Set clocks forward Sunday, March 9
LaLa Regeria Field gets new life
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Petals for a Cause March 29
Tickets are on sale for the Gonzales Area Foundation’s Gala set for March 29 at Price Leblanc PACE Center
This year’s theme is Petals For A Cause. The evening raises money for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales. For information and tickets, visit www.gonzalesareafoundation.org.
Egg Your House sign-up
Cara’s House volunteers are hosting a fun Egg Your House fundraiser in which stuffed plastic eggs are left in someone’s yard on Easter morning. April 11 is the deadline to register for the April 20 “egging.” Packages are from $20 for 25 eggs to $85 for 150 eggs. Visit Cara’s House Facebook page for registration information
EA FFA plans plant sale
The East Ascension High FFA is hosting a farmers market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15 at the school, 612 E. Worthey Road, Gonzales. They will have vegetables, herbs, flowers, house plants, carpentry projects and preserves.
Outdoor Expo March 14-16
Louisiana’s largest fishing, hunting and outdoor show is set for March 14-16 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center’s REV Center, 9039 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzales. Bulls, Band & Barrels coming
Tickets are on sale for the March 15 Bulls, Bands & Barrels at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. The event will include bull riding, barrel racing and live music featuring Sammy Kershaw with Vincent Mason. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/ yu83kp3e. Merry Market in March 8-9
A spring Merry Market is March 8-9 at Lamar-Dixon Center, Gonzales. Admission is $10. is the ultimate family-friendly shopping indoor and outdoor market at Lamar Dixon. Come shop over 350 booths with Shoppers can check out the clothing, home décor, jewelry, food, toys and decorations on sale. For more information visit www merrymarket.shop.
Trip to Greece planned
The Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a trip 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. Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate. com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday
City, parish, state work on project
Community news report
Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan recently accepted the keys to the historic LaLa Regira baseball field from Ascension Parish government leaders.
The brief ceremony at the field marked the transfer of ownership of the west bank baseball field that many once called “a small Wrigley Field,” Sullivan said.
The LaLa Regira Baseball Field holds a special place in the hearts of many in Donaldsonville, Sullivan said. Named after former longtime mayor Lawrence “LaLa” Regeria Sr , the field has been home to Ascension Catholic’s baseball teams, the Grays semipro team, Donaldsonville High School and the American Legion Baseball team.
The transfer represents a significant step in preserving and enhancing the facility’s legacy a news release from Ascension Par-
the
ish Government said. As part of this transition, Ascension Parish Government secured $400,000 in funding from the Parish’s Lighting District to install new field lights, ensuring that evening games and community events can continue safely Additionally, $133,000 from the
Parish’s general fund has been allocated to renovate and upgrade the grandstands.
“This investment is about more than just a baseball field — it’s about supporting our youth, strengthening our community, and building a brighter future for Donaldsonville,” said Ascension
Parish President Clint Cointment.
“Working alongside Mayor Leroy Sullivan and his administration on this project has been an honor, and I look forward to seeing the impact this complex will have under their leadership.”
Cointment and Sullivan said the revitalization of the field was made possible thanks to the efforts of state, parish and city leaders.
“I am also deeply grateful to our state legislators for their efforts in securing capital outlay funding, ensuring that what we are handing over today is not just a facility but a lasting asset for our citizens, athletes, and fans for generations to come,” Cointment said.
“This was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” Sullivan said.
The new lights have been installed and work should begin soon on the demolition and rebuilding of the grandstands.
“So many greats from our area started their baseball careers at LaLa field,” Sullivan said, adding that he hopes a new generation of ballplayers can use the field.
St. Amant High School student Addy Faulkner, 15, said the Southeast Louisiana High School Rodeo Club has taught her life lessons about helping to support others. Faulkner and her 18-year-old horse, Bariah, participated in barrel racing, pole bending and team roping during this weekend’s club rodeo.
WENDY LOUP
BY
PHOTO
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Ascension Community Theatre enters 25th season
Board President Delaune reflects on importance
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer
As president of the board of directors for Ascension Community Theatre, Dustin Delaune, 28, assists in all aspects of the organization. Delaune first stepped into the role in 2018 and now oversees the Gonzalesbased nonprofit’s 25th season, which began this week.
