Alsandor has East Feliciana girls basketball team ‘prepared for anything.’ Page 1H
The
W atchman
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2015
SERVING THE PARISHES OF EAST FELICIANA, WEST FELICIANA AND ST. HELENA
H $1.00
THEADVOCATE.COM
1st Year, No. 17
Bicentennialbash Dardenne helps Jackson celebrate 200th birthday
Advocate staff photo by STEPHANIE WARREN
St. Helena Parish residents received helpful information at a USDA StrikeForce meeting Jan. 27 at the Fifth Ward Recreational Multipurpose Center in Amite.
BY HOWARD ARCENEAUX Special to The Advocate
JACKSON — Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne surveyed the crowd gathered at Centenary State Historic site and told a story 3,500 years in the making. His story was a brief history of Louisiana, and an important part of it happened 200 years ago on Jan. 31, 1815, when a law was signed making Jackson the parish seat of Feliciana parish. It was named in honor of Gen. Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, who would one day be the seventh president of the United States. Dardenne was the keynote speaker during the Founder’s Day celebration in Jackson. Acknowledging the budget challenges the state is facing, Dardenne reminded the audience surrounding the porch of the restored Professor’s Cottage that Louisiana’s culture and history are unique and worth protecting. “I encourage you to recognize and remember and preserve the great history we have,” Dardenne said. His history lesson began with the settlement of Poverty Point by Native Americans in North Louisiana and followed with mention of DeSoto’s discovery of the Mississippi River, LaSalle’s naming of Louisiana after King Louis the 14th, and Bienville and Iberville’s journeys’. Dardenne explained the French and Spanish influence in New Orleans and the confluence of those cultures with Africans that created the uniqueness of the Creole influence. The Louisiana Purchase from France for $16 million — $6 mil-
Advocate photo by HOWARD ARCENEAUX
An audience of more than 100 listens as Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne gives a brief history of Louisiana including the founding of Jackson at the Founder’s Day program on Saturday. Dardenne, Rep. Kenny Havard and local officials celebrated the 200th birthday of the East Feliciana town with its residents and visitors.
Jackson Mayor Charles Coleman dresses in period cos- Dressed in costumes from the early 1800s, Holli Gilmore, Vera tume Saturday for his town’s Bond, Sandy Smith and Belinda Smith, from left, commemorate Saturday the bicentennial of their hometown of Jackson. bicentennial program ‘Conductor’ Jim Buchtel, right, of the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders, demonstrates a model train to, from left, Summer Barber, 6, of Jackson, and William Wisdom, 6, and Mackenzie Russell, 6, both of Tullos. The Model Railroaders are set up behind the Republic of West Florida Historical Museum in Jackson.
äSee BASH, page 2G
INSIDE East Feliciana...3G,5G West Feliciana...........3G St. Helena .................7G Sports .......................1H
USDA officials give overview of available assistance
BY STEPHANIE WARREN
they can get assistance, too,” Berry said. Residents attending the Southern University Agri- meeting received information cultural Research and Exten- that provided the technical sion Center hosted a USDA assistance and explanations StrikeForce meeting, with a needed on USDA programs visit from U.S. Department of available in the area. Two of the programs menAgriculture officials, Jan. 27 at the 5th Ward Recreational tioned were the single-family Multipurpose Center in Amite. housing programs and the multifamily housUSDA represen“Their programs ing programs. tatives provided The single-faminformation during and services are ily program prothe meeting on the very helpful to vides homeownerassistance availour parish, and ship opportunities able to help the ruI always make to low- to moderral community to sure to tell other ate-income resiprosper. dents through loan, St. Helena Parish people about faces many unique them so they can grant and loan guarantee prochallenges every get assistance, grams. The proday, Parish Admintoo.” grams also make istrator Virginia funding available Bell said. “USDA’s CHARLES BERRY, representatives St. Helena cattle farmer to residents to finance vital imworked to address provements necthose unique set of challenges faced in this par- essary to make their homes decent, safe and sanitary, the ish,” Bell said. Through StrikeForce, the representatives said. The multifamily housing USDA leverages resources and collaborates with partners programs offer rural rental and stakeholders to improve housing loans to provide afeconomic opportunity and fordable multifamily rental quality of life in areas such as housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income families; St. Helena. St. Helena Parish resident the elderly; and persons with and cattle farmer Charles disabilities. In addition, deepBerry said he attends every subsidy rental assistance is available to eligible families. USDA meeting he can. There are three multifamily “Their programs and services are very helpful to our par- rental housing facilities in St. ish, and I always make sure to tell other people about them so äSee OVERVIEW, page 2G
swarren@theadvocate.com
State poet laureate featured at symposium Advocate staff report St. Francisville, with a population of 1,765 give or take a few, has become a mecca for artists, musicians, designers, authors relishing its peaceful atmosphere. February is enlivened by a well-established gathering that draws interested readers and writers from a wide area, said author and St. Francisville native Anne Butler.
