Friday, September 12, 2008

Happenings After the Storm

We're damaged but not destroyed. The resiliency and determination of the people of West Feliciana is reminiscent of the early English settlers who first made this place their home. We now call it home, and over the last couple of weeks, it's been tough going. But we've survived and none the worse for wear. We've come out of this with a wonderment at how our parents lived without air conditioning and the simple creature comforts to which we are so accustomed. Many thanks go out to the tireless volunteers, the crews from Entergy and Demco, the countless out-of-state utility crews and the ever present National Guard for all of their hard work to get us back to the modern world. We thank you for taking time away from your families to do this back-breaking job of repairing what Gustav tore apart. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tourist Information
The Tourist Information Center in the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm except on Sundays when it opens at 9:30 am. Due to a downed phone line, there is only one functioning phone line -- 635-4224. Unfortunately, that is not the line that carried the DSL for internet so we have no access to e-mail. Our fax line is also out, but we are sure that the good folks from AT&T will make these repairs earl next week. We do have remote access to e-mail so if you have any questions, e-mail them to westfelicianapar@bellsouth.net or kitty@stfrancisville.us. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

State Welcome Center
The Louisiana State Welcome Center on Highway 61 North near the Mississippi state border is back open for business. Welcome back, Kathy and staff. We missed you!

Closed for Repairs
Audubon State Historic Site and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site are both closed for repairs. While no major damage was done to the historic structures, there were many trees that were downed so while they clear the debris to make it safe for the public, the parks will be closed to visitors. They should both re-open in about two weeks. Stay tuned for more information as we are updated on the progress.

Restaurants Open
All of our restaurants in West Feliciana are open for business. Most are open regular hours with their regular menu while others are open with a limited menu. Call ahead to check for daily specials.

Ready for some Shopping?!
Our wonderful shops are back on line, too. And it's not too early to get some Christmas shopping done so head out to the stores and say hello to your old friends who have been waiting for you to return. Please know that some shops are still without phone lines or internet access but you won't go wrong to drive out just to check what's new.

Sight Seeing
Take the time to treat yourself and your family with a visit to one of our plantation homes. Tours are given daily and times vary according to the attraction. Pick up some information from the Visitor's Center in the Museum on Ferdinand Street. We are open from 9 am until 5 pm daily and can be reached by calling 635-4224.

If you've got an update to add to our post-storm Happenings, send them to me at kitty@stfrancisville.us and we'll alert the public.

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