On Saturday, after being made aware of a giant shopping and adoption event being sponsored by the Calcasieu Animal Coaltion, I decided to pay a visit.  I was certainly familiar with the location, as the 4 Paws Pet Hotel is where my Granddog stays when it is necessary to board him. So, off I headed to Hardy Road in Sulphur where not only the Pet Hotel is located, but the 4 Paws Society, Inc is based. 

The Calcasieu Animal Coalition is made up of the  4 Paws Society, Hobo Hotel for Cats, the SWLA Humane Society, and the Humane Society of Lake Charles.  Volunteers from each pf these non-profit groups were manning their booths, showing off resuce dogs and cats, and explaining their missions.

The concept of the event is impressive.  Besides the tremendous amount of items offered for sale by coalition members, "Vendors" had purchased space for $25.00 and were selling all sorts of items.  Jewlery, baked goods, househould items, furniture, dog treats and much, much more was available to the delight of those shopping for bargains and good eats. I noted experienced vendors as well as individuals who recognized the advantage of bringing their items to this larger venue. More exposure and lots less hassle than hosting a garage sale at your home!

I had read about the program matching dogs and at-risk kids, but it was a pleasure hearing about The New Leash on Life project directly from Beth Zilbert, President of the SWLA Humane Society.  As Beth talked to me about the program's success in just 2 short years working with kids at the Juvenile Detention Center, it was obvious that the New Leash on Life program is making a difference for both the kids and the dogs.

Beth explained that the program pairs dogs rescued from the Calcasieu Animal Control with kids housed at the parish Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). The kids volunteer and are chosen based on a number of criteria.The kids care for the dogs that live at the center.  Daily feeding, cleaning kennels, learning how to train the dogs in basic and advanced obedience, and making sure the dogs are healthy and happy are the responsibility of the kids.

Humane Society of Southwest Louisiana volunteers work with the kids every Tuesday and Thursday. The kids learn about basic obedience and dog care and are taught a most important philosophy. That is, one that does not tolerate violence or cruelty. Choke chains and pinch collars are never used. Dogs are not scolded or hit in any way nor are they forced to do any obedience skill. The kids, often victims of violence or cruetly themselves, are given a new basic set of skills for interacting with others and the dogs are made more adoptable.

As stated on the SWLAHumaneSocietyInc.com site, "Every time a new child comes into the program he or she is welcomed with a handshake, and congratulations for being willing to save a life. They are also told that now that they have saved a life, that life is in their hands."

I came away from this event inspired by all of the above groups. They desserve our support and provide yet another example of the spirit of Southwest Louisiana.

This refurbished home on the golf course offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1778 square feet of living area.

Best of all, this 1 1/2 story home is right on the through fare of Bayou Oaks Golf Course!

Besides the natural beauty that comes with a home on the golf course, this home offers a 22 x 9 shop and storage off the two car carport. The carport is such that it can serve double duty when hosting a get-together for friends and golfing buddies.   Of course, the attractive deck provides another setting to entertain or simply relax.

There is new flooring through out the home, inclusive of many updates. Thoughtful, neutral colors were used.

Be sure to check out the unique fireplace complete with a wood mantel.

Better yet, give me a call directly at 337-842-2696.

Schools:
Vincent Elementary
Lews Middle
Sulphur High School

Directions: From Interstate 10, South on Hwy 27, West on Dave Dugas Road, North on Lapaix Drive, East on Bon Ton Drive. This home on the Golf Course is on the north side of Bon Ton.

See more photos and information on this home and all of my listings at Derenda.com.

Wishing for that home with space for everything?

This beautiful home in Carlyss offers 2388 square feet of functional, practical living area, including 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

But that's just the beginning of the story. The fact is, this home in Carlyss  truly has it all! Great location, a stocked pond with a water feature, a beautiful "gather round" fireplace, and a large lot (100 x 217) to enjoy from the terrific deck.

The home and the property are in mint condition as this home exudes pride of ownership.

There's even covered space for your RV, boat and 3 other vehicles. When it is time for a Crawfish boil, just move the cars and it's party central.

