Newcomers Guide 2011

Page 1

2011

THE ABBEVILLE MERIDIONAL ’S VISITOR ’S GUIDE TO ABBEVILLE AND VERMILION PARISH

PUBLISHED AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE ABBEVILLE MERIDIONAL and VERMILIONTODAY.COM

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Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Vermilion Parish - a historical perspective Delcambre A listing of surnames for the families of Delcambre today still reflects the three distinct influxes of population in the town’’s early history. From the early Spaniards are names like Nunez, Miguez, Rodriguez and Goutierrez. The French influence continues with the many Delcambre families who continue to call the town home. Finally, the LeBlanc, Landry, Broussard, Hebert, Bernard, Dugas, Bourque, Comeaux, Aucoin, Saunier and Thibodeaux family names continue to strive from the days of homesteading. The first influx into the

area began when the King of Spain gave land grants to Eugene Carlin, Charles Prevous and Jean Petit around 1790. Spanish families then started settling on farms in the area from Lake Peigneur to Bayou Tigre. When the King of Spain made Louisiana a gift to his brother-in-law, the King of France, settlers of French heritage began to occupy the area. Brothers Charles and Louis Delcambre came from Belgium to settle in the area between the two towns now known as Delcambre and New Iberia. Louis’’ son, Pouffette Delcambre, settled fur-

ther to the west in what is now known as Pouffette Station. Pouffette’’s son, DesirÊ Delcambre, was the founder of the town of Delcambre. The third influx of settlers started in 1803 when the King of France sold Louisiana to the United States for $5 million. When the United States opened up Louisiana for homesteads, many more families came to the area. While the town was not incorporated until Nov. 27, 1907, the first post office was opened on May 17, 1877. The first road to New Iberia was built in 1880. Ten years later, the railroad went through Delcambre as it traveled from New Iberia to

Abbeville. That was followed by the building of a railroad depot in 1903. When the village of Delcambre was incorporated, it was named in honor of DesirÊ Delcambre in recognition of his donations of land for community development –– for a church, graveyard, railroad, city hall. Shrimping, one of the town’’s main industries, started in the 1930s when Bayou Carlin was only a narrow canal with a few small boats, one oyster canning factory, shrimp processing shop and fuel dock. Since World War II, the shrimp industry has grown, at one time making Delcambre the largest fish-

ing port on the Gulf Coast. Because shrimping is such a big part of the lifeblood of Delcambre, the town holds an festival each year at the beginning of the shrimping season. Erath The Village of Erath is located approximately five miles east of Abbeville on Louisiana Highway 14. Surrounded by cane fields, the little town is picturesque with older homes set among magnificent live oak trees. The Erath Museum, housed in an old bank building, provides an interest(See HISTORY, Page 3)

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Page 3

Friday, February 11, 2010 •• Newcomers Edition

History From Page 3 ing glimpse into the French Acadian culture of this area, as well as providing a history of Erath. The village celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang, as residents and visitors enjoy the many activities during a week-long Fourth of July Celebration. Gueydan Nestled 25 miles west of Abbeville in Vermilion Parish is a quaint small town known for its food, hunting, scenic beauty and hospitality. Gueydan, with a population of a little over 1,700, is home of to the annual Gueydan Duck Festival. Celebrating the area’’s great hunting heritage, the festival is held the fourth weekend in August. Gueydan is 5-9 feet above sea level and is within immediate docking for fresh water fishing. Hunting yields every variety of ducks and geese, as Gueydan is located on the Mississippi flyway. The surrounding marshes, as well as privately owned local farmland, all contribute to the sport of duck and goose hunting.

The purchase in 1901 of the plantation by a Russian Jewish emigrant named Abrom Kaplan and his partner, Mr. Litchenstein, resulted in the establishment of the town. Kaplan, who was born in Poland in 1872, had come to New York in 1885. He settled in Louisiana in 1887, choosing to make Crowley his home in 1890. The head of the Irving Irrigation Company, Kaplan convinced Southern Pacific Railroad officials in California to provide rail services to the Kaplan area to provide a better means of transportation for the rice grown in the area.

The shrimping industry is a major part of Delcambre and all of south Louisiana.

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Kaplan Most of what is now the town of Kaplan was once part of a plantation belonging to Jim Todd of Shreveport. On the plantation was a home, a store and a post office, a frequent stopping point for the Pony Express as it traveled westward.

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Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Vermilion home to popular products Who would have ever imagined that the small, quaint town of Abbeville would be home to many very successful businesses? This basically reflects that old saying, “Looks can be deceiving. ” Abbeville may be small in size, but it certainly is not small in pride. A reflection of this is the extraordinary success many local businesses have realized here in town. Natives of Abbeville may not realize how far Abbeville products go, a fact that may have been overlooked for quite some time. Steen ’s Syrup Mill Inhabiting the shady banks of the Vermilion Bayou, Steen ’s Syrup Mill is one of the oldest and most prominent businesses in the area. Located on Main Street in downtown Abbeville, Steen ’s has been in business since 1910. It was founded by Charley Sidney Steen, Sr. and his wife, Elizabeth Bernard Steen. Steen ’s products include molasses, corn and cane syrup blends, and cane vinegar, all of which are distributed throughout the world under 40 different brand labels. These products are one

The Steen ’s Syrup Mill in Abbeville. of the few remaining “pure ” in Abbeville is “Cajun Power ” food products on the market Spicy Garlic Pepper Sauce. today. This hot sauce is produced When local residents hear by a family living here in the sound of the old steam Abbeville. whistle blowing, they soon Their recipe is considered remember that it is again a “Home-Brewed ” mixture of time for the annual fall pro- flavorful garlic and peppers, cessing. resulting in a delicious hot Everyone then realizes sauce full of flavor and kick. that another year of history is In existence since 1978, being made at the C.S. Steen Syrup Mill in downtown Abbeville. Cajun Power Sauces Another prominent business with its headquarters

Sellers

~ Custom Decorating ~ CUSTOM DRAPERY • BLINDS, SHADES & SHUTTERS • DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES & GIFTS

Cajun Power Sauce is a completely automated factory which ships its products nationwide. Circulating throughout the U.S. from the small plant in Abbeville are products such as Herbs and Spice Cajun Worcestershire Steak Sauce, Cajun Shaker Seasoning, Shaker Sweet Treat, a picante sauce, and a squeeze filtered roasted garlic juice. The company advertises and promotes Abbeville on every product label that it has. Their recipe booklets also contain a map to the company ’s hometown. Southern quality is very important to this company. Carroll Thomas, the company ’s founder, tastes everything that the company develops before it hits the market. LeBlanc ’s Cane Jelly The grandfather invented the cure-all elixir Hadacol. Now, some 56 years later, the grandson has discovered the first new sugarcane product in years. Roland LeBlanc, Jr. of

Abbeville has poured his time and efforts into developing sugarcane jelly. “We have discovered a new property in cane, ” LeBlanc says. “Putting it in jelly form is one of the better ways to bring it out. ” According to LeBlanc, there are many advantages to this jelly. It is not only tasty, but healthy for the consumer as well. “The jelly enhances the flavor as would salt or MSG. The added bonus is that it doesn ’t have a high sodium content like salt, nor does it contain artificial ingredients like MSG, ” says LeBlanc. “It is 100 percent natural. ” “Enhanced taste is not the only benefit. Using it on meats gives it a glaze that makes it look like it came out of one of the food magazines, ” he replies. ” The cane jelly is available in several flavors, including barbecue, good on any type of meat; pepper, a regional favorite served as a dip over cream cheese; dark cane; and light cane.

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Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Notable residents from Vermilion Parish •• Robert Angers (19191988), journalist born in Abbeville,

founded

•• Bobby Duhon, Played

•• Margaret Chauvin Steen

professional football in the

Villemez, Outstanding Alum-

NFL

ni of ULL, 1982,

Acadiana

Proďƒžle magazine •• Allen Bares, Vermilion

••

George Petty, artist,

•• Bobby Charles Guidry,

was also born in Abbeville in

Songwriter, Musician, wrote:

1894

See You Later Alligator &

Parish native who represent-

•• Ned Theall, member of

ed Lafayette Parish in both

swamp pop band The Boogie

houses of the Louisiana State

Kings

Legislature from 1972-1992

•• Leo Touchet, Photojour-

(1954-1960);

nalist/Photographer - Pub-

try music artist, was born in

Louisiana state comptroller

lished worldwide. 1998 Book:

Kaplan in 1958; ran for lieu-

(1960-1973, his death)

Rejoice When You Die. [10]

tenant governor of Louisiana

of

Roy

Theriot,

others.

mayor

•• Sammy Kershaw, coun-

••

Walking to New Orleans and

Abbeville

•• Sammy Theriot, for-

in 2007

mer Vermilion Parish clerk

•• Knox Michael ““T-Boy”â€?

