C'est la vie august

The River Parishes Magazine

• Region’s sons making waves at Tulane

A Special Publication of L’OBSERVATEUR

• Look inside for great gumbo, local features

www.lobservateur.com

Fall 2015 Edition c’est la vie ~ 1

Bienvenue!

As we embark upon the fall season and cooler weather, we look forward to the sound of cheering crowds, the smell of gumbo, and live music throughout the parish. Rich in culture, diversity, family and heritage, St. John the Baptist Parish has a history of Friday night football, warm food dishes, and the Andouille Festival.

St. John the Baptist Parish is located on the east and the west banks of the Mississippi River and is home to some 45,000 residents in Edgard, Garyville, Mount Airy, LaPlace, Lucy, Pleasure Bend, Reserve, and Wallace. We are uniquely positioned to ride the wave of economic development in St. John Parish, while preserving the heritage and culture of our community. Our picturesque scenic by-ways along River Road invite tourists to view the historic architecture of our homes, churches and plantations.

Our culture provides tourists visiting New Orleans and Baton Rouge a day trip with a change of scenery. Our two boat launches provide access to our beautiful rivers and lakes.

Plantation and swamp tours are available on both sides of the river, with the newest being the Whitney Plantation in Wallace. St. John the Baptist is making huge investments in infrastructure and recreational improvements that will ultimately enhance the parish for residents and visitors alike.

Everyone is invited to the 2015 Andouille Festival on October 16-18 at the Highway 51 Park in LaPlace for a fun-filled weekend of music, food and crafts. The festival also features kids’ activities, cooking contests using our world-famous Andouille, and an Andouille eating contest.

The 2015 Andouille Pageant will be held on Saturday, October 3 where a new queen will be crowned to reign over the festival and represent St. John the Baptist Parish and the world famous Andouille.

For more information on the festival and the pageant, please visit andouillefestival.com.

Please visit the parish website at www.sjbparish.com to view our latest news and upcoming events in the community. St. John the Baptist Parish is a unique place to live, work, and raise a family.

Please stop by and join us in October for a Smokin’ Good Time!

– Natalie Robottom St. John the Baptist Parish President 2 ~ c’est la vie

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at the

ercy l St. James Parish m a Gr nua Welcome Center / n r A e h ch Lut ub’s 7t !

Corner of Airline Hwy. (US Hwy. 61) tch s Cl a n and State Hwy. 641 P o i L in k p Gramercy, LA Pum g For more info, please contact Lion Shane Duhe: (225) 241-8357 rin r u Pete Matherne: (225) 869-3896 D obe L.J. St. Pierre: (225) 869-3181 t c O ·Walk a Nature Trail ·Ride a Hay Ride

·Experience a Haunted House ·Visit our Country Store

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·Visit the St. James Parish Welcome Center and learn about the unique history of St. James Parish

Table of Contents Editor’s welcome -------------------------------- 5 Tulane finds success with local sons ---------- 6 ‘Mr. Benny’ living fun life ------------------------ 12 Myra’s Chicken Gumbo ------------------------- 16 7 Questions with Clayton Jordan ------------- 18 How to tailgate like an All-Pro --------------- 20 Up close at JFK’s death ------------------------ 24 7 Questions with Mikah Hopkins ------------- 28 Scene it: St. John’s best in education -------- 30 Dining -------------------------------------------- 35 Parting Shots ------------------------------------ 39

·Oct. 20th 5pm-7pm Attend the 4-H “Party With the Pumpkins” event and pick out the perfect pumpkin to get ready for Halloween

*A covered pavilion is available for Brown Bag Lunches

The River Parishes Magazine, C’EST LA VIE Publisher/Editor ~ Stephen Hemelt Advertising ~ Christine Browning • Regina Burrell • Jennifer Glidden Contributing Writers ~ Kyle Barnett • Monique Roth • Pamela Folse Graphic Designer ~ Christine Browning • Candace Hemelt 116 Newspaper Dr., LaPlace, LA 70068 • 985-652-9545

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Lots of character in region full of characters The River Parishes has great character because there are so many characters in the River Parishes.

From local politics to competitive sports, from area cooks to proud military veterans and business leaders to down-to-earth family people, this community is driven by the personalities that make it uniquely special.

The influx of major industry and the wealth of new residents it brings only STEPHEN add to the special gumbo that makes HEMELT this region so delectable.

It seems fitting in this edition of Publisher C’EST LA VIE, our recipe (turn to page 16) of choice comes from local home chef extraordinaire Myra Edgar Brown. The recipe, “Myra’s Chicken Gumbo,” was recently featured in Louisiana Cookin’ and helped lead to Brown’s recognitions in front of the St. John the Baptist and St. James Parish Councils.

Brown’s story is one of a woman who wants to feed her community through her kitchen expertise. It’s not unlike the story of Tulane University football coach Curtis Johnson. He’s also a giver.

The son of the first black councilman in St. Charles Parish has grown up to create quite a legacy of his own.

The St. Rose native left a coaching gig with the Super Bowl

champion New Orleans Saints to guide Tulane, and in doing so, has attracted and molded many River Parishes athletes as they make their own way through the college ranks. Why this region, his very own stomping grounds, is such a hotbed for football stardom is explored on page 6.

However, don’t be fooled. The enthusiasm and drive of River Region personalities are not the exclusive domain of our youth, as Tulane football has tapped into. Spend a minute or two with 87-year-old Clayton Parker Jordan, and you’ll walk away with a smile on your face and a desire to “keep moving.”

We, at the C’EST LA VIE and L’OBSERVATEUR home office off Main Street in LaPlace, are blessed to enjoy weekly visits from “Mr. Jordan,” who reminds us his goal is to reach 115 years old and the key to doing so is to keep moving.

What he’s seen over his nine decades in the River Parishes is shared on page 18.

Those stories and plenty more wait for you in the ensuing pages of C’EST LA VIE. We live in a region that boasts deep roots and amazing natural and man-made attractions, but our truest calling card remains our community members, all of whom add to a story that is so much fun to share.

