VISION WEST
West Baton Rouge Parish - Community, Growth, Possibilities
A quarterly publication for West Baton Rouge residents by your public agencies • JULY, 2008
Calendar of Events
Aug - Dec Brusly Memories historical exhibit at
WBR Musuem
Aug 22
“Aloha Summer” Luau at Addis
Community Center, 6 p.m. For
reservations call WBR Chamber, 225383-3140.
Sept. 18
Prime Time Family Reading Time
program begins at Library
Sept 25
WBR Chamber’s Teacher of the Year
Reception: 6-8pm, Brian’s Furniture in
Port Allen
Oct. 5
Oct 11
& Oct. 12
Sugar Fest at WBR Museum
Smokin’ Oldies Bar-B-Que Cook Off
and Fest at the WBR Convention &
Visitors Bureau. See page 2 for info.
Oct. 16
Cowboy and author Bill Jones book
reception, 10 a.m. at WBR Library
Oct. 23-26 Parish Fair at WBR Riding Arena
in Port Allen
Oct. 24
WBR Library sponsors the Great
Pumpkin Patch: decorating pumpkins,
costume parade and Halloween tales
at Heros’ Plaza in Port Allen, 4-8:30
p.m.
Nov 9
Veterans Day Parade: 1pm, Port Allen.
This parade honors our nation’s
military. Enter a float, sponsor a float,
or volunteer. For info call the WBR
CVB - 344-2920
JULY 4TH CELEBRATION DRAWS A CROWD...
Thousands of people turned out on Port Allen’s
Old Ferry Landing for the Independence Day
celebration, including food, music and children’s
activities. The event is sponsored annually by
the parish Parks and Recreation Department,
the WBR Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and
the City of Port Allen.
Parish launches Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful
Meetings to make West Baton
Rouge an affiliate of Keep America
Beautiful, and to give the parish access
to its many litter programs and grants,
have been underway since May.
The parish is moving swiftly and
surely through the certification process.
A committee of officials and interested
citizens has held meetings, completed
a four-hour training session with Keep
America Beautiful representatives,
scoured the parish doing litter and
cigarette butt surveys, and worked on
G O V E R N M E N T
WBR PARISH COUNCIL - Meets 2nd & 4th Thursday of
each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Parish Council Building,
225-383-4755, www.wbrparish.org
a logo for the local affiliate, Keep West
Baton Rouge Beautiful.
The parish has also managed to
get its first grant from Keep America
Beautiful, a $1,500 grant to put cigarette
butt receptacles in public places to curb
cigarette butt littering (see page 3).
The Organizational subcommittee
includes Sue Blanchard, Mayor Joey
Normand of Brusly, Port Allen Councilwoman Ray Helen Lawrence, Brusly
Councilwoman Joanne Bourgeois and
Karen St. Cyr of the Port of Greater Ba-
M E E T I N G S
CITY OF PORT ALLEN - Committee meetings on 1st
Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Town council
meetings on 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5:30
p.m., 225-346-5670, www.portallen.org
WBR PARISH SCHOOL BOARD - Committee meetings on 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. School
Board meetings on 3rd Wednesday of each month at
5 p.m. at the School Board office, 225-343-8309, www.
wbrschools.net
TOWN OF BRUSLY - Committee meetings on 1st Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Town Council meetings
on 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., 225-7492909, www.bruslyla.com
WBR PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION - Meets on
the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at
the Council meeting room in the Parish Council Building.
WBR PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION - Meets on
the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at
the Council meeting room in the Parish Council Building.
TOWN OF ADDIS - Meets on 1st Wednesday of each
month at 7 p.m. at Addis Town Hall. Phone: 225-6874844, www.addisla.org
WBR CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU - Meets
on the 2nd monday of each month at noon at the WBR
Tourist Information & Conference Center.
ton Rouge. The Litter Index Subcommittee includes Normand, WBR Councilmen Keith Washington, Phil Porto
and Anita Wilkinson.
The Focus Survey subcommittee
includes Jordan Tremblay and Stacey
Chaisson of Dow Chemical Co. Other
volunteers are West Baton Rouge
School Superintendent David Corona
and Parish President Riley “PeeWee”
Berthelot.
“As an avid outdoorsman, public
Continued on Page 3
Veterans on Parade
Nominations are being accepted for Grand Marshall of the annual Veterans
Parade held in Port Allen on Sunday, November 9. This is the only parade
honoring veterans in Louisiana. Call the West Baton Rouge Convention
and Visitors Bureau at 344-2920 for a nomination form, or to have a float or
vehicle in the parade, or to volunteer.
PAID
School Tools Drive at Hubben’s
Supermarket & Benedetto’s Market
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
Aug. 16
Port Allen, LA
Permit #18
Live Homework Help available and
expanded, see library or www.wbr.lib.
la.us for info
Postal Patron Local
Aug. 1
West Baton Rouge Museum
40 kids look to the
past for summer fun
What a blast it was at the Blast from the Past
Summer History Camp at the West Baton Rouge
Museum in June. The theme “Every Vote Counts:
Election Year 2008” brought to life the real meaning of
patriotism to more than 40 kids eager to learn history
and experience old fashioned games of times
past.
