2020 Year in Review

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2020 Year in Review brooke.robichaux@lobservateur.com

January

JANUARY 27, 2021 | WEDNESDAY | MIDWEEK EDITION Former LSU football star Kirston Pittman has always aspired to give back to his St. John the Baptist Parish community. The Garyville native is setting out to change the world one positive attitude at a time with the release of his first children’s book, The Adventures of Stacey Starface.

The inspiration behind the book came around 2013, when Pittman noticed the impact of bullying reflected in mass media stories of young people taking their own lives. Motivated to do something to change the reality before him, Pittman put his artistic talents to the test and composed the Starface Song.

Deputy Benjamin Teekell was named he 2019 Officer of the Year for the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office for his patience, kind demeanor and professionalism in helping a woman severely beaten in a domestic violence incident.

His investigative work led to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator on several physical abuse charges and other offenses. The perpetrator was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.

The installation of new benches adds quiet spaces to relax and pray at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in LaPlace. As part of his Eagle Scout project, St. Charles Catholic senior Devon Rucker spruced up the grounds surrounding the school and church to improve quality of life in the community. New benches sit in front of the gym and behind the church on concrete slabs poured by Rucker and other boy scouts in Troop 312.

Rucker cleaned nearby statues and added new mulch and blooming flowers to surrounding flowerbeds.

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Teamwork was the theme of the River Region Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 banquet. The River Region has the greatest impact on feeding and fueling the world when the three parishes band together as a united front, according to the new executive leaders of St. John the Baptist, St. James and St. Charles parishes. Aspen Murphy of Marathon Petroleum Company LP shared the same sentiment. As the 2020 Chairperson for the River Region Chamber of Commerce, Murphy is on a mission to grow, strengthen and unify local businesses by using a regional approach to networking Like most fifth graders, Jaz Thompson feels flutters of nervous energy in the minutes leading up to a performance in front of a large audience.

But once she steps onto the stage, the fear dissipates, and she has total confidence in who she is — a young girl with a drive to change the world.

Jaz has won first place in her grade level in John L. Ory’s oratorical competition every year since kindergarten. Jaz is also this year’s spelling bee champion and a wonderful role model for her two younger brothers. The older of the two is only in second grade, but he’s already following in his big sister’s footsteps by winning school competitions.

In fall 2003, Jaclyn Hotard was a 20-something, working mother. Critics and naysayers told her she was too young and too inexperienced to stand a chance at being elected to the St. John the Baptist Parish Council. Yet, she became youngest Council member to be sworn in during the

January 2004 Inaugural Ceremonies, and three more successful Parish Council elections have followed in the 16 years since.

In October 2019, Hotard won a fiveway race for St. John Parish President by a landslide, collecting 9,664 votes and 67.55 percent of the turnout.

The second-place vote getter received 1,999 votes.

Hotard was sworn into office along with nine Parish Council members during the 2020 St. John the Baptist Parish Inaugural Ceremonies at the Edgard Courthouse.

The new Parish Council includes District 1 Councilman Kurt Becnel; District 2 Councilman Warren “Bosco” Torres Jr.; District 3 Councilwoman Tammy Houston; District 4 Councilwoman Tyra Duhé-Griffin; District 5 Councilman Robert J. Arcuri; District 6 Councilwoman Tonia Schnyder; District 7 Councilman Thomas Malik; Councilman At-Large Division A Lennix “Tweet” Madere; and Councilman At-Large Division B Michael P. Wright.

Torres, Houston, Duhé-Griffin, Arcuri and Schnyder are newly elected to the Parish Council.

Becnel and Malik have maintained their previous district seats, while Madere and Wright have moved from district seats to an at-large capacity.

Hotard said it is the highest honor for all elected officials to be chosen to lead St. John Parish into its next chapter.

That chapter begins now, and progress is dependent upon moving the needle forward instead of watching the clock.

