Bayou Vista Elementary Beta Club collected items for southeast Louisiana veterans’ homes, sponsored by the Morgan City High School Army JROTC. From left are Beta sponsor Heather Crappell, Beta students Gracie McGraw and Luke Lipari, JROTC SAI Lt. Col. Cory Williams and pick-up assistant Keith Daigle.
Kori Toups won a bike at the completion of Bayou Vista Elementary’s fall fundraiser. Names of all participants were eligible to win the bike in a random drawing.
Anna Perry, a teacher in the Patterson High School Special Services Department, was recognized at Tuesday’s Patterson City Council meeting for her service. Perry, who lives on the parish’s west end, has worked at Patterson High School for more than 14 years. She was presented a certificate and a key to the city by Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Travis Darnell.
NEW ORLEANS — The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and Trombone Shorty Foundation announced Thursday the theme for its 2021 art and songwriting contest: “Alone Together: Art in the Time of Pandemic.”
Open to Louisiana high school juniors and seniors, 10 young artists and three songwriters will be awarded $25,000 in college scholarships. GRFA and TSF encourage students to reflect and explore their thoughts on this difficult year and create works of art and music inspired by their reflections, said the foundations news release.
Artists and songwriters can now submit original artwork or song/lyrics at https://georgerodriguefoundation.org/. Deadline for entry submission is Feb. 26, 2021. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and the safety of all students, the 2021 Awards Ceremony will take place virtually.
Students are asked to consider the following questions when creating their original art and songs:
—How has disaster and disease shaped art throughout history?
—How has your life changed as a result of COVID-19?
—What does social distancing and quarantine mean to you?
—What has been the most difficult part of this year for you?
—What do you miss most about life before COVID-19?
—What is your hope for the future?
“Throughout his life, my Dad responded to obstacles by creating art,” said Jacques Rodrigue, GRFA’s executive director. “This year’s visual art and songwriting contest entries will serve as a touchstone for the future, showcasing how so many Louisiana students overcame challenges faced during this difficult year. We hope this contest can bring students together through art and song and help rebuild a sense of community that’s been missing during the pandemic.”
ART CONTEST:
All high school juniors and seniors in Louisiana are eligible to apply. Contest judges will select 10 finalists to share $19,000 in college scholarships. All winning entries will then travel on exhibition in multiple cities across the state.
Visual artwork submissions will be judged on three equally weighted criteria:
1. Concept/Design: Does the artwork address the theme in a clear and inventive way?
2. Technical Skill: Does the artwork show an understanding of visual art principles such as use of color, shading, light, and form?
3. Creativity: Does the artwork showcase an original point of view? Does it provide a fresh perspective on the theme?
SONGWRITING CONTEST:
The second-annual songwriting contest is open to all Louisiana high school juniors and seniors. A selection of three finalists will share $6,000 in college scholarships and receive additional prizes (to be announced at a later date).
Song submissions will be judged three equally weighted criteria:
1. Structure and Composition: Does the song have clearly identifiable sections (verse, chorus, etc.)? Is the song between 2-5 minutes? Does the song have a clear theme and cohesive structure? Does the music have an identifiable rhyme scheme or pattern?
2. Melody: Does the song have continuity and coherence in melody, as well as tone and style? Does the song offer something unique, different, and totally original? Does the music keep the listener interested and engaged?
3. Lyrics: Are the lyrics creative and original? Do they inspire an emotional or visceral reaction from the listener? Do the music and lyrics fit together in a cohesive way?
When George Rodrigue was bedridden with polio as a young boy, he used art as a way to express himself and he discovered that he wanted to create art for the rest of his life, according to the news release. After he became a professional artist, Rodrigue continued to use his art as a way to respond to tragedy and disaster.
For example, following the Sept. 11 attacks, he created “God Bless America” to channel both his and America’s shock and sadness. Also, after Hurricane Katrina, he again turned to his canvas to create “We Will Rise Again,” which echoed the sense that, despite the disaster that occurred, the people would persevere and recover.
Founded by George Rodrigue in 2009, the GRFA Scholarship Arts Contest has received 5,881 submissions and awarded $530,000 in total scholarships to almost 200 students. For more information or to submit original song or artwork, visit http://georgerodriguefoundation.org/.
BATON ROUGE — The LSU Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters is having its annual Christmas tree sale. The trees are being sold outside of the Renewable Natural Resources Building on the LSU campus, and the sale will continue until all trees are sold.
Approximately 50 Carolina Sapphire cypress trees were harvested for the sale this year. Carolina Sapphire cypress trees are best known for their rich blue-silver color and strong lemon-and-mint aroma.
The trees are harvested each year from Lee Memorial Forest in Washington Parish. The forest is a vital research and teaching resource for the School of Renewable Natural Resources.
The 1,500 acres that comprise the Lee Memorial Forest include four acres dedicated to growing Christmas trees. Leyland cypress and Carolina Sapphire cypress are the most common tree varieties grown.
