Happenings

Live Music at The Mag

Voted by readers of Country Roads as Favorite Musicians, The Delta Drifters perform tonight at Magnolia Café, another winner in the category of Favorite Small Town Dining Destination.  Music starts around 7 pm.

 

New Exhibit at BirdMan

Photographer Jill Moore has an exhibit of work called “everyday” now in BirdMan.  You will see people you recognize!  Also at the Birdman, Barry Galloway has new pottery featured, and Lynn says it is really beautiful, decorated with fleur de lis and Saints designs!

 

Star Hill Half Marathon

Don’t forget that this Saturday, January 30, Rocket Racing will hold a half marathon race as well as a 4-mile race here in West Feliciana parish.  Event organizers say all proceeds from these events benefit charities such as Rocketkidz Foundation, a non-profit hosted by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation which in turn funds local programs that promote childhood fitness and positive experiences through physical activities such as Rouge Runners, Girls on the Run, Wheels to Succeed, Booster Rocket Program, and BREC Summer Camp Scholarships.  The races will begin at The Bluffs, to Freeland Road, down Highway 966 to Hwy. 61 and then back again.  So if you happen to be out running errands on that Saturday, watch out for the bikers and runners.  For more information, visit www.starhillhalf.com.

 

Book Signing

Heminbough will be the site of a presentation and book signing by Leo Honeycutt, author of Edwin Edwards, Governor of Louisiana, An Authorized Biography.  The event takes place on Sunday, January 31 from 2 pm until 4 pm, and is hosted by Arlin Dease, Duane Ulkins, Owen Couhig Kemp and Gaye Landry.  For details call 225-784-2000.

 

Monday Supper

The BirdMan’s Monday Night Supper will feature music by John Craigie and Patrick Cooper.  From California, they were here last year around this time, and Lynn says they are great!!  You can check John’s music out at   www.myspace.com/johncraigie.  Supper to be announced!!!  Send any requests to Lynn at birdmancoffee@bellsouth.net.

 

Happy at The Carriage House

Ashleigh at The Carriage House wants to let us all know that happy hour is celebrated Monday through Thursday from 5pm until 6pm with 2 for 1 House Wine and Wells.  She also has some really great specials --  

All U Can Eat Fried Catfish every MONDAY night for only $14.99; and All U Can Eat Fried Jumbo Shrimp every WEDNESDAY night for just $16.99.  The Carriage House Restaurant is located on the grounds of The Myrtles Plantation.

 

Camellias in the Country

Wow!  This year the Feliciana Nature Society has outdone themselves as this event keeps getting better and better.  It all starts on Thursday, February 4 with pARTy in the Ville.  This popular night of art, cocktails, appetizers, and fun at Sage Hill Antiques and Gifts will feature native artist Elizabeth Leake Mackey.  She will guide participants through the steps of painting their own camellia masterpiece.   The cost is $35 per person.  Reservations can be made by calling 225 635-6596 or to sylvialeake@gmail.com.

 

On Friday evening, February 5, at the historic Market Hall on Royal Street in St. Francisville, the Feliciana Nature Society will host local historian and author Anne Butler as she speaks on the history of camellias in the West Florida Republic.  Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a wine and cheese reception, followed at 6:30 by Anne Butler’s program.  And as an added bonus, a representative from Chef John Folse and Company will be selling a new batch of Camellia Wine for only $20 a bottle.

 

The program will continue on Saturday, February 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the visitor center at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  The morning session will feature Darrell Chitty who will lead a seminar on camellia photography.  Lunch at Audubon Café will be followed by an extensive walking tour of Rosedown’s historic gardens where participants can practice their photography skills while viewing some of the best heirloom and contemporary varieties of camellias on the grounds.  Participants are advised to bring a camera.

 

A $25 registration fee covers the Anne Butler reception and lecture on Friday night as well as the Saturday photography program and lunch.  Admission for the Friday reception only is $10.  Proceeds benefit projects of the Feliciana Nature Society.  For reservations and more information call the Feliciana Nature Society at 1-800-488-6502.

 

Art View

On Sunday, February 28, Arts for All will host an art show from 2 pm until 4 pm at Old Market Hall on Royal Street.   Art View will feature the work of artists captured in Kathryn Ward’s recent articles published in the St. Francisville Democrat.  Everyone is invited and light refreshments will be served.

