ADVOCATE ADVOCATEADVOCATE THE
PAINTING THETOWNBLUE
Darlene Denstorff
Sorrento to host Boucherie &Balloon Festival
Sorrento’sannual Boucherie
&Balloon Festival kicks off Friday on Airline Highway in the town that celebrates the Cajun tradition of butchering ahog.
The festival is organized by the Sorrento Lions Club to raise moneyfor the Louisiana Lions Camp and Louisiana LionsEye Foundation,providing free recreationalactivities, optical services and so much more for special-needs children.
From Oct. 18-20, the fair will include free on-site parking, akid’szone, tethered hot air balloons rides, music, artsand crafts andlotsoffood. The highlight of the weekend are the cracklinand jambalaya cooking contests. For details, visit www.boucheriefestival.com.
Thecircusiscomingtotown
The Carden International Circus is making up for its missed show due to Hurricane Francine on Oct. 19-20atthe LamarDixonExpo Center
Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the same day and times as originally scheduled. For information, visit spectacularcircus.com.
HollyJolly Hope Fest planned
The City of Donaldsonville is hosting the Holly JollyHope Fest from 10 a.m. to 3p.m.Oct 19 at the Lemann Memorial Center to raise moneyfor the Iris Domestic Violence Center. For vendor or ticket information, call (225) 323-1918.
Musicinthe Park
Music in the Park’snext free concert series willfeature The Michael Foster Project Oct. 20 inJambalayaPark.
Breast cancer awareness
Tanger Outlets Gonzales is hosting PINK Street Teams Saturday to supportbreast cancerawareness and research efforts. Gonzales shoppersare invited for themed activities, exclusive shopping deals and donationopportunities honoring 30th anniversary of supporting breast cancer research and awareness
Shoppers are also encouraged to donate aminimum of $10 to receive aspecial voucher with curated offers from retailers. All proceeds from Tanger’sonline donation campaign directly
ä See AROUND, page 2G
when
PHOTOS
homecoming
Olivia Puccio reigned as East Ascension High homecoming queen Friday as the Spartans beat the Prairieville Hurricanes.
The school celebrated homecoming throughout the week with themedays,competitions, aparade, pep rally andthe induction of its Hall and Wall of Fame honorees.
To kick of this new rivalry,Spartan students donned yellow raincoats andblueumbrella hatsto tackle the Hurricanes.
Football gets cranking midseason
The St. Amant Gators football team letone slip away last week against Dutchtown. This week, the Gators beat Walker 33-26 in a huge District5-5A matchup. Walkerwas the preseason districtfavorite amongthe league coaches St. Amant (32) useda stingy defense to hold Walkerto3points in the first half. The Gators were led by quarterback Cooper Babin with 197 passing yards anda touchdown pass to wide receiverQuentin Elisar.Running backsJourdenHickerson and TyreeWilliams addedrushing touchdowns alongwith Babin. Linebacker WesleyDykes recovered aWildcat fumble in their ownend zone fora touchdown. East Ascensionscored early andoften in a57-15 win over Prairieville in District 5-5A action. The Spartans (3-3)havewon back-to-back gamesunderCoach Brock Matherne andjumped up to No. 29 in the powerrankings. AscensionCatholic jumped to a43-0lead in the first quarter against Ascension Christian and neverlooked back in a56-7 win. The Bulldogs (4-1)wereled by ChadElzy’s187 yards andthree touchdowns. QuarterbackCamille LeBoeuf threwfor 142 yards andthree scores.Luke Husers, Johnny Viallonand Trevin Simoncaught touchdown passes. Husers caught asecond touchdown from Cy Landry.Simon addeda 70-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Bulldogdefense had12 pass breakups against apassheavyLionteam. Theyheldthe Lions (2-4)to57total yards. Defensive back JaydenVerner had an interception for Ascension Catholic. Defensive back Harrison Ledet recovered afumble for AscensionCatholic.
Firefighters learnabout hazardousmaterials
Community news report
Localfirefighters from Ascension Parish Fire District 1, CAER Team, the Ascension Parish hazmat team, the Ascension Parish IMAG Team andmembers of the Honeywell chemical facility Emergency Response Team participated in atabletop hazardous materials drill at the Honeywell chemical facility in Ascension Parish, CAER Chair James E. LeBlanc said.
“These types of training scenarios give ouremer-
gencyresponders ahandson learning experience as close to real life as possible,” LeBlanc said.
“Many lessons were learned,along with building abetter relationship with ourindustry partners andassets available to us when needed.”
As partofthe exercise, members of Ascension Parish emergency response teams learnedabout all the chemicals manufactured, stored and shipped at thefacility,and what equipment
PROVIDED PHOTO Local
ghters from Ascension Parish Fire District1,CAERTeam, APSO Haz-Mat Team and the Ascension Parish IMAG Team joinmembers of Honeywellchemical facility emergency response team participate in atable-top haz-mat drillatthe Honeywell Chemical Facility in AscensionParish.
PROVIDED
East Ascension High’sOlivia Puccio, center,issurprised
her name is called as
queen Friday.
Despiteclear skies and zero chance of rain, the East Ascension student section wears yellowrain coats, blueumbrella hats and white boots to stave off the hurricane surgefrom the Prairieville Hurricanes.
TheEast Ascension Spartan mascot on thesidelines Friday duringthe game
Database documentshistoricLa. cemeteries
BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer
The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation has built adatabase of roughly 8,500 historic cemeteries across the state andinvites people to submit informationabout gravesitesyet to be documented.
“It’sreally importantto know about the cemeteries because of the possible construction of abuildingor road or pipeline,” saidBrian Davis, executive director of the nonprofit trust.
