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Ci et Ca Avec Belle

By Fair Craig Hash

SEPTEMBER FUN........
Yes, we are aware that the month of September is over, however, the last few weeks of that time were an exciting and fun time for us. Things that were not planned, but happened and provided adventures for us. For instance, we were kidnapped and held for ransom by a group of former students. They posted our pictures with the “gang” and demanded money from our family for our release. We informed them that the family would probably pay them to keep us! Needless to say the gang was lots of fun and we enjoyed seeing Chris and Sammy Simpson’s beautiful place, as well as enjoying visiting with the ladies that were there. The gang consisted of some of our favorite students from years ago (won’t say when), and we love them all. Thanks gang for a great evening, good fellowship, good food, and good surroundings. Sorry that your demands were not met, but knew ya’ll would not want to keep us!

HEARTS FILLED WITH LOVE.....
There have been many things that have happened recently that made us very proud to be from our state. The outpouring of love and consideration given to the South Carolina team, fans and state when the Gamecocks moved their home game with LSU to Baton Rouge because of the flooding and major problems in their state. We appreciated LSU and the coaches and players to help by being the “visiting” team in their own stadium and having South Carolina be the home team as they would have been if the game had been played as scheduled. For this brief time Tiger Stadium belonged to South Carolina team and fans.
In addition, the Tigers paid the expenses to fly the Gamecocks to Baton Rouge, paid their expenses at the hotel, and opened up their hearts and commitment to making the game their game. The South Carolina team as home team wore the white jerseys and resulted in the Tigers having to wear another color jersey and uniform. But, no problem for the Tigers. Also, LSU gave all the proceeds from the game to South Carolina and had donations given by fans to go to them also. Add to that, the entire city of Baton Rouge opened up their doors to welcome the fans that were able to attend the game. Welcome signs were posted at the airport and on billboards over the city.
The Golden Band from Tiger Land, got the music for the S.C. team’s fight song and Alma Malta and played it before and during the game. Some of the Tiger fans wore the Gamecock’s colors at the game, all to help to make their team welcome and feel at home. Of course, when the game started, then it was all fight to win situations for both teams with the Tigers having the victory. One of the sportswriters wrote prior to the game, “If the Tigers, and their fans, give an effort Saturday, this could go down as one of the proudest games in LSU football history!” And it was!!!!
In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, the LSU area became an important place for the many brought out of New Orleans needing medical attention and other services. It was impossible to hold a football game since the priority was given to the many displaced victims from the terrible storm. So the Tigers game with Arizona was moved to Tempe. The team and fans were made to feel more than welcome. More than $1 million dollars was raised for hurricane relief, as well as other monies to cover Arizona’s expenses for staging the game there instead of Baton Rouge. The kindness and assistance was never to be forgotten. In 2015, LSU was able to do the same for another school undergoing terrible flooding and other tragedies associated with the impossible conditions. Perhaps one day, South Carolina and its people will be in a position to do the same for someone else.
.....A letter from a South Carolina fan that attended the game and appreciated all that was done by the people of Baton Rouge and especially for the many things that the LSU coaches and team did to make the Gamecock team and fans feel so welcome! He said that “Death Valley was not the place where teams go to die” as was it’s reputation. Instead, Death Valley was the place where faith went to be restored.” That from the love that filled the hearts of all of South Carolina for taking in their team and fans as their own.
.....One of the most viewed pictures and articles on Facebook recently was that of the Crowley Police officer holding a little lost boy while searching for his mother at the Rice Festival and who feel asleep in his arms. The officer held him until his mother was located. He did not offer his name and said that he was “just doing his duty” of protecting and serving his community. After the picture went viral on the Facebook site, His name became known. So Officer David Taylor is not just a local hero, but is a national icon that represents the best of law enforcement and first responders. This gesture should help others to realize that these dedicated individuals give of themselves to others and should be honored for their service.
.....The Sisters of A & O organization are to be congratulated for their efforts to increase knowledge of the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness. Some of the members of this group have family or themselves have fought the problem of breast cancer, so it is a “labor of love” for them and for others facing this terrible battle in their lives. They have invested lots of their time and energy on this important project which culminated in a march and fun day at the Green Room..Food, games, activities held there were all free of charge. We commend these ladies for this important program and appreciate all that they did for this important program.
.....There is love and appreciation by families of our men and women who served our great country in the military through wars and conflicts through the years. We hope that each has taken the time to “Buy a Brick” in their honor to be placed in the Veterans Park in the planned area to provide everyone a place to remember these brave individuals. The bricks will be inscribed with their names branch of service and years serving. We are happy that we have purchased two bricks for our two brothers who served in WW2 and the Korean conflict. We hope that they will be joined in the purchase of a brick for their loved one by other loved family members here in our hometown. For more information or to order a brick please call City Hall. The price of the brick is inexpensive, only $75, considering the expense of these military who dedicated their lives in defense of our country. They deserve this honor and the beautiful site dedicated to them. With Veteran’s Day being celebrated this month, it is the perfect time to purchase a brick which will be in the park for years to come and for all to see and appreciate. Please do this, it is the least we can do for these brave men and women, and for the legacy for your family with the present and future generations.
.....There was much love given recently to a very special lady for a very special occasion. Mrs. Beatrice Nixon celebrated a milestone in her life that is not achieved by many individuals. She was honored on her 102nd birthday. That is really a great reason to have the outpouring of love to celebrate this very special time. We wish Mrs. Nixon a belated “Happy Birthday” and many more to come.
.....We want to wish a Happy Birthday to many of our friends celebrating their very special day recently. We know that each of you sweet friends had a wonderful celebration with your dear family and know that it was a happy time. We pray that you will have great days ahead that will be filled with lots of happiness and love.
In addition we want to wish happy birthdays to some friends that have been very special in our life through the years. Donna Sonnier Blank was a childhood friend with my daughter so we were part of her growing up years and enjoyed seeing her grow into a wonderful and talented young lady. Helen Menard has been a great friend through the years, having worked with our mom for a while at the Tribune office and with her artistic and domestic talents, as well as activities at Roberts Cove. Paul Kedinger, editor of the paper and Lisa Soileaux, Asst. Editor, have been so helpful to us in working with the Trib on various projects. Happy Birthday to you all! Love and blessings always
.....Another friend and important person in the lives of all of us in Rayne is Monique Domingue who recently celebrated her birthday. She has done much to unite the many people who love and enjoy living in this special and loved place... Rayne... through her Rayne Remembered, she has put us all in contact with one another by sharing of news and events in the lives of each as well as things happening in Rayne. Thanks Monique for returning home and helping everyone to unite to express love for being home in our beloved city.
In these days and times when all we see on TV and read about is bad news, it is wonderful to feel “love and appreciation” instead of hate and violence. We don’t need to write negative things that are happening, we think it is more important that we look at and appreciate the many, many good things going on around us and in the country. We would hope that the good news will continue and spread to others.