Campers heard details about the
Louisiana Purchase, Governor Claiborne and
the Battle of New Orleans; participated in open
hearth cooking; and learned facts about Huey
Long and his campaign slogan “A chicken in
every pot.” The campers made their own kites
and flew them with Ben Franklin; enjoyed a
Jean Laffite treasure hunt while making pirate
hats and playing pirate games; learned about
Jimmie Davis and sang the famous song “You
are My Sunshine.”
During the week, the group prepared to
hold a mock election called “Waiting to Vote.”
The activity included campaigning for their
favorite candidate and voting for the candidate
using voting machines demonstrated by the parish
Registrar of Voters staff.
Activities such as weaving bracelets, planting a
victory garden, making soap and learning about soap
box speeches, participating in washboard relays, and
candle making were just a few of the crafts and games
the campers enjoyed. Designing campaign posters and
campaign buttons were another part of the camper’s
daily pastimes. Campers enjoyed making and eating
all-American apple pie, cutting and sewing a crazy quilt
Kids enjoy the activities of the Blast
From the Past summer camp in the
photos at left and above. The theme
of the camp, “Every Vote Counts:
Election 2008” was reflected in a
variety of activities at the camp, as is
shown in the photos.
block in red, white and blue colors; writing with a quill pen
and using a wax seal.
The “Discovery Boxes” program was introduced at
the camp. It is a new activity designed for student groups
to learn about historical people who contributed to the
history of West Baton Rouge. Biographies of some of
the famous historical characters include Julien Poydras,
Charles Adams, Slim Harpo, and Henry W. Allen. The
Discovery Boxes program is available year-round for
school tours at the West Baton Rouge Museum.
The exhibit Brusly Memories:
Historical Photographs will be
open from August 30, 2008
until late December 2008 at the
West Baton Rouge Museum!
West Baton Rouge Tourism
Louisiana tourism to
be featured at Epcot
West Baton Rouge will be
represented in a unique tourism event
at Walt Disney World that is expected to
draw 11 million people over a six-week
period, said Tourism Director Sharon
Stam.
Louisiana’s Department of Culture,
Recreation and Tourism is hosting a
pavilion at the 2008 Epcot International
Wine and Food Festival at Disney World
in Orlando. It is only the second state
in the nation to be asked to sponsor a
pavilion to showcase its food, culture,
entertainment and artisans, Stam said.
West Baton Rouge will be part of the
Capital region, a group of 10 parishes
that has pooled its resources to greet
visitors during one week of the festival.
West Baton Rouge has submitted talent
from the parish to be part of the event,
ABOUT THIS
PUBLICATION:
Page 2 | Vision WEST | July, 2008
and Stam said that they have received
confirmation of one band so far – The
Fabulous Bagasse Boyz of Port Allen,
a bluegrass band including Hans Fritz
Mayers, Willi Sager and Rex Hall. Stam
said she hopes to have a kite making
section of the pavilion to promote Kite Fest
Louisiane’, and will have a representative
at the event for that week promoting West
Baton Rouge attractions and events.
“It is quite a thrill for us in the Louisiana
tourism industry to be presented with the
opportunity to promote the state to 11
million people at one venue in a 6-week
time period,” Stam said. The festival
begins September 26 and continues
through November 9. The Capital region
will be representing the state during the
last week of the festival.
&
Mark your calendar for a ramped up
Oldies But Goodies Festival Oct. 11, 12
The overwhelming success of the past two Oldies But Goodies Festivals has
resulted in this year’s event drawing new activities, entertainment and sponsors.
Set for October 11 and 12 at the West Baton Rouge Tourist Information and
Conference Center in Port Allen, this year’s event will include added barbeque
cook-offs on Saturday for amateurs and children, in addition to the professional
State Championship Cook-off with prize money totaling $6,000.
Entertainment by Bits and Pieces, activities for kids and delicious barbeque
dinners will be available on Saturday. Sunday’s activities include entertainment
by Elvis Tribute Artist Brandon Bennett and the Heartbeat Orchestra, Mason
McClain and Kenny Fife, hula hoop, jitterbug and twist dance contests, a poker
run and other activities.
For sponsorship opportunities, to enter the cook-off, volunteer or be a judge
call Kathy Gautreau at the West Baton Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau
is published quarterly as a cooperative
endeavor of West Baton Rouge Parish government agencies to
educate residents about projects, activities and services in the
parish. It is produced by Peacock Communications, LLC. Comments
can be sent to: ellie@peacockcommunications.com, or call 225929-9661.