Bulter said St. Francisville’s Writers and Readers Symposium: A Celebration of Literature and Haymon Art reflects a new diversity in the community. The day-long symposium has given writers a chance to speak about their creative processes and mingle with enthu-
siastic fans, Butler said. Added features include writing workshops for students and professionals, a juried exhibit of literature-related photography, monthly readings and other activities leading up to the main event Feb. 21. Featured writers presenting at this year’s Symposium are Moira Crone, a New Orleans novelist and short story writer; Louisiana’s Poet Laureate Ava Leavell Haymon; mystery
writer Abigail Padgett, whose latest book is set in St. Francisville; and writer-photographer Richard Sexton, whose most recent book explores and illustrates with images the Creole connections between New Orleans and the Latin Caribbean. Louisiana State University Press has published four collections of poetry by Haymon, who is editor of the Press’ Barataria Poetry Series. A Mississippi native, Hay-
mon grew up in Kansas City with a Baptist preacher father who made her memorize ten verses of scripture each week and recite them perfectly before the television set could be turned on, Butler said. Haymon attended Baylor University but moved to Baton Rouge so her husband could attend LSU Law School and she could obtain her master’s äSee POET, page 2G
Oil Changes, Brakes, Alignments, Check Engine Lights, A/C Repairs, Shocks, Struts, Tires
2G n Thursday, February 5, 2015 n theadvocate.com n The Advocate
BASH
Editor: Darlene Denstorff, (225) 336-6952 or email extra@theadvocate.com
Continued from page 1G
Advocate photos by HOWARD ARCENEAUX
Kari House, of Port Hudson, stirs a pot of wassail over an open fire at the Founder’s Day event in Jackson. Wassail is a fruity, citrus drink often served during the Christmas holidays that means ‘To your health’ in Old English.
OVERVIEW
lion more than was authorized by Congress and President Thomas Jefferson — turned out to be a great bargain that amounted to three cents per acre and forever changed our young country, he said. In 1812, Louisiana became the 18th state. And later the Battle of New Orleans in 1814, when Gen. Jackson led a rag-tag army against the vaunted British, and on a battlefield in Chalmette, within 45 minutes, the invaders were decimated, he said. “We were different in 1812, and we remain different today,” explained Dardenne, calling the state a “human gumbo.” “We are a state that has preserved our history,” Dardenne said. “It’s important to be proud of Jackson’s history, and it’s important to be preserved.” He explained that like Gen. Jackson, Louisiana brought people from different backgrounds together and compared it to the town that was named in his honor. “Louisiana is a wonderfully unique state, and that diverse background is what gives us our personality and our interesting politics,” Dardenne said. “If we don’t learn from our past, we’ll never be able to build for the future.” State Rep. Kenny Havard, who represents District 62 in the Legislature, was raised in
Subscription rates: Inside the 3-parish area: $31 for 12 months Outside the 3-parish area: $42 for 12 months The Watchman is published weekly in Baton Rouge and at additional mailing offices. Periodicals-postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA ISSN: 1061-3978 Capital City Press, proprietor The Advocate, 7290 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1611 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Accounting, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588
The
W atchman USPS NO. 668-520
Reporter: Stacy Gill, (225) 993-0066 or email sgill@theadvocate.com P.O. Box 368, Clinton, LA 70722 Need to talk to a reporter, place an obituary or wedding announcement, inquire about advertising or discuss newspaper delivery issues?
Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne offers a brief history of Louisiana, including the founding of Jackson, during a Founder’s Day program Saturday marking the 200th birthday of the town. Jackson. Speaking to the crowd, Havard looked around the Centenary State Historic Site grounds and said, “I used to play on these grounds right here. It’s something we should all be proud of. I live in St. Francisville now, but Jackson will always be my home.” The day was full of fun activities around Jackson and was organized by town officials and the Bicentennial Bash Commission.
here to help with any assistance that we can. Come by the office and see me, or call me, I will do whatever I can to assist those inquiring about the services provided.” To contact the local USDA Rural Development Area Office, 703 West Oak St., Amite, call (985) 748-9034. To see a complete list of programs, visit the USDA website at www. rurdev.usda.gov.