••

of court (1996-2000), former

Trahan, Businessman / Mu-

member of the Louisiana

sician - Co-Founder and lead

Inventor of World’’s First

House

triangle player for the Fa-

Bluetooth Remote Broadcast

(1979-1996) known for his

Microphone; place of birth

anti-abortion stance, and a

Abbeville, LA.

former Abbeville city council

Tommy Mouton, Syn-

dicated

••

Radio

Announcer,

Charlton Lyons, con-

sidered the ““father of the Republican Party in Louisi-

of

Representatives

Festivals are a big part of Vermilion Parish.

Come In and See Our

New Light Fixtures Acadia

Lighting For Tomorrow

Tras.

BY SEA GULL LIGHTING

member (1978-1979) ••

Seth Fenwick Miller,

Professional cage ďƒžghter

ana”â€?, was born in Abbeville in 1894. •• Louis ““La Chein De Cajun”â€? Clark, Abbeville’’s Show Dog ••

Brandon

Mitchell,

Played professional football in the NFL

LOCALLY

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Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Abbeville has its own blacksmith shop Journey to a time when horse and carriage ruled the road & nails were made to order. The Sam Guarino & Son blacksmith shop, circa 1913, was donated to the City of Abbeville, along with all of its equipment and tools, including the dirt ďƒ&#x;oor, and moved to its present location. Blacksmithing, an ancient and honorable occupation, is one of the larger substantial crafts known to civilized man. As civilizations have diversiďƒžed, blacksmithing procedures have varied little. It was once believed that earth, air, ďƒžre, and water were the four basic substances of this world, and only the black-

smith utilized all four. Sam Guarino & Son was one of the few blacksmith shops in operation in a downtown area in 2004 when it ceased operations. Sam Guarino served the community at large but was especially helpful to farmers; as he was skilled at repairing tractors and a variety of farming equipment, building wagons, and making wagon wheels. Open by appointment only. For more information please call 337-893-8550

The Guarino Blacksmith Shop is the place to see old tools and equipment.

(Information from the City of Abbeville website: cityofabbeville.net (photo by Jeff Nemetz)

We Offer Insurance For:

SPRING REVUE 2011

April 13 & 14 Heyman Performing Arts Center -HQQLIHU 3HUU\ /XTXHWWH 2ZQHU ,QVWUXFWRU

Tickets on Sale March 28

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Mobile Home Boats RV's Motorcycles (Including 4 Wheelers)

Richard A. Broussard

Insurance Agency 500 S. State, Abbeville 893-5183 or 893-5388

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Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Abbeville: Home of Military Museum They have been called “the greatest generation ”. And they are. We know them as parents, grandparents. As heroes who braved an economic collapse called the Great Depression, and when called, fought the most dangerous war our country has ever faced. And won. Along the way, they turned our economy into a miracle of prosperity, raised their kids, built a life for themselves and their families. And seldom talked about how it was. What they did. What it was like. Some of us of a certain age can remember as children asking “ what did you do in the war daddy? ”. And it seems the answer was never complete. Now they honor us with telling their stories. We should listen. And learn. And now there is a place to learn and it is Abbeville.

Abbeville has the only military hall of fame in the state of Louisiana.

(See MUSEUM, Page 10)

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to our hometown. Abbeville is the parish seat of Vermilion and home of the: -PVJTJBOB $BUUMF 'FTUJWBM t $BSPVTFM PG "SUT t (JBOU 0NFMFUUF 'FTUJWBM t $BLF BOE *DF $SFBN 'FTUJWBM t 5IF $ISJTUNBT 4USPMM -FT -VNJFSFT EV 7JMMBHF Eh"CCFWJMMF t 4BN (VBSJOP #MBDLTNJUI 4IPQ .VTFVN t -" .JMJUBSZ )BMM PG 'BNF BOE .VTFVN

Mayor Mark Piazza

Tony Hardy- Police Chief Elvin Michaud- Fire Chief COUNCILMEN

FRANCIS PLAISANCE- COUNCILMAN-AT-LARGE LOUIS "JOE" HARDY- DISTRICT A CARBETT DUHON- DISTRICT C FRANCIS TOUCHET, JR.- DISTRICT B WAYNE LANDRY- DISTRICT D

(photo by Jeff Nemetz)

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Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Living in Abbeville –– a unique experience •• The Day Lily Festival draws people Many who visit Abbeville, never forget from all around to Magdalen Square in the city. It is a center of cultural and arts activi- May. Community involvement is very importies, unique festivals, historical homes and churches, all nestled within the warm tant to Abbeville’’s continued success as atmosphere of southern hospitality and a southern city, and that involvement extends beyond special events such as fesclimate. Twenty-six percent of Vermilion Parish’’s tivals to the every-day activities of several 52,090 population call Abbeville home. organizations: •• The Vermilion Parish Council on Many of these 13,800 residents wouldn’’t Aging operates a Senior Citizen’’s Center consider living anywhere else. For a town its size, Abbeville hosts a with activities ranging from dances and plethora of cultural and artistic endeavors, health and hearing aid checks to sponsored casino trips to near-by casinos; including: •• The Boys and Girls Club offers tutor••The Abbey Player’’s theatre, which features live productions of comedy and ing and activities to the youth in the area; •• A.A. Comeaux League coordinates drama; •• The Abbeville Meridional Newspaper, little league basketball and baseball, and which serves the entire parish with news organizes such events as the Babe Ruth World Series of 1999, 2001, 2002 which and events; •• The Abbeville Cultural and Historical drew little league players from all over Alliance Center, located next to downtown the United States to Abbeville’’s Comeaux Abbeville’’s beautiful Magdalen Square, Park. Only in Abbeville can you watch a group of chefs cook a displays the works of local artists and The city also offers an 18-hole golf few thousands eggs once a year. houses the collections of the Vermilion course. Parish Historical Society; and, Abbeville is also noted for its number of •• Numerous homes, businesses, and health care professionals and health care churches featured in the National Register service centers. of Historic Places. Abbeville General Hospital is an Acute The atmosphere of community involve- Care Hospital licensed for 60 beds. The ment is probably best symbolized by the hospital operates an emergency room, a town’’s organization around a central park Behavioral Medicine Center, and a Day and church –– Magdalen Square and St. Surgery Center. (See UNIQUE, Page 11) Mary Magdalen Church. The square is the central site for Abbeville’’s festivals and community events throughout the year, some of which include the: •• Giant Omelette Celebration, which draws participants from throughout the world to celebrate their French heritage; •• Louisiana Cattle Festival, which celebrates the cattle industry in south Louisiana; •• Scare on the Square at Halloween, which provides chilA Resale Shop For dren with safe activities and 6287+ 67$7( 675((7 ‡ $%%(9,//( ‡ Family Clothing, Evening Wear, trick-or-treating in the downSchool Uniforms and Furniture! town business district;

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Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Many things have changed throughout the past centuries including individuals ’ financial needs. Since 1894, the Bank of Abbeville and Trust Company has been locally owned and operated, providing a full range of banking services, from personal teller service to a 24 Hour Information System, ATM machines and Visa Check Cards. We have grown with Abbeville and Vermilion Parish and have been dedicated to serving the community through prosperous and difficult times, earning a reputation for financial strength and security. Our philosophy is based on providing our customers with the finest financial services available. Our goal is to promote growth and prosperity for our community. When you need expert assistance, visit any of our three locations, and let the Bank of Abbeville and Trust Company work for you! Drive Thru 117 S. Jefferson St. 893-0437

Drive Thru

117 S. Jefferson St. 893-0437

Main Oŋce 123 Concord St. Abbeville, Louisiana 893-0257 Main Office www.bankofabbeville.com 123 Concord St. Abbeville, Louisiana 893-0257

Maurice Branch 8705 Maurice Ave. 893-1194

Maurice Branch

8705 Maurice Ave. 893-1194

Page 10

Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Museum From Page 7 In February of 2010, Abbeville ofďƒžcially opened its doors to the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum.The Museum sits a 5.5 acre tract and has an extensive collection of displays, artifacts, memorabilia and vintage WWII aircraft located at the Chris Crusta Airport. It is free to the public to view everything. The museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone 18 years old and older who loves talking to people and wants to make the museum a success is urged to call Crystal Mouton (6522751). When touring the museum, a person can walk onto the famed Higgins Boat, stand under the Bell Helicopter near the MASH tent. They can also watch and listen to oral histories of Louisiana veterans as they tell

A helicopter used in the war hangs from the ceiling. their stories of service. One can see displays of historical memorabilia from heroic Louisiana veterans and walk through the Hall of Fame and learn about the Inductees and why they are honored there. The Hall of Fame is the focal point of the museum. Groups may make reservations outside of those days and hours. Service members may schedule visits at any time.

