VISION WEST
West Baton Rouge Parish - Community, Growth, Possibilities
January, 2008
Calendar of Events
Chamber Membership Banquet
February 26
Spring Art Show
Begins March 29
Lagniappe Dulcimer Festival
March 6-8
Talented Art Student Show
Begins March 1
Chamber Business Expo
April 3
Kite Fest Louisiané
April 4 & 5
Go ‘Green’
A quarterly publication for West Baton Rouge residents by your public agencies
MLK
Parade
rolls in
Port
Allen
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade rolled in Port
Allen on January 19 despite cold, windy weather.
The parade, sponsored by West Baton Rouge
Mass Choir, featured floats and officials riding
in vehicles. It was not the only tribute to MLK
in West Baton Rouge. The WBR Museum has
an impressive King exhibit on display. See page
2 for more information. The photos at right are
scenes from the parade.
‘Snow’ is a hit at Museum’s holiday event
in 2008
A record number of more than 700 people attended the WBR Museum’s holiday open house, called “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let
It Snow” in December. It included performances by local choirs, a visit by Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus, but the hit was
pumped in “snow,” which enabled children to build snowmen and make snow angels (shown above).
Postal Patron Local
PAID
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
COME FLY A KITE... Mark your calendars for Kite Fest
Louisiane, set April 4 & 5. The Museum helps get you
ready by holding a kite making workshop on March 29.
(See info on both events on page 2).
Port Allen, LA
Permit #18
Let’s go “Green” in 2008. Start
with assessing your household
hazardous wastes, such as empty or
partially used containers of cleaners,
pesticides, paints, solvents or
household repair materials.
These chemicals have the
potential for harm in your home, in
the garbage collection truck, or at the
landfill, so please use care in handling
and disposing of these items.
The DEQ (www.deq.louisiana.
gov) web site has information on
recycling, or watch for the household
hazardous waste collection day, held
in May, in Baton Rouge.
Options on properly disposing
of paint include recycling the paint
to
community
theater
groups,
school drama departments and other
groups. Second, bring the paint to the
household hazardous waste drop off
day in Baton Rouge.
Finally, dispose of the paint in a
safer manner. Paint can be solidified
by mixing with kitty litter or other
absorbent materials, let it stand a day
or two until hard. Paint cans with a
very small amount of remaining liquid
can be hardened simply by leaving the
top off for several days, and letting it
dry out naturally. Then place the can
with the rest of your trash for regular
pickup.
West B at o n Ro u ge To u r i s m
Schools, families invited
to join Kite Fest fun
Kite Fest Louisiane’ will fill the Port Allen skies with massive and unique
kites on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5. This event is one for the entire family
- with kite flying, watching, music, food, kids activities and more.
Schools are invited to plan field trips to Kite Fest on Friday from 9 a.m. until
2 p.m. during Kids Day. Reservations should be made by calling the West Baton
Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-654-9701.
On the road as repairs are made
The Bureau staff will be on the road during much of January and February,
promoting the parish at numerous consumer and trade shows in New York,
Chicago, St. Louis, South Padre Island, Long Beach, Los Angeles, and
Washington. “We will be promoting the parish to tour operators, travel agents
and consumers,” said Director Sharon Stam. “We’re hitting more markets than
normal because the tourism center building will be closed for three months and
we’re taking that time to really promote West Baton Rouge.”
The center will be undergoing extensive repairs due to roof leakage
problems after the initial construction that caused interior damage. The repairs
required that the building be vacated. A temporary trailer has been moved to the
site to provide tourism information to visitors, but most of the staff is operating
out of other quarters during the repairs, Stam said. “We are confident that our
conference business will pick back up after we get back into the building,” she
said.
Exotic & unique kites!
Fly a kite for fun!
Kite making
competition!
Watch pros fly huge
kites!
See amazing kite ba
llets!
