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Celebrating children, early learning

Submitted Photo
Morgan City Mayor Frank "Boo" Grizzaffi visits the Maitland Elementary pre-K classes of Laura Cortez and Rebecca Nguyen to sign a proclamation letter for The Week of the Young Child. recently. The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The week celebrates early learning, young children, their teachers and families.

Choosing wedding venues can be tricky

Scouting and securing a wedding venue comes with a world of potential pitfalls, from hidden fees to parking headaches.
Those things, along with most other aspects of a traditional wedding, go a long way in explaining why Melanie Fontana and her fiance, Michel Schulz, are getting hitched at a scenic overlook along famed Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles.
“The whole idea of a wedding, booking a typical wedding venue and all that, it just all seemed really boring,” said the 30-year-old Fontana. “We just drove around and found this really great spot. We’re going to do it at sunset.”
With their free venue picked out for their August nuptials, the two LA-based songwriters used a relatively new website, PoptheKnot, to make other details come alive.
The pop-up wedding planning business, which limits guests to 25, will provide an officiant, a photographer (pictures will be posted online for download or printing), a bouquet and a boutonniere for $1,600, along with two coordinators on the big day at an extra cost of $300.
In Brooklyn, Blathnaid Conroy, 29, and her fiance got engaged in January and will marry in May. They, too, were looking for an unconventional venue, and “we were moving really fast,” she said.
After numerous searches online, the advertising agency art director found another website that worked for her, Splacer . Similar to Airbnb, the site showcases venue rentals, from bargain to luxury. A couple of other sites — Venue Report and Peerspace — do the same.
Conroy picked a vintage brick two-story warehouse space in Williamsburg and had no trouble working directly with the building manager to lock down the rental. The manager even offered extra hours for them to set up and decorate.
“We were on such a tight timeline. I think we were both pretty worried we wouldn’t find a place,” Conroy said. “When we walked into this particular venue, it was totally our vibe. It wasn’t all done up or too fancy. It looked like somewhere we would go to a party in Brooklyn on any weekend. That’s what we were trying to achieve.”
The wedding site The Knot estimates that the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. reached an all-time high of $35,329 last year, excluding the honeymoon, as couples spent more to personalize the day for themselves and to entertain their guests. Couples using smartphones for wedding planning more than doubled from 2014 to 90 percent, with 43 percent using online planning tools, according to The Knot, which surveyed nearly 13,000 brides and grooms who married in 2016.
When it comes to weddings, location, location, location has been elevated in the planning process, according to The Knot, with unexpected places to wed, including barns, public gardens, wineries and museums, on the rise. Nearly half The Knot’s respondents in its 10th annual Real Weddings Study said having a scenic reception venue was the top priority. Having both an indoor and an outdoor space was most important for 30 percent of couples.
Shying away from traditional locations, such as hotels and restaurants, can make things tricky, especially for couples plowing through without a wedding coordinator. Some coordinators recommend that a good first step before venue shopping is nailing down the number of guests and sticking to it. A good rule of thumb: About 85 percent will show up, some planners said.
“A planner knows the venues that best fit the wedding size, along with what is included with the venue’s price,” said planner Amos Gott in Nashville, Tennessee. “Most importantly, a planner knows what venues are ethical and which ones have hidden fees and try to take advantage of the couple.”
Read contracts closely for what is included and what is your responsibility, suggested Gott, of Amos Events. “Basic rentals, parking, bar, the caterer are just a few things that may or may not be included.”
For the budget conscious, venues that allow couples to bring in their own alcohol, for instance, can amount to a huge cost savings, he said.
Other wedding planners said it’s also important to pay a deposit as quickly as possible to secure the space; to determine if other events are planned in the same location at the same time, which can lead to delays in service and other problems; and to confirm whether outside vendors will be allowed.
As for unusual spaces, planner Brandi Hamerstone in Ohio said spaces not typically used for events require paying for, renting and providing everything yourself. All costs — chairs, linens, permits, lighting — should be priced out before heading “outside the box,” said Hamerstone, in suburban Cleveland.
Annmarie Borosic, a Toronto-based wedding and event planner, recommended getting every detail related to a venue in writing. She recalled a friend who fell in love with the chandeliers at one location, only to learn after she put down a deposit that the lighting had been brought in for a previous event. To include it would have been extremely expensive, so they canceled.
“They fought to get their deposit back,” Borosic said. “Needless to say, they didn’t.”