Fi n d Real Flavor, Exp e r i e n ce Real History, a n d Di s cove r Real Adventure.

A visit to Louisiana’s River Parishes finds you in the company of courageous people, discovering unforgettable experiences, and enjoying a culture and cuisine unmatched in this world. While this year has brought its unique challenges, we rose to the occasion introducing five new initiatives promoting the unique spirit of the region. Our hearts remain strong, and we’re ready to welcome guests to the place we call home.

LARiverParishes.com

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February

Riverside Academy 2019-2020 Students of the Year Jenna Necaise, Giovanna Godchaux and Kalaia Lacy have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship, according to school officials.

Principal Michael Coburn said all three are “impeccable girls” who represent everything he could ask for in a Student of the Year.

Most people suffer in silence, and there are countless individuals living their lives with open wounds, according to Eliza Eugene, founder of local nonprofit Blessed to Be a Blessing. Eugene’s debut novel, “God Exposed Me to Me,” urges readers to turn pain into purpose by confronting the person in the mirror. “It’s an inspirational memoir to inspire and encourage youth, adults, men and women. No matter how many times they fall or whatever they have gone through, with faith in God, they can overcome it,” Eugene said. “In the times we’re living in, I felt it was necessary for me to tell my story. So many kids and adults are hurting. Sometimes when they know what someone else has been through and can see the end result, it can inspire them to say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.’”

The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District has named Jose Folgar, Skyla Lawrence and Rani Johnson as its District Students of the Year for the 2019-20 school year.

St. John the Baptist Parish families celebrate Mardi Gras with house parties and parades that roll down their neighborhood streets.

In 2018, a group of local women decided to make the fun last a little longer. The Krewe of Dagé exceeded all expectations when it debuted in 2019. The second annual parade will delight the community with 42 double decker floats and a grand total of almost 70 units when it rolls. The Krewe of Dagé will trail Krewe Du Monde down its usual LaPlace route through Main Street, W. Fifth Street, Hemlock Drive, Carrollwood Avenue, Greenwood Avenue, Madewood Road and Fairway Drive The theme for the parade this year, “Under the Sea,” is reflected in float design, costumes and marching groups. The famous Buffalo Soldiers, also known as the Mardi Gras Indians, will lead the parade this year, according to board member Alona McDowell.

The West St. John Fishing team took home a win at the 2020 Louisi-

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

ana High School BASS Nation West Winter Qualifier. The team placed fourth and qualified for the State Championship. They were represented by anglers Shamar Pierre and Khristian Rousseve. The team caught five fish for a total weight of 14.3 pounds at Tolendo Bend, Big Bass Marina in Many, LA. Members of the team also include Devrin Harper and Javier Johnson.

March

“Fearless” was the word that came to mind when George Becnel watched his 11-year-old daughter perform for a crowd of 3,000 at Zephyr Stadium, commanding the audience with her heartfelt rendition of “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

Faith Becnel is now 21 years old, and her dedication to honing her craft has never ceased to amaze those around her. The world will watch her come faceto- face with Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie in an audition to become the next American Idol.

The episode will be on screen Sunday night at her father’s restaurant, Bec’s at the Lake, at 105 Gary Road in LaPlace.

However, the Becnels won’t be there — they will support Faith as she performs live at the 2020 Los Isleños Fiesta in C h a l m e t t e .

Faith will pause the performance when her segment on American Idol airs, and the crowd will watch the audition with her.

Rotary Club members are action-takers who create change not only in the local community, but also across the globe. Eleven Rotary International members

from New Zealand were met with beautiful weather as they planted trees at the dog park inside the Thomas F. Daley Memorial Park in LaPlace. They enjoyed a full cultural experience through Rotary’s Friendship Exchange. Their two week stay included Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, a journey to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a stop in Covington and sightseeing in the River Parishes.