Friday
2008
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@ Rosedale
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Presented By:
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“FREE TO THE
PUBLIC”
Two new hotels on the way
For event informati
on, field trip book
ings or to voluntee
800-654-9701 ww
r:
w.westbatonrouge
Vendor space: 225-9
.net
39-6711 or kgautre
au@westbatonrou
ge.net
Stam also said plans are proceeding for construction of a Holiday Inn
Express & Suites hotel and a Hampton Inn Suites hotel, both in close proximity
to the tourism center. She expects construction on the facilities to begin this
West B at o n Ro u g e M u s e u m
Martin Luther King exhibit
draws crowds, praise
The West Baton Rouge Museum’s opening reception for the exhibit, Martin
Luther King Jr., Remembered: Photographs by Flip Schulke on January 6 drew a
big crowd and the exhibit has also drawn much media coverage. The exhibit will be
on display until March 30.
The reception featured guest speaker Dr. Ralph Slaughter, President of the
Southern University System and a native of Port Allen. Dr. Slaughter discussed the
significance of Flip Schulke’s images of
Dr. King for today’s generations.
of fellow activists, friends, journalists, political leaders and law enforcement officials
to bring fresh insight to King’s journey. This presentation will be accompanied by
a discussion led by Dr. John R. May, Alumni Professor Louisiana State University
English and Religious Studies. These presentations are free and open to the
public.
Scrap Booking with a Purpose: Historic Preservation
The West Baton Rouge Museum will host a Scrapbooking Class for adults on
February 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. The class will focus on Heritage Scrapbooking,
including preserving old photographs and journaling techniques. Participants will
learn basic scrapbooking techniques. Advanced registration is required and the
deadline is February 15. There will be a $15 materials charge. To register, call (225)
336-2422 ext. 11.
Film Presentations
The film “A Man of Peace in a Time
of War” (2007) will be shown on February
17 from 3-4 p.m. This film focuses on
three major topics: the struggle between
black and white America, division within
the civil rights movement itself, and an
undeclared war in Vietnam.
On February 7, the film “American
Experience: Citizen King” will be shown
from 6:30-9 p.m. This PBS program
includes photographs, film footage,
diaries, letters, and eyewitness accounts
ABOUT THIS
PUBLICATION:
Page 2 - Vision WEST - January, 2008
Talented Art Student Show
The WBR Talented Art Student Show is set for March 16-April
13. The annual student art show will be featured in the Whitehead
Gallery. Opening reception is March 16 from 2-4 p.m.
“Ben Franklin and Kite Flying” Lecture,
Workshop
A scene from the reception of the Martin Luther King, Jr. exhibit.
Sign up now to attend the West Baton Rouge Museum’s
annual kite workshop on March 29 at 2 p.m. This fun family
program will feature kite maker and enthusiast Marshall Harris
as he takes on the persona of Ben Franklin to present a light talk
followed by a workshop in which participants will make a kite. This
program is free, however, space is limited. For more information,
call 336-2422 ext.14.
VISION WEST 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 225-929-9661.
CORRECTION: The October 2007 issue of
Vision West incorrectly stated that the new
radio station in Addis is the only radio station in
WBR. Another station, KPAE, is also operating
from Erwinville.
West Bat o n Ro u g e Pa r i s h G ove r n m e n t
New water main coming to
support southern water demand
Due to the growning demand of residential and commercial projects,
the Parish will be installing a new 20-inch water main across the
Intracoastal Waterway. Along with enhancing the parish’s water system,
this will increase water pressure for the customers of West Baton Rouge
Parish natural gas and water systems.
The parish received a $170,000 grant for the project, and will add
another $150,000 in parish funds to get the work done. Plans for the project
are presently being drawn, and it is expected to begin later this year.
Other infrastructure projects on the agenda for 2008 include increasing
the capacity of the Westport sewer system, and repairs to Westport
Road.
Parish President Riley “PeeWee” Berthelot said the sewer system
project is necessary for the parish to accommodate new apartment
complexes and the construction of a Holiday Inn Select hotel and Hampton
Inn & Suites hotel. Both hotel projects were announced last fall. They will
be located near the West Baton Rouge Tourism and Conference Center
off La. Hwy. 415.
He said the sewer project is expected to cost $750,000, and the
Westport Road repair project will cost $600,000.
LOOP UPDATE... Another public hearing on proposed routes for the
Loop project will be held Thursday, February 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Port
Allen Communty Center, said Parish President Riley “PeeWee” Berthelot,
who supports the loop as a feasible way to relieve West Baton Rouge’s
traffic issues on La. Hwy. 1.