GOOD NEWS .............
.....The Federal government extended its deadline for Louisiana to comply with the REAL Act of 2005. This will give more time before the authorities forbid the use of the state’s drivers’ licenses as identification to access Federal courthouses, military bases, traveling on commercial air lines. This will be allowed until the year of 2016 when the drivers’ licenses will be delegitimized and the state will have to comply with the new method of providing security procedures and be in compliance with the law. This allows the use of our current driver licenses to be accepted and provides more time to have to do the new required upgrading, while still giving us in the state the ability to fly and enter otherwise restricted areas. Good news for the prolonged requirement!
.....The Acadia Parish Council on Aging reports that the meal site in Rayne is under new management. There are program activities which are fun events being held there as well as the serving of delicious meals. Activities are held during the hours of 9 am to 12 noon, Monday through Friday, which are being conducted by the staff. Games and contests are held with donated prizes awarded to the participants. The site is 608 Martin Luther King Drive next to Armstrong Middle School. New clients, 60 years of age or older, are welcome to come and be our guests for the meal and activities and to register for future participation. Older clients are welcome to come back and be reassessed to continue their participation. Donations of $1.25 are always appreciated. For more information or any questions please call 788-1400. We encourage those who qualify to go to the meal site and enjoy the fellowship with others. The opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the social and fun activities are the goals of the program and add to that to be served a delicious meal makes this a very worthwhile program.
.....The Annual St. Edmund’s Catholic Church Bazaar in Branch will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7th from 8:30 and after 4 o’clock mass. There will be BBQ hamburgers before and after the evening mass. And a special treat will be the chicken/sausage gumbo by the renowned Carol Menard. This treat will add much to this wonderful day since Carol is s true gumbo master chef! A silent auction will begin at 5:30 and raffle tickets will be sold for great items. Anyone wanting to pick up the gumbo, please bring your own containers. This is a great program to benefit the church and its programs and everyone is invited to come and join the fun. We hope you will attend and be part of the day’s activities. The proceeds from the event will help many worthwhile programs.
.....The first Farmer’s Market was held recently in Rayne and was very well attended. In spite of a cold and windy start in the morning, the sun and blue skies came out and warmed the vendors and shoppers. This will be continued since it is a great program for the people of Rayne and the community. We were informed that the next Farmers Market will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14. So make your plans to attend. The venders have great items and one can do much of their Christmas shopping there as well as having the opportunity to see and visit with many friends.

