East Feliciana needs registrar of voters after Ross retires
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
The East Feliciana Parish Po-
lice Jury will be evaluating applicants to replace parish Registrar of Voters Bobbie Gayle Ross, who is retiring Dec. 31 after a lengthy career
The jury accepted Ross’s retirement notice at its Dec. 1 meeting, and Jury President Louis Kent said jurors have 90 days to name her replacement.
The discussion indicated several people have inquired about applying for the post.
Ross, 75, said she has been working in the Registrar of Voters Office since 1982, first as chief deputy registrar under Registrar Edwin Lea McGehee, and as registrar since 2011.
“I prayed about it,” Ross said of her decision to retire “I decided it’s my time to leave to pass the torch on,” she said The registrar maintains an office to register parish residents to vote, maintains a computerized list of eligible voters and conducts early voting for each election.
A registrar must be a resident and registered voter in the parish in which he or she is appointed, and state law requires that registrars without a bachelor’s or associate degree must have seven years of “professional work experience,” which the statue also defines.
State law requires the police jury to take “all reasonable steps to make as many people aware of the upcoming appointment of a registrar.”
The base pay for the job is set by state law and is based on the parish’s population.
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Holiday deadlines set
Submissions for the Christmas Eve editions of The Watchman, The Democrat and The Plainsman are due by Dec. 18
Submissions for the New Year’s Eve editions is due Dec. 26. Please share your holiday lights, party and celebration photos with us at extra@theadvocate.com.
Live Nativity planned Jackson United Methodist Church will have its annual Live Nativity Pageant at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, on the church lawn.
Also, at 6 p.m., Dec. 24, Jackson UMC will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service.
The public is invited to attend both events. Hospital lights available Through New Year’s Eve, West Feliciana Hospital will have its Magical Lights Display available. Drive through the hospital grounds to see the exhibit.
Breast scans available Woman’s Hospital mobile mammography coach 3D mammogram technology to the area.
See AROUND, page 2G
The Watchman
Dancing
like Jane Austen at Audubon
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
The dances with the men leading and the women following included circling, weaving, whirling, twirling, sashaying and the clapping or patting of gloved hands.
Some were in Regency period attire while others were in modern garb joining in for the audience participation. The dancers enjoyed themselves with steps that were stately, smooth and lovely alternating with quick, lively and confusingly fun. The dances usually ended with laughing and applause from both the participants and audience members.
The period dancing was part of the Dec. 6 annual Jane Austen Christmas festivities in the auditorium of the visitor center at Audubon State Historic Site near St. Francisville.
Author Jane Austen, whose 250th birthday is Dec. 16, could have performed some of the same dances, according to dance mistress Roxanne Struppeck.
Just as today, “ladies loved to dance” but there weren’t always enough men “to go around,” said Struppeck, who especially thanked all the men present — both troupe members and volunteers from the audience.
But unlike today Struppeck added, dancing in the Regency was a more important social event. In Austen’s time, members of society were expected to dance with multiple partners. This style of dancing wasn’t “romantic” the way we think of more modern dancing up close with the same partner all evening — she explained. But she acknowledged that romance did happen.
In Austen’s words, “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”
It was the true gentleman who took lessons/learned to dance as it was his chivalrous duty to ensure that all the ladies danced, she said.
Christmas charm binds community in Clinton
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
The miracle on St. Helena Street grants the wishes of fairly new and lifelong residents: usher in enough Christmas spirit to ignite lasting vitalization and unity throughout a small East Feliciana Parish community Those ambitious goals were front and center when the business community and residents celebrated the fourth annual Southern Christmas in Clinton.
Business owners like Heather Holbrooke provided a setting for the celebration Dec. 5, but she was quick to applaud the people who were the real stars.
“I have the best girls and the best community, because I’ve got a lot of people that volunteered to come help us,” Holbrooke said.
“People showed up and just helped
‘What can I do? Show me where the boxes are, I’ll start decorating a tree.’” Holbrooke owns H Mercantile and the adjacent Green Door at H Mercantile. When asked what sparked the success, she said the businesses are blessed by the residents.
“I’ll put community spirit,” she said. “Yes, definitely, we have a great little town.”
The evening started with the tree-lighting on the courthouse grounds by the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury Visitors and residents strolled the closed main street and shopped, dined and listened to live music by Southland Band. Youngsters took pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus or posed behind the wheel of a festive fire truck
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Troupe members from the Louisiane Vintage Dancers, mom Laura Rainier, left, chats with her two sons, Howard and Noah, at the Austen Christmas festivities at Audubon Historic Site.