Norris and Pauline Stein, lifelong residents of Reserve, celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in February. They have built a loving home and a fivegeneration family with five children (Barbara, Elizabeth, Norris Jr, Jody and the late Mark Steven), 18 great-grandchildren and three greatgreat-grandchildren. Pauline will turn 93 on March 16. She still takes her daily walks from her home to the levee, and she loves keeping a yard full of flowers.

Norris, a World War II veteran, will celebrate his 100th birthday on Oct. 11, 2020. He worked for most of his life at Godchaux Sugar in Reserve.He has gardened his entire life and still maintains his garden at 99 years old.

St. John the Baptist Parish residents are permitted to report to essential jobs, go outside for exercise and fresh air, and visit grocery stores and pharmacies to pick up food, medicine and necessary supplies while practicing social distancing. In all other situations, residents are advised to stay home to minimize the spread of COVID- 19 in the community. Governor John Bel Edwards’ Stay at Home Order will remain in effect until the end of the night on Sunday, April 12, unless re-evaluation determines the order should be extended.

Two River Parishes women are using their social distancing downtime to sew face masks for people who are exposed to the public and working tirelessly instead of hunkering down at home. Randie Bailey, a St. John the Baptist Parish educator, has worked with fabric since she was old enough to operate a sewing machine. Her influences in those formative years included her grandmother, an experienced seamstress, and her mother Sheila Lapeyrouse, a talented quilter.

April

Kristina Haydel of LaPlace knew her 2-year-old daughter wouldn’t have the traditional Easter photoshoot at the mall this year. Instead, Haydel focused on what her family does have — an Easter Bunny costume, a vehicle, and a desire to bring some holiday happiness to their St. John the Baptist Parish community. The Easter Bunny costume, purchased two years ago for a Relay for Life fundraiser, took on a new purpose this week during a four-hour long car ride through the East Bank of St. John Parish. Children raced out into their front yards from River Forest in LaPlace to the western edge of Garyville, giddy at the sight of the Easter Bunny waving from a car. Families got their Easter photos after all; only this time the Easter Bunny was in thebackground,asafedistanceaway.

The big 94th birthday bash planned for Clyde Hymel of Garyville was put on hold with the spread of COVID-19, but his family still found a way to make his day special. Hymel’s children and grandchildren honored his big day with a drive-by birthday parade outside of his house on Church Street in Garyville. Hymel

watched happily from his driveway Friday afternoon as his family members honked their horns one-by-one to make him smile.

The procession was led by the sheriff and included more than 20 cars. A beautiful birthday sign decorated his front yard.

Gertrude S. Duhe recently celebrated her milestone 100th birthday. As part of the festivities, her loving family, friends and neighbors held a quarantine parade in her honor. The parade was led by Sheriff Mike Tregre and Sheriff Willy Martin of St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. Duhe resided in Garyville for many years and still considers herself part of the St. John Parish community. She currently lives in Gramercy with her daughter.

Barry Hanson Jr. and Ashira Hanson will always have photos to look back on to remind their son what the world was like the month he was born. Little Barry Hanson III is due to make his arrival on April 23, and his parents have all the supplies they need after this week’s drive-by baby shower. More than 20 cars lined up on the street Tuesday evening, honking horns and dropping off gifts as they

passed by. Ashira’s mother, Necohle Stanton, collected the gifts on a table in the driveway and disinfected each one before transporting them inside. By the end of the evening, Barry and Ashira had little boy clothes, bottles, diapers, wipes, bibs, socks, towels, money and much more.

Middle school teacher Destiney Gullion saw firsthand this week how a little drop of kindness creates a ripple effect. For 2020 graduating seniors, missed milestones have been exchanged for unrelenting community support and the reassurance that their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Gullion’s “Adopt a 2020 Senior River Parishes edition” Facebook group, created on a whim, amassed 7,000 members in less than five days.

