Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Hilton - Conference Hotel

The Lafayette Hilton HotelThe Hilton Hotel Lafayette Louisiana is Acadiana's premier full-service hotel and conference center. We offer over 22,000 square feet of event space and 327 guest rooms and suites.
Charming Southern hospitality and unsurpassed Hilton service await you. Escape to one of our well-appointed accommodations, stocked with a multitude of amenities....
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Mary Lynn's Message to the Krewe!
There are no words to describe my gratitude and sincere thanks for all you have done to make the SouthWestFest successful. From start to finish, you were there, ready, willing and able to take on any task. Everything ran smoothly and fires were put out quickly. This could not have been possible without your tireless efforts!
I could not have ask for a better group of folks to work with. You are awesome!
Bien Merci! (Thank You!)
Mary Lynn Thibodeaux
Krewe Chief (retired)
habb@att.net
P.S. Anyone having pictures to share, please send them to me or Chris, chriscs@att.net , to include on the blog. Thanks.
Thank You Mary Lynn!
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! I DON’T KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WOULD TAKE ON THE TASK YOU DID! EVEN AFTER 2002……. YOU KNEW WHAT A HUGE UNDERTAKIING IT WAS AND YOU HANDLED IT LIKE A PRO!
Love You,
Chris
I have to agree with Chris, You were the master mind behind this very successful conference, you led and we just followed your lead...what a wonderful job you did......I would not have the guts to do what you did, YOU DID A Great JOB......THANKS FOR BEING OUR LEADER.
WE LOVE YOU
CINDY
I agree with Chris. Our THANKS should be going out to you for all of your hard work and your side kick,Ros. Great job done!! ( You can keep your shoes—no one can ever fill them )!!!
Joan Van Aernam
There is certainly nothing else left to say that hasn’t ALREADY been said….but here it goes again – Mlynn – you have just out done yourself again! But I must say that you truly had an awesome Krewe behind you! I am just sorry I didn’t get to help out or hang out as much this time….too little time and too much work going on!
As always, I couldn’t be more proud of ‘da Krewe I run with! You guys are all just amazing – nothing is ever left undone when you are in charge. No one ever grumbles or even hints at not wanting to work or help out in any way. ….but not only do we work well together, but we play well together as well. That’s what makes us all a great big family! I am proud to call myself a member of LHC and hope that I make you all proud in my leadership role at SWNAHRO as well. Thanks for making me proud of our Louisiana Krewe!
Katie Anderson
SW NAHRO Sr Vice President
I have to say what everyone has said. Mary Lynn I don't think The conference would have as smoothly as it did if Tom had not had you to lead guide and help him every step of the way. It is one thing to say Iam going to help out, but you demonstrated your ability to get the job done. Everyone that helped deserves a pat on the back. Louisiana really did shine above others. But that Louisiana leading the way for other states to follow. We have great leaders within our state chapter. Hats off to everyone. Mary Lynn you can be my coordinator any day ofd the week. Everyone join in at 8:00 am and give her a big hand clap.
Peggy Steele
What can I say that hasn't already been said.... Good leaders surround themselves with good workers, and you can't get any better than we are!!!!!!!!!!!!
Homie (Ken)
I have to agree with all of these comments. This is my first SWNAHRO Conference that I have been to and it was awesome. Mary Lynn and Roz yall were great and so was everyone that participated to help.
Christie
Good Morning everyone !! I am so glad that I joined the Krewe !! It was great to be a part of SWNAHRO conference... I feel so blessed to have an extraordinary group of people in my life and each conference brings us closer together :)
I really had a great time teaching some Texas girls how to cajun dance !!! We visited with lots of people from other states and they all said that Louisiana is absolutely best hosting group.
Mary Lynn, thanks for all of your tireless efforts, we were so proud to have you as our leader. Roz, thanks for giving Mary Lynn the daily support to put this all together. How could we possibly go wrong with the team of Boudreaux and Thibodeaux !!!!
Love,
Suzette
Mary Lynn and Roz you are the greatest. I really enjoyed my first SWNAHRO. It gave me an opportunity to really get to know some of my LHC friends and also make new friends. My freinds and family are really enjoying the Texas state basket. It really was a job getting it home. Thanks to all who helped me get it out of the hotel and back to Simmesport.
