The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce today (Monday) heard from Lisa DeRouen, Director of the Evangeline Council on Aging. She is urging members of the Chamber and the general public to contact our local legislative delegation to oppose the proposed consolidation of the Council on Aging programs within the State Department of Health and Hospitals. Currently, Council on Aging operates within the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs. The proposed move could adversely impact the services Evangeline Council on Agency to the elderly of the parish. Evangeline Council on Aging services 362 meals a day or 89,500 meals a year. The council provides public transportation to the elderly. Last year, 4500 trips were made to assist senior citizens. The program also provides home maker and nutrition services.

   In other business, the chamber heard from Gilbert Winky Aucoin report on the 2012 Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week planned for April 20-27 at Chicot State Park. So far, the people that have registered for the week long classes of instruction represent 22 states and several foreign countries. He also reported that the popular boucherie event will be held April 21.

   In other action the chamber of commerce:

--has 144 members enrolled;

--was informed that the Chamber Business of the month is the Evangeline Parish Solid Waste Commission;

--received news that hotels are also sold out for the Swamp Pop Reunion Dance planned for Monday Feb. 20 at the Ville Platte Civic Center. It is nearly a complete sell out for this year’s benefit event;

--was informed that this year’s Annual Man and Woman of the Year Awards Banquet is set for May 3 at the Civic Center.;

--is considering ways to fund an annual scholarship fund for LSU-Eunice.