WOW HALL MAURICE LA

The meeting was called to order by President J. Maxie Broussard at approximately 10:30 am, February 7, 2004.

As the first item of business, Don Louis Broussard, Treasurer called upon Billie Wayne Broussard to recite the blessing after which J. Maxie asked that Charles Broussard lead the gathering in "The Pledge of Allegiance" to the American flag, which Charles recited in English, whereupon J. Maxie then proceeded to recite the pledge in French.

The hall was decorated in festive decor depicting both the approaching Valentine Day Celebration and naturally Mardi Gras.

Following a long established procedure at the Beauxoleil meetings and reunions, the new attendees and new members stood up and introduced themselves, from Louisiana, Texas and other parts of southern USA.  One new member introduced was 11 month old Amélie Eastland Echeverria, granddaughter of Earlene Broussard, and daughter of Juan and Monica Echeverria.  Next the regular attendees introduced themselves.

Fay Dugas, Tour Operator, gave a brief report on the registration for the tours specifically tailored for the Broussard "Beausoleil" Family to Nova Scotia for the Congrè Mondial 2004.

Two well spoken young ladies, Aimélie and Emmanuelle Larroque, were then introduced to the members.  These two young ladies were each awarded a scholarship to St. Anne University in Nova Scotia to advance their French language skills.  They addressed the group in their best French and were loudly applauded.  They are the daughters of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Larroque.

Richard and Velma Broussard were each awarded a "Famille Beausoleil" Award for their unwavering dedication to the Association and their outstanding work on behalf of the "Beausoleil" family.  They are responsible for the sales of all the "Beausoleil" items and souveniers.

Eddie Ricard gave a report on the activities of CAFA in helping the French Immersion programs in our schools, and the plans for the forthcoming year.

Loubert Trahan also with CAFA, spoke to the group about traveling to Nova Scotia in private vehicles as opposed to traveling with a "Tour" and the many problems that may be encountered, and ways to avoid them.  All the advise given, plus more, may be read on this CAFA site under "Bits and Pieces."

A member of the group, poet and songwriter James "Pete" Louvierre, was then introduced and explained some of his work.  This included a song "Hey, Hey, Beausoleil!" which he read to the crowd, passed out copies, and led the group in the singing of it.  The song is dedicated to Joseph Broussard, leader of the resistance to the British invasion of ACADIE, now called Nova Scotia.  It is sung to the military sound of snare drum, trumpet, flutes very much like Yankee Doodle, or a Sousa march with the piccolos.

Don Louis then introduced Mr. Warren Perrin, Erath, La.  Warren started and just recently enjoyed the many years of his labors in having an apology given by the Canadian government with the blessing of the Queen of England, to the Acadians for their expulsion from their ACADIE, and the resulting hardships they had to endure.  It is expected that the Queen herself will read the "Proclamation of Apology" when she visits Canada in 2005.

The next item was the award of a grant to Jolene Adams, recently retired Director of the Acadian Museum, St. Martinville, La. by Pat Resweber representing the Museum.  This was for her many years advancing the causes of the Acadian Museum.

After the reading of the Treasurer's Report by Don Louis, the structured part of the meeting was adjourned temporarily so that the attendees could enjoy a delicious Crawfish Etouffe meal, after which the meeting was reconvened for election of officers and board members. 

A motion to dispense with the regular order of elections and appoint all the existing officers and board by acclamation was approved.  All present members had voiced their desire to remain if so desired by the membership.