There is a 900 square foot shop which could support a variety of projects or could easily be converted into a mother-in-law apartment or game room.  The area above the shop cuold be finished as an additional wing with little effort.

Bottom line. This home is wating for a family to enjoy all it has to offer.

Directions to this home in Carlyss:  From Interstate 10, South on Walker Road, then South on Carlyss Drive, WEst on Langford into driveway. This home is just South of Walker Road.

Schools:

Vincent Elementary
Carlyss Middle
Sulphur High School

For more information check out my home listings at Derenda.com.

This absolutely beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath custom French home with acreage in Moss Bluff is ideally located yet offers ten acres of peace and privacy.

The chef's kitchen of this 3284 square foot home offers an oversized island, granite counter tops and numerous custom finishes of cabinetry.

This 2 story french provencial home with acreage in Moss Bluff offers 11' ceilings, brick archways, separate dining area and an elegant master with 12' ceilings.  

Upstairs finds another world with a bedroom, bath and bonus area perfect for family activities.

The outdoors boast a 30 x 40 barn and a 1200 sq ft brick insulated workshop with central a/c. There is a 3 car attached garage waiting to protect your cars or tools

There is sufficient attic space on the opposite side of the upstairs to place a second bedroom upstairs equal or near equal in size to the present one.  Doing so would provide a much larger space upstairs and a wonderful atmosphere for a large family with a common room outside of the bedrooms to have for bonus space, computers, tv, games, etc. 

This is a deed restricted neighborhood, unusual with acreage of this size, but a plus to protect home values.

The home with acreage was custom built for his family-in-law by Mike Dupin, a home building contractor with an excellent reputation for class work.

The brick shop is on a slab and is heated and cooled with electricity. The shop and barn alone would cost more than $100,000 to build.

This home with acreage in Moss Bluff deserves to be on your "must see" list.

Directions: From Sutherland Road in Moss Bluff, North to Paul White Road. Continue on Paul White Road to Hickory Branch. This home is in the curve about 600 feet off the road.

Schools:
Gillis Elementary
Moss Bluff Middle School
Sam Houston High School

For more information on this and all of my listings, visit this search page at Derenda.com. 

This Moss Bluff Home for Sale features the very popular French style that offers such excellent resale value.

Besides being beautifully maintained, this gorgeous home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. 

Exceptionally attractive, this brick home is ideally situated on a private, corner lot in the very popular Pentangeli Square subdivision.

With 2292 square feet of living area, this home offers what today's home buyer is looking for....high ceilings, crown molding, custom lighting, granite counter tops and a popular location.

This Moss Bluff Home for sale has a place for everything and something for everyone! 

For example, there is an expanded patio as well as a great wood-burning fireplace. Whether you want to have friends over for a crawfish boil or football game or simply nestle next tot he fireplace with that new novel, this Moss Bluff Home for sale provides the perfect venue for either.

The color scheme is especially attractive and inviting.

The kitchen of this Moss Bluff Home for sale offers plenty of cabinet and counter-top space with room for guest to gather, but not be in the way of the chef's enjoyment of the fully equipped kitchen.

Meal preparation, social networking, or catching up on e-mail is easy due to the location of a computer nook/desk area in the kitchen.

Getting to Penageli Subivision is easy. Simply follow these directions: North on North Perkins Ferry Road, West on Khamiel. This home is on the corner of Khamiel and Raphael.

For mapping, mortgage, and other information about this Moss Bluff Home for sale, visit Derenda.com.

For more information, e-mail Century 21 Bessette Realty agent Derenda@Derenda.com or call 337-310-2158.

November 11th, all across Southwest Louisiana, school children and others joined to celebrate Veteran's Day. On this Veterans Day in Lake Charles,  I witnessed tomorrow's citizens and walked away with a smile.

All too often we hear depressing stories of "Today's Youth" that make us think we want to pull the covers over our heads.  Not today. 

I witnessed one of the two musical celebrations of Veterans Day; "This is America 2008" Presented by the Soaring Eagles Chorus of Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School and led by Elayne Gabbert, Director.

The talent and accomplishments of these students are unbelievable. Then you realize they are only fourth and fifth grade students (age of the Chorus I enjoyed).  I had to continually remind myself of the student's true age. 