Nearly 1,000 seniors have been “adopted,” meaning kind-hearted community members have volunteered to celebrate their accomplishments by sending gift cards, T-shirts, cash and other graduation goodies.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 2021

May

June

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The recently re-opened LaPlace Frostop saw a record-breaking 799 orders of onion rings. A typical week sees approximately 400 onion ring orders, and owner Jimmie Toler said business has nearly doubled as the St. John the Baptist community yearns for a return to normalcy. Restaurants are beginning to re-open weeks after shutting their doors for coronavirus concerns, and LaPlace Frostop isn’t the only one seeing an increase in business. While dine-in service remains closed, the community has eagerly supported local business with to-go orders. A line of cars stretched from The Donut Hole to Jacob’s Andouille, just one day after the acclaimed breakfast spot re-opened to the public. The excitement extended beyond parish lines. Taste of Tokyo in Destrehan saw record lunch orders and an overwhelming dinner rush immediately after re-opening their doors on May 1.

More than 20 police units lined the front of the Veterans Home in Reserve Wednesday afternoon as people from across the River Parishes looked to the sky in delight, waiting to catch a glimpse of the Blue Angels flyover. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, a flight demonstration squadron, have exemplified pride, professionalism and precision since 1946. This week, their mission was to boost morale with a salute to the healthcare workers, first responders and essential personnel on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.

This year’s Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony moved forward without its usual crowd. With social distancing measures in place, the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office went live on social media to honor eight local law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The special occasion coincides with National Police Week, which was established in 1962 to recognize those who risk their lives for the safety and protection of others. In St. John Parish, it is a time of remembrance and reflection of justice. This year, the families of fallen officers Brandon Nielsen and Jeremy Triche got a taste of long-awaited justice when gunman Kyle Joekel was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on Feb. 9.

Businesses and restaurants will be allowed to operate under strict occupancy, protection and social distancing guidelines as St. John the Baptist Parish and the rest of When Pastor Forell Bering learned of the brutal, unjust murder of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin, now a fired ex-police officer, in Minnesota, it made his heart bleed. Bering has served as pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church and New Pilgrim Baptist Church for more than 30 years.

Even though Floyd’s death happened 1,200 miles away, he felt a shockwave ripple through St. John the Baptist Parish. His heart and the hearts of many others in the community have been pierced time and time again with each killing of unarmed black or brown people across the country.

Dozens gathered near the St. John Government Complex in LaPlace in a show of solidarity for unity in the Black community. Through prayer, scripture reading and powerful speeches, they urged political leaders from the White House to the Edgard Courthouse to stand with them against the hatred and inequity that has perpetuated pain, death, fear and violence throughout American history.

“We feel the pain, not only that George Floyd’s family feels, but we feel the pain of that type of brutal activity that is happening toward human beings,” Bering said. “It’s not just about him being Black.

It’s not about any other race.

Louisiana moves to a Phase One re-opening. Governor John Bel Edwards announced that his Stay at Home Order would end on May 15 under the White House COVID-19 guidance. He noted that high-risk individuals should continue to stay at home, except for essential activities, like getting food or medical care. Businesses allowed to open beginning on May 15, with 25 percent occupancy limits, sanitation guidelines and physical distance spacing, include: • Gyms and fitness centers • Barber shops and hair and nail salons • Casinos and Video Poker • Theaters • Racetracks (not open to spectators) • Museums, zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits) • Bars and breweries with Louisiana Department of Health food permits Churches must also be limited to 25 percent occupancy, according to Edwards. The 25 percent occupancy rate is based on the advice of public health officials who recommend that people generally have 110 square feet around them, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

This occupancy capacity includes customers and employees.

St. Charles Catholic High School has had one mission both before and during the global COVID-19 pandemic: educating the whole student. So when school campuses started closing on March 13 in order to initiate social distancing protocols, Dr. Courtney Millet and her staff were committed to seeing that mission continue through prayer, through class instruction and through community. SCC was able to quickly shift the student body into an online-learning system.

