Summer camps, activities abound

VISION WEST
West Baton Rouge Parish - Community, Growth, Possibilities
April, 2008
A quarterly publication for West Baton Rouge residents by your public agencies
Calendar of Events
May 1 – WBR & Iberville Business
Expo at Addis
Community Center
(see pg. 8)
June 9 – WBR Chamber Golf Tourney
(See pg. 8)
June 23-27 – Blast from the Past
summer camp
(See pg. 2)
July 4 – Independence Day Festival at
the Old Ferry Landing
in Port Allen
July 9-11 – Qualifying for local
municipal elections
Nov, 9 – Veterans Parade – To assist
call Kim Howell at 202-1112
July 4th Festival
Old Ferry Landing
in Port Allen
●Live entertainment by Penalty Box
& Foret Tradition
●Jambalaya Cook-off with cash prizes
●Magic show, clowns, face painting,
space walks
●Best location to view the fireworks
display!
Brusly Volunteer Fire Department held
fund-raising events in the facility. Pickup basketball, volleyball, badminton
and shuffle board games were held
as recreational activities. Carnival
programs drew big audiences to the
facility; voters cast ballots there when it
was used as a polling place, and it was
used as a shelter during hurricanes.
Even ballroom dance lessons were
given at the gym.
Live stage shows were held for
entertainment in the 1940s, and the
Harlem Globetrotters performed at the
gym. Graduation ceremonies were held
there for many years, and until a few
years ago, middle school graduation
and award ceremonies were held in
the building.
The Brusly High Gym was
constructed through the Works Progress Administration, and the senior
class of 1937 was the first to use the
gym for its graduation, even though it
was only 80 to 90 percent complete.
The original hardwood floor and
windows remain. The application for
inclusion on the National Register
was made by Brusly historian Joanne
Bourgeois in 2006, and the designation
was issued by the National Register in
late 2007.
If you have fond memories of the
old Brusly High Gym, be sure to attend
the May 17 ceremony and reminisce
with friends.
Summer camps, activities abound
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
SPORTS CAMPS
The West Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation
District will hold summer day camps throughout the
parish during June for children age 5 to 12.
The camps will operate from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30
p.m., and the fee is $5 per week. Locations and dates
are as follows:
June 10-12 – Addis Community Center
June 17-19 – Port Allen Community Center
June 24-26 – Erwinville Community Center
Entertainment will be provided for the kids,
including games, outdoor activities, space walks,
shows at the WBR Library and other activities. Lunch
will also be provided. Kids can attend all three camps.
Advance registration is requested by going to the Parks
and Recreation Office in the Port Allen Community
Center at 749 N. Jefferson St. in Port Allen, or kids
can be registered when they arrive for the camps. For
more information, call the Parks and Recreation office
at 336-2423.
Three sports camps will also be provided this summer by
the Parks and Recreation District. The schedule for the sports
camps are as follows:
July 1 – baseball camp at Alexander Ball Park
July 2 – basketball camp at Alexander Ball Park
July 3 – football camp at Alexander Ball Park
Continued on Page 3
PAID
May 17 – Ceremony marking
Brusly gym
Historic Register designation
(see pg. 1)
The historic old Brusly High School
gym, located off River Road, has been
named to the National Register of
Historic Places. It is the 17th site in
West Baton Rouge to be named to the
prestigious National Register.
A ceremony marking the designation will be held on Saturday, May
17, at 3 p.m. in the gym. A reception
will follow at Brusly Town Hall. The
public is invited to attend. The gym was
built in the 1930s as part of what was
then the Brusly High School campus. It
is presently the Brusly Middle School
campus.
Over the years, the gym was used
for many activities outside of school
uses. The Brusly Lions Club and
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
May 15 – State of the Parish
Breakfast
(See pg. 8)
Ceremony to mark historic Brusly Gym
being named to National Register
Port Allen, LA
Permit #18
May 3 – Quilt exhibit opens
at WBR Museum
(See pg. 2)
Above at left is an exterior view of the Brusly High School Gym. At right is an interior view, which shows square holes in the wall, included
for movie projector operations.
Postal Patron Local
Vote!
May 3 – Congressional Election –
Please vote in this
important election
West B at o n Ro u g e To ur is m
WBR now has
a Film Commission
The West Baton Rouge Convention
and Visitor Bureau has been appointed as
the official agency to handle administration
of the parish’s new Film Commission. The
commission was established by ordinance
adopted by the West Baton Rouge Council
in March.