To schedule a group or service member visit or to volunteer, please call Crystal Mouton at 337-652-2751 or leave a message at 337-893-9645. The Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 911 Revis Sirmon World War II helmets on display. Loop, Chris Crusta Airport, Abbeville, LA. Their website is: ““http://www.lamilitarymuseum.com”� www.lamilitarymuseum.com

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Page 11

Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Unique From Page 8 Several nursing homes and assisted living centers are available in the area, including one directly across the street from the hospital. In addition, Abbeville has several general physicians and specialists, dentists, optometrists, physical therapists, licensed counselors, psychiatrist, and chiropractors. Twenty-four hour emergency service is available from a few of the pharmacies in town. Abbeville also has 911 emergency numbers and a response time of three to five minutes for most calls. While housing is limited in Abbeville, steps are being made to improve housing facilities. Several projects are under-way which include subdivisions in many areas of the parish. For those interested in continuing education opportunities, Abbeville is the home of the Louisiana Technical College Gulf Area Campus. The school offers a two-year Associates Degree program in two of its course offerings. Some of its more popular fields of study include nursing, secretarial and electrical engineering, business administration and computer science. Abbeville is also only a 20-mile drive from the University of Louisiana

at Lafayette. A four year university granting both under-graduate and graduate degrees and a major research facility in areas such as energy resources and cognitive science, ULL offers Gumbo U courses in dancing, horseback riding, creative writing, and other topics. Abbeville and the surrounding area offers several activities for just about any interest. Several gyms are available in the area, one for women only. Hunting, fishing crabbing, and birding are readily available. Tennis, golf, R.V. clubs, public boat ramps, square dancing clubs, and garden clubs are also available for interested parties. We hope that this travel guide will assist you in your vacationing or relocating plans, and that your questions will

be answered by the articles and advertisements comprising the rest of this guide. If we can be of further assistance, please contact the Greater AbbevilleVermilion Chamber of Commerce, (337) 8932491, or the Abbeville Main Street Project, (337) 898-4110. We hope you will consider Abbeville your home away from home while you are vacationing, or even your new home should you decide to relocate to South Louisiana. Abbeville truly is a wonderful place to visit, and an even better place to live.

These signs tell the story of Abbeville.

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Page 12

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

What is along Vermilion ’s Coastline? Freshwater City Freshwater City, entrance to the Gulf of Mexico and home to oil industry docks and the Freshwater Bayou Lock can be found on LA 3147 forking south from LA 82 just before Pecan Island. If you ’re traveling east on LA 82 as you enter Pecan Island, you can take the “front ridge ” to your right. This is a short cut to LA 3147 and Freshwater City providing a nice drive through beautiful marshlands. You ’ll spot roseate spoonbills, pipers, egrets, herons and alligators sunning themselves and keeping an eye on you. Once you reach the lock you can enjoy a little shing and reel in red sh while you enjoy a view of the Gulf of Mexico. If you ’ve packed a picnic lunch, enjoy the public gazebo while you watch the vessels maneuver the lock system. If you want a tour of the inside facilities, you must call ahead. Keep in mind that Homeland Security can have an affect on visitation rights. Just be sure and bring your binoculars whatever the reason for your visit. You ’ll love watching the pelicans and other shore birds performing antics in search of food. And, don ’t be surprised if you must stop on your drive to let a ‘gator cross the road around here. Locals know that driving at night down LA 82 or LA 3147 may mean doing just that. Intracoastal City

der the Leland Bowman Lock supervision. This fully computerized system serving to keep salt water out of the fresh water supply for the farming communities further north, while allowing the ow of transportation by commodity carrying barges, is interesting to watch. The Intracoastal Canal is a partially manmade canal, stretching from Texas to Florida, that allows water transportation inland of the Gulf of Mexico. It was The Nutria is one of the many animals indigenous to the Vermil- furthered along after World War II when German subs ion Parish Coastline. managed to sink 90 crude carlaunch that ’s been recently renovated and includes rying boats from Texas to New Orleans in the gulf a large shelled parking area. off Louisiana waters. There ’s also another landing in the area with a This and other history, plus an interesting video boat storage facility and boat wash. Intracoastal can be found at the Lock ’s main ofce. The drive City is the nearest access to Vermilion Bay and the until the gate at Leland Bowman is public and the Gulf of Mexico on the west side of the Vermilion surrounding cattail marshes are lled with water River. You ’ll also locate a grocery store that serves lilies and wire grass. great plate lunches and a small hotel in this exAll established areas here were built up from treme southern community. Further south of Intramarshlands for habitation purposes. Once you coastal, you should not miss the Leland Bowman reach the gates, you are granted permission to Lock on the Intracoastal Waterway. enter by calling ahead. Keep in mind that HomeThis lock, operated by the Army Corp of Engiland Security does affect visitation rights. But once neers, helps to regulate the ow of water in the there, we recommend that you ’ve packed a picnic Mermentau District comprising much more than lunch to enjoy under the shelter of the Lock ’s gathe entire parish of Vermilion. Two hundred thirtyzebo. eight (238) miles of the Intracoastal Canal falls un-

A port community on the west bank of the Vermilion River at its junction with the Intracoastal Canal, Intracoastal City evolved through years of service to the area ’s oil, shing and shrimp industries. But don ’t expect a bustling city with a large population. These are simply civilized marsh %RRNV 3HULRGLFDOV $XGLR &DVVHWWHV *HQHDORJ\ 6WRU\ +RXU <RXQJ $GXOW :RUNVKRSV ,QWHUQHW &RQQHFWLRQ 1HZVSDSHUV 0DJD]LQHV 3DPSKOHW )LOH $GXOW 3URJUDPV lands. You ’ll nd helicopter ,QWHUOLEUDU\ /RDQ 6FKRRO 7RXUV 2XWUHDFK WR 1XUVLQJ +RPHV 1XUVHU\ 6FKRROV bases, shrimp docking facili 9LGHR &RQIHUHQFLQJ 2YHUGULYH 'RZQORDGDEOH ( %RRNV $XGLRV )UHH :LUHOHVV ,QWHUQHW '9'¶V 9LGHRV %RRNV RQ &' 3OD\DZD\V ties and dry docks. The oldest ZZZ YHUPLOLRQ OLE OD XV establishment in Intracoastal &KDUORWWH 7URVFODLU is Shell Morgan Landing, still hosting full dock facilities. Next to the landing is a boat

Come by and visit our town.

Bank of Gueydan Member F.D.I.C.

111 N. Main St., Gueydan

536-9203

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Page 13

Places To Worship In Vermilion Parish Abbeville St. Anne Catholic Church 1735 Lionel Drive (337) 643-7714 First Baptist Church of Abbeville 210 N. St. Charles (337) 893-0982 Mt. Triumph Baptist Church 310 S. Lamar (337) 893-2809 Pleasant Green Baptist Church 822 S. Miles (337) 893-3607 Abbeville United Methodist Church P.O. Box 1470 (337) 893-5216 Vermilion Gospel Tabernacle 210 S. St. Valerie (337) 893-5902

St. Mary Congregational Church 213 S. Louisiana Avenue (337) 893-1695

Abbeville Apostolic Lighthouse P.O Box 205 (337) 898-1322

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 101 E. Vermilion (337) 893-3195

North Vermilion Baptist Church 7612 La Hwy 167 (337) 893-1188 Maurice

Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall 3122 Pine Street (337) 893-3893 St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church 101 N. Leonard (337) 893-5631 Harvest Time Tabernacle 901 Wildcat Drive (337) 893-6279 Abbeville Church of Christ 819 Camp Avenue (337) 893-8187

First Presbyterian Church 109 N. Louisiana (337) 893-7200

Abbeville Assembly of God Church 1109 N. John Hardy (337) 893-9232

Lighthouse for Jesus Christ 6526 Chiasson Road (337) 893-8848

Macedonia Baptist Church 607 S. Bailey (337) 893-9618

Church of God 1631 State Street (337) 893-9407

Faith Baptist Church 2920 Cypress (337) 898-0238

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church 300 Pere Megret (337) 893-0244

Faith Hope Missionary Baptist Church 1001 1/2 Cuba Street (337) 898-0218

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 12995 La Hwy 699 (337) 893-0610 St. Joseph Catholic Church 8005 Maurice Avenue (337) 893-5428 St. Alphonsus Church 8700 Maurice Avenue (337) 893-4099 Gueydan First Baptist Church 501 McMurty (337) 536-6755

701 Main (337) 536-9258 Erath Our Lady of Lourdes Church 700 S. Broadway (337) 937-6888 St. John’s Church 18534 Hwy 689 (337) 937-5108