West Baton Rouge Parish Government
Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful
Continued from Page 1
servant and resident of West Baton
Rouge, litter is a concern for me,” said
Phil Porto. “Not only is it unsightly, but it
is also a reflection of the people who live
or work here. When we have investors
coming to the parish and they see litter
all along our highways, this does not give
a good impression of the people that they
will employ.”
Porto said through the Keep West
Baton Rouge Beautiful program, they
hope to create a culture change in area
residents and the people who work in
West Baton Rouge to one in which litter
is unacceptable. He noted that as the
new logo for the program states, “Keep
West Baton Rouge Beautiful – A Total
Community Effort,” it will take all residents
involvement to make this change.
The Keep America Beautiful organi-
zation offers numerous proven and successful programs, training and educational materials to assist local chapters,
and also provides numerous grants for
various litter and beautification initiatives.
In addition, local groups have networking
opportunities with other affiliates and assistance to assist program volunteers.
The certification process involves
the pre-certification training, establishing
a board of directors, developing a
community plan, certification training, and
building success-oriented programs and
recognition. West Baton Rouge hopes to
launch the parish plan in January.
Anyone wanting to volunteer to serve
on the Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful
Committee should call Wayne Delapasse
at the parish at 383-4755.
LITTER SURVEY… Surveying
the parish for a litter index is
part of the Keep West Baton
Rouge Beautiful certification
process. Shown above are
the committee members that
spent a day on the survey
are, from left, Phil Porto,
Wayne Delapasse, Mary
Delapasse, Anita Wilkinson
and Karen St. Cyr.
CIGARETTE BUTT SURVEY… Did you know that the number one cause of litter is discarded
cigarette butts? The volunteers who did a cigarette butt survey in West Baton Rouge found that
areas that did not have receptacles had the largest amounts of cigarette butts. They found that
areas such as Casa Loma Shopping Center had the fewest discarded cigarette butts because each
business had at least one receptacle in front of the business. The parish received a grant from
the Keep America Beautiful’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program to perform the survey and place
receptacles in public areas to reduce this litter. Residents are reminded that cigarette butts are
considered litter and should be disposed of properly. Working on the survey are, from left, Wayne
Delapasse, Sue Blanchard, Ray Helen Lawrence and Joanne Bourgeois.
Council takes to the road
The West Baton Rouge Council will take its monthly meetings to other areas of the
parish in the coming months. The Council will meet at The Erwinville Community Center
on Thursday, August 28, at 6:30 p.m.; at the Addis Community Center on Thursday,
September 25, at 6:30 p.m.; and at Brusly Town Hall on Thursday, October 23, at 6:30
p.m. The meetings will move back to the Parish Council Chamber in the governmental
building in Port Allen after the October meeting.
LEASH LAW REMINDER
Residents who own pets are reminded that West Baton Rouge has a leash
law, which means that pets should not be allowed to roam freely in the parish. In
addition, those who capture animals should bring them to the WBR Animal Control
office during office hours, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We do not encourage dropping off animals after hours, however, if it is an
absolute necessity, the animal should be secured with a leash or in a pet carrier
under the carport area of the Animal Control office,” said Richard Summers, Animal
Control Officer. For more information, call the Animal Control office at 336-2428.
RECREATION UPDATE:
RIDING ARENA COMPLETE… The first phase of West Baton Rouge’s huge new multipurpose
center has been completed, and the first big event in the arena was a rodeo and trail ride on July
26. The facility includes a foundation and covering for the 175 feet by 250 feet building, a corral
and bleachers. A second phase, to include restrooms, a concessions stand and more bleachers,
will be started in 2009. The arena is available for lease for company picnics and other events, and
will be the site of the Parish Fair on October 23-26.
Summer camp attendance good
The summer day camps held in Addis, Port Allen and Erwinville were well
attended and provided not only summer fun, but educational activities for local kids,
said Recreation Director Anatole Vincent. “We averaged about 60 kids a day in Addis,
40 kids a day in Port Allen and about 20 kids a day in Erwinville,” he said. Besides
numerous camp activities, the participants also took field trips to the State Capitol,
State Museum, West Baton Rouge Museum and West Baton Rouge Library.
SUMMER FUN AT THE POOL…
TENNIS COURT GETTING USE… The new tennis court built next to the Erwinville Community
Center is getting a lot of use by area residents. The facility includes a beautifully finished court,
with lighting and parking, which is a fine addition to the park and recreational area that includes
a children’s playground, walking track and ball fields. Shown enjoying a game of tennis are local
residents Joy Hobbins, left, and Lynn Cline, at back of court.
The William & Lee Pool is providing a much cooler summer for area
residents. It opened in June. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 2-7 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday, and 3-7 p.m. on Saturday. Fridays from 10
a.m. until noon are reserved for groups, and the pool can be reserved
for private parties on Sundays from 3-7 p.m. with a $100 use fee. For
more information, call the West Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation
Department at 336-2426.
Vision WEST | July, 2008 | Page 3
West Baton Rouge Assessor
Are you disabled, 65 or older? Apply
now for property assessment freeze!
