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Wolves, Ladies encounter district roadblocks

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 4:22pm
Lisa Soileaux, Rayne Acadian-Tribune
Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Coming off a fast 1-0 district tally, the Rayne High Lady Wolves saw the ups and downs of district play during recent action.
During a home district contest on Tuesday, the Lady Wolves collected a somewhat easy 61-45 win over Leesville. The Lady Wolves basically held a lead throughout the contest, resulting in a 2-0 district slate.
Friday evening brought about a road contest at DeRidder High. During a contest that saw a close first half, the Lady Wolves fell behind a consistent DeRidder squad who took advantage of Rayne turnovers for a 56-39 Lady Wolves loss.
On Friday, Jan. 20, the Lady Wolves will travel down the road to Crowley where they will meet intra-parish rival Crowley High where they will try to improve their district slate.
Rayne will then begin their second round of district play on Friday, Jan. 24, when they host LaGrange High during another district contest.
Wolves
The Rayne HIgh Wolves travel to DeRidder on Friday where they opened district play for the 2016-2017 basketball season.
In a close contest, the Wolves loss ground as time progressed and came out on the losing end of a 60-47 finale.
In earlier action, the Wolves traveled to St. Martinville on Jan. 10 for a non-district contest. The Wolves and Tigers exchanged leads throughout the barn-burner, with St. Martinville edging Rayne for the 49-47 win.
Rayne’s slated to make the short trip to Crowley on Friday, Jan. 20, for another district contest against intra-parish rival Crowley High.
The Wolves will return home on Tuesday, Jan 24, when they will host LaGrange High in another district game.

Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball takes mad trip ‘Through the Looking Glass’

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 4:20pm
Steve Bandy, Rayne Acadian-Tribune
Tuesday, January 24, 2017

A wave of madness swept through the Rayne Civic Center Saturday night. Nothing was as it seemed as the Rayne Chamber of Commerce led a capacity crowd “Through the Looking Glass” and down a rabbit hole for the sixth annual Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball.
The interior of the center was transformed into a “wonderland” for the event with backdrops and decorated tables carrying out the night’s theme.
Reigning over the night’s activities were Grand Court King Jamie Bergeron and Queen Suzette Leonards, who were introduced to the cheering attendees before being seated for the presentation of the Court.
Following the night’s theme, the “White Rabbit,” – late for a very important date – was portrayed by Layne Autin. “Alice,” portrayed by Cecile Benoit, followed the hare into its lair, thus beginning the night’s frivolity.
Bringing madness and mystery to the stage, Anthony Beslin, as “The Mad Hatter,” stepped through the looking glass before Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, portrayed Klarisse Thibodeaux and Analise Fruge, respectively, came in with their characteristic mischievousness.
Amber Richard exuded the magical mystique of “The White Queen” before Drew Racca illustrated both the allure and the playfulness of the “Cheshire Cat.”
A high-energy dance number by Lexi Thibodeaux of Project Dance, provided an intermission in the presentations before Carson Houston as the hookah-smoking “Caterpillar” demanded to know, “Whoooo are you?”
“Card Soldiers” Ashley Brasseaux and Michelle Arsement sought to bring some semblance of order to the assembly before presentation of the strict and always dangerous “Red Queen,” portrayed by Jennifer Autin.
Finally, Blake Alleman, as “Mr. Time,” searched frantically to find the missing numeral from the large clock. He finds the “5” on “Mr. Too Much Time,” portrayed by Chad Dupuis, and a relative sense of normalcy is returned to the setting.
In touching, pre-recorded statements, King Bergeron and Queen Leonards toast each other and members of their court, adding their personal thanks to the many members of the Ball Committee and volunteers who helped to make the night a success.
A promenade of the royal court, each of whom answered the traditional call of “throw me something, mister,” concluded the formal ceremonies for the night. Dance music for the remainder of the evening was provided by DJ Blaine Dupont.
Special guests for the night were Robert and Lindsey Credeur, the King and Queen of the Krewe de Joie de Vie; and Susan Roy, Queen of the Krewe de Red Hot Scott.
Jessica Houston chaired the 2017 Grand Court Mardi Gras Committee with committee members including Nikki Link, co-chair; Rachel Guidry, Dakota Henry, Maureen Benoit, Angie Bourgeois, Jo Ann Meche, Dawn Morgan, Sue Leonards, Aileen Prevost, Janet McFarlain, Blaine Dupont, Maggie Reed, Tiffany Thibodeaux, Michelle Autin, Brian Mouton, Jeremy Lavergne, Suzette Leonards, Jimmy Prevost and Fran Bihm.
Decorations in the Civic Center were under the direction of Sue and Bubba Leonards, Jimmy and Aileen Prevost, Janet McFarlain, Jessica and Craig Houston and Nikki Link, assisted by committee members and volunteers.
Mistress of Ceremonies for the night was Shawn Murphy of Big 102.1 FM.
Past Grand Court royalty include King Jimmy Prevost and Queen Cheryl Richard Boudreaux, 2012; King Pesh Patel and Queen Jena Bordes, 2013; King Pat Bordes II and Queen Monica Bihm, 2014; King John Jude Beslin and Queen Claire Benoit, 2015; and King Sam Babineaux and Queen Nikki Link, 2016.