Stephen Hemelt is publisher and editor of C’EST LA VIE and L’OBSERVATEUR. He can be reached at 985-652-9545 or stephen.hemelt@lobservateur.com.

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1502 W. Airline Hwy. (Behind CVS) LaPlace, LA 70068 Phone: 985-653-3336 c’est la vie ~ 5

Tulane head football coach Curtis Johnson graduated from high school in LaPlace and has mined the River Parishes to build his college program.

Local son finds coaching success with local sons 6 ~ c’est la vie

Curtis Johnson leading Tulane by example

T

ulane University head coach Curtis “CJ” Johnson knows he is blessed.

The St. Rose native starred at St. Charles Catholic in his senior year of high school before going off to play for the University of Idaho Vandals and beginning a lifelong career with football at the college and professional levels.

Johnson has deep roots in the River Parishes.

“My father was a councilman,” Johnson said. “He was the first AfroAmerican councilman in St. Charles Parish. He’s got his little bust and picture in the courthouse.”

Johnson, 53, knows the life he has now was a long shot and is not something he could have ever dreamed of, still at a young age he began to prepare for it.

“Football was my world, it was my life,” Johnson said. “I remember telling my teacher, ‘I don’t want to go to school, I don’t want to do anything. I just want to play football. I am going to play.’ The lessons we learned in football were lifelong lessons. It was the best decision I could ever make to stick with it.”

Now entering his fourth year as Tulane University’s head football coach, Johnson is determined to keep on going. Prior to his stint at Tulane, Johnson was wide receivers coach for a decade at University of Miami before returning to the New Orleans area in 2006 to take over as wide receivers coach for the New Orleans Saints, where he was until the opportunity to lead the Green Wave came along.

It is very rare for a football coach to be able to come back to the area where he grew up and have a successful coaching career, and Johnson takes that to heart.

“I thank God all of the time,” Johnson said. “You couldn’t dream this life. I went to Miami and won a national championship. I come back to my hometown, and the Saints win a Super Bowl. Come to Tulane and get to build a program with great people, it is a great academic institution. It is just a great life.”

Part of the building of that program has Johnson reaching deep into the River Parishes, especially St. John the Baptist and St. Charles parishes, to

Lazedrick Thompson, left, who prepped at St. Charles Catholic, and Darion Monroe, who was a standout athlete for East St. John High School, are expected to contribute heavily this season for Tulane at running back and safety. (Photos on page 1, 6, 7 and 8 are courtesy of Tulane Athletics.)

pull out athletic talent. Of the 84 scholarship players on Tulane’s roster, 11 of them hail from either St. John the Baptist or St. Charles parishes. That is in comparison to 18 players from New Orleans, which has nearly four times the population. Also, all 11 of the players coming from the River Parishes are part of the group of 84 players who were provided scholarships to play at Tulane.

That number is poised to grow in the coming years. St. Charles Catholic standout safety Eric Lewis, who is entering his senior season with the Comets, has already committed to Tulane, and the program has already provided offers to several underclassmen throughout the area.

Johnson has long trolled the River Parishes for talent. In the late 1990s he successfully recruited Ed Reed from Destrehan High School to the University of Miami.

Many consider Reed, who like Johnson is a St. Rose native, to be the best player to ever emerge from the River Parishes and a prime candidate to make the NFL Hall of Fame in his

first year of eligibility.

While Johnson touts his success with Reed, he is sure to distance himself from the notion he recruits in the River Parishes because he is a native.

“Just knowing the people that know anything about it, you can trust them,” Johnson said. “So I am going to recruit as many as I can from that area. I am not just recruiting there because I came from the area.”

From Hahnville all the way to Lutcher, Johnson said his scouts are in the area looking for kids to sign.

“They just play a great brand of football and the coaches out there are outstanding,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he employs an aggressive strategy when pursuing players.

“We’ve got a great department that handles our scouting and we are going to go out and offer kids early,” Johnson said.

The temperament of those living in the River Parishes, which is populated by blue collar workers from refineries to grain elevators to river boats, is something Johnson attributes to the work ethic River Region football play-

c’est la vie ~ 7

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Starting quarterback Tanner Lee, a redshirt sophomore, attended Jesuit, but is a lifelong Destrehan resident.

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ers exhibit.

“It is tough,” Johnson said. “Those parents are hard working people and they understand what it is to be tough. All of those kids are tough — tough as nails.”

But players are not the only River Parishes addition to the team.

Lionel “Speedy” Washington, a 15-year NFL veteran and former Tulane cornerback, was one of Johnson’s first hires when he took over the Green Wave.

Washington, a secondary coach at Tulane, is originally from Lutcher and used to run track against Johnson. He said as far back as he can remember, the River Parishes have been sending football players off to college, especially at Tulane.

“We had guys from the parishes way back in the mid and late 70s through the 80s and 90s,” Washington said. “It is a great feeder for Tulane University, the River Parishes, and I think it has continued doing that. Hopefully we’ll continue to go through the River Parishes and get players that help us win football games.”

A LaPlace resident for the past 20 years, Washington said while the talent pool occasionally dips in the River Parishes it does not take long to replenish.

Tulane’s recruiting focus on the River Parishes appears to have paid off. The team’s starting lineup is peppered with players from the area.

Senior safety Darion Monroe is coming into his fourth year as the starting free safety at Tulane. Monroe was a standout prep athlete for East St. John High School before joining the Green Wave.

“What brought me (to Tulane) was the change in coaching that CJ wanted to do and the way his coaching staff came together and the coaching staff that is here now,” Monroe said. “Coach Speedy, I knew he played in the (NFL) and he was from the River Parishes.”

Monroe said while he was not aware more than ten percent of the team is made up of River Parishes players, he can see why there are so many players from the area.

“I’m not surprised at all,” Monroe said. “They have a lot of talent from that area and we are always playing against each other so people don’t always get to see that talent spread out.