“It’saway to respect and protect the cemeteries,” he said.
Thenewly launched Louisiana Register of Historic Cemeteries “is away of letting people know, ‘This is a cemetery,’”Davis said.
“It’sespecially important in the southern part of the state,” he said.
“Because of erosion and rising sea levels, some cemeteries are goingunderwater,especially in lower Lafourche Parish.”
One is Leeville Cemetery noted on the new historic cemetery registry The graves there date back to 1905, when there was an epidemic of yellow fever
Locally,Tangipahoa has
383 cemeteries on the list andEast Felicianahas 288. Thelist also includes Ascension with91, Livingston with 383 and West Feliciana with 134. The Zacharyareahas 30. The Louisiana Trust of Historic Preservation worked on thenew database over thepastyear, with the help of the Louisiana Cemetery Board and graduate students in Tulane University’s master’sofscience program in historic preservation,Davis said
People who are familiar with any of the cemeteriescurrently on the list are invitedtoadd information aboutthe spot,hesaid
“What are the grave markers made of? Is there a church nearby?” Davis said. “If there’samilitary marker on the headstone, what war is it from?”
People can also add their own photos.
For those who would like to seea cemeterycertified and added to the historic cemeteries register,one of three conditions must be met:
n It must be 50 or more years, since the first burial, and/or n It must contain theburial of aperson of local, state or national importance by reason of civic, public or military service, cultural achievementorhistorical significance, and/or n It must contain structures that are considered architecturally significant. There is no fee to nominate acemetery to be certified.
The new registry is also a tool for those who have studied their family’sgeneology and may be able to trace the restingplace of oneoftheir ancestors to aquiet Louisiana cemetery
And, said David,the certification of acemetery may encourage families to
Donaldsonville High namesnew principal
Community news report
O’Neil L. Robinson is the new Donaldsonville High School principal.
Robinson
“Dr O’Ne il Robinson brin gs with him 26 years of dedicated service on thewest side of our parish,a wealth of experience, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” Superintendent Edith Walker said. Robinson is a1989 gradu-
ate of Donaldsonville High School. His academic credentials include adual bachelor’sdegree in computer science and mathematics from Southern University A&M College. He continued hiseducation at Southern, earningamaster’s degree insupervision and administration education in 2006 and amaster’sdegree in pure mathematics in 2019. Most recently, he completed aPh.D. in science andmathematics education from Southern University, cementing his expertise in STEM education. He completed the Aspiring PrincipalFellowship in
2023 through the Louisiana State Department of Education. Over the years, he has served as an eighth grade math teacher at Lowery Middle School, asecondary math teacher at Donaldsonville High, and in leadership roles as an assistant principal at Lowery Middle and Donaldsonville High schools. Most recently, he served as the associate principal of Donaldsonville High School, where he helped guide the school’s strategic direction and foster student achievement, a news release said. He is married to Calandra N. Robinson, and they have
adaughter,Ayana Allen.
“My mission is to ensure that every student at Donaldsonville High School graduates ready for college and their future careers. When they step into the real world, theywill be equippedtoachieve great things. We will implement the highest standards of education to prepare them to become outstanding citizens of Donaldsonville, Louisiana,”Robinson said. “I want to express my gratitude —Donaldsonville is in my heart, and as aproud alumnus of Donaldsonville High, Iamdeeply committed to its success.”
Ascensionplans supply collection drive
BY DARLENE DENSTORFF Community News Editor
Ascension Parish residents are rallying to provide relief forpeople impacted by recent hurricanes. Supplies are being collected from 6a.m. to 7p.m. Mondayinthe parking lot behindChili’sinTanger Outlet Gonzales. In partnership with Volunteer Ascension and Rotary International, Tanger hasset up acollectionpoint and encourages the Ascension Parish community to drop off essential items for donation. Critical items that areneeded for disaster relief include:
n 5-Gallon Buckets
n Mops
n Push Brooms
n Paper Towels
n Cleaning Supplies
n Garbage Bags
SPORTS
Continued from page1G
Week 6scores
East Ascension 57, Prairieville 15
St. Amant 33,Walker 26 Brusly 48, Donaldsonville 33
Ascension Catholic 56, Ascension Christian 7
Week 7schedule
Thursday St. John at Ascension Catholic (4-1) #2 Prairieville (1-5) at Live Oak Friday Dutchtown (5-0) No. 11 host Denham Springs
Ascension Christian (2-4) No.24at East Iberville
Game of the Week
St. Amant (3-2)No. 15 at East As-
Continued from page1G
n Floor Scrapers n UtilityKnives n Wheelbarrows n Work Gloves n PlasticBins n Shockwave n Diapers n Wipes n Formula Tanger centers across the country are also supporting the American Red Cross in itsdisaster relief efforts Customers are encouragedtomake a donation at https://www.redcross.org/ donate/cm/tanger-pub.html/
“Your contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for,respond to, and help people recover from disasters across the U.S. $10provides acomfort kit and snack to three people, $50 funds afull dayoffood and shelter for one person, and $135 covers cleanup kits for five families,” anews release said.
cension (3-3) No. 29
Thebest rivalry in the state will be played on Burnside at East Ascension field
TheGators and the Spartans will have afriendly week of competitions leading up to the game Friday.This will be East Ascension’scoach Brock Matherne’s first look at therivalry up close. Coach David Oliver and the Gators are comingoff of avictory in last year’sgame. For theneutral football fan looking for agame to attend, do yourself a favor and pull up, but get there early because thesetting is second to none.
Middle school football
Gonzales 16, Lake 8 Prairieville 14, Dutchtown 0 Galvez 36, Lowery 0 Bluff 14, St. Amant 14 (3 OT) Prairieville 5-0 Galvez 5-0
Volunteer Ascension Executive Director Sherry Denig has been working with Rotary District 6200 DisasterRelief Committee leaders to organize localefforts.
