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Mrs. Joseph Paul Martin

Miss Elizabeth Noel Anastasia Romero & Mr. Joseph Paul Martin United in Matrimony

Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:49am

Miss Elizabeth Noel Anastasia Romero of Maurice, LA and Mr. Joseph Paul Martin of Maurice, LA were united in Matrimony during a 5:00 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Cypress Grove in Eunice, LA. Officiating the ceremony was Angelique Johnson.
The bride is the daughter of Melvin and Beth Romero of Abbeville, LA. The bride’s grandparents are Douglas and Ruby Romero of Abbeville, LA and Lonnie and Patricia Scott of New Iberia, LA and the late Patricia LeBlanc Scott of Jeanerette, LA.
The groom is the son of Andy and Heidi Martin of New Iberia, LA and Traci LeBlanc. The groom’s grandparents are Ricky and Carliss Martin of New Iberia, LA and Mike and Patsy Jenkins of Bogalusa, LA and Tom and JoAnn Parker of New Iberia, LA.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory Maggie Sottero “Annisa” satin sheath wedding gown. Her gown featured a deep illusion V-neckline with a plunging illusion scoop back neckline that was adorned with pearls and had double covered satin buttons that trailed down the hemline. She wore a cathedral length tulle veil that was embellished with scattered pearls and crystals.
She carried a bouquet of ivory and taupe peonies with silver dollar eucalyptus, pheasant feathers and accenting ribbons in cream, taupe and copper. Entwined in her bouquet was a cream color, crystal beaded and tatted handmade rosary made for her by a great aunt.
The bride designed and handmade her bouquet and the bouquets and boutonnieres for the bridal party.
Sarah Vaughan, the sister of the bride served as Matron of Honor. Serving as Bridesmaids were Tyler Romero Noel (cousin of the bride), Cloie Martin (sister of the groom) and Jacob Gerard (cousin of the bride). They all wore black formals of their choosing.
Ella Marie Vaughan, niece and (Godchild of the bride and groom) and Rikki Denise Martin (Godchild of the groom), served as flower girls, they wore floral puff sleeved dresses in soft with pearl tiaras.
Elliot Bridges friend of the groom, served as the best man. Groomsmen were Hunter Monte, Cole Maturin and Trent Nguyen friends of the groom, and Benjamin Romero brother of the bride.
Serving as ring bearers were Weston Hayes Dauterive, cousin of the groom and Korben Reed Vaughan, infant groomsman, nephew and Godchild of the bride.
Following the ceremony a reception was held at Cypress Grove in Eunice.
The Bride’s cake was made by Heidi Broussard and the Groom’s cake was made by Heidi Martin, mother of the groom.
The Groom’s parents honored their son and his bride elect along with the wedding party at a dinner on the eve of their wedding at Cypress Cove in Eunice, LA.
Following a wedding trip to Tennessee and Arkansas the couple will reside in Maurice, LA.

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Protein Power

Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:46am

Starting your day with a healthy, high-protein breakfast has a huge impact in furnishing energy for the ...

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Ronnie James Lee

Fri, 02/21/2025 - 4:10pm

ABBEVILLE- A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Graceland Cemetery honoring the life of Ronnie James Lee, 83, who passed away on February 21, 2025, at his residence. Rev. Cynthia (Cindy) L. Luquette, Pastor at Abbeville United Methodist Church will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be Dennis Thibodeaux, Terry Ledet, Ronnie Denais, Phillip Luquette, Ted Luquette, and Jeb Barras.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lee; son, Al Lee (Leisa); grandchildren, Anna Barras (Jeb), Aaron Lee (Jamie), and Bret Lee; and great-grandchildren; John Luke, Reagan, Ryder Barras, and A.J. Lee.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Renette Lee; and brother, Garner Lee.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Gracyn Meaux keeps busy at North Vermilion High School.

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Gracyn Meaux was part of the North Vermilion dance team that recently won a national dance team title.

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Gracyn Meaux is also a member of the North Vermilion High
marching band.

Meaux Excelling

Fri, 02/21/2025 - 9:23am

North Vermilion senior Gracyn Meaux took the ACT for the second time as a junior and scored a 35. On ...

