La Famille Blanchard, Inc.
March 7, 1999 Meeting
La Famille Blanchard, Inc. held its first information meeting since December on March 7th at the Acadian Memorial in St. Martinville, Louisiana. With only a few empty chairs in the room, the meeting was considered a huge success. Vice President, Sally Blanchard welcomed those who attended and explained the options for admittance to the Blanchard family reunion. Since the December information meeting in Lafayette, the Board met three times in order to reach a decision regarding a reunion entry fee that does not include a membership to La Famille Blanchard, Inc. This option is being recommended by Bryan Comeaux, Executive Director of CMA Louisiane 1999, for all of its sanctioned reunions. The options are explained below and will be added to the web page with an early registration form as soon as possible. If you have any questions, contact Sally Blanchard at
SBlanc54@aol.com .After describing the options, Sally introduced Mr. A. J. LeBlanc of the Acadian Village in Lafayette who told the group about plans to hold a dedication of the Blanchard Coat of Arms on August 1, 1999 at the Acadian Village. The Acadian Village is hosting Acadian families each day of Congrés Mondial Acadian Louisiane 1999. The Blanchard family is one of four families to be hosted on August 1st. Blanchards who are members of La Famille Blanchard will be admitted free. The admission charge for nonmembers is $6.00.
Mr. LeBlanc also explained a contest he is holding. The contest is to choose an official Cajun Color. Anyone with an Acadian last name (theirs or their spouse’s), a parent with an Acadian last name, or a grandparent with an Acadian last name will be allowed to cast a ballot. The ballot will be used to enter each person participating in a drawing for a jacket of the designated color with the winner’s family name and Congrés Mondial Acadian embroidered on the front. Mr. LeBlanc also shared a few of his favorite stories with us. The ballots and free entry passes will be sent to La Famille Blanchard, Inc. at a later date to be distributed by its members.
Other matters discussed included an invitation to the Blanchard Reunion that was sent to the Gueguen family and the priority that is being given to the planning of children’s activities. Several months ago, La Famille Blanchard was asked to host the Gueguen family. There are no Gueguens in Louisiana and only a few left in the Maritimes. In the spirit of Cajun hospitality known so well by Louisiana’s visitors, the Board voted to honor the request to host the Gueguen family.
Finally, the importance of providing children’s activities was discussed. At this time, children’s activities include an art work shop, storytelling, and Cajun dance lessons (for the young and old). At this time a magic show is also being considered, but a decision has not been reached. If you enjoy being with children and would like to volunteer your ideas or your time, please let us know.
Just before ending the information meeting, those present introduced themselves. There were many new faces along with some old. Some, like Ms. Mills had traveled many miles to attend the meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Gaspard had not been to a meeting in a very long time due to illness. It was good to have them back. Mr. and Mrs. Miguez also attended. Mr. Miguez took complimentary pictures of the Board members who were present for publicity purposes. He has agreed to offer his services at the reunion and make available, for those interested, competitively priced professional picture packages. Thank You, Mr. Miguez!
The next Blanchard Reunion information meeting will be held in Pierre Part at the Pierre Part Middle School Library on April 10th at 2:00 P.M. The school’s address is 3321 Hwy. 70. La Famille Blanchard Polo shirts ($20), T shirts ($12), Golf Caps ($15), Canned Drink Coolers ($3), and Coat of Arms prints suitable for framing ($5 and $7.50) will be available for purchase at that time.
Membership Information
Sponsor $100 U.S.
Family $ 60 U.S.
Couple $ 40 U.S.
Single $ 25 U.S.
Members have the right to run and / or vote for the positions of President, V. President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Board Member. Elections will be held at a general meeting in October of this year and each year thereafter. Members will receive a newsletter keeping them informed of details regarding the August 7, 1999 reunion and subsequent reunions.
Members are admitted to the reunion and receive their noon meal as well as admittance to all of the day’s activities.
According to Mr. A. J. LeBlanc of the Acadian Village in Lafayette, members will receive free passes to the village for August 1, 1999 for a dedication ceremony of the La Famille Blanchard Coat of Arms.
Early Registration
Adults $10
Students $ 8
Pre School Free
Early registration allows the registrant admission to all activities but does not include a meal. Jambalaya dinners including dessert and a coke can be purchased at the time of early registration for $5. Extra jambalaya will be prepared, but your meal is not guaranteed unless purchased in advance. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be available at the reunion, but will not be sold in advance.
August 7, 1999 Admission
Adults $15
Students $13
Pre School Free
August 7, 1999 admission allows the registrant admission to all activities but does not include a meal.