Rotary District Governor,Craig Walling, whoalso serves on the RotaryDisaster Relief Committee and as amemberofthe Gonzales Rotary Club, said the district’s emergency respond groupfrom Lake Charles will joinVolunteer Ascension on Mondaytocollect and deliver supplies to victims in the Tampa area of Florida.
The group’semergency team has beenbusy in recent months providing supplies and assistance to hurricane victims across thesouth, Walling said.
”Weknow what it’s like when adisaster hits and we’ve always received help, so we want to help other when we can,” Walling said Friday
Dutchtown 2-2
Lake 2-2
Gonzales 2-3 Central 1-3
Lowery 1-4
Bluff 0-4-1
St. Amant 0-3-1
Parish Volleyball
Division 1
Dutchtown 22-6 No. 5
East Ascension 14-15 No. 23
St Amant 12-17 No. 27
Prairieville 2-22 No. 51
Division 4
Donaldsonville 1-3 No. 43
Division 5
Ascension Catholic 17-11 No. 4
Ascension Christian 13-12
organize voluntary cleaning days and create family awareness.
Acemetery could be “one burial or hundreds,” he said.
“Folks who may not have had the means to put aheadstone would sometimes plant atree,” Davis said. “You’ll see arow of trees, a family’smarkers.”
AROUND
Continued from page1G
benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
At Tanger centers across the country,100% of donations from both local and national fundraising efforts will go toward breast cancer research and programs Localhospitality appreciated
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association recently published astatement from the Louisiana High School Officials Association thanking several schools in the state for “going above and beyond by demonstrating extraordinary security,hospitality and sportsmanship. We commend their support of our officiating community.”
Area schools include Dutchtown and St. Amant in Ascension Parish, East Feliciana, and Walker in Livingston Parish.
Lookingfor some pecans, sweetpotatoes?
It’stime to order your sweet potatoes and pecan halves from the Ascension Parish 4-H. The group is taking orders through Oct. 21.
A20-pound box of sweet potatoes is $22 and a40 pound box is $35. A3pound box of peeled pecans is $30. Pick up is from 8a.m. to 5p.m. Nov.19-20 at the 4-H Office at Lamar-Dixon.
“Whenyou seea clump of trees out in afield, it often means abuilding once stood there or it’s asign that it’sa cemetery,” he said.
Email Ellyn Couvillion at ecouvillion@theadvocate. com.
To order,contact an Ascension Parish 4-Her, visit the 4-H office or order online at lsuagcenter.com/ ascension4h. All proceeds benefit the Ascension Parish 4-H Foundation scholarships and programs.
Sheriff’sChristmas Crusadeisaccepting applications
The program provides Christmas toys for children through age 12. Applications are available at the Sheriff’s offices in Gonzales, Donaldsonville and Prairieville. Nov.22isthe deadline to submit an application. For information, call Sgt. Misty Turner at (225) 621-8827.
NewFallFestplanned Gonzales is planning its first Fall Fest on Oct. 27 at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center.The event will include music, food, games, pumpkins and arts and crafts.
Eat, Drink&beScary tickets are on sale for the East Ascension Rotary Club and Ascension Parks Foundation’sfor “Eat, Drink & be Scary” event Oct. 23 at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. For tickets, visit https:// tinyurl.com/34t5h5dc. Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate. com or ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com.
THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE 40444CannonRoad, Gonzales,LA70737 (225) 388-0215
PUBLISHEDEVERY WEDNESDAY Onlineattheadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/ascension/
COMMUNITY SECTION EDITOR
Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com
OFFICE:(225) 388-0215 CELL: (225)603-1998
ADVERTISING MARY DICHARRY CELL:(225) 937-8717 mdicharry@theadvocate.com. DEADLINE: 5p.m.Fridayprior to publication. BUY ASUBSCRIPTION CALL: (225)388-0200 M–F,6A.M.–5P.M SAT,7A.M.–10:30 A.M.
andmakethe decisions to resolve those issues, LeBlanc, who also works as Ascension Parish government project manager and serves as alocal fire chief, said. EXERCISES
for local emergency response teams to testtheir ability to respond to hazardous
materialsincidents. The exercises provide the opportunity to identify theresponseand coordination issues that couldarise duringa variety of hazardous materials scenarios
FILE PHOTOBYMORGAN WERTHER
Historic tombs line the main walkwaythroughAscension of Our Lord Catholic Church cemeteryduring atour organized to support the preservation of the tombs by the Joseph Landry Foundation in Donaldsonville.
Studentgrowthresults in leadership positions
Community news report
Eve Frederic has been hired as the director of primaryschools, anew,second directorposition created to supportagrowing student population, Ascension Public Schoolsannouncedina news release.
In addition, Christy Scott was namedthe second assistant principal at Galvez Primary
“As our student enrollment continues to grow,weare adding essential leadership positions such as two assistant principals at Galvez Primary and Prairieville Primary schools, as wellasasecond director of primary schools. By adding these positions, we can better manage our growth, support our educators, and continue to foster an environmentwhere every student canthrive,” Superintendent Edith Waker said. “We are excited about the leadership both Eve Frederic and Christy Scottwillbring to theirrespective roles.” Director of PrimarySchools
Frederic has worked in the Ascension Parish school system for 33 years.