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Photo caption: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has again earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s prestigious R1 designation, which is evaluated every three years. R1 status places UL Lafayette among the nation’s top tier of public and private research institutions. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette

UL Lafayette again earns Carnegie’s prestigious R1 designation

Fri, 02/21/2025 - 9:01am

LAFAYETTE — The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has again earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s prestigious R1 designation, which is evaluated every three years.
R1 status places UL Lafayette among the nation’s top tier of public and private research institutions, those with “very high research spending and doctorate production,” according to a recent report from Carnegie. The American Council of Education produces the Carnegie Classification.
About 5%, or 187, of the nation’s colleges and universities have R1 status, which is synonymous with academic excellence, research, innovation and global impact.
To earn the R1 designation, institutions must spend at least $50 million on research and development and award at least 70 research doctorates. UL Lafayette’s research expenditures were more than $225 million. The University awarded 85 doctorates.
“Earning our place among the country’s top research universities once again is a testament to our faculty, staff and student researchers whose scholarship and innovation draws national and international attention to our University,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president.
Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, the University’s vice president for Research, Innovation and Economic Development, said the benefits of R1 status extend beyond research labs and classrooms.
The designation further attracts exemplary faculty members, researchers and students; paves the way for new academic degrees and programs; offers added heft to graduates’ degrees; bolsters partnerships with industry seeking established sources of intellectual capital; can influence policymakers and lawmakers; and inspires philanthropy.
An ongoing focus on many of those areas will be guided by UL Lafayette’s Vision 2030 Research Engines, a component of the University’s strategic plan that is focused on increasing research expenditures and scholarly productivity across all disciplines.
“Vision 2030 Research Engines helps to drive workforce development, economic development, and human development outcomes across all of Louisiana and beyond,” Kolluru explained.
“So going forward, retaining our R1 status will rely on the same continued focus on excellence that has gotten us to this point. And that in no small part will include by strengthening, investing into, supporting and growing our doctoral capacity, students and programs,” he added.

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Joseph Byrnes "J.B." Peré

Thu, 02/20/2025 - 11:29am

October 2, 1931 ~ February 18, 2025

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Reverend Nicholas Dupré will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Joseph Byrnes "J.B." Peré, 93, who passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 at Vermilion Heath Care Center. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be John Joseph Nordstrom, Erik Prejean, Derek LeMaire, Seth Prejean, Drey Vincent, Jared Prejean, and Lorenzo Russo. Honorary pallbearers will be John Wagliardo, Joey Russo, Jade Trahan, Mitch Prejean, Essay Hebert "Butch", Jr, Gene Dale Choate, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Schexnayder, David Wagliardo, and Edward Vincent.
J.B. was born in the Mouton Cove Community in 1931. He loved his family and friends and loved going to his parents home for family gatherings from 2007-2019. He loved animals, most of all, bird watching. J.B. had a very successful music career for 30 years. He was a self-taught guitar player at eight years old. He learned while listening to the Grand Ol Opry on the radio. He never dreamed he would have the honor to back up many well-known musicians with his band, The Music Macs. However, his all time favorite performer was Louis Armstrong and he loved performing "When the Saints Go Marching In", Louis Armstrong style.
J.B.'s faith was his priority. He was very sensitive to the sufferings of others and never turned down a prayer request day or night. "Put God first and never quit praying - its the only answer." "Lent is the most important to remember what Jesus did on the cross for us." Always give "God the glory, humble yourself and thank Him everyday for the blessings." "Help whoever you can and find the good in each other and you will have peace." And peace J.B. had as he rested in God and went home to the lord, praying for everyone. We will miss his love, his humor, wise counsel, and positive attitude. Be happy in your new home in heaven!
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary Faulk Peré of Kaplan; his daughters, Sue Russo (Joey), Judy Wagliardo (David), and Shelley Peré; grandsons, Joseph Lorenzo Russo, John Gabriel Wagliardo, and John Joseph Nordstrom; "daughters", Sherryl Broussard, Kathy Manuel (Craig), Lisa Saltzman, and Angie Vincent (Edward); 14 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends; most notably, his godchild, Tabitha Forstater; Evangeline Bernard, a lifelong friend; and Joe Trahan who was very supportive and a great friend to J.B.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lollie H. Peré; his parents, Marion Peré, Sr. and the former Noemie Guidry; siblings, Lillie Mae Hargrave, Loria Mae Hebert, Marion Peré, Jr., Johnny Peré, and Ray Peré; dear cousins, Dominique, Nolan, Glen, Bobby, and Jude Peré and Raymond and Raywood Mayard. J.B. is also preceded in death by his "son", Phil Prejean; son-in-law, Ken Saltzman; his band members "J.B. Peré and Music Macs", whom he loved as brothers; dearest friends, Pete Mouton (who saved J.B.'s life in The 1940 Flood), Isaac White, Lloyd Choate, Presley Bernard, and Mike Russo; godchildren, Gary Hebert, Ray Landry, and Slaton J. White (whom he loved dearly, like a son); and numerous nieces and nephews whom he missed so much.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who served and supported J.B. in his struggles; especially Veronica, Melba, and Tammy; his angels at home, Shannae Borel, "New York" Nebby and Joe Trahan; the entire staff of Vermilion Heath Care Center, especially Kimmy Abshire and the kitchen angels who made him so happy with delicious meals; the entire staff of Abbeville General Hospital, especially Dr. Myriam Hutchinson and Dr. Melisa Harrington; the staff of Hospice of Acadiana, especially Natalie, Brittnee, and Cristina for keeping J.B. comfortable and peaceful; everyone who took time to visit and pray for J.B; and all of the wonderful friends at Vermilion Health Care Center who became his "family" in the past two years. HE LOVED YOU ALL!
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.

