes, and Mr. Talon SamuelHayes. Captain was Ms. ToniCaraway

King Gabriel XXVIII and QueenEvangeline XXVIII were SkeeterHayes and Mimi Hayes.

King Skeeter was born in Pinevilleand is a lifelong resident ofWestlake. He is a United StatesArmy veteran and belongs toAmerican Legion Post 407. TheKing retired from Conoco Phillipsin 1997, and now owns HayesEnterprises, Inc. He is a sportsofficial for the Westlake and MossBluff Dixie Youth and USSSAbaseball program. He is an activemember of the West Cal Kiwanis

and has been named Lieutenant Governor for2011-2012. He believes strongly in communi-ty involvement, and has worked diligentlywith the Westlake Senior Center in securingsponsorship for their annual holidayLuncheon.

Queen Mimi was born in Amarillo, Tx.,and was reared in the Lake Charles commu-nity. She is a graduate of LaGrange SeniorHigh, Sowela Technical College and attendedMcNeese State University.

She is a member of the West-Cal Kiwanisand has served as the club’s treasurer for thepast seven years. She serves on the AdvisoryPanel for the Calcasieu Council on Aging andthe Citizens Advisory Panel for (CAP) forConoco Phillips and Sasol North America.She is a member of the “Retired SeniorVolunteer Program” (RSVP), and a memberof the Louisiana Senior Olympics Games.

The King and Queen have been happilymarried for 48 and have three children andnine grandchildren, and are active membersof Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church.

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United States, 13 percent of these cases involved incidents of domestic violence, 7 percent coincided with child abuse

and 1 percent with elder abuse.

Radio Station KYKZ 96 and itssponsors hosted the 16th annual“Krewe of Barkus Parade” on Sat.,March 6, which featured a cos-tume contest for best dresseddogs! The parade route beganat 3 p.m. and ran behind theCivic Center along Bord DuLac Drive towards the park. Thisfamily-friendly event showcasedmoms, dad, kids and dogs in theirMardi Gras finest. Cash and prizeswere awarded for first, second andthird place “Best Dressed Dog” cos-tumes.

This year, the dogs received someadditional comforts of home withthe “K-9 Watering Station” spon-sored by Planet Pools, and the “Pooh

Pen” spon-sored by The Bark Park.

The Krewe of Barkus Parade isone of the most popular Lake AreaMardi Gras events. This year’sparade was sponsored in part byMardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana,Planet Pets, Taylor Aluminum, TheMardi Gras Lady, Pit Bull Rescueand Lake Area Office Products.


The Moss Bluff Krewe du GrandeBois celebrated its 31st AnnualMardi Gras Ball on Fri., March 4 at7 p.m. at the Habibi Temple.Krewe du Grande Bois’ “Night ofIntrigue” was full of surprises for itsguests as the King and Queen ofEngland were abducted during aChanging of the Guard that wentamok. The four greatest detectivesknown to mankind were sought outby the Captains and chosen to solve

this great mystery.Captains Deborah and Dr.

Randall Perry kicked off the showwith the Changing of the Guard.After graduating from Lake CharlesHigh School, Dr. Perry went on toMcNeese and earned his DDS fromthe LSU School of Dentistry. He is afamily dentist and a private pilot,and enjoys flying, fishing, four-wheeling, scuba diving and hunting.

He and his wife,Debbie, have beenmarried for 33years. Debbieattended GraceKing High

School in Metairie and CharitySchool of Nursing in New Orleans.She is currently the office managerof her husband’s dentalpractice. Her hobbies include trav-eling, gardening, four-wheeling andboating, and she is active in St.Martin De Porres church. ThePerrys have four children: Dr.Daniel Perry, Dr. Karen Favret,Bryan Perry and Dr. Lauren Perry,and one granddaughter, Ella Perry.

The first great detectives found bythe captains were the Duke andDuchess of Danger, James Bondand Kitty Galore, portrayed by Lynnand Beverly Jones. Born in BatonRouge, Lynn graduated fromDeQuincy High School in 1979 and

received his B.S. degree fromMcNeese State University in1983. He formerly served as chief ofstaff for Lt. Governor MelindaSchwegman and executive assistantto Congressman Chris John. He iscurrently serving his second term asthe Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court.He is the 2nd VP on the board ofdirectors of the Louisiana Clerk ofCourt Association and is a memberof the Louisiana Clerks RetirementBoard. The Duke is also a memberof the Standards Board for UnitedStates Election AssistanceCommission and was recentlyappointed to serve as a member ofthe Judicial Council of the LouisianaSupreme Court. He recently com-pleted serving the last three years aspresident of Big Brothers, Big Sistersof Southwest Louisiana. Lynn’s hob-bies include performing DJ duties atarea charity events, bike riding, boat-ing, fishing and hunting. He is theproud husband of the best banddirector in Louisiana – BeverlyJones.

Beverly is a native of San Angelo,Texas. She graduated from SanAngelo Central High School andMcNeese State University with aBachelor’s Degree in instrumentalmusic education. She been a banddirector for 22 years; the last five atMoss Bluff Middle School. Thisyear, the Duchess was named“Teacher of the Year” for MBMS.She is currently a member of theLake Charles Symphony Board, andCaptains - Palace Guards

Dr. Randall and Deborah Perry


many other professional organiza-tions. The Duke and Duchess arethe proud parents of Tony Ecker,Jacob Ecker, Merritt Jones, GrantJones and his wife Amanda, andhave one grandson, Easton. Lynnand Beverly previously served onCourt in 2006.

The Duke and Duchess ofDeception were the next detectiveschosen. These characters weretaken from Mad Magazine’s classic“Spy vs. Spy,” and were portrayed byDel and Linda Manuel. The Dukegraduated from Elton High Schooland Northeast State University inMonroe with a degree in pharmacy.He is a retired pharmacist fromThriftyway Pharmacy and serves asa relief pharmacist PRN. Del enjoystinkering in his workshop.

Linda Manuel graduated fromMonterey High School in ConcordiaParish and earned a business degreefrom Northeast State University inMonroe. The Duchess is a retiredreal estate/foreign-trade zone coor-dinator for the Port of Lake Charles.She is a retired real estate brokerand owner of Manuel Realty, LLC.Linda and Del are the proud parentsof Elizabeth Manuel Hilton andJoseph Manuel. They have threegrandchildren, Reilyn ElizabethHilton, Luke Robert Manuel, andPatrick Henry Manuel. Linda enjoyswriting poetry, music, traveling,sewing and reading. Del and Lindahave been members of the Krewesince 1994, were on court in 1995,served as King and Queen in 2002and as Captains in 2004.

The Captains next located theDuke and Duchess of Suspense,

The Pink Panther and InspectorClouseau, portrayed by Ted andTrudy Mayeux. Residents ofWestlake, they have been in theKrewe for five years and have previ-ously been on Court. The Dukegraduated from Lake Charles HighSchool and Northeast LouisianaState University. He is a retiredpharmacist and formerly ownedThriftyWay Pharmacy. Trudy grad-uated from Welsh High School andwas co-owner of Thrifty WayPharmacy. The Duke and Duchesshave five children and five grand-children. They love to travel, spendtime with family and friends, andenjoy sailing and dancing.