 

Taste of the Felicianas Gala

The Women’s Service League of St. Francisville will host its Seventh Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala on Friday, February 26, 2010 at Hemingbough Convention Center.  This year’s theme, “A Mystical Night in Black and White,” promises endless possibilities for an exciting and fun filled night.  Festivities begin at 7:30 pm and tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door.  Ticket prices include our scrumptious all-you-can-eat tasting from area restaurants and caterers, live music by Bits & Pieces, an exceptional silent auction, and other delightful surprises.  A wine pull and cash bar will also be available.  Proceeds from this event support local philanthropies.  For further details and ticket purchasing information, visit www.wslgala.com.

 

Celebration of Readers and Writers Symposium

The West Feliciana Library and The Friends of the Library of West Feliciana Parish have announced its panel of speakers for the February 27 Celebration of Writers and Readers Symposium.  They are poet Ava Haymon, journalist and columnist, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, and novelists Malcolm K. Shuman and Erica Spindler. Closing the program in his own inimitable style will be literary critic and historian, Charles Elliott.  The event will be held at The Oxbow Restaurant in St. Francisville from 8:30 AM until 2:00 PM.  Lunch is included in the day’s agenda of speakers, book signings, Q & A, and critiques.  For more information and to make a reservation, call 225-635-3364.

 

Our Favorite Things

As noted above, Country Roads held a survey of its readers asking for a few of their favorite things.  It was no surprise to us that many of OUR favorite things from right here in West Feliciana and St. Francisville were among the top for others as well.  And the survey said:

Favorite Place to Take a Visitor – The Myrtles.  Best of the Rest – Town of St. Francisville, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.

Favorite Weekend Away – St. Francisville

Favorite Main Street – St. Francisville

Favorite Regional Dish – Best of the Rest – Chicken & Dumplings, Eight Sisters

Favorite Local Chef – Best of the Rest – Martha Haynes, Eight Sisters

Favorite Small Town Dining Destination – Magnolia Café.  Best of the Rest – The BirdMan Coffee & Books, Eight Sisters

Favorite Local Artist – C.C. Lockwood.  Best of the Rest – Murrell Butler

Favorite Museum or Cultural Site – Best of the Rest – Audubon State Historic Site, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery

Favorite Musicians – The Delta Drifters, Fugitive Poets

Favorite Venues – Magnolia Café

Favorite Place to Commune with Nature – Tunica Hills/Clark Creek

Favorite Annual Event – Best of the Rest – Angola Rodeo

Favorite Hostess Gift – Best of the Rest – Grandmother’s Buttons Jewelry

Favorite Local Gift Shop – Grandmother’s Buttons

 

Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up!

 

Happenings

Living History – Civil War

Those with an interest in Louisiana’s Civil War past are invited to Audubon State Historic Site for this program on Saturday, January 23.  Civil Ware re-enactors dressed in authentic reproduction costumes of the armies of both North and South will be on hand to present a look at life in Civil War Louisiana.  The day’s demonstrations, starting at 10 am and ending at 4 pm, will include drills, black powder weapon demonstrations, open hearth cooking, costume talks, camp life, and more.  There will be a small scale reenactment of the 1863 Battle of Plains Store, the battle that led to the Siege of Port Hudson, the longest siege in American History.   The day’s schedule of activities for this Civil War event are:

 

10:00 AM Infantry drill demonstration

10:30         Bath Salt and Potpourri class

11:00         Cavalry Drill Demonstration

12:00         Cannon Drill Demonstration

12:30         Military uniform and Weapon demonstration

 1:00          Children’s Games of the 1800's

 2:00          Skirmish: The Battle of Plains Store- Prelude to Port Hudson

 3:00          Medical Demonstration

 3:30          Ladies Clothing talk

 

Ongoing: Tours of Oakley House on the hour, Open hearth cooking in the plantation kitchen, and blacksmithing demonstrations.  A small admission fee is charged.  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

Star Hill Half Marathon

On Saturday, January 30, Rocket Racing will hold a half marathon race as well as a 4-mile race here in West Feliciana parish.  Event organizers say all proceeds from these events benefit charities such as Rocketkidz Foundation, a non-profit hosted by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation which in turn funds local programs that promote childhood fitness and positive experiences through physical activities such as Rouge Runners, Girls on the Run, Wheels to Succeed, Booster Rocket Program, and BREC Summer Camp Scholarships.  The races will begin at The Bluffs, to Freeland Road, down Highway 966 to Hwy. 61 and then back again.  So if you happen to be out running errands on that Saturday, watch out for the bikers and runners.  For more information, visit www.starhillhalf.com.

