River Parishes Magazine 2018/2019

iver parishe R S MAGAZINE

Winter 2018 Edition

Local drum majors add flair to St. Aug. Marching 100

NICK ROSE opens up about senior trip tragedy, recovery

Baby Claire's story shared in new book A Special Publication of

L’OBSERVATEUR

www.lobservateur.com RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 1

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Bienvenue!

Welcome: To the Winter Edition of the River Parishes Magazine. The Holiday Season in the River Parishes is an exciting time as the blend of heritage, culture and charm shine brightly!

St. John the Baptish Parish, conveniently located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, makes for a perfect day trip. The “Andouille Capitol of the World” is famous for its unique history, cuisine, scenic roadways and culture.

Don’t miss the lighting of the bonfires along the levee, the signature holiday event in the Parish. Join us on Christmas Eve as these bonfires, built mostly of logs, create the effect of spectacular fireworks as large crowds of family, friends, and visitors gather on the levee to watch them glow. Legends have it, that the bonfire tradition is “to light the way for Papa Noel.”

Our quaint community is filled with the aroma of Creole and Cajun cooking including our World-famous Andouille sausage, picturesque lakes and water views that provide an abundance of fishing and hunting opportunities, the history of antebellum homes for tours and stops, and vibrant Cajun music for dancing. There are miles of walking or cycling paths for the recreational enthusiast atop the Mississippi River levee or a nature trail in Garyville for exploration.

The famous Swamp Tour is one of the most interesting ways to experience the landscape in St. John Parish. This excursion allows visitors to get an up-close view of southern wildlife including the fascinating creatures of the swamp – alligators included.

Spot a celebrity in St. John! Hollywood South is more evident than ever as we have become quite the setting for several movies and television shows. This influx in film and television production is aided by the presence of the St. John Center Soundstage in LaPlace, a 42,000-square-foot facility with a 26,000-square-foot soundstage. When not in production, the center is available for community and event rentals.

A vital component of our way of life are the historic churches and faith-based leaders that demonstrate giving, volunteerism and the Holiday spirit. The Faith-Based Community opens its arms to all and is centered around supporting a community of diverse theologies. This can be seen through Thanksgiving Turkey giveaways, Toy distributions and holiday dinners.

We continue to work to ensure economic stability for many years to come by attracting new businesses of all sizes to the Parish. Since January of 2018, 75 new occupation licenses were issued, and we anticipate more now that the Westshore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection levee is funded for construction. The Parish offers business counseling, training and mentoring to prospective and existing business owners year-round. Make your holiday purchases in St. John to discover warm hospitality that is unique to our parish!

St. John Parish is a great place to live, work and visit! To receive more information on projects or stay updated on the latest news and events, please visit the Parish website at www.sjbparish.com. Thanks for your support and Season’s Greetings!

-Natalie Robottom

St. John the Baptist Parish President RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 3

Table of Contents Baby Claire’s amazing journey shared -------- 5 St. Aug. plays with River Region flair -------- 12 Nick Rose not denied by brain injury ---------- 18 Longtime nurse says goodbye to 1st love --- 20 Women’s Army Corps vet shares her story -- 27 Local Flavor ------------------------------------ 28

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The Claire Chronicles: Mother’s debut novel details daughter’s complex medical journey Trista Brazan expected her life would follow the blueprint of a perfect plan, complete with grand visions of high paying careers and bustling city life.

She once joked with her now-husband Kenny that if living in Vacherie was part of his future, they might as well call it quits.

Yet, that’s exactly where they settled, surrounded by family when they welcomed their oldest daughter, Chloe.

Nearly six years and countless prayers later, the family was ready to welcome their second daughter when Trista received news that would throw her plans out the window forever.

Looking at the 23-week ultrasound for baby Claire, Trista saw a happy, active little girl. On a whim, she asked the doctor if it was possible the new baby could be born with the same minor heart defect her older daughter had at birth.

That question led to a maternal medicine appointment and, later, genetic testing.

Before her birth, Claire was discovered to have hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition that left the dominant half of her heart severely underdeveloped.

Additionally, Claire was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome, meaning she was missing one X chromosome in each of her cells.

Infertility, short stature and a wideTrista Brazan said the dominant half of her daughter Claire’s heart was diagnosed as severely underdeveloped while still in the womb. (Photo by Bonnie Matassa)

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set neck are associated with Turner Syndrome, though doctors were initially more concerned with how the genetic condition impacted treatment for Claire’s heart condition.

“Her prognosis was really grim,” Trista said. “We were devastated. After that initial shock and grief wore off, it was just action. Be focused to take care of the next step.”

When Claire was born on May 1, 2014, it was the start of a challenging journey.

Four and a half years later, the Brazan family is facing each day as it comes.

After an immensely challenging year full of months-long hospital stays, malnutrition, feeding intolerance and infection in 2017, Claire found stability in 2018 that allowed her family to define a new normalcy.