Frederic began her career in 1992 at Dutchtown Primary,where she spent 16 yearsasafirst grade self-contained teacher and one yearasa fourth grade teacher before transitioning into leadership roles. Sheserved as an instructional coachfor three years, and then as an assistant principal for five years. Then, she moved to Oak Grove Primary,whereshe served as principal for three years, and most recently,she spent the past five years as primary school supervisor
Frederic holds abachelor’sdegree in elementary education from Southeastern Louisiana University anda master’sdegreein educational leadership from LSU. She has been married to her husband, Steve Frederic,for 33 years, and together they have three children: Olivia, Ian and Nicholas.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to work for aboard that truly cares about thecommunity it serves, not just in words butthrough meaningfulactions.Whether it’s provid-
ing continual payraises, building beautiful schools, improving existing ones that our students can be proud of,orsupporting us withadequate staffing, your decisions and policies make areal difference every day,” EveFrederic said.
Galvez PrimaryAssistant Principal
Scott earnedabachelor’sdegree in elementary education from Nicholls State University and a master’sdegree in educational leadership from the American College of Education. Her career has been marked by adedication to enhancing educational experiencesfor studentsacrossmultiple parishes, the release said.
Before joining Ascension Public Schools, Scott worked in Terrebonne Parish as aclassroom teacher.She furthered her skills in Lafourche Parish, where she served as aclassroom teacher, mentor teacher,master teacher and administrative assistant. She also contributed her expertise as adistrictmaster teacherinAssumption Parish.
Scott’s journey withAscension PublicSchoolsbegan as asecond grade teacher and mentor teacher at DonaldsonvillePrimary.Her leadership skills were further showcased during her tenure as a master teacher at Gonzales Middle School.
She is married to Toby Scott.
“Thankyou for theincredible opportunity and for welcoming me with such warmth and open arms. Iam truly blessed to be in this role, and Iam deeplycommittedto serving our students andhelping them succeed. It is aprivilege to be part of this amazing community,and Ilook forward to making a positiveimpact on thelives of our children, supportingtheir growth and development every step of the way,” Christy Scottsaid
DressDownDay supports childhoodcancerawareness
Communitynewsreport
St. John Primary andSt. Theresa of Avila raised more than $1,800 Sept. 26 for Childhood CancerAwarenessMonth Dress Down Day
The event invited students, staffand faculty to breakfrom the regular dress code by wearing casual attire in exchange for asmall donation.
All proceeds will go directly to Dreams Come True of Louisiana, an organization dedicated to giving every child with alife-threatening illness the opportunity to live out their dream.
The school encouraged participants to wear gold, the color associatedwithchildhood cancer awareness, as asymbol of solidarity with children andfamilies affected by the disease, the news release said.
This Dress Down Daywas held to celebrate sixth grade St. Theresa Middle student Gracie LeBlanc, who was diagnosed at 6years old with Ewing sarcoma after her kindergarten year at St. John Primary She had 10 months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove part of her pelvis. She has been
Communitynewsreport
PettyOfficer3rd ClassChase
Edmonston, aSt. Amant native, serves the U.S. Navyassigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 35.
Edmonston graduated from St. Amant High School in 2020.
Edmonston, who joined the Navy fouryearsago, serves as anaval aircrewman.
cancer free since 2019.
“Welearned that one of our employees, Levie Meyers, was also achildhoodcancer survivor” a
and to be kind to one another,”
Edmonston said.“Having Southern hospitality and being nice gets you along way.”
“I joined the Navy to do somethingdifferent and totravel,” said Edmonston.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in St. Amant.
“Lessons Ilearned from my hometown aretorespect others
According to Navy officials, members of HSM-35 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter,the Navy’s advancedrotary wing maritime strikeplatform.
TheNavyMH-60Ris able to performmany different missions. Someofthe most common operationsinclude strikes on maritimetargets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
Edmonston has many opportunities to achieve accomplish-
ments during military service.
“Anaccomplishment Iam proud of is becoming apetty officer,”said Edmonston. “I’m also proudofearning my aircrew wings in 2022.”
Edmonston can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is something to be proud of,” saidEdmonston. “It givesmynieces and nephews someone to look up to from home.”
Edmonston is grateful to others for helping make aNavy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Brady and Chantel, for being so supportive of me joining andthe wholeprocess,” added Edmonston. “I knowthatthey are proud of my service.”
news release said. Shewas diagnosed with leukemia when she was 11 years old.She has been cancer free for over 11 years.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Gracie LeBlanc, whowas diagnosed at 6years old with Ewing sarcoma, holdsthe donation check made possible thankstoadress down day at St. John Primaryand St. Theresa Middleschools.
Frederic Scott
St. Amant native supports U.S. Navy HelicopterMaritime Strike Squadron
Edmonston
St.JohnKnights of Columbus hostsSeniorCitizen’s Banquet
Community news report
Seniors from around the parish enjoyed lunch, prizes and fellowship Oct. 9at the St. John The Evangelist Knights of ColumbusCouncil 8342’sannual Senior Citizen Banquet. The banquet honors the senior residents in Ascension Parish, including those living in Francois Bend, Gonzales Health Care Center Francois Parc Senior Living, Azalea EstatesofGonzales and Ascension Oaks Nursing &Rehabilitation Center
Many senior attendees also were from the St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church. The Ladies Altar Society co-hosts the luncheon. They assisted in serving the meal and in handing out the door
prizes. The chicken stew meal was prepared by Pierre Zeringue andhis St. John The Evangelist Knights of Columbus cooks. In addition, 15 pizzas were donatedbyDomino’s on Airline Highway in Prairieville. Over 100 Ascension andsurrounding parishmerchants donated door prizes for each of the more than 175guests.GregDuplessis, along with his supportteam, coordinated obtaining the gifts and interfaced withthe five nursing homes. Greg’s wife SueDuplessis coordinated decoratingthe St JohnActivity Center for this annual event. The hosts thanked local businessesfor their donations and the Gonzales Lions Clubfor financial support.
