Gazette Beausoleil |
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Volume
VI
Spring 2004
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Next Family Gathering scheduled for July 17, 2004, WOW Hall Maurice, LA President J. Maxie Broussard has called for our next family meeting to be held on July 17, 2004 at the Woodmen of the World meeting hall In Maurice, LA. This will be our last meeting prior to the Congreś and Broussard reunion August 11-13, 2004 In Nova Scotia. We will review last minute plans, schedules, changes suggestions and details concerning the trip and reunion. Included In this newsletter Is the latest Information and agenda for the Broussard Reunion. Our next newsletter, Summer 2004 (July) will have further Information on the meal to be served and other details. Make plans to attend this very Important meeting. If you plan to be there, call, write or e-mall 337984-9955, donmille@cox-intemet.com, 235 Grand Ave., Lafayette, LA 70503. President's Corner: I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those who attended our Family Gathering and made It a huge success. The presentations by sponsors of tours were excellent. Additionally, Warren Perrin was congratulated for his idea of requesting an apology from the British Crown. Now, years later that apology has been signed and the Queen is scheduled to read that apology during an official visit to Canada in 2005. I would like to congratulate Richard and Velma Broussard for receiving the "Beausoleil" and "La Dame Beausoleil" Awards. These two are well deserving of these awards. Since our inception as an organization, I can think of no others who have worked harder to achieve the goals of our organization. I would, also, like to pass kudos to Beatrice Broussard and her volunteers for the wonderful Job they did in decorating the hall and tables and arranging for the many door prizes that were given out. Thanks are in order for the volunteers who helped set up the tables and cleaned up after the meeting. Lastly, I have had the opportunity to review the translation Into French the book "You are Sunshine-. I compliment CAFA for their efforts in getting this book published. I would be remiss if I failed to thank Mrs. Pauline Lemelle, the former principal of Myrtle Place School, for encouraging Mitch Conover to get this book published. This was by no means an easy assignment as it required approval by the Board of Education to insure that the translated version meet State requirements. The task also required CAFA to obtain the approval of Shirley Porter, the author, for translating and printing of the French version. CAFA then had to secure the funds required for the printing and distribution. Special thanks are in order to Loubert Trahan. Did anyone notice how quickly Loubert had the report of our meeting, together with the pictures he took, on the CAFA/Broussard family website? Thanks, Loubert, for another outstanding Job. J. Maxie Broussard Minutes of Gathering By Don Louis Broussard The meeting was called to order by President J. Maxie Broussard at approximately 10:30am, February 7, 2004. Secretary-Treasurer Don Louis Broussard called upon Billie Wayne Broussard to give the Blessing, after which, J. Maxie asked the gathering to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, and Charles Broussard led the Pledge. Immediately following the English version, J. Maxie recited the Pledge in French. The President then proceeded to compliment the decoration committee on their efforts at decorating the hall using a Valentine Day decor. J. Maxie then followed usual custom of introductions, having each attendee to stand and introduce themselves and tell where they were from. One new Lifetime Member, 11 month old Amelie Eastland Eschevera, was introduced by her grandmother Earlene Broussard Eschevera. Next Faye Dugas was called upon to provide members with details of her scheduled Tour to Nova Scotia for Congres Mondial-2004. Mrs. Dugas also provided handouts to attendees desiring the information. Next J. Maxie called upon Earlene Broussard Eschevera to speak of scholarship she provided towards individuals seeking to learn or improve their ability to speak and use French Language. Earlene, following explanation of her scholarship, called forth the two most recent recipients of this award, sisters Aimelie and Emmanuelle Larroque. Each of the sisters thanked Earlene and "Famine Beausoleil", and spoke briefly in French to gathering. J. Maxie then called upon Richard Broussard to come forward, and presented to Richard the "Beausoleil Award" for 2003 for the work and effort Richard has put forth from the inception of Association. Richard accepted the award, and thanked his spouse for her support. Surprise! J. Maxie then called forth Velma Broussard, Richard's wife, and presented her the "Dame Beausoleil Award", demonstrating once again, good work and effort does not go unnoticed! J. Maxie then called upon Mr. Eddie Richard, President of CAFA, and Mr. Richard spoke of current happenings, projections, and also spoke about "You Are Sunshine" book. J. Maxie called upon Loubert Trahan, who briefed the gathering about the CAFA Website, and expressly to alert them to column titled "Bits and Pieces" which explains in great detail individual requirements for entering, visiting, and exiting Canada. James "Pete" Louvierre, poet and songwriter, was introduced to gathering, and explained his work, including doing voice track of Beausoleil Broussard for the Acadian Memorial in St Martinville. Mr. Louvierre then led the group in singing his newest song "Hey, Hey, Beausoleil." Warren Perrin was then introduced and thanked for his efforts toward acquiring a formal apology from the Crown of England for the abuse they inflicted upon the Acadians during the "Grand Dérangement" of 1755. J. Maxie then recognized Earline Broussard Eschevera, who had one additional presentation of funds to make, and Jolene Adams, former Director/Curator of Acadian Memorial was the recipient for the lifelong effort she put forward in making the Memorial a success. J. Maxie then asked for motion to conclude the meeting, which he received. The members and guests then enjoyed an excellent meal of crawfish etouffe. Message from Warren Perrin:I have been asked to make a joint presentation with Nova Scotian historian