ies, schools and day care centers and many other communityContinued from page 1G based initiatives. USDA programs demonstrate how every rural community can achieve self-sufficiency Helena Parish. The community facilities pro- through innovative and comgram provides loans, grants and prehensive strategic plans deloan guarantees for projects to veloped and implemented at a develop community facilities grass-roots level, Southern Unifor public use in rural areas. versity agricultural specialist This may include hospitals, fire Eual Hall said. USDA Rural Development protection, public safety, librar-
Area Office service agent Patrick Babineaux advised attendees to take advantage of the free livestock indemnity program if any of their livestock died. “Let’s say, for instance, you have livestock that got struck by lighting. You should immediately notify the farm service agency in your area. If you are in St. Helena Parish or Tangipahoa Parish you would notify me,” Babineaux said. “We are
POET
The workshop includes lunch vided by the National Endowand refreshments. Tickets are ment for the Arts, a Federal $125 for this event, and a maxi- agency. mum of 20 people can participate. Other programs leading up to the Symposium are planned as well. Tickets for the Writers and Readers Symposium include parking, individual author presentations as well as moderated panel discussions, book signings, refreshments, lunch and a dessert reception with the authors. If purchased by Jan. 31, tickets are $40. In February, tickets are $50, and $60 at the door. To purchase online, visit www. brownpapertickets.com. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute members can purchase tickets through LSU at www.outreach. lsu.edu/olli. Seating is limited. To volunteer or for information, email Olivia Pass at oliviapass@bellsouth.net. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council and administered by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. Funding also has been pro-
Continued from page 1G degree in English. Haymon said she found Louisiana a “poet’s dream, a wonderful place to write poetry about. It has exotic weather, all sorts of ethnic groups and fabulous music. It’s sensory.” Editing studies of the Louisiana coast for a scientific consulting firm, Haymon’s first in-state job showed her “what a really exotic place Louisiana is. It was my first time to have an attachment to the physical place.” Haymon’s most recent book is “Eldest Daughter.” Haymon’s other poetry collections include: “Why the House is Made of Gingerbread,” “Kitchen Heat,” which illustrates the “charm and bite of domestic life,” and “The Strict Economy of Fire,” along with five chapbooks. Haymon has received the Louisiana Literature Prize for poetry, the L.E. Phillabaum Poetry Award, the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Award in Poetry, and has been featured in a number of publications. At home in Louisiana, Hay-
mon teaches poetry during the school year, and during most summers, leads retreats and workshops at her home in the mountains of New Mexico. Haymon joins the three other authors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at Hemingbough Convention Center in St. Francisville as they share their creative processes individually and in moderated panel discussions with audience participation encouraged. Butler says Hemingbough provides an intimate setting allowing avid readers and prospective writers the chance to interact with the authors who will have new books to discuss, sell and autograph. The award-winning authors have been chosen to represent various genres: fiction, nonfiction, creative non-fiction and poetry. Haymon, a committed poetry educator, will also teach a poetry workshop for Bains Elementary School students on Feb. 20. In addition, Haymon will join Padgett, who has taught creative writing at Harvard and other colleges, in presenting a writers’ workshop for aspiring and professional authors at Butler Greenwood Plantation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28.
Carriage House Restaurant 7477 US 61 St. Francisville, LA (225) 635-6278
Restaurant Carriage House u Valentine’s Mend Andouille Soup an Kaine’s Sweet Potato and ation Salad Carriage House Sens
Febru ary 1 4th
With choice of Entrees Angel Hair Pasta Chicken Piccata over illed Asparagus served with Citrus Gr ter Tail d GRILLED 5 oz Lobs paragus As 5 oz Filet Mignon an d ille Gr s in and Citru with Potato Au Grat p rim Sh o mb with 3 Ju d Asparagus Blacken Mahi Mahi atin and Citrus Grille Gr Au to ta Po th wi served t And choice of Desser ocolate Bread Pudding Ch ite e Our Signature Wh ite Chocolate Sauc with Crown Royal Wh Topping rry be sp Ra th wi ke seca New York Style Chee or nt Chocolate Mousse de ca De tree’s pagne with Each En Free Glass of Cham / $79.98 Per Couple $39.99 Per Person t included Tax and Gratuity no
n For subscription or delivery issues, contact the circulation department at (225) 388-0200 n To place a death notice, contact the obituary department at (225) 388-0289 or obits@theadvocate.com n For ad inquiries, contact the advertising department: Kristi Lynch: (225) 247-1030 or klynch@theadvocate.com Gary Miller: (225) 773-6056 or gmiller@theadvocate.com n For legal advertising, contact the legal notices department at (225) 388-0128 or weeklylegals@theadvocate.com n To place an ad in the Classifieds section, contact the classified department at (225) 383-0111 or go to classifieds.theadvocate.com n To place a wedding or engagement announcement, call (225) 388-0738 or email nuptials@theadvocate.com
in Clinton, LA
Have a delivery question? 225-388-0200