They are always talking about the New Orleans area.”

Joining Monroe on defense are a number of other former River Parishes players, including junior strong safety Leonard Davis (East St. John), redshirt sophomore defensive end Luke Jackson (St. Charles Catholic), sophomore linebacker Rae Juan Marbley (Destrehan), sophomore defensive end Daren Williams (East St. John) and defensive tackle Eric Bell (West St. John).

The offensive side of the ball is where some of the more high profile Green Wave players coming from the River Parishes reside.

“They are skill positions that we know we can go out there and get because they have been well coached,” Johnson said.

While starting quarterback Tanner Lee, a redshirt sophomore, attended Jesuit, he is a lifelong Destrehan resident.

Lee said he chose to attend Tulane largely because of Johnson.

“Coach Johnson was coming from the Saints and I am a diehard Saints fan,” Lee said. “I felt so comfortable with the program, I felt at home here. I shut down and didn’t want to hear from anybody else.”

Lee, as a product of the River Parishes himself, said he is amazed with the level of talent coming out of such a small area.

“I am impressed because year in and year out the River

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Parishes produces athletes and athletes,” Lee said. ‘There is a whole lot of talent. I think it is just that.”

Joining Lee in the Green Wave starting lineup this year is Lazedrick Thompson, who prepped at St. Charles Catholic before heading off to Tulane in 2012. Thompson is a redshirt junior.

Thompson’s prep career was filled with matchups against a lot of tough opponents.

“Those of us coming out of the parish, we work hard,” Thompson said.

“We try to win every game possible.

Coming out (to Tulane) after that is even better, because our families are so close.”

Last Year Thompson had some success, running for 124 yards and a touchdown against Duke, this year’s season opening opponent.

Thompson said while Johnson’s predecessor recruited him in 2011, he was happy to maintain his commitment to the program once Johnson was named head coach.

“It was a big thing,” Thompson said.

“Even though I had committed to them when Coach (Bob) Toledo was here, when I found out Coach Johnson was here, it was even more of a reason to come.”

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Rickey Preston

Joining Lee and Thompson on offense are freshman running back Nigel Anderson (East St. John), junior running back Sergio Medina (Hahnville) and freshman wide receiver Rickey Preston (Hahnville).

Preston was a highly sought after recruit with interest from big name programs such as Missouri, Nebraska

and Texas A&M who initially committed to Washington State University.

But this May, in an apparent nod to the success of Johnson’s River Parishes recruiting strategy, Preston opted to sign with Tulane instead.

“We were lucky to get him,” Johnson said. “Here is a kid we really never thought we had a chance at getting, and then late we were able to reach out and talk to him and he came. I couldn’t believe he came.”

Johnson said Preston should go a long way towards helping the Green Wave in the immediate future.

While Johnson believes pursuing and signing River Parishes players is part of a winning strategy, the proof is only as good as the team’s record.

Tulane went 3-9 in 2014. In Johnson’s second year in 2013, the program made its first bowl game since 2002.

“We better get to one this year or I am going to be very cranky,” Johnson said Tulane kicks off this season against Duke University at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 8:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN. — By Kyle Barnett

c’est la vie ~ 11

‘Mr. Benny’ getting out W hen investigated, there’s often a lot more to a seemingly

Pictured from left are Bradley, Benny, Blake and Janice Robichaux during their recent airplane jump.

12 ~ c’est la vie

simple story.

Motorists traversing up and down LaPlace’s Airline Highway may have noticed the recently installed Prisoners of War/Missing in Action memorial standing in front of the River Forest Subdivision. To fully appreciate its significance, it’s imperative to learn the story behind the monument and the man whose passions fueled its inception.

It’s the same man who jumped out of an airplane a few months ago at the age of 87.

Bennett Robichaux, known as Mr. Benny to many throughout the community,

approached board members at a November River Forest Homeowners Association meeting and asked if he could fly a flag in front of the subdivision on a light pole after he noticed something that bothered him — the lack of American flags flying in front of homes in River Forest Subdivision.

“I was riding around the subdivision,” he said, “and the amount of flags I’d see I could count on one hand.”

Robichaux said with over 400 homes in the subdivision, he thought the number of flags flying should be higher, so he had the idea to fly a flag in front of the subdivision.

“After I did that I found a few flags popping up around the neighborhood,” he said, adding from there he asked the homeowners association

as much as he puts in to fund a proper flagpole.

The board agreed, and “ideas kept evolving,” Robichaux said chuckling.

Plans to simply pour a slab for the pole were scraped after Robichaux said he thought the display needed a proper pedestal. On a notion that a bare slab and pedestal might look plain, Robichaux decided to “do something that’ll pop and get people’s attention.”

The result of Robichaux’s work is the memorial that was dedicated in June, notably on the 71st anniversary of D-Day. Robichaux said the memorial is a culmination of work and donations from many people, including American Legion Post 383 members, who donated the American Flag, and LaPlace Concrete,

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which donated the concrete used in the memorial.

The majority of the actual memorial was fashioned by Robichaux himself, who did so by carving, painting and pouring cement.

When asked if he’s always had a penchant for creating, he smiled and shrugged, adding “I took up woodworking over the last few years.”

A World War II veteran, Robichaux was born and raised in Louisiana and moved to LaPlace in the late 1980s.

Growing up during the Great Depression was a different time and life, he remembers.

“If you had a little money you had a box fan,” he said.

“If you had a little more money, you bought a fan with steel blades.”

Benny Robichaux led the way to install a POW/MIA tribute flagpole and base in River Forest Subdivision.

to WIN a $20 Gift Card!

c’est la vie ~ 13

One of three children, he joined the Army at just 17 years old. The year was 1945, and he said his unit traveled throughout Europe, handling the transition from complete devastation to a viable country as they picked up remnants of the Nazi regime.

Keeping the peace and handling displaced people along the way at such a young age is an experience that greatly influenced him, Robichaux said recently while sitting at his kitchen table.