In the last week of November 2018, Trista returned to work for the first time in years and released her debut novel, “The Claire Chronicles.”

Available through Amazon in hardcover, paperback and for Kindle, “The Claire Chronicles” is a series of 19 stories recounting lessons learned while raising Claire.

“We’ve heard of a lot of inspirational medical books like ‘Heaven is For Real’ or ‘Miracles From Heaven,’ where there is some kind of divine healing,” Trista said. “‘The Claire Chronicles’ is unique because it’s about turning struggles into strengths when that ultimate gift of healing doesn’t come.”

The book started as a series of live videos posted to the Claire’s Heart Journey Facebook page. Followers applauded her ability to motivate others using her words, but when they suggested she write a book, Trista was hesitant.

She had experience in journalistic writing and feared the book would be boring if it was short, sweet and to the point.

Trista’s sister volunteered to transcribe a Facebook live

video. It was 5 a.m. in October 2017 when Trista, exhausted, curled up with her laptop and read that first transcribed speech.

It was then she realized if she could write the way she spoke, “The Claire Chronicles” could lend support to a lot of families.

Trista’s mother, Regaina Forsythe, has been beside the Brazan family since the ultrasound that started it all, and she said her daughter’s writing hits an emotional chord.

“I laughed and I cried, and I love the help she’s put in there for people going through almost any situation,” Regaina said.

“If you rely on God, you’ll be OK. I am in awe of her and Kenny because they’ve learned what they need to do to take care of both of their daughters, including helping with the medical things. We have become humble, and we’ve learned how wonderful a community we live in when they rallied around us.”

One of the memories that stood out to Regaina was when Claire was only a few months old. Before her birth, her family ruled out termination and a comfort care approach to let nature take its course, opting to take a three-step surgical path to help her heart pump blood.

Claire had flown through her first surgery with flying colors, against all odds. A month before her second surgery, she appeared to be having a particularly good day when doctors announced she was in heart failure.

Proceeding with the second surgery saved Claire’s life, but it wasn’t long until she took a nosedive again and required a heart transplant.

Today, Claire is content in her home in Vacherie, where Trista said she receives special education and physical, speech and occupational therapy services.

Claire has been diagnosed with autism and has delays in speech, fine motor skills and cognitive development.

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sitate an IV for nutrition.

Trista relishes in the small victories, like the sound of Claire’s laugh and seeing her take her first steps.

Regaina is enthralled with Claire’s progress and how she never fails to do the opposite of what everyone expects.

According to Trista, Claire is learning how to make choices and communicate when she wants her iPad, her most coveted possession.

“We are seeing slow improvement,” Trista said.

“It’s exciting because she’s the most stable she’s ever been. We trust in God because we know anything can change in an instant. We continue to live life day-to-day, not knowing where we will end up at the end of the day. My life is not at all what I imagined it to be, but I think it’s a lot better.”

Claire’s stability has allowed for a new journey for Trista.

Formerly the nonprofit executive director of St. John United Way, Trista worked remotely from the hospital for a year after Claire’s birth. It became apparent she would not be able to work out of the home

Claire Brazan is seen enjoying one of her favorite pastimes. for quite some time, so she stepped down.

“That was really scary, because at a time where we probably needed more income, we became a single income family. I scrambled to help my family financially, and it led me to a career in network marketing sales with Younique.”

Building connections with more than 700 women around the country

empowered Trista to return to work in November, when she took on a position with State Farm in Vacherie and Lutcher.

In her spare time, Trista relieves stress through journaling and singing in River Parishes Community Theatre productions.

— By Brooke Robichaux

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Band of Brot

River Region drum maj nationally famous Marc

S

tudent Council presidents, high school quarterbacks and cheerleader captains dominate high school campuses across our nation as the prestige positions teenagers aspire to or idolize.

However, in the hallowed halls of St. Augustine High School, one title and four young men occupy the top spots.

The names change each year, but the glamor never fades — Drum Major.

Edwin Hampton launched the St. Augustine High School marching band in 1952, creating the world famous Marching 100 in the process and integrating Mardi Gras parade routes along the way.

That tradition continues more than 65 years after Hampton gathered and inspired approximately 20 students into what today is the most exciting and famous high school marching band in the nation.

Perhaps less known is this year’s New Orleans landmark music institution has a distinctly River Parishes theme — all four drum majors live in either St. Charles or St. John the Baptist parishes.

And, according to those who know Marching 100 history, this year’s group is quite special.

“I really like this group of drum majors, and it’s probably because of how close they are,” says Eddie Williams, Director of Bands. “We didn’t realize (they were all from the River Parishes) when we picked them. The respect they get from the band is exactly what we are always looking for in a drum major group.”

Two drum majors traditionally led St. Augustine’s Marching 100 until the school expanded the honor to four students in 1979-80, Williams says.