“The infrastructure problems will just get worse in the coming years,
so we are trying to make a loop route through West Baton Rouge palatable
to property owners,” Berthelot said. A final route for the loop will not be
selected for months.
RANDALL MOUCH
Dist. 1
JEFF KERSHAW
Dist. 2
KEITH WASHINGTON, SR.
Dist. 3
RICKY LOUPE
Dist. 4
CHARLENE GORDON
Dist. 5
PHIL PORTO, JR.
Dist. 6
GARY SPILLMAN
Dist. 7
ALETHEA “LISA” JOHNSON
Dist. 8
EDWARD G. ROBERTSON
Dist. 9
New scoreboards at parks
The Recreation Department is giving face-lifts to the parish ball parks
with new scoreboards and the addition of batting cages with screens in
preparation for the coming baseball and softball leagues.
The new scoreboards should be installed by the end of February.
Meanwhile, a lighted and fenced tennis court and walking track lighting are
being added at the Erwinville Community Center park, and two basketball
courts are being added at Rev. Manuel Lane Park. One of the courts will
be for young players with lower goals and the other one, with regulation
height goals, will be for older players.
Finally, reconstruction of the William and Lee Park pool is underway,
and will be complete by the summer. When the pool is completed, the
parking lot at the park will also be enlarged.
The parish hosted the boys Class B regional basketball tourney
for youths age 10-12, and three all-star teams (in both boys and girls
basketball) competed in regional tournaments.
The Westside Baseball program begins in mid-March. The program
provides a league for boys age 5 to 15 years old. For information, contact
David Fishburn at 225-413-2844.
Parish Council gets new look
with six new members
The new West Baton Rouge Parish Council was installed in ceremonies on Monday,
January 14, and had their first official meeting on January 24. The nine-member Council
includes six new members. One of the first issues officials will address is solutions
to litter problems, and junk vehicles and trash on properties in the parish. A meeting
of representatives of numerous parish and municipal agencies was called by Parish
President Riley “PeeWee” Berthelot on January 22 to begin discussions of the issue.
Riding arena
under construction
Construction of the first phase of the parish’s new riding
arena should be completed in two months, said Parish
President Riley “PeeWee” Berthelot. The foundation
for the arena, located at the parish fairgrounds site, is
presently being laid. The $600,000 project includes the
foundation and covering for the 175 feet by 250 feet
building, and installation of a corral and bleachers. The
first rodeo will be held at the facility in May. Future phases
include the addition of restrooms and concessions areas
and other facilities. The arena is located on a 33 acre tract
of land owned by the parish. In the photo at left, steel
support beams for the facility are installed.
Vision WEST - January, 2008 - Page 3
West B at o n Ro u g e A s s e s s o r
65-year-old property owners can avoid tax increase
Parish properties are being re-valued, and property owners should expect tax
bills to be up again this year when they go out in October, said Assessor Barney
“Frog” Altazan. That is even more reason those who are 65 years old or older or
disabled should apply now for a freeze on their property assessments.
Called the Louisiana Special Assessment Level program, the law allows
residents 65 and older to have the assessed value of their home frozen for tax
purposes. “The assessor’s office is required by state law to re-value all property
every four years,” Altazan explained. ““What this law means, for residents who
qualify, is that their home would not be subject to revaluation. The assessed value
of their home would remain the same no matter if the property values increase,
One of the beautiful
sights of the holidays
was the West Baton
Rouge Tourism and
Conference Center,
which was aglow with
color and lights, as
shown at left. Photo
by Pam Stoner.
which they will with this re-valuation.” To quality for the tax break, homeowners
must:
• Have a homestead exemption and live in the house.
• Be 65 years old or older
• Have a combined (husband and wife) adjusted gross income of $62,180 or
less.
• Disabled
• Military disabled
The form for the Special Assessment Level Program is available on the
Assessor’s Office website at www.wbrassessor.org. Simply go to the website,
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 (age
65 & older).” Once printed out, the form must be completed and signed by the
property owner, and delivered to the Assessor’s Office. Forms are also available at
the Assessor’s Office, located in the West Baton Rouge Courthouse in Port Allen
or by calling 344-6777.
