bridging the gap

A supplement to The Feliciana Trader & The St. Francisville DemocratMay 11, 2011

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Photo by Wendy Pate

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 20112 BRIDGING THE GAP

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2011 BRIDGING THE GAP 3

WORD ON THE STREETWe asked New Roads residents...

"HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE OPENING OF THE JOHN JAMES AUDUBON BRIDGE?"

John David I'm glad it is finally open, but I don't think it will

help our economy.

Beaux Beard I 'm glad it opened, and think it will help the

economy.

Glenda Gwin It should have been done a long time ago, but she

will miss the ferry.

Ronald Roberts I LOVE IT, we been

needin that bridge for a long time.

Lena Demoulin I don't really care.

Nelda Beaud Owner of Bee Still

Inspirational “ I am delighted! I have family in St.Francisville, now

they can visit more often.”

Georgia Morel's Owner of Morels Restaurant

“ I feel both our communities have a lot to offer each other and I’m glad the bridge is finally open. Now our

communities can unite .”

Nelda Carnley Owner Nelda’s Place “ I

am excited to get to meet new friends and enjoy the

historical sites and festivities in St.Francisville.”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2011 BRIDGING THE GAP 5

For many proud and happy citizens in the New Roads and St. Francisville commu-nities, the opening of the new John James Audubon Bridge is a celebration. The cable-stayed bridge, a sprawling state of the art masterpiece, is a source of community pride linking Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana par-ishes.Before meeting fer-

ry Captain Robert M. Roberts, my assistant Annie and I had no idea that our day would be anything less than an ad-venture - fun and frolick-ing, followed by lunch and more excitement. After all this was an historic occasion, the open-ing of the new bridge and the last ferry ride. The day would start by talking to the cap-

tain. When we got on the ferry we asked one of the crewmembers if the captain would be available for a statement. It took

Filled with excitement we could hardly wait to get up the steep red steps. Much to our

-ing the air when we reached the top. Sever-al crew members surrounded us, but there were no smiles. I asked the captain to smile for the picture. “There is nothing to smile about,” he

said. “This is a sad day for me.”My heart sank, and I could feel a lump

welling up in my throat. As I fought back tears, I asked the captain how he felt about the new bridge.

years, and they've been talking about

I never thought this day would come,” said Roberts. "I have been getting cards from residents, and it has re-ally touched me. I've been

day." My eyes started to wa-

ter. I wrote the words the captain spoke, all the while wondering how I would make

it through the end of the inter-view. I asked the captain what his

plans were after the last ride. “The ferry and myself will be going to

Plaquemine,” he said, “but I plan to retire in July." The ferry came to a stop, and we had to

say our good byes. I told Captain Roberts how much our communities appreciated his years of service. We wished him well. Annie and I made a mad dash for the car. When we got in, we could no longer hold back the tears. Now on our way to the opening of the new bridge, our hearts were heavy. I will never forget this day; it has been imprinted on my mind forever. Bon Voyage Captain Robert M. Roberts. You will be missed.

By: Wendy Pate

The Last Bon Voyage

Captain Robert M. Roberts

Located in Nelda’s PlaceSatterfield’s Riverwalk

Spiritual and Inspirational

Most Book Orders Within 3 Days!


History

“Le Poste de Pointe de Coupée” was founded in the 1720s by the French and soon attracted

Creoles from the French West Indies, as well as other ethnic groups throughout the years. From the late 18th century plantations, Victorian

Once you get to New Roads,

the visual charm

continues, new discoveries

await and are excuses enough

for pulling the car over and

taking a stroll around.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11,2011 BRIDGING THE GAP 7

AN Eclectic MIX

OF MERCHANDISE

108 E. MAIN ST SUITE BNEW ROADS, LA 70760

[email protected]

NELDASPLACE.COMFACEBOOK.COM/NELDASPLACE

LADIES FASHION

SPECIAL JEWELRY

ONE OF A KIND GIFTS

HOME DECOR

UNUSUAL FINDS

The town’s vintage

feel will put anyone

in the mood to go

antiquing. The fun

thing is that the

stores don’t focus

on any one style;

china all in the same

place. One of these

establishments, Fleur

de Lis Antiques, is

an antique mall with

collectibles from a

variety of vendors.