During that time, less than a half-dozen deserving students have earned the right more than once. The

12 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

Benard Johnson Jr., Kyron Summers, Quincy Jones and Kolby Perri majors leading the Marching 100 on football fields and Mardi Gras

others

majors lead rching 100

olby Perrilloux are the St. Augustine High School drum rdi Gras parades across Southeast Louisiana.

RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 13

2018-19 class includes one such exception.

Reserve resident Kolby Perrilloux is in his second year as a drum major, having served last academic year in the same role.

“That is quite an accomplishment to become a junior drum major, because you are beating out upperclassman, seniors that are going out for drum major,” Williams said.

“We saw enough in him to be a leader in his junior year rather then wait until his senior year.”

Now a senior, Perrilloux is joined this year by fellow seniors Benard Johnson Jr., Quincy Jones and Kyron Summers.

Williams said the band program demands more than musicianship and marching ability. Even more is demanded from the student leaders who advance to drum major.

They are expected to be upstanding citizens, examples in their communities and capable of success on a global level.

“We try to definitely give these young men the discipline they are going to need,” Williams said. “The world is not going to be fair, but you have to have the discipline to overcome the things the world throws at you. The discipline is the thing we consider to be our foundation. If we can establish discipline then everything else is going to work itself out.”

KOLBY PERRILLOUX The 17-year-old was drawn to music because of parades.

His mom introduced him to the Master’s Touch DrumLine at an early age, and the rest is history.

“That is what started off everything dealing with music,” Perrilloux said.

He played the clarinet and joined the St. Augustine band in eighth grade.

Perrilloux had a knack for the intense work necessary to excel in the band, a realization leading to his decision to apply for drum major.

“I felt like I had the discipline and love to lead the band,” he says now when looking back on the decision-making process. “Now, it’s about to come to an end, and it’s crazy because I never thought it was going to happen.”

Today, Perrilloux says he is considering college options that will help him pursue nursing.

He’s not sure what role music will play in his life going forward but knows it’s always going to be part of him.

He does know the best part of being drum major: “Leading the best band in the nation, the world. It’s something a lot of people can’t say they did.”

BENARD JOHNSON JR. The St. Rose resident turns 18 on Jan. 23.

He’s always wanted to be in the band, because it was obvious when he was young that the Marching 100 were “the coolest” part of everything.

Still, he never imagined himself as the drum major. At least, not at first.

His love of music traces all the way back to his kindergarten days at Our Lady of Grace.

“Music really gets everything off your mind,” he said.

“It makes life easier for me. I played cymbals and I played clarinet, but I haven’t played since I got drum major.”

He considers the position an honor, one built up through countless stories shared by alumni from the 90s and 80s — “It makes me want to be better.”

Johnson, who also tried out to become drum major as a

14 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

Benard Johnson Jr., Kyron Summers, Quincy Jones and Kolby Perrilloux are continuing the Marching 100 legacy.

RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 15

junior, said the two-week selection process is intense because of summer sun outside activities and intense mental requirements.

Next year, he plans to attend Florida A&M University and join another iconic Marching 100 band.

QUINCY JONES The 18-year-old LaPlace resident turns 19 next summer and has nurtured a love of music dating back as far as he can remember, just listening to the radio and attending as many parades as possible.

He joined the St. Augustine band as an eighth grade student playing the trumpet. It was the instrument that caught his attention as a youngster when everything about parade bands was awe-inspiring.

Jones says he noticed the natural discipline and leadership within himself as a band member and knew drum major was the next logical step.

That doesn’t mean anything about the process was easy.

“It was real hard, a lot of questions,

16 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

like a real job interview,” he says.

“They asked a lot of questions about the band, about life to see if I was ready for the job.”

When it was announced he earned the coveted position, there was only one person that came to mind.

“The first person I thought of was my mom, because she always taught me I can do whatever I want,” Jones said.

“This was something she really wanted for me, too. I knew it couldn’t happen without her, so that was the real reason I thought about her.”

Jones hasn’t settled on what his college of choice is but he is sure he wants to pursue nursing.

KYRON SUMMERS The Ama resident turned 18 on Dec. 12.

He says his mother sent him to St. Augustine High School because she believed he “should be a man for others.”

“I’ve always loved music and I’ve always wanted to play; why not combine them?” Summers says about

why he joined the band. “I started playing (the trumpet) in sixth grade, just expressing my emotions through the horn.”

It didn’t come easy for Summers, who said he always had to practice hard to get better.

Despite the struggles, he was always serious about the pursuit and knew early on he wanted to be a part of the drum major legacy.

Achieving the title is one of the most gratifying moments of his life.

“I first called my mother and sent her a picture,” he says. “My favorite part about being in the band, nine times out of ten, is parades. I’m ready for Mardi Gras.”

He plans to attend Xavier University in New Orleans and major in biology, with an eye on medical school after that.

“Music will always be a part of my life,” Summers says. “I will find a way to use music as an outlet of expression during times of stress.”

