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RAYNE - Preceptor Alpha Chi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi will host the 21st Annual “Project Pink”, Breast Cancer Awareness event this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Rayne Civic Center.
The day for the 2019 observance will be dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Lucy Mae Hebert, who lost her battle with breast cancer.
Lucy Leger Hebert was born on February 15, 1922. She married Ervine Hebert from Mire and they owned a cotton farm. They were the parents of six children, Lucy Hebert Kibodeaux, Larry Hebert, JoAnn Hebert Abshire, Priscilla Hebert Soileau, John Mervin Hebert and an infant son who passed away named Rogers Hebert. Their family also includes eight grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Hebert died of breast cancer at the age of 53 in 1975. She was a faithful member of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Mire until her death. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and truly missed every single day.
She is the grandmother of Rayne resident and Preceptor Alpha Chi member Pebbles Kibodeaux Mire.
An invitation is being extended to all breast cancer survivors to join the day-long event.
Raffle tickets are currently on sale for the “Angel of Hope, 12” Seraphim Angel valued at $175. This is a numbered, limited edition sculpted and delicately hand painted angel. She wears a pink ribbon and sash to represent the commitment to bringing the world closer to a cure. The winner will have a choice between the angel or $150 cash. There will also be numerous other prizes given in the raffle, in addition to door prizes and a silent auction.
The 11th annual “Miss Project Pink” pageant will also be held at this time. The queens will hold titles for a year and their primary responsibility will be to inform others throughout the state about the event and invite them to participate in this well-known “Breast Cancer Awareness” event. Door admission is $5 for adults, $3 school age children, and little ones four years and under will be admitted free.
The “Children’s Categories” (those younger than 13) will begin with registration at 9 a.m. and competition will begin at 9:30 a.m. Attire will be sportswear. Entry fee for these age groups will be $30 prior registration and $40 at the door.
Children’s categories are as follows: Baby Project Pink (0 – 11 months); T’Nincy Project Pink (12 – 23 months); Toddler Project Pink (2 years); Tiny Project Pink (3 – 4 years); Petite Project Pink (5 – 6 years); Little Project Pink (7 – 9 years) and Deb Project Pink (10 – 12 years).
There will be an optional “Photogenic Award” in each category. Those wishing to participate will turn in their photo and a $5 fee, per photo, during the proper registration periods.
Side awards will also include the following: Prettiest Eyes, Best Hair, Best Personality, Most Fashionable with all receiving a certificate.
The “Senior Categories” (those over 13 years of age) will begin with registration at noon and competition will begin at noon. Attire will be formal wear, except dressy/casual for the lady Division. The competition will not have interviews, but will include stage presentation only. Entry fee for these age groups will be $50 prior registration and $60 at the door.
The Senior Categories are as follows: Junior Project Pink (13 -14 years); Teen Project Pink (15 – 16 years); Miss Project Pink (17 – 23 years); Ms. Project Pink (24 – 39 years) and Lady Project Pink (40 years and over).
For the Lady Division, dressy/casual wear only. Wear pink for the cause and earn extra points.
In addition, The contestant selling the most raffle tickets will receive a custom 12” Pink Stone Crown. Raffle tickets are $1 each as visitors can email ProjectPinkPageant@yahoo.com for raffle tickets or visit the Facebook page for additional information. Pink ribbon custom designed crowns and embroidered cotton banners will be awarded for all age divisions royalty.
Photography will be provided for pageant photos if desired.
Inquires can be forwarded to Marlene at 337-334-4470; Theresa at 337-457-8570 or Allyson at 337-654-0804.
Pageant entry forms are available by email: ProjectPinkPageant@yahoo.com.

RAYNE - During the monthly meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, held Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the local Legion Home, Commander David Simon and legionnaires welcomed two guests, District 7 Commander Frank Richard and Area C Commander Dennis Hart.
Richard discussed the recently signed Legion Act signed by President Donald Trump effecting many veterans. He noted with the new act, approximately 6 million veterans (anyone serving in the military after Dec. 7, 1941) will now have access to American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
“This act will most certainly increase enrollment at American Legion Post throughout the entire country,” Richard stated. “This will surely help the enrollment of our local posts, as well.”
He also reminded Post 77 of the free package Our Lady of Lourdes blood bank offers to veterans with the post receiving credit for all blood donations. He urged Post 77 to contact OLOL to schedule a blood drive in the near future.
Richard concluded his program with a reminder to all legionnaires of the life insurance benefits available through the American Legion, many of which are free to veterans.
Hart, who chairs the 7th District Oratorical Contest, presented packets to Commander Simon for the 2019-2020 oratorical program. He urged Post 77 to contact local high schools for their participation in the local contest, with winners advancing to the district, state and national levels of competition.
Both gentlemen were thanked for their updates and information provided for the legionnaires in attendance.
Commander Simon continued with the agenda, including sick call including Wilson LeDoux, Robley Moroux, Cliff Owens, Gene Guidry and Ike Duncan.
Robert Comeaux presented the memorial report, including the recent passing of Joseph L. Guidry Sr. and Joseph Wilfred Constantine.
Ray Olinger gave the membership report including 76 paid-up dues including 46% for an early start of the new membership year.
Simon gave a positive report of the OST Dine and Dance held Friday, Aug. 2, at the Legion Home. Proceeds will benefit the upcoming 4th Annual OST Day Celebration to be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, in downtown Rayne. He also gave the upcoming schedule of events.