Lifelong Clinton resident and community advocate Marsha Kemp shares her visions for a revitalization of Clinton’s cultural and historic significance.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Parish officials lit the courthouse Christmas tree and signaled the lighting of the grounds Dec. 5 at the start of a Southern Christmas in Clinton.
ä See DANCING, page 2G
DANCING
Continued from page 1G
Ladies’ dance lessons included learning how to be led. Struppeck demonstrated the rigidity of the arms need in order to follow the gentleman. And when a man is leading a lady to and on the dance floor, she was to be “on his right,” which was the “place of honor,” she added.
Dancers would switch up until they eventually reunited with their partner Struppeck introduced dances like Hole in the Wall, Comical Fellow, Well Hall, Gay Gordon and Mr Beverage’s Maggot. She explained, “a maggot is a tune stuck in your head.” After each lesson, she let audience members dance for all “to mess it up with music.”
The Lagniappe Historic Dance and Pastime Society which led the event and includes Struppeck, was joined this year by members of the Louisiana Vintage Dancers, whose members are mostly from southern East Baton Rouge Parish. Members from both groups recently participated in a special Austen celebration at WYES in New Orleans. The event at Audubon was one of the best attended dancing events in recent years. Some of the other outside activities that were planned for the day before, Dec. 5, were canceled due to the heavy rain.
The improved weather on Dec. 6 allowed visitors to also go outside to see and
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
try the roasting chestnuts and wassail. Nearby and inside the plantation home they viewed the festive period decorations which added to the historic beauty of Oakley
Both vintage dancing groups invited anyone interested to join them “just to dance” or to participate in the many living history activities and dress-up outings at historic sites and for special occasions.
The Lagniappe Historic Dance and Pastime Society meets every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library The Louisianne Vintage Dancers meet on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Sherwood Village retirement community, ac-
A physician’s order is required, and appointments are encouraged.
The coach will be at United Methodist Church, 4205 Church St., Zachary, on Dec. 10. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule.
Port Hudson history event
Port Hudson State Historic Site is hosting a Winter Quarters Living History event Living historians will be demonstrating Civ-
cording to spokesperson Susan Webre. Both groups have Face-
il War camp life and other activities including drills, marching, cooking and sewing.
The program will be available to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. Normal park admission fees apply: entry fees are $6 for ages 7-62, $4 for seniors 62 and over and free for children 6 and under
Visit Santa at the library
Santa is set to visit three branches of the Audubon Regional Library as Christmas approaches. Pictures with Santa will be followed by a festive story time and kids’ craft. No regis-
book pages. Their dance lessons are free and open to the public.
tration needed.
Visit Santa at the Greensburg Branch Library at 11 a.m. Dec. 22.
CROCHET CLUB: The Jackson Branch will hold Crochet Club every second Saturday of the month. Every novice or experienced crocheter is welcome to join at 10 a.m. Library activities helping others
The Audubon Regional Library is collecting items for the Books for Boots initiative. Boxes are set up at all three branches to collect items. There are lists at the boxes of the most requested items, as well as those that fit the
guidelines of what can be sent. This is a way to donate books. Visit the library’s Facebook page, https://tinyurl.com/28wtvs9c, to see specifics of what is accepted. Also, all branches of the Audubon Regional Library will be participating in the “Sock It To Me” sock drive. The library will be accepting new socks through Dec. 12. Socks will be donated to local organizations to give to those in need this holiday season. Boxes are set up at each branch for donations.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.
Dancing Saturday at the Jane Austen Christmas festivities at Audubon State Historic Site.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
With the dance mistress in the center of a large circle, young and old period dress and not, dancers prepare to do as instructed and dance like Jane Austen during a Dec. 6 celebration.
Special guest Randy Trahan, retired chief of operations for the Office of State Parks, with Susan Weber, left, and Roxanne Struppeck at Audubon State Historic Site festivities.
Dancers demonstrate one of many dances of the Regency period.
Members of the Lagniappe Historic Dancers and Pastime Society Elizabeth Hilton, left, and Jaynie Moffett at the Austen Christmas festivities
East Feliciana needs registrar of voters after Ross retires
BY JAMES MINTON Contributing writer
The East Feliciana Parish Po-
lice Jury will be evaluating applicants to replace parish Registrar of Voters Bobbie Gayle Ross, who is retiring Dec. 31 after a lengthy career The jury accepted Ross’s retirement notice at its Dec. 1 meeting, and Jury President Louis Kent said jurors have 90 days to name her replacement.
