Butte La Rose et Les Entourage

Helen Boudreaux

Posted August 20th, 2009

    Bonjour.

    I was in the right place at the right time Thursday, deciding to treat myself to Chinese food. The Chinese Restaurant in front of Winn Dixie serves a great buffet, fit for a king (or someone tired of her own cooking). Guess whose table I sat beside? Deux “gros chien” from the St. Martin Parish Courthouse, Assessor Lawrence Patin, and Clerk of Court Allen Blanchard.

    Lawrence said they’d been to a meeting close by, and decided to come there to treat themselves. He’s happy and feels good since he’s been holding down his weight.

    To say, CFMA [Cajun French Music Association], Chapit de Lafayette, holds monthly meetings at La Poussiere in Breaux Bridge. The organization’s parliamentarian, Gerald Trahan, said Lawrence and his wife Judy Patin, owners of the establishment, are their saviors for offering them the use of their club several years ago when they had nowhere to turn.

    Their meetings had been at Harry and Joyce Poche’s club for many years until the Poches decided to close the doors on that beautiful club. Of course, the chapter felt hopeless.

    When Lawrence heard of their predicament, he went to the Lafayette chapter and offered his sponsorship, and opened wide his doors to them. The Patins do not charge them rent or expenses – their contribution to CFMA. Gerald says, “We are blessed!” Even though Harry and Lawrence were in competition in their club business, they are still the best of friends.

    Of course, Harry and Joyce, Gerald and his cute chick wife, Carol, still go cutting the rug to the chank-a-chank music at the Poussiere.

    Rev. Don Willis said a beautiful sermon at the funeral of Mr. Herman Moore in Kinder last month. An Army veteran of World War II, he was buried with military honors. His wife Louise, bless her heart, survived a dramatic highway accident several years ago, leaving her crippled. She was being cared for by her dear husband, and is now totally devastated that he’s gone. Their beautiful family hovered over her during the funeral with much love and passion, making her comfortable, trying to ease her grief, remaining strong themselves not to show her their own.

    Herman’s son, Gerald, selected a burial spot on a little hill underneath a big oak tree, at the Liberty Cemetery.

    From the mailbag:

    Dear Helen.

    We arrived in Miramichi [New Brunswick, Canada] on Thursday, and on Friday morning we attended the opening ceremony on the bridge on Miscou Island. There were several thousand people in attendance. We met the President of Francophone Canada, Monsieur Doiron. On Saturday, we attended the Blanchard reunion in Paquetville, and met some long lost cousins. On Sunday, we were part of the Goinre reunion when we attended Mass at St. Paul’s in Bas Carquet. On Monday we attended the Savoie reunion in Neguac. We returned to Neguac on Tuesday to visit the mother of one of my teacher friends. On Thursday and Friday we’ll attend the Theriot reunion in Bertrand. We’re learning a lot about the people as we travel up and down the Acadian peninsula from Miscou to Miramichi. Yes, you have our permission to put this in the techetoday.com.

    Johnell & Howard Theriot, Catahoula.

    There will be a rummage sale, Saturday, Sept. 12, on the parking lot of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Henderson to help raise funds. What ever items you want to donate, call 228-2352. Please, no clothing, and no shoes.

    Gloria Simon is the prettiest lady at Walmart. And cashier Roxanna Mouton will speak French with you.

    Amètie, parle Français.

    Cousine Hélène
    helenboudreaux@juno.com.