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Cane crop holds up in a stormy year

Fri, 11/27/2020 - 9:01am

GEOFF STOUTE, gstoute@daily-review.com

While hurricanes and COVID-19 have dealt blows to some industries in 2020, the area’s sugarcane crop has been lucky to see minimal affects from these two impacts.
“We have more things to be thankful for than not to be thankful for,” LSU Ag Center County Agent Blair Hebert said of this Thanksgiving.
He said that the crop as of now is comparable to a year ago.
He said that COVID-19 had a minimal effect on the crop.
“If you go all the way back to the spring, we were able to do what we needed to do in the spring,” he said. “We were able to do tillage. We passed our equipment on it. We got fertilizer on it. We got chemical down on it in the spring and the sum-mer. So I'm not going to say that we didn't have some days that were lost here or there, but for the most part, COVID had very little effect on that crop getting to maturity."
He said that they had some trouble getting seasonal labor into the United States, but he wasn’t sure if that was COVID-19-related.
“There's a lot of red tape to get seasonal foreign labor back into the country” if done legally, something Hebert said the mills and the farmers do the right way.
Mike Accardo, owner of Idlewild Farms in Patterson, said they have had some workers who have been coming annually for about 10 years who they are working to get back into the country this year.
He said it’s something that a lot of farmers have been having to deal with.
As for hurricanes, he said they were concerned about what would happen to the crop with an active hurricane season, including Laura and Delta striking southwest Louisiana.
“But so far, the crop has done what we thought it would do in terms of tonnage,” Hebert said, also noting that the amount of sugar extracted from the cane has been “very respectable” considering the conditions they have endured.
Accardo said the hurricanes simply laid the cane down, unlike a year ago when Barry “shredded the tops” of the cane when it passed through the area.
“The winds weren’t high enough this year to shred the tops,” Accardo said. “It laid it over, but it didn’t shred the tops, so the hurricanes didn’t affect us that much this year.”
The hurricanes impacted the area, putting the harvest, which typically runs from Oct. 1 until around Jan. 10, about five days behind. However, Hebert said that is not a significant loss of time. It did, though, add to the labor costs for farmers.
Hebert said moving forward, the farmers need good weather, and after hurricane season ends, they need to avoid freezes.
“We’ve been lucky. We’ve had some good harvest conditions,” he said.

William Tycer named Central Catholic Elementary Student of the Year

Fri, 11/27/2020 - 8:56am

William Gregory Tycer has been named Central Catholic Elementary School’s 2021 Student of the Year. The Students of the Year Awards program recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability, and citizenship. The program is sponsored by the Louisiana Superintendent of Education through the State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. William will go on to compete at the regional level.
William is a fifth grader in Mrs. Domingue & Mrs. Templet’s class at Central Catholic. He lives in Morgan City and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Tycer. He is an only child, but has three fur siblings. William says, “He will be a fifth generation Central Catholic Elementary Alum at the end of this school year.”
He also writes, “I have attended Catholic school since Pre-K3. I am an altar server at Holy Cross Church and attend Masses there every weekend.” William was inducted into the Junior Beta Club last month and elected the club’s President. He participates in many service projects. Some of them include: Box of Joy and Soldier’s Angels and the ARK Club. His interests include playing baseball and football. He plays on a travel baseball team in Schriever called the Louisiana Baseball Academy-Naturals. He also plays junior high football for Central Catholic. While he is a committed athlete, his priority will always be his faith and family.
William enjoys reading. He believes his love for reading has helped him be a better student and maintain a 4.0 GPA since First Grade. His love for animals is a big part of his life. He says, “Caring for animals will be an opportunity to make a difference and be able to engage in something that I truly love. Who knows, I may even continue my education and go to Veterinary School, possibly at Louisiana State University.”

Lighting the holiday lights

Thu, 11/26/2020 - 8:48pm

Christmas lighting ceremonies put a holiday season shine on Morgan City's Brashear Avenue and on the Berwick riverfront.

The Daily Review/Bill Decker

Upcoming holiday events

Thu, 11/26/2020 - 11:30am

Here are some of the upcoming holiday events in the Tri-City area:

--Morgan City's annual lighting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Spirit of Morgan City shrimp boat in the median of Brashear Avenue. Artist Lee Romaire will add a sculpture to his "reingators" display.

--Berwick's Christmas lighting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Southwest Reef Lighthouse. Santa is rumored to be arriving by boat.

--Patterson’s ceremony will be at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 at Morey Park on Main Street.

--Residents of Bernice Street in Morgan City will stage their 35th annual “Christmas by Candlelight” from 5:30-9 p.m. on Dec. 12.