The discussion indicated several people have inquired about applying for the post.
Ross, 75, said she has been working in the Registrar of Voters Office since 1982, first as chief deputy registrar under Registrar Edwin Lea McGehee, and as registrar since 2011.
“I prayed about it,” Ross said of her decision to retire “I decided it’s my time to leave to pass the torch on,” she said The registrar maintains an office to register parish residents to vote, maintains a computerized list of eligible voters and conducts early voting for each election.
A registrar must be a resident and registered voter in the parish in which he or she is appointed, and state law requires that registrars without a bachelor’s or associate degree must have seven years of “professional work experience,” which the statue also defines.
State law requires the police jury to take “all reasonable steps to make as many people aware of the upcoming appointment of a registrar.”
The base pay for the job is set by state law and is based on the parish’s population.
Leila Pitchford AROUND THE FELICIANAS
Holiday deadlines set
Submissions for the Christ-
mas Eve editions of The Watchman, The Democrat and The Plainsman are due by Dec. 18
Submissions for the New Year’s Eve editions is due Dec. 26. Please share your holiday lights, party and celebration photos with us at extra@theadvocate.com.
Live Nativity planned Jackson United Methodist Church will have its annual Live Nativity Pageant at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, on the church lawn.
Also, at 6 p.m., Dec. 24, Jackson UMC will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service.
The public is invited to attend both events. Hospital lights available Through New Year’s Eve, West Feliciana Hospital will have its Magical Lights Display available. Drive through the hospital grounds to see the exhibit.
Breast scans available Woman’s Hospital mobile mammography coach 3D mammogram technology to the area.
See AROUND, page 2G
Dancing
like Jane Austen at Audubon
BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL Contributing writer
The dances with the men leading and the women following included circling, weaving, whirling, twirling, sashaying and the clapping or patting of gloved hands.
Some were in Regency period attire while others were in modern garb joining in for the audience participation. The dancers enjoyed themselves with steps that were stately, smooth and lovely alternating with quick, lively and confusingly fun. The dances usually ended with laughing and applause from both the participants and audience members.
The period dancing was part of the Dec. 6 annual Jane Austen Christmas festivities in the auditorium of the visitor center at Audubon State Historic Site near St. Francisville.
Author Jane Austen, whose 250th birthday is Dec. 16, could have performed some of the same dances, according to dance mistress Roxanne Struppeck.
Just as today, “ladies loved to dance” but there weren’t always enough men “to go around,” said Struppeck, who especially thanked all the men present — both troupe members and volunteers from the audience.
But unlike today Struppeck added, dancing in the Regency was a more important social event. In Austen’s time, members of society were expected to dance with multiple partners. This style of dancing wasn’t “romantic” the way we think of more modern dancing up close with the same partner all evening — she explained. But she acknowledged that romance did happen. In Austen’s words, “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”
It was the true gentleman who took lessons/learned to dance as it was his chivalrous duty to ensure that all the ladies danced, she said.
Christmas charm binds community in Clinton
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Contributing writer
The miracle on St. Helena Street grants the wishes of fairly new and lifelong residents: usher in enough Christmas spirit to ignite lasting vitalization and unity throughout a small East Feliciana Parish community Those ambitious goals were front and center when the business community and residents celebrated the fourth annual Southern Christmas in Clinton.
Business owners like Heather Holbrooke provided a setting for the celebration Dec. 5, but she was quick to applaud the people who were the real stars.
“I have the best girls and the best community, because I’ve got a lot of people that volunteered to come help us,” Holbrooke said.
“People showed up and just helped
‘What can I do? Show me where the boxes are, I’ll start decorating a tree.’”
Holbrooke owns H Mercantile and the adjacent Green Door at H Mercantile. When asked what sparked the success, she said the businesses are blessed by the residents.
“I’ll put community spirit,” she said. “Yes, definitely, we have a great little town.”
The evening started with the tree-lighting on the courthouse grounds by the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury Visitors and residents strolled the closed main street and shopped, dined and listened to live music by Southland Band. Youngsters took pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus or posed behind the wheel of a festive fire truck
Lifelong Clinton resident and community advocate Marsha Kemp shares her visions for a revitalization of Clinton’s cultural and historic significance.
PHOTO BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
Troupe members from the Louisiane Vintage Dancers, mom Laura Rainier, left, chats with her two sons, Howard and Noah, at the Austen Christmas festivities at Audubon Historic Site.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Parish officials lit the courthouse Christmas tree and signaled the lighting of the grounds Dec. 5 at the start of a Southern Christmas in Clinton.