“Plenty of boys went in at 15,” he said of the tender age in which he saw friends around him sign up for the military, adding he tried to enlist at 15 and 16 years old but his parents wouldn’t sign the papers. “At that time everyone had the mentality ‘you have to do something, you have to go.’”

Robichaux said his military service “left a big impact” on his life before

Benny Robichaux’s passion for woodworking fills his days, as does his activities as a parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Church and member of the River Forest Homeowners Association.

his voice trailed off and he quietly verbalized memories of people eating out of garbage cans: “I don’t like to think about those things.”

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And while his generation is known as The Greatest Generation, he still sees glimmers of greatness in today’s younger generation.

“I have plenty faith in the young people of today,” he said. “You only hear about the negative things.”

Robichaux moved to

LaPlace in 1989 after he and his wife Pat began to build their home in 1987.

All of the mechanical and electrical work was done

by Robichaux, who said he grew up with a father who pushed him towards success.

“My dad did not have ‘can’t’ in his vocabulary,” Robichaux said before launching into a story that perfectly illustrated the point.

When he was 9 or 10 years old, Robichaux went on a joyride in his parent’s car and got in a wreck with a drunk driver.

“He ran straight into the side of me,” he said, adding he and his passenger were left unscathed. The car was not.

When his father learned of the wreck, Robichaux said he first asked if everyone was OK, then turned his attention to the vehicle.

“He said, ‘you’re going to fix the car,’” Robichaux remembers. “Then he jacked it up.”

Trips to the library in Algiers for books on how to fix cars and trips to junk yards were part of his life for a while, but eventually he did fix the damage.

So how long did it take him?

“I used to have to cut the grass under it,” he said laughing of the car that sat on jacks. “I carried those lessons throughout my life.”

He worked as a contractor in different industries before becoming specialized in custom marine refrigeration units during a 16-month course in Chicago.

“What I forgot from the course is more than what they learn today,” Robichaux said with a sly grin, adding owning his own business was hard work.

“I went 20 years without a vacation.”

Now retired — a word he is visibly uncomfortable with — Robichaux insists he stays busy through his pas-

sion for woodworking.

He also fills many hours with activities as a parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Church and member of the River Forest Homeowners Association, American Legion and VFW. Checking things off of his bucket list is another hobby for Robichaux, who went sky diving in January.

A self-proclaimed “adrenaline junkie” and “rebel” throughout his life, Robichaux said Pat kept talking him out of jumping out of a plane, but on Christmas Day 2014 he decided it was finally time to go through with it.

While sitting around the holiday table, Robichaux said, “I’ve been supposing to have jumped out of a plane since I was 80.”

One of his sons asked if he was serious, and when Robichaux said he was, the trip was booked right then and there.

“There was not a cloud in the sky,” he said of the day he jumped. “It couldn’t have been any better.”

This fall he will travel to Alabama to go zip lining, and when asked if he’s still an adrenaline junkie, he gave a sly smile.

“Well that’s what I wanted to find out,” he said of the sky dive.

While technically retired, Robichaux said there is never a lack of things for him to get done. Whether he initially knows how to complete a task or not, he said he’ll ask around or thumb through a book and learn how to get it done.

That, he said, he learned from his dad. “I keep goals and projects in front of me all of the time,” he said.

“He loves a challenge,” Pat said as she started to point to the dressings above the windows where her husband was sitting. “Actually, he sewed all of those curtains.”

— By Monique Roth

c’est la vie ~ 15

Myra’s Chicken Gumbo Makes About 8 Servings — Courtesy of Myra Edgar Brown

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1⁄4 pounds smoked turkey neck, chopped 3⁄4 pound smoked andouille, cut 1⁄2-inch thick 1 pound smoked sausages, cut 1⁄2-inch thick 2 bay leaves 1 gallon water 2 1⁄4 cups chicken broth 1⁄2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced 1⁄2 pound boneless chicken thighs, diced 1 1⁄2 pounds chicken wings, halved and wing tips removed 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 yellow onion, diced 1⁄2 bell pepper, seeded and diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1 teaspoon filé powder 1 teaspoon fresh parsley Cooked long-grain rice, for serving

1. In a large cast-iron pot, add flour, and heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until flour is the color of dark caramel. Set aside.

2. In a large stockpot, combine turkey, sausage, bay leaves, 1 gallon water, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce to a simmer, and cook 30 minutes or until turkey meat is tender.

Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving meat.

3. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, in batches, if necessary, and brown on all sides. Set aside. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until onion is tender. Add chicken mixture and toasted flour to pan, stirring to coat.

4. Gradually add turkey broth to chicken, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes or until no flour taste remains. Add onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, filé, parsley, reserved turkey, and reserved sausage, and cook, stirring, 5 minutes more.

Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve with rice.

As seen in Louisiana Cookin’ magazine, visit louisianacookin.com for more authentic Cajun and Creole recipes.

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7 Questions With .... Clayton Parker Jordan Born in 1928, CLAYTON PARKER JORDAN is an 87-year-old man who has lived most of his life in Reserve. He worked for years at the Godchaux Sugar Refinery until it closed in 1985. He was forced to retire from his job as a security officer at the Shell refinery only a year later after surviving a car wreck in which his heart was ruptured. Since then Jordan has kept busy by making all of his own clothes, fishing often and trying to help people on a daily basis.

What is the secret to your longevity?

I always said I wanted to live to be 115.

I’ve been saying that since the 1950s. I’ve got 29 years to go. Once you retire and sit down, a lot of people stay down there.

You’ve got to keep active and keep moving. I fish. I go to Grand Isle, Cocodrie and Dulac. I am fishing all of the time. I had six sisters. I am the only boy. My baby sister is 74 and my oldest sister made 89. I had an aunt die who was 106. My last uncle died when he was 90-something. So it is in the genes too.

Did you serve in the military?