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Lee “Woody” Wood stands next to the photo of the Maurice council meeting taken in 2002. The photo is on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Wood was in Boston this past week.

Maurice meeting photo on display in the Boston Fine Arts Museum

Tue, 02/18/2025 - 10:36am
Former alderman went see photo in person

 Have you ever considered how many people can stroll into the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and spot a picture of themselves hanging on display? That’s what happened to Maurice resident Lee “Woody” Wood.
Last week, Wood traveled to Boston to see a photograph taken by national photographer Paul Shambroom. The color photo was captured at the Village of Maurice City Hall during a city council meeting on May 15, 2002.
From 1999 to 2003, Shambroom visited 150 government meetings in towns with populations of fewer than 2,000 in the United States in the hope of documenting what he described as “the body that represented the smallest increment of local government.”
He took hundreds of photos at small-town council meetings throughout the country and had a book printed showcasing these images.
Of all the images Shambroom took of council meetings— dof Bernice and governments in other only the Maurice picture made it to the Boston museum as part of its current exhibit “Power of the People: Art & Democracy.”
The photo is almost five feet wide and looks like a painting.
The framed photo is one of over 100 items on display at the exhibit, which shows how art has expressed ideas about democracy through history and how artists asked citizens about the promise of democracy, the museum’s site indicates. The museum purchased Shambroom’s photo in 2005.
The framed photo is just one of more than 100 pieces showcased in the exhibit, highlighting how art has conveyed thoughts on democracy throughout history. It also features how artists have engaged with citizens regarding the ideals of democracy, according to the museum’s website. The museum acquired Shambroom’s photo back in 2005.
The late Paul Catalon, Lee “Woody” Wood, Marlene Theriot, Maurice’s secretary Mary Hebert, and the late mayor, Barbara Picard, were on the Maurice council at the time.
Recently, Wood received a Facebook message from a tour guide at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts asking if he was the same “Lee Wood” featured in a photo being displayed in the museum.
Wood knew the photo was out there because he saw it promoting Shambroom’s book on the Internet years ago.
“I remember him taking the photo,” said Wood from Boston. “He walked in before the meeting and asked if he could take a photo. I remember him having a wooden box camera.”
He got excited when he learned where the photo was and decided he wanted to see it on display. He called his sister, who lives in Boston, and asked if he could stay with her for a few days.
Wood mentioned that it’s pretty cool for the town of Maurice to be featured in such a well-known museum.
“I just think it’s really neat for the town of Maurice to have something like this, to be represented in such a prestigious museum,” Wood said. “It’s an opportunity to tell our story. There are all sorts of other things for the exhibit — protests and other small town things — but this is the only picture of a council in the exhibit.”
Former Maurice council lady Marlane Theriot does not remember the photographer taking the photo. She first saw it on Wood’s Facebook page.
“The photo is a good thing for Maurice,” said Theriot. “The town the size of Maurice is being represented. That is a good thing. 
“Barbara would be excited and proud at the same time.”
Caroline Picard, the daughter of Barbara, said, “Mom would be proud. She loved Maurice.”
Picard was the mayor of Maurice for 24 years and died five years ago.
Wood spent a couple days in the museum. He sat and watched as people viewed the city council photo. He even educated a school group that walked by and looked at the photo.
“How many times in my life am I going to get to sit there and watch people stare at my picture on the wall?” Wood said. “It’s just kind of funny to me. A bunch of the staff wants to ask me questions. They’re actually getting a bigger kick out of this than I am. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

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