— By Stephen Hemelt

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Not stayi High school grad who suffered senior trip brain injury finding path back to life One moment, Nick Rose was walking with friends toward a concert in Panama City Beach, soaking up the senior trip fun and the freedom that came with his recent graduation from Riverside Academy.

The next, he was bleeding out on the edge of the sidewalk while his friends held his skull together and frantically dialed 911.

Nick, 19, of LaPlace, doesn’t remember the vehicle that struck him on May 25 or much of the months-long hospital stay that followed.

The accident sent him on a journey to healing that included a medically induced coma, five surgeries and counting, months of physical and speech therapy and a long-term adjustment to his new state of being.

Seven months later, Nick is feeling upbeat, and he never misses a chance to celebrate life through dancing.

“I’m doing great,” Nick said. “My mom and grandma feed me enough. I can’t drive to see my friends, so they come to me. Now that I’ve graduated, I’ve gotten to see who my real friends are.”

Nick gets a lot of questions about the white helmet he wears, especially when he attends Tulane football games and other sports events.

People assume it’s a joke or a costume, but Nick’s helmet serves a vital purpose.

Until he obtains a prosthetic skull in the next few months, the helmet provides a protective shell over the parts that were removed to relieve brain swelling and eliminate infection.

Nick’s mother, Tammy Rose, said it’s a miracle her son is alive to tell his story.

Seven months after a Senior Trip accident left him with a brain injury, Nick Rose says he is feeling great.

18 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

ying down for long

RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 19

When she got the call that Nick was in critical condition in a Florida hospital, Tammy traveled into the early hours of the morning without knowing what she’d find on the other side of the state line.

She was told from the very beginning that Nick’s recovery would be a marathon, not a sprint.

Suffering from a collapsed lung and a brain bleed, Nick was put into a medically induced coma for two and a half weeks to regulate his increased intracranial pressure.

That involved removing part of Nick’s skull to relieve pressure.

The skull bone was moved to Nick’s stomach, where he still has a scar, then back to his head weeks later.

However, it had to be removed once again when the bone became infected. Nick also had a ventilator and a trache for feeding, both of which were eventually removed.

Weaning Nick out of his coma was a nerve-wracking process, according to Tammy, and each purposeful movement felt like a lifeline to clutch onto.

“We saw his left hand feeling the bedrails,” Tammy said.

“His left leg was starting to move, but there was no movement on the right side of his body until later on.”

Nick arrived home in LaPlace in August, after doctors determined he had brain trauma in the frontal and temporal lobes.

“I have to accept that he may never be back to the same old Nicholas, but we have to get used to the new Nicholas,” Tammy said. “Overall, he’s had a good attitude. This has taught me patience. I’ve learned not to take life for granted. In a second, your whole life can change.”

Nick has learned to live life to the fullest.

“I spent three months in a bed,” Nick said. “It’s time to get out and do something.”

When he gets out of the house, Nick enjoys going to Acadiana Cinemas in LaPlace, where he was an employee for three years.

On weekends, he’s helped hand out silverware and menus at TNT Seafood.

Having a brain injury and no set daily schedule has

Nick Rose is seen in the hospital, a medical stay that included a medically induced coma, five surgeries and counting, and months of physical and speech therapy.

taken its toll in some ways, according to Nick.

He goes to sleep earlier now and wakes up early, eager to leave the house. During the day, he eats four to five meals because his brain doesn’t tell him he’s full.

The trauma has shifted his personality. On the positive end, he’s more cheerful and goofy than he was in high school, even when he was known as the class clown.

Expert Care Close to Home Sgt. Rick Bailey of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office was happy to escort Nick Rose to his home from Touro Aug. 14.

20 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

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Tammy and Nick Rose

Visits to his high school, the Andouille Festival and even physical therapy ended with him jumping and dancing to make others smile.

On the flip side, Nick experiences periods of confusion and flashes of anger, according to his mother.

“The littlest thing might set him off and he can be a little mean, but when he calms down, he always apologizes,” Tammy said.

Nick said it’s difficult to control outbursts due to his

frontal lobe brain injury, which impacts emotional expression, memory and decision-making.

However, Nick said he was saved to fulfill a larger purpose in life, and he’s determined to regain his ability to drive and pursue a fulfilling career.

While he originally planned to study instrumentation at River Parishes Community College, Nick now dreams of attending the Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in Thibodaux to become a police officer.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre has visited Nick several times throughout his recovery, in the hospital, at his home and in the community.

Tregre’s kindness meant the world to Nick, especially since he felt let down by Florida officers who did not perform toxicology tests on the driver who struck him.

“I want people to know I’m doing great, and I want to be a police officer,” Nick said. “When I was in the hospital, Mike Tregre offered me a job in the jail as a 911 operator.

He said I’m big enough. I have his and Sgt. Rick Bailey’s numbers, and we text each other all the time.”

