By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

RESERVE — Although retired from employment, the 150 residents at the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve are offered a bevy of activities to keep their calendars filled.

At a luau this month, the clown company Oooh! Aaah! Productions, with clowns Troubles and Rainbow, delighted residents with balloon art and antics while several residents and guests danced merrily to Tee Nah Nah band, a regular musical guest at the home’s celebrations.

Just like at any of the home’s other celebrations, cake and refreshments were served at the event, which was decorated colorfully with beach balls, banners and other decorations.

“What an amazing night,” veteran Henry Oubre said. “Everyone had a great time, and the band really sounded good.”

Activities Director Sonya Hebert said “Fun at the Beach” was the luau’s theme this year.

“We hit the bull’s-eye,” she said.

And while the luau is an annual event, Activities Assistant Michelle Colindres said bingo, upper body exercise classes, musical performances and church services are just some of the weekly activities offered to the residents at the home.

Ice cream parties, a movie matinee sponsored by area Kiwanis members and birthday parties are other activities sprinkled throughout each month, she said.

Hebert said each year she and her staff coordinate many events, including an annual Mardi Gras Ball, St. Patrick’s Day parade and party, Easter celebration complete with the Easter Bunny, Mother’s Day Tea, Father’s Day celebration, a big Fourth of July event, Oktoberfest party, Halloween costume party and several Veteran’s Day events complete with a huge ceremony and parade on Veteran’s Day.

Veterans also enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with family and numerous Christmas parties, Hebert said.

“We are constantly providing a variety of activities and outings throughout every month,” Hebert said.

“In our wedding vow renewal ceremony, we celebrate our married couples with a complete wedding and reception,” she said of an additional annual event.

Hebert said so many elaborate celebrations and events are planned simply because the veterans at the home deserve the very best.

“They enjoy it so much and they are why we live in a country like America,” she said.

“We have great support from the community and volunteers make this happen.”

Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents are eligible for admission into the veterans home if they are deemed to meet basic qualifying criteria.

According to Hebert, volunteers are vital to making the home’s many events successful.

She said anyone interested in volunteering at, donating to or sponsoring any of the home’s celebrations can call the activities department at 985-479-4080, ext. 1029 or visit the home, located at 4080 W. Airline Highway in Reserve.