 

Book Signing

Heminbough will be the site of a presentation and book signing by Leo Honeycutt, author of Edwin Edwards, Governor of Louisiana, An Authorized Biography.  The event takes place on Sunday, January 31 from 2 pm until 4 pm, and is hosted by Arlin Dease, Duane Ulkins, Owen Couhig Kemp and Gaye Landry.  For details call 225-784-2000.

 

All Things Camellias

To kick off festivities for the 6th annual Camellias in the Country sponsored by the Feliciana Nature Society,

pARTy in the Ville will offer a night of art, cocktails, appetizers, and fun planned to compliment the event.  Native artist, Elizabeth Leake Mackey, will guide participants through the steps of painting their own camellia masterpiece.  You bring the cocktails and the appetizers - paints, supplies, and fun will be provided!  pARTy in the Ville will be held at Sage Hill Antiques and Gifts, located at 5622 Commerce Street.  The cost is $35 per person.  Reservations can be made by calling 225 635-6596 or to sylvialeake@gmail.com.

 

On Friday evening, February 5, at the historic Market Hall on Royal Street in St. Francisville, the Feliciana Nature Society will host local historian and author Anne Butler as she speaks on the history of camellias in the West Florida Republic.  Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a wine and cheese reception, followed at 6:30 by Anne Butler’s program.

 

The program will continue on Saturday, February 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the visitor center at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  The morning session will feature Darrell Chitty who will lead a seminar on camellia photography.  Lunch at Audubon Café will be followed by an extensive walking tour of Rosedown’s historic gardens where participants can practice their photography skills while viewing some of the best heirloom and contemporary varieties of camellias on the grounds.  Participants are advised to bring a camera.

 

A $25 registration fee covers the Anne Butler reception and lecture on Friday night as well as the Saturday photography program and lunch.  Admission for the Friday reception only is $10.  Proceeds benefit projects of the Feliciana Nature Society.  For reservations and more information call the Feliciana Nature Society at 1-800-488-6502.

 

Art View

On Sunday, February 28, Arts for All will host an art show from 2 pm until 4 pm at Old Market Hall on Royal Street.   Art View will feature the work of artists captured in Kathryn Ward’s recent articles published in the St. Francisville Democrat.  Everyone is invited and light refreshments will be served.

 

Taste of the Felicianas Gala

The Women’s Service League of St. Francisville will host its Seventh Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala on Friday, February 26, 2010 at Hemingbough Convention Center.  This year’s theme, “A Mystical Night in Black and White,” promises endless possibilities for an exciting and fun filled night.  Festivities begin at 7:30 pm and tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door.  Ticket prices include our scrumptious all-you-can-eat tasting from area restaurants and caterers, live music by Bits & Pieces, an exceptional silent auction, and other delightful surprises.  A wine pull and cash bar will also be available.  Proceeds from this event support local philanthropies.  For further details and ticket purchasing information, visit www.wslgala.com.

 

Celebration of Readers and Writers Symposium

The West Feliciana Library and The Friends of the Library of West Feliciana Parish have announced its panel of speakers for the February 27 Celebration of Writers and Readers Symposium.  They are poet Ava Haymon, journalist and columnist, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, and novelists Malcolm K. Shuman and Erica Spindler. Closing the program in his own inimitable style will be literary critic and historian, Charles Elliott.  The event will be held at The Oxbow Restaurant in St. Francisville from 8:30 AM until 2:00 PM.  Lunch is included in the day’s agenda of speakers, book signings, Q & A, and critiques.  For more information and to make a reservation, call 225-635-3364.

 

More from the Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library have changed their meeting times to 10 am, but still on the second Monday of the month.   Please join the Friends at the Library for a social beginning at 10 am followed by a brief business meeting.  All the Friends efforts are directed towards supporting our West Feliciana Parish Library. Remember: a great parish needs a great library and a great library needs lots of Friends.

 

The Big Read

This year’s Big Read book is The Great Gatsby, and the Friends of the Library planning committee are working on developing some special events to encourage everyone to read this classic.  Look for more information coming soon!