If you need some-

thing more up to

date, A Finer Pointe

can supply men and

women with a chic

ensemble and Nel-

da’s Place has gifts

and home accesso-

ries, both frivolous

and practical.

SHOP NEW ROADS

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED


*Specialty Shops *Lakeview Lounge *Marina *Raft Tours *Free Boat Launch

For a small town, there are a number of dining options offering Creole and Southern cuisine,


Many homes and businesses dot the shoreline running the 30 mile circumference of False River. Boat docks, warfs, and boat ramps give the lake a "neighborhood" feel out in the rural Louisi-ana surroundings. One could actually attend mass Sunday morn-ing and walk out of the church, cross the street to the munici-pal boat launch and jump in! Every 4th of July there's the annual Boat Parade with boats made up as parade

humor, food, beer, and of course FUN!

The Oldest and Fastest Growing Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans!New Roads is often referred to as "The

Little Carnival Capital" of the state of Louisiana. Located just 35 minutes north-west of Baton Rouge up Louisiana High-way 1 on the beautiful False River. M ammo t h p a r a d e s with scores

and bands, great fa-vor throws, w o n d e r -ful cuisine, h i l a r i o u s street mask-ers, and lots of parking near the parade route combine to make the New Roads Mardi Gras the top-choice, family-friendly destination for ev-eryone each Fat Tuesday.

Host of the state's oldest Mardi Gras celebration outside New Orleans, New

in 1897 and has for generations been the site of two parades each Fat Tuesday. Begin-ning at 11 a.m. is the Community Center

Carnival Pa-rade (since 1922). It is Louisiana's oldest after the New Orleans pa-rades Rex, Proteus and Zulu. New Roads' sec-ond parade, the New Roads Li-ons Carni-val Parade

(since 1941), takes place beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Lions sponsored parade is a fundraiser for the Lions Charities. www.newroadsmardigras.com

False River is an oxbow of the Mississippi River which is now cutoff from its main

source resulting in a 15 mile horseshoe lake. Waterskiing,

people and scenic watch-ing, and photography are all popular pastimes. There's a public boat launch in New

Roads next to the police station right across from the Catholic Church. Over the

lakes water level was elimi-nated by a weir constructed in the southern end of the

lake. The water level is con-stant and the fun never ends!


6901 Island Rd ~ Jarreau, LA 70749225-627-6275

Parrot’s On The Island

False River Cookie Jar Fishing Tournaments

Every Night in May & June ~7:00PM ~12:00AM

Morrison Parkway Public Boat Dock

You're invited

to New Roads

Live Music on Main ~ Darrin Dalatte Band June 3

JPMAC Treasures Of Point Coupee Art Exhibit

Tri New Roads Triathlon ~ June 18

National Barrel Race Competition

New Roads Multi~Use Center

1400 Major Parkway

9:00AM ~ ALL DAY EVENT

False River Tuesday Night Fishing Tournaments

Every Tuesday in May & June ~ 6:00PM ~ 9:00 PM


Kiwanis Of Pointe Coupee

Blessing Of The Boats


May 28

May 29

COMING IN JUNE


DEMOCRATProudly Serving the Parish of West Feliciana Since 1892

PRSRT STDPERMIT #35

U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOUISIANA STATE

NEWSPAPERS-��(,30*0(5=63<4,��5<4),9��>,+5,:+(@��(7903��

felicianatoday.com

Easter April 24th, 201111 am to 3 pm

$25 for Adults$15 for ChildrenBrunch Bu!et

Blu!s Restaurant225-634-3000

Reservations Recommended14233 Sunrise WaySt. Francisville, LA

The East Feliciana Tiger Baseball team remained in the thick of the District 7-2A race for a playoff berth after cap-turing a pair of victories over Donaldsonville and Pointe Coupee Central last week.

The wins improved the Tigers 4-4 in District play and into a third place tie with Episcopal. The Dunham School is in first place followed by University High in second.

Against Donaldsonville, the Tigers came away with a 17-1 win.