I spent a year fighting in Korea in the Army. I got the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Medal and the Bronze Star. I was there 1951 to 1952. My rank was private first class. It was my job to bring the ammunition up to the front. At night you would have to drive with your lights out and play “follow the leader.” The Bronze Star was for being in battle. I spent some time in foxholes. When a shell was coming in, you would do anything to get out of the way.

If you could have dinner with any person ever, living or dead, who would you pick and why?

My sisters and those who have passed, I would go out to dinner with them. And the president. I would like to sit down and talk with him. He has made things work not just for my people, but all people. He doesn’t split them — he puts them together to where they are all the same. Some (politicians) talk on one side or the other side,

18 ~ c’est la vie

Clayton Parker Jordan spent a year fighting in Korea in the Army and received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Medal and the Bronze Star.

but he comes off straight.

Did you ever anticipate seeing a black President in your lifetime?

No. Because at one time, Negroes couldn’t vote. In the 1950s, the NAACP got most of that taken care of. I got my first voter registration card in 1957 when I was 29.

Since then I got a chance to be able to do a lot of things I couldn’t do before. Now we’ve got a black sheriff, a black president, a black parish president — we couldn’t get them before.

How big is your family?

I have one son. I have five grandchildren and five or six great-grandchildren.

How much different is the lifestyle today than what it was of your earliest memories?

At one time Negroes had to sit in the back seat of the

Clayton Parker Jordan still has his first voter registration card from 1957 when he was 29.

buses. In 1951 I came on furlough and I was going back to the (Army) camp. They used to have a Greyhound bus station out here (in LaPlace). And they had one seat on the bus and that was for us, but it was full. I went and talked to the bus driver and he said they had to take me because I was a soldier. If it wouldn’t have

been for that, they wouldn’t have taken me. That is a big change.

Do you have any notion why you survived the car wreck where your heart was ruptured?

The good Lord has something he wants me to do. If I can help people and stuff

like that I like to do it. When I got to the hospital I could still feel everything. They operated on me. Within four days I was walking around again, and in nine days, I was back in my house. The best part of my life was when my heart burst and they told me and I came through once they operated on me. Life has been good to me.

c’est la vie ~ 19

T

How to … tailgate like an All-Pro

heir son’s football games may have been the main reason they were there, but for Kevin and Melissa Klibert of LaPlace, as well as many other parents like them, that didn’t mean they couldn’t have a good time too.

Kevin and Melissa’s son Dylan graduated from St. Charles Catholic High School in 2010. His high school career was highlighted under the Friday night lights as part of the school’s football squad. What turned out as a small gathering before games with friends at some point turned into a full-fledged tailgate.

“It was really a lot of fun,” Kevin said from his LaPlace home. “It started off small but then we thought, “if we come early, we can bring a little pit.’”

The thought to barbecue

Kevin and Melissa Klibert stand on the high school football field with their son, Dylan, who graduated from St. Charles Catholic High School in 2010. During his days on the Comets, Kevin and Melissa and developed a reputation as tailgating experts for their Friday night fun.

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c’est la vie ~ 21

a little food turned into jambalaya, pastalaya, gumbo and other tailgating favorites each week at SCC home and away games. Kevin said “on a good night” approximately 75 people would gather for fellowship and food before their boys took to the field.

After the games, the group would reconvene to discuss the night’s events, and Dylan said it was always fun for him and his friends to join their parents after the game for some encouragement and congratulations.

When Dylan moved out of state to attend college and play football at Mississippi State, the Kliberts took their tailgating fun to the road to cheer him on, but added there are still a great group of parents who continue to tailgate at SCC. Kevin said they miss the Friday night SCC crowd and hope to visit some games in 2015 now that Dylan graduated college.

Tailgating was a great way to meet new people and strengthen relationships, Melissa said while Kevin nodded in agreement.

“And it was a lot of fun,” he laughed. “A lot of fun.”

22 ~ c’est la vie

Kevin Klibert

Melissa Klibert

Dylan Klibert

In order to host a successful tailgate, the Kliberts offer a few tips: 1. CHOOSE YOUR CORE GROUP. “You have to have a group of people dedicated to it,” Kevin said. “Even at away games.”

So the work doesn’t all fall on one person and remains fun for everyone, it’s important to make sure you have a core group dedicated to the cause.

2. COMMUNICATION. Melissa said it’s important to communicate clearly what everyone will bring to make sure food, napkins, tables and chairs are covered. She said a lot of times the group would talk during a tailgate about who would bring what next week.

3. FOOD, FOOD AND MORE FOOD. Because you are sure to attract the attention of people cheering for either team playing that night, make sure you’re covered with extra food.

Melissa said there were times at SCC when people would come and buy food from the tailgate to benefit different people in the community who were sick or in need.

“The River Parishes is wonderful for that,” she said of helping others.

— Compiled by Monique Roth

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c’est la vie ~ 23

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24 ~ c’est la vie

Up close at JFK’s death “It was sad. It was real.

It was devastating. The most important man in the world — with a beautiful wife — and he was dead.”

Those are the words of Lutcher businessman Jerry Brown, 71, who together with his wife Mary Rose own Rose Lynn Funeral Home. Brown was with John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie Nov. 22, 1963, in Fort Worth, Texas, within an hour of the president’s death in Dallas.

Kennedy’s two-day campaign visit in Texas took him to Fort Worth, where he attended a breakfast with political dignitaries, including Lyndon B. Johnson. After breakfast, the

Kennedys rode in a motorcade back to Carswell Air Force Base. Brown, then 19, was on the combat defense force that provided security around the perimeters of bases guarding nuclear bombs and the planes that carried them.

His three-day break was interrupted when he was assigned to crowd control for the Kennedy visit. When the motorcade returned to Carswell, the President and First Lady were expected to walk directly to Air Force One and board the plane for Dallas. Instead, the President decided to greet the members of the crowd.

“We were in fatigues that day and spaced feet apart in front of the crowd,” Brown explained. “As the President shook hands, he came closer and closer to me. I did not shake hands with him because I thought I had to be more focused on the people in the

crowd.