Christmas by Candlelight set for Dec. 12

Thu, 11/26/2020 - 11:23am

Residents of Bernice Street in Morgan City will stage their 35th annual “Christmas by Candlelight” from 5:30-9 p.m. on Dec. 12.

Santa Claus will be on hand to visit with children, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras, the residents’ statement said.

Cornerstone Ministries (under the direction of Herb and Anita Stanley) will provide the popular puppet show. Other musical entertainment will be available as well.

Viewing of the lights is by either walking the block or via vehicle. Vehicle flow is one way, entering at Cottonwood Street and exiting on Redwood Street.

A container will be placed at the Cottonwood Street entrance for donations of canned goods or money that will be donated to St. Mary Outreach for distribution in the community.

Refreshment tables will be located at designated homes along the street for those wishing view the decorations on foot.

A popcorn station, for fresh popped popcorn, and train rides will be available. To help St. Mary Outreach, it will cost one nonperishable food item to ride.

No parking, bicycles, skateboards or riding toys will be allowed on Bernice Street during Christmas by Candlelight due to safety concerns.

CHARLES M. GARBER JR.

Wed, 11/25/2020 - 2:00pm

Charles M. Garber, Jr. (Chuck) 61, passed away November 22, 2020. He was a lifelong resident of Morgan City, La. Chuck graduated from Inglewood High School in 1977. Shortly after, he began working with his father in the family business. Chuck helped build Garber Industries known today as Offshore Energy Services with his father Charlie Garber Sr.
Chuck was a beloved family member, a dear friend, and a prince of a man. His kind and gentle nature rubbed off on others. He looked for the good in every situation and person. Chuck put his family first in business but most importantly in everyday life. He had a contagious laugh and a soft smile that would light up the room. He was a man of few words but those words were full of kindness, truth, and love. He is woven into each of our lives; in ways great and small. His love of his family and friends is his legacy. Let us remember Chuck for the gentle and generous soul that was so dear to us all.
Chuck will be dearly missed by his mother, Joan Drackett Garber; his partner Rodney Villarreal; his two brothers Roy Garber and wife, Brenda of Berwick, LA.; Gary Garber and wife, Rhonda of Berwick, LA.; his sister Kimberly Garber of Charlotte, N.C.; three nephews Grant Garber and wife, Ashley Garber; Ivan Garber, and Thomas Garber; two nieces Jaclyn Garber and Elizabeth Garber; a great niece Aubrey Garber and a great nephew Carter Dupre.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles M. Garber Sr. The family would like to thank his caregivers, Gordon, Deborah, Maria, and Jackie for the love and support during his illness.
An outdoor mass will be held at Fairview Plantation on Tuesday, November 23rd at 11:00 am.
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GERALD THOMAS POLASKI SR.

Wed, 11/25/2020 - 1:57pm

Gerald Thomas Polaski Sr., a native of Morgan City and a resident of Lafayette, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, November 20, 2020 at the age 84.

The most important thing to Gerald was spending time with his family. He also loved helping others and making people laugh. Gerald enjoyed the little things like bread and coffee in the morning, home cooked meals and bragging on his grandkids.

Those left to cherish Gerald's memory are his wife of 63 years, Edith Mayon Polaski; his son, Gerald Thomas Polaski Jr and his wife, Tammy; and two grandchildren, Brittany Polaski and partner Taylor Faul , and Brett Polaski.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Robert J. and Lillian Solar Polaski; and three siblings, Jimmy Polaski, R.J. Polaski, and Linda Theriot.

The family requests that a time of visitation be observed on Friday, November 27, 2020 from 11am until time of dismissal at 1pm at Hargrave Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Gerald following visitation on Friday, November 27th at 1:30pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Following services, Gerald will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank PACE of Lafayette and the Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice for their love and support during his illness.

In keeping with government mandates regarding limited gatherings, all guests are required to wear masks upon entry of the funeral home or church and are urged to follow social distancing protocols.

In lieu of flowers, donation can to be made in Gerald's memory to the Miles Perret Center Cancer Services of 2130 Kaliste Saloom Rd. #200 Lafayette, LA 70508.

SHELIA 'MICKEY' GRAY MONCEAUX

Wed, 11/25/2020 - 1:53pm

Shelia “Mickey” Gray Monceaux, 70, of Belmont, NC, passed away on November 24, 2020 in Gastonia, NC. She was born on October 3, 1950 in Beaumont, Texas, the daughter of the late Johnnie David Gray and Madeline Foster Gray.

