I was sorry to read in the Teche News that Parish President Delcambre seemed to have become involved in a misunderstanding with St. Mary Parish President Sam Jones about the addition or not of Lower St. Martin Parish into St. Mary Parish. We heard some gossip about such a possibility over here, or at least I did, but didn’t know it was a ‘war of words’ so to speak. I don’t know who said what but I personally thought my part of the parish might benefit from being part of a parish closer to home. I heard that a lot off people felt otherwise. I don’t know what’s come of the whole fiasco but as far as I know I’m still in St. Martin Parish for better or worse.
I like living here but do feel like this ‘lower’ part has been neglected. The only time we see politicians is when they’re campaigning. The COA used to come over once in a while at an event just to be represented but we have no services. We pay a library tax but have no library.
Although I must mention that Ms. Brew with the St. Martin Parish Librry has been wonderful about sending over a box of books now and then for the Little Free Library we have at the Belle River Community Center. I check the box and am delighted to see evidence of use—books moved around, some gone, new one added. I’m so glad people do use the box. It was made entirely by the people of Belle River.
We do have good trash pickup! And so far, the sewage works properly for most of us.
Drinking water arrives although that’s become pretty darned expensive since the parish added an increased sewage fee. The mosquito guy buzzes by now and then.
I think that’s all going to change when you take a look and see how much development is going on over here. It won’t be long until there will be houses, apartments, etc, all the way from Belle River to Morgan City. We’re not very isolated any more. I find that sort of sad in a way because I liked the quiet and ‘being’ forgotten, but life goes on and things change. I’d love to live in the Atchafalaya Basin like I once did, but know I’m too old and physically couldn’t manage.
The spillway water level is falling, slowly but steadily. On my last pass at the Belle River boat landing, it had become possible to use three of the four access drives. One is still partially under water and clogged with lilies. There is a narrow strip of dry parking lot where I was able to drive close to the retaining wall and exit via an exit drive. The majority of the lot is a mess—lilies mounded, big drift logs, just a lot of drifted trash. I expect the parking lot will be cleaned when the water goes completely down.
This week is pretty busy at Stephensville Elementary School with closing programs. I will try to attend as many as I can.
The Belle River Community Center rentals have slowed down. There is now a key pad on the door which can be programmed for entry by contacting me. It’s no big deal. Supposed to make my life easier.
Food for Seniors Is May 29. Second Harvest and I have been having a few issues exchanging paperwork. Not their fault and most of the time not my fault either. But we’re getting things straight. Kabrina Bland is very accommodating and patient.
Looks like a hot week ahead with no rain. I’m getting the dead fronds of my two Sago Palms cut off and what’s left looks pretty pitiful but I’ve been assured the new growth will flourish. Sure hope so.
Teche News’ Lower St. Martin correspondent, Linda Cooke, can be emailed at lindacooke1939@ gmail.com.