$175,000 donation
Community news report
River Road African American Museum has received a$175,000 donation and partnership with Air Products to Revitalize True Friends Hall.
The donation marks the start of afundraising campaign to transform True Friends Hall into acultural center to preserveand celebrate the history and legacy of local music in SoutheastLouisiana, according to anews release
The River Road African American Museum recently announced the donation from Air Products that will support the revitalization andpreservationofthe True Friends Benevolent Society Hall. In celebration of the Hall’sheritage, the True Friends Benevolent Society Hall will soon house anew musichalloffameand academy
Over the next 12 months, RRAAM hopes to reach its $1.3 million goal to supportthe Hall’sstabilization, architectural planning and design, and refurbishing
Through the music academy,the local community will have aspace to gather and honor the legacy of legendary local musicians who once played in the Hall,including Fats Domino, Plas Johnson, who is the original saxophonist for the Pink Panther themesong, andIrma Thomas,amongother renowned musical artists, accordingtothe release. “For decades, River Road has beendedicated to educating visitors aboutthe history and culture of African Americans in south Louisiana’srural communities,” saidDarryl Hambrick, co-founder of the River Road African American Museum. “Air Products’ donation supports this ongoing missionas well as River Road’scollection, preserva-
tion, and interpretation of art and historic buildings.”
Built in 1897, the True Friends Benevolent Society Hall historically hosted debutante balls, galas, and other cultural and social events for the region’sbenevolent societies —membership-based, ethnicsupport groups. Just as these benevolent societies uplifted their local communities, thecelebration of music genres including jazz, blues, and R&Balso brought people together in the True Friends Hall. By commemorating the True Friends Hall’shistory through the new music hall of fame and academy, RRAAM hopes to create acommunity space for local groups and musicians for decades to come, Hambrick said.
“Our recent partnershipwithGirls Play TrumpetsToo stands to serve as the first and flagship youth music program for themusic academy.This partnershipwas created to foster an appreciation for traditional music form andencourage continued engagement forLouisiana musicians to atown currently devoid of arts resources,” said L’Oréal Evans, executive director of River Road African American Museum. “Together withAir Products,RRAAM is positioned to further investinthe development of acultural economy for Donaldsonville, Louisiana, while preserving our nation’streasures.”
Danna Leblanc, Air Products’ Commercial Executive Director for the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex said, “The River Road African American Museum is leading critical preservation work in the region. Air Products is inspired by their commitmentand we’relooking forwardtocontinuingthis partnership with the Museum as part of our enduring commitment to Louisiana and our local communities.”
PROVIDED PHOTOS BY BILL FEIG
Carmen Duplessis, right, reacts to winning the flower potdelivered by Edna Leary, left.
Pierre Zeringue, lowerleft, and his St. John The Evangelist Knights of Columbus cooks prepare the meals at the annual Senior Citizens Banquet in Prairieville.
PeggyHoward, left, delivers aprize to Alex Doulette after his name was pulled in the door prize drawing
PROVIDED PHOTO BY BILL FEIG
Seniors enjoythe lunch and festivities Oct. 9at the Senior Citizens Luncheon hosted by St John The Evangelist KnightsofColumbus Council 8342.
Barbara LeBlanc is all smiles after her name is pulledfor the grand door prize, awood pellet patioheater andabag of fuel.
Ascensionremembers Sept.11withceremony
Community news report
Hurricane Francine may have delayedthe annual Ascension Parish Fire District 19/11 Remembrance Ceremony,but it didn’t’ reduce its importance.
Held Oct. 7, the event was at the AscensionParish Fire District1headquarters on Airline Highway in Gonzales. This marked the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The event remembers and honors the nearly 3,000 people, who were killed in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center,the Pentagon, and on United Airlines Flight 93, Ascension Fire District 1chair James E. LeBlanc said.
The event featured Parish President Clint Cointment, AscensionParishSheriff’s Office Col. Cody Melancon and ahost of other elected officials and local fire chiefs. The event was again hosted by Ascension Funeral Home, Jeff Cain, Jamie Liotto and Ralph’sSupermarket. Flags were presented to the Sorrento Volunteer Fire Department from the Ascension Funeral home and to KarenJames, the wife of Fire Chief Bo James of the Galvez-Lake Volunteer Fire Department who recently died. James was amemberof the Galvez-lake Volunteer FireDepartment for18 years, serving as chieffor four years.
St. Amant Fire Chief James LeBlanc praised James, 68 “had courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to thesafety and well-being of the community.” He retired from a career withAtmosEnergy in 2014. He was marriedto Karen James, who also volunteerswiththe fire department.
RememberingSept. 11
“Twenty-three years ago, on Sept.11, 2001, our world was forever changed, when we lost nearly 3,000 souls, during the horrorweall witnessed as theTwinTowers came down, the Pentagon was attacked and afield in Pennsylvania felt the impactofa plane,meant for our nation’scapital that had its route altered through an example of true American heroism,” LeBlanc. “We come together each year on Sept. 11 to honor andrememberall of theinnocent lives lost, the first responders who ran into danger to save their fellowman,with apromise to never forget this tragic day.”
LeBlanc said it is importanttorememberthe fallen the “innocent who lost their lives on that fateful morning.”
“Weremember the selfless act of savingcountless more lives by giving up their own on Flight 93,”he said. “Weremember the heroes, the firefighters,ems, andpolice whoran into the wreckage to save who they could,knowing they may not and did not come back. We rememberthe countless service members who have given their livesfor this great country,and the ones who made it back home with their own demons.”