Gueydan United Methodist Church 507 Main (337) 536-6464 St. Peter Catholic Church

Delcambre Baptist Church 410 N. Robertson (337) 685-2746 Saint Martin de Porres Church 608 Martin Luther King Dr. (337) 685-4425 Kaplan

Delcambre BJ Center 707 Martin Luther Drive (337) 685-4808 Castel School of Religion 208 S. St. Peter (337) 685-2549 First Baptist Church 410 Robertson St. (337) 685-2746 Vandebilt Hall 203 W. Church St. (337) 685-5057

St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church 1109 McMurty (337) 536-6535 Hubbard United Church of Christ 201 12th Street

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church 206 W. Church St. (337) 685-4426

Pecan Island United Methodist Baptist Church 28704 W La Hwy 82 Kaplan Baptist Church 400 N. Trahan (337) 643-2656 Holy Rosary Catholic Church 602 N. Church Avenue (337) 643-6472 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 5408 La Hwy 700 (337) 643-6751

SUNBELT LODGE MOTEL 1903 Veterans Memorial Dr. Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 898-1453 www.sunbeltlodge.com 1-866-299-1480

Free High Speed Internet

Friendly greetings and welcoming smiles make staying with us as comfortable as a bright sunny day. Whether you’re on the road for a day, a week or a month, you’ll feel right at home at Sunbelt Lodge. Start the morning off with a FREE Continental Breakfast served daily in our lobby. Relax and enjoy our luxurious swimming pool. We want to make your stay one to remember. All kinds of accommodations are available at the Sunbelt Lodge. Choose from our spacious suite with a bar and parlor area for your business or pleasure.

From Laf. Exit 103 A-I-10 167 South Left at LA 14 Bypass two (2) miles on left

Area Festivals await your arrival: • Louisiana Cattle Festival • Christmas Lighting • Abbeville French Market Festival • Giant Omelette Festival • Delcambre Shrimp Festival • Mardi Gras Celebration • Bastille Days • Gueydan Duck Festival • Vermilion Fair & Festival

Home of the Famous Steen’s Cane Syrup. Enjoy a night at the Abbey Players Theatre

Page 14

Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Places To Worship In Vermilion Parish First Baptist Church 30722 W. La Hwy 82 Kaplan United Methodist Church 501 N. Lejeune Shiloh Baptist Church 607 N. Guidry Avenue (337) 643-6044 St. Francis Cabrini Church 910 N. Frederick Avenue (337) 643-9813 Glad Tiding Church 27520 W. La Hwy 82 (337) 737-2386 Sacred Heart Church 28220 W. La Hwy 82 (337) 737-2457

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church is the largest church in Vermilion Parish.

City Hall, police department numbers Abbeville City Hall (337) 893-8550

Erath Police Dept. (337) 937-5651

(337) 643-8600 Kaplan Fire Dept. (337) 643-8603

Abbeville Police Dept. (337) 893-2511

Erath City Hall (337) 937-8401

Abbeville Fire Dept.

Gueydan City Hall (337) 536-9415

Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital (337) 643-8300

Abbeville General Hospital (337) 893-5466

Gueydan Police Dept. (337) 536-9219

Maurice City Hall (337) 893-6406

Delcambre City Hall (337) 685-4462

Gueydan Fire Dept. (337) 536-9202

Maurice Police Dept. (337) 893-6406

Delcambre Police Dept. (337) 685-2697

Kaplan City Hall (337) 643-6611

Maurice Fire Dept. (337) 893-3112

Delcambre Fire Dept. (337) 685-2969

Kaplan Police Dept.

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Page 16

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Quality health care

So much. And, right here at home! For Health Care Services or Career Opportunities Make Abbeville Your First Choice. www.abbgen.net click on your tax dollars at work

“Caring for our Community ”

Page 17

Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

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Page 18

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Places To Eat In Vermilion Parish Abbeville

New Wok 106 Broadmore Blv. 893-3883 RiverFront Restaurant 503 W. Port Street (337) 893-3070 Dupuy’s Oyster Shop 108 S. Main Street (337) 893-2336 Shuck’s Seafood Restaurant 701 W. Port Street (337) 893-3311 El Camino Restaurant 1901 Veteran’s Memorial Drive (337) 898-2710 Richard’s Seafood Patio 1516 S. Henry Street (337) 893-1693

1815 Charity Street (337) 893-8988

616 W. 1st Street (337) 643-2922

Frank’s Drive Inn 901 Charity Street (337) 893-1742

Gueydan

Park Restaurant 204 Park Avenue (337) 893-9957 Chili’s Grill and Bar 3009 Veterans Memorial Drive (337) 893-3370 Amore Pizzaroma 105 Jacqulyn Street (337) 898-6002 Pizza Hut 720 Veterans Memorial Drive (337) 893-9373 Maurice

Azul Tequila Mexican Restaurant 1132 Veteran’s Memorial Drive (337) 893-4150

Villagers’ Cafe 8400 Maurice Avenue (337) 898-1554

El Dorado Mexican Restaurant 1902 Veteran’s Memorial Drive (337) 898-9202

Mr. Keet’s 9511 Maurice Avenue (337) 898-0590

Hai Nam Chinese Restaurant 3032 Veteran’s Memorial Drive (337) 893-6039

Soop’s Seafood & Steak House 8218 Maurice Avenue (337) 893-2462

New China Chinese Restaurant 2016 Veteran’s Memorial Drive (337) 898-1712

Delcambre

Guidry’s Crawfish and Drive-Thru 2820 Veteran’s Memorial Drive (337) 893-5936

A-Seafood Express Market/Restaurant 102 Richards Street (337) 685-5708 Kaplan

Cajun Claws 1928 Charity Street (337) 893-9437

Suire’s Grocery 13923 La Hwy 35 (337) 643-8911

Comeaux’s Cafe 104 S. State Street (337) 898-9218

Mickey’s Drive Inn 706 E. 1st Street (337) 643-8523

Courtyard Cafe 109 S. State Street (337) 893-7000

Family Diner 420 W. 1st Street (337) 643-7000

Bourbon Street Deli 520 W. Summers Drive (337) 898-1690

Hebert’s Steakhouse 15013 Veteran’s Memorial Drive (337) 643-2933

Golden Gate Chinese Food

Vermilion Grill

Cormier’s Creole Kitchen 303 Main Street (337) 536-9904 Johnny’s Drive Inn 502 1st Street (337) 536-6251 T’s Crawfish Trap 213 Main Street (337) 536-5600 Erath T-Bob’s Seafood 109 E. Lastie (337) 937-4573 Big John’s Seafood 3630 Broadway (337) 937-8355

Abbeville Police Department

“Working Together To Keep Abbeville Safe ” In case of an emergency call these numbers: 911 - All types of emergencies 893-2511 - Abbeville Police Department 893-5253 - Fax Number

Page 19

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Vermilion: Place to watch birds A Place Called America ’s WETLAND is a cooperative venture between Louisiana ’s Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, the America ’s WETLAND: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana, Shell Oil Company, local leaders and their tourism bureaus, that promotes communities, attractions, events and activities within Louisiana ’s coastal zone around a brand of experiential travel and adventure called “Eco-Cultural Tourism ”. The initiative was designed as one of the lasting impacts of the America ’s WETLAND campaign, with the goal of giving the world a new sense of awareness about the physical and cultural riches in America ’s WETLAND and attracting attention to the areas as a prime site for “Eco-Cultural Tourism. ” There are several key components of the imitative, such as, the America ’s WETLAND Birding Trail. The America ’s WETLAND Birding Trail runs through 22 Parishes and links 115 wildlife-viewing venues along Louisiana ’s Coast. The Birding Trail ’s sites introduce patrons to a variety of Louisiana ’s coastal habitats including fresh and saltwater marshes, cheniers, upland pines, riparian hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, bottomland hardwood forests, open meadows, lagoons canals, borrow pits, and natural bayous, to name a few. An exceptional array of birds and other wildlife are associated with each of these diverse habitats. The America ’s WETLAND Birding Trail is divided into 12 distinct loops that criss-cross America ’s WETLAND from Texas to Mississippi and from the Atchafalaya Basin to the Gulf. They build upon the pre-established infrastructure found in the State Scenic Byways program and expose nature lovers to some of the best birding in the country at Louisiana ’s State Parks, State Historic Sites, National Wildlife Refuges and Wildlife Management Areas. The loops attempt to connect the region ’s magnicent natural resources with its unique history and culture. The Vermilion Loop traces the lower reaches of Bayou Vermilion through the heart