Delaune, who was born and raised in Gonzales, aims for the organization to produce a combination of shows that audi-
ence members want to see and cast and crew members want to create. The theatre aims to put on shows that leave audiences learning something new about life or themselves. How did you get involved in theater? There is a performing arts academy called Center Stage in Gonzales. Around the age of 8 or 9, my grandmother enrolled me in one of their musical theater classes. From there, it just skyrocketed into all things theater I was in theater in high school, and then my theater teacher actually was the one that introduced me to ACT What do you love most about theater?
ä See THEATRE, page 2G
PROVIDED PHOTO
Attending a ceremony turning over LaLa Regira Field to
city of Donaldsonville, from left, are Mayor Leroy Sullivan, Parish President Clint Cointment and Rep. Ken Brass.
PHOTO BY APRIL BUFFINGTON
Dustin Delaune at the Ascension Community Theatre
Theater is an opportunity to escape for two hours at a time, really getting into all these different types of characters and different situations that you may never actually find yourself in. Having an opportunity to do that for two hours and leave your own worries behind is really what I find most interesting and what I like to do. How did Ascension Community Theatre get started?
It actually started with a group of theater lovers that came together and they started Gonzales Little Theatre. They would perform in cafeterias at the local middle schools and high schools. Then everybody kind of trickled away They were getting older; they were starting families.
I’ve always pointed to our founder, Mattie Olson, who just couldn’t let go of the
fact that Ascension Parish really needed a creative live theater outlet From there, she found a few more people who were interested in live theater, and they started ACT Has the organization changed over the years?
Oh, absolutely We have always produced at least one musical, one comedy and one drama a year We try to do things like a Christmas show for kids and different educational outreach programs and things of the sort. This year we are actually producing six shows. In our 25-year history, we have only ever repeated a title once before. So, this year we are pointing to it as our revival season. All the shows that are in our lineup this year are shows that we’ve done in the past 25 years. We’re bringing those back, some of our crowd favorites, some that we love — that
audience. The theater community as a whole is a very tight-knit community, so we try our best to partner with as many local community and regional theaters as possible.
Dutchtown wins Bayou Boys Regional Championship
Troy LeBoeuf ASCENSION SPORTS
Brandon Duong,
Caleb Robbins, Ascen-
Ross Borne, Ascension
Jaxon Walker, Prairieville
Raphael Melancon, Ascension Catholic
THIRD: Jacob Harvey-Luter, East Ascension
132-POUND
FIRST: Harrison Ledet, Ascension Catholic
THIRD: Louis Le, Dutchtown
148-pound
FIRST: Joshua Thompson, Dutchtown
SIXTH: Albert Hinson, Dutchtown
EIGHTH: Michael Blanchard, Ascension Catholic
165-POUND
FIRST: Eric Arbour, Dutchtown
SECOND: Luke Rachal, St. Amant
THIRD: Maddox Parker, St. Amant
EIGHTH: Ben Burrell, Ascension Christian
181-pound
FIRST: Tyree Williams, St. Amant
SECOND: Myles Heffernan, Dutchtown
FOURTH: Kent Pearson, St.
Amant FIFTH: Andrew LeBlanc, Dutchtown
SEVENTH: Micah Bergeron, Ascension Christian
NINTH: Trevin Simon, Ascension Catholic
198-pound
FIRST: Mace Melancon, Ascension Catholic
THIRD: Alex Delaup, Dutchtown
SIXTH: Gavin Boutain, St Amant
220-pound
FIRST: Xion-Trai Smith, Dutchtown
SECOND: Karston Broden, Ascension Catholic
THIRD: Gavin Hebert, St Amant
242-POUND
FIFTH: Joshua Barber, Ascension Catholic
275-POUND
FIRST: Oluwatimi Oluwade Dutchtown
EIGHTH: Jacoby Davis, St Amant
NINTH: Noah Jenkins, St Amant
TENTH: Luke Castello, Ascension Christian
SUPER HEAVY WEIGHT
SECOND: Aiden Paine, Ascension Catholic FIFTH: Dawson Davis, Dutchtown
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate. com or on Twitter @ Troyleboeuf.
