FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHAT: Paperblanks Journals for Senior Citizens in Grand Coteau

WHEN: While supplies last

TIME: Wednesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

WHERE: Casa Azul Gifts, 232 ML King Dr., Grand Coteau, LA 70541

CONTACT: Patrice Melnick, (337) 662-1032 or festivalwords@gmail.com

The Paperblanks Company of Ontario, Canada, Paperblanks, a globally renowned brand of writing notebooks, has donated 50 beautiful writing journals for distribution to senior citizens of Grand Coteau, Louisiana. The donation is intended to encourage town elders to write their personal or family stories.

The journal distribution is part of a larger project called "Grand Coteau Voices: the Good, the Bad and the Complicated." This program includes 1) a monthly oral history presentation that is recorded and archived in UL’s Archives for Cajun and Creole Folklore, 2) A tour of the archives at UL and 3) Distribution of Paperblank journals.

Writing helps to stimulate thoughts, record memories and to preserve stories for yourself or future generations. Journal writing is usually informal, with emphasis on the content (memories and thoughts) rather than grammar or mechanics. Paperblanks donated these beautifully crafted blankbooks blank books in order to honor elders’ stories and to encourage them to write, and share if they wish.

If you are a Grand Coteau native, whether living in town or away, you are welcome to pick up a free journal during regular business hours at Casa Azul Gifts, Wednesday through Sunday. Then, sit down and write your memories.

Everyone has a story to write and Paperblanks are also available for sale at Casa Azul Gifts in Grand Coteau, Barnes and Noble in Lafayette and other stores that carry quality stationary products.

We thank Paperblanks for their generous, in-kind donation. Grand Coteau Voices is sponsored by The Festival of Words Cultural Arts Collective in partnership with the UL Center for Louisiana Studies and the Imperial St. Landry Genealogical & Historical Society. Find a schedule of upcoming events at festivalwords.org.

Casa Azul Gifts is located at 232 ML King Dr., Grand Coteau.

For more information call Patrice at (337) 662-1032 or festivalwords@gmail.com.