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Breaux Bridge - A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge for Raymond “Slim” Arceneaux, 79, who passed away on Thursday, Sept. 27, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
The family requested visiting hours at the funeral home in Breaux Bridge from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and continued on Monday at 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
A rosary was prayed at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Rev. Garrett McIntyre officiated at the Mass of Christian Burial. Readers were Gabriel Vautrot and William “Bill” Vautrot. Gift bearers were his grandchildren.
Interment followed at St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2 in Breaux Bridge.
Raymond “Slim” worked at Ray’s Upholstery as an upholsterer for 33½ years. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Slim enjoyed gardening, doing mechanic and body work on trucks, barbequing and visiting with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving spouse, Euline Blanchard Arceneaux; sons, Michael Arceneaux and wife Bonnie and Ben Arceneaux and wife Debra; daughters, Ellen Vautrot and husband William “Bill” and Sharon Jeanise and husband Roderick; grandchildren, Derrick Jeanise, Heather Jeanise, Kyle Arceneaux and Gabriel Vautrot; and his sisters, Sadie Bergeron of Rayne and Sybil Tabb.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Eliza Credeur Arceneaux.
Pallbearers were Michael Arceneaux, Ben Arceneaux, William “Bill” Vautrot, Derrick Jeanise, Heather Jeanise and Gabriel Vautrot.
Honorary pallbearers were Roderick Jeanise and Allen Blanchard Jr.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge, 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, (337-332-2111) was in charge of arrangements.
Duson – Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux, along with Duson Town Council members, welcomed a large crowd on Friday, Sept. 28, to the site of yet another community improvement project.
Hosting the 10 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony at Hanks Road, just south of the Highway 90-Austria Road intersection, was the staff of the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce, who provided “gold” shovels for the project commencement.
“This is not a one-man job by no means,” stated Duson Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux as he welcomed the large crowd. “In addition to this great town council, who the citizens have placed great faith in their leadership, we have many people who have helped with this project getting started.”
Thibodeaux introduced the Town Council in attendance, Carroll Pepper, Wade Robin, Carolyn “Pepe” Richard, Steve Hanks, Coby Duhon (who also serves as Fire Chief), along with Police Chief Kip Judice.
“The citizens have put great faith by approving the proposition to pay for this project and many more projects in the forseeable future,” Thibodeaux continued.
He also acknowledged State Representatives John Stefanski, Johnathan Perry and Nick Gautreaux who helped push this project through since 2016.
“Among others, too many to mention, I would also like to express our appreciation to Sabine State Bank on approving this project,” Thibodeaux noted. “You allowed this project to come to light. The one percent sales tax from the sales tax proposition you voted on will kick into effect October 1.”
Thibodeaux recognized Damian Smith, project manager with Elliott Construction, LLC.
“I know we are in good hands with Damian and his staff,” Thibodeaux continued.
“I want to thank the citizens of Duson once again for keeping this town moving in the right direction. This would not be possible without their confidence in us.”
Following the flipping of the first shovel of dirt to begin the project, Thibodeaux invited all in attendance to enjoy refreshments at Cajun Claws of Duson.
RAYNE - During the October meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, plans were discussed and ideas were suggested for the 100th anniversary celebration being planned in March of 2019 of the American Legion.
“This is the observance of the 100th birthday of the U.S. American Legion,” stated Post 77 Commander David Simon. “Our local 100th birthday will be observed two years later in 2021.”
Discussion was given concerning bands providing entertainmentduring the extended event planned the entire afternoon of Saturday, March 16, one day after the actual birthday of March 15.
Unit 77 Auxiliary President Bonnie Simon presented a variety of ideas for decorations to be used inside the Legion Home for the celebration.
Other suggestions included concessions, a possible cook-off contest, and additional activities to be provided for the entire family to enjoy the anniversary committee will soon finalize.
The commander announced the arrival of paperwork he received for the many Legion programs hosted by Post 77 (Boys State, Oratorical Contest and awards for the annual Law Enforcement Officer, Fireman and Citizen of the Year, Teacher of the Year) that will be re-established this term. Forms have been requested for an early start for the programs with additional information and updates to be given prior to the holiday season.
The memorial report included long-time legionnaire and community leader Mearl Arceneaux who passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Texas.
Simon reported of the recent weekend musical entertainment held at the Legion Home, in addition to a number of events planned in the coming weeks, including Louisiana Knights (Oct. 5), Bayou Beats (Oct. 13) and Ronnie Matthews (Oct. 27).
Following the maintenance report including projects and repairs recently completed at the Legion Home, Simon presented sick call of officer Robert Comeaux and Legion Home manager Keith Fontenot.
The membership report for the new membership year of 80 paid up dues remained the same due to the absence of Chairman Ray Olinger.
Brady Myers was unanimously voted upon as a new member of Post 77 and welcomed to the Legion Home in Rayne.
Concerning the Constitution By-Laws, Simon announced the updates are complete and have been submitted to Judge Advocate Shane Mouton to be finalized. Once corrected, they will be submitted for a vote before the membership and then submitted to the State Department.
Leo Spaetgens invited everyone to attend the 2018 Germanfest where two WWII veterans will be honored -- Joe Richard (Pearl Harbor) and James Bollich (Battan Deah March and POW survivor).
A reminder was given of the local Woodmen of the World project planned for veterans who are residents of the War Veterans Home in Jennings. The local Woodmen Life Chapter 31 is continuing to collect the following needed supplies for a special holiday fundraiser: men’s elastic waist pants, t-shirts, slippers, diabetic socks, body spray, Depends undergarments, thermal coffee cups, after shave and shaving products, electric razors, wall calendars, along with ladies’ medium stretch pants and matching shirts. Collecting will continue until Dec. 1st with a delivery planned for the holidays. Contact Robert (581-4317) or Bernadette (581-7484) for questions or for pickup.
Simon reminded everyone that food and beverages are 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.
A reminder was also given to mark calendars for the upcoming Christmas Party to be held the first Sunday in December at the War Veterans Home in Jennings. All legionnaires were urged to assist with the annual event.
With no further business to come before the Post, the meeting was adjourned and a meal was served by the Legion cooks.
Mearl Louis Arceneaux passed away on the 28th of September, 2018 at the age of 86.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and the love of his life and wife of over 60 years, Isabelle “Bobbie” Arceneaux.
Mearl grew up in Rayne, Louisiana. He was a hardworking man with great compassion and integrity, and treated everyone with respect and dignity.
After proudly serving his country for 26 years, he retired from the United States Air Force where he had a distinguished career as a computer programmer and systems analyst. He and Bobbie traveled the world and made numerous life-long friends.
They retired to their hometown of Rayne, and Mearl began a second career with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (USL).
He was also active in the Rayne Lions Club and Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, where he served as commander for two terms and chaired many legion events.
Mearl liked to hunt and fish, was an avid reader, and always had a good Cajun joke to share. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his daughter, Kay Ryon and spouse Bob; granddaughter Nicole Stanbery and spouse Patrick; grandson Brandon Ryon; grandson Brent Ryon and spouse Stephanie; and his precious great-grandchildren, Weston, Carter and Colbie.
He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation was observed Monday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Coppell, followed by a funeral Mass at 2 p.m. He was laid to rest in the Whispering Waters Mausoleum at Restland Cemetary in Dallas.
Funeral arrangements were faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75243 (972) 238-7111.
RAYNE - Plans are in the works for the relocation of the remaining magnolia trees planted along the railway with hopes to continue with the Magnolia Memorial Garden.
“We are not giving up on this project yet,” said Martha Royer, whose vision for the downtown area included the planting of over 30 magnolias.
“We are working closely with the city and the Rayne Garden Club to save the remaining magnolia trees and even transplant others to complete the first stage of the Memorial Garden — get it to where it was when the railroad took action this summer.”
What began as a community-wide project for the improvement of downtown Rayne in 2012 was brought to a complete halt in July when vehicles and equipment with Grayhawk Midwest of Aurora, Illinois, a company contracted by BNSF Railway Company, arrived and cut down and disposed of 23 of the original magnolia trees.
Despite pleas from the city administration, Royer and many others from the Rayne community who purchased trees for the project, the trees were disposed of and the land cleared, the railroad company citing “a safety issue at at-grade crossings.”
After a negative backlash of the “quick and drastic” action, the BNSF Railway Foundation recently contacted Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux once again to come to some type of agreement to remedy the situation.
“I guess they (railroad) figured they had to help revitalize the area that was effected by their actions,” explained Robichaux. “Once we spoke, Mr. Anderson realized the trees where not just trees, but a part of our city’s history with the donations made in memory of loved ones.”
“The very next week after we spoke, the city received a check in the mail to transplant the remaining trees and make additions where needed. I know this will help ease the pain felt by family members and allow the Magnolia Memorial Garden to be a reality once again.”
Plans are being discussed by Royer, the Rayne Garden Club and the city for the transplanting and additions to be made in mid-November. The new location of the garden will be just east of the present location between North Arenas and the former Parkerson crossing.
ROBERTS COVE - As clean-up crews were busy Monday getting things in order following the 24th annual celebration, from all indications the 2018 Germanfest was a true success.
“Even with the rain on Saturday, people were still arriving and filling the grounds,” stated Marietta Leonards-Sikat, Germanfest Association member and museum secretary.
“We knew rain was predicted, but you have to go with it,” Sikat continued. “Everything was ready to roll and I think everyone enjoyed the weekend.”
Despite the Saturday afternoon rain, a number of activities, demonstrations and programs were enjoyed by many, especially at the food and beverage booths.
The giant tent, a Germanfest landmark, was filled to capacity most of the time, in addition to programs and deonstrations held throughout the grounds both days.
Much of the success is attribited to the many wonderful volunteers who give so much of their time and effort to making the Germanfest a success year in and year out.
Highlights can be found in today’s edition of the Rayne Acadian-Tribune and again in next week’s newspaper.
RAYNE - As compared to previous City Council meetings held in the past, a rather routine and short meeting was held by the Rayne City Council on Monday.
The light agenda included the monthly financial update presented by City Clerk Annette Cutrera, in addition to the Council’s approval of a request by City Hall to declare a Royal shredder as surplus.
The Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire, a annual report submitted as part of the financial audit to the state by Thibodeaux Accounting Company, was adopted and approved by the Council.
Jean Menard addressed the Council, along with Dr. Eddie Palmer who gave a brief review of the upcoming OST Day to be held Nov. 3 at the Rayne Depot Square and along Louisiana Ave. This year’s event will include a number of new exhibits and speakers and will be dedicated to the late A.J. LeBlanc.
The Council also approved two street drives, the annual street drive by the Rayne Lions Club to be held Nov. 2-3 for the Lions Club Foundation, Lions Club Kids Camp and various local charities; and the Sisters of A&O for Breast Cancer Awareness on Oct. 12-13. Both will be held at the major intersections in the downtown section of the city.
Hours were announced for the upcoming trick or treat hours for Halloween on Oct. 31. Regular trick or treat hours for home visits will be held between 5:30-7:30 p.m., along with the annual Fright Fest to be held at the Rayne Civic Center between 6-8 p.m. by the city.
The lone permit department/demolition project brought before the Council was a two-part recommendation by the Rayne Planning and Zoning Board.
As explained by Mark Daigle, City Inspector, the board recommended to deny a request from The Pediatric Group of Acadiana, LLC to rezone lot 9 and east 1/2 lots 5 and 7 of block 26 of Cunningham Addition (facing Clegg Street) from R-1 to C-1. The Council agreed with the Board and accepted the request to deny the re-zoning.
The second of the two-part recommendation by the Board was to approve a request from The Pediatric Group of Acadiana, LLC to rezone lots 6, 8 and 10 of block 26 of Cunningham Addition (facing North Adams Ave.) from C-2 to C-1.
Following discussion, the Council and City Attorney Larry Richard stated a vote was not needed for the second part of the recommendation due to the fact the business, a walk-in clinic, had decided not to build on the site as noted by Daigle.
Under reports, Alderman Jimmy Fontenot asked of the anticipated work planned on the water plant south wall due to the odd surface. It was noted by Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux the wall has been repaired and will be cleaned, water-sealed and painted in the very near future.
Alderman Kenneth Guidry noted a number of individuals and businesses had approached him regarding the large number of hamburger sales taking place over the weekends. Robichaux noted this would be addressed prior to the next Council meeting.
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