Bureau Director Sharon Stam and
WBR Chamber of Commerce Director
Deborah Biggs attended the American Film
Commission International Show in March
to promote West Baton Rouge locations for
films. A group from Louisiana, led by the
Louisiana Office of Film & Video, traveled
to Santa Monica, California for the show.
Moving back home
The building with the big red roof
off Hwy. 415 will once again be home to
the WBR Convention and Visitor Bureau
in early May, as the staff moves back in
after extensive renovations. Visitors to the
center have been directed to a portable
trailer located in the parking lot while the
renovations were completed. The building
is expected to be back in full operation by
mid-May.
Kite Fest
Brisk winds spur big crowd
Brisk winds helped adorn the Port Allen skies with hundreds of kites
for the most successful Kite Fest Louisiane’ since the festival’s inception.
Some 5,000 people were estimated to have attended the two-day event in
early April.
“The winds were strong and we were able to get the huge kites up,”
said Sharon Stam, Executive Director of the West Baton Rouge Convention
and Visitor Bureau. “People could see the kites from the interstate and
some folks told us they detoured from the interstate to the site when they
saw the big kites.”
Stam said this year’s event drew approximately 1,200 kids, with
students from as far away as Jennings. The kite design competition included
participants from all around this region, and even one division winner from
Michigan. Plans for next year’s event are already underway.
West Bat o n Ro u g e Mu s eu m
Musical fun for
3-5 year olds
Blast from the Past Summer Camp
The West Baton Rouge Museum is inviting children ages 6-12 to a week of oldfashioned fun at its Blast from the Past camp, set June 23-27. This year’s theme is
“Every Vote Counts: Election Year 2008.”
Imagine a patriotic picnic in a 19th century setting where you will make crafts,
play old-fashioned lawn games, and taste home-made ice cream. Meet historic
characters and campaign for your favorite one. Vote for your favorite parlor games
and chores. Make crazy quilts, campaign buttons, pin wheels and other crafts.
Enjoy All-American treats like apple pie and Cracker Jacks! Play classic games
of Capture the Flag, Town Ball, Checkers, and Tug-of-War. At the end of the week
celebrate with a parade, a paper fireworks display, and an inaugural ball!
Fees are $65 for West Baton Rouge residents or members of the West Baton
Rouge Historical Association, and $75 for all other participants. For registration
forms and information visit the Museum website: www.westbatonrougemuseum.
com, call 225-336-2422, or stop by the West Baton Rouge Museum, located at 845
N. Jefferson Avenue in Port Allen.
Teachers Institute explores politics
The West Baton Rouge Historical Association and Museum will offer a Teachers
Institute focused on the American democratic election process on July 15, 16, and
17. The institute is organized into three themes: West Baton Rouge government and
politics, then and now; Louisiana Government and Politics: Who We are as a People;
and United States of America: Citizenship and National Elections. It is designed for
teachers of grades 2-12. For more information contact Jeannie Luckett, Education
Curator, at (225) 336-2422 ext. 14 or by email: luckett@wbrmuseum.org.
ABOUT THIS
PUBLICATION:
Page 2 - Vision WEST - April, 2008
A musical program named Zydeco Zoom
for children ages 3 to 5 and their families
is set at the West Baton Rouge Museum.
Classes are 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday,
May 1, and Thursday, June 5. The Zydeco
Zoom May session will feature the Lagniappe
Dulcimer Society. Classes will lead the
children in song, dance, and playing musical
instruments. Admission is free, however,
space is limited and advanced registration is
required. To register, call 225-336–2422 or
stop by the museum.
Quilt exhibit opens on May 3
A stunning exhibit of twenty-nine quilts from the collection of the Museum of
the American Quilter’s Society will be on exhibit at the West Baton Rouge Museum
May 3 through July 21.
The exhibit, entitled Blending the Old and the New, features quilts that were
pieced together by the late quilt collector and quilt maker Paul D. Pilgrim. During
years of traveling across the U.S., he collected orphan blocks and used them to
create new quilts in a bold blending of modern and antique fabrics and patterns.
Visitors will enjoy seeing these textile works of art that reflect one man’s passion for
the tradition of quilting.
The museum will host a formal opening on May 3rd from 2-4 p.m. that includes
a gallery talk by Professor Carolyn Ware, Folklorist at Louisiana State University in
Baton Rouge. This free event is open to the public.
is published quarterly as a cooperative
endeavor of West Baton Rouge Parish government agencies to
educate residents about projects, activities and services in the parish.
It is produced by Peacock Communications, LLC. Comments can be
sent to: ellie@peacockcommunications.com, or call 225-929-9661.