West Baton Rouge property owners
who are disabled or 65 years old or older
should apply now to have a freeze put
on their property assessments, or face
increased assessments, said Assessor
Barney “Frog” Altazan.
Properties are being re-valued
this year, according to state law, and
property owners should expect increases
in property values, which means higher
property tax bills. The Louisiana Special
Assessment Level program allows for
residents who are disabled or 65 years of
age or older to have the assessed value of
their home frozen for tax purposes. This
means their home would not be subject to
the re-valuation and the assessed value
of their home would remain the same no
matter if the property values increase.
To qualify for the Special Assessment
Level program, property owners must:
• Have a homestead exemption and
live in the house.
• Be 65 years of age or older, or be
disabled, or be military disabled.
• Have a combined (husband and
wife) adjusted gross income of $64,655
or less.
The form to apply for this program
is available on the assessor’s website
at www.wbrassessor.org. Click on
the button for forms at the left side of the
screen and then click on the form named
“Permanent Application for Louisiana
Special Assessment Level. The form is
also available at the Assessor’s Office. It
must be completed, signed and delivered
to the Assessor’s Office.
Property tax notices will be
processed beginning in August, so it is
important for those who apply for this
tax break to do so as soon as possible,
Altazan said.
The new assessed values set this
year will be reflected in higher property
tax bills for property owners this year.
“The Assessor’s Office does not set
tax rates,” Altazan said. “West Baton
Rouge voters approved the property
tax millages in elections. Our job
is to assess the fair market value of
property and calculate tax bills based
on the millages that are in place.”
Tax bills will be mailed out in late
October by the West Baton Rouge
Sheriff’s Department, which is the
property tax collection agency for the
parish.
THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
The Assessor’s Office is located on the first floor of the West Baton Rouge
Parish Courthouse in Port Allen. For more information on its services,
call 344-6777 or check out its website: www.wbrassessor.org.
West Baton Rouge Library
New learning center is
“simply irresistible”
The library has a new learning center especially designed for the very young child,
but library personnel have observed that the area is a great attraction for older children,
teens, and adults too. The appropriately named “Simply Irresistible Learning
Center” provides a range of activities for children to explore and happily
pursue again anytime they visit the library.
What excites Judy Boyce, youth services librarian, about the center is that
while youngsters are having fun, they’re observing and gaining experience with
language, basic science and math concepts that are fundamental to their later
school success. Grants from the Cargill Foundation, and the local Cargill Grain
Division and Horizon Milling plant made the new learning center possible. The
Center resides along with the books in the library’s Youth Services Department,
a pleasant family friendly area made even more appealing with the recent
installation of a colorful wall mural, the work of Maria Blanchard, a Brusly High
School graduate and a University of Louisiana art education major.
No matter the weather outside nor the time of day, Blanchard’s mural brings
the best of sunny days inside. The centerpiece for the mural is a handsome, three
dimensional Live Oak complete with rope swing and a panel insert on which to
write or draw with the magical “light writer.” Anywhere the “light writer” touches
the panel, a glowing green mark temporarily appears. The “light writer” is one of
nine interactive learning stations the library has acquired from the Burgeon Group
of Arizona, the leading manufacturer of such innovative stations.
The other eight interactives are artfully crafted in bright colors with moveable parts
that can be spun, pulled, traced, counted, and matched. The stations are constructed
of safe, durable material, and their use does not require instruction. The stations have
been a big hit with families visiting the library since they were installed in June.
Boyce reports that “children and adults find them fascinating. They really provide
children opportunities to learn through experiment and exploration and they promote
family interaction and communication so important in learning.” In addition to the
learning stations, the library used the Cargill grants to acquire whimsical rabbit and
bear chairs just right for toddlers and preschoolers to sit on and a full-sized puppet
Page 4 | Vision WEST | July, 2008
Children and their families are enjoying the
hands-on activities of the new Simply Irrestable
Learning Center. The photo above shows the threedimensional Live Oak tree with magical “light writer.”
The photo at left shows one of eight interactive
stations.
stage with a caste of puppets for impromptu performances by would-be puppeteers of
all ages. The “Simply Irresistible Learning Center” enhances the library’s commitment
to providing collections, services, and programs which foster the young child’s
intellectual and emotional growth and reading readiness. Hundreds of outstanding,
developmentally appropriate science, concept, and math picture books for preschool
children are available to borrow.
The library also presents several series of “Mother Goose” programs that provide
families with opportunities to explore basic science, math, and natural science concepts
and processes through outstanding picture books and hands-on activities.
West Baton Rouge School System
New mentoring program helps
students SOAR to new heights
West Baton Rouge Parish System
Superintendent David Corona announced his
support of Project SOAR, a new research-based
mentoring program in the area.
Funded in
part by a multi-year federal grant from the U.S.
Department of Education, Project SOAR is a
collaborative effort of the
WBR School System, the
Parish President’s Office,
the City of Port Allen, along
with local businesses and
religious institutions.
