LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / August 5, 2000

HAHNVILLE – At least 30 block parties across St. Charles Parish observedthe 17th annual “National Night Out Against Crime” Tuesday.

For some parties, “National Night Out” gained even more special meaning.

In Montz, where the murder of a popular storekeeper struck like a bombshell in the tiny community, neighbors felt an obligation to get involved out of memory of Luan Nguyen.

“When we first moved here I sent my wife, Janet, up to buy some gas for the lawnmower,” Mark Acosta said. “She forgot her wallet, and he just waved heroff and told her to pay next time she came in.” Joe Dufour likewise had good memories of Nguyen. “One time my son went inthere to try and buy cigarettes. He knew us and he told him no and added, ‘Iknow who your father is!'” Acosta added, “He was a great loss to the community.”It wasn’t hard for Joe and Debbie Dufour, Mark and Janet Acosta and Kim and Matthew Morgan to organize a party. “It’s every night like this for we threeneighbors,” Acosta said.

At Avis LaGrange’s party on Trails Way Drive in Hahnville, the Hahnville Volunteer Fire Department came out as well, and Rep. Gary Smith evenconsidered dressing up in the 10-foot-tall Fire Dog outfit. Fire Chief ReggieGaubert instead climbed inside and charmed the tiny children who gathered around.

Meanwhile, the chili dogs, cookies and chips drew the hungry.

Maisy Robicheaux’s party on San Francisco Drive in Red Church Plantation Estates was a pleasant, comfortable get-together where the children played musical chairs and the adults drew up their lawn chairs on the driveway to enjoy the food and company.

Sharon Green’s party, held in Bethune Park in Norco’s Diamond Subdivision, was a massive affair, lasting well into the evening. Jambalaya, chicken andburgers, along with popcorn and sno-cones, filled the stomachs, and pickup basketball on the nearby court worked up the appetites.

Brian Joseph took the occasion as well to give a talk to the youngsters, to warn them against crime and drug abuse. He also led the party in prayer.”This kind of thing puts unity in the community,” Joseph commented.

Deputies of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office scattered across theparish, enjoying unaccustomed welcomes and visits with residents, sharing food and fellowship. “Sheriff (Greg) Champagne wants to use this to re-activate Neighborhood Watch,” said Lt. Dwayne LaGrange.The program is designed to heighten awareness on crime prevention, strengthen neighborhood spirit and inspire neighbors to stand together against crime. Event coordinators were Susie Breaux and Lt. Pink Duckworthof the sheriff’s Special Services Division, headed by Capt Patrick Yoes.

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