RealArt DeRidder Art Gallery Makes Home in Downtown District

By J. Shirlene Cooper


This fall, a dream of artists and art aficionados alike will be realized in Beauregard Parish, with the upcoming opening of the RealArt DeRidder art gallery in the historic downtown district of the city.
Months of preparation, plans and good old fashioned elbow grease are leading up to a Grand Opening Reception and Exhibition on Oct. 3, which will introduce the community to the works of a cooperative of local and regional artists.

According to Gallery Coordinator David Labby, the cooperative currently is made up of 20 artists; all with the common desire to grow the local cultural offerings and give a little back to the community of which they are a part.

Margo Roll
“Our job is to keep the artists happy and honor the City of DeRidder,” he explained, adding that the gallery got its name from the Real Art movie theatre, which long-ago stood in the downtown area and provided a bit of the theatrical side of art to residents.

Defining the arts cooperative, Labby said that the flow of power is from the “bottom up,” not the conventional management structure usually associated with business and government. Every artist has an equal voice in the process and control is divided equally.

This feeling of personal investiture in the project and the process is beneficial, Labby explained, because it creates a more vibrant and energetic group of creative people, resulting in a win-win situation.

Currently, RAD consists of two boards. All artist members are voting members of the Artists Board, plus the Board of Directors is made up of five members- including Lydia DeRouen, Joey Governale, Dannah Macarthur and Margo Roll, all RAD members who were selected by the Artists Board, and Kerri Broussard, representing the City of DeRidder.

Additionally, a group of non-artist members have formed a support group known as the RADicals. These “friends of the gallery,” are on board as volunteers and promoters. RADicals is open to anyone with an appreciative eye for art and a desire to grow that area of interest among others in the community.

Artist Joey Governale & Gallery Coordinator David Labby
Recently, Labby provided a tour of the building which will house the gallery. Purchased with funds provided by Louisiana State Senator John Smith, the historical structure and work of art in and of itself, the building at 108 East First Street, is still in the renovation stages as workers build new divider walls, apply fresh paint and prepare to install a museum grade hanging system for art.

With plans to utilize every inch of the property, Labby started the tour just outside the back doors, in the alley- where eventually the RAD group hopes to install an outdoor sculpture garden. The coordinator explained that the RAD gallery will display all art mediums, not just framed works.

Stepping back inside, Labby pointed out the large back room of the building, which one day may be incorporated into actual work space for art students, possibly in the form of an art education center. That also is a “down-the-road” dream.

In the space designated for the gallery displays, volunteers and co-op members have been busy, from top to bottom. The elaborate and decorative tin tiles in the high ceilings have been cleaned but left intact; a reminder of the building’s historical significance and of the artistic craftsmanship employed in their creation. All of the interior walls have been painted a soft shade of gray to maximize the focus on the art pieces which soon will be displayed there.

Board member and artist Joey Governale joined Labby in showing the newly arrived rails and adjustable attachments of the hanging system, which will line each wall and hold the canvas creations. A sound system has been donated, they said, and fundraising efforts are underway to acquire a proper lighting system.

Track lights will be installed along the center of the ceiling, from front to back. In the future, individual spotlights may be purchased to highlight specific pieces or paintings. Also pedestals of varying heights and sizes will be used to showcase small sculptures and other works.

About the gallery dream and completion, Governale said, “This is all for the community.” He said that on several occasions, downtown shoppers and those dining at the nearby Cecil’s Cajun Café have dropped in to check the progress or inquire as to what type of business was going in. “We have had all positive responses,” he added, noting that most people are excited to hear that DeRidder is getting an art gallery of its own.

Labby also was looking ahead to opening day. He shared plans for special events which already are on the schedule. The Grand Opening, on Oct. 3 will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., and the public is invited to a group show of all RAD artists.

The gallery will be filled with the art works of over 20 artists- most from the Beauregard Parish area, and several from surrounding communities, as well as Labby, Governale, and the rest of the Board of Directors. Other artists to be featured include, Mark Anderson, Thomas Avant, Imogene Dewey, Joelle Ford, Bill Guimbellot, Brandon Guimbellot, Sharon Harris, Lydia Hawkins, LaNell Mastin, Barney Miller, Anne Shirley, Emily Shirley and Herbert Strange.

