"It was 1962. We ice-skated on University Lake." Thibodaux resident Goldie Legendre was in Baton Rouge that winter, with no recollection of whether bayous Lafourche or Terrebonne also iced over. Recently married to an LSU student, she got to try out skates they had bought cheap when a southern skating rink failed.
The lake in question, where I recall seeing rescues that year, is large enough to have had both thin and skate-able ice in separate areas. The Legendres later lived in a northern state where they became proficient at ice skating.
Icy Terrebonne: He cannot specify a year, but Terrebonne's F.J. Matherne recalls a '60s deep freeze while he worked for Texaco at Lake Barre. The bunkhouse toilets froze and split, and containers of water froze solid indoors. The temperatures caused fish to die in shallow waters.
Other recollections of freezing bayous in Terrebonne and Lafourche are welcome. Call or write.
Market update! The veggie, food and crafts vendors at the downtown Houma market are a hardy bunch, on the job even in winter. But just in case the weather threatens on Tuesday, organizer Cheryl Skinner invites shoppers to check before driving to South Louisiana Seed, corner Main and Naquin streets.
"Our email address is southlouisianaseedmarket@gmail.com. Our Facebook page is South Louisiana Seed Market. Click 'like' on the market Facebook page to become a follower and automatically get market updates on your personal Facebook page."
Skinner, you may recall, has greenhouses that produce big juicy tomatoes. Last Tuesday, she had boxes of just-picked tomatoes, the first of her winter season. Other winter vendors include My Foods oriental foods, Tammy Pellegrin's Cajun cooking, and Theriot's prepared seafood dishes. The market is open from 3-5 p.m.
Round Table: The legacy of the Vietnam War is the subject of discussions at Terrebonne's Main Library, 151 Library Drive, Houma at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The speakers are Catherine Haws and Stuart Tully. The round table is sponsored by the Regional Military Museum, and it's free and open to the public.
Today! Monthly trivia competition, sponsored by Friends of the Library, is being held at 2 p.m., Terrebonne Main Library. The public is welcome. Refreshments.
MAX School admissions: The grades 1-8 charter school for area dyslexic students has, said Director Carol Broussard,"started accepting applications through March 1 for the upcoming 2018-19 school year."
Application forms, online at www.maxcharter.org or at the school, 100 Afton Drive, Nicholls State University campus, Thibodaux. Information: 227-9500 or email contactus@maxcharter.org .
Weighty matters: Beneath the Weight, a three-week program targeting weight-related concerns with Paul Waldman of SelfCare Health Initiatives begins with the workshop "Discover Why You Overeat." It's at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Registration information: 850-5301.
Vietnam War: With the History Department at Nicholls, the Terrebonne Main Library is hosting programs examining the controversial war, including showing the 10-part Ken Burns/Lynn Novick documentary, two episodes twice a month. Three, "The River Styx," is at 1 p.m. Jan. 22.
Teen of the Year: Tickets and sponsorships are available for the 61th annual Terrebonne Teenager of the Year dinner program sponsored by Houma's American Legion Post 31 at 6 p.m. Saturday. "Twenty-six nominees from the seven parish high schools and one home schooled student will be recognized and honored for their volunteer services to their respective school, faith and civic communities."
"The nominees, their parents and school officials will be dinner guests of Legion Posts 31, 272, Montegut and 380," announced Lee Shaffer III.
This year, the Legion and Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence have included an Educator of the Year announcement at the same banquet at 602 Legion Ave.
Gilberto Burbante, director of Veterans Affairs at Nicholls, is the featured speaker. Ticket information: 804-2265, Lshaffers@aol.com or 516-784-6710, or tlmaritime@yahoo.com.
Responding? Contact Bill Ellzey at 381-6256, ellzey@viscom.net, billellzey312@gmail.com or c/o The Courier, P.O. Box 2717, Houma, LA 70361.