News Briefs

Knights of Columbus BBQ
The Ville Platte Knights of Columbus are holding their annual BBQ on Sunday, April 10, at the KC Hall. Pork or chicken dinners are available at $10 a plate.
Please contact a KC member for tickets, or call George “Butch” Buller at 337-363-4526 or Curt Saucier at 337-831-5878.

Food for Families/ Food for Seniors
The Evangeline Community Action Agency Inc. and Food for Families/Food for Seniors will be distributing the food boxes via drive-thru at the Ville Platte Civic Center today, April 7, from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
If you have any questions, please call 363-1306. If you need/want to register for the program, call 800-522-3333 to sign up for Food for Families/Seniors in Evangeline Parish.

Cenla Master Gardeners Class
Enrollment and First Class
The LSU AgCenter and Cenla Master Gardeners will start new Master Gardener in-person classes, and the first class on Wednesday, April 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter in Mansura is a free orientation and will cover the details of this class. To pre-register, send your request by email to khawkins@agcenter.lsu.edu . The cost will be $155.
The classes will be on Wednesday afternoons until the July 20th.
Master Gardeners are AgCenter Volunteers who receive horticultural training in weeds, insects, plant diseases, turf, vegetables, ornamental plants, and other related topics. These classes will end in August.
For more information about cost or other items, please contact Keith Hawkins, Area Horticulture Agent (AHA), 337.284.5188. Also, you may also obtain regular “green thumbs” updates about horticulture from LSU AgCenter by sending your request by email to khawkins@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Retake the High Ground
A veterans’ three-day retreat called Retake the High Ground will be held Memorial Day weekend at Our Lady of the Oaks in Grand Coteau.
Our days are overflowing with commitments, obligations, and responsibilities. Everyone needs time to reset their priorities, renew their focus, and regain their inner strength.
A three-day retreat is a perfect time to do just that. Experience an amazing weekend of healing, peace, and relaxation at the Jesuit retreat house.
Retreat directors will be Fr. Rudy Casals, S.J., and Dr. Lynn Aurich, USMC. Fr. Casals is a graduate of the Naval Academy and first met the Society of Jesus when he was serving in Japan. It was through the work of the Society in Asia that led him to become a Jesuit. Dr. Aurich is a Christian clinical psychologist and author who has spent 40 years practicing family and individual counseling (PTSD inclusive).
To register, contact Our Lady of the Oaks at 337-662-5410 or oloaks@centurytel.net or register online at ourladyoftheoaks.com.
The retreat is from May 26 to May 29 for men and women. Suggested offering is $200, and deposit is $25 (part of offering). The weekend includes all room, board, and meals.
Executive Director is Albert S. Cain III, USMC.