ANNA MONICA

Relay for Life plans under way

Isn’t there a song with the words, “funny how time slips away?” There are still 24 hours in a day with only a leap second added every so often to keep time accurate, so what really slips away is how we spend our time, mostly with busyness that makes it seem to fly. Nonetheless, it is a new year and time to start the cycle of annual events. One of those events I consider most important is the annual Relay for Life which raises money for research for the American Cancer Society. This year it is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 in St. John Parish. The Joe Keller Stadium in Reserve is once again the location and it really is, from what I experienced last year, a good one. Last week, I was invited and attended a breakfast for some of those involved in the Relay. It was very informative and enjoyable. Bobbie and Vic Zadain are again leading the cause with their daughter, Laura, a cancer survivor, assuming a load of work and seeming to not mind a bit. River Parishes Hospital will be involved this year as will a number of banks and businesses in the community. Parish President Nicki Monica and Sheriff Wayne Jones were there and the council members I got to see and speak to were Steve Lee and Allen St. Pierre. Nicki, my cousin, reminded me that he always participates and will once again have a team. It really is encouraging to see our parish officials involved because I believe this is really a great means of serving the public. Some of them didn’t hurry to leave and spent time to talk with those present, including me, who always has something to say. I felt it was a good time to get in some informal chat and express several concerns and have them willing to listen. It all went very well toward our common cause. The event succeeded in explaining its purpose and it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the various businesses and individuals, especially the bank reps, who will be involved. More information later. Even though it seems we have a little time before April 21, remember how fast it goes. That’s why when we had a tennis meeting at Belle Terre, I approached some of our tennis players about making up a team. Sheryl Schoen put her hand over my mouth to get me quiet and Hazel Lawless was quick to say “we want to do it,” and she meant it as well as wanting me to hush! So far, she and Sheryl plan to be part of our team as does Cheri Montz who, was quick to volunteer, Elaine Gaille, Cindy Gillies, Martha Leach and Janice Ducote. At Riverlands, so far I have commitments from Carol Vicknair, Helen Luck and Dani Shackelford. Dani says she has always “wanted to do that” and now she will. It will be fun, too! There are others who will probably be involved, and I hope so since it will take a number of us to keep it going all night. Because at least one member of a team has to be on the track all night, more team members means less exhaustion. The idea is that there can be no finish line until we find a cure for cancer. Teams are usually made up of from 10 to 15 people; anyone can do it. Each team hands in $100 as a team, and they might get a sponsor to donate that. Then each team member individually tries to raise at least $100, which is not difficult because for $10 a luminary can be bought in memory of someone who has died, defeated or is fighting cancer. Teams put up tents or canopies for that night, decorate them in competing for a prize, and some even attempt to raise more money through food sales, raffles, etc. Fun activities fill the hours. It’s a great event! We will have more about this in the future. Now, the energetic and hard-working Bobbie Zadain and Laura are keen on exceeding the number of teams from last year. This is a community project. Communities all over the nation have these relays. There is no better cause because there is no greater fright than cancer. Remember, it is never going to happen to you n but it does. Get that team ready! ANNA MONICA is a resident of Garyville. She writes this column every Wednesday for L’Observateur.