Hahnville High School has found its next football coach from within. Offensive coordinator Daniel Luquet was chosen among 20 applicants to lead the Tigers in the 2020 prep football season. When Hahnville High School Principal Brian Lumar offered him the job, he came downstairs to a cheering team of supporters. His mom, dad, stepmom, sisters, wife and daughters were in on the surprise and waiting to celebrate with cake and champagne. Luquet replaces Coach Nick Saltaformaggio, who accepted a head coaching position at Holy Cross earlier this spring.

Stepping into this new role, his ultimate goal is to help young It’s about the human race and what we do to ourselves.”

G o v e r n o r John Bel Edwards announced that, following improvement in the COVID-19 outlook, Louisiana is ready to move to Phase Two of the White House’s reopening strategy on Friday, June 5.

When fifth grader Amarii Grinstead saw people in her St. John the Baptist Parish community impacted by the coronavirus, she wanted to do anything in her power to help. With fabric, sewing materials and a heat press at her disposal, Amarii set out to create more than 50 facemasks to keep frontline workers safe. “I wanted to make something for people who were in the hospitals and working. I wanted to protect them from the coronavirus,” Amarii said.

After 33 years of great friends, late nights and incredible memories, Rusty’s Pool Tavern of LaPlace is closing its doors permanently. The financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was too much to overcome, according to Tori Hawkins, manager at Rusty’s Pool Tavern.

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board voted 9-2 to select Dr. Lynett Hookfin as the new superintendent of St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools. In addition

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athletes become better brothers, sons and friends. “I want to be a part of the community - not just the guy who is the football coach but someone who can change the lives of the young men.”

It wasn’t a traditional graduation ceremony, but it was special nonetheless. More than 500 seniors from all four St. John the Baptist Parish high school took a “ride of fame” during a massive drive-thru graduation celebration in the New Wine Christian Fellowship parking lot. It was an occasion marked with valedictorian speeches, confetti cannons, honking horns and cheers. Many seniors opted to ride on top of their cars like royalty. Window paint and posters on the side of their cars told a visual story of their high school achievements and future plans. School administrators and parish officials waved signs to tell seniors, “You are awesome” and “We are so proud of you.” A host of community sponsors banded together to shower the seniors with gift bags, monetary gift cards, certificates, cotton candy, donuts, snowballs and other trinkets. One lucky senior from West St. John won a raffle drawing for a new car.

to navigating a safe return to the classroom, Hookfin hopes to ignite a long- term culture shift within the St. John the Baptist Parish School District. She is ready to partner with the community and work together as a team throughout the process. “To the community, I want you to know I appreciate the opportunity to serve. I’m looking forward to serving as a leader of this great community and doing what’s best for children,” Hookfin said. “I think that we have a journey ahead of us, and as we embark upon those challenges that we’re faced with, I want you to know that you are in great hands. I want you to know that I value your input, along with the input of the Board. We have so much to do, but we are going to keep children first as our priority.”

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No Nonsense Internet from

July

August

September

M C Y K

The beginning of Mike Tregre’s third term as St. John the Baptist Sheriff started the same as he last two — with a swearing in

by Judge Mary Hotard Becnel.

A small inauguration ceremony was held last week at the La Nard Robinet Multi-Purpose Room in LaPlace. Tregre once again took an oath to support the Constitution and laws of the United States and Louisiana in his mission to protect and serve the St. John the Baptist Parish community. Becnel said it was an honor and delight to swear Tregre in for another term.

Edgard native Farrah Rochon’s writing career began in between classes at Xavier University in the early 2000s. Since then, she’s become a prolific romance writer with 37 published novels, and her newest work has reached new heights of commercial success.

“The Boyfriend Project,” released June 9, 2020, has received praise from Entertainment Weekly, Oprah and Cosmopolitan Magazine. It follows the story of Samiah Brooks, an up and coming computer engineer who finds out through a live tweet that her boyfriend is a three-timing cheater.

Due to COVID-19, the Andouille Festival scheduled for October 16-

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

Now Available.