DANCING, page 2G
DANCING
Continued from page 1G
Ladies’ dance lessons included learning how to be led. Struppeck demonstrated the rigidity of the arms need in order to follow the gentleman. And when a man is leading a lady to and on the dance floor, she was to be “on his right,” which was the “place of honor,” she added.
Dancers would switch up until they eventually reunited with their partner Struppeck introduced dances like Hole in the Wall, Comical Fellow, Well Hall, Gay Gordon and Mr Beverage’s Maggot. She explained, “a maggot is a tune stuck in your head.” After each lesson, she let audience members dance for all “to mess it up with music.”
The Lagniappe Historic Dance and Pastime Society which led the event and includes Struppeck, was joined this year by members of the Louisiana Vintage Dancers, whose members are mostly from southern East Baton Rouge Parish. Members from both groups recently participated in a special Austen celebration at WYES in New Orleans. The event at Audubon was one of the best attended dancing events in recent years. Some of the other outside activities that were planned for the day before, Dec 5, were canceled due to the heavy rain.
The improved weather on Dec. 6 allowed visitors to also go outside to see and
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
try the roasting chestnuts and wassail. Nearby and inside the plantation home they viewed the festive period decorations which added to the historic beauty of Oakley
Both vintage dancing groups invited anyone interested to join them “just to dance” or to participate in the many living history activities and dress-up outings at historic sites and for special occasions.
The Lagniappe Historic Dance and Pastime Society meets every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library The Louisianne Vintage Dancers meet on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Sherwood Village retirement community, ac-
A physician’s order is required, and appointments are encouraged.
The coach will be at United Methodist Church, 4205 Church St., Zachary, on Dec. 10. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule.
Port Hudson history event
Port Hudson State Historic Site is hosting a Winter Quarters Living History event Living historians will be demonstrating Civ-
cording to spokesperson Susan Webre. Both groups have Face-
il War camp life and other activities including drills, marching, cooking and sewing. The program will be available to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. Normal park admission fees apply: entry fees are $6 for ages 7-62, $4 for seniors 62 and over and free for children 6 and under
Visit Santa at the library
Santa is set to visit three branches of the Audubon Regional Library as Christmas approaches. Pictures with Santa will be followed by a festive story time and kids’ craft. No regis-
book pages. Their dance lessons are free and open to the public.
tration needed.
Visit Santa at the Greensburg Branch Library at 11 a.m. Dec. 22.
CROCHET CLUB: The Jackson Branch will hold Crochet Club every second Saturday of the month. Every novice or experienced crocheter is welcome to join at 10 a.m. Library activities helping others
The Audubon Regional Library is collecting items for the Books for Boots initiative. Boxes are set up at all three branches to collect items. There are lists at the boxes of the most requested items, as well as those that fit the
guidelines of what can be sent. This is a way to donate books. Visit the library’s Facebook page, https://tinyurl.com/28wtvs9c, to see specifics of what is accepted. Also, all branches of the Audubon Regional Library will be participating in the “Sock It To Me” sock drive. The library will be accepting new socks through Dec. 12. Socks will be donated to local organizations to give to those in need this holiday season. Boxes are set up at each branch for donations.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.
Dancing Saturday at the Jane Austen Christmas festivities at Audubon State Historic Site.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA RAWLS HOWELL
With the dance mistress in the center of a large circle, young and old period dress and not, dancers prepare to do as instructed and dance like Jane Austen during a Dec. 6 celebration.
Special guest Randy Trahan, retired chief of operations for the Office of State Parks, with Susan Weber, left, and Roxanne Struppeck at Audubon State Historic Site festivities.
Dancers demonstrate one of many dances of the Regency period.
Members of the Lagniappe Historic Dancers and Pastime Society Elizabeth Hilton, left, and Jaynie Moffett at the Austen Christmas festivities
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Heather Halbrook, owner of
to
Clinton Elementary teacher earns top district honor for November
Community news report
Shontaye Leonard, special education pre-kindergarten teacher at Clinton Elementary School, earned recognition as East Feliciana Public Schools’ November Employee of the Month at the November meeting of the East Feliciana Parish School Board.
Leonard
Leonard’s classroom is a place filled with joy patience, and purpose — where every child feels seen, supported and loved, a new release said. Known for her positive attitude and unwavering team spirit, she consistently goes above and beyond for both her students and her colleagues. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, sharing ideas, or stepping up wherever she’s needed, she embodies the true meaning of Clinton Elementary’s “One Team, One Dream” vision, the release added.