Tregre said Nick excitedly called out his name during their first meeting in the hospital.

“I am still impressed by Nick and his rate of recovery,” Tregre said. “I think Nick is a young man who can inspire us all. Sometimes I wonder if Nick was always this high energy before all this happened because he’s got all this willpower and spirit now, and it’s infectious.”

Tammy said she doesn’t know how to thank SJSO and all the community members who rallied together in prayer and through numerous fundraisers to support her son.

“Just when you lose faith in humanity, it takes something like that to realize how people come together,” Tammy said.

Nick’s grandmother, Jane Thompson, has looked after him every day since he came home, and his cousin, Renee Labat, kept St. John Parish informed of each small victory through the Nick’s Journey to Healing Facebook page.

Tammy said Nick’s next step is to meet with other young people who have endured similar brain trauma.

— By Brooke Robichaux

RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 21

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Born to be a nurse Carolyn Bourgeois Bossier reflects on decades of service — a calling that inspired her mother & daughter Many young girls and boys dream of becoming a nurse so they can help people feel better.

Some want to be just like the nurses who cared for them when they were younger or helped a family member recover.

Carolyn Bourgeois Bossier was one of those little girls.

“When I was growing up, I wanted to be like my mom. I admired her,” said the retiring nurse after more than 38 years of service.

Carol Bourgeois, her mother, grew up in Iowa and worked in a military hospital where she met her husband, Henry Bourgeois Jr. Although she was a Practical Nurse, Carolyn never knew her mom as a practicing nurse. She only knew her as a mom who lost one baby the day after it was born, another who died at six months and yet did her best to raise her children and help others in need.

Carolyn was a candy striper at St. James Parish Hospital in Lutcher while she was still in high school.

After graduation she went on to receive an Associate Degree in nursing at Nicholls State University. Two days later she began her nursing career as a staff nurse at her community hospital.

“Since then I have touched every department in the hospital,” Carolyn remembers.

Five years after she started working, she was offered a day-time job as a Utilization Review Nurse and Swing Bed Coordinator for patients who were not sick enough to be in the full-service hospital but still too sick to go home. Five years later she was given the additional responsibilities of infection control and employee health.

24 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

Carolyn Bourgeois Bossier goes over blood pressure techniques with Jennifer Rodrigue, physician clinic manager with St. James Parish Hospital.

She coordinated one of the first diabetic education sessions and had a standing room only crowd in the old hospital dining room when she offered education on glucometers, which were being used for the first time.

She taught puberty classes to young girls in the late 1980s. To make people aware of the importance of having regular blood pressure checks she would go to area banks at the beginning of the month when the elderly received their government checks.

She also handled drug screenings for parish employees.

In 1994, she was voted by her peers as the Top RN at St. James Parish Hospital. In 2007, she was selected one of the Louisiana’s Great 100 Nurses.

“Anything that I could do, if it was to help the hospital, I would do it,” Carolyn said with a smile.

In recent years, Carolyn has helped coordinate community events like the diabetic support group, health fairs, flu fairs, men’s health and heart health events. She has worked closely with senior citizens, visiting the four parish senior centers regularly to offer blood pressure

screenings and wellness education.

For many years she taught CardioPulmonary Resuscitation, which is offered at the hospital twice monthly.

“I believe that God put me in every aspect of my career,” Carolyn reminisced. “God has opened doors for me that I never would have anticipated.”

The next set of doors Carolyn will go through are the ones leading her from full time employment at the hospital to join husband Paul in retirement.

“When I walk out of here, I want to be sure that whoever is taking any part of my job will feel comfortable,” she said.

Active in her church, Carolyn says she will likely volunteer to do something to further serve her community. She may even continue to do a class or two at the hospital.

What she is looking forward to the most is grandchildren.

Her daughter Claire was married in October. She is a third-generation nurse in her family and is employed at Ochsner in Kenner.

— By Pam Folse

Carolyn Bourgeois Bossier goes over CPR techniques with Tammy Rodrigue of St. James Surgical Specialists.

Denka Denka Performance Elastomer

Working towards the future RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 25

“Do y’all do that?”

It might be a patient. It might be a parent. It might be a phone call. It might be a text, but we hear it all the time—and often it’s too late.

Before you travel for a service, give us a ring.

Call 225.869.5512, choose Option 0 and ask to be transferred to the specific department you need.

Do y’all do that?

—PAPA

BRANDON

Papa, Nanny, cousins, patients and friends— this is your invitation to JUST ASK.

–Community Liaison / Occ Med–

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

26 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

Portrait of an American Hero

D

uring the summer of 1944, Rose Borne Elfer was making a fortune. At least it seemed like a fortune at the time. She was employed as a riveter at Higgins Aircraft, worked ten hours a day and made $60 each week.

Her mother, however, had other plans.