The Tigers jumped out to a 5-0 first inning lead and then added 12 runs in the sec-ond to break the game open. Donaldsonville scored its only run in the bottom of the second to make it 17-1. The contest was called after three innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

Joseph Robinson took the mound win, giving up only three hits.

Darius Eubanks led the Tigers at the plate going 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Hendrick Taylor also went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, and Robinson was also 3-for-3 with three RBIs.

Against PC Central, the Tigers captured an 8-2 win.

Both teams were tied at 1-1 at the end of the second inning. PC Central moved ahead in the third with a run to make it 2-1.

East Feliciana tied it with a run in the fourth frame and then moved ahead in the fifth with three runs to take a 5-2 advan-

tage. The Tigers added three runs in the sixth to secure the 8-2 victory.

Ronald Jefferson took the mound win as he gave up ten hits.

Olajawon White led East

Feliciana at the plate going 2-for-2.

The Tigers, now 5-10-1 overall, will play at Runnels on Thursday, April 14, and then travel to play at U-High on Saturday, April 16.

Proudly Serving the Parish of West

Feliciana Since 1892

Our 119th Year, No. 8 Official Journal For West Feliciana Parish Wednesday, March 23, 2011

$1.00

The St. Francisville Democrat

$1.00

The hot button issue for the West Felici-ana Parish School Board meeting Tuesday was the board’s decision to promote James Carroll, who had been serving as associate principal of West Feliciana High School, to the position of principal of the 627-stu-dent school.

African-American residents poured into the 5 p.m. meeting to express their con-cern that the board was choosing Carroll over George Noflin, Jr., an African-Amer-ican candidate who they believed to be more qualified.

The 4-3 vote in favor of Carroll’s appointment came only after a series of passionate statements by attorney Anthony Long II, Superintendent Hollis Milton, and several school board members.

“He (Milton) said to us he wanted the best. We took him at his word,” Long said. “We had a candidate. He was black. He had a doctorate. He is an assistant superintendent of education. He’s been a principal.”

Long went on to name a litany of other instances where he felt strong African-American candidates had been overlooked for teaching and administrative positions.

“I have contacted the Department of Justice and I will contact the Office of Civil Rights tomorrow,” Long said to an applauding crowd. “Something is wrong

up here, and it’s not right. It’s not fair.”Citing himself as a man of convictions,

Milton expressed his belief that Carroll is the person to move the school forward.

“When I watched and listened to Mr. Carroll, when I interviewed, I was not only hearing him. I was seeing what he has been able to do, how he’s been able to take charge, talk to teachers and get them motivated, and work with kids and parents and the community,” Milton said. “You can’t get anywhere without the best people. I really feel like Mr. Carroll will move this high school. Mr. Carroll is the man to do this. He’s it.”

Urging the school board to stand behind the superintendent and the recommenda-tion of the search panel, board mem-ber Kevin Beauchamp reminded his col-leagues of the diversity of the search panel.

“We’re insulting their integrity,” he said. “It was a unanimous decision by the panel. We have to do what’s right by everybody.”

Principal hire prompts discrimination accusations

The literary event concluded with a panel of the participating authors moderated by Dr. Charles Elliott. Pictured are (l-r) Hans Sternberg, Ernest Hill, Barbara Colly, Charles Eliott, Jack Bedel and Darrell Bourque.

PHOTO SUBMITTED/St. Francisville Democrat Louisiana Poet Laureatte, Darrell Bourque, was busy at the author’s table autographing copies of his latest volume of poetry, Call and Response. Looking on is panel moderator, Dr. Charles Elliott. The fifth annual Celebration of Writers and Readers was held on February 26, 2011 at Hemingbough Conference Center with a near capacity crowd.

PHOTO SUBMITTED/St. Francisville Democrat

Celebration of Writers and Readers well attended

West Florida Republic monument unveiled during Audubon Pilgrimage event

For weeks, curious people have kept an eye on the tall tarp-covered object at the corner of Prosperity and Royal Streets. On Saturday, March 19, at noon the tarp came down to reveal a monument commemorating the bicentennial of the West Florida Republic. Guest speakers, par-ish and state officials, visitors and local residents all signed a document which was placed in a time capsule to be opened in the distant future.