West Bat o n Ro u g e Par is h G ove r n m e nt
Changes in West Baton
Rouge positions
Residents and businesses will be
seeing some new faces representing
parish agencies as the result of
retirements.
Sharlott Edwards has retired after
13.5 years of service. Deano Moran has
assumed her position as director of the
parish’s Office of Homeland Security/
Emergency Preparedness.
Roger Bergeron, the Revenue
Department Director for 17 years,
retired in January, and Melanie Moore
was promoted to his position.
Alvin St. Romain, who worked in
Animal Control, also has retired after 15
years of service, and Richard Summer
has assumed the duties of Animal
Control Officer.
Also retiring was Robert “Bob”
Amond, who had been a part-time janitor
at the Port Allen Community Center for
19 years.
“We
thank
these
dedicated
employees who retired for their service
and commitment to making West Baton
Rouge better,” said Parish President
Riley “PeeWee” Berthelot. “And we are
pleased to introduce the people who
will carry on the high standards set for
them.”
Southeastern Louisiana University,
and is a West Baton Rouge native and
resident. She heads a department of six
people that is responsible for millions
in sales tax collections and audits. She
said sales tax collections have been
very high the last few years, due in part
to the after-effects of the hurricanes and
plant expansions. Prior to working for
the parish, she handled accounting for
a multi-restaurant company.
DEANO MORAN
Moran, chief of the Rosedale Fire
Department, has an extensive record
of service in the area of emergency
preparedness. He has been chief for
25 years, has been a member of the
Sheriff’s Flotilla for many years, and
also assisted Edwards with numerous
projects. His previous position was as
a coordinator/manager with Centas
Co. He heads a department of eight
employees, including dispatchers and IT
technicians. Moran is a life-long resident
of West Baton Rouge.
MELANIE MOORE
Moore came to the parish as a
sales tax auditor seven years ago. She
was named assistant director in July,
2007, after Bergeron announced that he
would be retiring. He trained her for the
position, which she assumed in January.
Moore has a degree in accounting from
Police Fire Memorial
being constructed
A memorial to West Baton Rouge firefighters and law enforcement
officers who were killed in the line of duty is now under construction next to
the parish courthouse.
Most of the concrete work on the memorial is complete, and three
large granite panels have been ordered. The granite panels are all six
inches thick. A large panel, 4 feet, 6 inches wide by 8 feet tall, will include
the names of all those killed in the line of duty, along with the emblems
of the WBR Sheriff’s Department, municipal police departments and fire
departments. The middle granite piece will be flanked on each side by
granite panels that are 4 feet by 4 feet.
“We had several people suggest this memorial, and we thought it
was an excellent tribute to the sacrifice made by these fallen protectors,
so the Parish Council endorsed the project,” said Parish President Riley
“PeeWee” Berthelot. “We expect it to be complete by this summer, and a
ceremony will be planned to dedicate it.”
Free spaying and
neutering of pets offered
The West Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control Office is offering free spaying or
neutering of pets for individuals who are unable to pay for the surgery. Thanks to
the efforts of Lisa Pepertone, the parish received a $15,000 grant from the Humane
Society of the United States for this program. Those interested in having their pet
spayed or neutered should call Lisa at 225-413-8092.
The parish also has pets up for adoption at its shelter in Port Allen. There is no
fee to adopt a pet, but those who adopt a pet will be required to have the animal
spayed or neutered. For more information on adoption, call the Animal Shelter at
225-336-2428.
FACILITY UPGRADES... Parish kids will enjoy the newly renovated pool at Williams and Lee Park
this summer. The pool and storage building are presently being renovated and are expected to
be operational by the end of May. Lifeguards are needed to work during pool hours. To apply
call Anatole Vincent at 336-2423. The new tennis court at Erwinville Park is now complete,
along with the Rev. Manuel Street outdoor basketball court. “We hope all of these new facilities
get plenty of use this summer,” said Interim Recreation Director Anatole Vincent.
RICHARD SUMMERS
Summers, who used to spend most
of his lunch breaks at the Animal Control
facility, was a natural choice for Animal
Control Officer. He transferred from the
parish’s gas and water department,
where he had worked for seven years.
A real animal lover, Summers feels
that this position is “my calling in life.”
He has jumped into the new position
with a passion, making contacts with
numerous agencies and people and
increasing pet adoptions substantially.
“When an animal is adopted, it doesn’t
just save the pet. That pet gives a lot of
joy to a family,” he says.
