The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce had two special guest speakers at its noon meeting today (Monday).
Lisa DeRouen, director of the Evangeline Council on Aging, reported that the renewal of the elderly services tax will be on the election day ballot parish wide on May 4. She emphasized that it is simply the renewal of 1.2 mills for another ten years. Even though, the agency receives state and federal funds for its services, a large portion of the operations comes from the elderly services funding.
Evangeline Council on Aging provides such services as congregate and home delivered meals, home maker services and transportation services. She announced that more than ever, with anticipated reductions in outside funding sources, the Council on Aging will be depending upon elderly services millage tax.
Also speaking to Chamber members was Margaret “Chicken” Aucoin with Louisiana Folkroots discussing the 2013 Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week planned for April 19-26 at Chicot State Park. Currently they have 102 people from all over the world registered as full time students for the week long classes. Among the musical acts scheduled to perform are: Balfa Toujours, Bruce Diagrepont Band, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and Geno Delafosse and French Rocking Boogie.
Chamber Executive Director Camille Fontenot announced that there are 150 paid up chamber members. The annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet and Silent Auction is planned for Wednesday May 1 at the Ville Platte Civic Center. Volunteers are still needed to assist. Call the chamber office for more information at 363-1878.