‘Hope’ is focus of 2017 city-wide MLK Day celebration

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 4:19pm
Martin Luther King Day School Contest Winners awarded
Steve Bandy, Rayne Acadian-Tribune
Tuesday, January 24, 2017

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy of hope was the focus of the 16th annual Rayne community-wide celebration of the Civil Rights leaders’ life here Monday.
Hosted by the National Association of University Women - Rayne Branch, the event drew a near capacity crowd to the Rayne Civic Center for the two-hour event filled with dance, awards and inspirational messages.
The celebration actually began with prayer and presentations at The Depot Square, followed by a march to the Civic Center for the formal program.
Mary A. Washington, a 30 -year veteran of the Lafayette Public School System and described as an “advocate for the basic right to a good education,” delivered the keynote address for the day’s program, pointing out that more than 100 countries besides the United States celebrate Martin Luther King Day.
“He is the only non-US. president with a national holiday; with school houses and monuments named in his honor,” Washington said. “From Boston to Bosnia, roads and avenues bear his name.”
Washington lauded King for his principles and his willingness to stand up for what is right, but she also pointed out that King did not stand alone in his fight for Civil Rights.
“Many white people stood with Dr. King,” she said. “As bad as it was for us, as black people, to stand up for our own rights, do you know how hard it was for white people to do so when many of their friends were against it?”
Borrowing from Dr. King, Washington said, “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”
Communication is one of the keys to ending race divisiveness, she said.
“You can learn plenty in text books, but not as much as you can by interaction.”
NAUW’s “I Dare You” are among the most prestigious presentations made during the annual King Day celebration.
This year’s awards went to Nicholas Alexander, a 9-year-old who survived a horrendous car crash; Sheila Roberts, who was described as a person who “always sees others problems and tries to solve those problems;, and Wilfred Johnson, who, during the mid-August flooding event, rescued a number of people from their homes and helped in numerous other ways.
A number of school awards also were presented during the program (see list).
Brian Mouton served as master of ceremonies for the event with presentations made by members of the NAUW, including Elaine Sias, president; Bethalun Bernard and Yvette Sinegal, facilitators;Hilda Wiltz, Krystal Chevis and Mary Figaro.
Rev. Cozy Gage presented the invocation and the closing prayer and the Colors were presented by Boy Scouts of Troop 61.
Dance numbers were presented by students of P.J.’s Dance School, under the direction of Pamela Senegal; and by the Armstrong Middle School Step Team.
The official Martin Luther King Day proclamation was presented by city Councilman Jimmy Fontenot.
Poster Contest
Grades 4-5

Branch: Whitney Kibodeaux, first; Harlee Doucet, second; Hunter Doucet, third; Lyla Walton honorable mention.
Mire: Marilyn Angelle, first.
Rayne Catholic: Chloe Guidry, first; Hayden Cary, second; William Madalyn Reiners, third; William Gautreaux, honorable mention.

Peace Poem
Grades 6-8

Armstrong: Kyla Clark, first and overall; Kenneth Senegal, second.
Branch: Madeline Bullock, first; Ashlyn Bieber, second; Camille Arceneaux, third; Baylee Meche, honorable mention.
Mire: Emily Marceaux, first; Zariah Myles, second; Krisida Laxey, third; Ali Delagoussaye, honorable mention.

Essay

Rayne High: Rhianna Thibodeaux, first; Keiantay Leblanc, second; Damarcus James, third.