As horrible as the Sept.11 attacks were, LeBlanc said, “the one good thing that came out was that everyone loved one another and took care of each other for some time after the attacks.”
LeBlanc asked for people to “be nice to one another, spread love, toleratedifference and look out forone another
“Thisyear,more than ever,weshould recognize the first responders who diedinthe lineofduty on Sept. 11, 2001, as today
their brother and sister first responders are putting their lives on the line every day,providing emergency response during the pandemic,” he said. “Weshould neverforget and alwaysbethankful for those who run toward danger,atrisk to themselves, to protect everyone else.”
AARP Chapter 1449 donates fansto10families
Gonzales plans34th
Mayor’sPrayerBreakfast
Marchand’s Interior &Hardware celebrates 75 yearsoffamily ownershipand responding to evolving customerneeds
interior designer,BrentleyMarchandservesasthe general manager, TessaMarchandMireservesasoffice manager, whileBrian Marchand continuestoserve as owner/presidentalongside hiswifeKyle.
“Youcanneverstaycontentorstagnant.Youmustwork hardandkeepupwithtechnology,”BrianMarchandsaid “Tosurvive andthrive, youmustconstantlygrowand change to accommodatecustomers. In ourearly years, ourcustomerswantedtodoprojectsthemselves, so we cateredtoour ‘doityourselfers.’ Today, ourcustomers prefer to have us do theirprojects, so we specializein remodeling andinstall salesfor them.”
In addition to providingquality products and services,Marchand’shas maintained itspresenceas astrongcommunity partner. Sometimes, this means making donationstolocalcauses. Othertimes,itmeans stayingopenand servingresidents during themost trying times. None of that wouldbepossiblewithout a dedicatedstaff of 28 in-store employeesand 36 others whoworkinthe field
AARP Chapter 1449 donated boxed fans to10families through the Council on Aging Sept. 22 as partofaNational Service Dayproject. Thegroup had originally scheduled the donation for Sept. 11, National Day of ServiceDay,but postponed becauseofHurricane Francine.Donating fans Sept. 22 are, first rowfrom left,Doris Green, Hazel Fowler,Rosa Jackson, Chapter President Shirley Jackson, Joann Williams and Mary Ann Favorite; second row, Council on Aging Office Manager Lena Roussel, Betty Wells, Elizabeth Williams and Sarah Jackson and third row, the Rev. Glinda Ricks, Lucille Bennett, Monroe Fowler and Roderick Wells. Community news report
Interim Mayor Ryland Percy and the City of Gonzaleswill host the 34thannual Mayor’sPrayerBreakfast at 7a.m. Nov.6atthe Price LeBlanc PACE Center
The annual community event features amorning filled of prayer,foodand conversations led by local faith andcommunity leaders.
“Weare excited to host the 34th annual Mayor’sPrayer Breakfast —thisevent allows residents to gather,
connect with one another, and strengthen theirrelationships with friends and neighbors,” Percy said. “I encourage our residents of allfaiths to joinusfor breakfast, conversation, and the opportunity to reflect onhow we canunite and serve acommon mission to strengthen the citywecall home.”
This year’s programming will focus on the message of Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in uni-
ty.”
Programming includes entertainment from Arthur and Friends Community Choir; the presentation of colors and national anthem; an invocation,prayer led by local faith leaders; and remarks from Judge Guy Holdridge and Percy Residents must purchase a ticket and register to attend —event registration can be done in person at Gonzales City Hall, located at 120 South Irma Blvd., or online via Eventbrite.
Forany business to stay open andthrivefor 75 years takesresiliency, adaptability andacommitmentto excellence.Those qualitieshavealwaysbeentrueat Marchand’s,which remainsastapleinthe Ascension Parish communityasthe thirdgenerationoffamily membersleaditintothe future Thehistory of Marchandsbeginswiththe 1949 purchaseofNorth BatonRouge Flooring in theamount of $800 by founderWhitney Marchand,who wasstill building homesaroundAscension Parish at that time Thebrick-and-mortarlocation wasoriginallynamed MarchandFloorShop.Becausethelocationhadallofthe materialsneededtobuildahome,localsbegantopullup in frontofWhitney andhis wife Nelda’sresidence and blew theircar horn for assistance.Thisled to Whitney andNelda openingahardwareretailstore afew years laterunder thenameMarchand’sBuildingSpecialties Throughthe years, Marchand’s hasgrown considerably.Whitney’s son, BrianMarchand, alongwith hiswifeKyle, beganleading thebusinessin1980. Two yearslater,one of many additionsand expansions to thebuildingbegan.Thisnew part of thebuilding wouldhouse theflooring andcustom pictureframing departments, andinstallationservices were addedto theexistingbusiness. In 1986,Marchand’sbegan using computers. Currently, Marchand’s encompassesfour centers–flooring,hardwareand kitchen &bathinthe original location,and custom pictureframing across thestreetatthe Framing&DécorGallery Between 2007 and 2016, thethird generation of Marchandsbegan workingat thebusiness.Today Whitnee Marchand Gremillion serves as aproject manager andlead
“DuringtheFloodof2016,ourstorefloodedtwice,but thanks to theefforts of ourteam, we neverclosed,”Mire said.“Ourteamalsopulledtogetherand stayed open full time throughCovid,givingthe community another supply source.All of ouremployees andcustomers are ahugepartofour success. Marchand’swouldn’tbethe same withoutthem.