Paying tribute to the history of DeRidder and Beauregard Parish, on opening night, one section of the gallery also will be set aside for the display of old photographs of the area. In particular, featured framed prints will show the downtown district and, of course, pictures of the original Real Art Theatre.

The first Solo Showing at RAD is scheduled for Nov. 2 through 28, and will feature the works of Margo Roll, a DeRidder artist who has received numerous awards for her paintings of flowers, wildlife and landscapes. She has shown in galleries in Lake Charles, Leesville, East Texas, and recently was awarded ribbons at a juried show of the Art League Association.

Roll said that she is excited about the opening, and her solo show. “It (the gallery) will be a big help to the community, and will draw in tourists,” she concluded.

Following Roll’s show, “Coming Home,” a group exhibit is planned to round out the year and welcome 2010. Beginning Dec. 15 through Jan. 8, 2010, the focus will be on the art works of a group from DeRidder High School. David Clanton, Joelle Ford, Bill Iles and Donna Gibson Pickens, all former DHS students, will be the featured artists.

Also, ideas for an “Arts on the Sidewalks’ event is on the drawing board, as coordinators seek to be a part of DeRidder’s Food Festival on Nov. 14.

Concluding the tour, and back at the street entrance to RAD, Labby pointed out the new business name recently painted on the front door. He encouraged community members to visit the gallery and become a part of the arts of Beauregard.

For more information about RAD, including a calendar of upcoming events, visit online at http://RealArtderidder.org or contact Labby at dlabby@gmail.com or (337)202-1624.

RAD Photo Captions:
RAD building-
RealArt DeRidder, a new art gallery at 108 East First Street in the historic district of DeRidder will host a Grand Opening reception Oct. 3.
RAD door logo-
A newly painted logo marks the entrance to DeRidder’s first and only art gallery.
RAD full building-
Visitors to the downtown area of DeRidder soon will be able to tour a new art gallery. RealArt DeRidder will showcase the art works of 20 local and regional artists.
RAD Governale and Labby
RealArt DeRidder Board member Joey Governale (left) and Gallery Coordinator David Labby discuss installation of the museum grade hanging system, which will be utilized to display framed pieces in the new art gallery.
RAD Margo Roll-
As a member of the RealArt DeRidder Cooperative, artist Margo Roll will be the first artist featured with a Solo Show, in November. Among her highlighted pieces to be displayed will be “Avery Island” shown here.

Bombs Rock the Beauregard, Vernon Communities

By J. Shirlene Cooper
The Times of SWLA



Two churches in Beauregard Parish and one in Vernon Parish were the targets of vandalism, burglary and bombs just prior to the Fourth of July weekend.

Four men, between the ages of 17 and 21 years old have been arrested in connection with the incidents, as well as the burglary of a fireworks stand and a Frito Lay delivery truck, which was parked at a distribution plant on the LA 3226 bypass, between DeRidder and Rosepine.

Sidney Flether, 21, and Timothy Free, 18, both of DeRidder; and Nathan Lee and Anthony Martin, both 17 years of age, and both of Rosepine were arrested Thursday morning, July 2, bringing several hours of criminal activities to an end.

According to Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office (BPSO) Chief Deputy Joe Toler, officials believe the events began Wednesday evening with the vandalism of Cypress Creek Baptist Church, located on the bypass. Several of the building’s windows were broken.

Allegedly, the next stops for the four men were the distribution center, where the delivery truck was burglarized, and then the fireworks stand, which they reportedly looted.

It was the explosives taken from the fireworks stand, which were used to fashion the bombs- one of which exploded at Grace Church, in DeRidder.

The bomb at Grace Church detonated at night when no one was there. After church staff arrived at work on Thursday they suspected that the church had been vandalized or burglarized, and also discovered the broken window, which led them to notify the police.

Grace Champion Center bomb location-
A taped-over window at Champion Center at Grace Church is evidence of where a small hand-made bomb exploded on July 2, in DeRidder. The bomb allegedly was thrown or placed (see highlighted area in circle) just a few feet away from the church’s playground.

A Frito Lay travel mug, taken from the delivery truck, made up the casing of the bomb left near a window of the Champion’s Center at Grace Church. The bomb detonated, just a few feet away from the center’s playground area.

An exterior pane of a double-paned window was shattered by the blast, while the secondary inner pane was left intact.