RIVER PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125
PHOTO BY APRIL BUFFINGTON
Dustin Delaune checks the sound at the Ascension Community Theatre on Feb 12.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Dutchtown High celebrates a win at the Bayou Boys Regional Championship March 1.
Celebrating after a runner-up placement at the Bayou Boys competition, from left, are Ascension Catholic powerlifting team coach Tony Paine,coach Ben Lajaunie, Joshua Barber Mace Melancon, Aiden Paine, Raphael Melancon, Harrison Ledet, Kole Folse (wrapper), Karston Broden, Michael Blanchard, Trevin Simon, Ross Borne and coach Delmond Landry
Rodeo life builds friendships, family
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
Middle and high school students experienced a weekend of the rodeo life by barrel racing, roping and steer riding during the Southeast Louisiana Junior and High School Rodeo in Gonzales.
The annual event, held Feb. 28-March 2 by the Southeast Louisiana Junior and High School Rodeo Association, attracts fifth through 12th grade students from around the state.
“This club has been around for over 25 years,” said Misty Fairchild, president of the Southeast Louisiana High School Rodeo Club. “We are one of the many clubs that host throughout the season for Louisiana High School Rodeo Association.” Fairchild said performance winners in each event are awarded. Other winners include All Around and Shooting Sports Performance.
“Their points are also put toward the state finals that will be held in June in Lake Charles,” Fairchild added.
The past weekend’s 416 student entries involved competitions such as pole bending, goat tying, and rifle shooting Fairchild’s family has been in the rodeo circuit for generations. Her oldest daughter is a SLHSRC alumni while her youngest daughter is currently a member
“Once you become involved in the rodeo life, it is very hard to step away,” Fairchild said. “The friendships become family like no other sport.”
Addy Faulkner, 15, of St. Amant High School, considers the rodeo club her second family
“My parents grew up in the rodeo,” Faulkner said “It’s my go-to sport This has been a great experience
“I have made friends, and we have new students each year We all give support, and they support me more than I can ask for.”
Faulkner entered the barrel racing, pole bending and team roping categories.
Along for the ride was Faulkner’s 18-yearold horse, Bariah.
“Bariah brings me just joy and happiness,” Faulkner said. “She’s my everything.”
Faulkner’s family owns nine horses. She’s experienced the difficulties of caring for large animals.
“I’ve had many horses get sick, and some passed,” Faulkner said “You just have to get back to taking care of them. It’s all a part of raising them, and it’s a good learning experience.”
Faulkner has plans to compete in rodeo in college and sees herself in a career that involves horses.
“I thought about becoming a veterinarian
when I was younger, but now I’m considering physical therapy for horses, Faulkner said.”
Gracie Amedee, 15, of St. Amant High, rode her 6-year-old horse, Chica.
A barrel racer, Amedee said she enjoys rodeo because it is different from most high school sports.
“I’ve been in this my whole life,” Amedee said. “It’s a unique sport. It’s fun and not like other sports in school. It has been a lot of fun to participate in.”
Amedee has been in SLHSRC for six years.
“Rodeo is my favorite because of the fun it brings out,” Amedee said.
The club’s middle school students look forward to the rodeos with plans to continue in high school.
“I’m in this because it’s fun and I like caring for the animals,” said chute dogger Ka-
son Watts, 14, of Galvez Middle.
Homeschooler Reese James 16, rode in the weekend rodeo with her horse, 8-yearold Rico Suave.
“The club and rodeo are a whole family thing,” James said. “Everyone comes together to have a good time. Even if they have a bad day, we come together to support each other.”
James, a breakaway roper, said she enjoys her daily routine of caring for the animals.
“I get up each morning, feed the horses, do schoolwork, practice with the horses, feed them again, go to sleep and do it all over again the next day,” James said.
Fairchild said the club is gearing up for the next LHSRA Rodeo on March 7-9 in Sulphur
For more information about the SLHSRC, visit the club’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/717197228956405.
Revyour engines andget readyto experience an adrenaline rush at the Louisiana Sportsman Show when the legendaryNo. 22 Shell-Pennzoil show car rolls intoLaPlace March 28-30.