These varieties were selected because they acclimate well to growing in Louisiana. Leyland cypress is popular because it is less likely to shed its needles. Due to insects and diseases, many other tree varieties are not viable in Louisiana.
Christmas trees typically grow at a rate of 1 foot per tree. A 6-foot tree likely took six years to reach that height.
Cornelis “Niels” de Hoop, associate professor in the Louisiana Forest Products Development Center at the LSU AgCenter, offered the following tips for selecting and maintaining a Christmas tree:
—Select a tree based on freshness. Freshness is checked by inspecting the dryness of the branches. Also, check for any large dead spots around the tree that cannot be concealed.
—Look at the base. Ensure the base is long enough to be held up by a tree stand and is not too wide to fit in the stand.
—Look for a tree that is straight. Keep in mind where the tree will be placed and avoid one that is too wide or too tall.
—Place the tree in a bucket of water as soon as possible. If possible, cut off 1 inch of the tree’s base. This will improve water uptake as sap tends to congregate at the bottom of the tree.
—Do not let the tree stand go dry. Once the tree runs out of water, it will likely quit taking up water completely.
—Watch for water uptake. Once a tree stops up taking water, it has likely died and will begin to dry out.
“There are several ways that you can dispose of a tree,” de Hoop said. “A lot of times, fishermen will collect the Christmas trees and repurpose them as fish habitats in ponds or lakes.”
Before repurposing or disposing of a tree, be sure to remove all lights and decorations.
The annual Christmas Tree Sale is a long-standing tradition on the LSU campus. Money raised from the event helps pay for students’ national membership dues with the Society of American Foresters and funds club gatherings throughout the year.
DEAR ABBY: I woke up crying this morning. The holidays are fast approaching, and many of them I spent with my younger sister “Leyla” and her family. It has been a tradition because our parents are no longer living, and my sisters live on the mainland.
Leyla’s fiancé doesn’t care for me, so last year’s celebration wasn’t very fun, although I did enjoy my family. Her fiancé and I have never had an argument nor have I ever said anything negative to him. He’s insecure and wants Leyla to himself.
I was gone for the holidays in 2018 because I was caring for our elderly father. I hadn’t been to their home for almost two years before that. During that time he had my sister all to himself. The last time I visited he wasn’t nice to me. It didn’t feel good.
Now, with this upcoming holiday season, I know I won’t be invited to join them, which makes me sad and mad at the same time. My sister doesn’t deal with life like I do. I am very family-oriented, and I would never let a man come between us. It breaks my heart knowing I won’t be a part of their lives this year for the holidays. I’m 65, and Leyla is 61. We shouldn’t be dealing with this kind of thing in our lives. What should I do?
SAD ISLAND LADY
DEAR SAD: Discuss this with Leyla and find out whether you will be invited to visit this year. Many families are distancing not because of personality conflicts but because of COVID. It may be possible to see your sister via Zoom or outside her home if you arrange to stay elsewhere.
If that isn’t possible, make plans with friends and/or other relatives. Many people will be celebrating Christmas and New Year’s differently this year. You will not be alone in that.
DEAR ABBY: My 16-year-old son passed away unexpectedly a month ago. Because he was short for his age, he had been bullied during middle and high school. After a minor argument with my husband and me, he contacted a neighborhood kid who sold him powerful painkillers.
This was, to my knowledge, the first time he did this, and I don’t think he realized how devastating the effects could be. (We had previously discussed the dangers of prescription drugs, but it seems this was an impulsive decision.)
My husband and 19-year-old daughter are reeling from this tragedy, and we’re all in therapy now. I need to know if you have any advice on how to grieve. I’m feeling so lost and still in shock, and I have appreciated reading your advice over the years.
STILL IN SHOCK IN COLORADO
DEAR STILL: Please accept my deepest sympathy for the tragic loss of your beloved son. The circumstances of his death make it even more difficult to understand and cope. Fortunately, there is help and support for families who have lost a sibling or a child.
The Compassionate Friends is a group I have mentioned before in my column. Founded 50 years ago in England and incorporated in the United States in 1978, it exists to provide friendship, understanding and hope to parents who are going through the natural grieving process. To find a chapter near you, contact them online at compassionatefriends.org or by calling 877-969-0010.
Please don’t wait.
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To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.
Yvonne Anette Silas Carson, 46, a resident of Jeanerette, La. and native of Franklin, La., passed away peacefully on Saturday November 28, 2020 at 2:32 p.m. at Iberia Medical Center in New Iberia, La.
A drive through viewing (with everyone remaining in the car with no stopping) will be held on Friday December 4, 2020 at Jones Funeral Home 1101 Main Street Franklin, La. from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. A private service will be held. Services will be accessible by viewing the Jones Funeral Home, Inc. Facebook Page at 11 a.m. on Saturday December 5, 2020. Yvonne will laid to rest in the St. John Cemetery - Pecot Street in Franklin.