Finally, the Duke and Duchess ofEspionage concluded the search forthe Royal Couple. Austin Powersand Felicity Shagwell were por-trayed by Warren and SaraVidrine. Warren is from Westlake

and attended Westlake High School.He is a graduate of SowelaTechnical College and is employedas a field engineer with PPG. Hishobbies include hunting, fishingand traveling. His wife Sara is alsofrom Westlake. She is a graduate ofLagrange High School and attendedMcNeese. Sara is a SAP Specialistwith Turner Industries. She enjoystraveling and wine tasting. TheDuke and Duchess were previouslyon Court in 2001. They have twochildren, Sean and Cody, and twograndchildren, Kayden andChristian.

Finally, the King and Queen ofEngland, Sam and Denise Hebert,were located!

King Sam was born in LakeCharles and attended Lake CharlesHigh School and McNeese. He isthe owner of Sam Hebert FinancialGroup and was a guest speaker in

Monte Carlo at a financial forum.He currently serves as a court-appointed advocate for abused andneglected children, and was named“Philanthropist of the Year” byFamily and Youth Counseling. Amember of Greater Lake CharlesRotary Club, Sam was president ofthe Calcasieu Zoning Board andwas a member of the Health CareAdvisory Board for Louisiana. Hehas served as president of HolyFamily Catholic School and wasnamed “Knight of the Year” for theMoss Bluff Knights of Columbus.The King has also been a talk showhost for Radio Maria, and currentlyserves as the Grand Knight of St.Martin DePorres Catholic Church.

Queen Denise Hebert was bornin New York City and moved toLake Charles when she was 13,where she attended Barbe HighSchool and McNeese StateUniversity. The Queen has served aspast vice president and party plan-ner for the Krewe, and she and Samwere on court in 2001 and 2006.Denise was a City Tennis Championand has been a past board memberof the Lake Charles Racquet Club,as well as a contestant in a Mrs.Louisiana Pageant. She is past presi-dent of the Sade ConstructionCompany, and is currently afundraiser for Family and YouthCounseling events. She has beenSam’s right hand in all of theirendeavors for the 31 years of theirmarriage. They are the proud par-ents of Elizabeth, Kayla and Brian.

Duke and Duchess of Danger

Lynn and Beverly JonesDuke and Duchess of SuspenseTed and Trudy Mayeux

Duke and Duchess of DeceptionDel and Linda Manuel

Duke and Duchess of EspionageWarren and Sara Vidrine


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The Krewe of Illusions held its22nd Annual Mardi GrasExtravaganza “Twisted Tales: Fairiesand All” at 7:30 p.m. on March 5 inthe Rosa Hart Theater. This year,Illusions brought to the stage theworld of Fairy Tales and NurseryRhymes. Their twisted versions ofthe tales were spun by Mother Gooseand some outspoken witches frommany a twisted imagination.

As the journey began, a beautifulbackdrop of a hilltop castle blazonedwith the words “Once upon a time...”opened to reveal Ricky Huggins,King Illusions XXI, representing“Prince Phillip” from SleepingBeauty, and Kristin Menard, QueenIllusions XXI, representing “PrincessAurora” from Sleeping Beauty.

The Kingand Queen woreregal costumes of royalpurple velvet and satin, all glitter-ing with silver sequins and jeweledappliqués. The royal back pieces rep-resented the castles of their king-doms. Her castle was protected byclimbing roses of large purpleblooms and green thorny vines. Hiscastle was under attack by a largegreen dragon, protecting the inter-ests of Sleeping Beauty living inside.The back pieces were completed with

white andpurple ostrich and

long peacock feathers,and towered over 13 feet. King

Ricky and Queen Kristin are bothfrom Lake Charles.

The Major Costumes of the RoyalCourt were Roxanne Landry as“Snow White,” the famous steamyvixen with her seven sexy dwarfettesand Clifford Bailey as “Jock and theBeanstalk,” the famous traveler whofell in love with money and riches atthe expense of the beastly giant.

Barry Whitten was “RobinHood, Prince of Thieves,” the

advocate of the poor who robbedfrom the rich and gave to theneedy— and himself! Ball CaptainKevin Hodge concluded the show asthe trickster “Puss and Boots,” withhis furry feline gangsters.

The production was supported byall of the members who work as per-formers, costume-makers, stage-hands and technical masters. At theshow’s conclusion, the Krewe andtheir guests moved to the exhibitionhall where everyone danced to therocking sounds of “Toni O and BlueHaze” of Baton Rouge.


Roxanne Landry“Snow White”

Clifford Bailey“Jock and the Beanstalk”

Barry Whitten“Robin Hood, Prince

of Thieves”

Kevin Hodge, Captain“Puss and Boots”


The 28th annualKrewe du Lac MardiGras Ball was held on Sat., Feb. 26 inthe Buccaneer Room of the LakeCharles Civic Center. Master ofCeremonies for the evening wasKPLC-TV’s broadcaster, Mr. LeePeck. Krewe du Lac is one of theoriginal costume-only balls of LakeCharles.

The evening began with the for-mal introduction of Captain ColvinLeDoux. Colvin served as KingCharles du Lac XI and also servedon the Krewe’s board of directors fora number of years before steppinginto the role of Captain. After retir-ing from Conoco Phillips, Colvin iscurrently employed by E.S.& H. ofLake Charles. He and his wife, Pam,reside in Lake Charles. CaptainLeDoux continues to steer his Krewe

with a zest that gets Krewe du Lacrecognized as the true party Kreweof Lake Charles.

Captain LeDoux bestowed specialrecognition on the current board ofdirectors: Jim Barnatt, Prissy Bult,Missy Bushnell, Denise Denison,Cyndi LeJeune, Donnie Martin,Wayne McVicker, Sam Reeves,Denise Savant, and Bill Willis. TheCaptain also recognized Krewemember Don Menard, who servesas the webmaster for www.krewedu-lac.com, as well as BrendaWilkinson and Debbie Carlin, whoorganize the Royal Court prepara-tion and presentation.

Making their entrance for a lastgrand promenade was King Charlesdu Lac XXVII, Jim Barnatt andQueen Katherine XXVII, TriciaGarber.

The moment finally arrived forthe grand presentation of the 28thKrewe du Lac Court of Royalty. Thefirst to be introduced were DukeAndrew XXVIII, Sherburne JosephGomez, Jr. and Duchess AngelicaXXVIII, Theresa Hay Needham.

The Duke, better known to theKrewe as SJ, and his wife Gingerhave two daughters: Michelle andson-in-law Glenn Fuoco, and Kellyand son-in-law, Ernie Langley. SJand Ginger enjoy playing with theirfive grandchildren: Kaleigh, Kade,Kaycie, Langley, and John. DukeAndrew is the son of Sherburne J.Gomez, Sr. and Juanita ElizabethGomez, both deceased. He has livedin Lake Charles for over 40 years.After 30 years of working for PPGIndustries, he retired and now ownsGomez Media/Video Productions.

The Dukehas been an Ad &Press Club Gridiron performer forover 30 years. He enjoys all kinds ofmusic and he relaxes by playing hisguitar. He earned his private pilot’slicense in 1979 and has enjoyedmany hours in the air. The Duke andGinger love spending time with fam-ily, especially their grandchildren,and their Krewe du Lac family. Theyattend Our Lady Queen of HeavenCatholic Church.

