Page 1 of 2 Regular Session, 2013 ENROLLED SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 123 BY SENATOR ALLAIN AND REPRESENTATIVE JONES A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON To commend the dedicated efforts of the citizens of the city of Franklin and of St. Mary Parish in creating the No Hitchin' folklife play. WHEREAS, the No Hitchin' project was created by Techeland Arts Council, a non-profit arts organization of local volunteers representing a cross-section of St. Mary Parish, with the goal to integrate the artistic resources of the area into the public awareness and provide a stimulus for economic development by highlighting the history and uniqueness of the community; and WHEREAS, No Hitchin' presented its premiere performance in March 2012 and its second annual performance in April 2013, not only to citizens from St. Mary Parish, but also from surrounding parishes, and even from nearby states; and WHEREAS, this performance is of, by, and for the people of St. Mary Parish and other parishes along the Bayou Teche and is based on the oral history of the region's diverse peoples and will be presented by them; and WHEREAS, No Hitchin' will celebrate shared heritage, proclaim a multicultural identity, and probe issues of gender, age, class, and race; and WHEREAS, No Hitchin' stands for a spirit of cooperation in the community and is named in reference to the raised wording on each historic cast iron lamppost along the boulevard on Main Street in Franklin, Louisiana, which states "Do Not Hitch"; and WHEREAS, this already successful project has given people tools of self-confidence, provided role models, and has created a new community self-image; and WHEREAS, No Hitchin' is contributing to the community's developing tourism program and bringing new income into the area; and WHEREAS, No Hitchin' is based on the idea that everybody has a story to tell and the essence of the project is in giving of the gift of people's lives; and SCR NO. 123 ENROLLED Page 2 of 2 WHEREAS, No Hitchin' will strengthen the community by making use of resources that include heritage, stories, and the talents of its people to perform a variety of roles on stage and off. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana hereby commends the dedicated efforts of the citizens of the city of Franklin and of St. Mary Parish in creating the No Hitchin' folklife play. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES