SJSO Welcomes Seniors for Thanksgiving lunch

Sheriff Mike Tregre and several of his officers welcomed nearly 400 senior citizens to the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office’s Thanksgiving luncheon November 21, 2023 at Regala Gym in Reserve.

The free event featured bingo, music, door prizes, and a delicious meal of baked chicken, rice dressing and green beans prepared by SJSO business partner, Brand Safway. Bread pudding prepared by Lt. Denise Lowery also was a big hit.

Many seniors were thrilled with the great entertainment featuring Rockin Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters.

Our SJSO Santa, also known as Cpl. Jose Portillo, and his elves, Maria Dantin and Claudette Edwards, enjoyed visiting with seniors.

After attempting to steal a few of our bingo and door prizes, Grinch, also known as Deputy Grant Pierre, pleaded his case to Sheriff Tregre who ordered him to return the gifts or else!

Our SJSO turkey, Sgt. John Norsworthy, “came in like a butterball” to greet guests.

More than 100 bingo and door prizes were presented. The winners of the 50-inch televisions were Trudy Torres and Katherine Pierre. Honored as the oldest in attendance were Marie Landry, 90; and Betty Marse, 87.

The SJSO deeply appreciates Marathon for helping finance the event; and Brand Safway for providing and preparing the meal. The St. John United Way also contributed to the event.

We are grateful to Parish President Jaclyn Hotard for the use of Regala gym and to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office for the use of its rotisserie grill.

Assisting officers at the event were Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and the Rotary Club of LaPlace.

The SJSO also thanks students from LaPlace Elementary, West St. John Elementary, Lake Pontchartrain, East St. John Prep, Emily C. Watkins and Fifth Ward Elementary for the Thanksgiving-themed place mats.

Kudos definitely goes to Deputies Ingrid Perrilloux and Terrence Wilson and Cpl. Darlene Cooper who spearheaded the event.