Duchess Angelica, TheresaNeedham, wore a floor length ballgown of deep sapphire iridescentblue taffeta. She is married to JohnNeedham and they have four chil-dren: James Hurley, John Hurley, DJNeedham, and Emily Needham.Theresa is the daughter of the lateHelen Aguillard Hay and Roy Hay. A


lifelong resident of Lake Charles, theDuchess graduated from St. LouisCatholic High School and attendedUSL and McNeese State University.She is currently office manager forHay Brothers, Inc., Trucking. She isa member of the Ad & Press Club ofSouthwest Louisiana and partici-pates in the Gridiron show eachyear. She is a sustaining member ofthe Junior League of Lake Charles, amember of Krewe of Barataria, and aformer board member of the LakeCharles Little Theatre and theAmerican Heart Association. Shealso enjoys cooking, spending timewith family and friends, and watch-ing football. She has been a memberof Krewe du Lac for 20 years. TheNeedhams attend the Cathedral ofthe Immaculate Conception.

Entering the ballroom next for thecrowd’s reception were DukeEdward XXVIII, Daryl VanceLawson and Duchess CarolineXXVII, Phyllis Ann Norris Guidry.

The Duke and his wife Heatherhave three children: Leisha, Brianna,and Bryce. Daryl is the son of SylvanLawson of Sherman, Texas andMildred Lawson of Pennsylvania. Hehas been a resident of Lake Charlesfor 14 years, and currently lives inMoss Bluff. Daryl is an educator andcompleted his Master’s degree inDecember 2010. He is currentlyteaching special education at Barbe

High School. He coaches the SamHouston High School swim teamand is the student council advisorfor the junior class at Barbe High.When not in the classroom, theDuke officiates high school footballand umpires youth and high schoolfast pitch softball. He enjoys camp-ing with his family, hunting andfishing with his son, and workingwith leather for the Buccaneers. TheLawsons attend First Methodist ofMoss Bluff.

Duchess Phyllis wore an AlyceDesign raspberry strapless gown.The daughter of L.J. and WildaNorris of New Iberia, she has beenmarried to James Roy Guidry forover 22 years. They have two chil-dren, Stephan James and ChristinaMarie. The Duchess and her familyhave lived in Lafayette, Houston,Corpus Christi, and Youngsvillebefore calling Lake Charles home forover five years. She is employed withthe Calcasieu Parish School Boardand is a first grade teacher at T.S.Cooley Elementary Magnet School.The Duchess is in the graduate pro-gram at McNeese University pursu-ing a Master’s degree in educationaltechnology. She enjoys going outwith family and friends from Krewedu Lac and Lafayette, and lovescooking and shopping at arts andcrafts shows. She is also a member ofthe Krewe of Athena and, along with

husband James, belongs to thePelican Coast Parrot Head Club. TheGuidrys are members of Christ theKing Catholic Church, where theDuchess is a lector and Eucharisticminister.

The emcee then proudly present-ed his Majesty, King Charles du LacXXVIII, Donald Edward Menard.The King is married to the formerNena Bertrand of Lake Charles. Donand Nena celebrated their 30th wed-ding anniversary this pastDecember. They have one daughter,Kristen, who is this year’s Krewe ofIllusions’ Queen.

Don was born in Eunice andraised in Lawtell. He graduated fromLawtell High and earned a Bachelorof Science degree from theUniversity of Lafayette of Louisiana.He was the director of the CameronParish Mosquito Control, a job heheld for 33 years until HurricaneRita washed away the office inCreole. The King is now retired andenjoys fishing, hunting, gardening,and craft making. Don is the web-master and photographer for bothKrewe du Lac and Krewe of Athena.He was a member of the CameronLions Club for many years and hasserved as Lion of the Year and clubpresident. He and Nena are current-ly members of The Pelican CoastParrot Head Club.

The King welcomed His Queen,

Queen Katherine the XXVIII, TinaMarie Doiron Verret. Tina is mar-ried to Randall “Randy” KeithVerret, and they will celebrate their25th anniversary this April. Theyhave two children: Heather Marieand Cody Ryan, who both attendMcNeese State University. TheQueen’s parents are Geraldine“Jerry” Doiron and the late JamesRay Doiron of Sulphur. QueenKatherine grew up in Sulphur andgraduated from Sulphur HighSchool. She and her family reside inLacassine, and she is currentlyemployed at Jeff Davis Bank andTrust in the Loan ServicesDepartment. She has served as anotary public for 13 years and hasbeen working in the banking indus-try for 20 years. She enjoys shop-ping, tailgating and attendingMcNeese football games and MardiGras events. The Queen is also amember of Krewe of Athena. TheVerrets attend St. John the EvangelistCatholic Church in Lacassine.

As with tradition, the new Kingand Queen offered a toast to theirRoyal Court. The Captain then blewhis whistle to let dancing begin. Therevelers danced the night away tothe sounds of No Idea from NewOrleans.

Duke Andrew XXVIII & Duchess AngelicaXXVIII

Sherburne Joseph Gomez &Theresa Hay Needham

Duke Edward XXVIII & Duchess CarolineXXVIII

Daryl Vance Lawson &Phyllis Ann Norris Guidry

Court Board of DirectorsBack Row, L to R: Captain Colvin LeDoux, Bill Willis,

Cyndi LeJeune, Donnie Martin, Jim Barnatt; Seated, L to R: Missy Bushnell, Sam Reeves, Denise Denisson, Prissy Bult,

Wayne McVicker, Denise Savant


The Krewe de la Maison deCalcasieu celebrated its 12thAnnual Ball with a tribute to thebest party on earth, Mardi Gras.“Mardi Gras Madness” was thetheme of the festivities held on Sat.,Feb. 26. The VFW was showered incolors of purple, green, and gold asMaster of Ceremonies JohnBridges, welcomed everyone to anight of fun. Members Jolene Johnand James Sanders presented theKrewe crest.

After saying farewell to the 2010“A Night on the Sea” royal court,the Krewe presented threeSouthern Belle debutantes. MissSydney Fontenot of Moss Bluff isthe daughter of Chris and LaurieFontenot. She is a senior at SamHouston High School. After gradu-ation, Sydney will be attendingMcNeese with a full scholarship asshe pursues a degree in nursing.The krewe also introduced MissOlivia LeJeune from Morse,

Louisiana. Olivia is the daughter ofDonald and Edith LeJeune. She is agraduate of Midland High Schooland is attending AcadianaTechnical College with plans tobecome a vet. Miss Ashlyn Durioof Moss Bluff is the daughter ofTammy Durio and Greg Conner.Ashlyn, a senior at Sam Houston,will be attending Louisiana Tech asa fine arts major.

With the lights lowered, CaptainMadness appeared in his purplezoot suit, encouraging everyone topass a good time as the 2011 RoyalCourt was presented. In trueMaison de Calcasieu tradition, theidentity of the Captain was hiddenbehind his mask during the presen-tation and unveiled at the closing.Chosen to be 2011 captain wasJerry Ousley. Jerry and his wife,Loretta, are residents of Moss Bluff.The Ousleys have five children:Michael, Brandon, Andrea,Brittany, and Branson, and five

grandchildren. Jerryand Loretta are bothcharter members ofthe Krewe, with Jerry serving asthe director of membership for twoyears. Jerry is the senior captain atthe Isle of Capri.

