Valentine’s Day: The Central Crew Keeps Love Lights Burning All Year

In 2007, a loose-knit group of Central citizens began supporting the new Central Community School System by attending school board meetings and volunteering their help in cleaning and sprucing up the city’s aged school facilities. 

These ordinary citizens spent much of their summer painting and assisting in getting the schools ready for the fall semester. Afterwards, they helped to raise funds for the schools by working at Cooking for Kids events and also offered their help whenever schools needed some extra hands. In addition, the group organized a jambalaya fundraiser that brought in $15,000 to help Whitney Taylor, the daughter of principal Rhonda Taylor who was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

What began as a loose-knit group of acquaintances with a love for Central and the school system evolved into a circle of close friends who have built lasting relationships. The group has shared many life experiences through the years. They have laughed together in joyous times and cried together in times of sorrow. They have created a support system that has helped them get through life’s ups and downs.

None of the group imagined that their initial meeting would develop into relationships that would last for 13 years. However, as their work for the schools continued, they began to meet socially. In 2008, they decided to meet weekly for breakfast at Debbie Cooper’s former restaurant on Joor Road. It was at this time the ladies decided that the organization needed a name. Since dining was always a part of the itinerary, Central Residents Eating Well, or the CREW, seemed like a fitting title. The CREW was officially formed! 

The tradition of meeting for breakfast once a week has continued to this day. CREW members can be found at David’s Mobil on Tuesday mornings.

In addition to regular breakfast meetings, the group of friends has get-togethers throughout the year. They recently celebrated the new year with a bonfire and an old-fashioned wiener roast. Many events find them in their “happy place” – the Easley barn. The large facility has been the scene of many celebrations for the CREW. Will and Dot Easley, members of the group, have graciously opened their barn for Christmas parties, anniversaries, and other events shared by the group. The friends have also enjoyed private bus trips to the Festival of Lights in Natchitoches and the World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Originally, the CREW consisted of about 35 people, but some of them have passed away and a few others have moved to other areas. Most of the group members are still in Central and continue to meet and enjoy life together. 

Central schools continue to flourish, and this knowledge brings a smile to CREW members. The friendships they have forged as they worked together and now play together have remained solid. A love of God, a love of one another, and a love of Central have been the glue that has kept the CREW together. They feel blessed to be a part of each other’s lives.