Color Sheet

Headstart: Briana Wilson, first; Lucianna Franks, second; Brooklyn Crosley, third; Hailynn Abshire, honorable mention.
Central Rayne Pre-K: Kayanni Cole, first; Tyson Lyons, second; Grant Guidry, third; Jeremiah Thibodeaux, honorable mention.
Central Rayne Kindergarten: Jurnile Jones, first; Amelia Vienne, second; Charli Joe, third; Jalaina Istre, honorable mention.
Martin Petitjean 1st Grade: Karsen Conrad, first; Brooklyn Comeaux, second; Breanna Humphrey, third; Jamaraus Tezeno, honorable mention.
Martin Petitjean 2nd Grade: Kristija Curtis, first; Aizlyn Meche, second; Jaylon Carmouche, third; Braden Dogua, honorable mention.
Martin Petitjean 3rd Grade: Elius Delco, first; Trylin Lanclos, second; Isaiah Guilbeau, third; Ayanna Leblanc, honorable mention.
Rayne Catholic 1st Grade: Ava Bourgeois, first; Emma Thomas, second; Lyla Griffin, third; Jack Dudding, honorable mention;
Rayne Catholic 3rd Grade: Mia Hazzlett, first; Griffin Doucet, second; Emily Abshire, third; Ava Istre, honorable mention.
Branch Pre-K: Madison Boudreaux, first; Madison Seaux, second; Ella Fruge, third; Maddisyn Trahan, honorable mention.
Branch Kindergarten: Carter Labbie, first; Baylee Bergeron, second; Aubree Campbell, third; Hunter Savoy, honorable mention.
Branch 1st Grade: Colton Castille, first; Skylar Hogan, second; Jeanne Menard, third; Abigail Guidry, honorable mention.
Branch 2nd Grade: Clarie Prejean, first; Madison Meaux, second; Addison Benoit, third; Abby Cormier, honorable mention.
Branch 3rd Grade: Gabriel Seaux, first; Karlee Bellard, second, Caiden Griffin, third; Lily Richard, honorable mention.
Mire Pre-K: Raeley Simon, first; Carter Melancon, second; Paola Alvarez, third.
Mire Kindergarten: Patrick Stelly, first; Bella Garcia, second; Claire Fuselier, third.
Mire 1st Grade: Jaylon Alleman, first; Brooklyn Hebert, second; Marley Carpenter, third; Izzy Trahan, honorable mention.
Mire 2nd Grade: Zane Higginbotham, first; Seth Alleman, second; Marin Guchereau, third; Janye Daniels, honorable mention.
Mire 3rd Grade: Conner Hebert, first; Brooklynne Bellard, second; Dayne David, third; Avarie McNabb, honorable mention.

Rayne Guest Home unveils expansion plans

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 4:17pm
Steve Bandy, Rayne Acadian-Tribune
Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Fifty-one years — to the day — after ground-breaking ceremonies marked the beginning of construction on Rayne Guest Home, announcement was formally made of an expansion program that will more than double the size of the facility when completed.
At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 1966, Aubrey Leger turned the first spade of dirt in an empty field off Robert Street. Leger was joined at the site by co-founders Dr. Murray Brown, Dr. Leonel L. Kahn, Dr. John Guidry and Dr. C. Thomas Curtis, along with numerous local officials.
Flash forward 51 years and four additions to the original structure, and descendants of some of those original founding members gathered — on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017 — to announce an $8.5 million expansion program.
The presentation was made in the cafeteria area of the facility with Ricky Bonin, administrator, serving as emcee / “historian” for the program.
After introducing the Guest Home’s board of directors — Karon Curtis Cook, Mary Brown White and John Guidry — Bonin launched into a history of the nursing home industry in general, and of Rayne Guest Home.
Noting that the very first nursing home was established in New Orleans in 1842 as little more than a boarding house for the ill and elderly, Bonin followed the progress of the industry through the 1950s, when “the first ‘modern’ facilities began to open.”
Planning for Rayne Guest Home began in 1966 by the aforementioned five founders, he said.
“The first facility had 54 beds and cost $161,054 to build,” Bonin said.
Construction began in mid-January 1966 and the first resident — Leo Clement — was admitted on Sept. 1 of that same year, according to Bonin. To date, 2,075 residents have been admitted.
Leroy Richard was the first administrator at Rayne Guest Home. Bonin is only the third.
Kevin Broussard, associate with Ashe, Broussard and Weinzettle, the architectural firm that designed the addition, described his work in the design as “a labor of love,” adding that he has worked closely with the directors on the project.
In outlining the project, Broussard noted that 46,430 square feet of “new construction” will be added to the facility with 19,277 of existing building to undergo extensive renovation.
“The front entrance ... to Robert Street will be demolished,” Broussard said. “That area represents the earliest years of the facility.”
He said the Guest Home, when completed, will offer 40 private rooms and 80 beds in semi-private rooms.
“This represents a huge increase in the number of private rooms available here,” he added.
There also will be 1,512 square feet of additional dining area and more than 3,000 square feet of new living room space, a movie theater, additional space for activities and a new physical therapy area.
“Social space, areas for interaction and activities are much more important parts of the nursing home design that they used to be in Louisiana,” he said.
One thing Broussard said he was particularly surprised by with regard to Rayne Guest Home was the use of the facility’s chapel.
“Many individuals from the community use the chapel when Mass is celebrated here,” he said. “That’s a testament to the type of relationship Rayne Guest Home has with the neighborhood and the community as a whole.”
He explained that the new chapel will be partitioned to retain its intimacy but will seat up to 100 when opened up.
Parking, long an issue at Rayne Guest Home, also will be addressed with the expansion, according to the architect.
“Parking right now is a challenge with the construction, and it will remain so throughout the construction,” he warned.
However, when complete, the facility will have about 64 percent more parking area than before, Broussard said.
Obviously enthusiastic about the prospect of seeing the upgrade of Rayne Guest Home into a state-of-the-art facility, Bonin closed the program.
“There have been times when there’s been a family sitting across from my desk and they ask, ‘Do you mean we would pay the same here as we would at that new facility right down the road?’ — because, remember, we don’t set our prices, the state does — and they take off,” he said. “Not any more.”
Officials with Ratcliff Construction, the general contractor, estimate about 18 months until construction is complete.
“We’re looking at opening around April of 2018,” Bonin said.