Happenings

Live Music

A couple of local venues will be hosting live music this Friday, January 15.  It begins at The Mag at 7 pm with Gary Bello.  Next door at The Blue Room, the music kicks off at 9 pm with Chase Tyler who will be playing country, spiced up Louisiana style with a pinch of swamp pop.  On Saturday, The Blue Room will have karoke from 8:30 pm until 12:30 am.

 

Lost Arts of the Nineteenth Century

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers the next of its monthly series on Saturday, January 16, with the Lost Art of Candlemaking.  Visitors will hear the history of candlemaking and will be shown the two most common methods of making candles in the 19^th century – dipping and mold forming.  The presentation will be held in the Old Kitchen Outbuilding behind the Rosedown main house between 11 am and 2 pm.  Each month the interpretive staff at the site presents a “lost arts” demonstration.  Featured in February as a special program in celebration of Black History Month will be “African and Caribbean Influence on Southern Antebellum Cooking,” a down-hearth cooking demonstration.  Admission is charged.  For more information, call 225-635-3110.

 

Wheels to Succeed

This nonprofit organization purchases adapted three wheeled bikes for children with physical disabilities in South Louisiana.  They are hosting their 2^nd Annual “No Such Thing As Impossible” fundraiser bike ride in St. Francisville on January 16 starting at the West Feliciana Sports Park.  There will be 10 mile, 45 mile and 72 mile rides.  For more information, call Ashley Leach at 225-923-3420 or visit www.wheelstosucceed.org.

 

Living History – Civil War

Those with an interest in Louisiana’s Civil War past are invited to Audubon State Historic Site for this program on Saturday, January 23.  Civil Ware re-enactors dressed in authentic reproduction costumes of the armies of both North and South will be on hand to present a look at life in Civil War Louisiana.  The day’s demonstrations, starting at 10 am and ending at 4 pm, will include drills, black powder weapon demonstrations, open hearth cooking, costume talks, camp life, and more.  There will be a small scale reenactment of the 1863 Battle of Plains Store, the battle that led to the Siege of Port Hudson, the longest siege in American History.  There is a small admission fee charged.  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

Star Hill Half Marathon

On Saturday, January 30, Rocket Racing will hold a half marathon race as well as a 4-mile race here in West Feliciana parish.  Event organizers say all proceeds from these events benefit charities such as Rocketkidz Foundation, a non-profit hosted by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation which in turn funds local programs that promote childhood fitness and positive experiences through physical activities such as Rouge Runners, Girls on the Run, Wheels to Succeed, Booster Rocket Program, and BREC Summer Camp Scholarships.  The races will begin at The Bluffs, to Freeland Road, down Highway 966 to Hwy. 61 and then back again.  So if you happen to be out running errands on that Saturday, watch out for the bikers and runners.  For more information, visit www.starhillhalf.com.

 

February Events

pARTy in the Ville – St. Francisville’s version of “corks and canvas” is set for Thursday, February 4 at Sage Hill Gifts on Commerce Street.  Featured artist is Elizabeth Leake Mackey.  Reservations – 635-6596. 

Camellias in the Country, February 5 and 6 – Friday night wine and cheese reception at 6 pm at Old Market Hall on Royal Street precedes presentation by local historian and author, Anne Butler.  Saturday seminar will feature photographer Darrell Chitty, walking tour of Rosedown Plantation State Historic Sites heirloom and contemporary varieties of camellias and lunch.  www.audubonbirdfest.com

Taste of the Felicianas Gala, February 26 – “A Mystical Night in Black and White” features all-you-can-eat tasting from area restaurants and caterers, live music and dancing, silent auction and other surprises.  Proceeds support local philanthropies of the Women’s Service League.  www.wslgala.com.

Celebration of Readers and Writers Symposium, February 27 – The Friends of the Library will host this annual event at The Oxbow Restaurant from 8:30 am until 2 pm.  635-3364

Art View, February 28 – Arts for All will host this art show from 2 pm until 4 pm at Old market Hall.

 

 

Happenings

Cold Weather Warning

Captain Tommy Boyett, Director of West Feliciana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, reminds us that during these days and nights of hard freezes and below normal cold temperatures to please check on our elderly neighbors and others who may need our help.  He also suggests we pay particular attention to the proper use of portable heaters and other heating sources, and to make sure that smoke detectors and other fire alarm devices are working properly.  Call 635-6428 for any questions or comments or if anyone needs assistance.

