Darlene Denstorff
Happy NewYear to all
It’sanew year and manyof our readers are setting resolutions to eat healthy,exercise and help others. I’m hoping 2025 is the year Iget my new kidney.After yearsofdealing with the impactsofchronic kidney disease, it looks like things are at the point where a transplant is warranted.I’ve been on the list for two years, and fingers crossed everything will work out this year
My readers have been so supportive throughout my journey Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.
One thing that isn’tchanging for me is my desire to share your stories. Pleaseresolveto share those familyand businessmilestones with us at The Ascension Advocate at ascension@theadvocate.com.
Here’swishing you ahealthy, safe and happy new year
GonzalesinaugurationJan.6
Anew mayor and council members willtake the oaths of office at 9a.m. Jan. 6atthe Price LeBlanc PACE Center
The inauguration ceremony will include recently elected officials Mayor-Elect TimRiley Police Chief-Elect Sherman Jackson, and the five council members-elect:
n Eddie Williams Jr.for Division A
n Kirk Boudreaux for Division B
n Cynthia Gray James for Division C
n Tyler Turner for Division D n Terri Lynn Lambert for Division E
“Weare committed to serving the citizens of Gonzales to ensure safety and prosperity toward athriving community where citizens arerespected,” Riley said. “I look forward to a cooperative relationship with my fellow elected officials so that we might implement more open, efficient local government that the taxpaying citizens of Gonzales deserve.”
The ceremony is open to the public Christmastreerecycling
Don’tknow what to do with that Christmas tree after the ornaments come down? Ascension Parish residents can recycle their trees through Jan. 15 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
Residents can enter themain gate of the facility,at9039St. Landry Road, Gonzales, and follow the signs to the unpaved parking area on the left. Trees should be bare andnot attached to astand.
For more information, call (225) 450-1506.
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ArtAcademy ends year with Cookies&Coffee Milk classes
BY WENDYLOUP Contributingwriter
Parentsand theirchildrenclosedout the 2024 festive Christmas season during Art Academy’spopular Cookies &Coffee Milk classes. Participants learned sculpting and painting techniques and enjoyed an appearance by SantaClaus.
“OurCookies &Coffee Milk is afun takeonaSouthern traditionmany of us grewupwith,”Art Academy owner Bekah Duplechin said. “Weservedup aselection of sweet treats and freshly brewed coffee and, of course, cookies.”
The academy,at16113
LA-44SuiteB in Prairieville, is growing in popularity among Ascension Parish families.
Duplechin, manager Channe’l Andre and their staff teach painting, sculpting and otherart techniquesinrelaxing class settings.
Duplechin opened the Art Academy six yearsago whenshe realized Ascension Parish was missinga place forfamilies to explore creativity through art. The academyhas weathered the stormsofCOVID-19 lockdowns and a slow economy
CHRISTMASJOY IN THESTREETS
BYWENDYLOUP Contributing writer
TwoGonzales couples celebrated their golden anniversariesinanontraditional way bywatchinga15-foottall, wooden-layered “wedding cake”burn in abonfire on New Year’sEve.
The Laicheand Duplessis families congratulated Sherry and Dooney Laiche, as well as Greg and Sue Duplessis, for 50 years of marriage, while also ringing in 2025 withtheir annual bonfire
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CouplesGreg and Sue Duplessis, left, and Sherry and DooneyLaiche stand near the wooden layered wedding cake at the Laiche’sproperty in Gonzales. ‘50 Years of Love’isthis year’stheme for the families’annual bonfire.
PHOTO BY WENDYLOUP
ArtAcademy owner Bekah Duplechin helpsLuling residents
Claire Bartin, left,Oliver and Ashely Abadie during the Cookies &Coffee Milk class.
PHOTO BY WENDYLOUP
STAFFPHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON Ascension Parish’s Rilo passes out acoloring books during the Donaldsonville Christmas paradeonDec. 21. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
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Santa, Grinch,lighted floats bringChristmas joy
Community news report
Santa arrived atop afire truck and the Grinch was escorted to jail in apolice cruiser Dec. 21 as theDonaldsonville Christmas parade rolled through the westbank city O’Neil Robinsonrodeasgrand marshalas the nighttime parade traveled through the downtown district.
Antique cars, marching units,floatsand event acement truck made up the parade.
