Food & Fellowship

J. Shirlene Cooper

Food and fellowship were the top items on the agenda of the Chamber Membership Appreciation Fish Fry in DeRidder on May 28, and the event saw a large turnout, due in part to the ideal weather.

Sunshine with intermittent cool breezes greeted those gathered under the shade of the Mead Westvaco (MWV) pavilion for the annual picnic, which was coordinated by the Greater
Beauregard Chamber of Commerce as a way of thanking members for their support.

As guests arrived, Chamber President Leon Lagneaux stepped up to offer a welcome. Expressing appreciation to board members and to all chamber members, he also offered thanks to MWV for the “hospitality in sharing the pavilion,” and to event sponsors, including top sponsor, Y P One Publishing, as well as Walmart, First National Bank, and First Federal Savings Bank.

Lagneaux also recognized members of the board of directors, and committee chairpersons, who were in attendance, and introduced Chamber Office Manager Sarah Courtney, who additionally serves as Membership Services Assistant.

In an update of the past several months of Chamber activity, Lagneaux spoke of a trip to Baton Rouge just two days prior to the Fish Fry. “We had a visit with the Governor, to talk about ideas, concerns and projects,” he said.

The visit was Louisiana Senator John Smith’s 5th Annual Chamber Day, put together to provide an up-close look at the workings of the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Louisiana Senate. Because representatives from the Chambers of Vernon and Beauregard parishes were involved, the trip also made available an extra opportunity for communications, cooperation, and camaraderie between the two.

At the top of those issues discussed, Lagneaux said, was the Beauregard Regional Airport properties and possible uses; a by-pass from US 171 on the south side of DeRidder; and concerns about the Boise Paper Mill. He said that a packet had been prepared, and presented to Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, which included information about all those items, as well as a request for support for Louisiana Binding Services to obtain a grant, from which funds would go to restore historical documents damaged in hurricanes. The grant, if secured, would “bring 60 new jobs” to the area.

As the 2008 Chamber of the Year, Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce representatives also had made a trip to Washington, D.C. recently, Lagneaux said. Further, the local Chamber had hosted a two-day seminar for representatives of Chambers from throughout the state, and coordinators currently were concentrating on other annual affairs, such as the upcoming golf tournament, and the Super Saturday Auction, in September. “We need your help,” he concluded, before inviting chamber members and guests to step to the buffet tables
In keeping with tradition, a feast of fried catfish, French fries, hush puppies, baked beans, and salad beckoned guests. This year’s mouth-watering banquet was prepared and brought forth by Glenn and Rose Epperson, of EAB (Eat A Bite) Catering, with some assist from Chamber Executive Vice President Avon Knowlton.

Their efforts were met with approving appetites. Hungry guests created a line from the serving tables to the back of the pavilion, eager for a plate of the pallet pleasing fare, plus a refreshing beverage all to be topped off with a hefty portion of white or chocolate cake.

As diners devoured the delectable dinner, much talk was shared at the tables, with most discussion centered on the trip to the Capitol that Lagneaux had mentioned. Dot and Bob McGowen had been on board the bus to Baton Rouge, and had been a part of the group, of 20 or so, invited to sit in on committee meetings in the House chambers. Dot said the group, also was treated to a crawfish luncheon in the Lt. Governor’s quarters.

Of course, the Fish Fry also was a time of fellowship among the many business leaders and community members present. Many took time to catch up on family news or church happenings. At the tables, George and Frances Jouban, Carlos Archield and family, Faith Thomas and son Gregory, Rick and Mary Lou Barnicle, and the crew from Big Dog Radio, David and Anna Wiggins, Rita Harris, the Rev. David and Brenda Iles, and a host of others from the community. As in other years, business cards were exchanged, and pictures of new grandbabies shared.

Then, after a round of seconds and, in some cases, “thirds,” guests prepared for a highly-anticipated event of the evening—the drawings for door prizes. Past Chamber President Dick Myers was on hand to help out, pulling name after name from the bag. The Chamber, along with many area businesses had donated numerous prizes, with guests getting chances to win everything from tee-shirts, music CD’s, and dinner coupons to valuable gift certificates for services or merchandise and gift baskets filled with a plethora of items. As event sponsor, YP
One Publishing also had donated a number of gifts, and Louisiana manager Jan Hebert helped draw the winning names for even more oversized baskets of goodies.

And with so many prizes awarded, it was really no surprise that Chamber President Lagneaux was able to join Carl Slover, Sonja Archield, Andrea O’Conner, the McGowens, and others walking away with coolers, umbrellas, totes, and more.

As the evening’s activities drew to a close, guests made their way to their vehicles, continuing to visit even on the walk to the parking areas. Plans also were made to get together soon for the planning and coordination of, or participation in many of those upcoming Chamber events mentioned, including the annual golf tournament.

That event will take place at the Beauregard Country Club, July 11.