By LEONARD GRAY Staff Reporter

AMA – The ties with the two Carnival krewes in St. Charles Parish will knit them even closer this year. The selection of Jerry and Helen Melancon, whose daughter Brenda Folse has been one of the driving forces for the Krewe of Des Allemands for 20 years, helps make that possible.

What’s more, Brenda says, a historic “meeting of the courts” is planned when her parents plan to attend the Des Allemands ball on Jan. 24 and greet their fellow “royalty.”

Jerry and Helen Melancon will also make history in another way, as the first couple to serve as the Krewe of Lul royalty who are not Luling residents. However, through many years on the board of directors with the organization, that may be forgiven.

The Krewe of Lul ball is set Feb. 7 at the Esperanza Ballroom in Luling, from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Jerry Melancon, a native of Des Allemands and son of Desire´ and Gladys Melancon, and Helen Petit Melancon, a lifelong Ama resident and daughter of Saul and Eve Petit, found each other the good old fashioned way – they were classmates at Hahnville High School back in the 1950s.

They didn’t really socialize with each other then, but they met on New Year’s Eve 1958 at the Idle Hour Lounge in Ama and the rest is history.

Married for 43 years, the couple have four children – Brenda Folse, Alvin, Michael and Troy Melancon – as well as 10 grandchildren (with one on the way) and one great-grandchild.

The couple have always been active in community affairs. He served as a captain of the Krewe of Lul for more than 20 years, and has served as president of the Ama Booster Club, a habit passed along to his children.

He worked with Highlines for 39 years and Louisiana Mill for five years. She worked with Lederle Laboratories for five years and Roberts Cafeteria at American Cyanamid and Jimmy Robert’s Restaurant for seven years.

They are both currently active in the parish’s senior bowling league.

“We’re getting ready and we are excited!” he said, as he displayed the commemorative scrolls, cups, beads and even commemorative chocolate candy planned for the Feb. 21 parade through Luling.