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UPDATED: Chamber President Donna Meyer remembered for energy, positive approach

Mon, 10/04/2021 - 10:33am

Staff Report

St. Mary Parish lost one of its most vocal and high-energy boosters late Sunday, when St. Mary Chamber President Donna Meyers died.

Meyer, who led the parish’s Chamber for 17 years as president, died at 11:59 p.m. Sunday at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

No immediate word was available about funeral arrangements.

Meyer is being remembered by the people she worked with for her up-beat attitude and involvement in a wide variety of community projects.

The greatest tribute to Meyer may be the trepidation with which Chamber leaders are approaching the search for her successor.

Former Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Jason Watson, president of Patterson State Bank, talked about the difficulty in finding someone with Meyers’ can-do spirit as well as her ability to manage an office.

From current Chairman Raymond Price: “I don’t even want to think about finding her replacement."

Price credited Meyer with turning a nearly broke Chamber into one of the best Chambers in the state.

“She brought it to the status it has now,” Price said. “She took it to the next level and beyond.”

Much of the work of keeping the Chamber moving during 19 months of the COVID-19 epidemic fell to Meyer, the Chamber officials said. And for the last year, she was undergoing treatment for cancer as well. Meyer formally resigned the Thursday before she died.

Meyer was instrumental in developing a range of Chamber programs that have become familiar names in St. Mary: the Bayou BBQ Bash, which the Chamber started and turned over to members of the Marine Corps League; Chambers of Health, an effort to raise the overall level of health in St. Mary; Bikers on the Bayou, initiated to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Easy Rider” and which continues as a yearly event; and Leadership St. Mary, which introduces up-and-coming business leaders to the parish’s political and economic institutions.

“I believe [Leadership St. Mary] is the best program I was ever involved with,” said Jo Anne Bergeron, a retired banker and former Chamber chairwoman.

Meyer’s death is a “huge loss,” Bergeron said. “With the COVID and all, she had been taking care of everything.
…
“She was just full of energy, always positive. She always felt that we’re going to get done what needs to be done.

“She was a wonderful person. I loved Donna.”

“She was really an optimistic and positive person,” Watson said. “She was always looking for opportunities to improve St. Mary Parish.”

“She was a great asset to the parish and a great asset to the community,” Price said.

Price said the Chamber board will begin the work of seeking a new president next week.

Churches, local people protest abortion with Life Chain

Sun, 10/03/2021 - 4:11pm

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

PATTERSON — Dozens of east St. Mary people took up their signs Sunday to protest abortion once again.
For the ninth straight year, members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson lined the north side of U.S. 90 near Cardinal Lumber & Supply for an hour and showed their opposition to abortion.
Members of nearby Bethel Pentecostal Fellowship also took part in the annual Life Chain as they have every year since the event started.
“We’re against abortion,” said Bethel member Leslie Fanguy, “and we want to let the world know.”
And, as has also been the case in recent years, the abortion debate has changed since the previous Life Chain.
Last year, the Rev. Herbert Bennerfield III of St. Joseph said, a pro-life Donald Trump administration and three new Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices were reasons for people opposed to abortion to be optimistic.
“We had a pro-life ad-ministration, and they pursued pro-life policies,” Bennerfield said.
This year, Trump has been replaced by the Biden-Harris administration, which is pro-choice. President Joe Biden’s proposed fiscal 2022 budget omits the Hyde amendment, which since 1976 has forbidden the use of federal funds to pay for abortions through programs such as Medicaid.
An attempt by Democrats to overturn the Hyde amendment, using a resolution in favor of the administration’s $3.5 trillion infrastructure proposal, was rejected by Republicans.
The biggest change in the abortion battle this year has been the passage of a new abortion law in Texas and the Supreme Court’s 5-4 refusal to stay the law pending further litigation.
Since last week, Texas has prohibited abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually about the sixth week of pregnancy. Because many women don’t learn they’re pregnant until after that point, the law is being called a de facto ban on abortions.
More controversially, the new law allows any private citizen to sue anyone suspected of assisting a woman to receive an abortion and will pay $10,000 to those who win such lawsuits.
The measures that effectively deputizes nongovernmental actors sets the Texas law apart from other so-called heart-beat laws and changes the debate over the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that prevents states from banning abortion completely.
The National Abortion Rights Action League described the $10,000 payment as a “bounty” and the legislation as a “vigilante” law.
“The anti-choice movement is determined to decimate reproductive freedom and intimidate providers, pregnant people, and those who love and care for them. Make no mistake, this law paves the way for anti-choice extremists to turn their dystopian vision into a horrifying reality — not just in Texas — but around the country,” NARAL said in a response to the Texas law.
For Bennerfield, the Texas law is an opportunity for women to consider the consequences of abortion.
“We were thrilled about that,” he said Sunday at the Life Chain. “They don’t know how you affect a baby with a beating heart.
“Years ago, a lot of ladies had abortions because they didn’t realize that.”
By the time the Life Chain began at 2 p.m. Sunday, about 60 people had arrived to participate, and more were coming.
“I think everybody who cares about life ought to be out here taking a stand for life,” said Bethel Pastor Marty Harden.

