Message From Lucy

Dear Senior Spirit Friends,
On September 8, 2021, West Baton Rouge Senior Spirit will celebrate 13 years of friendly gatherings for people who are 50 years and older. I have greatly enjoyed these past years as co-coordinator of the organization with Babs Babin. The various activities brought together diverse folks who enjoy quilting, aerobics, card games, trips and guest speakers who shared their experience and knowledge on a variety of topics. I am grateful for being involved in the companionship of Senior Spirit, and as I retire, I enthusiastically look forward to continuing as an active member.

The effort to start the organization began in earnest in June 2008 with the help of Brusly Mayor Joey Normand. Mayor Normand directed Babs Babin and I to visit West Baton Rouge Parish Parks and Recreation Director Anatole Vincent. At the time, Fr. Matt Dupre, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly, supported our gatherings by providing space and assistance with other organization tasks.

As Senior Spirit evolved, Anatole Vincent, through the West Baton Rouge Parish Council, helped Babs and I get the organization started by providing advice, a building, and funding. Today, Brusly Mayor Scot Rhodes and Fr. Matt Lorrain, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, continue to support the organization and West Baton Rouge Parish continues to provide funding and guidance for Senior Spirit.

Senior Spirit is very pleased to announce that Layne Mire, a native of Addis and a long-time volunteer activist, will take my role as coordinator. Stella Tanoos of Plaquemine, who has been involved with Senior Spirit since its inception, will help with our newsletter and other media publications, including Facebook. With much gratitude, we welcome Layne and Stella. Walter, my husband, has been a solid support of our Senior Spirit involvement through the years. With his support, my work was much easier. Thank you Walter!

With a grateful heart for all, I look ahead to sharing in the forthcoming activities of Senior Spirit.

Lucy

Message From Babs

As we begin the month of July, we are making some changes to our staff.  Lucy Landry who was instrumental in organizing Senior Spirit in September 2008 has retired. She worked tirelessly to bring our successful senior program to West Baton Rouge residents and we thank her for sharing her talents with us.
 
Our group started with a 5-person committee to steer the activities and today Senior Spirit has 327 members from West Baton Rouge and Iberville Parishes.
 
We welcome Layne Mire who will take over Lucy’s role with Senior Spirit. She is a former Addis resident who now resides on Emily Drive.  She works for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, teaches religion to K-5 students and volunteers for the Feast on the Levee. Layne has been married to Ronnie Mire for 27 years. They participate in many community activities, including New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Babs 

Message From Layne

I’m honored to have the opportunity to grow with this unique group. I know it will be challenging to keep up with all of you! I look forward to all the fun things we will do and the adventures we will embark upon.
 
In Spirit,
Layne Garlington Mire

Trip Coming Soon

An excursion to view the exhibition of Michelangelo A Different View on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge. Click Here for directions.
 
You will enjoy the art of the Sistine Chapel on the ground rather than up in the air; what a very unique experience!
 

A group of 20 or more is needed to acquire the group rate of $12.50 per ticket.
 
To register call Stella Tanoos (225) 687-3939 or e-mail her: seniorspirit@wbrcouncil.org.
 
Plan to carpool and have lunch after the exhibit.  Details to follow.