Marchand’s willcelebrate its75thanniversary with aspecial eventonOctober 19.However,honoringthe milestonehas also beenayearlongcommemoration atimeofreflection anda moment to look aheadtothe business’next75years.The customer demandremains sostrongthatplansarecurrentlyunderwayfora10,000 square foot addition in 2025 “Itisablessingand feelingofaccomplishment to celebratemanyyears of relationshipswiththe community,ourcustomers,employeespastandpresent,vendor reps andfriends,” BrianMarchandsaid. “Aswelooktothenext75years,wepromisetocontinue to work hard andembrace change whilefocusingonthe visionourgrandfatherlaidout75yearsago,withafocus on great customerservice andmaintaining afamily business atmosphere,” Gremillion said Marchand’s Interior andHardwareislocated at 214North AlexanderStreetinGonzales. Marchand’s Framing&Décor Galleryislocated at 122 East Sanders StreetinGonzales. Formoreinformation or to schedule aconsultation, visitwww.marchands.net
PROVIDED PHOTO
Ascension FuneralHome Kerry Gaspard &BrittanyKing,Fire Chief James E. LeBlanc, Ascension Parish Fire No.1Trainer Karen James, AscensionFire Board Member WayneHill, Ascension Funeral Home Jeff Cain, Jamie Liotto and Destine Holliday.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Ascension Parish Fire District 1Chief James LeBlanc speaks during the 9/11 RemembranceCeremonyinGonzales.He is flanked by fire service chiefs, volunteers, representatives from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’sOffi
and Parish President Clint Cointment.
The following people were booked into theAscensionParish Jail on Oct. 3-10: {spanstyle=”font-size: 20px;”}Oct.3{/span}
BOUDREAUX, CHAD P.: 38492
La. 621, Gonzales; 55; tracking devices prohibited, stalking, nonconsensual disclosureof aprivate image, violations of protectiveorders
CARTER III, CALVIN: 911S.Abe Ave., Gonzales; 40; state probation violation, three counts failuretoappear-bench warrant, theft $5,000 but less than $25,000, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
SANDERS,MORGHAN: 7286
La. 308 S, Donaldsonville; 28; cruelty to juveniles
ZARLENGO,ALEXANDER: 5234
CourtyardDrive, Gonzales; 30; twocounts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft less than $1,000
ROBINSON, KEYLON RASHON: 3033 Toulon Drive, Baton Rouge; 22; failuretoappearbench warrant, hold for other agency,two counts aggravated burglary with weapon, illegal possession of stolen things over $25,000, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities/ aggravated assault, first degree feticide, second degree murder/attempt, six counts criminal trespass/ all otheroffenses, theft of amotor vehicle $5,000 to $25,000, twocounts theft less than$1,000, six counts simple burglary (vehicle)
BICKHAM, AUSTIN SCOTT: 1309 Leycester Drive,Baton Rouge; 31; parole violation, resisting an officer, illegal use of 911
MUSE, TA’TIANNA NICOLE: 28 Bellina Drive, Donaldsonville; 18;domestic abuse battery
DELATTE, KIRK GEORGE: 5368
CourtyardDrive,Gonzales;49; domesticabuse battery
GALE, SPENCER: 19335St. Domnina Drive, Spring,Texas; 19;domestic abuse battery
BRAUD,JUSTIN MICHAEL: 36470 Miller Road, Prairieville; 29; disturbing the peace/ language/disorderly conduct criminal trespass/allother
Oct. 4
RUDGE, JENNIFER: 42202 Norwood Road, Prairieville; 47; failuretoappear-bench warrant,disturbing the peace/violent andtumultuous manner/disorderly conduct, aggravated assault with afirearm, illegal use
of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities
SCOTT,DEONSHA: address unknown;33; entry on or remaining in placesor on land after being forbidden, disturbing the peace /violent and tumultuousmanner/ disorderly conduct
PARKER, MARCUS VINCENT: 15231 Cedar Springs, Gonzales; 32; operatingwhile intoxicated-first, evidence ofmotor vehicle liability securitycontained in vehicle, view outwardorinward throughwindshield or windows;obscuring prohibited, traffic-controlsignals, stop signs andyieldsigns,driving on roadway laned for traffic expiredmotor vehicle inspection, hit-and-rundriving, careless operation,reckless operation MAIDA, ALESSANDRA A.: 10664 Florida Blvd., Walker; 28; theft $1,000 butless than $5,000 FARLEY,CAMREN JOSEPH: 2025 Madison Ave.,Baton Rouge;21; principals,identity theft, theft over $25,000
JENKINS,MYRON: 8202 Wood St., St. James; 53; failureto appear-bench warrant
DAVIS,MALIK ALEXANDER: 302 OpelousasSt.,Donaldsonville;25; surety, resisting anofficer, failuretoappearbench warrant MORRIS,ARTHUR DALE: 17051 La. 44, Prairieville; 67; operating vehicle while license is suspended, drivingonroadway lanedfor traffic, reckless operation, operatingwhile intoxicated-second BEARD JR., KEVIN JOSEPH: 7384 John LeblancBlvd.,Sorrento; 31;fugitive-other Louisianajurisdiction,two counts failuretoappear-bench warrant,driver must belicensed, hit-and-run driving,reckless operation, operatingwhile intoxicated-first
Oct. 5
GARZA, ANDRESROBERTO: 301 N. AlamoAve., La Villa, Texas; 37; driving on roadway lanedfor traffic, operating while intoxicated-first KING, KIRTLAND JOSEPH:14292 Oak MeadowSt., Gonzales; 51; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, no seat belt,drivermust be licensed, simple obstruction of ahighwayofcommerce operatingwhile intoxicatedthird SCOTT, TYRENEDWARD ANTHONY: 2355 N. Central
Ave.,Lutcher; 24; simple obstruction of ahighwayof commerce, operating while intoxicated-third