of Cajun Country, from Lafayette, through Abbeville, and nearly to its conuence with Vermilion Bay (just below the site of Palmetto Island State Park). The riparian forests associated with Bayou Vermilion are known for attracting a wide assortment of birdlife, from Mississippi kites and broad-winged hawks during the summer nesting season, to a plethora of Neotropical songbirds during the spring and fall migration periods. Similarly, the coastal woodlands associated with Palmetto Island, Pine Island and Pecan Island ’s Front Ridge can hold enormous communities of songbirds. Below Abbeville, the Vermilion Loop pops out into coastal prairie lands -- now converted to cattle ranches and rice farms -- where ducks, geese and sandpipers abound during the spring, fall and especially winter months. For those birders who are particularly interested in these bird groups, check out sites such as Gladu Rd., Pelican and Bobwhite Rds., and Prairie Rd. at Mouton Cove. Still further south, this loop grades back in to marsh country, where herons, egrets, ibises, and roseate spoonbills are common on a year-round basis. The series of wooden shing piers along LA 82 and the intersection of Hwy. 3147 (Freshwater City Rd.) and Front Ridge Rd. in southern Vermilion Parish are an outstanding area for viewing these and other birds. The 11 designated sites of the Vermilion Loop include: 1. Acadiana Park Nature Station & Trails, Lafayette 2. Abbeville RV Park, Abbeville 3. Gladu Rd. 4. Bancker Grotto at Live Oak Rd. 5. Pelican and Bobwhite Rds. 6. Palmetto Island State Park/Pleasant Rd. 7. Mouton Cove Area/Prairie Rd. 8. Pine Island Rd., Forked Island 9. La Hwy. 82 Fishing Piers 10. Freshwater City Rd./LA Hwy. 3147 (See BIRDS, Page 20)

There are a wide variety of birds in Vermilion Parish.

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Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Birds From Page 19 11. Pecan Island Front Ridge Rd. Birders from around the country will appreciate the diversity of species along Vermilion Loop. This diversity is directly related to the variety of habitats found throughout Vermilion Parish. Vermilion is a coastal parish with more than 320,000 acres of marshland. It also is one of the largest agricultural parishes in the state, with many acres dedicated to rice, soybeans, sugarcane and pasture land. These ďƒželds provided habitat for a variety of birds that are attached to the open ďƒželds and shallow ďƒ&#x;ooded rice and crawďƒžsh ďƒželds. Along the Vermilion River, upland and bottomland hardwoods provide still another habitat important to migratorys well as resident avian species. Vermilion’’s coastal marshes provide valuable wintering habitat for many species of waterfowl. The coastal marshes include old beaches called cheniers, which are characterized by live oaks, hackberry and Chinese tallow trees. These abandoned beachheads of the Gulf

of Mexico are the ďƒžrst landfall in the spring for neotropical migrants on their way north. In addition to waterfowl, rails, egrets, herons, and a host of shore birds can be viewed in this area. The farmers of Vermilion provide important habitat for many birds throughout the year as they manipulate the ďƒželds to produce their crops. Some rice ďƒželds are ďƒ&#x;ooded during the winter as a means of weed control to prepare for spring planting. Waterfowl as well as sandpipers, plovers and other wading birds frequent these ďƒželds. On a drive along Highway 14 between Kaplan and Gueydan, one can see large ďƒ&#x;ocks of blue and snow geese and white-fronted geese feeding in the fallow rice ďƒželds and pastures. The many crawďƒžsh ponds lining Hwy. 35 south of Kaplan provide habitat for various species of ducks, which can be seen feeding and resting during the day. On the banks of the Vermilion River, live oaks, green ash, hackberry, sweet gum and other hardwoods provide a canopy for the feeding and resting pas-

serines. Wood ducks also nest in some of the cavities of these trees. As the sun rises, the thick underbrush comes alive with the sounds of warblers and bunting in the spring and fall, while cardinals, brown thrashers and woodpeckers can be seen year round. Osprey and even bald eagles have been sighted preying upon ďƒžsh in the lower reaches of the river. These are just a few of the many birds that call Vermilion Parish home.

The Brown Pelican is Louisiana’’s State Bird.

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Page 21

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Vermilion Parish Schools – Public and Private Here are Vermilion Parish Schools and phone numbers and addresses of the schools.) (Parenthesis denotes email addresses add vrml. k12.la.us after the address listed ABBEVILLE 9-12

HIGH

Ivy Landry, Prin. (ilandry) James Segrest, Asst. Prin. (jsegrest) Christina Menard, Asst. Prin. (cmenard) 1305 Wildcat Dr. Abbeville, LA.70510 School: 893-1874 or 1876 Lisa (lhebert) Fax: 893-0935 Theresa (theresab) CECIL PICARD ELEM AT MAURICE PK-6 Wendy Stoute, Prin. (wstoute) Marlene Primeaux, Asst. Prin. (marlenek) P. O. Box 277 203 S. Albert Avenue Maurice, LA. 70555 School: 893-3887 Carolyn (cromero) Fax: 893-3850 DOZIER ELEM PK-5 Karla Toups, Prin. (karlad) Natalie Hebert, Asst. Prin. (natalieh) 415 West Primeaux Erath LA 70533 School: 937-6915 or 6916 Patty(pattyb) Fax: 937-0630 EATON PARK PK-5

Denise Soileau, Prin. (dsoileau) Lola Thomas, Asst. Prin. (lthomas) 1502 Sylvester Street Abbeville, LA.70510 School: 893-4978 Felicia (feliciaw) Fax: 898-1274 ERATH HIGH 9-12 Francis Touchet, Prin. (ftouchet) Elizabeth Vice, Asst. Prin. (lvice) 808 South Broadway Erath LA 70533 Jessica (jwright) School: 937-8451 or 8452 Fax: 937-5109 ERATH MIDDLE (057024) 6-8 Lynn Moss, Prin. (lmoss) Errol Trahan, Asst. Prin. (errolt) 800 South Broadway Erath LA 70533 School: 937-4441 or 4442 Fax: 937-5125 FI/EB ELEM (057007) PK-8 Chris St. Romain, Prin. (chriss) 19635 Columbus Rd Abbeville LA 70510 School: 642-9100 Gayla(gaylag) Prin. Res: 643-8374 Fax: 642-9120 GUEYDAN HIGH 6-12 Luddy Herpin, Prin. (lherpin) Dana Primeaux, Asst. Prin. (dprimeaux) 901 Main Street Gueydan, LA. 70542 School: 536-6938 Teresa (teresar) Fax: 536-7000

HEROD ELEM PK-5 Diane DeJean, Prin. (ddejean) Patricia Gaspard, Asst. Prin. (pattyg) 120 Odea Street Abbeville, LA. 70510 School: 893-4258 Natalie (nataliet) Fax: 893-4275 INDIAN BAYOU PK-8 Howard Guillory, Prin. (howardg) 1603 La. Hwy 700 Rayne, LA. 70578 School: 334-4070 Honey (honeyc) Fax: 334-4237 JESSE OWENS ELEM PK-5 Anita Dupis, Prin. (anitaf) 203 13th Street Gueydan, LA. 70542 School: 536-6541 Lana (lmouton) Fax: 616-8439 KAPLAN ELEM PK-4 E. Paul Hebert (paulh) Andrea Ford, Asst. Prin. (aturner) 608 Eleazar Avenue Kaplan, LA. 70548 School: 643-7965 Mary Ellen (meduhon) Fax: 643-2821

na) Kim Etie ’, Asst. Prin. (ketie) 12725 North Rd. Erath, LA 70533 Vickie(vconner) School: 937-8110 or 8146 Fax: 937-8761 MEAUX ELEM PK-6 Charles Robichaux, Prin. (charlesr) 12419 La. Hwy 696 Abbeville, LA. 70510 School: 893-3901 Pam (phebert) Fax: 893-7112 NORTH VERMILION HIGH 7-12 Gregory Theriot, Prin.

(gtheriot) Michael Gaspard, Asst. Prin. (mikeg) Ivy Landry, Asst. Prin. (ilandry) 11609 La. Hwy 699 Maurice, LA. 70555 School: 898-1491 or 1492 Tina (tveazey) Fax: 893-8684 RENE ROST MIDDLE 5-8 David Dupuis, Prin. (ddupuis) Phyllis Benoit, Asst. Prin. (pben) 112 West 6th Street Kaplan, LA. 70548 School: 643-8545 Stephanie (stephh) (See SCHOOLS, Page 22)

R ver Front Located on the Vermilion River with a view of historical downtown Abbeville.