Pam
Mary Lynn,
Thanks to you and your team for all your hard work. I really enjoyed the meeting and my visit to Lafayette. And I love to hear you talk, lady. See you in St. Louis!
Patty Van Weelden
Program Director
OACAC Housing Assistance Program
Dallas County PHA (serves ten counties)
Springfield, MO 65802
Trip to New Orleans with lunch at Elizabeth's!

Here are the pics of the golf outing on Monday of the conference. The other two are of a restaurant in New Orleans where we had lunch and the French Market where we stopped for about 30 Min. Send me the link to the site where the pics will be posted if you can. Also, is there an email list of the attendees? I know there were many more pics that people might submit if they knew where to send them.Thank you,
Tony Hoch
The Butt Paste Bandit!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
C'est Tout Cher!
Looks like it's time to put the icing on that cake!
The Krewe has been busy preparing for your visit and we look forward to creating fond memories of your trip down south. We hope the EduCajuns and Blog have given you a taste of what Cajun Country has to offer. Experiencing Cajun culture is like no other.
Visit the Blog at http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ and study the information on our culture along with places to go and things to do during your stay. You must see the video clip of little Hunter Hayes (Breaux Bridge native now 16 years old) playing Jambalaya with Hank Williams Jr. We have also included THE BOUDIN LINK.
Stay tuned to the Blog after the conference for recaps, pictures, video clips and Fest Survivors! Come as you are…Leave different!
Mais cher... I'll see you in Lafayette…Allons!
Bon Temps, Bon Amis. Lafayette!
This seemed to satisfy the old priest and things went well , until Pastor Thibodeaux died at a ripe old age. About a week after, the new priest arrived. He visited the Mayor of the town and seemed very concerned. The young priest (Rev Boudreaux) said, You have to do something about the sidewalks in town. When people come into the confessional, they keep talking about having fallen." The Mayor started to laugh, realizing that no one had told the young priest about the code word.
The priest (Rev Boudreaux), shook an accusing finger at the mayor and said," I don't know what you're laughing about. Your wife fell three times this week."
EduCajun #11
Bon Jour Mes Amis!
My energy level is at an all time low and there is still much left to do to put the icing on that cake, so I thought I'd share a few Boudreaux - Thibodeaux jokes with you today.
Check out the blog http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ We're paying tribute to our State Capital, home of Da Prez, Richard Murray! We've also added lots of photos of local attractions that makes our part of the county so unique.
Get plenty of rest this weekend, have a wonderful Father's Day and I'll talk at you later!
Lache pas la patate! (Don’t let go of the potato)
Bon Temps, Bon Amis. Lafayette!
Two Cajun hunters get a pilot to fly them to Canada to hunt moose. They bag six. As Boudreaux and Thibodeaux start loading the plane for the return trip, the Pilot says 'The plane can only take four of those.'
The two Cajuns object strongly. 'Last year we shot six and the pilot let us put them all on board; he had the same plane as yours.'
Reluctantly, the pilot gives in and all six are loaded. However, even with full power, the little plane can't handle the load and down
it goes and crashes in the middle of nowhere. A few moments later, climbing out of the wreckage, Boudreaux asks Thibodeaux , 'Any idea where we are?' 'I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year.' Says Thibodeaux. ***************************************************************************************
LSU Cajun
In the men's bathroom, an accountant, a lawyer and a Cajun werestanding side-by-side using the urinal.The Accountant finished, zipped up and started washing and literallyscrubbing his hands.... clear up to his elbows.... he used 20 papertowels before he finished. He turned to the other two men and commented,I graduated from Ohio University and they taught us to be clean".The Lawyer finished, zipped up and quickly wet the tips of hisfingers, grabbed one paper towel and commented, "I graduated from theUniversity of Southern California and they taught us to beenvironmentally conscious."The Cajun zipped up and as he was walking out the door said,"I graduated from LSU and they taught us not to pee on our hands"
*************************************************************************
Boudreaux Wins A Bet
A Texan walked into the City Bar last weekend and started bragging that nobodycould drink like Texans can and bet that if any of the Cajuns there could drinka whole case of beer in an hour or less he would pay them $100.00. No one tookhim up on his offer, and in fact Boudreaux gotup and walked out. A little while later Boudreaux came back inside and asked theTexan if his offer was still good. The Texan said that it was, and he would, infact, even pay for the beer. Boudreaux told the bartender to line emup, and made short order of the case of beer, finishing in well less than thehour. The totally amazed Texan held up his part of the deal and paid the$100.00. But he was a little curious and asked Boudreaux, "By the way, whenI made the offer, you left. Where did you go?" Boudreaux answered him, "Mais Iwent to de other bar across de street. I had to make sure I could do it!"