Jury convicts Iberia man on murder charge

Sat, 10/02/2021 - 10:00am

A New Iberia jury unanimously convicted Joshua Raved of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of domestic abuse battery on Friday, 16th Judicial District Attorney Bo Duhe announced.
Raved’s convictions stem from the shooting of Ian Jones. The incident began in the early morning hours of Feb. 20, 2018. Jones was sleeping in his apartment when the defendant awoke him by striking him with a pistol. The defendant shot Jones four times as Jones attempted to flee, Duhe said.
Jones died as a result of his wounds in the hospital exactly one month later.
After his arrest, the defendant’s confession was caught on camera at the Iberia Parish Jail when the defendant told one of the jail staff that he wished that Jones had died and that he was going to shoot him again, Duhe said.
Further, Louisiana law prohibits a person who has previously been convicted of domestic abuse battery from possessing a firearm. As the defendant had previously been convicted of domestic abuse battery—third offense, the defendant was also charged with that offense.
After a multiday trial, Raved was found guilty on both counts.
Sentencing is set before District Judge Lewis H. Pitman on Nov. 22. Second degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. For his conviction for possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of domestic abuse battery, the defendant faces a sentence of not less than one year nor more than five years with or without hard labor.
“I am very proud of Ian Jones’ family for their determination to see justice done.” Duhé said. “Also, I appreciate the jury for their commitment to listen to the evidence, deliberate the facts, and render a just verdict.”

THEONIS 'JUNIOR' HARRINGTON JR.

Sat, 10/02/2021 - 6:06am

Theonis “Junior” Harrington Jr.
January 8, 1928 – September 30, 2021

Theonis Harrington Jr., affectionately known as Junior, was born at Cow Island on January 8, 1928 and was one of five children born to Theonis Sr. and the former Lucille Lemaire. He passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at his home on Thursday, September 30, 2021, surrounded in love.

His memory will be forever cherished in the hearts of his wife of 74 years, Mathilde Schonauer Harrington; his four children, Barbara H. Bonneval and her husband Thomas, Liz H. Ellison and her husband Steven, Thomas Harrington and his wife Shelia, and Earl Harrington and his wife Angela; eight grandchildren, Michael and Patrick Bonneval, Teri Jackson, Shane Harrington, Ginger Richard, Amy Vaccarella, Jared Fremin, and Ben Harrington; numerous great grandchildren; his brother, Wilmer Harrington; his two sisters, Martha Harrington and Gerry Hathorn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theonis Harrington and Lucille Lemaire Harrington; his brother, Leo Harrington and his wife Eva; his brother-in-law, Milton Hathorn; and his sister-in-law, Doris Harrington.

In keeping with Junior’s wishes, private graveside services will be held in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Patterson.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Journey Hospice, his doctors Dr. Natalie Dishman and Dr. Darrel Solet, and last but not least his caregivers Judy Solar, Regina Berger, and Virgie Harrington. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1011 First Street, Patterson, LA 70392.

Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

Milton leads Berwick to homecoming victory

Fri, 10/01/2021 - 10:51pm

Berwick's Jayden Milton breaks for the sideline on the way to a 21-yard touchdown Friday against Centerville. Milton scored four touchdowns in Berwick's 35-0 win.

Also Friday:

--Patterson 40, Morgan City 0

--Central Catholic 38, McKinley 6

Mikah Ortiz is Berwick homecoming queen

Fri, 10/01/2021 - 10:32pm

Mikah Ortiz is the 2021 Berwick High homecoming queen. She accepted the crown from the 2020 queen, Giuliana Spitale, at halftime of Friday's football game against Centerville. She's the daughter of Mike and Evelyn Ortiz.