The Duchess of Fleur de Lis,Tracee Hebert was escorted by herhusband, Kenneth Hebert. Traceewore a gold sparkling dress with apurple velvet cape embossed withfleur de lis. Residents of Ragley,Tracee and Kenneth have sevenchildren: Kenna, Kenndel, Chris,Sawyer, Jessica, Kennedy, andAlexis and three grandchildren,with two more on the way. TheDuchess is currently the lead nursepractitioner at Rapides RegionalMedical Center. She has been amember of the Krewe since 2008and has served as the publicitydirector for two years.

No Mardi Gras celebrationwould be completed without a trip

to Bourbon Street. With a mantledecorated with hurricane glassesand lampposts and wearing theirfavorite color of green, the Dukeand Duchess of Bourbon Streetwere represented by Chad and ErinDavison of Moss Bluff. They havethree children: Shane, Cheyenne,and Shelby. Chad is a retired chiefwarrant officer for the Coast Guardand now works as a civilian marineinspector for the Department ofHomeland Security. Erin works forBusiness Health Partners as a train-ing coordinator and owns DavisonConsulting as a freelance grantwriter. The Duke and Duchess havebeen members of the Krewe since2009. Erin is currently serving asdirector of social events for theKrewe.

King Charles XI, Troy Kiser and Queen Catherine XI Angela Kiser

Captain Madness Jerry Ousley


As the presentation moved along,the Krewe took a step back to theCajun roots of Mardi Gras. Next upwere the Duke and Duchess ofChicken Run, Kasey and LesleyLopez, dressed in true Cajun fringedchicken run attire. Kasey and Lesleysurprised the crowd with their veryown little chicken, Kullen Ryan, asthey pulled him along in a wagon.He is the newest member of theKrewe and was born on Jan. 18.Kasey and Lesley are residents ofYoungsville, Louisiana. Kasey is thelead tech for Hiller Offshore Servicesand Lesley works for Family FirstMortgage as a mortgage loan proces-sor. They have been members of theKrewe since 2009.

As the sounds of jazz filled theroom, a smooth cat and his lady

appeared.Representing theheart and soul ofNew Orleans werethe Duke andDuchess of Jazz,Chris and Laurie Fontenot of MossBluff. Chris glided across the roomin his gold suit with matching purplefedora. Laurie sparkled in her corset-ed purple dress inspired by the CanCan girls of the early days ofBourbon Street. Chris and Lauriehave six children: Stacey, Tracey,Molly, Sydney, Katie and Torie, onegrandson and another on the way.Chris is an operator at Citgo andLaurie is a paralegal for Fuerst andGodley Law Firm. They have beenmembers since 2008, and activelyhelp the Krewe with anything that is

needed.The 2011 King

and Queen paidtribute to one ofthe significantsymbols of Krewe

de la Maison de Calcasieu , the beau-ty and splendor of the magnolia blos-som. The King and Queen ofMagnolia wore white with magnoliasdraping their mantles and flowingdown their costumes. Serving asKing Charles XI and QueenCatherine XI were Troy and AngelaKiser of Moss Bluff. They have twosons, Michael and Jacob. Troy is theregional marketing director forJohnson Supply and Angela is anational board certified teacher atMoss Bluff Elementary where sheteaches fifth grade. The King and

Queen have been members of theKrewe since 2005 and are activelyinvolved in set design and entertain-ment for the Balls. They were Dukeand Duchess in 2009, and Angelacurrently serves as the Krewe’s treas-urer.

After Captain Madness toasted theRoyal Court, the King and Queenkicked off the celebration with a sur-prise live performance of the“Second Line” by some of the SamHouston Pride and Spirit Band.Guests broke out their umbrellas andparaded around the room with theRoyal Court in the lead. Theevening was completed with hours ofmusic and dancing provided by thesounds of Boomerang.

Debutante Sydney Fontenot Debutante Olivia LeJeune Debutante Ashlyn DurioThe Duchess of Fleur de Lis Tracee Hebert

Duke & Duchess of Chicken Run,

Kasey and Lesley Lopezwith baby Kullen

Duke & Duchess of Bourbon Street, Chad and Erin Davison

Duke & Duchess of Jazz, Chris and Laurie Fontenot


“I Love the 80’s” was the themefor the 2011 Costume Ball of Kreweof the Marsh, held Sat., Feb. 19 at theHabibi Temple in Lake Charles.

Master of Ceremonies AaronLadd welcomed Ball guests andKrewe members. The night’s enter-tainment opened with Krewe mem-bers Amber Spell, Cora Broussard,Janci Caldwell, Jodie Cox andMandi Fontenot, representingMadonna’s chart-topping single,“Material Girl” from 1985. Next,Krewe members Brandon Richard,Mike Styron, Sr., Ricky Thomasand Mark Spell danced to their ownbeat to “Ghostbusters” from in 1984.

Krewe of the Marsh’s 2010 RoyalCourt made their final walk. Then, itwas time to meet this year’s Captain,representing Cyndi Lauper. TheCaptain danced to her hit “Girls JustWanna Have Fun,” but her identitywas not revealed until the end of thepresentation. Next, it was time tomeet the 2011 Royal Court.

Representing courage, strength,honor and perseverance, the movieKarate Kid was a hit in 1986. TheDuke and Duchess of Honor,Brandon and Shanna Richard,came out dancing to “Glory of Love.”Duke Brandon and Duchess Shannareside in Sulphur and have been

members of the Krewe for twoyears. They have been married for11 years and were high schoolsweethearts. They have one son –Chace, who keeps them on theirtoes! Brandon is a commercialfisherman and Shanna is a stay-at-home mom. They enjoy fish-ing, hunting, family get-togethersand spending time with friends.

Everyone remembers thedemented ghost “Beetlejuice”from the 1988 movie of the samename. The Duke and Duchess of theAfter Life, Jeremy and JanciCaldwell, brought the crowd to itsfeet dancing to “Jump in the Line.”Duke Jeremy and Duchess Jancireside in Sulphur and have beenmembers of the Krewe for one year.Married for a year, they are bothemployed by Turner Industries. Jancialso teaches clogging and tap compe-tition team at Sulphur Academy ofDance. Jeremy has two children,Caleb and Jailyn; Janci has a daughternamed Joleigh and the couple isexpecting a daughter in July. Janci is acharter member of Krewe of Athenaand served as Duchess Thalia VIII in2010. Jeremy enjoys playing basket-ball, watching sports, being a handy-man and spending time with family.Janci enjoys traveling, playingpokeno, shopping and spending time

with friends and family.

What would the 80’s be withoutyour classic rock hair band?Representing the true spirit of the80’s, King Gaston II, Ricky Thomasand Queen Marie II, TammieThomas came out rocking to theGun’s N Roses hit, “Welcome to theJungle” from 1987.

King Ricky and Queen Tammieare residents of Sulphur and havebeen members of Krewe of theMarsh for two years. Ricky isemployed with Shaw ModularSolutions and Tammie is employedwith Sulphur City Court. They havethree children; Brittanie, Austin andAbbie. Austin and Abbie are mem-bers of the Children’s Krewe. In theirspare time, they enjoy fishing, hunt-ing, and spending time with familyand friends.

Finally, the 2011 Captain wasrevealed as Jodie Cox. A resident ofSulphur, Jodie is a graduate of

Sulphur HighSchool and isemployed at

Wilson Supply.She is a found-

ing member ofthe Krewe of theMarsh, and hasa son, Ethan,

5, who is amemberof the

children’sKrewe. Jodieenjoys shop-ping, traveling,

craft projects, decorating, reality TV,watching home improvement shows,dancing, fishing, and spending timewith friends. Following the SecondLine, the ball-goers danced the nightaway to the music of Southern DJProductions. Canter Photographyprovided the photo gallery.