SUMMER CAMPS
Continued from Page 1
July 8 – baseball camp at William & Lee Park
July 9 – basketball camp at William & Lee Park
July 10 – football camp at William & Lee Park
July 15 – baseball camp at Erwinville Ball Park
July 16 – basketball camp at Erwinville Ball Park
July 17 – football camp at Erwinville Ball Park
All of the camps will be from 8:30 a.m. until noon, and will be open to youths age 4
to 14. High school coaches and players will serve as instructors. The camps provide
a great opportunity for young players to gain skills and learn new techniques of the
sports. These camps are free. Advance registration is requested by going to the
Parks and Recreation Office in the Port Allen Community Center at 749 N. Jefferson
St. in Port Allen, or kids can be registered when they arrive for the camps.
Vision WEST - April, 2008 - Page 3
West B at o n Ro u g e As s e s s or
Understanding your
property taxes
Still confused? You aren’t alone,
but perhaps an example will help. “If a
property is valued at $10,000, then the
95.69 mills will mean a tax bill on that
property of $95.69,” Altazan said. Here’s
another example: if a home is valued
at $85,000, then it has an assessed
value of $8,500 (10% of value) for
tax purposes. However, Louisiana
provides a homestead exemption on
the first $75,000 in value of a home,
so the assessed value drops to $1,000
($8,500-$7,500 = $1,000). The millage
of 95.69 mills is then applied to that
This fall property owners in West
Baton Rouge will get property tax bills
that will include increased values. One
of the most important words in figuring
tax bills is “millages,” and it is a word
that is unfamiliar and confusing to many
people, said Assessor Barney “Frog”
Altazan.
“A mill is one-tenth of one percent
and is the means in which property taxes
are generated for services provided by
government agencies,” Altazan said.
“West Baton Rouge now has 95.69 mills
of property taxes.”
$1,000 for a property tax bill of $95.69.
Millages are levied against the
assessed value of homes, businesses,
land, and business property, such as
inventory, furniture and equipment.
“State law requires that our office reassess property every four years to
adjust value to the market and 2008 is a
re-assessment year,” explained Altazan.
“New assessed values will be issued on
properties toward the end of this year,
and those values will be higher, which
means property owners can expect
higher property tax bills.”
The break-down of millages in
West Baton Rouge includes: law
enforcement, 16.10 mills; parish-wide
services (Council on Aging, Health Unit,
Library, Museum, Community Center,
Office of Emergency Preparedness,
Recreation, and Assessment District),
28.46 mills; school board, 39.89 mills;
Atchafalaya Basin Levee District, 4.04
mills; Drainage Districts, 7.20 mills;
Water Works District 1 in Addis, 3.23
mills; City of Port Allen maintenance,
7.37; and City of Port Allen police, 5.27
mills.
West B at o n Ro u g e L ibr ar y
Vandersteen takes reins at Library
Beth Vandersteen is the new
director of the West Baton Rouge
Parish Library. She holds a Master
of Library Science degree from LSU,
and a Masters Degree in elementary
education
from
Louisiana Tech
University. Previously, she was
assistant director of the Rapides Parish
Library in Alexandria, where she served
for almost 25 years. Vandersteen is a past president
of the Louisiana Library Association
and recipient of a Special Humanities
Award from the Louisiana Endowment
for the Humanities. She received the
Mid-career award from the Louisiana
Library Association, and a Humanitarian
Award from the City of Alexandria. Mrs. Vandersteen follows long-time
library directors Fran Cole and Anna
Marchiafava. She began her duties in
January.
Winners announced for Library’s 13th Annual Spring Art Show
Bing Zheng of Port Allen received the
Best of Show award for his painting, The
Green Field, during the Opening Reception
of the 13th Annual Spring Art Show at
the West Baton Rouge Parish Library in
March.
The show features artists who are
residents of Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and
West Baton Rouge Parishes. Nancy Stutes
from Hammond, La. was the judge. Award
money was donated by Donald C. Deville,
CPA, Dynamic Therapy/Crossroads Fitness, Iberville Bank (Port Allen branch)
and Ruth Fine Arts of New Roads.
Other winners by category were:
PROFESSIONAL:
1st,
Jennifer
Fleniken (Rosedale); 2nd, Anita LeJeune
(Lakeland); 3rd, Gail Ruth (New Roads);
Page 4 - Vision WEST - April, 2008
Honorable Mention: Jackie Carville
(Plaquemine), Gene Robertson (Brusly).
NON-PROFESSIONAL: 1st, Gloria
J. Genusa (Erwinville); 2nd, Suzanne
Lamotte (Port Allen); 3rd, Rex Tatum (St.