 

DOTD Prepared

With the possibility of snow, rain and sleet in the forecast for Thursday, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that department staff is prepared to deal with winter weather and icy road conditions.  DOTD will be monitoring the roadways for ice, and maintenance forces will be on standby to apply sand and salt over any affected bridges and roadways, to remove fallen trees from the roadway, and to close any roads as needed.  DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible. DOTD will do everything possible to keep Louisiana’s highways and interstate system open in the event of snow.

During winter weather conditions, motorists should drive slowly and carefully, and avoid driving while distracted. Always allow for extra driving time, reduce speeds when visibility is low, and make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles. Also, look out for black ice, which can form on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps and in shady spots. As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.  Citizens can get the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions by using the 511 Traveler Information System simply by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org.  Motorists can also obtain information regarding road closures by contacting DOTD’s Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683).  The center is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

 

Music at The Mag

Live music is featured each Friday at the Magnolia Café beginning around 7 pm.  This month’s lineup includes:  Friday, January 8 – Copas Trio; Friday, January 15 – Gary Bello; Friday, January 22 – Slightly Off; and Friday, January 29 – Delta Drifters.

 

Nature Saturday!

For those not minding the cold weather and yearning for a touch of nature, visit Audubon State Historic Site on Saturday, January 9.  At 10 am and again at noon, visitors can participate in an Animal Discovery program which will introduce them to a few of the site’s resident creatures.  At 1:30 pm and again at 2:30 pm, visitors will have the opportunity to go on a guided nature walk around the park led by one of the site’s park rangers to discover the different plants and habitats found within the park.  There is a small admission fee charged.  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

Slavery in Spanish Louisiana

As part of the celebration of the Bicentennial of the West Florida Rebellion, Audubon State Historic Site presents this program on Sunday, January 10.  At noon and again at 2 pm, there will be a talk on the lives of slaves in Spanish Louisiana.  At 1 pm and at 3 pm there will be a discussion of African American traditions that came to the new world with slavery.  These programs will be held in the museum theater.  There is a small admission fee charged.  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

Wheels to Succeed

This nonprofit organization purchases adapted three wheeled bikes for children with physical disabilities in South Louisiana.  They are hosting their 2^nd Annual “No Such Thing As Impossible” fundraiser bike ride in St. Francisville on January 16 starting at the West Feliciana Sports Park.  There will be 10 mile, 45 mile and 72 mile rides.  For more information, call Ashley Leach at 225-923-3420 or visit www.wheelstosucceed.org.

 

Lost Arts of the Nineteenth Century

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers the next of its monthly series on Saturday, January 16, with the Lost Art of Candlemaking.  Visitors will hear the history of candlemaking and will be shown the two most common methods of making candles in the 19^th century – dipping and mold forming.  The presentation will be held in the Old Kitchen Outbuilding behind the Rosedown main house between 11 am and 2 pm.  Each month the interpretive staff at the site presents a “lost arts” demonstration.  Featured in February as a special program in celebration of Black History Month will be “African and Caribbean Influence on Southern Antebellum Cooking,” a down-hearth cooking demonstration.  Admission is charged.  For more information, call 225-635-3110.

 

Living History – Civil War

Those with an interest in Louisiana’s Civil War past are invited to Audubon State Historic Site for this program on Saturday, January 23.  Civil Ware re-enactors dressed in authentic reproduction costumes of the armies of both North and South will be on hand to present a look at life in Civil War Louisiana.  The day’s demonstrations, starting at 10 am and ending at 4 pm, will include drills, black powder weapon demonstrations, open hearth cooking, costume talks, camp life, and more.  There will be a small scale reenactment of the 1863 Battle of Plains Store, the battle that led to the Siege of Port Hudson, the longest siege in American History.  There is a small admission fee charged.  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

Taste of the Felicianas Gala

The Women’s Service League of St. Francisville will host its Seventh Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala on Friday, February 26, 2010 at Hemingbough Convention Center.  This year’s theme, “A Mystical Night in Black and White,” promises endless possibilities for an exciting and fun filled night.  Festivities begin at 7:30 pm and tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door.  Ticket prices include our scrumptious all-you-can-eat tasting from area restaurants and caterers, live music by Bits & Pieces, an exceptional silent auction, and other delightful surprises.  A wine pull and cash bar will also be available.  Proceeds from this event support local philanthropies.  For further details and ticket purchasing information, visit www.wslgala.com.