DA hosts luncheon for veterans in Belle River

On Friday, April 11, St. Martin Parish District Attorney Phil Haney hosted a luncheon for lower St. Martin and St. Mary Parish veterans in the new Belle River Community Meeting Room on Hwy. 70.

The luncheon was organized by Shirley Akers, senior citizen coordinator for Haney, and Linda Cooke, resident of Belle River. The meal of shrimp stew, potato salad, and dessert was prepared by Edgar Roy and colleagues.

Akers welcomed guests and introduced Haney who said that he was a veteran himself and felt a lot of compassion for fellow veterans. He announced that he would be retiring after 38 years from his office as DA for the 16th Judicial District.

Haney told guests about all the parish programs available to veterans and other constituents.

Andetrie “Dee” Vicks, veterans assistance counselor for St. Mary Parish, explained her job and told vets that no matter how long they had been out of the service, they still could qualify for various assistance. To contact Vicks, call (387) 828-5047 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Lynette Edwards, executive director of the St. Martin Council on Aging, told guests that her office will soon be making arrangements to provide services to lower St. Martin Parish residents and to call (337) 332-3063 to register for those services. Edwards and associates will be coming to this area for the monthly commodity distribution to explain in more detail what might be offered.

Greg Aucoin, who is running for district judge was briefly introduced. Also present was Charlotte Ratcliff, recreation director for lower St. Martin Parish.

Akers announced that Haney will be hosting an annual Senior Citizen Educational Seminar Tuesday, June 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Cypress Bayou Casino. St. Martin Parish residents interested in this seminar should call (337) 394-3063 for more details.