“The President and his wife were standing right by me. They were a beautiful couple.”

Shortly afterwards the President and Mrs. Kennedy boarded Air Force One for the 13-minute flight to Dallas. His work done, Brown went to turn in his weapon and walked to the chow hall for lunch.

“I was just through eating when I heard someone shouting in the yard, ‘They shot the President. They shot Kennedy.’ That hit me like a ton of bricks,” Brown admitted.

“I didn’t vote for him. I didn’t like him, but that experience made death real for me.”

Brown has his own opinion of who killed President Kennedy.

“Lee Harvey Oswald was a patsy,” Brown said. “New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison was on to

Pictured at left: Jerry Brown and Doyle Whitehead, right, visit while Whitehead holds an autographed photo of Johnson taking the oath of office aboard Air Force One, where Whitehead was a steward. (Courtesy of Enterprise-Journal in Mississippi)

c’est la vie ~ 25

Sept. 4th - 6th - Labor Day Getaway Sept. 19th - National Honey Bee Celebration Sept. 26th - Art Stroll and Appraisal Fair Oct. 10th - Party in the Pits BBQ - Cook Off Nov. 6th & 7th - Antique Trade Days and Arts & Craft Fair Dec. 4th - Downtown Christmas Lighting 5:30pm Dec. 12th - Christmas Parade 5pm

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something but he was up against a lot of interference.”

He disagrees with the findings of the Warren Commission.

Brown’s experience on the tarmac at Fort Worth in 1963 was captured in the documentary “JFK: the Final Hours.” He is standing to the left of the President and in front of his wife.

When asked how his experiences that day almost 52 years ago impacted him, Brown replies, “Later on I was exposed to death and injury. Guys in my service company were shot up and wounded. It just makes me realize that no matter who we are and where we go in life, we are “Later on I vulnerable to death. It also made me was exposed to very suspicious of others and I am reminded to always be aware of my death and injury. surroundings.”

Guys in my Unknown to him at the time, there was another young man from Amite service company County, Miss., witnessing the events were shot up and of those two days in Texas. Doyle wounded. It just Whitehead, now 79, was a steward assigned to Air Force One. He was makes me realize on the plane when Kennedy disthat no matter embarked in Dallas and rode along who we are and with his body following his assassination. where we go in While the President rode through life, we are Dallas, Whitehead and members of vulnerable the crew watched in disbelief as the events unfolded on television. When to death.” the pilot of the presidential plane refused to leave Texas without the JERRY BROWN president’s body, Whitehead and other crewmembers removed seats Rose Lynn Funeral in the rear compartment to make Home owner room for his casket.

Lyndon Johnson was to be sworn in as president when he arrived in Washington, D. C. However, someone pointed out he might need Presidential powers before then, so he agreed to take the oath on the plane, according to Whitehead. Jackie was still dressed in her pink suit now spattered with the blood and brains of her husband.

She wore a coat to witness the swearing in of her husband’s successor.

Whitehead said Johnson showed no remorse or shock over the tragic death of the president.

Once the plane took off, Johnson and his staff celebrated heartily in the compartment next to the one holding the dead president and his grieving widow.

Whitehead believes Johnson had something to do with Kennedy’s death. He said Johnson had no feelings and no heart.

Whitehead has a black-and-white photo of the Johnson inauguration signed, “With appreciation, Lyndon B. Johnson.”

— By Pamela Folse

c’est la vie ~ 27

7 Questions With .... Mikah Hopkins

A

s the school year gears up, Riverside Academy Cheer Captain Mikah Hopkins is getting increasingly busy. Mikah has her hands full being in charge of the 17-strong cheerleading squad. Hopkins, a senior, recently led her squad at a cheerleading camp in Gulf Shores, Ala., where they learned cheers, techniques and safety procedures. The team competed against others from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, coming in third and earning five superior ribbons.

How did you first get into cheerleading?

I’ve been a cheerleader since the first grade.

At our school they have an elementary cheer team and I was on it. We have a JV team, which is sixth through eighth grade, but I didn’t do that. But once my freshman year came up, a woman I’ve known since I was real little persuaded me too. She told me I would really enjoy it and like it and that I was a really good cheerleader. So I tried out and I made it.

28 ~ c’est la vie

What do you like best about St. John the Baptist Parish?

I like how everybody in the community kind of knows each other. I know almost everybody around here. I think we are very close to each other and everybody is kind around here.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on going to River Parishes Community College and I have some thoughts in mind of what I want to be. I either want to be a dental hygienist or a medical assistant, but I really haven’t made up my mind yet. There are some other options mixed in there, but those are two options.

Do you have plans to keep on cheering?

A guy who used to be in cheerleading with us my freshman year, he coaches at competition gyms and offered me a spot on the team this year. But I figured because it is my senior

year I have to keep my grades up and I have such a big responsibility that I didn’t have time this year, but that is something I might want to look into next year because I am not going to be in high school anymore.

How do you feel about graduating from high school?

I am kind of wishy-washy, I am ready to go, but at the same time I’m not because I’ve never really had a job yet.

So, once I graduate I have to go out there and find a job.

I am ready to move on with my life because I have been with the same people since Pre-K and I am ready to meet new people and experience new things, but at the same time I like being in high school and being a kid.

What is you favorite movie?

My favorite movie would have to be Forrest Gump, because I just got a good life lesson out of it. I saw it for the first time when I was really little and learned from it.

I thought it was great. Even though (Forrest Gump) went through a lot of stuff, he still went forward and it just made him stronger.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

The most influential person in my life would probably be my mom. Because she just pushes me to do my best and she knows what I am capable of, so she never lets me settle for less.

TM

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For more information call 985.764.9762 c’est la vie ~ 29

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SCENE IT:

T

he best and brightest students and educators from St. John the Baptist Parish gathered this summer at the parish’s annual Academic Celebratory Luncheon.

