Cover Story

It has been almost four years since Michelle Lee received a call that would alter her life. In October of 2009, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

During his junior year of medical school at Louisiana State University, Dr. Ben Darby discovered that he loves to deliver babies. And that’s a good thing, because this dedicated physician has been ushering babies into the world for the past 35 years. In 1978, he opened his practice, OBG-1. …

On a recent sunny spring day, a group of adolescents spent their recess enjoying the outdoors, shooting hoops, and relaxing at picnic tables, just like other schoolchildren across Calcasieu Parish. When the break ended, they reluctantly returned to the classroom. But this is no ordinary …

First National Bank DeRidder has been a cornerstone of Beauregard Parish commerce since 1934. Now, these enthusiastic bankers have branched out to meet the banking needs of Calcasieu Parish folks, too. Their brand new Moss Bluff office opened at the corner of Highway 171 and Clyde Dulaney …

The Junior League of Lake Charles (JLLC) is celebrating 80 years of community impact in 2013.  In this organization, you don’t find stereotypical ladies of leisure, but rather, volunteers dedicated to developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective …

The studio at the Lake Charles Civic Ballet buzzes with activity. Ballerinas in pale pink tights, black leotards, and silky ribboned pointe shoes stretch, plié and pirouette. A young man warms up his legs with exercises at the barre. Principal dancers try on costumes. Younger dancers …

Tender buds have emerged on trees, the grass is greener, and azaleas will soon burst into bloom. Spring has definitely arrived in Southwest Louisiana! Are you ready to get back into the great outdoors? If so, dig your golf bag out of the garage and dust off those clubs! Our Lady Queen of …

Like most working couples, Oran and Michelle Parker rise each morning and travel to their place of employment. For this pair though, the commute is considerably shorter than most. They simply walk down the hall of their Carlyss home. What was once their living room is now an upbeat …

Guests heard the clip clop of the horse’s hooves before her Cinderella coach rounded the turn and came into sight. Amanda Prejean, aka “the wedding planner” at Gray Plantation, held up the hem of Meghan’s gown as she cautiously stepped down from the carriage. She and her father hurried …

Elegant and poised in her lovely South Lake Charles home, one would never know Sylvia Chaves Stelly hits the floor running at 6 a.m. every morning and never stops moving until she closes her eyes around 11 p.m. But this hard-working go-getter has much to do. She’s a busy mom, wife, and …