The Daily Review/Bill Decker

Madison Gregoire and Kobe Champine

Fri, 10/01/2021 - 4:15pm

Blain Gregoire and Shannon Bonaventure of Gonzales wish to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Madison Anne Gregoire, to Kobe LaDon Champine, son of LaDon and Crystal Champine of Berwick. The wedding will take place at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Parc 73 in Prairieville.

Kennidy Photography

Looking for Halloween films for kids?

Fri, 10/01/2021 - 4:07pm

Scary movies are a must-see for many Halloween enthusiasts each October.
A scare might be what many people want on Halloween night, but such movies are best left to teenagers and adults. When it comes to more kid-friendly films this Halloween, parents can give these classics a try.
—“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966): Parents can take a stroll down memory lane as costumes for the Peanuts gang, most notably Charlie Brown’s, elicit a few laughs, while kids will no doubt be in awe as Linus speaks of the Great Pumpkin.
—“Monsters, Inc.” (2001): Halloween wouldn’t be the same without monsters, but the monsters in this beloved Pixar classic are decidedly more kid-friendly and significantly funnier than Frankenstein.
—“Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” (1998): Youngsters who love Scooby-Doo and his mystery-solving pals are no doubt accustomed to a few lightly scary moments, so this story that unfolds when the gang heads to Louisiana to investigate a haunted mansion is sure to please.
—“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982): Produced and directed by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg, this tells the story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends a charismatic extraterrestrial. The film is loaded with memorable scenes and dialogue, and parents who watched it as children will no doubt love the chance to watch their own youngsters’ eyes light up at the sight of E.T.

Getting married? Forms can help you submit announcement

Fri, 10/01/2021 - 4:05pm

The Daily Review publishes engagement and wedding announcements as a free, public service.
Submission for engagement announcements should be received approximately four weeks prior to the wedding.
Wedding story submissions should be received no later than 60 days following the wedding.
Emailed photographs should be send as an original size file of a large digital format.
Forms are available from The Daily Review office at 1014 Front St. in Morgan City or by going online at StMaryNow.com and clicking on the submissions tab.

Dear Abby: Woman dumbfounded by fiancé’s intolerance

Fri, 10/01/2021 - 3:58pm

DEAR ABBY: About a year ago, my fiancé of six years revealed that he doesn’t think homosexuality is normal or right. I was shocked because he had never mentioned it before, nor did I see any signs that he thought that way. We’ve gone to Pride celebrations, and we both have gay relatives and friends.
When we discuss how we will raise our children, it always winds up in an argument. He doesn’t want our future children to be influenced by gay people on TV and doesn’t want me to “encourage” it. He did say that, after the child turns 18, he would accept what they “choose.” I would like to teach my children to accept people’s true selves.
I have tried reasoning with him and using logic as to why there’s nothing wrong with gay people and begged him to think about it from their perspective. Nothing I can say changes his mind. He was raised by a very “macho” father who thinks the same way. What should I do? Do you think a marriage would survive this kind of disagreement? Would therapy help?
MORE ACCEPTING IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR MORE ACCEPTING: Be glad your fiancé has been honest with you about this — even if it’s five years late. One would think that having gay friends and a gay relative would have shown him that sexual orientation isn’t something a person “chooses.” Gay people can no more help being attracted to members of the same sex than straight people can help being attracted to people of the opposite sex.
Therapy can be helpful and provide valuable insight to individuals who are willing to admit they need it. I hope your fiancé will consider this. Children come out much earlier today than in years past, and it’s important they feel safe doing it. Being forced to wait longer could cause damage that lasts a lifetime. For your sake and theirs, get to the core of what is going on with this man, and decide what to do accordingly.

DEAR ABBY: I was divorced 33 years ago. My son was a year old at the time. My ex was doing drugs and had lost his job. He never paid alimony or child support or acknowledged any birthdays or Christmas, so we struggled for many years to buy the necessities. We have grown close to a few of his family members over the last few years.
My son is now about to be married. My ex is not invited to the ceremony, but he sent a nice amount of money. My son and I are torn about what we should do. I feel my son deserves the money, but it isn’t even close to making up for 34 years of neglect. So, how do you say “thank you” for something that’s too little and far too late?
MOM OF THE GROOM

DEAR MOM: How to say “thank you” is not your problem. Your son and his fiancée should deal with this as they wish, including accepting the money. (Newlyweds can always use the money.)

***

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.