Altazan urged residents who qualify to apply by July 31 because tax notices
will begin being processed in August. He noted that those who qualify will get
the break on their parish property taxes, and if they live in Port Allen, on the city
property taxes also.
“The re-valuation will increase assessments, so property owners should expect
their tax bills to reflect an increase in property taxes this year,” Altazan said.
“Costs have increased dramatically,” Altazan said. “The economy drives
values, and property sales and building costs have jumped significantly.” He said
in 1985 a quality home could be built for about $65 per square foot. The cost to
build that same quality home in 2008 is about $120 per square foot.
West B at o n Ro u ge L i b r a r y
Library Director Marchiafava
retires after 35 years of service
Anna Marchiafava, West Baton
Rouge’s fourth library director, will
retire on January 31, after a 35 and a
half year career with the Library. She
was named as director on November
19, 1994, following the retirement of
Fran Cole, and has held the position for
13 years.
She began her career as the
library’s Assistant Director and served
in that capacity for 22 years. In the
early 1970s, she was in charge of
Bookmobile and Interlibrary Loan
Services. “We made over 70 houseto-house stops in a week and traveled
about 2,000 miles,” She said. “At this
time many children were at home with
Mom instead of in daycare centers and
preschools,” she said. “We circulated
more items from the bookmobile than
from the main library in Port Allen.”
In 1996, she became the first
director of the West Baton Rouge
Parish Library to be awarded an
Executive Certificate by the Louisiana
State Board of Library Examiners.
On January 1, 1976, the West
Baton Rouge Parish Library moved to
its present location on North Alexander
Avenue.
In June of that year,
Marchiafava took over coordinating
all aspects of Children’s Services,
Page 4 - Vision WEST - January, 2008
Bookmobile Services, and Interlibrary
Loan Services.
She remembers,
“After the new library facility opened
and more stay-at-home moms went
to work, morning bookmobile stops
declined so I initiated the Library’s first
outreach service to daycare centers,
preschools, and Headstart centers. She
also coordinated the library’s summer
reading programs.
Marchiafava believes that the
major legacy of her directorship was
keeping the library on the “cutting
edge” of the explosion of technological
developments that have changed
libraries and the way people access
information. The library first moved from
a card catalog to an electronic format.
In 1997, she directed the installation
of the library’s local area network that
provides free access to the Internet and
a variety of authoritative databases.
“In 1997, we began with one
workstation that accessed the Internet
with limited speed. Today, we have 17
public access stations and a wireless
network that allows patrons to bring
their laptops to the library to connect to
the Internet with rapid response. These
workstations are in constant use,”
Marchiafava stated.
The last major technology project
The West Baton Rouge Library staff is shown at Director Anna Marchiafava’s retirement
reception. They are, from left, Cyndi Jones, Julie Aillet, Fannie Easterly, Judy Boyce, Anna
Marchiafava, Amy Hebert, Dana Robertson, Kathy Hix, Jackie Brown and Clara Christopher.
of Marchiafava’s directorship was
installation of a new web-based automation system that allows patrons to
browse the library catalog from home
as well as from inside the library. It
allows registered patrons access to
their library accounts online.
On December 13, 2007, the
West Baton Rouge Parish Library
Board of Control and staff celebrated
Marchiafava’s retirement with an open
house and recognition ceremony.
Elizabeth “Beth” Vandersteen has
been appointed by the Board of Control
as the next director. She is the former
Assistant Director of the Rapides Parish
Library with over 24 years of public
library service.
Annual Spring Art Show
set March 29-May 3
The 13th Annual Spring Art Show
sponsored by the West Baton Rouge Parish
Library (830 N. Alexander, Port Allen, LA)
will be held March 29-May 3. The Opening
Reception is on Saturday, March 29, from 2-4
p.m. Awards will be announced at 3 p.m.
Adult artists from Iberville Parish, Pointe
Coupee Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish are
invited to participate.
West Bat o n Ro u g e S ch o o l S y s t e m
School system marks progress on many fronts
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is Part one of a two part series on
the progress of the West Baton Rouge School System over
the last six years. Part one lists the progress of the school
system in the areas of Administration and Instruction.
Part two will be published in the next issue of Vision West,
and includes progress in the areas of technology, teacher
assistance and collaborative programs.