Gabriel); Honorable Mention: Carol Ann
Marionneaux (Plaquemine), Debbie Cook
(Port Allen).
STUDENT: 1st, Dottie McGehee
(Baton Rouge); 2nd, Janice Richard (Baton
Rouge) 3rd, Gladys Bankston (Zachary);
Honorable Mention: Virgie Curcio, (Port
Allen).
NEW ENTRANT AWARD: Juanita
Santangelo (Plaquemine). The exhibit
can be viewed during regular library hours
through Saturday, May 3. It is free and
open to the public.
West Bat o n Ro u g e S ch oo l S y s t e m
School system marks
progress on many fronts
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part two of a two-part series on the progress of
the West Baton Rouge School System over the last six years. Part one,
published in the January 2008 issue of Vision West, listed the progress
of the school system in the areas of administration and instruction. Part
two includes progress in the areas of technology, teacher assistance and
collaborative programs.
TEACHER ASSISTANCE:
1. A needs assessment survey was conducted with the teachers
of the system in the fall of 2004, and a plan was developed to fill
those needs.
2. An Administrative Intern Program was developed through the
Office of Human Resources and Staff Development to groom
teachers for roles as future administrators.
3. A Teacher Support Program was developed through the same
office to support new teachers as they gain experience in the
profession.
4. Through the leadership of the West Baton Rouge Parish
School Board Members, a dedicated property tax was passed
(68%-32%) by the voters on May 5, 2007 to provide teachers and
employees with a needed and well-deserved pay raise. Starting
teacher salary is now very competitive with other parishes in the
area and the state, and the parish can successfully compete
for the services of the best and brightest teachers looking for
employment.
5. Professional Learning Communities were established at schools
to encourage and support staff development initiatives and datadriven instruction.
6. The number of non-certified teachers was reduced, and the
number of highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals was
increased.
7. An on-line vehicle for mentoring new teachers was established.
TECHNOLOGY:
1. Integrating technology in the learning process was made a
paramount goal, as was appropriate in-service training in
technology for teachers and staff.
2. A state of the art technology staff development center for the
system was created in the Skills Center at Port Allen High
School. The cost was primarily funded through a grant.
3. Since that time, staff development sessions for teachers have
been ongoing in the center. They have been well attended.
4. Additional technology (computers, smart boards and Promethean
boards, along with the infrastructure to support them, began to
be infused within the schools.
5. Technology classes for the public have been made available at
no charge.
6. School libraries have all been connected and technology
has been upgraded. This will give students greater access to
information that they need, and give librarians greater access to
know what is available in the school system’s libraries to serve
students.
COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS:
1. Through a collaborative effort with the West Baton Rouge Parish
President, the Parish Council, and the West Baton Rouge Parish
School Board, the Soccer Complex located next to Port Allen
High School was built and is getting extensive use.
2. WBR teachers have obtained thousands of dollars in grants
through the West Baton Rouge Parish Foundation for Academic
Excellence.
3. WBR entered into a partnership with LSU to establish
Professional Development Schools for the recruitment and
development of future teachers, as well as to provide support
for veteran teachers and educational research.
4. A partnership with Pointe Coupee Parish and LSU provides for
improved teacher induction, and also involved the community in
the process.
As school system takes over...
Head Start
Program gets new life
The West Baton Rouge Head Start
program is undergoing a transformation that
will ultimately help 3 and 4-year-olds be more
successful in school. The school system
has been named the permanent grantee
of the Head Start program by the federal
government, and will begin its program in the
2008-2009 school year.
“The
Head
Start
program is a federallyfunded program that provides an early start on
skills that children need
to learn before they start
school, such as motor
development,
social
skills, vocabulary, colors
and sounds,” explained
School
Superintendent
David Corona. “By naming
the school system as
the permanent grantee,
it allows us to teach
these children through
fun activities in a school
setting, which will make
the transition to school
easier for them.”
Until 2004, Iberville
Parish government had
been the grantee for
the West Baton Rouge
and Iberville Head Start
programs, and since that
time Community Development Institute had
been the interim grantee
for West Baton Rouge.
The school system
was also provided with
a $611,000 grant to pay
for start-up costs. Corona
said large modular buildings to house the Head Start programs will
be added at Port Allen Elementary and Brusly
Elementary schools, and the building presently
housing the Head Start program in Erwinville
will be moved to Chamberlin Elementary.
“The Head Start program is geared to
children in low income families because it
has been found that these children often
start kindergarten behind and had not been
exposed to the situations, learning and books
to prepare them for kindergarten,” Corona
said. “It’s not that the parents don’t want the
best for their children, it’s that they may not
have the resources to help their children.”