*******************************************************************
Boudreaux an Thibodeaux da carpenters
EduCajun #10
Countdown has begun. All we have left to do is put the icing on the cake!
With only 12 days left to prepare for "Le Grand Derangement" (the great departure), let's talk about what to pack. The only day you'll need to look truly professional will be on Tuesday, June 24th for the Opening Luncheon/Awards/Scholarship/ Charles Farris Presentations. This will be our only "formal" affair. Comfortable, cool and casual attire is recommended for all other events. Some of the locals will be wearing shorts, t-shirts and caps for the "Cajun Fest" at Vermilionville Wednesday evening. You'll also need sunscreen, bug spray, alka-seltzer, and of course, a camera. Start packing...get plenty of rest...and
Bon Temps, Bon Amis. Lafayette!
EduCajun #9
That means... my dear hurry up! You only have a few days left to sign that Lagniappe Guest Book and answer those eight questions for the Paragon Casino Resort give away . You don't have to worry about squeezing in the time on this trip. The voucher doesn't expire until December 31st, so you have plenty of time to make a return visit to God's Country. We'd love to have you back!
The Hotel Acadiana has offered to extend our block for as many as we need and will take reservations until June 21st. Also, due to some minor renovations still underway, they have graciously reduced the rate to $79.00. Now that's a deal.
We have a wonderful line up waiting for you in Lafayette. As I was looking over the hotel guest lists, it looks like most of you will be arriving on Saturday. Come early and stay late, that's my motto! If you here early enough on Saturday, you should take a scenic drive to Breaux Bridge for the Zydeco Breakfast at Café Des Amis. After breakfast, dance on down the street, enjoy a cup of coffee and tap your feet to the Cajun Jam at the Coffee Break. Then on Sunday, it's the KBON Listener Appreciation Party just down the road at the Blackham Coliseum. A $5.00 admission fee (all proceeds going to Hospice of Acadiana) and you can enjoy a full day of Cajun and Zydeco music. After that, join us at the Hilton for LA NAHRO's Down Home Hospitality. Our skilled, experienced cooks are eager to present mouth-watering Cajun delights to satisfy every appetite.
With an agenda chock-a-block full of training and educational opportunities and rubbing elbows with the best of South West, who would want to miss out on this action?
Check out the blog. http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ We have included a list of area Casinos. Also, Texas NAHRO has challenged the region. Read what Steve has to say, along with other comments from our dedicated fans and supporters.
Ads? Well, I don't have enough strength to beg anymore. Either you did it or you didn't. If you didn't, I don't think the program went out to print. Fax it in NOW!
Bon Temps, Bon Amis. Lafayette!
EduCajun #8
I sure hope everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day Weekend! It was time to take a break and enjoy my back yard. Speaking of back yards, it won't be long before you'll be in mine. Are you ready?
As promised, here's #8. Remember in order to qualify for the Lagniappe Give Away you must be registered for the Conference by June 8, 2008, and sign the Lagniappe guest book with the answers to the eight questions posted on the SouthWest Fest Blog. It's that simple!
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ Good Luck!
We have once again updated the blog with more information, pictures and humor. It is amazing to see how far this blog has traveled. We've had visitors from the Netherlands, France, Dubai and Liverpool. Ke-aaw! Mais Cher dat's sum ting' ya!
Oh, by the way…what about that ad?
Allons A Lafayette. Bon Temps, Bon Amis!