The program is designed
to connect students (“Mentees”) with trained supportive
adults (“Mentors”) to help
them build their capacity to
succeed in education and in
life through one-on-one mentoring relationships. These
relationships are formed during the weekly mentoring sessions which occur
during school hours and on the school campus.
Currently, participant enrollment is focused on 4th
-8th graders at Cohn and Port Allen Middle and
the areas of focus include academic success,
self-esteem, character development, school-tocareer and/or workforce development initiatives.
Parents are encouraged to enroll their
children in this quality youth development
program. A recent study looked at outcomes for
youth in five school-based mentoring programs.
According to the teachers who referred youth to
the programs in the study:
• 64 percent of the students developed more
positive attitudes toward school;
• 60 percent improved relationships with adults,
and 56 percent improved relationships with
peers;
• 58 percent achieved higher grades in social
studies, languages, and math; and
• Students involved in the programs were less
likely than their peers to repeat a grade, and
their average number of unexcused absences
dropped.
Many West Baton Rouge
area businesses are partnering
with Project SOAR to ensure
the program’s success by
allowing
employees
the
opportunity to participate in
the program while remaining
on the company’s clock
or by allowing flexibility in
their lunch breaks. Local
businesses are invited to get
involved with the program
and to continue their
investment in children and
the public school system.
Project SOAR is a program of New Beginnings Community Development Corporation, a
local nonprofit agency. The mission of New Beginnings CDC is to improve the quality of life in
our community by providing educational support,
life skills training, and enrichment opportunities
for youth and their families.
Applications for mentors and mentees are
being accepted for Project SOAR. Project SOAR
mentors must be committed to completing an application and application process that includes a
criminal background check, an in-person interview and a 6-hour training.
Call Isonel Brown at 225-571-1324 or email
her at isonel.brown@cox.net for more information, to receive an application or to learn how you
can make a difference in the life of a child.
Emphasis on math begins with coaches
Math coaches will be helping
teachers in the five elementary schools
of West Baton Rouge this coming school
year, in hopes that the extra emphasis
will result in higher math test scores in
the coming years.
“The school board approved
funding for the math coaches because
they saw how successful the reading
coaches have been in helping
teachers to improve student reading
comprehension,” said Superintendent
David Corona.
“The coaches help ensure that the
teaching is uniform throughout all the
schools and that grade level expectations
are being met,” Corona said. They also
assist teachers with planning lessons
that engage the students, and providing
new teaching techniques.
“We are a year ahead of the state
in getting this initiative going because
we are committed to improving math
and literacy scores,” said Corona.
WBR test scores
show improvement
West Baton Rouge school children showed improvement on
most standardized testing for the 2007-2008 school year. “The big
news is that we improved or tied in the number of kids scoring in
the advanced category, we improved in the number of kids scoring
basic or above, and we reduced the number of kids scoring
unsatisfactory,” said Superintendent David Corona.
“We saw big gains with the 4th grade and 5th grade, and
attribute that to the faithful implementation of our literacy initiatives
by elementary school personnel. The English and math scores are
better because of the emphasis on literacy and comprehension;
and because of early intervention with children who struggle.
We’re beginning to see the results of these efforts.”
“We are expanding the La. 4 program and getting the
Headstart program because we have seen that early intervention
with children is critical for success,” Corona said.
Below are results from some of those tests:
West Baton Rouge Parish
2007 vs 2008 – 4th grade LEAP
ELA
A
M
B
AB
U
B>
07
3%
20%
45%
22%
11%
68%
08
Math
3%
24%
54%
11%
8%
81%
07
2%
11%
43%
28%
17% 56%
08
3%
20%
48%
18%
12%
71%
West Baton Rouge Parish
2007 vs 2008 – 4th grade LEAP
Sci
A
M
B
AB
U
B>
07
2%
9%
47%
32%
11%
58%
08
SS
1%
13%
49%
28%
9%
63%
07
3%
10%
55%
21%
12%
68%
08
1%
14%
53%
21%
11%
68%
West Baton Rouge Parish
ELA
A
M
B
AB
U
B>
2007 vs 2008 – 8th grade LEAP
07
08
Math
07
0%
1%
3%
9%
10%
3%
49%
48%
46%
33%
33%
28%
9%
8%
20%
58%
59%
52%
Sci
A
M
B
AB
U
B>
2007 vs 2008 – 8th grade LEAP
07
08
SS
07
2%
1%
1%
15%
20%
10%
41%
40%
49%
26%
25%
23%
16%
14%
17%
58%
61%
60%
ELA
A
M
B
AB
U
B>
2007 vs 2008 – 10th grade GEE
07
08
Math
07
0%
1%
4%
12%
12%
20%
53%
54%
48%
27%
22%
15%
8%
10%
13%
65%
67%
72%
08
2%
2%
51%
31%
14%
55%
West Baton Rouge Parish
08
1%
13%
45%
28%
13%
59%
West Baton Rouge Parish
MATH COACHES MAKE PLANS… The school system’s new math
coaches have been meeting this summer to map out activities for
the school year. They are, from left, From left to right: Margaret
Pelham, Math Coach at Port Allen Elementary; Allison Kirkland,
Math Coach at Brusly Elementary; Cindy Ourso, Supervisor of
Elementary Schools; Ann Kleinpeter, Math Coach at Chamberlin
Elementary/Devall Middle; Judy Brock, Math Coach at Lukeville
Elementary; and Tricia Manola, Math Coach at Cohn Elementary.