PHOTO BY VIVIAN MORGAN

Period costumes worn for the Audubon Pilgrimage event fit in perfectly for the dedication of the West Florida Republic monument on Saturday, March 19. Pictured above from left are Dorothy Temple and John Flippen. Those attending the dedication heard several guest speakers including Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne and West Feliciana Parish Police Jury President Ken Dawson. Pictured above right are David Norwood, chairman of the West Feliciana Bicentennial Committee, with guest speaker Dr. Sam Hyde, who explained some of the history of the West Florida Republic. The Spirit of West Fel Marching Band, under the direction of Kelvin Jones, performed for the event. Delicious refresh-ments were served and a time capsule was sealed to be opened at a future date.

PHOTO BY VIVIAN MORGAN

Vivian MorganContributing Writer

James Carroll

Principal, see page 10

Police jury sets public hearings

During a regular monthly meeting, the West Feliciana Parish Police Jury set dates for public hearings associated with a reapportionment plan and the proposed land-use tool kit.

Nancy Jensen of Garnet Innovations presented a draft map which she says is one possibility to the required reapportionment based on the 2010 census figures.

Several plans have been scrapped because of the geo-graphical “nightmare” and possible effects on the three traditionally minority dis-tricts.

According to Jensen,

another map will be devel-oped prior to the public hear-ing.

Garnet Innovations is also preparing the reapportion-ment plan for the school board as well.

The date for the public hearing is set for April 12 at 5 p.m.

A public hearing regarding the proposed land-use tool kit has been set for May 10 at 5 p.m. The tool kit willcombine the parish’s subdivision and zoning ordinances which have been included in the parish’s comprehensive plan adopted two years ago.

Included in the motion to set the May 10 date was a request that the Planning and Zoning Commission set a

BECKY HILLIARD, EditorSt. Francisville Democrat

DEMOCRATTHE ST. FRANCISVILLE

40th annualAudubon Pilgrimage

special inside!The

Successor to The Citizen Watchman

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Man facing first-degree murder charge,surrenders to Zachary PD

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Three arrested in Baker drug bustPHOTOS/EBRSO

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CLASS OF 2010


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Welcome to Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, one of the oldest settlements in the entire Mississippi Valley, a community steeped in history and tradition, vibrant in the present and rich in promise for the future.

Situated at the apex of Louisiana's "French Triangle", Pointe Coupee Parish, with a recorded history dating from the time of the Iberville exploration in 1699, has a fasci-nating Creole culture embodying elements of the French, African and other nationali-ties who having called this place "home" for nearly three centuries. Breathtaking vistas

cotton, stately antebellum mansions and quaint cottages, old churches, cemeteries and

and antique shopping to give a wonderful contrast of the old and the new.Famous natives of Pointe Coupee have included Julien Poydras, one of the most noted

-pist, who lies buried beneath the monument bearing his name in New Roads; Major General John Archer LeJeune, veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and from whom Camp LeJeune, North Carolina is named and whose statue stands on the court-house square in New Roads; Corinne "Lindy" Claiborne Boggs, former United States ambassador to The Vatican; and renowned author Ernest Gaines.

-tems and a representation of all the major religious bodies, adequate transportation and communication networks, up-to-date law enforcement and emergency agencies and vi-able commercial and industrial opportunities. The parish is traversed by U. S. Highway 190, Louisiana Highway 1 and lesser routes, and lies directly in the path of the proposed Zachary Taylor Parkway, making the area accessible to other population centers of Loui-siana and southwest Mississippi. The Louisiana capital city of Baton Rouge is only 35 minutes distance from New Roads.

Pointe Coupee has a resident population of nearly 25,000, but plays host to many times that number who visit the parish for each year for the state's oldest second Mardi Gras celebration in New Roads, plus a host of other community-oriented events, fairs, farmers' and crafters' markets, home and garden tours, patriotic observances, aquatic sports and Christmas festivities. Surrounded by the Mississippi, Atchafalaya and Lower Old Rivers and blessed with the oxbow lakes called False River and Raccourci-Old River, Pointe Coupee Parish is a paradise for sportsmen, including hunters, anglers, boaters and skiers.