George Lee Glass, pastor of Grace Church, said he arrived at the church on Thursday morning just shortly after the damage was discovered by other church personnel. He said that at first he suspected vandalism or a burglary.

At Three Pine Apostolic Church, located off of LA highway 112, east of DeRidder, a church worker spotted some men taking things from the building.

This person notified the authorities with a description of the vehicle as well as the license plate number, and DeRidder police were able to apprehend two men in the vehicle a short time later, while sheriff’s department personnel caught up with the two others who were still in the area of the church.

Pastor Dan Booth of Three Pine Apostolic Church said he believes the bomb at Grace Church may have been set as a diversion to keep law enforcement on that side of town, while his church was being burglarized.

Three Pine bomb location-
Inside the Three Pine Apostolic Church, southeast of DeRidder another, potentially more dangerous bomb was found in a chair, in the baptistery area (See highlighted area).

It was later determined that music and audio equipment were taken at the Three Pine Church, but during the initial investigation of the burglary at that place of worship, Rev. Booth said he had been assisting deputies in trying to determine what items were missing.

As they were clearing the area near the baptistery they happened upon what was first perceived to be an elongated flashlight.

Toler described the flashlight as a three D-cell battery flashlight with metal casing, much like the ones used by law enforcement.

Booth said that it first appeared that the flashlight, which was found lying on a chair seat, had been accidentally left behind by whoever had burglarized the church. However, upon closer scrutiny, it was discovered that the flashlight was resting on and attached to a long fuse.

At this point the area was immediately cleared and a Hazmat Team member from Beauregard Parish was notified. This bomb technician, skilled in EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) arrived on the scene with a robot recovery vehicle, which removed the bomb and detonated it in the church parking lot.

Toler said that had the bomb exploded inside the church it had the potential to do much damage, and because it had been placed in an area which adjoined the living quarters of church leaders, “it could possibly have killed someone.”

Toler explained that once the exploded bomb was found at Grace Church, “it spurred a parish-wide search of all churches,”—no small task in a city once included in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the most churches per capita.

Additionally, the BAMA (Beauregard Area Ministerial Alliance) was contacted and church leaders notified to check churches and church grounds for suspicious looking items or items that may have been out of place.

Local news media also were contacted and asked to issue an immediate caution via television and the internet.

To date, no other explosive devices have been reported or discovered, and the investigation is ongoing.

Toler said that from the beginning, the investigation was a combined effort of the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the DeRidder Police Department and the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Department.

Because the crime is a federal offence, the F.B.I. was notified also, but they are no longer involved in the investigation.

Toler attributed the quick notification, response and arrests to the teamwork of those involved. “Everybody was in the right place at the right time,” he said.

The pastors of both Beauregard Parish churches expressed concern for the young men involved and their families.

“I am mainly concerned with those that made the mistakes,” said Rev. Glass. On behalf of Grace Church, he added, “We are a great community with connections to these families. Our prayers are for them.”

Having first believed the incident to be a simple burglary, Rev. Booth said he was not surprised at what happened, considering current times. He, too, said, “We are praying for these gentlemen that they learn from their mistakes.”

Individually, Fletcher, Free, Lee and Martin have been charged with one count aggravated burglary, one count of theft, two counts of manufacturing and possession of a bomb, and two counts of simple arson of a religious building.

They also face additional charges, in Vernon Parish, of theft, simple burglary, and criminal damage to property, vandalism and discharging an incendiary device.

Defense council has been assigned in the case. Attorney Tony Bennett will represent Fletcher, Attorney Sam Jones will represent Free, Attorney David Wallace will represent Lee and Attorney Mitch Evans will represent Martin.

As of press time, all four men remain in the Beauregard Parish Jail, with bonds set at $90,000 each.

Beauregard Watermelon Festival

By J. Shirlene Cooper



Families and visitors in DeRidder got a chance to take a trip back in time to the good ol’ days with this year’s Beauregard Watermelon Festival, held at the parish fairgrounds the weekend of June 26 through 28. The spotlight was on locally grown Sugartown watermelons and the juicy fruit provided a delicious theme for a plethora of displays, concessions, and games for festival goers braving the summer heat.

Temperatures rose to over 100 degrees, but did not deter avid watermelon fans from turning out in numbers. Besides, it was all about the watermelons. What better way to quench the thirst than an oversized slice of the chilled fruit? And toward this sweet solution, the featured fruit of the day was in no short supply. Concession stands all along the midway offered a variety of “watermelony” concoctions including slice, chunks on a stick, and fruit smoothies.