KING OF THE MARSH CHILDREN’S 2011 BALL

On Feb. 5, Krewe of the MarshChildren’s Krewe celebrated its Ballat the Moose Lodge in Lake Charles.

• Petite Duchess: Jolie Elizabeth Derouen, daughter of Kurt and Cristalle Derouen

• Petite Duke: Eli Schornick, son of Dmitri and Stephanie Schornick

• Little Duchess: Jolie Marie Oliver, daughter of Janci and Jeremy Caldwell and Jason Oliver

• Little Duke: Ethan Cox, son of Jodie Cox and Jack Cox

• Junior Duchess: Jaselyn Camille Roussell, daughter of Jennifer and Michael Styron, Jr. and Jason Roussell

• Junior Duke: Nickolas LaPoint, son of Jeff and Chrystal Manuel

• Queen: Michaela Firmature, daughter of Michael and Michelle Firmature

• King: Kane Moss, son of Troy and Mandi Fontenot

• Captain: Dax Broussard, son of Cora Broussard

Duke & Duchess of Honor,Brandon & Shanna Richard

Duke & Duchess of the AfterLife, Jeremy & Janci Caldwell

Captain, Jodie Cox


Krewe du Masque celebratedtheir 13th annual Carnival sea-son on Sat., Feb. 19 at the VFWon Country Club Road.

Captain Judy Gautreauxentered Paradise in search offlamingos, colorful fish in calm-ing waters, naughty margaritasand beautiful flowers.

The King and Queen wereGerald and Jill Breaux repre-

senting the Sun. The RoyalCourt was represented by Billyand Rachelle Dunn and Tedand Marcia Perrodin.

The Krewe du Masque is afamily-oriented Krewe and par-ticipates in the Children’sParade and the Krewe ofKrewe’s Parade.

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

ALL PARTY PLANS INCLUDE:• Admission for 20 children• Adults & kids under 1 are FREE• No mess at your home• Activities for all ages• No rain-outs

CALL FOR PRICES!


Krewe de la Noblesse held its 26thMardi Gras Ball on Sat., Feb. 12 atthe Lake Charles Civic Center. Inkeeping with this year’s theme,“Peace, Love and Noblesse,” theColiseum was transformed to the1960s era with decorations rangingfrom a VW bus and van to go-godancers. The script for the presenta-tion was written by Krewe memberAnthony Fazzio and directed byKrewe memberJohn Richards.Master ofCeremonies

for the evening was Mr. Dale Mann.The presentation began with the

posting of colors by the ThirdBattalion 156th Unit of theLouisiana National Guard and thesinging of the National Anthem. The2010-2011 Board was introduced:Mrs. Valerie Norwood, president,escorted by her husband Kenneth

Norwood; Mr. DougTalley, first vice presi-

dent, escorted by his wifePaulette; Mr. Johnny Conn,second vice president, escortedby his wife Sue; Mrs. BrendaCimini, secretary, escorted by herhusband Joe; Mr. Bill McCurley,treasurer, escorted by his wifeVirginia, and Mrs. Polly Richards,Krewe representative, escorted byher son-in-law, Brendan Blanton.

The Royal Court for the 25thAnniversary Ball, “Noblesse Shines,”was introduced. King GabrielNoblesse the XXV, Mr. RichardHolmes and Queen AshleyNoblesse the XXV, Mrs. Mary

Anne Holmes, followed thecourt which was comprised ofpast Captains as well as thepresent Captain for theKrewe – Mr. RichardBreaux, Jr. escorted by his

wife Marilyn Breaux; Mr.Keith Jagneaux, escorted

by his wife, EllenJagneaux; Mr. JoeyAngers, escorted by hiswife, Dr. Julie Angers;and Mr. Leo Reddoch,

escorted by his wife,Heather Wells Reddoch.

The 2011 Debutantes werepresented next. Miss MacyWallace Mier is the grand-daughter of Krewe membersTom and Dorothy Conner,

and the daughter of Chris andTrisha Mier of Lake Charles.

Macy is a 2010 graduate ofAlfred E. Barbe HighSchool and is currentlyemployed as an administra-

tive assistant for AtlanticScaffolding. She enjoys spend-

ing time with her family and friends,shopping, and babysitting hernephews. Macy was escorted by her

father,Chris Mier.

MissOlivia KayWesterman isthe niece ofKrewe members John andCarla Simon and daughterof Jason and ChristieMyers. Olivia is a 2009graduate of NederlandHigh School where shewas a cheerleader, a mem-ber of Student Counciland the Mu Alpha ThetaMath Club. She is currentlyattending Sam Houston StateUniversity where she is a mem-ber of the All-Girl Cheer Team and amember of the Student Governmentand the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.Upon graduation, she plans toattend South Texas Law School.Olivia was escorted by her uncle,John Simon.

The presentation continued withthe arrival of Captain Leo Reddoch,III, as Sergeant Pepper, attired in ared and black cape with matchingmantle. Leo and his wife Heather areresidents of Lake Charles and theowners of Reddoch Land Surveying,Gulf Coast Unishippers, WesternShipping Group of New Mexico, andShip It All of Beaumont, Texas. Theyare the parents of three sons – Jason,Grant, and Alec. Leo is a graduate ofLouisiana Tech University andenjoys sailing, hunting, fishing andgolf.

Representing Easy Rider wereDuke Lattie Polk and DuchessMartha Shropshire ReasonoverPolk. Their outfits were fuchsia andblack, and their jackets and bell-bot-King Gabriel Noblesse XXVI & Queen Ashley Noblesse XXVI

William Keith Powell, Sr. and Kristine Rains Like


tomed pants had wide cuffs. TheDuke wore a fedora-style hat simi-lar to the one worn by DennisHopper in Easy Rider. DukeLattie attended LSU-Shreveportand is employed by Oilquip, Inc.He is a member of the Buccaneersof Lake Charles, and the CalcasieuParish Sheriff ’s Reserve. DuchessMartha is a graduate of DeltaSchool of Business, CorpusChristi, and is employed as a real-tor/notary for Century 21 Mike D.Bono & Co. She is member of theWomen’s Commission of LakeCharles, the Louisiana Real EstateCommission and president-elect ofthe SWLA Board of Realtors 2011.The Duke and Duchess have one son,Tommy Reasonover, and threegrandchildren. The Duke andDuchess are members of the HarleyOwners Group, Retreads and BlazinBikes for Autism, and attendImmaculate Conception Church.

Representing Purple Haze wereDuke Dennis Stutes and DuchessMaria Stutes. The Duke and Duchesswore matching purple 60s-style out-

fits; the Duke’s cape and tunic, andthe Duchess’ flared bottom dress andmatching purple ostrich headdressand mantle were trimmed in peacesigns. Duke Dennis is a graduate ofMcNeese State University and isemployed as a computer consultant.He is the father of J. David Stutes ofKilleen, Texas and Jessica Stutes Highof Lake Charles, and a member of theLake Charles Linux Users Group.