“Every block on the parade route from Marchand Drive to Railroad Avenue in Donaldsonville was filled with the smiling faces of children and adults all in the Christmas spirit,” said parade committee chair Tamiko Francis Garrison. “There is no better joy than seeing families, in the city Ilove, enjoying Christmas.”
She said Mayor LeroySullivanand the parade committee were pleased withthe outcome of the parade.
“Wehad over 28 participants in the parade which included the city of Donaldsonville, Parish of Ascension, Councilman Oliver Joseph, Kocke, Leaders, Jeff’s Bar,DHS Sonic Boon Box and so many more,” Garrison said. “The one whostole the show was the Grinch. His efforts to steal Christmas werefoiled by the Ascension Parish Sheriff’sOffice. We are grateful for their quick response to Santaand Mrs. Claus’ call.”
Kasielynn Smith was Mrs. Claus and “hometown young hero” LSU basketball player Cam Carter was aspecial guest.
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Atruck covered in lights from Leader’sFried Chickenmakes its waythrough the crowd duringthe Donaldsonville Christmasparadeon Dec. 21.
Mrs. Claus, Kasielynn Smith, throws candyfrom atop a fire truck from the 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Department.
Aparade float rolled along the route.
Arider with the Louisiana BikeLife club rolls along the route.
The float carrying the Miss Donaldsonville royalty rolls along Railroad Avenue during rhe parade.
The Donaldsonville High School Sonic Boom Boxperformsalong Railroad Avenue.
PHOTOSBYWENDY LOUP
Attendees of ArtAcademy’sCookies &Coffee Milk class paint ceramic ornaments. The event also featured an appearance by Santa Claus
“This is an awesome community,” Duplechin said.
“We’ve had such agreat response in Ascension Parish. Istarted with just me, and now Ihave abuilding and an entire staff.”
“I’ve been passionate about art for as long as I can remember.After being behind acomputer working in graphic design for years, Iwanted to use my fine arts degree to getback into traditionalart.”
Duplechin turned abrief kids arts camp into afulltime opportunity
“After running asuccessfulart summercampfor kids, Istarted Art Academy because Isaw agap in our community for accessible art programs that truly supported every child’s creativity,” Duplechin added. “My goal was to create aspace where people of all backgrounds couldexplore and express themselves freely while receiving comprehensive art education.”
Art Academy’s themed family classes, such as the Cookies &Coffee Milk event, target creative mediums in afun and relaxing environment.
Duplechin and Andre have tailoredtheir services to provide participants programs for Ascension Parish families.
The preschool Petite Picasso program, Kids Night Outs, weekly after-school classes, as well as summer and seasonal art camps provide parents options for their children that are not largely offered in Ascension Parish.
While the academy offers birthday parties and semiprivate art classes for children, adult-themed events, such as art journaling, are also risinginpopularity Duplechinsaid.
“At any of our adult classes, we hope they will gain more than just artistic skills. They also embark on ajourneyofselfexpression, creativity,and connection,” Duplechin said. “It’sachance to break free from the routine, tap into your imagination, and create something truly unique.”
Four-year-old Oliver Abadie paints ceramic ornaments withhis mother,Ashley, left, and Claire Bartin during Art Academy’sCookies &Coffee Milk class. The family traveled from Luling toattend the class.
ArtAcademy managerChanne’l Andre and owner Bekah
of artclasses for children, adultsand families.
The academy’s2025 calendar is filled with activities for children, adults and families.
In Januarythrough May, the academy will offer an after-schoolclass focusing on anime and manga.
“Familiescan attend the spring Bluey Family Paint Party,” Duplechin said. “This is one of our very first events designedspecifically for youngerartists and their favorite grownups.
“It is going to be ablast, as bothkids and adults work together to create a beautiful canvas painting.
This event is perfect for ages three andup.”
Upcoming adult events include aPaint &Sip Alice in Wonderland tea party,
themed parties featuring television shows “Gilmore Girls” and “Friends.”
This year’ssummer camp program theme is “Time Warp: From Cave Walls to Canvas.” Campers will createart inspired by periods ranging from the earlyages to the Renaissance, the Pop Art movement, and beyond during each week of camp, Duplechin said.
“Art Academy was founded on the belief that everyone deserves theopportunity to develop their artistic abilities in asupportive, nonjudgmental environment,” Duplechin said. “It is aplace where individuals can feel empowered, take creative risks, and enjoy the process of learning.”
