Smiley Anders for May 8, 2012

Kathy “Mamee” Mier (aka “The Cajun Lady”), of Zachary, offers this insight into what makes a Cajun:

“During ‘Louisiana Day’ at Zachary Elementary School, by community volunteers, third-graders enjoyed old games (marbles, jacks, etc.), a trapper demonstration, Cajun and New Orleans Mardi Gras masks, story reading, Cajun music and dancing (with the Chere Mom band) and food (boudin, fried alligator and beignets).

“Even though it emphasized Cajun culture, volunteers were asked to remind the children that Louisiana is made up of a ‘gumbo’ of different cultures.

“As I finished up one of my story readings (‘Petit Rouge, the Cajun Little Red Riding Hood’), I asked the students if they knew about their heritage.

“One young man said he was from Texas. Another said that his family was from Africa.

“One little girl quickly raised her hand and responded, ‘I’m not from Louisiana, but I AM a Cajun!’

“Bingo! What more can we Louisiana Cajuns ask?”

Happy landing

Joe and Linda Muffoletto extend a “Welcome home!” to Richie and Michele Muffoletto as they return from Albania after completing their two-year Peace Corps commitment.

They were assigned to Puke (a real place; I looked it up) in northern Albania.

Richie taught English as a second language; Michele did community development.

Joe and Linda say, “These two LSU graduates are glad to be back in Louisiana, and are greatly enjoying the wonderful Louisiana cuisine once again.”

Admirable restraint

There, I did it … I wrote about a town called “Puke” in Albania, and didn’t make a single fifth-grade-type joke about it.

But it wasn’t easy …

By the way, when I Googled the name I learned that Puke is trying to establish itself as a tourist destination.

Good luck with that (“Oh, you went to Hawaii? Well, we spent our vacation in … ”).

Worthy causes

Feeling lucky? Then you should check out the “Beat the Odds” Casino Night & Silent Auction being held Saturday by the Mental Health Association for Greater Baton Rouge.

It’s at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Park Welcome Center, 702 N. River Road. Tickets are $75.

Call [phone] or go to mhagbr.org.

Nice People Dept.

Janice G. thanks “two terrific ladies, Connie and Jessica, who found my purse in a buggy in the Siegen Lane Wal-Mart parking lot.

“Connie called to let me know they were holding it at the store. After a quick trip back, I met them standing guard over my purse and waiting for me.”

Flag note

Gil Causey, an Air Force veteran, says the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson is another place where folks with worn-out American flags can bring them to have them disposed of properly.

Nostalgia Corner

George Griffing, of Pineville, says our tales of long-gone Baton Rouge restaurants reminds him of Baker’s in Tiger Town:

“One of my favorites was the hamburger steak (cooked on the grill when ordered).

“The problem was that it was $1.50 plus a soda, and I couldn’t afford it — being a poor student at LSU.

“Every month or so, after saving, it was a treat.

“I wish I knew how the meat was prepared. It was seasoned just right.”

(As I recall, it was the gravy that did the trick. And on one day a week, the price for a hamburger steak, french fries and salad dropped to $1.)

Dog days

Spay Baton Rouge has a jambalaya dinner and dog wash fundraiser hosted by Neighborhood Pet Market, 12871 Perkins Road, Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jambalaya is $5, and the dog wash and flea bath are for donations. A rabies tag is required for these services. (And, by the way, cats will not be washed …

For information go to http://www.spaybatonrouge.org.

Special People Dept.

George C. and Martha Thomas celebrated 57 years of marriage Sunday.

And then shut up

Russ adds to my advice to husbands about how to achieve marital harmony.

I suggested that this could be done by responding with “Yes, dear” to statements by your spouse.

Russ expands on this:

“The secret to a happy marriage is to first look directly into her eyes and then say a two-word sentence — either ‘I do’ or ‘Yes, dear.’”

Fill it up

Dudley Lehew, of Denham Springs, is still chuckling over this tale:

“Little Clotile Marie was complaining to her mother that her stomach hurt when her mother replied, ‘That’s because it’s empty. Maybe you should try putting something in it.’

“The next day, the family’s priest dropped by for lunch. When, during conversation, he mentioned that his head hurt, Clotile Marie immediately replied, ‘That’s because it’s empty. Maybe you should try putting something in it!’”

Write Smiley at [e-mail]. He can also be reached by fax at [phone] or mail at P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.