Emotional intensity of work leaves man drained at home

DEAR ABBY: When I was in my 20s I chose a career whose long-term effects I hadn’t anticipated. I am charged with telling people they are dying and watching them die on a daily basis. While I know I am good at it, it leaves me emotionally drained. I manage to muster up enough energy to try to be there for my kids but, frankly, I can’t seem to be there for anyone else, including my wife, co-workers and close family. My problem is, this has left me with no emotional support (my children are too young for that, although playing ...

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Berwick High School will meet South Beauregard Thursday.

No. 3 Berwick High School enters its Class 3A semifinal contest Thursday against No. 7 South Beauregard with more than just a glowing fan base abuzz about the school’s success this year.
Just check out some of the team member’s hair. Some members of the team dyed their hair either partially or completely blonde following their quarterfinal series win against No. 6 Buckeye last weekend.
Berwick senior pitcher Cameron Wiley said the idea started in class when someone broached the idea about dying their hair blonde if they made it to Sulphur.
“It never set in (that we were actually doing this) until we’re actually sitting in the salon (Sunday) and we all have bleach in our hair,” he said.
Don’t expect any changes if they bring home a title this weekend, either.
“Just rock the blonde,” Wiley said.
Before the Panthers can worry about a state title, however, they must knock off the defending Class 3A runner-ups from a year ago in South Beauregard at 4:30 p.m. on Field 41 at McMurry Park in Sulphur Thursday in semifinal action.
“It’s going to be a very, very tough game,” Berwick Coach John Menard said.
South Beauregard’s roster is headlined by two University of Louisiana at Lafayette signees, left-handed pitcher Logan Savoy and centerfielder Jansen Fontenot.
Savoy was the state’s Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year in 2016. A year ago, he finished the season 10-2 with a 1.71 ERA and 115 strikeouts while also batting 0.365 with five home runs, 16 doubles and 38 RBIs. He earned All-American honors from Louisville Slugger, MaxPreps and Perfect Game and was a second-team Louisville Slugger All-American in 2015. Entering his senior season, he was 25-2 on the mound with a 1.35 ERA with four saves and 255 strikeouts in his prep career.
“They have some talent,” Menard said. “They have some guys that are going play college (ball). They have some guys on the mound that are really, pretty good. (They have) some guys with some speed. They can swing it real well, so this is going to be one of the better teams that we’ve faced.”
Berwick has a large senior class this season with nine players who have been playing together since they were youngsters.
“It’s just been an awesome experience,” senior second baseman Cody Roberie said of this season with his fellow seniors. “Never get it back. Just blessed to be in the position we’re in, and (we’ll) remember this for life” Berwick is led on the mound this year by Wiley, who is 10-2 with a 1.46 ERA. In 67 innings, he has allowed 21 runs (14 earned) on 27 hits with 37 walks and fanned 96.
Roberie leads the Panthers at the plate with a 0.365 batting average. He has collected 27 hits, including two doubles, and has 18 RBIs. Roberie has scored 19 runs and stolen 10 bases.
Meanwhile, sophomore Mitchell Sanford is hitting 0.359 with 42 hits, including eight doubles and two triples. He has 23 RBIs, has scored 31 runs and has stolen 13 bases.
Senior Andrew Askew is batting 0.357 with 30 hits, including seven doubles, one triple and two home runs. He has 28 RBIs, 30 runs scored and has stolen eight bases.
Wiley is batting 0.355 with 38 hits, including nine doubles, two triples and three home runs. He has collected 24 RBIs, stolen 15 bases and scored 31 runs.
The winner of Thursday’s Berwick-South Beauregard game will face the winner of the contest between No. 1 Brusly and No. 5 Iowa Saturday. That second semifinal contest will be played Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Crawfish Boil hosted by Hargrave

Hargrave Funeral Home will be hosting a Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Crawfish Boil from 12-3 p.m. on May 21 at Lake End Park at the north pavilion. Law enforcement officers and their families from St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Morgan City Police Department, Berwick Police Department, Patterson Police Department, and lower St. Martin Police Department are invited to participate in this event. Refreshments include boiled crawfish and drinks. Hamburgers and chips will also be included for participators who are allergic to shell fish. Outside activities for the event will include a climbing wall, obstacle course, and fun jump. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Candace Dinger at 985-384-8605.

