Bayou tales entertain seniors, kids

• By CHANTE DIONNE WARREN
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Oct 25, 2008 - Page: 1B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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A 1930s high school football star, Bobby Hebert, 89, created a “buzz” in his

retirement community’s dining hall Friday when he joined a cast of singing and dancing insects, animals and plants.

Wearing red plastic lips, black antenna and a striped honey bee costume, Hebert played the role in true fashion.

“I’m buzzing around and willing to make a fool of myself. Anything for a laugh,” said Hebert, who took part in a traveling author’s storytelling performance Friday at The Haven at Windemere independent/assisted living facility on YMCA Plaza Street.

But most attention was directed toward the stage where 48 Dunham School fourth-graders performed the swamp rabbit stomp and the lightning bug boogie, all the while dancing and singing as alligators, bunnies, turtles, insects and plants.

The characters are all part of Monroe author and educator Dee Scallan’s books.

“Way down south in bayou land, all the alligators form the band,” sang Scallan, 64, and a half dozen alligator-headed students who played imaginary guitars and saxophones.

Scallan’s tours at schools and other venues throughout the state, provide an opportunity for her characters to educate children about events, animals, insects and other things native to Louisiana, she said.

The visit is also a part of Dunham students’ regular trips to meet with Haven residents, Dunham teacher Pam Fletcher said.

“The residents light up when they see a little child who is eager to speak to and listen to them and just show them some attention.” said Jill McConathy, activity director at the Haven. 

The star of the show, Moby Pincher, “the largest most kindhearted crawfish in the South,” said Scallan, appeared in a bright, orange crawfish costume, played by Scallan’s husband, Beep Scallan.

Dee Scallan’s 12-year-old illustrator, Daniel Myers, a Dutchtown Middle student, sketched drawings for students following the performance.

Following the stage performance, students asked residents questions about their childhood.