From the Mayor’s Desk
The procession of big yellow buses can only mean one thing - "School has begun." While for some, this may be a good thing, for many, it signals the end of summer and a return to the serious business of preparing for the future. Though it feels like just a few years ago - who am I kidding, a few decades ago - I still remember feeling both happy and sad. I was happy because I would get to see my friends whom I had missed over the summer and experience the joy of being together again. However, it also signified the end of the carefree summer lifestyle and the beginning of hard work.
The good news is that it didn't take long to get back into the rhythm of things and focus on classroom activities. It usually started with an assembly where everyone was welcomed back by the principal, who, in my case, was Mr. Edward Ray. He was always warm and welcoming at first but quickly transitioned to the main focus - the challenge of education and what it should mean to all of us, concluding with his expressed expectations from each of us. This theme would be echoed throughout the school year not only by Mr. Ray but every teacher and staff member at George Washington Carver High School.
I'm certain that it was the same at the school you attended. From the first bell in September to the last in May, education was the most important thing to the students, faculty, and staff. This encompassed every aspect of our lives, including lessons in science, math, and English, as well as
lessons in morality, citizenship/community, and our responsibility to participate in our development into decent, productive members of society.
I express eternal gratitude to all the outstanding educators who have played and continue to play a vital role in shaping the paths of past and present generations. I thank God for all of them and ask that we pray for our young people, hoping that they too will seize every opportunity to uphold the torch of education and the promises that it continues to hold.
As we continue to focus our attention on the growth of our community, we are always mindful of the desire expressed in our comprehensive plan, which is to encourage growth and development to maintain the uniqueness of our small-town atmosphere. While we are committed to doing just that, we all need to remember that to be successful in that effort, we must continue to care about each
other and work together to foster the type of community that will carry us through the challenge to make Sunset a place where people want to live.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The construction of the new water Well (No. 8) is underway, and it is expected to be operational in a few weeks. A state-of-the-art surveillance system will also be installed to monitor the system's operations continuously.Â
Construction on the Filtration Plant has already commenced, and we are on track for completion in the third quarter of 2025, barring any unforeseen delays. The filtration plant, as designed, will remove ninety percent of the iron and manganese in the water stream.Â
Work has also begun on the total revamp of the Sewer Pond. Having been successful in acquiring the second of the Water Sector Grants, the new system will replace the outdated 1970 vintage LEMNA system. The project's first step began with dredging operations that were well underway. After this, the installation of the new waste treatment facility will begin to take shape. We appreciate your patience and support as we work towards making improvements to this system.
The 2023-2024 round of street overlays, funded with assistance from the State’s Capital Outlay Program, has been completed. The funds provided by the state, with a 20% community match, allowed us to address as many streets as possible. The town engineer is tasked with assessing the condition of the streets and selecting those most in need of repair. The list is then given to the council for their consideration and subsequent approval. The Council is preparing to apply for the 2025 Capital Outlay program, preparing for the next round of street repairs.Â
Mayor James
Mayor Cecil LeVergne (1944 – 2024)
Mr. Cecil was a native of Leonville and lifelong resident of Sunset. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. Cecil's dedication to public service led him to a new chapter in his life as the Mayor of Sunset. Over the course of his two terms in office, which spanned until 2016, he became a beloved figure in the community. His leadership was characterized by his deep commitment to the town's growth and prosperity, and he was known for his willingness to offer advice and support to those around him. Cecil's ability to connect with people and his insightful guidance made him a trusted advisor and a source of inspiration for many.
Outside of his professional and civic roles, Cecil was an extraordinary husband and a passionate adventurer. His life with his spouse was marked by a deep and abiding love, and together they shared many remarkable experiences. Cecil's adventurous spirit was evident in his extensive travels around the world, embracing diverse cultures and making lifelong memories along the way.