Corona said children of higher income
families usually have a vocabulary of 3,000
words, while children of families living in
poverty usually begin kindergarten with a
vocabulary of 50 to 100 words. “If we can
start working with the children at ages 3 and
4, then they have a much
better chance of reading
and comprehending by 3rd
grade,” he said. “And if they
can read and comprehend
well by third grade, studies
have shown they have a
much greater chance of
educational success. A lot
of development takes place
in those early ages.”
Children in the Head
Start program will be bused
separately to the schools,
and will eat lunch in their
rooms in family settings so
that they learn social skills
and are not intimidated by
older students.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Registration for the
program is underway now.
Children must be at least
3-years-old by September
30, 2008 to qualify. Parents
should register their children at the school the
child will be attending, and
should bring the following:
child’s birth certificate,
social security card, immunization records, income
verification and five proofs
of residence. Items used
for income verification include the parents’ last two pay check stubs,
W-2, Food Stamp sheet, medical card, etc…
Items that verify proof of residence include
driver’s license, natural gas, water, phone and
electricity bills, bank checks/statements and
voter registration card. There is no charge for
the Head Start program.
The school locations are Brusly
Elementary, Chamberlin Elementary and Port
Allen Elementary.
Vision WEST - April, 2008 - Page 5
City o f Po r t A l l e n
One clean city!
The City of Port Allen was the District VI winner of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation
Cleanest City Contest, and will be judged in the state competition on May 1.
Mayor Derek Lewis said city crews worked hard to clean up
the city for the April 2 judging, and he is asking city
residents to help the city win the state judging. “The
city crew really took pride in getting the city ready,”
Lewis said. “Now we need residents to clean up their
yards and businesses, get rid of trash and litter, and
make sure their yards are mowed and neat.”
JoAnn Fryling, the Garden Club Federation
District VI Chair, noted, “Your public buildings,
vacant lots, businesses and residential areas
were quite well maintained and neat, and
your community center, government
complex and levee park looked especially
good.”
Both Lewis and Fryling commended
the West Baton Rouge Garden and Civic
Club for their assistance in preparing
the city for the judging. Fryling noted that
the city has “an amazing garden club” and
Lewis said they supplied refreshments to the
crew and assisted in the clean-up.
Take pride in Port Allen – clean up for the May 1 judging.
Lower fire rating
means insurance
savings
Port Allen residents will receive the benefits of
plenty of hard work by the Port Allen Fire Department
– a reduction in their fire insurance premiums. The
city’s fire rating was dropped from a 3 to a 2, and the
area outside the city that is served by the department
dropped from a 5 to a 4.
“The fire stations saved $220 off its premium with
the lower rating,” said Fire Chief Rick Boudreaux.
“Homeowners will save also, but not as much as
commercial buildings.”
Boudreaux said the audit, which determines
the rating, is a complicated and difficult process.
“We are rated on three major areas: dispatch and
communications, fire departments and equipment
(including training and response records), and water
supply,” said Boudreaux. “We have to keep detailed
records of training and how we responded to all fires
and all of that is reviewed.”
The department responded to the 16-page
questionnaire with not only answers, but eight pounds
of documentation. “We are very appreciative of the
support we’ve received from the mayor and City
Council,” he said. “They have never turned us down
for anything we’ve requested for fire safety and that
has been the key to our success.”
West B at o n Ro u g e Cle r k o f Cou r t
New website offers quick access to parish info
Want to know if you need to report for jury duty, find out what is
required to get a passport or marriage license, or check on filing fees
for the West Baton Rouge Clerk of Court’s office?
Now all of that information and much more is available at your
fingertips at the clerk’s new website:www.wbrclerk.org.
Clerk of Court Mark Graffeo said one of the best features of
the website is the ability of residents to check on jury duty after
business hours. “We put the status of trials on the website, so
they can go on the site the night before they are ordered to report
for jury duty and see if the trial has been cancelled or if they must
report,” he said. “In the past we had to record a message on
the phone, and we still do that, but this gives residents another
option to get information.”
The site also includes information on civil filing and
recording fees, passport information and costs, marriage
license application and requirements, a variety of forms, such
as a cancellation of mortgage form, office hours and holidays,
and links to a variety of government agencies. Election
information available includes the schedule of elections,
qualifying and election dates, election results, and the
clerk’s role in elections.
“This website is a great tool for the public and the regular users of this
office,” said Graffeo. “Hopefully, it will also reduce the number of calls to the office which will
free staff to handle other tasks and projects.”