Elfer’s mother, Corrine Borne, decided they would both join the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), and they had to join in December. In January her mother would be 50 (maximum age to join), and in December Elfer would be 20 (minimum age to join).

“When Mamma made up her mind, she got what she wanted,” Elfer said.

“Before I knew what hit me, we were accepted and received our orders to report for boot training in Des Moines, Iowa.”

Describing herself as a natural conformist, Elfer’s orientation to Army life was not difficult, but it did not come as easily to her mother.

Elfer said while everyone else scrambled when called to line up outside of the barracks, her mother insisted on finishing whatever she was doing.

Elfer said her mother got out of chores by organizing and supervising cleanup crews. She also struggled with some of the commands. Her confusion over “about face, forward march” often had her walking away from the company.

“It was hilarious,” Elfer said.

“I think they were easier on her because of her age, and because her other daughter was also in WAC,” said Elfer, whose sister Marcia was a second lieutenant.

The Borne women were not the only family members who served during World War II. Elfer’s two brothers were also in the armed forces. (Her father had died in a 1932 in a workrelated accident.)

Elfer’s brother Claiborne was in the Navy in the Construction Battalion and stationed in Venezuela. Her other brother, Edwin, was in the Marines, but his location was unknown.

“We were 100% in the war effort,” Elfer said.

After boot camp and a four-week clerk course – where Corrine always put her carbon paper in backwards and never learned to type – the

Corrine Borne, from left, served during World War II with her daughters, Marcia and Rose.

ROSE BORNE ELFER

Keiko and Hiroko accept a Gold Medal for Humanitarian Services during the war for their grandfather, Dr. Shigeyoshi Ozeki.

mother/daughter team was separated.

Corrine was sent to serve in a hospital in Arkansas, and Elfer was assigned to Ft. Lewis, Washington.

“We didn’t find out about Edwin until the war ended, but I always felt like he was alive,” Elfer said.

Edwin, one of the youngest defenders of Wake Island, had been taken by the Japanese and was a prisoner of war for three years and eight months.

Elfer said that Edwin had been treated badly and weighed 97 pounds upon his return. The kindness of one Japanese doctor saved her brother’s life.

“Edwin said some of the prisoners were being executed. Dr. Ozeki stepped in and asked Edwin if he could drive.

When he said he could, the doctor

said he wanted Edwin to drive him around.”

Their friendship lasted long after the war ended. Edwin visited Ozeki in Japan, and when Ozeki’s granddaughters came to the United States for their college education, they lived with Edwin’s son and his family.

While in America, the Marines presented Ozeki’s granddaughters with a Gold Medal for Humanitarian Efforts during the war on behalf of their grandfather. While Elfer is proud of her family’s service during World War II, she is adamant regarding her brother Edwin’s sacrifice.

“He is the only hero.”

— By Ronny Michel

RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 27

Local Flavor St. John Parish

Bailey’s Andouille 513 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-9090 Bec’s At the Lake 105 Gary Rd., LaPlace 985-224-8172 Belle Terre Country Club 111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace 985-652-5000 Best Wok Chinese Restaurant 530 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-9989 Buddy B’s 2788 River Road E, Garyville 985-535-3663 Cajun Grill 135 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-4745 Chili’s Grill & Bar 1820 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-1227 Chinese King 1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-651-7888

Dragon Garden 140 Belle Terre Blvd., Ste E., LaPlace 985-652-7250

Jacob’s Andouille 505 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-9080

Popeye’s Fried Chicken 1603 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-3030

Dunkin Donuts 1334 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-359-9244

The Jambalaya Shoppe 150 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-5747 Kobe Japanese Steak and Sushi 506 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-8880/652-8853

Raising Cane’s 123 West Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-652-4701

Louisiana Roadhouse Steak 1338 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace

Ruby Garden Chinese Restaurant 3101 U.S. 51, LaPlace 985-653-8700

Donut Hole 421 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-651-4001 El Mexicano 1036 W. Airline Hwy # 123, LaPlace, LA 70068 (985) 652-4250 El Paso 1900 US-51 Ste D, LaPlace 985-618-3313 Fatty’s 186 Museum St., Garyville Frenier Landing 113 Dottie Lane, LaPlace 985-224-2178 Frisco Deli 1113 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA 70068 (985) 651-7745 LaPlace Frostop 411 Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-6361

Church’s Chicken 1601 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-652-2089

Gator’s Den Old Highway 51 South, Manchac 985-386-7902

Chung’s Heavenly Sweets 607 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-7987

Guidry Goody’s 3595 W. Airline Hwy., Reserve 504-606-1185

Connie’s Grill 1462 LA-44, Reserve 985-536-3256

Hibachi Supreme Grill 1721 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-652-5233

Clay’s Cafe 975 B Cambridge, LaPlace 985-359-6848

Huddle House 4325 Hwy. 51, LaPlace 985-651-1800

Mabile’s Restaurant

“Home of the Best Roast Beef in Town!”

• Fresh Po-Boys • Seafood Muffaletta • Finger Sandwiches • Vegetable Trays • Plate Lunches • Italian Muffaletta

985-651-2893

IHop 220 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-4468

28 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

Sam’s Southern Eatery 1173 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-359-1677 Sicily’s 214 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-7010

1124 W. Airline Hwy. • LaPlace, LA 70068

Ming’s Akari 1400 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-359-3335 Momma Jo’s 2917 Hwy 51, Ste A., LaPlace 985-224-2666 McDonalds •4297 U.S. Hwy. 51, LaPlace 985-652-5171 •1608 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-652-2600 •5387 W. Airline, Hwy, Garyville Petra’s 10363 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-359-8888 Pier 51 Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar 3017 U.S. 51, LaPlace 985-651-0300 Pirouge’s Cafe 719 W. 10th St., Reserve 985-479-7800 PJ’s Coffee 1808 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-764-7573

Da King of Wingz 1905 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace 225-558-1492

Rotolo’s Pizzera 3503 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. B, Reserve 985-536-3503

Subway •357 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-8700 •1616 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-4822 •2701 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace •1900 Hwy. 51, Ste. B, LaPlace 985-479-7827 985-652-9699 TNT Seafood 405 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-6312 Turn Arounds 1107 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-224-2818 Waffle House 4304 Hwy. 51, LaPlace 985-651-6111 Wayne Jacob’s Restaurant 769 W. 5th St., LaPlace 985-652-9990 Zaman Mediterranean Cafe 1502 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-359-5566 Zora Christina 2003 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-359-3673

St. James Parish

Popeye’s 982 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-6060

Boot’s Diner 12325 River Rd, Ste A, Luling 785-331-5225

Sandwich World Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-6060

Cajun Kitchen 13322 U.S. 90, Boutte, Ste. Q 985-785-2405

Bonnie’s 2827 Hwy 20, Vacherie 225-624-0402

Daddy’s Fried Chicken 15683 River Road, Hahnville 985-783-6743

Café Perique 234 East Main St., Gramercy 225-869-1774

DiCarlo’s Food and Spirits 10 Villere Dr., Destrehan 985-764-6868

China King 849 N. Pine St., Gramercy 225-869-2000 Chuck Lee’s Chinese Kitchen 10560 Hwy. 70 W., St. James 225-473-3050 Creole House Cafe 3409 Hwy 3125, Paulina 225-859-3333 DJ’s Grille 21060 La. Hwy. 20, Vacherie 225-265-7600 Golden Grove Restaurant 935 La. Hwy. 641, Gramercy 225-869-1212 Grand Point Truck Stop Casino 3415 La. Hwy. 3125, Paulina 225-869-6960 Jenny’s Overstuffed Poboy & Chicken Shop 114 N. Airline Hwy., Gramercy 225-869-0899 Nobile’s Restaurant & Bar Serving Authentic River Road Cuisine 2082 W.InMain St., Lutcher An Historic Place Open 225-869-8900 Lunch: Mon- Fri 11 am - 2 pm Dinner: Thurs-Sat 5 pm - 9 pm CLOSED Sundays

2082 W. Main • Lutcher, LA

225-869-8900

Oak Alley Restaurant 3645 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie 225-265-2151

Pizza Hut 1665 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-6151

Spectacular Tubers 1665 Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-5600 Subway 10850 Hwy. 3125, Gramercy Taylor’s Express Truck Stop 964 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-1734 Tod’s Catering 2180 S. Albert St., Lutcher 225-869-7000

St. Charles Parish

Donut Land 13592 River Rd, Ste 6, Destrehan 985-307-1000 Dot’s Diner 12179 U.S. Hwy. 90, Luling 985-785-6836 El Paso Mexican Grill 12895 U.S. Hwy. 90, Ste. A, Luling 985-331-1984 Fatty Shack 13527 River Road, Luling 985-308-0983 Fatty Shack 13527 River Road, Luling 985-308-0983

Frostop Anita’s Smokin’ Steak Burgers 3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. H, Destrehan 985-725-1116 13145 U.S. 90 Ste. B, Boutte 985-785-2220 Firehouse Bistro 1950 Ormond Blvd., Ste. B, Apple Street Diner/Sub Exp. Destrehan 985-725-3223 26 Apple St., Norco 985-764-9922 Fujiyama Japanese Avocados Mexican Grill 12715 Hwy 90, Ste 140. Luling 985-785-7694 Bamboo Garden 13491 U.S. 90, Ste. 6, Boutte 985-785-9929 Bei Jing 12895 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte 985-331-8885