Seafood & Steaks

KAPLAN HIGH 9-12 Laura LeBeouf, Prin. (laural) Ronald Vincent, Asst. Prin. (rvincent) 200 East Pirate Lane Kaplan, LA. 70548 School: 643-6385 or 8613 Julia (juliat) Fax: 643-3543 LEBLANC ELEM PK-5 Dawn Amy, Prin. (daw-

• Catering all your special event needs in our spacious banquet facility. • For Parties of 20 or more Complimentary Dinner for driver & tour guide. • Reservatins Accepted • Major Credit Cards taken

riverfrontalouisianagrill.com

503 W. Port St., Abbeville • 893-3070

Great Food. Great Service. Great Atmosphere.

Page 22

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

3 newspapers in parish

Schools

From staff reports

From Page 21

For information and news concerning the latest events happening in the Vermilion Parish area and across the state, tune in to local newspapers, radio stations and television stations for complete, up-to-date coverage. Vermilion Parish has three local newspapers which offer the most information on political issues, activities, school news and more from the surrounding area. General Manager Kathy Cormier heads the operation of the Abbeville Meridional. The daily newspaper strives to give complete coverage to events throughout the parish. The Meridional ’s website is

Seventh Ward is one of Vermilion Parish ’s Elementary Schools.

Fax: 643-7013 SEVENTH WARD PK-5 Priscilla Cormier, Prin. (pcormier) 12012 Audubon Rd Abbeville, LA. 70510 School: 893-5875 Debra (dlmeaux) Fax: 893-8984 J.H.WILLIAMS 6-8 Mikal Stall, Prin. (mstall) Kenyatta Small, Asst. Prin (ksmall) Paulette Gaspard, Asst. Prin. (pgaspard) 1105 Prairie Avenue Abbeville LA 70510 School: 893-3943 Cindy (crufns) Fax: 893-5190

V. P. ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM M. C. Wright, Facilitator (mwright) 904 North Fredrick Kaplan, LA 70548 Phone: 643-6166 643-6178 Fax: 643-6586 P A R O C H I A L SCHOOLS MALTRAIT MEMORIAL K-8 Renee C. Meaux, Prin. (rmeaux) 1 Crusader Square Kaplan, LA. 70548 School: 643-7765 MT. CARMEL ELEM PK-8 Sr. Janet LeBlanc, Prin.

(sisjanet) 405 Park Avenue Abbeville, LA. 70510 School: 898-0859 -srjanet@mceschool.com -carmel@mceschool.com 8

ST. PETER ELEM PK-

George L. Gardiner, III Prin. (gardiner) 513 Sixth Street Gueydan, LA. 70542 School: 536-7930

www.vermiliontoday.com. The Meridional office is located at 318 N. Main. To give a news tip or place an advertisement, call 893-4223. Managing Editor Judy LeBlanc and the Gueydan Journal provide complete coverage to Gueydan and the surrounding area in a weekly newspaper format. In Kaplan, the Kaplan Herald supplies all the latest in business news and issues. Editor Judy Mire gathers all the news from her office at 116 N. Cushing in Kaplan. Providing the best television coverage in Acadiana are KATC - TV3, KLFY - TV10, and KADN - Channel 15, all of Lafayette.

Hebert’s Steakhouse

Nunez, LA • 337-643-2933

Serving Steaks, Seafood & Pasta Private Party Room

VERMILION CATHOLIC 9-12 Joseph Steepleton, Prin. 425 Park Avenue Abbeville, LA. 70510 School: 893-6636 Fax: 898-0394 josephsteepleton@vermilioncatholic.com

(Accommodates a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 50 guests)

Available for: Wedding Rehearsals Showers Meetings Birthday Parties

Class Reunions Engagement Parties Sports Gatherings (Áat screen tv available)

* Call For Details * Select Menu Available for Parties

Page 23

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

When You ’re On Highway 14 Look For The Star!

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Page 24

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Acadians make Vermilion great place to live The one thing that can ’t be overlooked is Vermilion Parish ’s most formative, and often most memorable characteristic -- its people. Southerners are known for their hospitable and friendly nature, but the people of Vermilion Parish seem to thrive on good nature. Local traditions are based on togetherness -- crawsh boils, hunting and shing trips, tightknit church communities and lazy Sundays are, beneath it all, opportunities for socializing. Cajuns -- mainly descendants of exiled Acadian people -- make up a considerable portion of the population here and are credited for their impact on the culture of Louisiana as a whole. The Cajuns retain a unique dialect of the French language and have, through intermarriage with other cultures and ethnicities, main-

tained many distinctive traits as a people. The Acadians were exiled from their native land of Acadia, which is now Nova Scotia, during the period of 1755-1763. The period has become known has the Great Upheaval, known has the Great Upheaval, or Le Grand Derangement. After hearing of the hospitable nature of existing Louisiana settlers, mostly of French and Spanish descent, many Acadians ended up settling in the Gulf Coast state. The Spanish governor Bernardo de Galvez permitted the displaced people to speak their own language, practice their own religions and overall live their lives without much interference. The Cajun people remained mostly secluded until the early 1900 ’s -- a tradition which can still be seen alive

in places like Pecan Island (which could only be reached by boat until the mid-20th century). During this time attempts were made to suppress Cajun culture, for a while forbidding the use of the Cajun French language in schools. South Louisiana ’s geography played a big role in the development of the Cajun lifestyle. The bayous and wetlands of the Gulf Coast allowed settlers to make a sustainable living off the land. Fishing, hunting and trapping are still evident as tradition, but were once a necessary way of life for people here. Living off the land instilled in locals both a respect for nature and a self-sufcient instinct. The land of Vermilion Parish and surrounding areas is perfectly suitable for raising cattle, farming rice and sugar cane and other agricul-

tural aspects. Over years of raising fuel prices, the salt water remnants of hurricanes and the development of rural lands, farming does not so easily pass on through generations; however, agriculture is still a solid part of both Louisiana and U.S. economy and places like Henry and Mouton Cove are still patchworks of cattle, sugar cane and crawsh ponds. Today Louisiana has begun to embrace its Cajun roots, promoting its music, language, and cuisine. People travel from all over the world -- notably Nova Scotia -- to experience an authentic culture that continues to thrive. For more information on the Cajun people, visit acadian-cajun.com.

Important phone numbers to know So You ’re New In Town... Need help in locating services? Here ’s who to call: Electricity, Water & Sewer Service (within city limits) Garbage Collection Vermilion Parish Police Jury 898-4338 Cable TV COX Communications 893-3376 Telephone Service Bell South (Toll Free) 557-6500 Delcambre Telephone 685-3211 Kaplan Telephone 643-7171

Registrar of Voters 898-4324 Natural Gas Center point Entergy - 8932814 Propane Suburban Propane 893-4614 Library Vermilion Parish Library 893-2674 Automobile Registration & Driver ’s License Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles 893-1316 Property Tax Vermilion Tax Assessor 893-2837 Voter Registration -

Airports Abbeville Municipal Airport 893-7128 Lafayette Regional Airport 266-4400 Emergency - Dial 911 Vermilion Sheriff - 893-0871 Abbeville Police - 893-2511 Delcambre Police - 685-4404 Erath Police - 937-5651 Gueydan Police - 536-9219 Kaplan Police - 643-8600 Maurice Police - 893-2540 To Report Fire - Dial 911

Rehab, Dementia Care Unit, V.A. contracted facility

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Page 25

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Important School Board numbers to know Parenthesis denotes email addresses – add vrml.k12. la.us after the address

898-5702 CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

ADMINISTRATION Schexnayder, Randy (randys) 898-5764 Burleigh, Bridgette (bridgetteb) 898-5764 BUSINESS Sellers, Phillip (psellers) 898-5705 Babineaux, Brandy (bbabino) 898-5844 Dubois, Teresa (tdubois) 898-5704 Gaspard, Patti (pattig) 898-5706 Ledet, Charmaine (cledet) 898-5770 Lege, Randy (rlege) 8985701 Migues, Rosslyn (rmigues) 898-5707 Nunez, Vickie(Print shop) (vnunez) 898-5820 Romero, Kelli (kromero) 898-5772 Touchet, Deena (deenat) 898-5703 Walker, Brandy (bwalker) 898-5778 Woodruff, Calvin (woody) 898-5777 CHILD NUTRITION Jumonville, Mary (maryj) 898-5802 Broussard, Jenny (jennyb) 898-5714 Gary, Janice (jgary) 8985715 Landry, Myrna (mlandry)

898-5814 Soileau, Kirk (ksoileau) 898-5849

Dubois, Jude (jdubois) 898-5773 Dartez, Mike (mdartez) 898-5833 Hardy, Theresa (thardy) 898-5773 Potier, Lola (lpotier) 6437896 Villejoin, Dawn (dawnv) 898-5752 COMPUTER CENTER Adams, Russell (radams) 898-5741 Campbell, Belinda (belindac) 898-5738 Heckenbach, John (johnh) 898-5740 Raeuchle, Joyce (joycer) 898-5739