Bear-ly there

Submitted Photo
This black bear was spotted Wednesday on the bayou side of Riverview Lane near Green Acres in the unincorporated parish and photographed by Lana Bailey. The bear was climbing the fence of the last house and didn’t cause any damage. It slipped away before animal control authorities could arrive.

Berwick High Seniors set to graduate

Berwick High School’s Class of 2017 will hold its commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday at Geisler Stadium. The Class of 2017 will be led by 13 honor graduates. Leading graduates, in alphabetical order, are:
Jaci Faye Arnold
Arnold, daughter of Jason and Gina Arnold, has been a member of National Beta Club and Student Council and has earned two- and four-year letters in volleyball and softball. She has enjoyed doing volunteer work for AARP, Teche Fest, St. Mary Outreach, Special Olympics, the Intergenerational Mixer, and the nursing home. She has been named All-District for three years in softball and is a member of the Academic All State Softball Team. After high school, Arnold will attend Nicholls State University to double major in accounting and finance.
Allie De’Naye’ Atkinson
Atkinson, daughter of Jolie Melancon and Dale Wilson, participated in Beta Club, Drama Club, Foreign Language Club, Yearbook Club and Key Club throughout high school. She was invited by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists to attend Congress, where she received the Award of Excellence for maintaining the highest-grade point average in Spanish 1. She plans to attend Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Seth Thomas Chap-man
Chapman, son of Marie Michel and Torrey Chapman, participated in Army JROTC his high school years, where he attained the rank of cadet major and was assigned the position of battalion S-3, training and operations officer. He participated in volunteer work including conducting color guards throughout the parish, going to nursing homes and visiting with residents, and supervising elementary school fun-fairs. He has maintained a 4.0 gpa during all four years and scored a composite score of 33 on the ACT. Chapman has been accepted into LSU’s Ogden’s Honor College, where he plans to major in pre-veterinary medicine.
Bradley Charles Gray
Gray, son of Daniel and Karen Gray, is a four-year member of the baseball team, and was recognized as first-team All-District pitcher in 2016 and second-team All-District first baseman in 2015. He was a member of Beta Club and has maintained a 4.0 gpa since elementary school. Gray was an 8th-Degree Wise Cat as well as an 8th-Degree PowerCat. Gray was a member of the All-Academic Composite Baseball Team and has been awarded both academic- and athletic-based scholarships. He plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall and will pursue a degree in engineering.
Olivia Claire Kraemer
Kraemer, daughter of Judy and Carl Kraemer, has been a four-year member of Key Club, serving as secretary for three years. As a member of the Sound of Pride Band, Kraemer served as head of the uniform crew her junior year and vice president and section leader her senior year. She has participated in community activities including youth group at church, Kiwanis service projects, wrapping and donating Christmas presents for foster kids in need, and attending monthly Bingo at the Patterson Healthcare Center. Major accomplishments include maintaining a 4.0 gpa throughout high school, earning 20-plus college credit hours through dual enrollment classes and the CLEP exam, earning an academic scholarship to Nicholls State University, and being awarded the “Out-standing Senior” award at the spring band con-cert. She plans to attend Nicholls State University to major in nursing.
Nicholas Dean Levergne
Levergne, son of Theresa and Dean Levergne, was a member of JROTC Rifle Team: Battalion S-5, and served as Tiger Battalion’s Charlie Company commander. Community volunteer work includes decorating and visiting the Morgan City Health Care Center & Rehabilitation Center, cleaning veteran statues and memorials, and working in the J.S. Aucoin and Maitland Elementary schools fun fests. Major accomplishments include being named Student of the Year at the school, parish, and regional levels and was one of seven finalists for Louisiana Student of the Year 2017. Levergne was recognized in “The Beacon Shines On,” and represented BHS as a “Shining Star” and WAFB Best of the Class 2017. JROTC awards include the MOAA Medal, Instructor Award, and Superior Junior Cadet Decoration. He scored above 30 on the ACT, and was named Boys State 2016 Most Outstanding Press Member. He has been accepted into LSU Ogden Honors College this fall where he will pursue a double major in physics and English. He hopes to have a career in the aerospace field.