INSTRUCTION:
1. A comprehensive approach to instruction
was developed to have a logical sequence
between all grades from Pre - Kindergarten
through grade 12.
The West Baton Rouge Parish School System,
2.
Pre-K education was greatly expanded.
3.
WBR was one of 5 school districts chosen in the
State of Louisiana to receive a Literacy Grant to
under the leadership of the School Board, has
accomplished much in the last six years. The
following report is provided to give parish residents a
CYNTHIA M. CROCHET
Dist. 1
improve reading and literacy education. The
CECILE G. GAUTHREAUX
Dist. 2
grant was specifically for Port Allen Elementary,
Cohn, Port Allen Middle and Port Allen High.
comprehensive look at progress made in your schools
This program is already providing good results.
since 2002.
4.
The school board is composed of ten members
After school tutoring programs now abound
in our schools to help those who struggle during
who were elected in the fall of 2002, and re-elected
the school day.
in total in 2006. They are shown at the center of this
5.
page.
Transportation for students who are involved
with extra curricular activities and tutoring is
ADMINISTRATION:
now provided.
6.
work at Louisiana Technical College while
1. An interim Superintendent was appointed in
the spring of 2003 so that a search could take
place for a permanent Superintendent.
2. In June 2004, David Corona was named
still in high school, receiving credit toward
DR. ATLEY D. WALKER SR.
Dist. 3
an Associate Degree at LTC and a high school
RONALD P. LEBLANC
Dist. 4
diploma at the same time, at no cost to the
student.
Superintendent after a nationwide search.
7.
3. A Board/Superintendent retreat was held in
developed for the 2008-09 school year.
4. A new organizational arrangement for the
8.
school system was developed that included three
to assist in increasing student performance for
Systems and Educational Technology, and
9th graders.
Human Resources and Staff Development. This
9.
was the first time that the WBR School System
CHARLES MORGAN
Dist. 5
PAUL C. PATTAN SR.
Dist. 6
State Department of Education no longer places
for the 2005 fiscal year. An annual budget surplus
WBR under a corrective action plan for special
has been maintained since that time.
education children.
6. A capacity study was performed and a plan
11. Port Allen High School was selected to participate
was developed to control our growth through
in the Struggling Readers Pilot Program to
modular construction. This came after 10 years
improve reading at the high school level. We
of an enrollment decline was replaced with 2
are seeing good results from this program.
years of growth. After enough data is acquired
12. Port Allen High was selected to participate in
to provide information regarding our growth, a
G.A. CHUSTZ JR.
Dist. 7
JASON MANOLA
Dist. 8
Elementary School, was named Regional
administrators
some
central
have
received
program to Algebra for students.
13. Provided support and increased the number
2004 to the current number of 9.
in Louisiana.
and
the Escalated Math Pilot Program, a bridge
of National Board Certified teachers from 3 in
Elementary Principal of the Year for Region II
principals
high school.
special needs children to the point that the
spending cuts, and kept a balanced budget
8. All
of students who would otherwise drop out of
10. West Baton Rouge has improved service to
system adopted a balanced budget by making
7. Michelle Kauffman, Principal at Port Allen
Pre-GED programs have been developed at
both high schools to assist in meeting the needs
had a separate Human Resources Department
possible building plan can become a reality.
Freshmen academies have been instituted at
Brusly High School and Port Allen High School
distinct departments: Instruction, Information
5. After 4 years of deficit spending, the school
A similar program for dual enrollment with
Baton Rouge Community College is being
the fall of 2004 for the purpose of goal setting.
for its 500 employees.
High School students are enrolled in course
14. Applied to become the permanent grantee of
office
the Head Start Program for WBR in an effort to
LEADTech
give those 3 and 4-year-old children who need it
certification.
most an early entry into the educational process,
which will lead to higher achievement in school.
The school system should hear from the federal
government soon on the matter.
MIKE MARANTO
Dist. 9
C.A. Altazan
At Large
Vision WEST - January, 2008 - Page 5
City o f Po r t A l l e n
New meter readers to
improve office efficiency
A new $13,000 hand-held electronic meter reading system is expected to
significantly increase efficiency in the city’s utilities office, said Mayor Derek Lewis.