08
13%
15%
47%
15%
11%
75%
CHART ABBREVIATIONS:
A
M
B
AB
U
Advanced
Mastery
Basic
Approaching Basic
Unsatisfactory
B>
ELA
Math
Sci
SS
Basic or above
English Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Vision WEST | July, 2008 | Page 5
City of Port Allen
Port Allen grows with the annexation of Riverview
On August 16, 2008, approximately 400 acres
of property just south of the Intracoastal Bridge will
become part of the City of Port Allen. The process
of enlarging the City will conclude when the U.S.
Justice Department clears all voting and election
matters.
to residents of the area will be provided without
interruption,” said Port Allen Mayor Derek A. Lewis.
According to Mayor Lewis, “Port Allen has
been losing population, which will result in the City
also losing sales tax revenue, unless
we take action to reverse this trend.”
Lewis said the City also plans to annex
a large tract to LA Highway 415,
including Port Allen High School. The
City expects to begin work on that
annexation this fall, but Lewis said
it will be more complicated because
the support of a greater number of
property owners will be required.
RENDERINGS COUTESY OF RIVERVIEW TND
The area of annexation is the tract where the proposed
Riverview traditional neighborhood
development will be built. Developer
Rawlston Phillips said the company
hopes to begin work on its infrastructure in November.
“In the meantime, City leaders
are making preparations to ensure
that necessary government services
City, parish
consider
bus service
The City of Port Allen and Parish Council are
surveying the interest by Port Allen residents and
the cost of providing bus service to Baton Rouge
on a daily basis. Mayor Derek Lewis said city and
parish officials met with representatives of the
Capital Area Transit System (CATS) recently on the
possibility of CATS providing the bus service.
“We are planning on holding a town meeting in
August or September to determine interest in the
service,” said Lewis. A service that would operate
three hours in the morning (6-9 a.m.) and three
hours in the evening (4-7 p.m.) and make about
four stops in Port Allen would cost about $11,000
monthly, the mayor said. He said he thinks riders
would be charged about $2 for a one way trip,
which includes the ride from Port Allen to the major
bus terminal on Florida Street and one transfer to
another bus route in Baton Rouge.
“If we determine that there is enough interest
in the service, we will try it out for a month or two
to determine actual usage before committing to a
longer period,” Lewis said.
Port of Greater Baton Rouge
Port commissioners christen security vessel
Members of the
Greater Baton Rouge
Port Commission were
on hand June 24 to
christen the port’s new
security vessel, Port
Security One.
The
new security vessel was
funded through the U.S.
Department of Homeland
Security’s Port Security
Grant Program.
The security vessel
is a 25 ft. all aluminum
custom-made rapid response watercraft, and
is equipped with twin
150 horsepower Yamaha outboard motors.
The vessel has the capability of traveling in excess of 35 knots per hour, and is
equipped with radar and integrated navigation charts. Cost of construction of the
security vessel was $120,000.
In the event of a maritime incident,
Port Security One provides the Port
of Greater Baton Rouge with additional
response and security capabilities, and
can also serve as a highly maneuverable
platform for harbor surveillance capable
of rapid transit though the port’s jurisdicPage 6 | Vision WEST | July, 2008
tion. The boat’s services can be made
available through the appropriate agencies in case of maritime security events.
The vessel was built locally by Huey
Martinez of Martinez Welding Company,
located in Iberville Parish near Bayou
Sorrell. Huey Martinez is a boat builder
and a master craftsman in the area of
aluminum welding. He has been building
boats for the past 22 years and learned
the craft from his grandfather, who was a
wooden boat manufacturer. On average
and federal, state and local
law enforcement,” said Jay
CELEBRATING THE CHRISTENING… Shown at the
Hardman, port executive dichristening ceremony are, back row from left: Jay
rector.