Hebert, Camille (camilleh) 898-5746 Johnson, Eric (ejohnson) 898-5748 Meaux, Greg (gmeaux) 898-5756 MAINTENANCE Puyau, Jerome (jpuyau) 898-5803 Boudreaux, Drey (dreyb) 898-5735 Hargrave, Farrell 8985736 Porter, Hilda (hporter) 898-5735 Toups, Barry (btoups) 898-5734 Warehouse 898-5736 NETWORK SYSTEMS

CURRICULUM Rizzuto, Robert (brizzuto) 898-5755 Arceneaux, Ellen (ellena) 898-5750 Alston, Donna (dalston) 898-5754 Baudin, Ethel (ethomas) 898-5716 Clements, Rose (rosec) 898-5749 Cormier, Jeannie (jeanniec) 898-5711 Dehart, Madeline (mdehart) 898-5807 Dugas, Mary Joyce (mjdugas) 898-5758 Guzzetta, Tory (torrieg) 898-5749 Hardy, Ann (ahardy) 8985757 Mire, Patrice (patricem)

Waguespack, Charlotte (cwagspak) 898-5753 Landry, Garolyn (glandry) 898-5760 Landry, Mia (mialandry) 898-5753 Palombo, Karen (karenp) 898-5753 SALES TAX Vincent, Kathryn (kvincent) 898-5732 Artigue, Adrianne (aartigue) 898-5733 Mathers, Linda (lmathers) 898-5810 Trahan, Claudette (claudett) 898-5780

5719 Abbott, Brooke (babbott) 898-5717 Abshire, Cathy (cabshire) 898-5832 Broussard, Christine (chrisb) 898-5792 Bohrer, Resa (rbohrer) 898-5784 Boullion, Leslie (leslieb) 898-5775 Burleigh, Brenda (burleigh) 898-5723 Darby, Sarah (sdarby) 893-2899 Delino, Keith (keithd) 898-5791 Domingue, Cheryl (cheryld) 740-5902

SPECIAL EDUCATION Gage, Larry (lgage) 898-

VERMILION CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 425 Park Avenue Abbeville, Louisiana 70510 337.893.6636 www.vermilioncatholic.com

Gremillion, Donald (grem55) 898-5846 Toups, Ben (bentoups) 898-5847 NURSES Bertrand, Cindy (cyndib) 898-5713 Desormeaux, Catherine (cdesormeaux) 898-5813 Meaux, Helen (hmeaux) 898-5799 PARENTING CENTER (700 CHARITY ST.) Winters, Bridget (bridgetw) 898-5808 PERSONNEL

Registration begins on January 31st for the 2011-2012 school year.

Bus transportation is available from locations in Maurice and Milton. For more information, contact the ofÀce @ 893-6636 or visit www.vermilioncatholic.com. VCHS does not discriminate on the basis of physical disability, race, sex, national or ethnic origin in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies.

Page 26

Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Places To Lodge In Parish Lodging

www.sunnysidemotel.com

Executive Inn Express 730 Veterans Memorial Dr Abbeville, La 75010 337-740-4666 www.executiveinnexpress.com

Sunbelt Lodge 1903 Veterans Memorial Dr Abbeville, LA 75010 337-898-1453 www.sunbeltlodge.com

Audubon Acres RV Park 12702 Rue Francios Abbeville, LA 75010 337-893-0580 www.audubonrvpark@aol.com

Extended Stay 3523 Veterans Memorial Dr Abbeville, LA 75010 866-647-3180 www.extendedstayabbeville.com

Vermilion Motel 1713 Charity Street Abbeville, LA 75010 337-893-1404

Betty’s RV park 2118 State Street Abbeville, LA 75010 337-893-7057 www.bettysrvpark.com Hebert’s Cajun Heaven RV 106 Trahan Street Abbeville, LA 75010 337-893-3504 HEBT2000@aol.com

Best Western Verteran’s Memorial Drive (next to the Abbevile Airport) Lafitte Motel 2101 Charity Street Abbeville, LA 75010 337-893-4061

The Ducote-Williams House 401 N. St. Charles Ave. Abbeville, LA 75010 337-898-0048 Abbevillle RV Park 1105 Port St. Abbeville, LA 75010 337-898-4042 www.abbevillervpark.com

Chateau Vermilion Lege Road Kaplan, LA 70548 337-643-1625 La Maison Des Chenes 40522 East Lake Shore Rd Gueydan, LA 70542 800-888-0960 www.lamaisondeschenes.com Doug’s Hunting Lodge 194Specklebelly Road Gueydan, LA 70542 337-536-7902 www.dougshuntinglodge.com

Sunnyside Motel 700 West 1st Street Kaplan, LA 70548 337-643-7181

NURSING CENTER 5,&+$5' 675((7 ‡ $%%(9,//( /28,6,$1$ ‡

Page 27

Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Census shows newcomers living in rural areas There is good news and there is bad news when it comes to the new 2010 U.S. Census Population totals. First the good. Vermilion Parish has grown 7.8 percent or 4,192 people over the last 10 years. In 2000, the population of the parish was 53,807. The numbers for the 2010 census is 57,999. The next questions is where are the extra people living in the parish? The quick answer is in the northern rural areas of the parish. The North Vermilion area is the fastest growing area in the parish, followed by north of Erath. Hardly anyone has moved into towns over the last 10 years. Only two out of the six towns in the parish have shown a positive increase in population over the last 10 years. Two towns that showed population growth have a total of 692 new people. That leaves the other 3,500 new residents living in the rural areas of the parish. Abbeville’’s new population is 12,257 or 370 more people from 10 years ago. The other community with the largest growth is the Village of Maurice with a new population of 964 - which has increased by 300 percent in 10 years. The population was 322 in 2000. While that is good news, the Village of Maurice was trying to reach a population of 1,000 in order for it be called a town. It missed that mark by 36 residents and will remain a Village for 10 more years. The news is not so positive for four other communities. The city of Kaplan had a big drop of 577 residents.

In 2000, the population was 5,177. The new numbers are 4,600. According to state law, Kaplan also dropped its city ranking and is now considered a town because its population dropped below 5,000. Gueydan dropped 476 citizens over 10 years. In 2000 the population was 1,874 and the new numbers are 1,398. Gueydan Mayor Bob Hensgens said he is not surprised the population has dropped. In his opinion there are two reasons as to why the population is down. Some are moving out of the town into the rural areas and others are moving to Lafayette and not returning, he said. ““I hope this will be Gueydan’’s natural size for years to come,”� said Hensgens. Many residents left Delcambre after Hurricane Rita and Ike. In 2000, the population was 2,168 in Delcambre. Today, the population is 1,866 ––

a loss of 302 residents. Erath, also lost some residents. The new numbers are 2144 or 43 less than 10 years ago. Data for Louisiana show that the ďƒžve most populous incorporated places and their 2010 Census counts are New Orleans, 343,829; Baton Rouge, 229,493; Shreveport, 199,311; Lafayette, 120,623; and Lake Charles, 71,993. New Orleans decreased by 29.1 percent since the 2000 Census. Baton Rouge grew by 0.7 percent, Shreveport decreased by 0.4 percent, Lafayette grew by 9.4 percent and Lake Charles grew by 0.3 percent. The largest parish increase is East Baton Rouge with a population of 440,171. Its population grew by 6.6 percent since 2000. The other parishes in the top ďƒžve include Jefferson, with a population of 432,552 (decrease of 5.0 percent); Orleans, population of 343,829 (decrease of 29.1 percent);

New 2010 Census Population numbers for towns in Vermilion Parish. 2010 Populations Abbeville.....12,257 Kaplan.........4,600 Erath...........2,144 Delcambre...1,866 Gueydan......1,398 Maurice........964

2000 Populations Abbeville.........11,887 Kaplan.............5,177 Erath...............2,187 Delcambre.......2,168 Gueydan..........1,874 Maurice............642

Caddo, population of 254,969 (increase of 1.1 percent); and St. Tammany, population of 233,740 (increase of 22.2 percent). The redistricting ďƒžle consists of ďƒžve detailed tables: the ďƒžrst shows the population by race, including six single race groups and 57

multiple race groups (63 total race categories); the second shows the Hispanic or Latino population as well as the nonHispanic or Latino population cross-tabulated by the 63 race categories.

