DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / December 6, 2000

CONVENT – Over $4,000 in grant money recently was awarded to the St. James Parish Department of Human Resources. This is the second year thedepartment received the grant from the Louisiana Department of Arts, through the Houma-Terrebonne Arts and Humanities Council.

The money goes toward two programs, the first called Discovering the Arts in St. James Parish. The program, in it’s second year, has been opened to allages, to include the senior citizen community. Already they have had aMexican event specifically for the elderly. Another day is scheduled forFebruary. The speakers and entertainers are contracted through YoungAudiences of New Orleans and come to bring cultural themes for the St. James audiences.

Children from the Head Start program as well as other students will learn from different storytellers, musicians and entertainers throughout the school year. “We are trying to help those who may not normally be able to goto such events,” said Denise Broden, assistant parish planner.

The shows held in conjunction with the annual Summer Food Service Program, Head Start and the Council on Aging will be held on both banks of the river.

The second program will begin during the summer months. In district four,children involved in the Summer Food Service Program will get a chance to attend the two week Super Star Recreation Program. Local and New Orleansartists will come along with games, crafts to enlighten the children. Theprogram is designed to promote positive social skills for ages 3 to 15 and will be held at Romeville Elementary School.

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