Alfred Silver on the life of Beausoleil Broussard at the Broussard family reunion in Nova Scotia this coming August. I am soliciting aid of everyone who may have any article of factual information on Beausoleil's life. I am attempting to compile everything that has been written on Beausoleil's life. Hopefully, this may lead to the publication of a book on Beausoleil's life. Write to me at P. O. Box 53597, Lafayette, LA 70505. DUES FOR 2004: We have a few members who have not renewed their membership for 2004. Please consult the mailing label and verify that your membership is current. Dues remain at the bargain price of $10.00 for calendar year. Please mail your dues, family history information or any inquiries to: Famille Beausoleil Association c/o Don Louis Broussard, 235 Grand Ave., Lafayette, LA 70503. Ph# 337-984-9955, email: donmillie@cox-internet.com TREASURER'S REPORT The February 7th meeting was a huge success. There were 130 members in attendance, the memorabilia sales were exceptional, we sold all of the copies on hand of the Georges Island book and took orders for 9 copies from the next shipment. Those copies have been delivered and additional orders received and delivered. We now have 14 copies available and will reorder as these are reduced in number. BROUSSARD REUNION, POMQUET, NS, AUGUST 2004 For those who have not sent in their registration for the Broussard Reunion August 11-13, 2004, we are enclosing the Registration Form. Please note that your registration is required by April 30, 2004. Included in this newsletter is the latest information from Sheila Broussard, President, Famille Broussard Family Society, Nova Scotia, our hosts for the Broussard Reunion in connection with Congreś Mondial-2004. Please note that the registration fee has been reduced. Check with your tour director if they will pay this fee or if you have to send it in. Famine Broussard Family Society March 2004 Greetings again: The countdown is on - only five months until the Broussard Family Reunion. Part of the World Acadian Congress 2004, nominated as the number one event in Canada, we have planned a quality event in which we are inviting you our cousins to join us in Nova Scotia on our ancestral lands to celebrate our dynamic heritage. The Acadian village of Pomquet, Antigonish County, Nova Scotia, whose history of Acadian settlers dates back to 1774, will play host to our event from August 11-13,2004. Since our last mailing we've been receiving a lot of great feedback and registrations are coming in. In response to your questions and comments, we wanted to provide more details and clarification on a few points. Many people have been wondering about the cost of the event and what it includes. We are very pleased to announce we have received a generous donation to be used solely for the Famille Broussard Family Society. Due to this generosity, we are reducing the cost of our Registration Fee to the amount of Adult US $45.00; Child US $25.00. Those having already sent their registration fees will receive a refund upon your registration at the reunion. The Adult US $45.00; Child US $25.00 registration fee covers all events over the three days including meet 'n greet, talent show, three prominent speakers, a banquet and dance with live band Acadian Driftwood, two brunches, children's events and even a few surprises. The revised agenda is enclosed and includes locations of all the events. A large portion of our overhead costs are going toward the facility costs. The venue for most of the events is S1. Francis Xavier ranked by MacLean's magazine as the top university in Canada in 2003. The university was selected for its state-of-the-art conference and athletic facilities including the $20-million Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre, where our banquet and dance is being held. We are very pleased to have three prominent Acadian historians presenting on various topics throughout the weekend. Altred Silver, author of Three Hills Home, a novel depicting the deportation and the life of Joseph (dit Beausoleil) Broussard and his fight to gain freedom for all Acadians, will deliver a presentation on the deportation of the Acadians and their settlement in Louisiana. Mr. Silver dedicates his book to Warren Perrin and his wife Mary (Broussard) who greatly assisted in the background research. Warren Perrin, our second speaker, is an attorney, an Acadian activist and the founder of the Acadian Museum in Louisiana. Mr. Perrin, who fought for 13 years to receive an apology from the Queen of England on behalf of all Acadians and won, will continue the history of the Acadians from their settlement in Louisiana to present day. We will also be having a special guest appearance by another very prominent genealogist, who has dedicated his life to Acadian Genealogy, who will deliver a short talk on our final day and will be available after for questions. With the caliber of speakers, variety of events and world-class venue the Broussard Family Reunion promises to be a memorable occasion where we will commemorate the past and develop new family ties. But we can't do it without your support and attendance. To be a part of this celebration, please complete the registration form you have already received, along with the Adult US $45.00; Child US $25.00 registration fee by April 30, 2004. And if you haven't already done so, please include the one-time $10.00 administrative fee which covers all mailing costs. Best regards, PS The tour company's involved with the Broussard Reunion, if you are
interested, are: Sandy Sagrera, Vermillion Tours 337893-2663 vermtour@kaplantel.net For those possibly flying to Nova Scotia: Richard Laurin, Novacadie Tours 902 678 7560 rl.novacadie@ns.sympatico.ca or their website: www3.ns.sympatico.ca/rl.novacadie MAILING ADDRESS INFORMATION Our mailing address shown on the cover sheet is our permanent association address. This address can be used at all times for all purposes. However, in the interest of expediting, we suggest you use the following postal and e-mail addresses when time is important.
Membership Form/Address Information Beausoleil-Congres Mondial-Nova Scotia 2004 Registration Form *************************************************************** Return to: Table of Contents
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