It was noted the Rayne High student who attended the annual Boys State Program June 23-29 on the campus of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Joshua McCrory, will be contacted to attend the September meeting for a report of the program.
Chairman Robert Comeaux announced the replacement pole and sign for the front of the Legion Home is on track following a recent car accident.
Simon announced a report of the DEC Meeting, which he attended in July, will be heard during the September meeting.
A vote was held and approval was given for Donald Petitjean to be named an honorary member and have his Legion dues paid due to the assistance he provides Post 77.
The commander also reminded everyone that food and beverages are still available for purchase with an expanding menu at the Legion Home during normal bar 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.

RAYNE - In addition of being informed of city business and projects, audience members were also advised of the positive outcome of the recently completed 2019 regular legislative session during the August meeting of the Rayne City Council.
State Representatives John Stefanski and Bob Hensgens gave a synopsis of the session, having plenty of bragging rights as this area received it’s fair share of secured projects.
Topping the list of Rayne projects was the anticipated new Martin Luther King Center.
“Of the $325,000 requested for the project,” Stefanski stated, “$200,000 was approved in Priority 1, with the $125,000 of the remaining needed monies moved to a Priority 5 level, which should be moved up to Level One next year when the city breaks ground on having the plans drawn.”
The city (sitting administration) has earmarked $108,000 to date toward the project.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux noted, “We (Council) plan to introduce in the new budget an additional $52,000, totaling $160,000 in funds the city will earmark for the city’s contribution towards the project.”
Robichaux continued, “To date, we only have to have city matching funds of $105,000, but we feel with the increased cost of construction and rise in materials, we need to contribute more to keep ahead of these rising costs to assure a good end result. I’m a conservative, but optimistic in the city projects we have planned.”
Another Acadia Parish project receiving appropriations was the Acadia Parish Courthouse with $765,000 for a new elevator and $710,000 for window replacements.
The highlights of the session include a $1,000 raise for every teacher in Louisiana, as well as a $500 raise for all support staff.
Additionally, state spending for K-12 education was increased by $39 million dollars.
Two pro-life bills were approved, one banning abortions after a heartbeat is detected, and the other which is a constitutional amendment to declare that Louisiana is pro-life.
Regarding infrastructure, $150 million dollars was directed to the I-49 South corridor from the proceeds of the BP settlement. The completion of I-49 south is something that has long been talked about and will have a huge economic impact on all of Acadiana.
Finally, the legislature approved a state-wide ride sharing structure that should allow access to companies like Uber and Lyft in rural areas like Acadia Parish.
“I carried nine individual bills this session,” state Stefanski, “and it appears that five of my bills will make it across the finish line. Those are HB 36, 111, 112, 221, and 596.”
He added, “Additionally, I was an original co-author on SB 152. I am particularly proud of HB 36 which strengthens our protective order laws in Louisiana in response to the tragic death of Crowley’s own Heather Mouton.”
HB 111 is a pro-law enforcement bill which strengthens the crime of disarming a police officer when the officer purchased his own weapon.
HB 112 allows local municipalities to collect small utility debts through mayor’s court, potentially saving small municipalities thousands in filing fees.
HB 221 modernizes the requirements for foster parents and was universally supported by all parties involved.
HB 596 clarifies who can be considered a commercial farmer to conform to changes made over the past couple of years.
And finally, SB 152 mandates truth in labeling for agricultural products which protects our consumers and farmers here in Louisiana.
“I am also excited about the funding for infrastructure projects here in our district that was secured by the Acadia Parish delegation,” Stefanski continued. “The highlight of that is the funding for a new bridge to replace the pontoon bridge in Estherwood.
“Working with our Acadia Parish delegation, including Sen. Blade Morrish, Sen. Bob Hensgens and Rep. Phillip Devillier, we were able to secure approximately $12 million dollars in capital outlay funding for several important projects in District 42, as well as $15 million for all of Acadia Parish.”
“I am thrilled to announce that $900,000 was appropriated for the land acquisition, environmental study, and engineering for a replacement of the aging and often-closed pontoon bridge on Highway 91 in Estherwood. An additional $4.2 million dollars was also secured as a Priority 5 project for construction at a later date.”
The DOTD now has funding to start the design and planning for the much needed bridge replacement, Stefanski explained.
Other important Acadia Parish projects receiving appropriations include:
• The City of Crowley - $290,000 was secured for renovation and repairs to the Rice Festival Building; $1.3 million for public sewerage system expansions along the I-10 service road; and $90,000 for restoration and rehabilitation of the Rice Community Theatre;
• The Town of Duson - $200,000 for infrastructure improvements and $131,000 for sewer system improvements;
• The Village of Estherwood - $895,000 for replacements and repairs to the water system;
• The Village of Morse - $227,000 for water tower improvements and $250,000 for street improvements;
• The Village of Mermentau - $435,000 for street improvements;
• Crowley Behavioral Health Clinic - $230,000 for a roof replacement and $590,000 for parking lot resurfacing; and
• Old Spanish Trail Roadway - $460,000 for improvements.
“The funding structure for capital outlay is a complicated procedure with some of the appropriations available immediately, while others must go through the bonding process,” Stefanski added.
“Our Acadia Parish delegation worked together to secure and protect the projects submitted for funding and we will continue to fight for our area to make sure we are getting our fair share in Baton Rouge.”