18, 2020 will be cancelled. The decision follows similar cancellations of festivals statewide in the wake of rising numbers of infection.

St. John the Baptist Parish recorded 87 new cases of COVID-19 from Sunday, July 5 to Tuesday, July 14, bringing the total number of infections to date in the parish from 1,011 to 1,097. No new deaths have been reported in this time frame.

Eliza Eugene believes firmly that to whom much is given, much is expected. Eugene benefitted from school supply giveaways as she grew up in public housing with a hard-working single mother. Now blessed with success, Eugene feels obligated to provide for the families in her community, and this year is no exception.

COVID-19 won’t stop the annual Blessed to Be a Blessing Backpack Extravaganza. It will be held in a drive-thru only format this year.

St. John the Baptist Parish Council followed in the steps of Gov. John Bel Edwards’

mandate requiring all residents to wear masks by adopting a similar resolution during its meeting. Following Councilwoman Tonia Schnyder’s gut-wrenching story regarding her daughter’s gruesome struggle with COVID-19, the council unanimously passed a resolution mirroring Edwards’ order for residents to wear face coverings while inside stores, restaurants and other establishments.

Schnyder said her daughter, who is in her early 20s, suffered with chills, pain and fever while battling the novel coronavirus.

At 60 years old, Dr. Cherry Knight is a mother of four, a grandmother of seven and the 2020 salutatorian of her graduating class. Knight recently earned her doctorate degree in theology from Greater Impact Bible College & School of Ministry. “I am blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to see this memorable experience at the age of 60,” Knight said.

Hartley Faucheux and Lauren Laiche are two of the most impactful students Ryan Flynn has encountered in nearly four years of teaching at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. Both girls are committed to success, not only for themselves, but also for their peers. They are dedicated to their class work and to the wellbeing of others, and they ended the tumultuous 2019-2020 school year at the top of their graduating class. Hartley was named the St. Joan of Arc valedictorian, while Lauren was named the salutatorian. “It’s not just about them.

It’s about everyone coming along with them, and that was something I noticed about the Class of 2020,” Flynn said. “They were always lifting each other up and pushing each other. That forms bonds that will come back to the church and back to the school because they

work together to find success.”

St. Charles Catholic High School, Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School, St. Joan of Arc Catholic School and St. Peter Catholic School welcomed students this week with a staggered return to the classroom. This marks the first time St. John Parish students have returned to in-person learning since the COVID-19 shutdown in March. Masks, temperature screenings, social distancing and individual laptops were among the tools in place to keep students and teachers safe during this historic and unprecedented time.

After more than 40 years of serving the community from Carrollwood Drive, The Medicine Shoppe has crossed the street to a new and improved location at 70 Dominican Drive in LaPlace. Second generation owner Andrew Gomila said customers should expect improved efficiency with the same care and personal touch that St. John

the Baptist Parish has come to expect from The Medicine Shoppe.

The St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney’s Office was recognized as the most impactful district attorney’s office in Louisiana during the inaugural Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards Luncheon held Sept. 10 in Lafayette.

The St. John District Attorney’s Office received a $25,000 gift in

recognition of this achievement.

Instead of cutting a ribbon, the River Parishes Tourist Commission is cutting a link of Andouille to celebrate the launch of a new culinary adventure along the German Coast. The “link-cutting” ceremony of the new Andouille Trail will take place at the St. John

Community Center in LaPlace.

The Andouille Trail is a comprehensive guide showing visitors and locals where to buy make, taste, eat or ship Andouille. The andouilletrail.com website marks 34 destinations with a series of icons, allowing visitors to personalize their Andouille experience.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

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Working Together St. John Crime Stats Went Down in 2020 “Continuous training for officers, technology, business and residential surveillance systems combined with our camera system, and citizens calling 911 to report suspicious activity have helped us tremendously in fighting crime,” St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre

October

November

December

Segregation extended to the grave in a post-Civil War America, and the cemeteries in St. John the Baptist Parish were no exception. When “white” cemeteries refused to serve African Americans or restricted burials to a certain section, black pastors accepted the responsibility of burying the dead. The Bethlehem Missionary Baptist in Reserve became the final resting place for generations of local families. The historical significance of the Bethlehem Cemetery has earned it a spot on the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail.