The annual luncheon gathered 2015’s valedictorians, salutatorians and top performing teachers and students of all public and private schools in the parish for a program that includes lunch and motivational messages.

Hosted by parish administration, the luncheon was held at Petra Restaurant in LaPlace. Guest speaker Artis Williams of Air Products Performance Manufacturing delivered a speech to attendants, which included personal educational experiences and encouragement to excel in future educational pursuits.

Parish Chief Administrative Officer Michael Coburn, St. John Parish School Board President Keith Jones and Parish Councilman Lucien Gauff also addressed the crowd and congratulated the students on all of their accomplishments.

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East St. John High School Valedictorian Angel Robinson

87

Riverside Academy Valedictorian Crysten Price

Our Lady of Grace Salutatorian Kirian Robertson

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The Center of Quality Care

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St. James Parish Hospital is constantly

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Quality healthcare is central to the

St. James Urology Clinic

wellbeing of our community and we promise to continue to work to increase access to care by recruiting more physicians, offering additional service lines and researching new hospital-owned clinics.

A Department of St. James Parish Hospital

225.258.2070 Lutcher, LA*

Lutcher Family Clinic A Department of St. James Parish Hospital

225.869.9890 Lutcher, LA*

PochĂŠ Medical Clinic A Department of St. James Parish Hospital

225.869.3493 Lutcher, LA* St. James Surgical Specialists 225.258.2080 Lutcher, LA*

St. James West Bank Clinic 225.265.3013 Vacherie, LA This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

32 ~ c’est la vie

*Lutcher Clinics are conveniently located in the medical plaza on the same campus as St. James Parish Hospital.

St. Joan of Arc Seventh Grade Valedictorian Kamryn Kimber and Eighth Grade Salutatorian April Bourlet

5th Grade Student of the Year Victoria Scott, of Lake Pontchartrain Elementary, and Lake Pontchartrain Teacher of the Year Carlina Blossom

St. Charles Catholic High School Salutatorians Emily Bergeron and Brittney Jacob

St. Joan of Arc Eighth Grade Valedictorian Jake Vicknair

Lake Pontchartrain Elementary Eighth Grade Student of the Year Jessica Parker

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34 ~ c’est la vie

Dining St. John Parish

Mama Jo’s 2917 Hwy 51, Ste A., LaPlace 985-224-2666

Aloisio’s Bakery 504-430-1194 • 504-858-8432

Frostop Drive-In Restaurant 411 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-6361

Dine-In, Take-Out, & Catering *Lunch Specials M-F* 1502 W. Airline Hwy. (Behind CVS) LaPlace, LA 70068 Phone: 985-653-3336

Fuji Japanese Express 1922 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-618-3186 1468 River Rd. • Reserve, LA

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

Bailey’s Andouille 513 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-9090

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

Belle Terre Country Club 111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace 985-652-5000

Petra 10363 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-359-8888

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

Pier 51 Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar 3017 U.S. 51, LaPlace 985-651-0300

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

PJ’s Coffee 1808 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-764-7573

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

Bombshells 1421 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-359-2654

Jenny’s Overstuffed Poboy & Chicken Shop 136 W 10th St., Reserve 985-536-0019

Buddy B’s 2788 River Road, Garyville 985-535-3663

Kobe Japanese Steak and Sushi 506 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-8880/652-8853

1900 Hwy 51 • LaPlace

985-618-3313

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Restaurant & Bar, Seafood Market & Catering

Chinese King 1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-651-7888

Fatty’s Main Street Grill 509 Main St., LaPlace 985-359-5555

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

Frenier Landing Restaurant & Oyster Bar 113 Dottie Lane, LaPlace 985-224-2178

Popeye’s Fried Chicken 1603 W Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-3030 Raising Cane’s 123 West Airline Hwy, Laplace 985-652-4701 Rotolo’s Pizzera •406 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-1032 •3503 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. B, Reserve 985-536-3503 Ruby Garden Chinese Restaurant 3101 U.S. 51, LaPlace 985-653-8700

3pm - 6pm

Chili’s Grill & Bar 1820 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-1227

New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Co. 1338 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. 7A, LaPlace 985-653-6731

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

Best Wok Chinese Restaurant 530 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-9989

Cajun Persuasion 502 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-1988

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

McDonalds •4297 U.S. Hwy. 51, LaPlace 985-652-5171 •1608 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-652-2600 •5387 W Airline, Hwy, Garyville

Mabile’s Restaurant

“Home of the Best Roast Beef in Town!”

• • • • • •

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

Sam’s Southern Eatery 1173 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-359-1677

985-651-2893

1124 W. Airline Hwy. • LaPlace, LA 70068

Madea’s Kitchen 975 Cambridge Dr., Ste. B, LaPlace 985-359-1929

985-652-7010

c’est la vie ~ 35

Sonic Drive Inn 100 Ormond Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-3168

DJ’s Grille 21060 La. Hwy. 20, Vacherie 225-265-7600

Taylor’s Express Truck Stop 964 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-1734

El Gato Negro 3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. 1, Destrehan 985-307-0460

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

Golden Grove Restaurant 935 La. Hwy. 641, Gramercy 225-869-1212 Grand Point Truck Stop & Casino 3415 La. Hwy. 3125, Paulina 225-869-6960

Tod’s Catering 2180 S. Albert St., Lutcher 225-869-7000

El Mexicano 12715 U.S. Hwy. 90, Ste. 140, Luling 985-785-7694

Turn Arounds 1107 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-224-2818 Waffle House 4304 Hwy. 51, LaPlace 985-651-6111

St. Charles Parish Hymel’s Seafood Restaurant 8740 La. Hwy. 44, Convent 225-562-7031 Jenny’s Overstuffed Poboy & Chicken Shop 114 N. Airline Hwy., Gramercy 225-869-0899

Nobile’s Restaurant & Bar Serving Authentic River Road Cuisine In An Historic Place