The other impressive part to the story is that someone is taking time to teach PATRIOTISM. 

We actually stood and said the pledge of allegiance, sang patriotic songs and heard many toe tapping new songs that the young people enjoyed singing along with the older tunes that the audience expected to hear.  The time went so very fast, I felt I had just arrived, when it was over.

I attended this program expecting to hear my Grand Daughter sing a solo.  Her solo was wonderful and brought tears of emotion as I witnessed a pivotal moment.  My Grand Daughter has a WONDERFUL voice that I had not heard previously.  Grandmother became aware of the fact that her very first Grandchild is growing into a Wonderful young Lady. 

It has been wonderful to see that the educational system in Southwest Louisiana considers Patriotism important and worth keeping alive.  The Schools are taking time to bring attention to what our Military has accomplished in years gone by, but also continue on a daily basis to provide on our behalf.  Without these sacrifices we would not have the freedoms that we have and the ability to demonstrate against our government if we are in disagreement or to view such wonderful programs as today's patriotic tribute.

As a Grand Mother, a former teacher, and as a proud citizen, "Thank You" to the public and private school systems across Calcasieu Parish and all of Southwest Louisiana.

Unique, "one of a kind", an expression of creativity is sometimes hard to find.  Those who live in larger cities might be surprised to  find treasures that the Lake Charles area offers.

Recently, I located a treasure and an expression of Southwest Louisiana culture and history. 

When you visit Eighty-One located at 3708 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur, Louisiana, you temporarily travel back into yesteryear via vignettes scattered throughout the shop of stories written by Pierre on Cajun lifestyle and history.

Those familiar with the legend of Contraband Bayou and the basis of Contraband Days might think that the owner of Eighty-One, Pierre Fontentot, had discovered a significant portion of the famous pirate's "stash." 

I went into this shop for the first time in search of 2 vanities. Specifically, I was in search of an antique into which I could drop a basin.  

Creativity (just as the sign posted in front proclaims) abounds within the walls of Eighty-one.  I did not find my antique, but together we found wonderful parts and designed my vanities that day.

I asked Pierre how he came to name his antique shop eighty-one as I felt sure there was an interesting story to be heard. 

You will learn to appreciate the warm, friendly smile that slowly flows across Pierre's face as he tries to decide which tale he will share with me. 

He finally gives me an anthology of tales and says he often switches as to which one he recites. 

Sometimes in a jovial mood he will state that his establishment's name equals his IQ - NEVER believe that. 

The most likely source is that in the early years of traveling to various antique shows he repeatedly drew the same number as to the location in the roster; "eighty-one".  When it came time to name his shop, it just seemed logical, after all the years of success on the road with the number, to name his shop eighty-one.

You will see a sign posted on the front of the shop that states, CREATIVITY.  This is an understatement. 

And, Pierre was living "Green" long before it became fashionable. 

He has a warehouse full of wonderful found objects, along with the antiques that he combines to make wonderful art objects that flow beautifully with any décor. 

Pierre proves that almost any item can have a second life if you put your thinking cap on, thus, the source of my "one of a kind" vanities.

I am posting several photos of  Eighty-One here knowing that my Texas friends will be highly interested in this spot on the map, and, since one of the major "perks" of my job helping those relocate to the Lake Charles area is to help them get to know all of Southwest Louisiana, I will soon post even more photos of Eighty-One on Derenda.com. 

I have seen the equivalent of Pierre's art work in many boutiques in Houston, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, etc. at a much greater cost.  I am very pleased that Pierre is building the two vanities and they will be UNIQUE; not one of 10,000.

See photos of Contrband Days and other Lake Charles activities at Derenda.com.

This beautifully updated home in Sulphur offers extras which give it a WOW factor! A few of this home's features include:

• solid granite counter tops
• wood floors
• crown molding
• solid oak custom cabinets and built ins
• new hardware
• new deck and storage, storage, storage!

There's much more! Extras include Sylvan Security System, gorgeous landscaping with programmable sprinkler system, Osmosis H2O system and at least 1 GFCI child safety device in each room. Not included in the total square footage is a 30x50 shop with electricity with lean too attached which measures 10x30 and 10x10 for storage and a 3 stall barn at 15x30.

