Christmas Coffee Held at Lafayette Museum

VITA tutor Lynne Castle and her student Delores Labbe enjoying the Christmas Coffee

Students and tutors gathered at the Lafayette Museum to celebrate the holiday season on Wednesday, December 15, 2010. Guests of the museum toured the house, drank coffee and punch, sang carols, and enjoyed sweets from 10 am to 12 pm. "I had a ball!" said Delores Labbe, a VITA student. "And, my tutor [Lynne Castle] did too."
The highlight of the event for many students was the caroling. Audrey Martin, a part-time VITA staff member and tutor, led the carols and stated, "I enjoyed the highly spirited singing of everyone and was amazed by how many good voices joined in."

The highlight of the event for many students was the caroling. Audrey Martin, a part-time VITA staff member and tutor, led the carols and stated, "I enjoyed the highly spirited singing of everyone and was amazed by how many good voices joined in."

The historic Lafayette Museum was the home of Alexandre Mouton, the 12th governor of Louisiana and built by the founder of Vermilionville, Jean Mouton. The antebellum house collection includes paintings and
antiques of the period, as well as Mardi Gras costumes from past balls.

This year is VITA's second Christmas Coffee at the Lafayette Museum.


Audrey Martin leads students and tutors in Christmas carols.

Huval, Newest Member of Opelousas Staff

Natasha, a physician in her home country of Russia, hopes to become an accredited doctor in the United States.
Natasha Allgood, a VITA student of four years, recently became an American citizen on May 27, 2010. Natasha, a physician in her home country of Russia, is currently working as a technician in a local Ear, Nose, and Throat and Allergy Clinic but hopes to become an accredited doctor in the United States. A big step in that plan was to become a citizen.

Natasha came to America in 1994 and married her husband, John. She learned about VITA from
a friend and was soon matched with Faith Hamilton, her tutor. "Faith is not just my tutor, she is my best friend too," states Natasha.

Natasha credits her success to the student/ tutor coordinators at VITA as well as her husband, relatives, friends, and colleagues.