12715 Hwy 90, Ste 150, Luling 985-785-8168 Grumpy’s 14984 U.S. 90, Paradis 985-785-2083

Honeydoux Cafe & Bakery 13100 River Rd, Ste 130, Destrehan 985-305-0050 IHOP 14099 Hwy. 90, Boutte 985-308-0013 J’aime Le Cafe 12715 Hwy 90, Ste 100, Luling 985-308-0394 KrisAl’s Cafe 10326 Airline Dr. Ste B, St. Rose 504-468-2005 Little Tokyo 13371 U.S. 90, Ste. A, Boutte 985-331-0887 Lovecchio’s Deli 29 Apple St., Norco 985-725-5683 Mariano’s Italian Eatery 12371 Highway 90, Ste. A, Luling 985-785-7777 McDonalds 3009 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan 985-725-1021 Ormond Plantation Restaurant 13786 River Road, Destrehan 985-764-8544 Palmetto’s Restaurant 10405 Airline Hwy, St. Rose 504-472-0771 Pizza Hut 12439 Hwy. 90, Luling 985-331-8380 P.J.’s Coffee of New Orleans 150 Ormond Center Court, Ste. T, Destrehan 985-764-7573 Popeye’s Fried Chicken •116 Longivew Drive, Destrehan 985-764-1231 •13210 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-785-1377

Happy Gardens II 15264 U.S. 90, Paradis 985-785-3888 Hong Kong 3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. D, Destrehan 985-725-9099

RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 29

Portside Restaurant 11698 River Road, St. Rose 504-546-93111 Rotolo’s Pizzeria 150 Ormond Center Court, Destrehan 985-725-2411 Sailfish Food and Spirits 12287 U.S. 90, Luling 985-308-0712 Seafood Pot 14386 River Rd., Destrehan 985-725-0053 Southern Latte Cafe 50 Wade St., Ste. 1, Luling 985-308-1472 Sonic Drive In 12557 U.S. 90, Luling 985-331-0099 Sports Pub & Grill 3001 Ormond Blvd., #B Destrehan 985-331-0099

St. Rose Driving Range & Sports Bar 10362 Airline Dr., St. Rose 504-466-0411 St. Rose Tavern 14466 River Road, Destrehan 504-469-8864 /985-725-3133 Sub Express 26 Apple St., Norco 985-764-9922 Subway •613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 200, Luling 985-331-2257 •14130 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-785-9818 (located inside Walmart) •13001 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-331-1786 •12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 120, Luling 985-785-3999 •12609 Airline Drive, Destrehan 985-725-1108 •1955 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan 985-725-9444 •15632 River Rd., Norco 504-469-8864

Squeal and Moo BBQ 12287 Hwy 90, Luling 985-308-1499

Sushi Cafe 13899 River Road, Ste. A, Luling 985-308-1003

Uchi Sushi and Hibachi 3001 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan 785-307-1080

Take Away Donuts 13441 Hwy. 90, Boutte 985-785-6499

Victoria’s Restaurant 13441 Hwy. 90, Boutte 985-785-6499

The Gate 12713 Hwy 90, Luling 985-308-0013

Voodoo Grill 100 James Drive East, St. Rose 504-464-1880

The Howling Pepper 109 St. Rose Ave, St. Rose 504-466-1944

Waffle House 14173 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-758-6499

The Oyster’s Pearl Grill & Cafe 1057 Paul Mailard Rd, Luling 985-785-6242

Waffle House 10384 E. Airline Hwy., St. Rose 504-467-1522

Taste of Tokyo 1972 Ormond Blvd., Ste. E-2, Destrehan 985-764-1818 Trey Wah (Chinese) 124 Longview Drive, Destrehan 985-764-1147 Truck Farm Tavern 11760 River Rd, St. Rose 504-699-0099

River parisheS River parisheS MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

Summer 2018 Edition STAGE PRESENCE: Darryl Clement directs another classic

Fall 2018 Edition

WHEELS ON THE BUS : Dedicated driver rolls for 30 years

Hahnville Man Inspires Education at Home & Africa

WHEELS ON THE BUS: Dedicated driver rolls for 30 years

Inside look at Louisiana©s ebst running back

Inside look at Louisiana’s best running back.

A Special Publication of

A Special Publication of

L’OBSERVATEUR

www.lobservateur.com

30 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

L’OBSERVATEUR

www.lobservateur.

421 Belle Terre Blvd | LaPlace

Mon - Fri: 7 am to 6 pm Sat: 8 am to 1 pm RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 31

CHARTER IS “CHOICE”

Why Charter Schools?

Charter schools were created to help improve our nation’s public school system and offer parents another choice to better meet their child’s needs.

Charter school leaders believe in the freedom to do whatever it takes to help students achieve their full potential and share what works with the public school system so that all students may benefit.

Charter schools foster a partnership between parents, teachers, and students. They create an environment where parents can be more involved, teachers allowed to innovate and students are provided the structure they need to learn.

Charter schools are built upon core academic subjects by creating a positive/nurturing school culture and by adopting a theme such as STEM, performing arts or project-based learning.

To register for 2019-2020 School Year visit

www.lapremiercharter.org and fill out the student application.

32 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE