Restoring roses

In mid-May, everything was coming up roses at the Cameron Library when more than 600 rose bushes were distributed to individuals and community organizations from across the Parish. With the help of Cameron LNG and the Southwest Louisiana Rose Society, the “Restoring Roses to Southern Gardens” program helps local residents to replant and restore some of the natural beauty of the area that was left devastated as a result of Hurricane Rita.

Lee and David Stevens, founders of the program, were in town to partake in the celebration. In addition to the roses, Stevens also collects letters of hope and encouragement from all over the country and she gives packets of the letters to each rose recipient. To date, more than 1,200 roses have been distributed to Cameron Parish, along with more than 15,000 letters.

“We didn’t have to think twice about supporting this project,” said Randy Oakley, Cameron LNG’s terminal manager. “Taking pride in our environment and surroundings goes a long way to lift people’s spirits and enhance the natural beauty of the area.”