Noon Rotarians Move Into New Year
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Opelousas Noon Rotary Club members celebrated the installation of new officers Tuesday night during a ceremony and banquet held inside the Spotted Horse restaurant at Evangeline Downs.
American Bank & Trust Company officer Andy Chautin was sworn-in as club president, while Lisa Marks, an officer with St. Landry Bank & Trust Company is the 2026-27 club vice-president.
Candance Papillion-Hayes, a Catalyst Bank officer, stepped down after serving for two years as club president.
The event also featured the installation of other annual club officers, new members and the selection of Sonny Stephen as the Rotary Club member of The Year.
Stephen made significant club contributions again in 2026 for providing technical and donation assistance with the annual Rotary Auction fund raiser in September, modifying a utility trailer for Rotary Club transport purposes and making weekly gifts for guest speakers.
Chautin said he had the option of joining several civic clubs when he was first employed by the bank, but he decided to choose the Noon Rotary Club after a period of consideration.
Several club members have been helpful, Chautin said, in making his membership meaningful.
Chautin said club members Gloria Sonnier, Mike Ortego, Papillon-Hayes, officer Bruce Gaudin and others have helped make an easy transition from vice-president to president.
Bruce Alsandor, president of the Opelousas After Dark Rotary Club, installed the 2026 officers.
Alsandor has been elected as the incoming Rotary District governor.
In his remarks to the club, Alsandor noted that the three Opelousas Rotary clubs which also includes Opelousas Sunrise Rotary, are trending above the District average for newly-inducted memberships.
Each club, Alsandor said, exhibits a uniqueness. However all of the Rotary clubs internationally demonstrate the same goal, which is service above self.
The 49 Rotary clubs in the District, Alsandor said, include about 2,500 members.