TIME TO BE THANKFUL......
The month of November is always a month filled with many things that we love and to show our appreciation and thankfulness for events and people.
November 11th is Veterans Day which is a time to stop and remember all who served in our military through the years. They gave so much to keep our country free and we “owe them a debt that can never be repaid”. It is important that we include involving our young people in the programs and activities conducted on this day. To learn to appreciate the sacrifice of our brave heroes must be taught beginning at an early age and into high school. There are too many that do not know or appreciate the role our military has done and given up in order to serve our country and guarantee “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Please check the paper or check with members of the American Legion and VFW to know the various programs they will be conducting and plan to attend. One of the beautiful things that is done is to place an American flag on the graves of deceased military to honor their memory.
Saturday, November 21 will be the opportunity to do lots of your Christmas shopping as Rayne will host the Holly Days and Mistletoad Christmas Market Extravanza. This exciting event will be held at the Crossing at the Mervine Kahn building from 9 to 5 and their will be an admission fee of $5. Refreshments and a delicious lunch will be available with the price of the meal being $10. There will be lots of items available to buy and you can also have fun visiting with the many friends that will also be attending. For more information please call Madeline Boudreaux at 337-224-1611. Mark you calendar and plan to attend and support this local effort instead of having to go to other towns/cities to attend their events. Support our wonderful city and the people that work to provide these programs for us all.
There will be another important event on Saturday, Nov. 21st. The state/local runoff elections will take place. It is really important that you vote in this election also. Don’t feel that your vote does not matter...YES, it does matter. The future direction of our state and local offices which will affect all of our lives and the lives of our families make this a must-do duty! Your favorite may not have made it to the runoff, but instead of being upset and not wanting to vote, get past those feelings and decide on the one that will most meet your requirements and go and complete your civic duty to cast your ballot.
The Rayne Chamber of Commerce will again sponsor a Farmer’s Market on Saturday, Nov. 14, and we hope that you will attend. Rayne has needed this for a long time and most have to attend ones in other towns/cities. Lets support ours in our hometown and help to keep the money generated here in our own community. It is a fun time too. Great crafts, foods, jellies, jams and outstanding handiwork are available, as well as the opportunity to see and visit with many friends attending also.
November 26 is the time for families, friends and loved ones to get together to celebrate Thanksgiving, a true American tradition. It is a happy time with dear ones, wonderful food and all the trimmings to share and enjoy. Then, the football games begin in the afternoon for the family who are fans of the game, while the others catch up on visiting with one another. The children are not forgotten and are usually out playing games and/or football. However, in these modern days, it is more likely that they are playing games on their iPads or cell phones. But, whatever anyone does, it is a great way to get the family together and to appreciate all that they have and what God has given them. We are blessed to be living in the greatest country in the world and the most wonderful spot in America! Happy Thanksgiving to you all from us!
November 29th is the first Sunday of Advent which begins the journey until Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Christmas is just a few short weeks away with much to be done to be ready.
November 15 is the birthday of a very special person that we appreciate for many things. Tony Olinger will not only be celebrating his special day, but will look forward to soon having the newest copy of his book on Rayne. We love the first two books which are a treasure trove of information about our beloved city, and we look forward to getting the newest one soon. He has helped to create memories of Rayne and families, businesses and the community in great pictures and narrative.
These books are the “glue” that helps to keep those of us that love our city have the information that ties everything together for us. Thanks Tony for all your work on these projects, you are appreciated more than you know. We hope that your birthday will be a happy one filled with lots of blessings and happiness.

In closing.....
Don’t give up on us. We are working on the reprinting of the Honor Roll booklet done in World War 2. It is requiring more work since many things have changes since the first and second printing. This is an important book to have to honor the members of your family that served in the military during those long years and should always be honored by us all. It would be legacy for your family for now and future generations. We will keep you posted on the progress.
As a young girl we lived during World War II years, so we remember only too well the turmoil for those of us on the “home front” and the sacrifices and sadness that made up our everyday existence There was pride in those loved ones serving and facing battles, injuries and loss of life, but also the worry and grief for the families that sent their loved ones off to war. For that reason we have always felt the love and appreciation for all that was done by our armed forces during those terrible years. Those years were the same in the wars past and the ones yet to come (we pray that there will be no more). We have to honor all our military for their contributions. True, we are patriotic and proud of it. We hope that you all share that feeling also.
Let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to them and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free. After all, America will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. We must support our brave military with our thoughts and prayers and our appreciation. God Bless America and all who served it!

Until next time, adios, ur revoir,
auf wiedersehen,
until we meet again!!!

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