“Building an exceptional organization is one of the priorities of Excellence, Every Day, our district’s five-year strategic plan,” said Superintendent Keisha L. Netterville. “We are proud to recognize Mrs. Leonard for her commitment to excellence and her positive contributions to our students, our teachers and staff, and our families.”
To learn about Excellence, Every Day, visit efschools.net.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center between Nov. 25-30: NOV. 25
Jackson Elementary students explore renewable energy options
On Oct. 10, fourth grade students at Jackson Elementary School collaborated to build towns powered by renewable energy sources.
East Feliciana Public Schools use hands-on, scenario-based learning for science, designed to give students the opportunity to develop their understanding of key scientific principles, a news release said.
EAST AND WEST FELICIANA COUNCIL ON AGING
FRIDAYS: Bingo/movie/excursion
The schedules for West and East Feliciana Council on Aging facilities are as follows:
WEST FELICIANA
n 12292 Jackson Road, St. Francisville, (225) 635-6719
n Start time for all activities is 10 a.m.
FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY: Line dance
FOURTH MONDAY: Religious service
TUESDAYS: Nutrition education
WEDNESDAYS: Exercise/yoga THURSDAYS: Bible study
n All people 60 and older in West Feliciana Parish are invited to join. n For transportation to the center or questions, call (225) 635-6719.
EAST FELICIANA
n 11102 Bank St., Clinton n 3699 La. 10, Jackson Wednesday, Dec. 10
Esther O’Neal, a fourth grade student at Jackson Elementary School, examines her town to ensure it is using the best principles of renewable energy.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Ahsia Harris, Makylie Wilson and Ganiyah Coco, fourth grade students at Jackson Elementary School, brainstorm ideas about towns powered by renewable energy sources.
Asher Ferguson, Ivy Harris and Renior Young, fourth grade students at Jackson Elementary School, begin to implement their renewal energy model.
CELEBRATING HEALTHY AGING
LSU AgCenter partners with RKM Primary Care
Community news report
In honor of Healthy Aging Month, Layne Langley, an LSU AgCenter area nutrition and community health agent, teamed with RKM Primary Care to present the Stay Independent nutrition series throughout September and October
Participants from East Feliciana, West Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes attended the six-week program hosted at RKM Primary Care in Clinton. Stay Independent is a research-based nutrition and wellness program designed for adults aged 60 and older to help reduce nutrition risk and lower the risk of sarcopenia, which is age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The objective of the nutrition series was to provide participants with practical tools to set goals for maintaining independence in mid and later life.
Over six weeks, topics included Three Meals a Day, Feast on Fruits & Vegeta-
bles, Power Up with Protein, Cooking for One or Two, Brain Health and Exercise Your Independence. Each session featured handson activities such as meal makeovers using food cards and creating healthy snacks and meals with fruits and vegetables based on MyPlate guidelines. Participants explored strategies for cooking for one or two, practiced recipe conversions, and learned to read nutrition facts labels. They received tips for making semi-homemade meals. Physical activity was addressed through discussions on barriers and demonstrations of chair exercises and cardio drumming. For cognitive health, participants completed a brain health quiz to identify lifestyle changes that could help slow cognitive decline. Additionally, they prepared and sampled new recipes. For information about nutrition programs in East Feliciana, contact Layne Langley at lalangley@agcenter lsyu.edu or at (225) 683-3101.
Tamara Michael, from left, Charlene Smith and Jan Wheeler work together to prepare chicken salad spread during the Stay Independent program.
Tamara Michael and Gayle Causey look through fruit and vegetable food cards to create snacks and meals they would eat at home.
Pauline and Donald Covington discuss ways to add more fruits and vegetables to their meals.
Mable and Gary Smith sort through face cards to pick the face that matches how they feel when cooking for one or two during the Feeling Faces Activity in the Meal Makeover Activity.
Pauline Covington and Kathy Kane prepare Carver Dip using sweet potatoes and apple sauce as part of the Stay Independent program.
Charlene Smith and Jan Wheeler work together to create meals in the Meal Makeover Activity during the Stay Independent program in September and October 2025.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Stay Independent participates enjoy cardio drumming as a way to exercise during September and October 2025. Residents from East Feliciana, West Feliciana, and East Baton Rouge parishes participated in the six-week program held at RKM Primary Care in Clinton.