This was the fourth year for the Beauregard Tourist Commission to host the Watermelon Festival, and Lori Veazy, who serves as executive director of the commission said that the event has grown with each year.

On hand this year, Christway Church members pitched a tent and coordinated games for children of all ages. The line at the face-painting table was long, as the young and the young-at-heart took a turn getting watermelon slices painted on chins, cheeks, foreheads, biceps, and knees. Peel and stick temporary tattoos were offered to little ones who might not otherwise have been able to sit still long enough for the intricate detailing involved in the hand-painted watermelon artworks.

In the same booth, contests were scheduled throughout each festival day. Children vied for a variety of candy prizes, balloons, favors, and coupons awarded for the farthest spit watermelon seed—or the quickest consumption of a watermelon slice.

Each contestant in the spitting contest was given three chances to project a small black seed as far out as possible and the results were carefully measured. Much laughter and fun ensued as spitters either outdid their own expectations or gave their best shot only to have the slimy seed end up on their own chin.

Children sank their teeth into cold slices for the watermelon eating contest. As soon as coordinators called out “Ready, set, go,” the race was on. What generally ensued was drippy, slippery, wet chaos, with the endgame evident on chubby cheeks, in hair, on sandaled toes, and more often than not, completely covering the fronts of individual manic munchers.

Farther along the festival trail, other booths offered visitors information, such as the EDITH (Exit Drills In The Home) trailer, where DeRidder firefighters provided tours and safety tips.
Making a come-back appearance was Paul “Max” Trost with his helicopter rides.

The short ride departed from a clearing on the fairgrounds and quickly rose above the tree line, causing a sudden burst of adrenaline and the widening of eyes. Cameras clicked, clicked, clicked as passengers spied their neighborhoods, work places, schools, churches, and shopping centers. Then all too soon, the aircraft returned, making a softer-than-expected landing.

A pilot and former crop duster, Trost has 30 years and over 11, 000 hours of time in the air. As owner of Max Air Helicopters, a Sulphur based company, he said he thoroughly enjoys his job and especially likes watching the reactions of first time passengers. “I’m able to show them a whole new world,” he said, adding that for most the experience is very positive. He said he takes his job very seriously, noting that he is aware that parents put a lot of trust in him and his aviation abilities.

Displays and demonstrations also dotted the midway, including a first for the festival—the Lumberjack show. Cousins, Tyler Fischer and Jamie Fisher thrilled audiences by attempting to throw each other off a log while rolling it across a small body of water. There also was a log sawing competition, and farther down the way, riders could compete for the title of “longest in the saddle” on a mechanical bull.

Under the shade of the outdoor pavilion, a steady stream of local talent took to the stage.
More musical amusements took place on the stage inside the exhibition hall, where an abundance of vendors offered handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and artwork.

Deeming the festival a huge success, despite the heat, Veasey said she and other event coordinators were “very pleased with the turnout.” She said the record breaking temperatures were matched by record breaking crowds, many of whom chose to avoid the heat by making their way to the fairgrounds after sundown.

Visitors to the 2009 Beauregard Watermelon Festival traveled from Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi, and served to fuel the fire of Veasey’s wish to see a bigger and better festival with each passing year. “We can’t wait to show what we can do next year,” she concluded.

Officer Down: Beauregard Parish

by J. Shirlene Cooper
The Times of SWLA


A community mourns the loss of a neighbor, friend, protector, and hero.

Robert "Robbie" Eugene Bean
BPSO Detective
Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Robert “Robbie” Eugene Beane lost his life on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 5, as a result of a traffic accident, just south of Shreveport. He and three other BPSO officers were headed back to their hotel rooms, after a day of specialized S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons And Tactics) training, when an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer rig pulled out from a Relay Station, and directly into the path of the Chevrolet Suburban in which they were riding.

Beane was driving and, according to reports, foresaw the impending collision. He reportedly made a valiant effort to steer his vehicle in a direction which would take his passengers away from harm. However, the accident happened quickly; the Suburban impacted with the middle of the trailer, leaving the vehicle partially lodged beneath it.

Beane died at the scene.