Getinthe driversseatand feel what it’s liketomakelaps at 180 mphwiththe Shell-sponsored racingsimulatorpods TheLouisiana Sportsman Show features indoor and outdoor exhibitsfromsome of thebiggestvendorsinthe state. This is also aplace wheresmall and creative entrepreneurs connectwiththe culture of Louisiana.The 2025 Show promisesto be better than ever with free parking,a large kids’activityzone and afood court
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Reese James 16, left, and Gracie Amedee, 15, both students at St. Amant High School, stand with their horses during Saturday’s Southeast Louisiana Junior and High School Rodeo in Gonzales.
The Southeast Louisiana Junior and High School Rodeo Club held it’s annual rodeo last weekend at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Events included pole bending, goat tying, and rifle shooting
Chili cook-off supports program providing books to boot camps
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
Known for jambalaya cook-offs, the Gonzales VFW Post 3693 stirred spicier pots Feb. 15 by hosting a chili cook-off to benefit Books for Boots.
A dozen participants tested out their chili cooking skills while also raising money for the growing organization, which provides donated books to boot camps across the nation.
Founder and Director of Books for Boots Melissa Singletary said VFW events like the chili cook-off are particularly meaningful because veterans are participating
“Books for Boots started when our oldest, Mackayla, was injured at boot camp,” Singletary said. “We learned of the need for books and media items for injured recruits.”
Singletary founded Books for Boots in 2023. She has since sent almost 4,000 books to five basic training locations.
“As of Feb. 11, we have shipped out over 3,685 books, 1,797 movies, 381 CDs and 159 puzzles to injured recruits,” Singletary said.
Mackayla Singletary said she’s happy about the growth of Books for Boots.
“I am overjoyed on how much recognition and progress Books for Boots has made,” said Mackayla Singletary, now a lance corporal in the Marines. “Not a lot of people think or know about the recruits that get injured until you are one of them or your child is.”
Mackayla Singletary traces on her own love for books to her mother
“I’m thankful that I grew up with a book-loving mom, and she taught me how books can bring you a little escape,” Singletary said.
“When I first got injured, I was very much in my head and overthinking my injury
“With books I was able to redirect my thoughts and in the long run help my mentality, which is every much in tune with your recovery process.”
VFW 3693 Auxiliary President Antoinette Nolan appreciates what Books for Boots has done
“Books for Boots is important to us because of the support given to deployed and injured service members,”
Nolan said. The chili cook-off consisted of several judges, a People’s Choice division, and a Best Decorated Booth division
“When Jared Nolen and his wife, Antoinette, reached out late summer last year with the suggestion of a chili cook-off to help us raise money, it was, and still is, very uplifting,” Melissa Singletary said.
“You have an organization of those who have served helping those that are hurt just trying to serve Veterans understand and continue in service by helping the next generation.”
The Singletarys have big goals for Books for Boots, including setting up mini
libraries at basic training camps and providing veterans’ homes with items upon request.
“Because of the extreme generosity of our community in book and media donations, we’ve been able to provide the same resources to a few local veterans homes, active duty unit, and have started shipping overseas,”
Melissa Singletary said.
The VFW 3693 is hosting its annual VFW Jam” jambalaya cook-off on May 3.
The event will also feature 27 shopping vendors.
For more information about VFW 3693, visit https://www.vfw3693.org/.
To find out how to donate to Books for Boots, visit https:// booksforboots.org/.
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The Delaune family — Tony, left, Cindy and Tyler — compete in the chili cook-off.
Founder and Director of Books for Boots Melissa Singletary, left, and her daughter Marine Lance Cpl. Mackayla Singletary, set up their tent during VFW Post 3693’s chili cook-off.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Attending the VFW Post 3693 chili cook-off to benefit Books for Boots from left, are retired Marine Steve Person, Marine Lance Cpl. Mackayla Singletary, retired Marine Jim Heintze and retired Army Sgt. Jared Nolan.
Robyn and John Russell cook chili Feb 15 during the VFW Post 3693 chili cook-off to benefit Books for Boots. John Russell is the post chaplain.