Cassi Jean McQuilling
McQuilling, daughter of John and Christa Davidson, has participated in Drama Club, Science Club, ROV and Quiz Bowl. She has volunteered for many educational days at the elementary schools in the parish through 4-H Junior Leaders. Major accomplishments include earning a 34 on the ACT and winning first-place in the state 4-H competition. She plans to attend Northwestern State University where she will major in biology with a focus on forensics.
Mary Jordan Melancon
Melancon, daughter of Dr. Eric and Karen Melancon, has been a member of the volleyball, swim, basketball, softball and powerlifting teams throughout high school. Through athletics, she has earned various All-District honors. She was selected for All State Academic Honors and the All State Composite Teams in volley-ball, swim, basketball and softball. Melancon has participated in several clubs including Key Club, Insight, Student Council, Beta Club, Science Club, Foreign Language Club and Prom Committee. Volunteer activities include Beta functions, AARP meetings, Teche Fest, Christmas visits to nursing homes, Special Olympics, and tutoring in her free time. Major accomplishments include her All-State academic awards, earning a 32 ACT score, various highest gpa awards, and academic scholarships from LSU, Wendy's High School Heisman Award, and the LHSAA 2017 Fuzzy Brown Memorial Scholarship. She plans to attend Louisiana State University, where she will major in biology and continue on towards medical school.
Olivia Kate Orlando
Orlando, daughter of Peter and Jennifer Orlando, was involved in cheerleading, tennis, Acts of Random Kindness Club, Drama Club, Beta Club, New Generations Club, Foreign Language Club, Student Council, HOSA, and Key Club. Her volunteer work includes AARP meetings, Gabriel Beadle Parish Council Campaign, St. Mary Parish Special Olympics and AHEC of a Summer. Major accomplishments are maintaining a 4.0 gpa, Citizen of the Year, Academic All-State Tennis Team, All-American cheerleader, and Camp Champions at UCA Cheer Camp. She plans to attend Louisiana State University to pursue a degree in biological sciences. Following college, she plans to further her education in the field of medicine.
Grace Noelle Rentrop
Rentop, daughter of Laura and Dale Rentrop, has been involved in Insight, Key Club, Student Council, Beta Club, Robotics, and New Generation. She has done volunteer work for the Miles Liner Run and for the Berwick Housing Authority, and helped out at the Berwick Light House Festival. She has earned certification in Microsoft Word, Power-point and CPR. She will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Cody Paul Roberie
Roberie, son of Shaun and Brigget Roberie, was a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams for four years. He was also a member of BETA Club and Student Council. He has earned various all district honors in all three sports. Roberie is also a member of the football, baseball and basketball All State Academic Composite teams. He was a recipi-ent of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. During this past year, he helped the flood victims recover in the Baton Rouge area. He plans to attend LSU in the fall to major in pre-medicine.
Payton Noelle Suire
Suire, daughter of Miles and Kathryn Suire, participated in cheerleading and volley-ball for one year, and Student Council and Beta Club for four years. She served as emcee and host for pep rallies her senior year. She volunteered at Tour du Teche, Miles Liner Run and Special Olympics. Major accomplishments include maintaining a 4.0 gpa throughout high school and receiving a scholarship to Nicholls State University. Suire will major in mass communication with a focus in broadcast journalism.
Lauren Verrett
Verret, daughter of Beth Dover and Aaron Verrett, was involved with Beta Club, Student Council, Key Club, and Drama Club. She completed volunteer work for the Intergenerational Mixers and at AARP meetings. Accomplishments include maintaining a 4.0 gpa throughout high school, being accepted for admission to Nicholls State University, and receiving two scholarships. Verrett plans to attend Nicholls to pursue a major in biology with a concentration in pre-physician assistant. After receiving a bachelor's degree at Nicholls, she will attend Our Lady of the Lake College to continue studies to become a physician assistant.