Mickey loved children, even though she had none of her own, she was known to always be a kid at heart. She enjoyed helping others and would give you her last penny if you needed it. She was kindhearted and never met a stranger. Mickey had a love for animals and always had a canine companion by her side. She was well known in Morgan City, Louisiana, as she served as a bartender at the Holiday Inn for twenty-three years before spending twenty more years at Life Saving Equipment.

Mickey is survived by her sister, Glynda Clevenger of Belmont, NC; niece, Laura Briggs and husband Butch; great niece Sarah Briggs and husband Phillip; great-great nieces, Annabelle and Amelia Briggs (pictured above); and her canine companion, Heidi.

Services are being held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The American Cancer Society, or an Animal Rescue Organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.BensonFuneralServices.com .

FELIX PERRO JR.

Wed, 11/25/2020 - 1:39pm

Felix Perro Jr., 56, a native of Morgan City and resident of Franklin, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, in Franklin.
Visitation will be Saturday, 8-10 a.m., at Jones Funeral Home in Franklin. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. at Pilgrim Grove Baptist Church in Morgan City. Masks and social distancing required. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Juanita G. Perro of St. Joseph; three children, Sharelle Reed and Tiffany Phillips, both of Franklin, and Ashley Ross; seven grandchildren; a brother, Lucien Perro; sisters, Gwendolyn Perro of Morgan City and Alida Clark; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrange-ments.

Lee Romaire adds to the beauty of Morgan City display

Wed, 11/25/2020 - 1:34pm

GEOFF STOUTE

gstoute@daily-review.com

Morgan City native Lee Romaire accepted an observation from his brother about his year-two additions in 2019 to the City of Morgan City’s Christmas display as a challenge.
Now, in 2020, he hopes to deliver, literally.
Romaire owns Romaire Studios in Los Angeles, where he makes props and characters, among other things, for such companies as Disney and Universal Studios. He has donated items to the city’s Christmas display at the Spirit of Morgan City shrimp boat during the last two years.
The new work will be unveiled at the annual lighting event at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Spirit of Morgan City shrimp boat.
Two years ago, he came with “reingators,” Santa Claus and elves along with wrapped foam presents for a Cajun-themed Christmas look.
Last year, a long-term solution for the presents that would survive the outdoor elements was added as 34 presents made of fiberglass replaced the presents from the first year.
While the first two years of additions were part of what Romaire envisioned as about a five-year project, he received some motivation for his next contribution when his brother, Ricky Romaire, told him that the stacks of presents didn’t look as big in year two as they had been in year one.
“So I took that as a challenge,” Lee said, “and I decided to really go over the top this year.”
His finished product, which will arrive in Morgan City by Wednesday morning via flatbed truck and will be assembled Wednesday, will be unveiled to the public Thursday evening during the city’s annual lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
The newest additions include a “live” cypress tree named “Mother Christmas,” which Romaire said is symbolic of the lumber industry present in the area many years ago.
“She was sculpted traditionally very quick,” Romaire said. “I think we did it in three weeks, and she is going to be sitting on the back of the boat.”
Other new additions will be 52 more fiberglass presents and toys. Large stacks of presents will be on top of the shrimp boat and in the back.
“So it should be much more elaborate than it was last year,” he said.
Romaire said Mother Christmas is made from foam and a touch of fiber glass and has an epoxy coating.
“We made every single branch by hand,” he said. “We tied the individual cypress leaves on the trees. Everything is fake except for the moss that’s going to be on her.”
Some of the moss came from the area, while some also was obtained from Los Angeles craft stores.
Romaire said the additions were completed in recent months. He said it took about a month to construct the presents.
“Mother Christmas is an amazing addition to this unique Cajun Christmas display, which we look forward to seeing every year,” Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi said in a Romaire Studios news release about the project. “We’re very grateful to Lee Romaire and Romaire Studios for what has quickly become an iconic symbol of Morgan City. People come to visit from all over to take pictures, make memories and feel the spirit of Christmas —Louisiana style — at the Spirit of Morgan City.”
Romaire said “it’s really awesome” to see children excited about this display, explaining that when he was a child, he was excited about seeing Santa Claus and the reindeer displayed on the shrimp boat.
“I love seeing the kids enjoy it and adults also,” he said. “It brings out the kid in adults as well, so that’s fun to see. Everybody gets excited about it. Everybody’s proud of it, and people come from all over the place to come see it, so I love it. I think it’s fun.”
Next, Romaire said he is working on lighting for the display. He said he has contracted a Los Angeles design company who does themed lighting to assemble a package for the display. Fundraising will ensue to pay for it.
Interactive lighting where lights will move when children approach the display is being designed.
“So it’ll be pretty neat,” Romaire said.