Memories of Yvonne will forever remain in the hearts of her husband, Shannon Carson; five daughters, Vonneshall (Damier) Silas- Austin of Verdunville, La., La’Shall Carson, Ta’Shannon (Schronte’ Hopes) Silas, Tiffany Carson all of Jeanerette, La. and Ta’Shonta Carson of Franklin, La.; her parents, Jacqueline Silas of Jeanerette, La. and Albert Ray (Anne Belle) Green of St. Joseph, La.; six grandchildren; two brothers, Terrance (Kacie) Robinson of New Iberia, La. and David Green of MS; two sisters, Amanda Silas-Johnson of Jeanerette, La. and Rachel Gray of Franklin, La.; two god-children, Kayla Colar and O’sharra Silas and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her grand-parents, Alma Navy, Leon Silas and Enola Silas and Anderson and Mattie Green; her mother and father-in-law, Jeffrey and Carrie Carson and a sister-in-law, Edith Carson.
Jones Funeral Home of Franklin-Morgan City-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements. Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family
Charles Joseph Young, Jr., 58, a native of Terrebonne Parish and a resident of Crowley, La., passed away peacefully on Thursday November 26, 2020.
A public viewing will be conducted from 12:30 p.m. until funeral time at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020 at Jones Funeral Home Chapel, 230 S. Hollywood Road in Houma. (All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC-local regulations by wearing masks and practicing social distancing). Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Funeral services will be accessible by viewing the Jones Funeral Home, Inc. Facebook Page at 2 p.m. on Friday December 4, 2020.
Memories of Charles, Jr. will forever remain in the hearts of his wife, Sheryl Young of Crowley, La.; daughter, Chloe Young of Atlanta, GA; sons-in-love, D’Myrus Daniels of Metairie, La., and Tyrin Daniels of Lafayette; grandsons-in-love, sisters, Janet Bonvillian and Mrs. Martin (Patricia) King ; brother, Jermaine Willis (Tonya); and a host of other relatives and friends.
Charles, Jr., was preceded in death by his parents
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements. Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.
Bertrand Green, 57, a resident of Richmond, TX and native of Morgan City, La. passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 12:57 p.m. at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital in Sugarland, TX.
A public walk through viewing will be conduct-ed from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020 and resume on Saturday December 5, 2020 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home 715 Sixth Street Morgan City, La. (All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC-local regulations by wearing masks and practicing social distancing). A private service will be held with the family’s invited guest only. Services will be accessible by viewing the Jones Funeral Home, Inc. Facebook Page at 11 a.m.. on Saturday December 5, 2020. Bertrand will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Memories of Bertrand will forever remain in the hearts of: his wife, Tonya Green of Richmond, TX; a daughter, Teryse Battiest (Eddie) of Austin, TX; son, Joshua Green (Vanessa) of Missouri City, TX; his mother, Shirley Alfred and step-father, Robert Alfred of Patterson, La.; two sisters, Andra Singleton of Morgan City, La. and Adriana Hasley (Earl) and a brother, Tyrone Green of Baton Rouge, La.; six grand-children that he truly adored, Quinton, Bray-den, Joshua Jr., Liam, Aurora, and Jaxson and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Bertrand was preceded in death by his father, Sylvester Green Jr.; paternal grandparents, Sylvester Green Sr. and Loretta Green and maternal grandparents, Indiana and Hayward Malveaux.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements. Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.
August 26, 1970 – November 22, 2020
Tony Simoneaux passed away at Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida due to complications from a recent motorcycle accident.
Tony was born and raised in Charenton Louisiana to Carolyn Jean Champagne and Wibry Sebastian Simoneaux. After graduating from Franklin Senior High he enlisted in the Marine Corps and honorably served his country. Following his military time he moved to Florida to pursue a career in Law enforcement. He work For ACSO (Alachua County Sheriff’s Office) for 20 years. After his time in law enforcement he went to work for Royal Restrooms assisting in Facilities maintenance and management where he was treated like family.
Tony was preceded in death by his father, Wibry, brother-in-law, Paul Coleman, and nephew, Brett Burgess.
He leaves behind his four children, Carson Marqua Simoneaux, Olivia Marguerite Simoneaux, Conner Sebastian Simoneaux, and Bowen Leander; two siblings, Allison Simoneaux Coleman and Allen Simoneaux and his wife Caroline; nieces and nephews, Marty Burgess, Jessie Burgess, Sandy Simoneaux Davidson, Sara Coleman Reed, and Megan Coleman; as well as so many cherished friends and extended family.
Tony enjoy riding his motorcycle he affectionately named Nikki. He absolutely adored his kids and truly enjoyed spending time with them. He was a guy that everyone loved. And if for some reason you didn’t like him eventually you would. He truly knew no strangers and was al-ways available to lend a helping hand to anyone in any situation. He will be so truly missed!
Family and friends will be celebrating his life on Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Judd Hall in Charenton. All are welcome to attend.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255