EduCajun #7
Due to our Annual Legislative Conference and Awards Presentation this week, my EduCajun will have to short, but sweet. Pack your dancing shoes and your appetites. It’s time to prepare for “Cajun Fest”. We’ll be visiting Vermilionville for our BIG NIGHT OUT on Wednesday, June 25th. Great Cajun & Creole food, live Cajun & Zydeco music, Good Times and Good Friends all await you there. The Blog has been updated and gives you a little background information on the Village. It’s a wonderful place. You should make time to do the “full tour” during your stay with us. You won’t be disappointed. We've also included the true definition of
So…if you're not registered, dépêcher (hurry up)!
Come as you are. Leave different.
Allons A Lafayette.
EduCajun #6
Where has the time gone? Can you believe we only have 43 days left until SouthWest Fest? The enthusiasm surrounding this conference is awe-inspiring. Your comments and replies are overwhelming. It looks like everyone is anticipating the "Joie de Vivre" awaiting them in Lafayette. And cher we can't wait for you to get here.
If you haven't registered or made room reservations, you better get 'er done right away. The rooms are filling up fast and with record numbers expected, you don't want to miss out on the action. Training, special events, music, and of course, menus has been carefully selected to enlighten, entertain and educate. It's time to dust off those dancing shoes and Allons (let's go)!
Congratulations to Kansas and New Mexico! You've made it to our Blog!
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/
Louisiana. Not just a State, it's a Way of Living.
EduCajun #5
Bon Jour Mes Amis!
Thought I’d send a quick note today to let you all know that the Blog has been recently updated. We have included overflow hotel details along with information on other hotels in the close vicinity. You’ll also find mosquito survival tips and a lesson on Cajun vs. Creole.
The Blog has received hits from Vancouver, WA. and Boston, Massachusetts all the way to Orange Park, FL. We’re getting a few hits from New Mexico and Missouri but none from Kansas. Please be sure to forward these emails to your colleagues. We will soon be offering a fabulous early bird door prize and the only way to win is through the Blog. Be sure to pay attention to the next few EduCajuns to receive clues on how to win that prize. So…bookmark the website and visit it often. Sign our guest book and tell us what you think.
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/
Now it’s time! It’s time to start annoying you about buying an ad. It's time to get serious... We're working extremely hard to generate “bon temp” funds from Ad Sales. We can't do it alone. If you haven't placed your ad in the Conference Program, PLEASE DO IT TODAY! Ads are an allowable expense for you PHA, so don't put it off any longer. WE NEED YOU. The deadline for submission is May 21, 2008 and forms can be found on the SW Fest Blog or at file://www.swnahro.org/.
Lagniappe
Beer Drowning Boudreaux and Thibodeaux, casualties of the oilfield bust in the 80's, decided to leave Breaux Bridge and look for work in New Orleans. They quickly found jobs at the Abita Springs Brewery. They had been working only a couple of weeks when Boudreaux drowned in a beer vat. Management was very upset and asked Thibodeaux if he would return to Breaux Bridge to break the news to the Widow Boudreaux. Upon hearing the news, the Widow Boudreaux asked Thibodeaux if Boudreaux had suffered much. Thibodeaux replied, "I don't think so, as a matter of fact, he climbed out twice to go the bathroom
EduCajun #4
I hope you all had a great Easter. Did you start a new tradition with a friendly game of pâcquer (pa-kay)?
Mais Cher, let me tell you what happened to us. With our bellies full of boiled crawfish, it was time to get our little pâcque-pâcque game underway. Reese, (my grand daughter) rushed into the kitchen to get the baskets of beautifully dyed eggs.
As she was coming down the back porch, she tripped. Yes…every one of those eggs got cracked. She was distraught. As much as I tried to comfort her, nothing worked. So what does Maw-Maw do? Boil more eggs! I didn't go through the trouble of dying them but we did have our contest. And all was right again on the bayou!
Buy An Ad TODAY.
Allons A Lafayette! (Let's go to Lafayette)
EduCajun #3
Its Holy Week here in Cajun Country and soon our Lenten journey of sacrifice and penance will come to an end with the celebration of Easter. As Roman Catholics, Cajuns regard Easter as one of the most important religious holidays, and they celebrate it much like Christians throughout the United States: they prepare Easter baskets, tell stories about the "Easter bunny," exchange candy presents, and dye, hide, and hunt chicken eggs.