Duchess Maria, a graduate ofMcNeese State University with adegree in nursing, is employed as uti-lization review manager at Dr. WalterOlin Moss Regional Medical Center.She is the mother Monique Parker of

Lake Charles and Adam Ardoinof Atlanta. They are the proud

grandparents of ten. The Duke andDuchess are members of theBuccaneers of Lake Charles, Krewedes Pirates and the Good TimeBrewers of SWLA. They enjoy boat-ing on the Calcasieu River, livemusic, dancing, travel, and spendingtime with family and friends.

King Gabriel Noblesse XXVI, Mr.William Keith Powell, Sr., represent-ed the King of Peace. His tunic wasmade of blue crepe sateen with rhine-stone and pearl appliqué trim and hewore a mantle of royal blue and whiteostrich feathers. The King is a gradu-ate of McNeese State University andis purchasing director at Dr. WalterOlin Moss Regional Medical Center.He and his wife, Sharon Lowery

Powell, reside in Moss Bluffand are the parents of WilliamKeith Powell, II and thegrandparents of Clara Graceand William Clayton Powell.

King Gabriel is past presi-dent and member of theSWLA Football Association;past president and member ofthe SWLA Baseball UmpireAssociation; state board mem-ber for Dixie Boys/Majors ofLA; past president and boardmember of Moss Bluff DixieYouth and Boys/Majors and isa recreation baseball umpirefor many recognized baseballorganizations. He is a memberof Moss Bluff Lodge #462 F &AM, Moss Bluff Chapter #242Order of Eastern Star, LakeCharles Chapter of RoyalArch Masons, Scottish RiteValley of Lake Charles, andHabibi Shrine.

Queen Ashley Noblesse XXVI,Ms. Kristine Rains Like, was repre-sented the Queen of Love. Herempire waist dress was made of royalblue crepe sateen trimmed in whitewith cap sleeves trimmed in seedpearls and rhinestone appliqué trim;with a mantle of royal blue and whiteostrich feathers. The Queen, a nativeof Nebraska, is the daughter of Lesand Janice Dawson and the late LarryRains, and resides in Westlake withher children, Alexander and ClaireLike. Queen Ashley is a graduate ofNebraska Methodist School ofNursing and is director of qualitymanagement at Dr. Walter Olin MossRegional Medical Center. She is amember of the First Baptist Churchof Westlake and has participated inseveral medical mission trips toHonduras.

The Queen is member of theLouisiana Association of Health CareQuality, Lake Charles PhilanthropicEducation Organization, LouisianaPEO, Westlake Ram Band Boosters,The Buccaneers of Lake Charles,Petrochem, Krewe of Athena andKrewe des Pirates. Her hobbiesinclude attending her children’s bandand sporting events, Nebraska foot-ball, playing the piano and handbells,traveling, reading and sewing.

The Royal Entertainment for theevening was presented by GlendaMoss Academy. Following the tradi-tional promenade and toast by theRoyal Court, members and guestenjoyed the remainder of theevening dancing to themusic of Louisiana Red.

DebutanteMiss Macy Mier

DebutanteMiss Olivia Westerman

Easy Rider, Duke & DuchessLattie & Martha Polk

Purple Haze, Duke & DuchessDennis & Maria Stutes

CaptainLeo Reddoch


Krewe de Piniere de Beauregard,Beauregard Parish’s first Mardi GrasKrewe, was established in January of2000. Translated, they are the “Kreweof the Piney Woods of Beauregard.”Currently 100 members strong, theKrewe is a major participant and sup-porter of the annual Women’s LeagueMardi Gras Ball and BARC, the non-profit recipient of the funds generatedfrom this charitable event.

The Krewe graciously provides all ofthe costume mantles for this event, aswell as jesters and other individual par-ticipants. Each year, a new Royal Courtis chosen from leaders in the communitywho have actively involved themselves inimproving Beauregard Parish throughvolunteerism and other expressions ofgenerosity.

The 2011 Women’s League RoyalCourt members are King PercyMcCraney, Queen Anna Wiggins,Duke Jim Merritt, Duchess KerinMorris, Duke Mike Luttrell, DuchessKandy Luttrell, Duke Chris Grangerand Duchess Elizabeth Granger.

The Krewe de Piniere de Beauregardis governed by a voting board of sevendirectors, each serving a two-year term,and their Captain, Leon Lagneaux. The2011 Krewe board of directors areBeverly Gott, Jennifer Rodrigue, RoseEpperson, Jenni Pharris, Mike Luttrell,John Sliman and Tom Baker. TheKrewe participates annually in the MardiGras of Southwest Louisiana paradesand festivities. Captain Leon Lagneaux

2011 Court


Krewe De L’ Possede (MischievousChildren) was established in 2002 with thepurpose of promoting the heritage and cele-bration of the Mardi Gras season through-out our community.

The Krewe’s 2011 theme was “AlienInvasion,” and the Ball was held on Feb. 26at the Isle of Capri.

King Edwin VI, Craig Dugas represent-ed “The Alien Invasion.” Craig is a 40-yearnative of Lake Charles, and has been part-nered to JR Vasquez for more than 15 years.He is the proud father of his son, TylerDugas. The King has been employed in theairline business for over 22 years and is cur-rently the manager of American EagleAirlines here in Lake Charles. A Krewemember since 2003, he has participated asJester for many years.

Queen Jolie VI, Stephanie Smith, rep-resented “The 5th Element.” Stephanie wasborn and raised in Colorado. She has trav-eled all over and attended various colleges,including Northern Arizona University andSacramento State University. She met herbest friend and husband, AJ, 14 years ago inSacramento, which brought her to LakeCharles. The Queen completed her educa-

tion at McNeese State University, receiving aBachelor’s degree in education. The high-light of Stephanie and AJ’s life came inAugust of 2004, when Makayla Jade, theirbeautiful daughter, entered their lives.Stephanie currently owns and operatesShip’s Ahoy Children’s Academy. Her hob-bies include spending quality time withfamily and friends, watching football withher husband, and spending “Mommy andMakayla” time together.

Duke 2011, Dean Davis, represented“Men In Black.” Dean is the proud father ofCade, Tanner, and Macy. He enjoys spend-ing time with his children and friends andwhen summertime comes around, he’ll behanging out on the lake. The Duke has beena member of Krewe De L’ Possede since2008, and in addition to his royal reign, heserves as one of the Krewe’s board mem-bers. He has been working in the airlineindustry for more than 22 years.

Duchess 2011, Carolyn Batchan, repre-sented “ET.” Carolyn, a three-year memberof Possede, was born in Roanoke. She is theproud wife of 19 years to Ernest Batchanand has three beautiful children: Demetrius,who serves in the U.S. Navy and Desmond,

a senior andKatrina, a fresh-man, who bothattend Barbe HighSchool. The Duchessgraduated from DeltaSchool of Business with anAssociates degree in businessand completed her CDA for early childhoodeducation. She is the assistant director ofShip’s Ahoy Children’s Academy. Her hob-bies include listening to jazz, spoiling herfamily, cooking, and spending her husband’smoney.

Captain 2011, JR Vasquez, represent-ed “Star Wars.” JR has lived in LakeCharles for over 15 years and works as acasino host for L’Auberge Du Lac. Hehas been a member of Possede since2003, serving as King Edwin II 2004,Duke 2010 and Jester every year inbetween. The Captain and his part-ner, Craig, have been together forover 15 years. His hobbies includecooking, drinking, hanging outwith friends and working out.