Hardman, Executive Director, Port of Greater Baton
Since the Department
Rouge; Port Commissioners Charles Thibaut, Louisiana
of Homeland Security began
Farm Bureau, Ascension Parish; Raymond Loup, West
funding for port security initiaBaton Rouge Parish; William Pugh, Iberville Parish;
tives, the port has received
and Bobby Watts, Vice President of the Commission,
over $16.2 million in federal
East Baton Rouge Parish. Front row, from left are Port
and state grants for security
Commissioners Blaine Sheets, Ascension Parish;
improvements and enhanceLarry Johnson, West Baton Rouge Parish; Barbara
ments within the port jurisdicFerdinand, Secretary of the Commission, East
tion. “Our port staff works
Baton Rouge Parish; Randy Brian, President of the
diligently to stay in compliCommission, representing Louisiana Farm Bureau and
ance with all the federal manEast Baton Rouge Parish.
dates for port security. The
addition of the security vessel
will certainly benefit security
this small business builds 35 custom
initiatives over the long-term
aluminum boats annually.
within the port jurisdiction,” noted HardThe Port of Greater Baton Rouge
man.
is strategic and vital to the national and
Latest statistics from the U.S. Army
state economy and securing seaports is
Corps of Engineers Port Rankings places
an on-going discussion at the federal and
the port 12th in the nation and 4th in the
state levels. “It has taken everyone workstate in total cargo tonnage. Annually,
ing together at every level of government
the port handles over 55 million short
to increase security at the port. The port
tons of cargo through its jurisdiction and
has received tremendous support and
a variety of cargoes including grains,
assistance from the port’s congressional
chemicals, petroleum and other bulk and
delegation, state legislative delegation,
breakbulk products.
Town of Brusly
Town awards 14
Landmark Plaques
Brusly residents develop
senior citizens group
Brusly residents are organizing a club for active
senior citizens with the support of the West Baton
Rouge Parks and Recreation Department.
An initial meeting on the development of the
group, held in June, drew 30 people, and an Advisory
Committee was formed to steer development of the
organization. The Advisory Committee includes Babs
Babin, Sara Grady, Lucy Landry, Gerald Mabile and
Janis Stoner. Brusly Mayor Joey Normand and
Anatole Vincent, director of the Parks and
Recreation Department, are ex-officio
members of the committee.
A survey on the ideas, needs, talents
and activities requested was sent to Brusly residents in June, but the senior group
will be open to any West Baton Rouge residents age 50 and older who want to participate. Among the interests discussed
at the initial meeting were aerobics/
exercise classes, jewelry making, computer classes, crocheting, knitting, bingo, dancing, board games, French classes, walking, quilting,
genealogy, crafts, bridge, poker and other games.
“Whether it be facility use, manpower or funding, the West Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation
Department is looking for ways to facilitate the older population in our community,” Vincent told those
attending the initial meeting.
Watch for more information on the development of senior activities.
Town of Addis
Residential development still on-going
Residential building has slowed some in West Baton Rouge, but Addis still has several
developments coming up, said Mayor Carroll Bourgeois. Among them are Sunset Place,
Plantation Ridge, and the expansion of Sugar Mill.
Sunset Place is a 99 lot multi-zone development that is being built behind Acadian
Crossing. Plantation Ridge, a 72-home development off La. Hwy. 1, is almost ready for
construction of homes; and activity continues at the expansive Sugar Mill development.
A 160 unit apartment complex is being planned at Sugar Mill, garden homes have
been started, and a joint venture is in the works to expand the residential development
substantially.
The town has the sewer capacity to handle all of these new developments, plus much
more growth, said Bourgeois. The town presently has a population of about 4,200 and it is
expected to grow to more than 5,000 within a few years.
The first round of Landmark plaques have been
awarded for Brusly homes that met the guidelines of
the town’s new Landmark Commission.
Landmark plaques have been awarded for
the following: Ora H. “Catherine” Blanchard for the
Catherine Blanchard home, Rita Babin for Cazenave
Home, Union Baptist Church, John and Helen
Gossman for the J. Harvey Blanchard, Jr. Home,
Myrtle LaBauve for the Norwood LaBauve Home,
Ethel Mouch for the Mouch Home, Maynette M.
Milazzo for the Riley Allain Home, Steve and Terry
Guidry for the Mandart House, the heirs of Henry
Soniat for the Soniat Home, Jane Hebert Caillouet for
The Old Dance Hall, Thomas and Jeanette Blanchard
for the Redman Hall/David Blanchard Home, Ronald
and Babs Babin for the Stuart Bourgeois House, the
WBR School Board for the Brusly Middle School
Campus, and John and Marianne Berthelot for the
Heno Hebert Home.
The Landmark Commission’s goal is to maintain
the legacy of Brusly’s past by issuing landmark
plaques to homes and buildings that are more than 50
years old. Property owners do not need to know the
exact date their home or building was constructed,
but documentation is helpful. The deadline to send in
applications for the next round of Landmark awards
is September 30. Applications can be obtained at
town hall or by calling 225-749-2909.
Important election set
in Addis on October 4
Voters in Addis will elect a full-time mayor and police chief for the first time
in the town’s history when they go to the polls on October 4. Absentee voting in
the election begins September 20 and ends on September 27.
For information on registering to vote and absentee voting hours, call the
WBR Registrar of Voters Office at 225-336-2421.