One project the clerk’s staff has been working on is scanning public documents, so that, in the future, they will be
available via remote access. “It will require special software and we will have to approve access, but this project will
allow access to documents such as conveyances and other legal filings from users’ computers, saving them trips to
our office,” Graffeo said. He said about 35 years of records have been scanned so far.
But for most West Baton Rouge residents, the information on the website provides most of the information they’ll
ever need to know about the clerk’s office. Check it out at www.wbrclerk.org.
Page 6 - Vision WEST -April, 2008
Town of A d d i s
Addis to elect full-time
mayor, chief for first time
The Addis municipal election this fall will be historic. For the first time in
the community’s history, voters will be electing a full-time mayor and a full-time
police chief.
The Board of Aldermen voted at its March meeting to make both positions
full-time effective January 1, when the newly-elected officials take office. The
positions will pay $42,000 per year, plus benefits. Qualifying for the municipal
election, which also includes the 5-member Board of Aldermen, is July 9-11,
and the election in October 4.
“Our town is approaching a population of 5,000 residents, which would
make it a city, and our growth has impacted the activity at town hall and with
the town’s police department,” said Mayor Carroll Bourgeois. “Our town hall
is much busier with building permit filings, planning and zoning activities and
maintaining the infrastructure for the community,” Bourgeois said. “We are not
a sleepy little town any more.”
Bourgeois said the town is poised to handle growth, and he anticipates
growth will come. “In just the subdivisions that we have approved, we could
grow from our present 4,100 residents to 8,500 or 8,700. We have the sewer
infrastructure in place for 10,000 residents, although I have concerns about La.
Hwy. 1 should that growth come,” he said.
Likewise, he said calls to the police department have increased to 30 to
40 calls a week, and the department also has other responsibilities, such as
patrolling the town. “In 2000 we had four officers,” Bourgeois said. “Now we
have seven full-time officers, plus some volunteer auxiliary officers that we
keep busy.”
Bourgeois said by making the positions full-time, the officials will be more
available to residents and to attend to the projected growth and needs.
Support the Addis
Historical Society
Please be advised that the 2008 dues for the Addis Historical Society
are now being collected. Please support this important organization
by joining. Fill out the form below and mail with check or money order
to:
ELLA DEAN THIBODEAUX, TREASURER
ADDIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
3206 GLADYS DRIVE
ADDIS, LOUISIANA 70710
2008 MEMBERSHIP DUES TO THE ADDIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
( ) Individual Membership
( ) Husband and Wife
( ) Corporate Membership
$10.00 Annually
$15.00 Annually
$50.00 Annually
( ) Active
( ) Active
( ) Inactive
( ) Inactive
NAME
SPOUSE (IF JOINING)
ADDRESS:
PHONE
EMAIL
Town of B r u s l y
State Fire Marshall staff joins Brusly firefighters in training
The Brusly Fire Department firefighters had special guests for their April 8
training session – staff members of the Louisiana Fire Marshall’s office.
“The new Fire Marshall, Butch Browning, is very supportive of the fire
departments and his staff getting training with firefighters,” explained Assistant Fire
Chief Kenny Hunts. “This is an important partnership for us,” Hunts said. “They
brought the Fire Marshall’s Emergency Response Unit to train our firefighters on
A Brusly firefighter works his way through a small hole in the maze with a simulated victim
during the maze training.
its capabilities and operations, and we trained them on how to get through tight
areas in complete darkness.”
Hunts said the Fire Marshall’s office is tasked with assisting fire departments
with large disasters, urban search and rescue, hazardous materials response,
arson investigations, and issuing building permits for fire safety and fire prevention.
“Building this alliance with the Fire Marshall’s office is important because that
office plays such a big support role in fire service,” Hunts said. “In addition, getting
training on the use of the Fire Marshall’s Emergency Response Unit was important
because it has some high tech equipment, along with the tools and equipment
needed to respond to disasters.”
“This training session was on hurricane preparedness and working in dark
environments,” Hunts said. “We built a maze that firefighters had to get through on
their hands and knees with all their firefighting equipment in complete darkness.”
Boyd Petty of the La. Fire Marshall’s office gives instruction on the Emergency Response Unit
to Brusly firefighters Kristi Guerin, Kaci Parault, Taya Monceaux, Angela Soma and Stephanie
Cope.
Vision WEST - April, 2008 - Page 7
Chamb e r o f C o m me r ce
Set Thursday, May 1
New excitement added
to Business EXPO
CHAMBER VOLUNTEER HONOREES… Volunteers noted for their service in 2007 are, front row from left,
Pam Willard, Wilda Armato, Kim Howell, Ellie Hebert, Katherine George, Bonnie Bianca and Sandra Hughes.