In the past, meter readers manually read each water and natural gas meter, wrote
down the reading, brought it to municipal building, and then the readings had to be
individually recorded into the computer system.
Under the new system, the meter reader codes the reading into a hand-held
electronic device. Once back at the municipal building, the meter reader simply
docks the device into a docking port and the readings automatically download to
the city utilities’ computer system. Another advantage of the new system is that the
electronic device prompts the meter reader if a reading is usually out of line with
past readings at that meter. “Our meter readers have very few mis-reads, so this
is not a problem for us, but it is good that the device has that capability,” the mayor
said.
Saying thanks...
When an electrical transformer blew out on New Year’s Eve and left the city in
darkness, Mayor Derek Lewis was quite concerned. But, local law enforcement and
emergency responders combined forces while Entergy worked to restore power. “It
affected abhhe mayor said. “I want to thank Entergy for getting the power restored
so quickly, and thank the Sheriff’s Office, city police, city marshal and firefighters for
their efforts in keeping residents safe during that time. They all did a great job.”
NEW SIGN... The town has a new electronic entrance sign near La. Hwy. 1 at the interstate.
Mayor Derek Lewis said the sign will welcome visitors and advise residents of events. Policies
on how the sign will be used are being drafted now.
West B at o n Ro u ge Po r t
Port activity
increases
in 2007
The Port of Greater Baton Rouge was a
hub of activity in 2007. Increases in port activity
were recorded at the majority of the port’s public
terminals. The general cargo docks received
additional cargo mainly due to the increased
number of pipe shipments moving through the
port.
Louisiana farmers enjoyed a tremendous
grain harvest and, as a result, the port’s grain
elevator handled and exported more grain
this year than during the record-setting years
of 1997 and 1998. Ship calls to the elevator more than doubled the count of the
previous five years.
Various types of general cargo have made a robust return to the port’s public
docks, with pipe and steel commodities being the driving force behind the significant
tonnage increases. The positive economic impacts associated with these types of
cargo movements, including additional jobs, are felt in both the local and regional
economies. The number of ships calling at the port increased, which in turn provided
increased longshoreman hours for those who load and unload ships at the port.
Lloyd Irvin, president of the International Longshoreman Local 3033 with offices in
Port Allen, reported that the number of man hours increased over 60 percent for
local longshoremen in 2007.
Liquid bulk cargo handling at the port has experienced a 24 percent increase
over previous years. The port’s petroleum terminal recently completed an expansion
Page 6 - Vision WEST -January, 2008
Activity bustles at the port general cargo docks with strevedors loading and
unloading cargo.
that increased the terminal’s capacity by one third. It is anticipated that liquid bulk
cargo will remain strong into the future. The majority of the port’s terminals and
facilities have experienced positive increases during the past 12 months.
The port will close out the year financially with one of its best years in over a
decade. “The leadership of the Board of Commissioners, the companies located
at the port, and dedicated port staff have contributed to this remarkably successful
year,” noted Jay Hardman, port executive director.
“We hope to carry forward this trend and momentum into 2008 to achieve
continued growth and additional expansion of our services and facilities. With
everyone working together we anticipate and are confident that 2008 will be an
equally successful year for the port,” said Hardman.
Town of A d d i s
La. 1 lighting
project
approved
Addis town officials have approved a
$370,000 project in January to add street
lighting to La. Hwy. 1 from the northern city
limits to Sid Richardson Road, which is a
stretch of about two miles.
Mayor Carroll Bourgeois said about
60 light poles will be installed, one every
800 feet, by Entergy. “The city will pay for
the work, but Entergy gets the state permits
and does the construction,” Bourgeois said.
The town will be responsible for paying the
electric bill for the lights.
“We believe this project is important
not only for the safety of our residents, but
also because it is an economic development
asset and helps show off our growing
community,” Bourgeois said.
Bourgeois said that at this time he does
not have a schedule of when the project will
be underway.
MARDI GRAS COURT...
The 2008 Addis Mardi Gras
Court was presented at a
ceremony on January 19.
They are, from left, Wyatt
LeJeune, Mona Patterson,
Landon Blank, Casandra
Melancon, Queen Abby
Landry, King Hayden
Marino, Abbey Hebert, Baret
Sanchez, Destini Green and
Nicholas Landry. The Addis
Fire Department Ladies
Auxilliary has sponsored the
event since 1962.