As always, additional information of this and all my listings can be found at derenda.com, swlashowcase.com, and derendagrubb.com

Frasch Elementary
LeBlanc Middle
Sulphur High School

MLS Area 140

Planning for Our Today and Our Children’s tomorrow.

Late 2007 I received an invitation on behalf of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury to participate in a task force compiled of a cross section of our community. Each member brought a different discipline, talent, and view point, but a common objective to effectively plan for the future development of Calcasieu Parish.

 Our task was to take an in depth look at Calcasieu Parish as it fits into the Southwest Louisiana economic, physical, environmental, and social infrastructure. Study our Parish, identify the strengths and weaknesses while attempting to project where we think we will be in 20 years. Help formulate a blueprint to take us there successfully.

The Police Jury knew issues in the infrastructure of our Parish exist that require serious funds to correct. How do you go about correcting these issues in a way that is logical, while planning to meet tomorrow’s needs as well as covering today’s issues. How do we accomplish a pleasing, consistent design with a purpose? How do we maintain green belts while constructing the strong infrastructure needed to provide for the anticipated growth in housing, schools, industry, and commerce?

We started by engaging the professional services of a firm that has made a career of assisting many cities and communities with this massive task. Planning Works of Kansas City and Melbourne City, Florida has been instrumental in guiding us through this daunting task. They knew the correct questions to ask and had the experience to direct us in finding answers that fit our community’s wishes.

Through several lengthy work sessions followed by open community break out sessions, the Task Force has accomplished a monumental task. We have completed a 65 page document that outlines what we believe to be the wishes of the majority of those who participated in the process.

Citizens participated either through attendance to the break out sessions or by logging in on the website and taking the survey and/or reading the draft form and posting their opinions. We greatly appreciated all participants that took their time to voice their opinion. With their help, we were able to pin point the most important issues and then place these issues in suggested order of priorities to prepare our area for what we anticipate to be the greatest economic and physical growth period we have ever experienced.

Life will be very exciting in Calcasieu in the next 20 years. It has been my privilege to view into the future and glimpse what we can be with the fore thought and planning to take us in the right direction. I have been allowed to assist with the planning for our children and grandchildren, a true task of love.

Soon the final unveiling will take place. This has been postponed by two hurricanes that have hit our area in the last month. Gustav was a near miss and Ike which has been far more devastating, has taken much of the Police Jury’s time for the present.

Given a few weeks to get Calcasieu Parish back on its feet, they will again look to the future and move forward. Keep your eyes on the future for our area. We are going to be moving forward fast. There are GREAT things to come. Learn more at the official website.

Déjà vu  (pronunciation;French)"already seen";  is the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously (an individual feels as though an event has already happened or has happened in the near past).  This is the definition provided by Dictionary.com.  This is exactly my emotions as I take a moment to write this post today.   I am calling my clients in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana with vacant properties to remind them to prepare for what could be a rough few days and trying to prepare to vacate the area if needed.  We are told that most residents will be more cautious and not wait as long to leave this time.  This is wonderful news.

Two years ago, when we returned after Rita, I created a page on my website that has become a little dusty, thank goodness.   This page, however, has a lot of information and especially links that will assist you in a time when you need to prepare for an emergency of any nature.  Please visit the site and take from it any helpful information that will make life more comfortable and safe for you and your family.

I would also like to point out that there is a link to Southwest Louisiana Contra Flow Maps.  The maps will hopefully, should they be needed, prevent confusion as to traffic flow at a time when the stress level will be at maximum.

Please forgive the brevity of this post.  I am trying to complete my many task so I can concentrate on preparing for the safety of my family and personal home as well.  I did want to bring my http://Awareness.derenda.com  out of the shadows in hopes that is would be of service to someone.

Rita and Katrina taught Louisiana residents many lessons.  Our State will not be caught unprepared.  We will work through this, if it comes our way, and move forward with the enthusiasm of before.  I am so very proud of the people of Southwest Louisiana, the progress we are making, and the future I see for our communities.  Storms are detours not barricades.  Stay safe and see you when the rainbow is visible.