Many have been the visitor who, captured in the spell and potential that is Pointe Coupee, have decided to make the parish his or her home. Like them, newcomers to the

governmental bodies and the richness of Pointe Coupee's legendary joie de vivre, or joy of living, for lagniappe.

Whether your visit to Pointe Coupee Parish is a brief one or a permanent move, we

will do our best to make your stay a rewarding one.Sincerely,Owen J. "Jimmy" BelloParish Administrator

2008-2012 Pointe Coupee Police JuryStanding (left to right), Russell Young, Allen Monk, Clifford Nelson, Jimmy Bello, Joseph Bergeron, Albert Dukes, John Pourciau, Cornell Dukes and Glenn Ray Cline.

Sitting (left to right), Willie Olinde, Gerrie Martin, Melanie Bueche, Janet Vosburg, Becky Mayeux and Kurt Jarreau


Greater Pointe Coupee Chamber of Commerce

Come see what Pointe Coupee

has to offer!

www.pcchamber.org

2506 False River Dr.

P.O. Box 555

New Roads, LA 70760

225-638-2500

Fax: 225-638-9858

Email:

[email protected]

The Greater Pointe Coupee Chamber was formed in 1985 and its bylaws voted on and approved by its inital board of directors on January 10th, 1986. On March 18th, 1987, the Pointe Coupee Merchants Association was merged with The Great-er Pointe Coupee Chamber of Commerce. The original Executive Director of the Chamber was Mr. Warren Braud. The

original board of directors consisted of: Mr. Johnny Ewing, Mr. Maurice Picard, Mr.

Raymond Schexnayder, Ms. Niki Samson, Ms. Jeanne LeJeune, Ms. Anne Hurst, Mr. Bruce Capps, Mr. Mark Brantana, Mr. Tom Nelson, Mr. Sonny Marque, Ms. Virginia Desoto, Ms. Carolyn Andre, Mr. Alvin Verrette, Mr. Edwin Leonards, Mr. Morris Bel-lelo, Mr. Mike Hart, Mr. Charles Ray Smith, Mr. Joe Drago, Mr. Claiborne Ashford, Mr. Keith Miller.The purpose of the organization stated at that time was: "To advance the gen-

eral welfare and prosperity of Pointe Coupee Parish". The committees established were: Membership Committee, Financial Committee, Education Committee, Tour-ism Committee, and Fundraising Committee. The Chamber and its members have been instrumental in helping to shape the

growth and direction of Pointe Coupee Parish. In 2010, the Chamber celebrated its 25th year of serving the people of Pointe Coupee!

History of The Greater

Pointe Coupee Chamber of Commerce

Pictured are the chamber of commerce board of directorssitting, left to right: Nelda Carn-

ley, Mary Ann Pourciau, Amy Davis standing, left ot right: Jimmy Laurent, Donna Ham-

mond, Richard Macy, Kelly Smith, Alecisa Matte, Mary Witty, Dustin Gardner.


Roaming the Roads


Roaming the Roads photos by Wendy Pate

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*Free with the purchase of two or more Merle Norman cosmetic products. Cosmetic accessories not included. O!er valid while supplies last at participating Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios beginning May 2, 2011. Limit one per customer.

Greet the heat with these trial-sized summer staples

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RESIZING AND CUSTOMIZING INSTRUCTIONS A clear zone of 1/2 the height of the logo must be maintained as shown below. No text or graphic elements can appear in this clear zone. Logo and tagline may not be stretched or manipulated in any way.

1/2x 1/2x

Bring this ad in for 25% off

your single purchase.

One per customer per visit.

228 East Main Street

(Across from the Courthouse)

New Roads, Louisiana 70760

225-638-3737

*Excludes Jewelry, Candles & Layaway

Expires 5/14/11

Monday - Friday 10-6pm

Saturday 9-5pm


bridging the gap

Documents

inspirational i

new bridge

captain roberts

new john james audubon

new friends

ferry ride

new roads residents

francisville democratmay