LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / October 6, 1999

PLEASURE BEND – Hundreds came out last weekend to enjoy the sunshine, food, games and the pleasure of helping Pleasure Bend establish its own fire station.

The day-long event Sunday included a jambalaya cookoff, pirogue races, volleyball games and live music.

Music was provided by Frisson and Silver Chair. Winners in the jambalayacookoff were Bob Bourgeois, Aaron Cortez and Leslie Cortez.

Organized by local residents and working with the West Side Volunteer Fire Department and its chief, Helmond Lumar, the new fire station is due to go on property donated by the J.B. Falgout Family Trust.At the same time, a Community Development Block Grant of $450,000 has been applied for, working with Civil Defense Director Bertram Madere and Parish Councilman Perry Bailey, for construction costs and for a pumper.

Bailey said the effort “will bring Pleasure Bend and St. John Parishtogether,” while lowering fire insurance rates. At present, the isolatedcommunity on the shores of Lac des Allemands depends upon the South Vacherie VFD for assistance.

Community organizers include Arzen Kraemer, Herman Granier and county agent Larry Brock.

Long-range plans include construction of not only a two-bay firehouse, but also a new community meeting hall.

“With the interest they’ve shown here, they’ve proven they can do anything,” Madere said. “This is the start of something big.”

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