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RAYNE - A full house was welcomed for the Rayne Chamber of Commerce’s “Open House” and special events were held Thursday, Sept. 12, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Chamber office.
Guests were welcomed to the Chamber office between the hours of 1-7 p.m. where they toured the facility, enjoyed refreshments and viewed a collection of Chamber memorabilia and exhibit of Chamber history. The welcome social and “Business of the Quarter” began at 5:30 p.m.
In addition to awards and acknowledgments presented to special guests, Boy Scouts of Troop 61 in Rayne were also paid tribute for their dedication and hard work the past few months as their refurbished the Chamber frog pond and landscaped the patio area as an Eagle Scout project.
“We want to thank the local Boy Scouts, along with their parents and other volunteers, for their hard work and dedication in bringing our frog pond back to its glory and beyond,” stated Chamber President Jeremy Lavergne during the evening introductions.
In addition to refurbishing the frog pond, the Scouts also cleaned and enhanced the Chamber’s patio area and completed renovations at the Chamber.
Accepting a special plaque for the Scouts’ dedication for the finished product were Scouts Jacob Sonnier, Dax Constantin, Jonathan Guidry and Troop Leader Dineen Constantin.
While accepting the award, the Scouts announced the group would continue to update the grounds and help with the upkeep of the patio and frog pond area.
Lavergne also thanked all donors who helped with the purchase of frog pond equipment and landscaping materials for the project.
A number of past Chamber presidents were in attendance and acknowledged for their past service and introduced, including John Sarver, Kelly Stutes, Martha Royer, Beverly Rayon, Roland Boudreaux, Angie Broussard, Sara Doga and Warren McBride.
Accepting the Business of the Quarter Award during the evening portion of the program was LeBlanc’s Trailer Sales of Rayne as the business celebrates 100 years of service. Accepting the award were Larry, Clara and David LeBlanc, joined by a number of family members.
Also recognized during the special ceremonies were three generations of Chamber volunteers, Hilda Haure (first Chamber secretary), her daughter Vanessa Comeaux (past board member), and her granddaughter Tiffany Thibodeaux (present-day board member). Chamber Executive Director Fran Bihm acknowledged Mrs. Haure with a special corsage.

RAYNE - The monthly meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, was held Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the local Legion Home, where Commander David Simon welcomed legionnaires and guests.
Guest speaker for the meeting was Boys State attendee Josh McCrory, who attended the 2019 Boys State event held at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches in June.
“My brother and uncle both attended Boys State, so I was looking forward to attending myself,” stated McCrory. “I participated in a number of events and really enjoyed the week while learning a lot of how government runs.”
McCrory continued, “Our parish won the song contest, and I also ran for House of Representative office. I would like to thank you for sponsoring me to attend Boys State. I will remember this forever.”
Welcomed by a membership vote during the meeting were two new members of Post 77, Donald James Petitjean and Benji Paul Babineaux.
Commander Simon continued with the agenda, including sick call including Robley Moroux.
Robert Comeaux presented the memorial report, including the recent passing of A.J. Broussard on Aug. 23, 2019.
Ray Olinger gave the membership report including 95 paid-up dues for the new year. He also reminded members to never pay with cash when paying dues, only with check to provide proof of continuous membership.
The schedule for weekly musical entertainment was presented, including: Southern Louisiana Knights will again perform during “First Friday Dine and Dance” on Friday, Oct. 4, between 6:30-10 p.m. and Man Doo to perform on Friday, Oct. 11, between 7-11 p.m. with a $5 cover charge.
A thank you was extended to John Petitjean for cleaning the barbecue area.
Smoking in the bar area was visited once again. Following discussion, the membership decided to table the subject until the October meeting as to when a decision will be made for or against.
Simon reminded the membership to visit the National website for a number of programs offered to veterans.
He also announced the forms for the annual Legion awards (Sheriff, Policemen, Firemen, Teacher of Year) should be available in October. Chairman John Quebodeaux will contact the local groups for their participation.
The Commander reminded everyone to attend and assist with the annual Fishing Tournament slated Saturday, Oct. 12, at the War Veterans Home.
The commander also reminded everyone that food and beverages are still available for purchase with an expanding menu at the Legion Home during musical entertainment hours. Call 334-4774 to place your pick-up orders.
Also continuing at the Legion Home is Cadillac and Domino games between 4 p.m. until closing every Thursday.
“Thirsty Thursday” drink specials will also be available from 7 p.m. till. All domestic beers are $1.50 a bottle.
With no further business, the meeting was concluded and meal was served by the Legion cooks.

Church Point - A Prayer Service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, at Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point, for Michael Barney Daigle Jr.
Mr. Daigle, a 30-year-old native and resident of Acadia Parish who resided near Mire, died the morning of Sunday, Sept. 22, at Lafayette General Hospital in Lafayette.
His best friend, Coby Foreman, conducted the service and the interment which followed in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church cemetery in Mire.
Survivors include his parents, Mike and Cindy Daigle of Mire; his maternal grandmother, Bea Guilbeau of Sunset; a son, Ashton Delahoussaye of Pine Prairie; two godmothers, Tonya Tony and Trish Guilbeau; a nephew, Lucas Daigle; two nieces, Leah and Luci Guardia; and a sister, Michelle Guardia and husband Mickey of Mire.
The family requested visiting hours be observed at Guidry Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. to the time of the services.
A hard worker who loved his bike, Mr. Daigle had found Christ and turned his life around. Truly loved, he will be sadly missed by his extended family and friends.
Arrangements were handled by Guidry Funeral Home, Inc., 219 N. Broadway, Church Point, LA (337) 684-5488. View the obituary and guest book on-line at guidryfuneralhome.com.