Mardi Gras tradition continues
The Addis Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary
continued its long tradition of holding its annual Mardi
Gras dance and parade this year, holding the ball on
January 19 and the parade on January 26.
The events raise enough funds to keep the
festivities going for the next year, explained Tricia Landry
and Linda Fouquier, who chaired this year’s dance and
parade, respectively.
“The fire department doesn’t need the Auxiliary’s
fund-raising efforts as much as it has in the past because
taxes now pay for much of its operations, but this is the
46th year, and we want to keep these events going at
least until its 50th anniversary,” said Fouquier.
While the Auxiliary membership has dropped in
more recent years, she said firefighters and agencies
such as the Addis Police Department, Brusly Police
Department and West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
have assisted with the parade, which draws more than
50 entries and hundreds of spectators.
“The firefighters are committed to continuing the
tradition,” Fouquier said.
Town of B r u s l y
Landmark Commission to honor historic sites
this Spring. It is the only public building in Brusly to be
named to the National Register.
Meanwhile, the newly created Brusly Landmark
Commission is busy establishing its policies and
procedures for issuing landmark plaques to homes and
buildings that are more than 50 years old. The goal of
the commission is to maintain a legacy of Brusly’s past
for present and future
generations.
Joanne Bourgeois and Marianne
Berthelot have compiled a database
and powerpoint, including photos and
information, of more
than 150 homes and
buildings that are over
50 years old. “These
properties tell the
story of our people
and our community,”
said Bourgeois. “We
want people to be
aware of our history
and the people who
lived here.”
Town officials,
who established the
PRESERVING BRUSLY LANDMARKS… Joanne Bourgeois and Marianne Berthelot (right) work
commission,
have
on the database and Powerpoint presentation of Brusly landmarks that they have compiled.
also allocated funds
Shown next to the computer is the new bronze marker to be awarded when a property is named
to purchase beautiful
a landmark.
Recognition of Brusly’s historical homes
and buildings has taken a leap forward with the
establishment of a Landmark Commission and the
naming of the Brusly High School gym to the National
Register of Historic Places.
A marker to show its National Register status
will be unveiled at the gym in a ceremony to be held
bronze markers that will be given to the property
owners for placement outside the home when a
property is named a Brusly landmark.
“It is an honor for a property to be selected
as a landmark,” explained Mayor Joey Normand.
“This is not a regulatory body, and homeowners can
still do whatever they want with their property. It is
simply a way of recognizing and trying to promote an
appreciation for our rich history.”
A total of 14 plaques will be awarded in 2008,
thanks to the town and Wal-Mart, which donated
$1,000. Plaques cost $238 each.
To qualify for the landmark honor, properties must
be more than 50 years old and must be in compliance
with all town ordinances. Homes and buildings that
have been altered through the years still qualify, and
the commission will begin taking applications February
1. Property owners do not need to know the exact
date their home or building was constructed, but any
supporting documentation is helpful.
“We want people to understand that just because
they apply, they won’t necessarily get the plaques
the first year,” Bourgeois said. “The commission will
decide which properties will get the plaques based on
applications.”
Commission members include Jim Rills, chair;
Margaret Canella, Rose Jackson, Shirley Jordan and
Shane Sarradet, and three non-voting members: Brian
Falcon, Kevin Durbin and Jason Creighton.
Applications are available at town hall or by
calling 225-749-2909.
Vision WEST - January, 2008 - Page 7
Chamb e r o f C o m m e r c e
Get nominations in now for Pride
of West Baton Rouge Award
Do you know someone who has worked hard to promote the civic, business, educational or cultural
attributes of West Baton Rouge Parish? If so, get that person nominated for the prestigious Pride of
West Baton Rouge Award.
The presentation of the award is a highlight of the Chamber’s annual membership banquet, set for
Feb. 26. Nominations are due at the Chamber office by 4 p.m. on January 31. The award is open to
individuals, organizations or groups whose work meets any of the following criteria: promotes a sense
of pride in WBR, its people and assets; encourages activities to enhance the overall quality of life in the
community; works to develop new business opportunities; assists in developing tourism and historic
potential; works with government agencies to make West Baton Rouge a better place to live, work and
do business.