Communitynewsreport
An Ascension Parish Sheriff’s corporal’squickthinking saved awoman’slife in October.Cpl. Tyler Lang’sactions prompted Sheriff Bobby Webre to thank hinwith the department’sLife Saving Award.
“On Oct. 28, Corporal Tyler Lang respondedtoa call regarding awoman threatening to harm herself,” Webre’s Facebook post said. “Upon arrival, Cpl. Lang encountered afrantic grandmother who was afraid to enter the
residence, fearful of what she might find. Acting decisively, Cpl. Lang entered the home and located the distressed woman’slocked bedroom where he could hear choking sounds from within. He quickly obtained akey,unlocked the door,and found the woman hanging from the ceiling fan. Cpl. Lang swiftly removed the rope and lowered the woman to safety.”
Emergency medicalrespondersarrived shortly after to provide further assistance and transport the woman to an area hospital.
AROUND
Continued from page1G
Trip to Greece planned
The Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce is planning atrip to Greece June 1-9. The nine-day trip includes stops in Athens, Santorini, Pelponnese, Poros, Hydra and Aegina. The cost is $3,799. For information, call (225) 473-4814.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Cpl. Tyler Lang,right, accepts the Life Saving Award from Sheriff BobbyWebre.
“Lang’sswift and compassionate actionshelped to save alife,” Webre said. “His professionalism and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.” Ascension
Reducedpet adoption fees
Cara’sHouse is offering areduced adoption fee on all dogs that have been spayed or neutered. Visit the shelter from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Thursdays and pay $30 to adopt adog.
Contact DarleneDenstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998;or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5p.m. Friday
THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE,40444 Cannon Road,Gonzales, LA 70737(225) 388-0215
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COMMUNITY SECTION EDITOR DarleneT.Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com OFFICE:(225) 388-0215 CELL:(225) 603-1998
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Duplechin, along withtheir staff, hosted Cookies &Coffee Milk classes held in December.The academy,located in Prairieville, offersavariety
Intricate details are always partofthe wooden structure the Laiche and Duplessis families build to ring in each newyear
CAKE
Continued from page1G
Thefamilies’ bonfire structures vary from year to year.The 2024 theme is “50 Years of Love” and consists of a15-foot-tall wedding cake.
Siblings Sherry Laiche and Greg Duplessis had wedding ceremonies eight days apart in 1972.
Greg Duplessis said the idea of celebrating his and his sister’swedding anniversaries was an interesting bonfire twist, because the structures are usually centered on local or national topics.
“They blindsided us with that one,” Duplessis laughed. “This isn’tthe typical tradition of astructure.
“It’sjust phenomenal what the families come up with year after year.It’s nice to know that our anniversaries are important enough to warrant this year’stheme for abonfire.”
The Laiche and Duplessis families began the annual bonfire 23 years ago to honor family member Luke Villar,who was killed during a2001 armed robbery in St. Amant when he was 18 years old.
Typically,75to100 people gather on New Year’s Eve at the Laiche-Duplessis 28-acre property on La. 74 to visit, eat Cajun food and watch the bonfire, according to host Sherry Laiche.
Dooney Laiche cooks
PHOTOSBYWENDYLOUP
The themefor this year’s Laiche and Duplessis bonfire is ‘50Years of Love.’ This wooden wedding cakewillstand 15-feet tall and 16-feet in diameter once atopper is added.
Couples Greg and Sue Duplessis, left, and Sherry and Dooney Laiche are each celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries.
gumbo and sauce piquante, while other family members bring chili and side dishes.
Each year,members of the families plan new structures. Anywhere from eight to 12 people help build the structures beginning in early December
This year’swedding cake idea was suggested by Sherry Laiche, herself.
“The wedding cake structure isn’treally the challenge. Being married for 50 years is the real challenge,” Laiche said, laughing.
Courtney Laiche, one of the annual family bonfire builders, said this year’s structure was 15 feet tall and 16 feet in diameter after the topper was added.
Past Laiche/Duplessis wood structures have included amovable chain saw,areplica of the cranedamaged Sunshine Bridge, and a27-foot airboat to honor the Cajun Navy’s work during the 2016 flood.
“I love the tradition,” said Adrian Laiche, the family bonfire photographer.“I’m super happy that we work together with our immediate families and all of the cousins.
“There are younger children who have looked forward to working on the bonfire since Thanksgiving. They are always abit sad to watch the structure burn, but they see all these people here working on it.
“Then when we all watch it burn on New Year’sEve, they understand it’safamily tradition.”