"Gazette Beausoleil"

              Volume V II                                                                                                                                     Fall  2005

Saturday August 20, 2005, the Hall of Hame of Erath’s Acadian Museum inducted someone who was long overdue for the honor, Pat Resweber. The ceremony, unlike previous induction ceremony, was hosted by the Acadian Memorial in St Martinville, and was well attended.

Mayor Eric Martin eulogized Pat as a mother figure who was both an inspirational and a mother figure to him following his election to Mayor of St Martinville. Eric also alluded to how he viewed the project taken on by Pat and her partner Jane Bulliard to erect a memorial for their ancestors, and how impossible he thought the project would be.

Chrissie Maraist, President of the Acadian Memorial Board of Directors, told of the various steps along the way in accomplishing the project, and then taking on bigger projects to expedite the growth of the Memorial.

Brenda Comeaux Trahan, Curator and Director of the Memorial also related to those attending, the thrill of having met and worked with Pat, never knowing that one day she would work for Pat, and have Pat as her mentor.

Warren Perrin mentioned how Pat had attended an event at the Erath Museum, and how surprised he was at Pat driving from St Martinville to attend his event. Warren also spoke highly of Pat being selected for “Le Dame Beausoleil” Award last November in Pomquet, Nova Scotia. Warren mentioned that he, as The Beausoleil Award winner, and Pat as Le Dame Beausoleil winner, had their awards signed by J. Maxie prior to his death.

With her selection for the Hall of Fame, Pat becomes the third “Famille Beausoleil” member to earn this prestigious honor, J. Maxey and Charles had previously been selected. Congratulations Pat!  

At this time of year we have so much going on, and for me, almost too much. On Saturday August 27, 2005 we commemorated the 250^th anniversary of our ancestors forceful removal from their homes and lands, and in some cases, their forced deportation in 1755-58 to various parts of the world. This event was well attended, and numerous dignitaries attended and participated in programmed events.

I would repeat something Warren Perrin mentioned, and I thought something few have thought about: our ancestors were one of two groups forcibly brought to America. The other group was the Afro-American ancestors. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could also have our day, week, or month of recognition, as the Afro-American do? I am happy for them, but I would welcome the same for our ancestors.

On Saturday November 5, 2005 we will gather once again in Maurice at the Woodmen of the World Hall. The menu will be chicken and sausage gumbo, and if any of those attending desire, they are permitted to bring beer for their consumption.

I would mention that we will have punch or soft drinks and water as part of the meal. Once again, the children under age 12 will eat free, while others will pay $5 per person.

Lastly, I mention that we have received the plaque honoring J. Maxie, and we will discuss where and when it is to be installed, and where we will plant the tree donated for planting in J. Maxie’s honor.  

Famille Beausoleil takes great pride in a donation made by member Linda Broussard Norcross and husband Brad of Loveland, Colorado. Linda who is nearly blind, operates an antique store in Loveland, and she also is an artist. Linda created two pieces of art entitled “An Angel Will Lead Them Home”, to commemorate the 250^th Anniversary of the Deportation. These two creations, each beautifully framed, will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be donated to French Immersion Program. I note that bidders must meet or exceed a predetermined value in order to win the bid. The predetermined value will be known by committee, but by no other! The work is truly collectors items. I will have photographs taken so that if you fail to see the articles prior to auction, you will still be able to see the beauty of the articles.

Port Natches Pilgrimage Planned

Kermit Duhon is putting together a bus trip to Port Natches, TX on October 16, 2005  to attend  the annual remembrance and commemoration of the Broussard House activities. The house was donated to Les Acadiens du Texas, Port Neches, by the children of Martin & Editha Bourque Broussard. The house was restored to to the authentic ca. 1810 "Cajun" home and was opened to the public in 1988.
Just in case anyone needs contacts:
Kermit Duhon (Travel Machine) @ (337) 981-7870 e-mail address is kermit@travelmachine.net
Shirley Bobbitt (Les Acadiens du Texas) 409-736-1244 or e-mail address SBob568986@aol.com

Afghans, Commemorative Coins, T-shirts, Georges Island book and other items will be available for purchase at the November 13 meeting-just in time for Christmas purchases. The recently acquired booklet “Francois’ Flight to Louisiana” will be available for purchase at $8.00 each. This is an excellent booklet to introduce your children to the story of how our ancestors came to Louisiana.  

With Christmas on the horizon, it is a good time to select and order your “Famille Beausoleil” items as Christmas Gifts. By ordering early, you enhance your opportunity to get what you want, as well as insuring yourself of having items on time. By ordering early, you also ease the workload on Velma and the delivery services during a critical time for mailing

Dues are now being collected for 2006. Your address label on this newsletter indicates the status of your membership. It will help our handling of your payment if you will make your check payable to “Famille Beausoleil” Association and mail it to 214 Highland Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506.

Future Meeting Dates being scheduled
The Board of Governors, at recent meeting, decided to pre-schedule meetings for 2006 for months of February and November. This will be one of items covered and discussed at the November 5^th Meeting. We welcome your input on dates, as well as your thoughts on menus to be considered.

Please remember and give to those in need

Once again Louisiana has suffered greatly from a natural disaster, and many survivors await their rescue and medical attention, a place to sleep, and the chance to eat regularly again.

Many could liken the situation to our ancestors and their plight in 1755-1785, and what they were forced to endure to survive. Lack of medicine, lack of food and shelter, and no purified water to drink.

I think of how fortunate most of us are, to have been spared this tragedy, and to be safe. I say count your blessing, and give thanks for your blessings.

I also ask each and every member of this organization to contribute what they can, be it money or items of necessity, or their time, in assisting those who were not as fortunate, and continue to endure suffering.

Remember, no donation is too small.

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