DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / January 19, 2000

LUTCHER – The St. James Parish Recreation Department supplies after-work or after-school activity in abundance. With a $900,000 budget,Dennis Roussel keeps St. James Parish well exercised and entertained.Roussel has been recreation supervisor since the department was established in 1995.

In Lutcher, St. James citizens have the opportunity to participate inorganized aerobic classes or use the Fitness Center’s weight and cardiovascular equipment. Among the more attractive opportunities thefacility provides is the senior’s aerobic class, which has about 20 members regularly, twice a week, said Roussel.

If you like your exercise on the field, the department has that arranged as well. Sports activities throughout the year consist of boys baseball,soccer and basketball, men’s slow pitch softball, flag football and girl’s fast pitch softball.

If your idea of exercise and sports is more along the lines of rooting in the stands, that’s not out of reach.

Jan. 29 is St. James Night at the Baton Rouge Kingfish hockey game, and Parish President Dale J. Hymel Jr. will be on the ice to drop the first puck. Prizes will also be given out to St. James attendants during halftime. In July the Zephyrs will hold their own St. James night in New Orleans.The department also sponsors other events, such as the Punt, Pass and Kick competition. Last year Charles Geason III of Vacherie took St. Jamesall the way to the Superdome, said Roussel.

The recreation department also lends its hand to building, improving and maintaining St. James’ parks and governmental properties.

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