Survivors include his beloved wife of fifty-five years whom he shared the most amazing love with, Jerilyn Guidry LaVergne of Sunset; his son, Tobyn LaVergne of Monroe, NC; his daughter, Tisa LaVergne Janes and her husband, Chris, of Breaux Bridge; his brother, Aby LaVergne (Sandra) of Lafayette; four sisters, Lorella Sonnier of Church Point, Clara Smith of Opelousas, Gloria Lalonde of Opelousas, Germaine Guedry and her husband Jack, of Sugar Land, TX; three grandchildren, Sasha LaVergne, Elijah Theobert LaVergne, Mimi Eppie LaVergne; sister-in-law, Audrey LaVergne of Port Barre; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Theobert LaVergne, Sr. and the former Amanthe Elkins; two brothers, Raymond LaVergne, and Theobert LaVergne, Jr.; one sister, Erline Thibodeaux; one grandson Michael Logan Navarre; four brothers-in-law; Clarence Sonnier, Harry Smith, Lester Lalonde, and Deacon John Thibodeaux; and one sister-in-law, Marie LaVergne.Â
The Sunset Garden Club
As you may know, the Sunset Garden Club is the proud sponsor of the Sunset Herb and Garden Festival. Known as a wholesome and family-friendly event, the festival occurs on the first Saturday in May. We are already planning for the 28th Annual Herb Fest to be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Sunset Park.Â
Herb Fest 2024 was serviced by over 100 plant vendors & artisans, a Children’s Garden & Activity Tent and all the best Food Trucks in the area. The festival attracted over 3500 guests to Sunset and surrounding communities. This record-breaking attendance was much appreciated by festival vendors and local businesses. A great day was had by all.Â
The Herb Festival is the largest fundraiser for The Sunset Garden Club. Proceeds allow us to donate to causes and organizations which positively impact our community. We give support to the Sunset Police & Fire Departments and charities that directly affect members of our community. We put a strong emphasis on helping our local children and elderly population by participating in a Thanksgiving Food Drive and a Children’s Toy and Coat Drive at Christmas. All food, toys and coats collected are distributed to the underserved in Sunset and Grand Coteau. Â
It gives us great pride to give back to and support the town of Sunset. The Christmas Angels & Stars and the Nativity Scene that adds an old-time charm to our town at Christmas were past projects – and each year our members clean, change bulbs and prepare these beautiful fixtures before displaying along the main streets of Sunset.Â
This year our focus is to implement improvements in the Sunset Park. We utilize this lovely park as festival grounds – and its ambiance is magical. Our objective is to help to make the park more accessible to the community and families as a place to gather, relax and a place for children to play.Â
Please know that the Sunset Garden Club appreciates the help and support given by our community during the Herb Festival. Guests come from near and far to visit our town and festival – this is a beautiful thing. Our goal is not to make the festival larger – but better and more efficient. We are working with town officials to implement a plan for traffic control and parking and anticipate a more structured strategy. Thanks for your patience as we work through this.Â
Should anyone have questions or interest in learning more about the Sunset Garden Club, please contact us directly by email at SunsetHerbLady@gmail.com. Also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
The Armand J Brinkhaus Community Library
September Activities
Story Time - Wednesday from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. in the Children’s Room.
Listen to a story, make a craft, and enjoy a treat.
Crafting CircleÂ
Alice Clay Room
Every 1st Tuesday and Friday of the month
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Join us as we work on our needle crafts in a comfortable group setting. Pick up new skills and make progress on your project while enjoying the friendship of other crafters. Experienced and novice crafters are all welcome. Bring your crochet and or knitting to the library and see how much you can get done after a couple of hours with friends.
Open to ages 10 & older
Session Size: 8
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Saturday
Founders Hall Meeting Room
Saturday, September 21
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Join us for STEAM activities that explain concepts, and promote creative and scientific thinking skills. Every session is different!
Ages: 6 & up
Session Size: 10
Free TutoringÂ
YA Room
Tuesdays (3:00 – 5:30 pm) and Thursdays (3:00 – 5:30 pm)
The library provides free tutoring services for children in grades 1-12 in reading, English and Math. Please bring current assignments/and or the area where help is needed. All sessions with the children are led by state-certified teachers.Â
Free Computer Training
Founders Hall Meeting Room
When: Friday, September 13, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (A light lunch will be provided).
What: Computer Foundations
How: Sign up at the front desk or call the library at 337.662.3442
Bring a friend! Walk-ins welcome!
Louisiana Ag Center
Rooted In Health
Founders Hall Meeting Room
Dates:Â
September 17 - MetabolismÂ
September 24 - Raise your MetabolismÂ
October 1 - Microgreens with Horticulture Agent, Molly Lyles
October 8 - Metabolic Herbs Micro Greens Series
Learn how to raise your metabolism. Food Included. Scan the QR code or use the link to sign up. The code is located on the library’s website and Facebook account.
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Age: Adults
Financial Wellbeing Workshop
