By Renee Allemand Simpson
We’re now squarely in the midst of the Christmas season, and parish government has quite a few exciting pieces of news to report. The seeds we’re planting now will take parish projects far into the New Year and beyond. Also, Christmas and holiday-related events are happening all over the parish, so be sure to watch our holiday calendar on Channel 6 to stay up-to-date!
DOW DONATES TO BOUTTE PARK. Dow officials recently presented the St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department with a $5,000 donation for improvements at Boutte Recreational Park.
The park, located at 100 Turner Lane in Boutte, is in need of upgrades to better serve its community, according to Parks and Recreation Director Duane Foret.
Foret and District I Councilman Billy Raymond Sr. made the case to Dow, which immediately recognized the need and stepped up to help.
“I would like to thank Dow for the positive impacts they are consistently making in communities throughout St. Charles Parish,” Raymond said. “In the midst of tough economic times for our country, they have remained focused on the company’s values and continue to contribute to improving the quality of life in St. Charles Parish.”
Dow Community Relations Manager Stanley Roy Dufrene said the company is interested in creating a thriving local community.
“We look forward to the completion of the park in Boutte,” he said. “St. Charles is a special place, and that is why we feel it is so important to contribute to the community’s success.”
Foret said the donation could be used to construct a pavilion in the park.
This most recent donation represents only one of several made by Dow to St. Charles Parish, Raymond said.
ST. CHARLES HAS MOST OUSTANDING MOBILE CLASSROOM.
St. Charles Parish Thursday recently accepted an award for hosting the ‘Most Outstanding’ Mobile Classroom in the state, according to LSU’s Louisiana Business and Technology Center.
The traveling business seminars were presented in 31 Louisiana communities earlier this year, with St. Charles holding the event at the West Bank Bridge Park June 17 and 18.
Economic Development and Tourism Director Corey Faucheux, whose office coordinated the visit, represented the parish at LBTC’s 20th anniversary and graduation ceremony Thursday in Baton Rouge.
“The award is given to the community that worked the most diligently to bring the classroom to their town,” Faucheux said. “We know that participants gained a wealth of valuable information to use in their own business plans, making our local economy that much stronger.”
The classroom, which takes the form of a modified semi-trailer, presented small business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn about topics such as “Surviving a Recession” and “Budgeting and Financial Statements,” among others.
For more information about the Mobile Classroom Program, visit http://www.bus.lsu.edu/centers/lbtc/mobileclassroom.asp.
OFFICIALS BREAK GROUND ON WATER PLANT.
St. Charles Parish officials and waterworks employees broke on a brand new water treatment facility Nov. 21 at 14924 River Road, New Sarpy.
The plant will add 6 million gallons to the daily water supply on the East Bank, Waterworks Director Robert Brou said. Construction is expected to take 24 months at a cost of approximately $26 million. The St. Charles Parish council earlier this year approved $8 million for the project, which is also being funded by bonds.
Parish President V.J. St. Pierre Jr. said the project would end concerns about the aging C-Plant, which has been the workhorse for water production on the East Bank.
“The parish has acknowledged the need for a new treatment plant for many years,” he said. “However, other infrastructure priorities have put this project on the backburner. That’s because every time a resident opened their faucet there was plenty of water available; water which continually met all state and federal regulations.”
In addition, two sub-aqueous crossings will soon come into service, which will make the new plant a water provider on both the East and West Banks.
Engineering for the project was done by Shread-Kuyrkendall and Associates with construction to be completed by M.R. Pittman General Contractors.
For more information on St. Charles Waterworks, visit http://www.stcharlesgov.net/departments/waterwork.htm.
ST. CHARLES CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS.
Two parish events are set to make the season a little brighter for both children and seniors.
A senior citizens’ Christmas luncheon is planned for 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Luling VFW Hall located at 140 Angus Drive. The event is free and all seniors are invited to attend. There’ll be great food, music, a visit from Santa, and the chance to learn about parish operations and services.
Also, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program’s annual Toy Drive is now accepting donations of new toys to be distributed to underprivileged children in St. Charles Parish. Toys may be dropped off at RSVP, located at 107 Maryland Drive, Suite B, in Luling. For more information, please contact Fay Caire at (985) 785-1037 or fcairersvp@stcharlesgov.net.
Renee Allemand Simpson serves as Public Information Officer for St. Charles Parish. She can be reached at (985) 783-5000 or rallemand@stcharlesgov.net.
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