Gift for Bayou Vista Elementary School

Submitted Photo
Bayou Vista Knights of Columbus Council 6211 recently donated a United States flag to Bayou Vista Elementary. The fourth degree (principle) of the Knights of Columbus is patriotism. Representing the Knights of Columbus is Grand Knight John Trevino Sr., lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army, with Nathaniel Trevino, center, and Blaze Harrison. The boys serve on the daily flag detail at the school.

Police Report for May 10

A Morgan City resident was arrested in Patterson and accused of multiple violent and drug offenses.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported that Dayshawn Short, 32, of James Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:02 p.m. Tuesday on Fork Street in Patterson. Short was charged on a Patterson warrant for simple battery (domestic violence with strangulation), cruelty towards a juvenile, and violation of a protective order. Short was also charged with possession of schedule II narcotics (crystal meth) with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule II narcotics (lisdexamfetamine) with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer by force and introduction of contraband into a penal institution, and for a warrant from St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office alleging failure to appear for domestic abuse. Short was jailed and no bond was set.
LaSalle reported the following arrests:
—Charlotte McNabb, 52, of McGee Drive in Patterson and Whitney Klein, 53, of Pecan Lane in Patterson, were arrested at 4:41 p.m. Tuesday at Cypress Point Supermarket. Both were charged with theft by shop-lifting. McNabb and Klein both have a bond set at $337.
—Freddie Sellers, 27, of Keith Street in Morgan City, was arrested on May 10 at 12:19 a.m. at Patterson Police Department. He was charged with disturbing the peace and was released on bond.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
—Frank Small, Jr., 37, of Third Street in Franklin was arrested at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday. Small was charged on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. A correctional officer transported Small from the Lafayette Parish jail to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
—Juvenile male, 12, of Patterson was arrested at 9:34 a.m. Tuesday for theft. A deputy responded to a report of a theft of a scooter valued at $300 from outside a residence in Bayou Vista. Through investigation, a detective with the Juvenile Services Section positively identified a juvenile male as the suspect who stole the item. The scooter was re-turned to the victim. The juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
—Lamonta Thomas, 20, of Mill Road in Patterson, was arrested at 7:02 p.m. Tuesday. Thomas was charged with theft of goods. A deputy responded to a report of shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista. The deputy spoke with store security personnel and learned that Thomas was seen concealing items and leaving the store without paying. Thomas was released on a summons to appear in court Aug. 15.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported the following arrests:
—Harrison Short, 51, of Mallard Street in Morgan City was arrested at 8:24 p.m. Tuesday. Short was charged with theft under $750 and disturbing the peace while intoxicated. Officers responded to a business in the area of La. 182 and Short was identified. Officers found Short in the nearby area and discovered he was intoxicated, police said. Short was transported and jailed at Morgan City Jail.
—Esmin Suazo, 29, of Shrimpers Drive in Dulac, was arrested at 1:49 a.m. Wednesday. Suazo was charged with driving under suspension and no insurance. Officer conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling in the area of Front Street disregarding a traffic control. During the traffic stop, Suazo was identified as the driver and it was discovered that Suazo’s driver’s license was suspended and the vehicle was not properly insured. Suazo was trans-ported and jailed.
Franklin Police Chief Sa-bria McGuire reported the following arrests:
—Cordell Falterman, 37, of Cayce Street in Franklin was arrested at 1:59 p.m. Tuesday. Falterman was charged with domestic abuse battery. Falterman was released on a $2,500 bond.
—Anthony Wells, 64, of Antigo Alley in Franklin, was arrested at 8:57 p.m. Tuesday. Wells was charged with driving under suspension. Wells was released on a $1,000 bond.
—Matthew Johnston, 32, of Tamar Lane in Austin, was arrested at 3:10 a.m. Wednesday. Johnston was charge with resisting an officer by giving false identification and possession of Schedule I narcotics (MDMA/ecstasy). Johnston was arrested and held with no bond set.
—Shquille Brooks, 23, of Canal Drive in Franklin, was arrested at 4:11 a.m. Wednesday. Brooks was charged on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges on simple burglary and possession of Schedule I narcotics (synthetic marijuana). Brooks was arrested and held with no bond set.
—Barry Burney, 55, of Barrone Street of Baldwin, was arrested at 4:20 a.m. Wednesday. Burney was charged with driving while intoxicated. Officers observed a vehicle that was parked in the opposite lane of travel on Cedar Street. Officers made contact with the driver, Burney, and smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, police said. Burney allegedly did poorly on a field sobriety test with a blood alcohol content of .193g percent. Burney was arrested and released on a $2,500 bond.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:
—Freddie Seller, 27, of Keith Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:55 p.m. Tuesday. Sellers was charged with no turn signal and driving under suspension. Sellers posted bond. After bond was posted, Seller was held on a warrant from Patterson Police Department and transferred into their custody.

Donation of Appreciation given by Bayou Vista Taco Bell

Representatives for the City of Patterson, Patterson Police Department, Patterson Fire Department, Berwick Police De-partment, Berwick Volunteer Fire Department, Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Department, and Bayou Vista Taco Bell pose together for a group picture as they accept donations of appreciation from Bayou Vista’s Taco Bell.

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