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Page 28

Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Bancker –– A place to visit in the parish Bancker was once a thriving port community nestled between four large plantations that comprised the main land holdings of the area. In fact, the entrance to the old Cade Plantation is located where LA 690 turns left in front of the Bancker Grotto Memorial Park. The grotto was built on the area’’s early 1900’’s Catholic Church site. To see that church today, you would have to travel to its present location in nearby Henry, where it was dismantled and moved when the population shifted. The original grotto’’s statue of Mary now adorns the front of the Catholic Church in Delcambre. So, what was the purpose of establishing a grotto here? This cave-like structure, a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes in southern France, pays

homage to the apparition of Mary in 1858 to the young shepherdess Bernadette. The Catholic Church played a generous role in shaping south Louisiana culture. Both the church cemetery that dates to 1897 and the grotto have recently been refurbished and are open to the public. Sit under the oaks for a pleasant picnic and watch the ďƒžshermen off the banks of the Vermilion River or simply meditate in the serene setting. The beautiful surroundings are a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You will note that the road north of the Grotto stops at the river. This is the location where the Bancker Ferry transported passengers to the west side of the Vermilion River in times

past. The members of Les Cretiens invite you to visit Bancker Grotto Memorial Park and see the wonders of nature as they occur in this ““Little Bit of Heaven on Earth”â€?. While you’’re in the area, you may want to include a drive south along the banks of the Vermilion River via Live Oak Road to the parish’’s only remaining working plantation. While the public must stop at the plantation gates, the drive is worthwhile for the scenery alone. The roadside near the plantation gates is referred to as ‘‘the rocks’’. This tree lined area provides access to ďƒžshing, bird watching or simply taking in the sites of nature. This quiet countryside is life at its best.

The grotto at Bancker, located south of Abbeville.

Chaisson new chiropractor in Abbeville Houma native is working for Abbeville Chiropractic Clinic Abbeville Chiropractic Clinic would like to welcome Dr. Anita CarrereChaisson. A native of Houma, she completed part of her undergraduate studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and graduated with her Bachelors of Science degree from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

She then went on to receive her Doctorate of Chiropractic, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian, from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, TX. While obtaining her Doctorate Degree, she completed specialty training in sports injury rehabilitation, extremity adjusting, and Kinesio Taping and posture rehabilitation.

Being a runner and triathlete herself, Dr. Carrere-Chaisson recognizes the importance of overcoming injuries fast in order to continue training safe and sound. Dr. Carrere-Chaisson is also a Certiďƒžed Animal Chiropractor and enjoys working with her canine and equine patients as well. Call 893-4353 to schedule your appointment today.

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Page 29

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

Abbeville history and facts Abbeville is in the heart of “Cajun Country ”, and is home to many restaurants that specialize in the authentic tastes of the region. Formerly called La Chapelle, the land that was to become Abbeville was purchased by founding father Père Antoine Désiré Mégret (Père is French for 'Father'), Capuchin missionary, on July 25, 1843 for $900. Megret named the town after his home in France. There were two people living on the land at that time, Joseph LeBlanc and his wife Isabelle Broussard, whose former home Father Megret converted into a chapel. The chapel burned in 1854, and St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church now stands at the same location. Father Megret modeled his original plan for the village after a French Provincial village. In a map he made in 1846, the town was 38 to 40 acres (160,000 m2) in size. It was bounded on the north by St. Victor Boulevard, on the south by Lafayette Boulevard, on the east by "the sisters of Charity," and on the west by Bayou Vermilion. At this point in time the town was called “Abbville ”. It is not clear exactly when or why the transition to "Abbeville" took place. There were two theories as to why this name was chosen. One is that it was a combination of "Abbe" for Abbé Mégret and "ville" for town — thus Abbé's town. The other is that it was named for Abbeville, France, which some believed to have been the birthplace of

Père Mégret. Some support for the second theory could be found in the fact that the town in France is pronounced "Abbville" by the French. However, in 1995, Fr. Jean Desobry discovered in the diocesan archives of Amiens the dossier of Fr. Antoine Jacques Désiré Mégret, who was born on May 23, 1797 at Abbeville dans la Somme and was to become founder of Abbeville in Louisiana. He also found that on February 12, 1844, the pastor gave to his American town the name of the town of his birth. "The residents nd this name especially tting because of the French word abbé

which means father added to the French word ville [which means town]. Their Abbeville is truly la ville de l'abbé [the priest's town]." At the center of downtown is Magdalen Square, which is a beautiful town square accented by huge oak trees, a fountain, and gazebo. Today, a statue stands in Magdalen Square in memorial to Father Megret. In 1890, 637 people lived in Abbeville; in 1900, 1,536; in 1910, 2,907; and in 1940, Abbeville was the home of 6,672 occupants. In 1990, 11,187 people lived in Abbeville. As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 11,887 people,

Sheriff Mike Couvillon and The Vermilion Parish Sheriff ’s deputies wants everyone to remember to buckle up & drive safely.

4,499 households, and 3,014 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,104.3 people per square mile (812.3/km²). There were 5,125 housing units at an average density of 907.3/sq mi (350.2/km²). The ethnic makeup of the city was 54.29% White, 38.56% African American, 0.19% Native American, 5.50% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.93% of the population. In 2005, 76.0% of the population over the age of ve spoke English at home, 16.5% of the population spoke French or

Cajun, and 5.5% spoke Vietnamese. There were 4,499 households out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 21.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.23. (See HISTORY, Page 30)

CHIROPRACTIC OUTLOOK

Backpacks Lead to Back Pain Young children are suffering from back pain and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor. The number of children complaining of back, neck and shoulder pain has increased with the heavy weight along with improper use of backpacks which is not surprising. The longer this weight is carried, the longer it takes to correct itself. Backpacks should be limited to 10% of the child ’s body weight along with proper positioning of the back. See your local chiropractor to diagnosis and treat patient ’s of all age ’s. They can guide students in the proper use of backpacks, good posture, and exercise to strengthen the problem areas. Come by for your free consultation. Call for information: 337-893-4353.

By Dr. Amy Rumbaugh-Durr

Brought to you as a community service by:

Serving & Protecting All Of Vermilion Parish

ABBEVILLE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC 893-4353 Mon.-Wed. 8:30-4:30

Tues.-Thurs. 1:00-6:00

Friday 8:30-12:00

2619 South Dr., Abbeville

Page 30

Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

History

Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Abbeville’’s largest church, is located in the center of the Historical Abbeville District.

From Page 29 In the city the population was 29.7% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males. The median income for a household in the city was $19,714, and the median income for a family was $21,400. Males had a median income of $27,766 versus $16,073 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,680. About 33.3% of families and 37.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 53.8% of those under age 18 and 23.6% of those age 65 or over. There are ďƒžve main festivals throughout the year in Abbeville:

Magdalen Square is located adjacent to the church and is used for many weddings and special occasions.

* Daylily Festival and Garden Show * Giant Omelette Celebration * Les Lumieres du Village d’’Abbeville * Louisiana Cattle Festival * Vermilion Carousel of Arts

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Friday, February 11, 2011 •• Newcomers Edition

Page 31

Palmetto Island State Park: Parish’’s gem Located on the Vermilion River, Palmetto Island State Park offers a real south Louisiana outdoors experience. A boat launch provides access to the river for ďƒžshing and boating, while the interior lagoons allow canoers and kayakers an up-close look at the native plant and animal life. Overnight guests can stay in one of six vacation cabins, each sleeping up to 8 people comfortably. The cabins, nestled among the trees and foliage, are outďƒžtted with a full kitchen and bathroom, ďƒžreplaces for those chilly winter evenings and a screenedin porch for listening to the crickets and frogs sing out their evening melodies. Ninety-six campsites are available for both RV and tent camping, for those who like to get a little closer to nature. The visitor center complex will deďƒžnitely be a "must do" for the day-use visitor, with a water playground and bathhouse. A multi-purpose room can be rented for meetings, family gatherings, weddings and many other events. The ever-present palmetto plants, for which the park is named, are echoed in many of the architectural elements around the park; so pack a picnic and have a scavenger hunt for them all! The gates to Palmetto Island State Park are opened 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. The entrance station is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. All park sites close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays. An entrance fee of $1 per person is needed upon arrival. The state park is free for

Palmetto Island State Park is located in Southern Vermilion Parish. seniors (62 and older) and for 82 out of town, turning left children ages 3 and under. onto LA 690, then right onto The State Park has a .7 Pleasant Drive. GPS Coormile Cypress-tree lined na- dinates: N 29 52.158, W 92 ture trail. 09.1010. Directions: In Abbeville, turn left onto LA 14/W. Summers Drive, then right onto LA 82/N. State Street. Follow LA

Palmetto Island State Park sits in a beautiful and lush natural setting.

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TRUMAN ABSHIRE BODY & WRECKER

1922 Cheryl Drive • Abbeville. LA. (337) 893-8400

ASE and I-CAR CertiĂ€ed Technicians Wreckmaster CertiĂ€ed Towing and Recovery Operator 24 HR Wrecker ““We Service Meet By 893-1608 EST. 1969 Accident”â€?

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Page 32

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Newcomers Edition

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