His passengers, Det. Dale Sharp, Deputy Lance Grant, and Deputy Brian Leedom, all suffering serious to critical injuries, were transported to LSU Medical Center, in Shreveport.

Although the accident occurred in the afternoon, and almost 200 miles from the men’s homes, word spread quickly, sending shock and sorrow to families, friends, and co-workers back in Beauregard Parish. The 14-year veteran of the sheriff’s office was only 34. He was the first BPSO officer to be killed in the line of duty.

A day later, his body was escorted home by fellow officers from all branches of law enforcement. A group of policemen, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and others erected the United States flag over U.S. 171 and stood at attention as the line of vehicles crossed south into Beauregard Parish.

On Friday, May 8, Beane was laid to rest. Mourners overflowed the sanctuary and balcony of the First United Pentecostal Church. Every pew was filled, and law enforcement personnel from Louisiana and surrounding states stood side-by-side along the church walls. More than one row of pews was taken by members of the DeRidder Lions Club. In their yellow vests, these service club representatives were there for a final farewell to a fellow-member who was in line to be moved up to the position of club president. Many more from the community were left to pay their respects from the outer foyers and stairwells.

In the solemn gathering, soft music played and a slide-show gave a glimpse into the life of a Merryville neighbor, as well as a husband, father, son and community leader. Snapshot after snapshot showed a man smiling as he strummed a guitar; then laughing as he played with his daughter, Joslynn, or grinning as he hugged his wife, Nikki, and finally standing tall among his brothers in law enforcement.

And then Beauregard Parish Sheriff Ricky Moses stepped forward. “We’re here today to remember and honor one of our own, Detective Robbie Beane,” said Moses, who also took a moment to thank the community for an outpouring of love and support.

Turning to Beane’s wife, Moses said, “Nikki, thank you for sharing Robbie with us and allowing him to do the job that he loved.”

Sharing memories, Moses said that Beane “began his watch with BPSO on Aug. 16, 1995,” and realized quickly that law enforcement was his calling. He rose through the ranks to the position of detective, evidence custodian, dive team member, SRT member, LSA Task Force member and board member of the LTPOA (Louisiana Tactical Police Officers’ Association).

Beane also was remembered for his love of golf and for some of the antics he had displayed on the golf course. “No one could drive a golf ball like Robbie,” Moses offered. And about the detective’s sense of pride in appearance. “He always looked like he stepped out of a GQ magazine,” Moses said, adding, “He represented true character, honor, loyalty and leadership.”

With a break in his voice, Sheriff Moses concluded, “Robbie’s end of watch was May 5, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. His last act as a deputy sheriff will always be remembered as his most heroic. He made the ultimate sacrifice and saved the lives of other deputies in the vehicle. Robbie, your dedication, your service and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Officiating over the service was friend and pastor, the Rev. Kennis Smith of Christway Church, where Beane had served as member and worship leader. “You can’t do justice for the man in what you say. It seems like a bad dream,” he began.

Smith said that Beane had shared many thought and dreams with him, especially about his family – how he had met his wife at Lion’s Camp, and how his little girl was his “Sunshine.”
Beane was “a hometown hero, whose family and community can be proud of,” Smith continued. Describing the fallen deputy as one who “could turn a room from darkness to light,” Smith said his friend had lived a “God given dream,” and had found balance, walking with Christian values intact.

“Every day, when Robbie got up, he planted his seed of faith in Jesus,” Smith said, adding that all would miss Beane’s infectious laughter, his warm spirit, and his love of musical gifts.

Consoling, Smith finished with a prayer, telling family and friends, “He went with Jesus to paradise.”

Following the service, a sea of uniformed law enforcement filed out of the church and onto the lawns, mingling with citizens and gathering along the sidewalks. A number of BPSO officers stood quietly with Sheriff Moses, as fellow S.W.A.T. team members serving as pall bearers, carefully transported a flag-draped casket to a waiting hearse.

A motorcade of motorcycles and decaled units from local and State Police and Sheriff’s departments led those hundreds paying their respects, in a single-file procession, away from the church. Again a flag was draped over the route, and community members who had not been able to attend the service lined the sidewalks, giving pause and joining emergency responders and firefighters as they saluted.

The procession turned off the U.S. 190 highway, and traveled a short distance to Old Cypress Cemetery, a quiet and final resting place for Beauregard Parish’s young hero.