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.