King & Queen 2010Dean and Misty Kelly

King & Queen 2009T-Ron and Kim Dyer

King & Queen 2008Buddy and Jessica Glover


On March 5, a rowdygroup of pirates made theirway to their meeting place,the VFW Post 2130, to dowhat pirates do…wreakhavoc and have a good timeat the Inaugural Ball of theKrewe des Pirates.

The room was befitting of aPirate gathering place, com-plete with a fine ship, wreckedsince the last hurricane, andvarious stoic pirate charactersstanding guard on the festivi-ties. The Pirates had been wait-ing months for this Ball andthey were not disappointed.

Board member and Master ofCeremonies Joe Vezina tookcommand of the Pirate Ball. Hepresented a brief history of theKrewe and introduced the

board members as follows:President, Troy Kiser;

President-Elect, Joe Vezina;Secretary, Jimmy Bastow;

Treasurer, Jackie Bastow; BallChairperson, Vicki Vezina; andadvisory members MarkLavergne, Eddie Langley, AngelaKiser, Debbie Lavergne and LoriChehotsky.

President and 2011 CaptainTroy Kiser was introduced to thecrowd. Troy lives in Moss Bluff withhis wife Angela and their boys,Michael and Jacob. He is a graduateof Sam Houston High School andNorthwestern State University.Captain Troy is employed byJohnson Supply as regional market-ing director.

Now, it was time to meet ourPirate Royalty!

The Duke and Duchess ofContraband were represented byShawn and Jessica AugustineDuhon. From their homeport ofthe Grand Lake, they brought aTreasure Chest dripping with goldand silver to be presented to theKing and Queen.

TheDuke of Contraband’sPirate garb included a blackshirt with gold braid and buttonembellishment paired with blackside-lace pants with gold sash. Theduke, whose hair was grown longfor the occasion, wore a tri-corn hatwith black and white feathers. TheDuchess of Contraband wore a sil-ver and gold jacket dress with blackvelvet collar and cuffs. Over thedress was a black and gold cum-merbund with white lace trim. Thefeather-embellished pirate hat wastrimmed in the same silver andgold fabric.

Shawn and Jessica are fromGrand Lake and were married onthe high seas of Jamaica in 2006.They have two children, Cameronand Jonathon Duhon, and stakeclaim to land in Grand Lake. Shawnis a graduate of Barbe High Schooland is an employee of PPGIndustries. He and Jessica enjoy

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hunting, fishing andcooking. Jessica is a graduate of EastBeauregard High School andMcNeese State University and isemployed by the Cameron ParishSchool Board. Both Shawn andJessica enjoy their time with theirfamily.

The Duke and Duchess ofTreasures were represented bySteven and Ginger Basoné. Beingproud of their pirate heritage, theyarrived with coins and jewels to beadded to the Treasure Chest.

The Duke looked handsome inhis black leather coat with rhine-

stone detail andred vest. The

Duchess was stunningin her long black dresswith a rhinestonebodice. Her gold andsilver corset with elon-gated back peplumcomplemented theentire court’s collection.

Steve and Ginger areresidents of Ragley.

Steve makes his liv-ing from Nature’s

bounty in truePirate style as a

hunting guide at theMarsh Club in Vinton and as captainfor Fishing Guide Services. In addi-tion, he is co-owner of S & S CoinCompany. Steve has one son, JohnBasoné. The Duke enjoys hunting andfishing and is a loyal LSU football andbaseball fan.

Ginger holds a Bachelor’s andMaster’s degree in nursing fromMcNeese State University; a Master’sdegree in business from Texas A & M;and a Master’s degree in health careadministration from UL at Lafayette.She has currently completed all cours-es and is working on her dissertation

in an educational doctorate program.Ginger is a registered nurse andpresently teaches nursing at McNeeseState University. She enjoys duck anddeer hunting, skeet shooting, fishing,baseball and football games.

Finally, the King and Queen of theKrewe des Pirates 2011 were intro-duced. King Pierre I and QueenJacqueline I were represented byJohnny and Mona Duhon. The Kingsported a tunic of black and gold bro-cade, along with a black jacket withgenerous gold trim. A lace jabotadorned the front of his shirt and athis cuffs. A gold kerchief and tradi-tional side-fold Pirate hat completedhis wardrobe. The Queen wore abeautiful full formal gown fashionedafter Elizabeth Swann’s famous dress.The soft gold jacquard fabric washighlighted with sparkling crystalsand jewels. The ensemble includedgold boots with lace accents andqueenly jewels (ill-gotten, no doubt).

King Pierre I and Queen JacquelineI are residents of Lake Charles andhave been married for 20 years. Theyhave four children, Shawn, Lisa,Amanda and Julie. The King graduat-ed from LaGrange High School andSowela Technical College and is

employed by WestlakeChemical Corporation. TheQueen graduated from LaGrangeHigh School and McNeese StateUniversity and is employed by Dr.Lee J. Monlezun. Johnny and Monaenjoy hunting, fishing, skeet shoot-ing and cooking. Most of all, theyenjoy spending time with and enter-taining their four children, six grand-children, and friends.

The next duty was the Passing ofthe Sword Celebration.King Pierre Iwas awarded the 2011 Sword byCaptain Troy Kiser. Queen JacquelineI was presented with a beautiful bou-quet of flowers in appreciation of herservices. Next, the Dukes andDuchesses proudly presented theKing and Queen with a full chest oftreasures and contraband as anexpression of their loyalty.

The King and Queen led with thePirate’s Waltz and the Dukes andDuchesses soon followed. At the endof the waltz, the Pirates Dance offi-cially began. Members and guestsdanced to the sound of Boomerang.

Krewe des Pirates is proud to haveover 80 members in its first year.Membership is by recommendationof a current member.

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Krewe du Sauvage held its annual ball onSat., Feb. 19 in the Flamingo Bay Ballroom atthe Isle of Capri Casino. It was a black tieevent where guests enjoyed music provided byBag of Donuts and Deep South Productions.Photography was provided by Samy Stone. Thetheme for this year’s ball was “FIESTA!” TheRoyal Court followed this theme by represent-ing cocktails with a Latin flair. All court cos-

tumes were designed and constructed by JohnChavanne of Lake Charles.

Duke Pierre VII and Duchess Anne VIIwere Jared and Erin Chapman of LakeCharles, representing the Mojito. Duke Jaredis a teacher and football/track coach atAlfred M. Barbe High School, and a member

of Kappa Alpha Order Alumni Association.Duchess Erin is a teacher at A.A. NelsonElementary. She is a member of the ChiOmega Sorority Alumnae Association and theJunior League of Lake Charles, Inc. They areboth graduates of McNeese State Universityand members of Trinity Baptist Church. Theyhave one daughter, Byler Elise.

Duke Charles VII and Duchess ElizabethVII were Trace and LaDonna Wing of LakeCharles, representing the Margarita. DukeTrey is a plumber with Able Plumbing and amember of the Local 106 Plumbers andSteamfitters Union and the United TeamRoping Association. Duchess LaDonna is aminute clerk for the Calcasieu Parish Clerk ofCourt and a member of the Catholic Daughtersof America. The couple belongs to theCalcasieu Cameron Foster Parent Associationand are certified foster parents. They aremembers of St. Margaret Catholic Church andhave one son, Jacob Trace.