Virginia Amy Mouton

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 5:57pm
BENOIT, Mississippi

Mrs. Virginia Amy Mouton, 96, of Benoit, Mississippi, passed away Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. Visitation will be held at 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Ray Funeral Home. A Rosary will immediately follow beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, also at Ray Funeral Home. A second visitation will be held at 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be immediately follow beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Tom Mullaly, Father Peter Nguyen and Father Kent Bowlds officiating. Interment will be held in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Virginia Amy Mouton was born in Crowley on Jan. 26, 1920, to Joseph and Louise Amy. She attended St. Michael Elementary and High School where she graduated in 1938. She also attended Chenier Business College. She married R.C. Mouton in 1940 and was a devoted wife and homemaker. In 1950, she and her husband moved to Bolivar County in Mississippi where he was a pioneer in rice farming.
Mrs. Mouton was active in the Bolivar County Home Demonstration Club, as well as, promoting rice in Mississippi. She was an active member of the Bolivar Medical Hospital Auxiliary for many years. The Mississippi Delta Chapter of DAR was also very close to her heart. She held many offices in the DAR, and was very active in the Chapter throughout her life. Mrs. Mouton was a devout member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Shaw. She spent much of her time volunteering, and traveling with friends and family. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she was very close.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Louise Amy; her husband of 39 years, R.C. Mouton; four brothers, Ed, Henry, Lawrence and Leroy; and three sisters, Billie, Hazel and Ruby.
Mrs. Mouton is survived by her loving daughters, Judy Clemons (Jim) and Virginia Denson (Joe); grandchildren, Jill Campbell, Amy Plummer, Susie Clemons, Ginny Tindle, Joe B. Denson III (Danita) and Julia Ann Crews; great-grandchildren, Stuart Campbell, Chloe Campbell, Hayley Horn Brooks (Matthew), Jeffrey Plummer, Jamie Plummer, Aubrey Plummer, Jenna Lewis, Landon Tindle, Logan Tindle, Emily Denson, Darby Denson and Anna Chloe Crews; and she also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, as well as family friends.
Special thanks to Alberta Giles for many years of friendship and care. Also thanks to Patricia Cannon for her love and care.
Pallbearers will be Joe B. Denson, III, Matthew Brooks, Lexie Horn, William Morris, Allen Morehead and Travis Satterfield.
Honorary pallbearers will be Darby Denson, Landon Tindle, Jeffrey Plummer and Stuart Campbell.
In memory of Mrs. Mouton, donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Shaw, Mississippi.
To view and sign online guestbook, go to www.rayfuneralhome.net.

Livestock show starts Thursday

Wed, 01/18/2017 - 10:38am

The Rice Arena will be busy this weekend with the start of the annual Acadia Parish Junior Livestock Show and ...

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