Supporting documentation should accompany the nomination form, which is available from the
Chamber office by calling 383-3140. The nomination should include a brief description of the entry, a
summary including history, results and impact; and supporting materials (photos, articles, information,
etc). Photos are encouraged. The winner will be notified by February 15.
Don’t miss the opportunity to give recognition to the stars of our community. Enter a nomination
today!
Annual Membership Banquet
Tuesday, February 26
Social: 6 p.m., Dinner: 7 p.m.
Addis Community Center
t, Secretary of the
Guest Speaker: Steven More
onomic Development
Louisiana Department of Ec
th
nual
Announcement of the 16 An
Award winner
Pride of West Baton Rouge
Tickets: $40 each
rships call 383-3140
For reservations and sponso
Exciting changes for Business Expo
The West Baton Rouge and Iberville
Chambers have combined forces to bring
exciting changes to the annual Business EXPO
event, set for April 3. The Chambers will jointly
produce the event, which will greatly increase
the number of businesses participating; and a
number of community services will be offered to
increase public attendance, such as health care
screenings, safety programs and more.
“We believe this alliance with the Iberville
Chamber and the new additions will bring an
exciting atmosphere to the event, and will make
it a great marketing opportunity for businesses,”
said Chamber Director Deborah Biggs. “In
addition, we have shortened the time of the
event from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. to enhance
attendance and make it easier for businesses to
participate.”
Watch for more information about the Expo,
which is free to the public.
JEFF HENDRICKSON
Chair
DREW MACIASZ
Chair-Elect
BLAINE RABALAIS
Secretary/Treasurer
LUCIUS BOUDREAUX
Past Chair
New Chamber board
to set 2008 agenda
The Chamber’s 2008 Board of Directors held its first
meeting on January 16, and followed that up with a retreat
on January 25. The 2008 officers are: Jeff Hendrickson of
Dow Louisiana Federal Credit Union; Chair; Drew Maciasz
of The Cottonport Bank, Chair-Elect; Blaine Rabalais
of Brusly Wireless, Secretary/Treasurer and Economic
Development Chair; and Lucius Boudreaux of The Dow
Chemical Co., Past Chair.
Board members include Joy Hopkins of Placid Refining
Co., Community and Organizational Development Chair;
Joe Howell of Acme Truck Line, Inc., Governmental Affairs
Chair; Stacey Chiasson of The Dow Chemical Co.; Hugh
Raetzsch, Jr. of Lyons Specialty Co.; Karen St. Cyr of the
Port of Greater Baton Rouge; David Ogwyn of Ellison,
Ellison and Ogwyn; Marc Barker of Latter & Blum Realtors;
Joanie Bishop of Pointe Coupee Electric Membership
Corp.; Owen Cope of Entergy; Rick Hill of Shintech; Joyce
Jenne of the Westside Journal; Chris “Fish” Kershaw of
Ports America; Cletus Langlois of Patin Engineering &
Surveying, Inc.; Will Wilkerson of Poplar Grove Industrial
Park; Katherine George of Lofton Staffing Services; Ricky
Sparks of American Gateway Bank, and Matthew “Butch”
Plauche’ of Harry L. Laws & Co.
New membership director on board
Stacie A. Pizzolato has been named membership director of the West
Baton Rouge Chamber. She has 20 years of sales experience in and around
the West Baton Rouge area. Stacie is already visiting area Chamber members
and potential members. “I am excited about showing businesses the many
advantages of being in the Chamber and promoting the great things that the
Chamber is doing for West Baton Rouge,” she said.
A native of Glynn in Pointe Coupee Parish, Stacie is married to Stephen.
She has four children, two “bonus” children and two dogs. She enjoys outdoor
activities, crafting and singing with a band. She and Stephen live in Livonia.
Stacie Pizzolato
Page 8 - Vision WEST - January, 2008
CHAMBER SUPPORTS JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT…
The Chamber made a $558 donation to Junior Achievement
of Greater Baton Rouge in January from the proceeds from its
Holiday Gala, held in November. In the photo above, Chamber
board member Owen Cope, chair of the Education Division,
makes the check presentation to Kathy Arnes, Executive Director
of Junior Achievement.