Back row: Addie Armato, Joey Normand, Stacey Chiasson, Rick Boudreaux, Buddy Tucker, Kathy Kirby and
John Castille.
Phillips gets Pride of WBR Award
Attendance at Banquet
highest in Chamber history
Rawlston “Bubba” Phillips, Jr. was honored with
the Pride of West Baton Rouge award, the most
prestigious award given by the West Baton Rouge
Chamber of Commerce, at its annual membership
banquet on February 26.
Phillips has donated land for needed parish
infrastructure projects; planted trees to beautify the
parish exit at the I-10 bridge as part of Baton Rouge
Green; supported schools and scholarship programs
with donations; sponsored baseball, football and
wrestling teams; and has been a big supporter of the
Boy Scouts of America.
In addition, his companies have hired many local
workers, and contributed millions to the economic
viability of the parish. He was a charter member of
the West Baton Rouge Development Corporation,
which later became the West Baton Rouge Chamber
of Commerce. He served as the Chamber’s chairman
for two terms and continues to represent the parish on
the Baton Rouge Area Chamber Board of Directors.
A native and life-long resident of West Baton
Rouge, Phillips consistently works with parish and
municipal officials to create a better parish. The
nomination of Phillips for the award states, “You would
be hard pressed to find any other individual who has
done so much for our parish.”
THE BANQUET: This year’s banquet drew the
highest attendance in the Chamber’s history. Guests
were treated to the music of the Port Allen High School
Band, and the state’s new economic development
leader, Steven Moret, was guest speaker. Awards were
also presented to Chamber volunteers from 2007.
Rawlston “Bubba” Phillips, Jr.
Don’t miss the excitement of this year’s Business &
Community EXPO as new people and events have been added to
the mix. The EXPO is set for Thursday, May 1, from 11 a.m. until 3
p.m. at the Addis Community Center, and the public is invited.
The biggest change is that the Iberville and West Baton Rouge
Chambers of Commerce have
combined to jointly sponsor
the EXPO. This means that
the event will be bigger and
will include new businesses
not usually at the West Baton
Rouge Chamber’s EXPO.
Also,
health
and
educational displays will be
added this year, and United
Blood Services will hold a
blood drive during the event.
Gold sponsor is Entergy.
Silver sponsors are American
Gateway
Bank,
Career
Builders, DIRECTV HDTV,
Dow Louisiana Federal
Credit Union, Iberville Bank,
Plaquemine Bank, Placid Refining Company
LLC, Pointe Coupee Electric Membership Corporation, Riverside
Reader and The Island Country Club.
Business &
Community
EXPO
Chamber
Golf Tourney
Monday, June 9
The Island Country Club - Tee-off at 10 a.m.
Golf package fees are $120 per golfer or $480 for a foursome
Fees include: 18 holes of golf with a cart, continential breakfast, beer,
cold drinks and snacks, early dinner, and participation in the Longest
Drive Contest, Hole-In-One Contest, and other awards and prizes. Don’t
miss the fun! Call the Chamber to register at 383-3140.
Upcoming Events:
LED Sectretary Steven Moret
• Aloha Summer Luau - August 22*
*Watch for more on the Aloha Summer Luau! It’s new and innovative, great fun and
will include numerous wonderful silent auction items directly from the Hawaiian
Islands! Get in the island spirit with sand, grass skirts, Hawaiian food and music,
and more!
• October 16 - Taste of the West Taste Fair
State of the
Parish Breakfast
CHAMBER IS GROWING: Construction of the new Hampton Inn & Suites will be underway
soon. The photo above is a scene from the February 27 ground-breaking ceremony for the new
hotel. It will be adjacent to the WBR Tourist Center. Hampton Inn is one of the new members
of the Chamber, which had a net increase of 20 members for 2007. Membership was at 314
members in mid-April.
Page 8 - Vision WEST - April, 2008
Parish President Riley “PeeWee” Berthelot and municipal mayors
will give reports on the parish accomplishments and challenges at the
Chamber’s second annual “State of the Parish” Breakfast on Thursday,
May 15, at 7 a.m. at Louisiana Bayou Bistro in Brusly.
The event will include presentations by Brusly Mayor Joey Normand,
Addis Mayor Carroll Bourgeois and Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis. This
event is open to the public, but limited seating is available, so reserve
your seat now by calling the Chamber at 383-3140. The fee is $15 for
Chamber members and $20 for non-members.