Candidates are:
Mayor: Carroll P. Bourgeois and Robert “Bobby” Hebert
Police Chief: Richard “Ricky” Anderson and Ted Berthelot
Council members: Wilson “Hook” Cazes, Lance “Yogi Gautreaux, Bonnie
Kleinpeter, Joseph “Blackie” Landry, Felix Todd Leveron, Russell “Rusty” Parrish,
Paul Wayne Ramagos, Ormise Scott, Sr., David H. Toups, and “Faye” Watts.
Five council members will be elected.
The run-off election will be November 4. Constable Rhonda LeBlanc Kelley
and Justice of the Peace Thomas Glenn Prejean were unopposed and therefore
elected to a new term.
Reminder!
Ground work continues on one of the town’s new residential developments.
Remember that trash pick-up of white goods and other large trash
items is scheduled for the first Monday of the month in Addis. Please put
your large trash goods out by the street on the weekend before the first
Monday of the month. This is the only trash pick-up by the boom truck
for large items and white goods (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc) each
month, so items put out after the first Monday of the month will not be
picked up for another month.
Addis Mayor & Town Council - 1st Wednesday of each month - Town Hall
Addis Planning & Zoning - 3rd Tuesday of each month - Town Hall
Addis Historical Society - 3rd Wednesday of each month - Addis Museum
Civic League of Addis - 2nd Monday of each month - Town Hall
WBR Water District #1 - 1st Thursday of each month - Town Hall
Fire Sub-district #1 - Last Tuesday of each month - Fire Station #3
Vision WEST | July, 2008 | Page 7
Chamber of Commerce
WEST BATON ROUGE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Joint EXPO is a hit!
The joint Business EXPO held May 1, combining the Iberville and West Baton
Rouge Chambers of Commerce, was a big hit, with all booth space selling out, and
attendance of more that 400 people.
“We received very positive responses from businesses who participated in this
year’s EXPO,” said Chamber Executive Director Deborah Biggs. “Businesses liked the
joint event and said they would like to see us continue it, with the sites rotating yearly
between West Baton Rouge and Iberville. The businesses were also very pleased with
the attendance at this event. We had excellent flow of attendees throughout the entire
EXPO, which ran from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.”
This year’s event was held at the Addis Community Center, and the EXPO will be
held next year at the Iberville Parish Civic Center in Plaquemine.
SUMMER LUAU
August 22, 2008
Addis Community Center
La. Hwy. 1, South in Addis ● 6 pm - 9:30 pm
6:00 pm: Social (cash bar) and pupus (appetizers)
Silent auction begins
7:00 pm: Buffet Dinner
Island-style food and beverages
Authentic Polynesian performers
Hawaiian music
Silent and live
auctions
Authentic Hawaiian items, artwork,
Hawaiian vacation packages to each of
the 4 major Hawaiian islands (includes
hotel, restaurants and activities),
jewelry, and many other items!
Scenes from the Business EXPO
Scott Innes of WYNK, the voice of
Scooby-Doo and the
star of “Aloha Scooby-Doo,” will
be the auctioneer!
Candidate forums set
The WBR Chamber will sponsor two candidate forums prior to the October 4
election. Both events will be question and answer forums, with the audience members
providing written questions.
Candidates running for Senate, Congress and State Representative will be invited
to both forums. The forums set are:
Port Allen area: Thursday, September 4, 6-8 p.m. at the Port Allen Community
Center. This includes those running in contested races for the Port Allen municipal
offices.
Addis/Brusly area: Tuesday, September 9, 6-8 p.m. at the Addis Community Center.
All contested races for Addis and Brusly municipal offices will be featured.
Teachers of the
Year to be honored
Mark your calendar for the
Chamber’s reception to honor the West
Baton Rouge Teachers of the Year on
September 25. Brian’s Furniture in Port
Allen will host the event from 6 to 8 p.m.
Awards will be given to the teachers at
7 p.m. This year’s Teachers of the Year
are Hollea Day, Lukeville Elementary
School; Walter Bueche, Brusly Middle
School; and Jenny Leger, Port Allen High
School.
Page 8 | Vision WEST | July 2008
Cost: $19-Members / $29-Non Members. Attendance is limited
and pre-registration is required. To reserve tickets go to the
Chamber website: www.wbrchamber.org or call 225-383-3140
Dress code: Hawaiian casual...real casual! Get out that Aloha
shirt or mu’mu’ from the back of the closet and come on down!
For information: 225-383-3140 or www.wbrchamber.org
We want your input!
The Chamber has now added a “Survey” feature to its website. Go to the
website at www.wbrchamber.org and click on the survey button on the home page
to participate.
This month’s question is: What topic would you like to have for a Business
Before Hours, special meeting or luncheon meeting?
• Workforce Development-How/Where Do We Find Employees in the Near
Future?
• The State of Our School System-Accomplishments, Goals and Future Needs
• Impact of 3,000 New Homes South of the Intracoastal Bridge in the Next 5
Years
• Innovative and Inexpensive Ideas to Market My Small Business
• Other Topic-Please List