1950 65

Open Lunch: M-F 11 am - 2 pm Dinner: T-S 5 pm - 9 pm CLOSED Sundays Sund

Tailgating & Catering

Sausage of the month

Daily Lunch Specials

St. James Parish Aunt Ellies 1934 Main St., Lutcher 225-869-4088

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

Breon’s Frozen Yogurt 10850 Hwy. 3125, Ste. C, Gramercy 225-258-4448 Café Perique 234 East Main St., Gramercy 225-869-1774

Sonic Drive In 852 N. Pine St., Gramercy 225-869-5666

China King 849 N. Pine St., Gramercy 225-869-2000

Spectacular Tubers 1665 Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-5600

Chuck Lee’s Chinese Kitchen 10560 Hwy. 70 W., St. James 225-473-3050

Subway 10850 Hwy. 3125, Gramercy

Anita’s Smokin’ Steak Burgers 13145 U.S. 90 Ste. B, Boutte 985-785-2220 Bamboo Garden 13491 U.S. 90, Ste. 6, Boutte 985-785-9929 Bei Jing 12895 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte 985-331-8885 Breeze Cafe 124 Longview Drive, Destrehan 985-764-8800

Frostop 3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. H, Destrehan 985-725-1116 Grand Café 500 Willowdale Blvd., Luling 985-308-1640 Grumpy’s 14984 U.S. 90, Paradis 985-785-2083 Happy Gardens II 15264 U.S. 90, Paradis 985-785-3888

Boulevard Bistro 1950 Ormond, Ste. B, Destrehan

Hong Kong 3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. D, Destrehan 985-725-9099

Buster’s Grill 10405 Airline Hwy., St. Rose 504-472-0771

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

Cafe Ormond 1974 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan 985-725-0741

IHOP 14099 Hwy. 90, Boutte 985-308-0013

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

Iron Gate 13299 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-308-0013

Cashio’s Food Villa and Deli 13572 River Road, Destrehan 985-764-9389

Jas Café 307 Paul Maillard Rd., Luling 985-785-0200

Chow’s Garden 1974 Ormond Blvd., Ste. I, Destrehan 985-725-2469

Julie’s Restaurant 15805 River Road, Hahnville 985-783-6349

Cucina Bon Creole At Cypress Lakes Country Club 10 Villere Dr., Destrehan 985-764-6868

Little Tokyo 13371 U.S. 90, Ste. A, Boutte 985-331-0887

Daddy’s Fried Chicken 15683 River Road, Hahnville 985-783-6743 Destrehan Donuts 1974 Ormond, Ste. D, Destrehan 985-764-0050 Dot’s Diner 12179 U.S. Hwy. 90, Luling 985-785-6836

36 ~ c’est la vie

El Paso Mexican Grill 12895 U.S. Hwy. 90, Ste. A, Luling 985-331-1984

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

Mizu Japanese Restaurant 12715 Hwy. 90, Ste. 190, Luling 985-785-8168 Mrs. Snowman 110A Lakewood Dr., Luling 985-331-1411 Ormond Plantation Restaurant 13786 River Road, Destrehan 985-764-8544

985-785-1377 Portside Restaurant 11698 River Road, St. Rose 504-5469-3111

St. Rose Driving Range & Sports Bar 10362 Airline Dr., St. Rose 504-466-0411

Rotolo’s Pizzeria 150 Ormond Center Court, Destrehan 985-725-2411

St Rose Tavern 14466 River Rd, Destrehan 504-469-8864 /985-725-3133

Sailfish Food and Spirits 12287 U.S. 90, Luling 985-308-0712

Sub Express 26 Apple St., Norco 985-764-9922

10405 Airline Hwy, St. Rose, LA 70087

504-472-0771

Pam and Dale’s 14620 River Road, Destrehan 985-764-3112 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 Famous Fried Chicken •116 Longivew Drive, Destrehan 985-764-1231 •13210 U.S. 90, Boutte

Southern Latte Cafe 50 Wade St., Ste. 1, Luling 985-308-1472 Sonic Drive In 12557 U.S. 90, Luling 985-331-0099

HAMBURGERS, PO-BOYS, SALADS Daily Lunch Specials Sun- Thurs 11am-12am Fri & Sat 11am-2am

Happy Hour Everyday 4pm-7pm

PUB & GRILL

3001 Ormond Blvd # B Destrehan, LA 70047 (985) 764-1100

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

13441 Hwy. 90, Boutte 985-785-6499 Taste of Tokyo 1972 Ormond Blvd., Ste. E-2, Destrehan 985-764-1818 Trey Wah (Chinese) 124 Longview Drive, Destrehan 985-764-1147 Two Sisters Bakery 100 Melonie St., Ste. E, Boutte 985-308-0280 Voodoo Grill 100 James Drive East, St. Rose 504-464-1880 Waffle House 14173 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-758-6499 Waffle House 10384 E. Airline Hwy., St. Rose 504-467-1522 Wingzzz 613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 400, Luling 985-308-0743 Zydeco’s II 13228 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-308-1058

RESERVE CAMPUS

c’est la vie ~ 37

BAILEY’S

WORLD FAMOUS ANDOUILLE

Look for the Sausage Man THE PLACE WHERE QUALITY COMES FIRST!

Sausage • Andouille • Boudin • Tasso • Hog Head Cheese • Smoked Chickens arts, crafts, collectibles, & Souvenirs 10 E. Pine Street, Ponchatoula, LA Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm • Sun: 12-5pm

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www.ponchatoulacountrymarket.org 38 ~ c’est la vie

HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8am - 5:30pm Saturday 8am - 5pm

985-652-9090

C’EST LA VIE Parting Shots “Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” — Colette

Josh Roth and dog Buck play on a sunny afternoon.

Erin Duhe snaps a shot with pet goat Samson.

Caleigh Remondet smiles with her dog Gracie.

Faron ‘Slim’ Duhe of Garyville relaxes with pets Harley, Max, Maggie, Samson and Delilah.

Nadia Clement poses with pet bunny Clover.

c’est la vie ~ 39

40 ~ c’est la vie