However, a traditional Cajun game played on Easter Day is pâcquer, or pâcque-pâcque, terms deriving from the French word for Easter, Pâcques. Contestants’ select hard-boiled eggs, pair off, and tap the eggs together — the player whose egg does not crack is the winner. The kids around these parts carefully choose their eggs in hopes to win the role of champion. Of course some of them try to "pull the wool" over the eyes of their opponents. My brother used to freeze his eggs while we were busy devouring candy from the Easter baskets.
Why not start a new tradition this Easter? Try a little game of pâcquer (pa-kay) with your children or grandchildren, husband, wife, Boudreaux, Thibodeaux...
Happy Easter to you and yours!
Allons A Lafayette! (Let's go to Lafayette)
EduCajun #2
Lagniappe (lahn-yop) is a Cajun French
word meaning "a little something extra."
And we would like to give you a taste of
what you can expect when you
If you're looking for a unique cultural
experience, then Lafayette is where you
want to be - real Cajun and Creole
cooking - fresh and spicy; just an
oyster throw from the bayou; festivals
and celebrations - Mardi Gras to a
Friday afternoon fais-do-do (street
dance); historic antebellum homes; lush
tropical gardens; dark and mysterious
swamps; and, authentic folk life
attractions.
So come spend a little time with us here
on the bayou. We'll save you a place on
the dance floor.
Today we have our fist Louisiana history
lesson (with many more to come) on "What
is a Cajun". The attached document
should prepare you in understanding
Cajun Country, its people and culture.
The SouthWest Fest blog has been updated
with a link to registration information,
preliminary agendas, ads and golf
tournament entry forms. We have also
introduced Poo Poo Broussard to the page
and, if you dare, there's a link to the
Cajun Quiz! Thibodeaux and Boudreaux are
there too. Enjoy!
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/
Mary Lynn Thibodeaux
Krewe Chief
SouthWest Fest 2008
habb@att.net
EduCajun #1
June 21-26, 2008
Lafayette, La.
March 3rd, 2008
BON JOUR MES AMIS (good day my friends)
The ball is rolling and the clock is ticking!
As most of you already know, Louisiana is hosting the 68th Annual Southwest NAHRO Conference in Lafayette, June 21-26, 2008.
As promised, here is the link to our Southwest Fest blog.
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/
It is intended to be your Louisiana connection to the Conference. We will include information on registration, training agendas and a little lagniappe (something extra). Explore the sight and enjoy what it has to offer. We will notify you each time it is updated with valuable information or the latest Thibodeaux-Boudreaux joke.
The Krewe has been preparing for your visit for almost a year now and looks forward to creating fond memories of your trip down south. As Krewe Chief, I am charged with the task of giving you a taste of what Cajun Country has to offer. My Educajun messages will be forwarded and will include information on the history of our culture along with places to go and things to do during your stay. Experiencing Cajun culture is like no other. We hope you plan on joining us in Lafayette and feel our
“joie de vivre” (joy of living) as we let the good times roll!
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
(lay say lay bohn tohn roo lay)
Mary Lynn Thibodeaux
Krewe Chief
Southwest Fest 2008
habb@att.net
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tribute To "Da Prez"
our LHC President, Richard Murray and to share some highlights on his neck of the woods, our State Capitol.
The city of Baton Rouge was named nearly 300 years ago when on March 17, 1699, Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville, led an expedition along the Mississippi River.
was completed in 1850. Louisiana seceded from the Union in 1861, and in August 1862, Baton Rouge fell to the Union forces. The federal government of Louisiana was moved to New Orleans. It was 1882 before Baton Rouge again became the capital of the state.
In 1927, Huey P. Long was elected governor and served from 1928-1932, when he became a United States Senator. One of the most famous "populist" politicians, Long provided "free textbooks" for public schools. Eight flags have flown over Baton Rouge, from the British in the only Revolutionary battle fought outside the 13 original colonies to the stars and stripes of the United States of America.
The Indian mounds on the campus of Louisiana State University were constructed 450 years before the first Egyptian pyramid was built.

Tiger Stadium, also known as "Death Valley", has been the site of an actual earthquake. Thousands of cheering fans rocked the stadium so hard the movement was actually recorded on a Richter Scale.
The oldest HMO in the nation was started in Baton Rouge in 1924 by Standard Oil (now Exxon).