EDWARDS,KASIMERE ERNEST: 3372 Peachtree Road, Atlanta; 37; battery of adating partner
AVILA, ERICK: 12136 Grand Wood Ave, Gonzales; 31; hold for other agency,battery of a dating partner
ROBBINS,CHARLES ARTHUR: 10432 Goodwood Blvd.,Baton Rouge; 28; twocounts theft less than $1,000, twocounts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
Oct. 6
WEBER, TONY: 2124 Shivley Circle, Houston;42; operating vehicle while licenseissuspended, driving on roadway laned fortraffic, operating while Intoxicated-fourth or more
JOHNSON, SPENCER RYAN: 246 MaryAnn Drive, Memphis, Tennessee; 28; driving on roadway laned fortraffic, operating while intoxicatedfirst
DEVALL, BRAYDEN MICHAEL: 7391 LindaLee Drive, Denham Springs; 19; negligent carrying of aconcealed handgun, simple battery,disturbing the peace/simple assault, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities
CLIFTON, SAGE PATRICK: homeless; 23; failureto appear-bench warrant
DOUGLAS JR., GARLAND PATRICK; 2087 CUNARD AVENUE, BATONROUGE; 26; HIT-ANDRUN DRIVING,RECKLESS OPERATION, SIMPLE CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY$1,000 TO $50,000
EVANS,KATHERINE MARGARET: 202 Church St., Donaldsonville; 31; possession of marijuana morethan 14 grams
HENRY,JASPER L.: 1707 Joseph St., Donaldsonville; 33; simple assault
Oct. 7
MORENO,HALENA CRISTA: unknown, Prairieville; 28; computer tampering
WATSON, CHRIS LAWRENCE: 11261 Denham Road, Gonzales; 44; failure to appearbench warrant
GOLDEN, SEBASTIAN WAYNE: 16945 Mitchell Road, French Settlement; 22; terrorizingmenacing COOLEY,RAYMOND C.: 111 WindyBend Lake, Pine Grove; 71; theft of amotorvehicle
less than $500, twocounts criminal trespass/ all other simpleburglary,theft less than $750
BRAZELL, ROBERTGREGORY: 115 Brentwood Blvd.,Lafayette; 40; surety,failureto appear-bench warrant
WINFREY,DASHAWN LATRELL: 12195 Roddy Road 34, Gonzales; 20; failure to appearbench warrant
DEVARE, DANAIJAGENELLE: 41063 CannonRoad, Gonzales; 24; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment
PERERA, BLAKE: 12322 Oak Brook Drive, Geismar; 31; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property,unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling
ESCALANTE, BAYRON: 39226 CambreRoad, Gonzales; 31; fugitive-other state jurisdiction,illegal use of weaponsor dangerous instrumentalities/ aggravated assault, failure to appear-bench warrant, aggravated criminal damage to property,second-degree murder
CURRY, BRITTANY M.: 41498 BayouNarcisse Road, Gonzales; 33; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction Oct. 8
PATRICK, DALE A.: 4267 SandbarDrive,Addis; 55; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction
BROWN, TREMAINE: 407 Chetimatchas St., Donaldsonville; 40; failuretoappear-bench warrant
RUTH, TITUS DE’SEAN: 8544 S. St Landry Ave.,No. 43, Gonzales; 33; threecounts failureto appear-bench warrant
HUTCHINSON, TAYLOR: 748 N. Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City Oklahoma; 33; resisting an officer, entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden,disturbing the peace/drunkenness
LEBLANC, MELODYLESALLE:
1207 St. Vincent St., Donaldsonville;45; second-degree battery
JACOB JR., HUEYP.: 45118
RobinTrail Road, St. Amant; 64; failuretoappear-bench warrant
SCARDINO,WAYNE J.: 11292
Shelly St., St. Amant; 31; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, twocountsfailureto appear-bench warrant
RICHARDSON, AVERYD.: 1645
Jasper Ave., Baton Rouge; 36; failuretoappear-bench warrant
CROCKER, TUNYAL.: 44611
BraudSt., Sorrento;43; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia
BUJOL, ARRIELL: 42333 Carterstone Ave., Prairieville; 31; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
WILSON, KAYLA L.: 15365 La. 73, No. 15, Prairieville; 22; failuretoappear-bench warrant,fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, batteryofa police officer, resisting an officer, violations of protective orders, domesticabuse battery-child endangerment
FONTENOT, APRIL: 221 N. RoscoeAve., Gonzales; 53; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of stolenthings $5,000 to $25,000
BANKS,ARIELLE: 13170 Dutchtown Point Ave., Gonzales; 17; domesticabuse battery
HARVEY, SHAMECO LYNN: 38435 Cal Road, Gonzales; 32; failuretoappear-bench warrant
Oct. 9
CHAUVIN,DORNA M.: 15315 La. 931, Gonzales; 30; posses-
sion of heroin, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia
LAMBERT,MISTY ANNE: 12424 Beco Road, St. Amant; 51; failuretoappear-bench warrant, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
HENDERSON, UINEKA: 3615 McCallRoad,Donaldsonville; 27; sSurety,failuretoappearbench warrant
FAIRCHILD,RONALD B.: 22406 Teal St., Maurepas; 60; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
LEBLANC, CIERRA: 37113 WhiteRoad,No. 12, Prairieville;21; batteryofapolice officer, resisting an officer, entryonorremaining in places or on land after being forbidden, failuretoappearbench warrant
MORRIS JR., GREGORYG.: 3388 MainSt., Darrow;32; flight from an officer, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, possession of marijuana morethan 14 grams, possession of unidentifiable firearm, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (hydrocodone), illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance
Oct. 10
MARTIN,OLIVER JOHN: 2402 Cessford St., LakeCharles; 38; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
DIGGS,SHANNON