However, time has not been kind to the oldest interments, many of which have broken head-stones or are sinking into the ground. “The Bethlehem Cemetery History & interment Guide” provides the cemetery history and historic records of more than 400 interments dating from January 1926 to July 2020. A $50 donation for each book will contribute to new fencing, restored headstones, needed repairs to burial vaults and the purchase of supplies for ongoing maintenance of the cemetery grounds.

Vadie Nelson, creator of the “The Bethlehem Cemetery History & interment Guide,” said the book is a priceless resource that will also al-

low descendants to remember, honor and visit with their loved ones without visiting the physical site.

The first ever Borne Homestead Pumpkin Patch will bring joy, laughter and fall family fun to the West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish. Admission is free to all at 127 Emilien Court in Edgard. The Borne Homestead Pumpkin Patch will be open until all of the approximately 300 pumpkins are claimed. Organizers Jared Borne and Genice Stipe said the pumpkin patch is a show of appreciation to a close-knit community that has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pumpkins will be set out in the field, and organizers look forward to seeing children’s faces light up with smiles as they race to find the perfect pick. A hayride will be set up on a tractor to take families further into the field. The event will also feature friendly farm animals that children can feed and a photo station where parents can take pictures with their phones.

On Oct. 22, at the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church 8:30 a.m. Mass, Mike Abbate was awarded the honor of having all

of the Ball Fields at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School named after him for his 40 years of dedicated service. They will be named, “COACH MIKE’S FIELD!” Abbate is employed at Ascension of Our Lord School in LaPlace as the assistant athletic director. He is also the recreation director for the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church Parish and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Ascension of Our Lord Council 9623.

Consecrated 100 years ago on Oct. 28, 1920, the St. John the Baptist Church in Edgard is an integral part of the region’s history.

Grand and worldly, the Roman Renaissance style architecture includes altars and communion rails made of white carrara marble import-ed from Italy and stainedglass windows made in Munich.

St. John the Baptist Parish voters made their voices heard on Election Day and selected Nghana Lewis to fill the seat previously held by E. Jeffrey Perilloux in Div. B of the 40th Judicial District Court. Lewis grasped the majority of the turnout with 50.09 percent of the vote (3,116 votes). Challenger Leandre Millet attained 42.94 percent of the vote (2,671 votes).

Despite having been convicted of three felony counts of indecent behavior and one misdemeanor count of sexual battery in September, Perilloux received 434 votes for 6.98 percent of the turnout on Nov. 3.

Justice of the Peace & Constable The Nov. 3 election also decided the following justice of the peace and constable positions in St. John Parish: Ferdinand Wallace Jr. won Justice of the Peace District 3 (50.63 percent, 1,131 votes) over Mala Toney Taylor (49.37 per-cent, 1,103 votes). Robert Snyder Jr. was the incumbent in this position and did not run for re-election. Incumbent Terry Toney-Jones won the election for Justice of the Peace District 4 (59.34 percent, 1,855 votes) over Alfreda DeVare (40.66 per-cent, 1,271 votes). Challenger Ronald Frank

won Constable District 2 (55.1 percent, 854 votes) over incumbent Barry Ellis Sr. (44.9 per-cent, 696 votes). Gabrielle McKarry won Constable District 3 (50.51 percent, 1,136 votes) over Matthew Maurin (49.49 percent, 1,113 votes).

Michael Green won Constable District 4 by a large margin (72.44 percent, 2,437 votes) over incumbent Russel Landeche Sr. (27.56 per-cent, 927 votes). Janice McClain Mitchell won Constable District 6 (69.69 percent, 3,645 votes) over Williette Wallace (30.31 percent, 1,585 votes).

Incumbent Keith “Mike” Bourgeois maintained his role as Constable District 7 (58.92 percent, 1,697 votes), defeating Tyren Snyder (41.08 percent, 1,183 votes).

This year, Blessed to Be a Blessing and Cargill are extending the reach of their annual turkey giveaway to provide a Thanksgiving meal with all the trim-

mings to 1,000 St. John the Baptist Parish families. The drive-thru giveaway will be held Saturday, Nov. 21 at East St. John High School 3Ain Reserve. Distribution will begin at 7 a.m. and continue until all of the turkeys are gone.

Peas, cranberry sauce, cornbread, mac and cheese and a two-liter drink will also be included.

To Patrick Sanders, the most important part of being a funeral director is guiding bereaved families through a difficult time of their life with the utmost care and comfort. It means taking the family’s ideas and putting them into motion to give them peace and comfort in knowing they have fulfilled their obligation in honoring their loved one. With more than 30 years of experience in the profession, including 22 years in the River Parishes, Sanders is taking on a new journey with the recent opening of Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors LLC at 605 Main St. in LaPlace.

Sanders is licensed as both a funeral director and an embalmer.

For the past 20 years, the Garyville Christmas Train has captured the spirit of the season and the hearts of neighbors who look forward to it each year.Circling through more than 300 feet of track on Garyville Northern Street, the miniature engine weaves through dozens of stunning light displays in front of the Toups family home. It’s been a labor of love for Herman and Celeste Toups.

Judge Jude G. Gravois defeated challenger Sharrolyn Jackson Miles in the Dec. 5 run-off election

to maintain his Division A seat in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, Second District. Sixty-six precincts reported votes Saturday across St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes. Jackson-Miles carried the vote in St. John Parish, securing 2,234 votes for 53.15 percent of the turnout across 36 precincts.

However, Gravois carried the vote in St. James Parish with 63.74 percent of the vote across 30 precincts.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District is pleased to announce that David Lewis has been selected as the new principal of East St. John High School.

Lewis brings extensive experience in school administration to his new post, serving as either an assistant principal or principal for the past 16 years. Most recently, he served as assistant principal at LaPlace Elementary School.

Children are unable to regulate their body temperature the same way adults do and are vulnerable to quickly developing hypothermia without protection from the cold, according to a peer reviewed article in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. St. John the Baptist Parish is collecting new and gently used coats for children up to age 18 to share the gift

of warmth and generosity this holiday season. The first Coats for Kids Drive is accepting donations through Friday, Dec. 18 at the following drop-box locations: St. John the Baptist Parish Government Complex (1811 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace), LaPlace Cleaners (809 Main Street), REGALA Gym (200 REGALA Park Road in Reserve) and the St. John the Baptist Parish Courthouse (2393 Highway 18 in Edgard). Kids sizes 5 through 16 are being collected.

The need is especially great this year given the financial strains imposed.

This match up was a moment the St. Charles Comets hoped for, worked for, waited for. On Monday, the Comets took the Turpin Stadium foot-ball field to encounter the Lafayette Christian Academy Knights in the Louisiana Division III State Championship, a rematch from 2019 that ended with the Comets taking a loss. Just the sheer excitement of going to state again, back to back, made the Comets hungry. A chance to redeem themselves was on the table, but history repeated itself when the Comets ultimately lost 12-7 to a talented Knights squad.

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| L’OBSERVATEUR |

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

COVID-19 VACCINE Interested in receiving the vaccine as doses become available?

• Visit www.sjph.org/vaccine to fill out an interest form.

• Demand is still exceeding supply, but we will distribute vaccines as we receive them based on eligibility.

• We will contact patients or their designated caregiver to schedule the vaccine if/when one is available.

• For ongoing vaccine updates, call our 24/7 info line 225.258.2090.

VISIT www.sjph.org/vaccine