Duke Louis VII and Duchess AntoinetteVII were Matthew and Jennifer Graham ofLake Charles representing Sangria. DukeMatthew is an Allstate agent and owns his ownagency. He is a member of Auction Committeefor the Calcasieu Area Council Boy Scouts andAllstate Honor Ring. He also serves on theboard of the McNeese Petrochem Club andYoung Men’s Business Club. Duchess Jenniferis a registered nurse and works in the CardiacCath Lab at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.She is a member of the Junior League of LakeCharles, a student member of LouisianaAssociation of Nurse Practitioners and ChiOmega Sorority Alumnae Association. Theyare members of Our Lady Queen of HeavenCatholic Church and parents of their belovedsix-year-old Labrador Retriever, Sausage.

Duke Philipe VII and Duchess HenrietteVII were James “Jimmy” and Elaine “Mili”DeRosier of Lake Charles representing aTequila Sunrise. Jimmy is an attorney for theDeRosier Law Firm and a member of theSouthwest Louisiana BAR Association. Mili isan investigator for the Calcasieu Parish DistrictAttorney’s Office. She is a member of theLouisiana District Attorneys Association Boardof Investigators, and Family and YouthCounseling/Children’s Advocacy Center teammember.

King Henri VII & Queen Sophie VII

Scott and Stephanie Helms


King Henri VII and Queen Sophie VII were Scott andStephanie Helms of Lake Charles—the reigning royaltyof the Fiesta. King Scott is a deputy for the CalcasieuParish Sheriff ’s Office. He is vice president of Helms Oiland Gas, a member of the Delta Waterfowl Association,Kappa Alpha Order Alumni Association and theLouisiana Sheriff ’s Office Association. Queen Stephanie isa finance analyst for Targa Resources, LLC. She is a mem-ber of Chi Omega Sorority Alumnae Association, formerfinance advisor for the Chi Omega chapter of Universityof Houston and treasurer of Helms Oil and Gas.

The King and Queen are both graduates of McNeeseState University and members of the McNeese AlumniAssociation. They are the owners of Quality OverheadDoor, LLC and members of the Home BuildersAssociation. Scott and Stephanie are also members ofOur Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, the LakeCharles Country Club and serve on the board of Krewe duSauvage. They have two daughters, Bailey and Sydney.

Krewe du Sauvage was founded in 2003 by AshleeLeLeaux Lemons of Katy, Texas. She is the controller forHydro Resources Mid Continent in Houston, and is amember of the McNeese Alumni Association and Phi MuFraternity Alumnae Association. She has served asCaptain of Krewe du Sauvage and holds the honor ofreigning as Queen Sophie I. Ashlee has one daughter,Campbell Elisabeth.

Gena Richard Millslagle of Iowa a serves as Captain ofKrewe du Sauvage. Gena is married to Erik Millslagle ofSan Diego. A registered nurse, she’s employed by HermanHospital in Beaumont. Gena is a member of the McNeeseAlumni Association and Phi Mu Fraternity AlumnaeAssociation. In past years, she has served as president ofthe Krewe. She and her husband have one son, LukePatrick.

Board members of Krewe du Sauvage include Joe andTerri Aubey, Donovan and Keitha Dupuis, DeannaGuidry, Scott and Stephanie Helms, Elizabeth Laughlin,and Brian and Lisa Smith.

Duke Pierre VII & Duchess Anne VIIJared & Erin Chapman

Duke Charles VII & Duchess Elizabeth VII

Trace & LaDonna Wing

Duke Louis VII & Duchess Antoinette VIIMatthew & Jennifer Graham

Duke Philipe VII & Duchess Henriette VIIJames “Jimmy” & Elaine “Mili” DeRosier


Miss Cajun Music, Kelsie Stark, is the 18-year-old daughter of Paul and Lucinda Stark of

Lacassine. Kelsie is a freshman at McNeese StateUniversity majoring in biology with a concentration in

pre-pharmacy. She is a member of the Pre-PharmacySociety, Student Union Board, and Com-STEM at McNeeseState University, where she also made the President’s List.

Kelsie enjoys teaching dance at Rosie’s Dance Center inWelsh, and choreographing dances for LacassineElementary Dance Line teams.

As Miss Cajun Music and a member of the CajunFrench Music Association, Kelsie travels all overLouisiana promoting the Cajun culture and heritage. Shehas attended several pageants and festivals during herreign. This coming July, she will be giving up her title toanother lucky young lady.

In 1944, relocated Louisianansnewly living in our nation’s capitolbrought the first Mardi Gras cele-bration to their new home, wherethere was a thriving Louisiana socie-ty of 400 members. The traditionhas continued with our Louisianadelegation bringing a taste ofLouisiana Mardi Gras annually toour nation’s capitol and the honoredguests at their annual Mardi GrasGala and Ball.

The Lake Charles area is proud tohave had four past reigning Kingsand a Queen in the WashingtonD.C. Mystic Krewe of LouisianaMardi Gras: Mr. Harry Chalkley(1955); Mr. Voris King and his lovelyQueen, Rebekah Hannie (1962), Mr.Willis Noland (1988) and Mr.Claude “Buddy” Leach (1996). Eachyear, young ladies are honored asPrincesses, along with selectedLouisiana Festival Queens.

Honored recently as Princess wasLSU College student Miss Mary

Margaret Inez “Maggie” Laborde.Maggie is the 18-year-old daughterof Dr. and Mrs. Richard S. Labordeand granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs.Cliff Laborde, Jr. and the late Mayorand Mrs. William Boyer of LakeCharles. Maggie attended at theinvitation of U.S. Congressman Dr.Charles Boustany, Jr.

Their Royal Majesties, Miss MardiGras 2010, Hope Mestayer, and MissFur and Wildlife Festival 2010, JadaO’Blanc were honored invited guestsand presented as Queens of theirgiven festivals.

Hope, 21, is the daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Talbot Mestayer of DryCreek, and is a stylist at BlondecoSalon in Lake Charles.

A student at McNeese University,Jada, 22, is the daughter of Mr. andMrs. Timmy O’Blanc of LakeArthur. She recently earned the titleof “Louisiana Queen of Queens.”

The Queens and Princess weretreated like royalty prior to the event

at a recep-tion withGovernorBobby Jindalat theGovernor’sMansion in BatonRouge. InWashington, theyreceived personal tours of theWhite House and the Capitol, vis-ited museums and memorials, andplaced a wreath at theTomb of the UnknownSoldier at ArlingtonCemetery.

They were further hon-ored at a Kings Luncheonand a Queen’s Breakfast,had brunch with SenatorMary Landreau, met withCongressman Boustanyand were presented at theLouisiana Gala and thespectacular Mardi GrasBall.

Miss Mardi Gras 2010

Hope Mestayer

Princess

Maggie Laborde

Miss Fur & Wildlife Festival 2010Jada O’Blanc


Queens pictured are from left to right.Tiny Miss Robin Peavy of Deridder, Teen Miss Chynna Paris of Moss Bluff, Petite Miss Jacie Johnson

of Welsh, Miss Mardi Gras Aquilla "Q" Vang of Lake Charles, Miss Mardi Gras Melissa Minton ofLake Charles, Jr. Miss Brooke Roach of Lake Chartles, Deb Miss Saydee Meaux of Lake Charles,

& Little Miss Lindsey Miller of Lake Charles

Eighty Festival Queens from throughout Louisiana were introduced and entertained at the pageant.

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