COMPLIMENTARY

JULY 2018, VOL. 16 ISSUE 7

 Publisher / Editor
Mike Strong
Table of Contents
MY HERO ..................................... 4
Sales Manager
GONZALES GARDEN CLUB .... 10
Dottie Godberry
Staff Photographer SWEET EYES W/ TANYA............12

Jimmy Dunkley JFA TOP 32.............................................24 FOR MORE INFORMATION

225.622.3262
BILL DELAUNE.......................... 30 www.riverparishfoods.com

Contributing Writers
JAMMIN’ WITH GOOSIE......... 32
Bill Delaune
THOUGHTS FROM BULLY.......34
Linda Melancon
GONZALES BOAT CLUB...........36
Calvin Bessonett
Bully SNO’S RECIPE........................... 46

Publishers Note: Cover photo of Jarred Marchand with helper Chad Dixon 2018 Jambalaya
Goosie Guice
Orhan McMillan Festival Champions. Photo location is The Cajun Village.
Kellie Seymour
Tanya Stilley
Jimmy Dunkley

For Advertising
Information Please call:
225-622-1324

E-Mail Comments
to Stronggraphics1@cox.net
www.ascensionmagazine.net

Note: Features in this

publication labeled
“advertorial”
are paid for editorials.
All Rights Reserved.
Opinions expressed are not
necessarily those of the
publisher, editor or staff of
Ascension Magazine

18386 Little Prairie Rd.

Prairieville, LA 70769
 My Hero Written by:
Glenn Gautreaux

If someone asked, “Do you have

a hero?”, how would you respond?
Writing about this young man is
something that I’ve wanted to do
for some time now. When I
decided to put pen to paper, I
thought about what he meant to
me. Watching as he grew up with
all of life’s hurdles that he has had
to overcome, I’m intrigued at all
that he’s accomplished.
Webster’s Dictionary defines a
hero as: A person who is admired performs.
or idealized for courage, At a young age he became
outstanding achievements, or interested in the local volunteer
noble qualities. This describes fire department, which his dad was
that young man. a part of. He went along with him
Born with a form of Cerebral when it was time to clean the fire
Palsy (CP), the disease effected his trucks and equipment. Observing
lower body from the waist down. and learning all the techniques of
At the age of twelve, he began caring for the equipment, he was
struggling to walk and was soon able to lend a hand with
eventually confined to a walker, those duties. He picked up on
and then a wheelchair. There were radio codes used to communicate
numerous surgeries performed with the firemen. As he grew older
with hopes that he would regain he became a Junior fireman and
eventually a fireman. He’s held the
position of Junior Fire Fighter
Instructor, and to this day has
received many outstanding awards
for his dedicated service.
After graduating high school, he
began working for the Ascension
Parish Sheriff’s Office and is still
the use of his legs. To this day he without being asked, and he employed with them today. His
remains hopeful. accomplished them as if there was love for music led him to become a
I remember the early years when nothing wrong. In his mind there DJ where he has performed for
he had to start using a walker. It is nothing wrong. Things like many local events. He also has a
was difficult for all of us to see him cleaning his dad’s shop, doing the love for cooking and has mastered
struggle, while all the other laundry, washing dishes, mopping, the art of cooking jambalaya in a
children were running, playing, mowing grass, weed eating, and mini-pot. Recently he took first
and having fun. He accepted that cleaning flower beds, are just some place in a local mini-pot cookoff.
challenge with such a positive of the amazing tasks that he The thing most admired about
attitude. He was never discouraged him is his never-ending drive to
or negative. conquer what seems to be the
His determination and self- impossible and doing it with pride.
confidence sometimes posed a For those of you who know
problem. In his mind there is him, it’s not hard to figure out
nothing that he can’t do. It was a who I’m talking about. He’s not
learning process for his parents, only my nephew, but Trent
who didn’t want to discourage Gautreaux is my hero.
him, but were also concerned for
his safety. Keeping close watch,
they eventually became accustomed
to his never-ending trials. He
took on chores around the house

4
5
 Miss Brooke Everett Crowned Jambalaya
Festival’s 51st Miss Gonzales Jambalaya Queen
On Memorial Day weekend, the city
of Gonzales played host, once again,
to the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival.
In keeping with their new tradition
begun at last year’s 50th celebration
the coronation was held on the
Saturday morning of the festival.
It was a packed house in the new
Jambalaya Festival Building for the
pageant and coronation. The
Jambalaya Festival welcomed over
25 visiting queens from around the
state as well as many past
Jambalaya Queens for the days
festivities. The morning began with
the reigning 50th Miss Gonzales
Jambalaya and our esteemed Mayor
Mr. Barney Arceneaux greeting our
visiting royalty at the Jambalaya
Pavillon at Jambalaya Park. After a
few words from the Mayor the ladies
made their way to the Jambalaya
Building for light refreshments and
the crowing of our new queen.
This year our Pageant welcomed
three lovely contestants.  Competing
were Miss Kaleigh Harrell, Miss
Destinee Mitchell and Miss Brooke
Everett.  On Friday evening these
three ladies were interviewed by a
panel of judges from across the
state. They were judged on their
personality, poise, and knowledge of
the festival. On Saturday morning
the ladies, dressed in formal wear,
competed onstage. Judging included
stage presence, formal wear
modeling and onstage question.
6
Serving as Mistresses of Ceremony
were Mrs. Carol Ann Frederic, a past
Congeniality Award -
Pageant and Queens Director and Kaleigh Harrell
Miss Meredith Conger; Miss
Gonzales Jambalaya 2012. Assisting
Fashion Award -
were Mrs. Elise Tureau Frederic;
Miss Gonzales Jambalaya 2007,
Brooke Everett
Miss Stevi Girouard; Miss Gonzales
Photogenic Award -
Jambalaya 2013 and Mrs. Brittany
Robert Lorio; Miss Gonzales
Brooke Everett
Jambalaya 2005. 2nd Alternate
Before crowing the new queen, the
JFA welcomed back past royalty by
Kaleigh Harrell
presenting onstage many queens 1st Alternate
from years past. Nearly 20 queens
attended the event.
Destinee Mitchell
Following the presentation of past 2018 51st Miss Gonzales
royalty the reigning queen Miss
Alyssa Claire Latuso gave her
Jambalaya
farewell address. Sharing her Miss Brooke Renee Everett.
thoughts on her year and thanking
everyone who shared in it. Following the coronation, Brooke,
The presentation of awards began along with Miss Alyssa Latuso played
with the JFA presenting the following host to our visiting queens. They
awards… enjoyed a Jambalaya Luncheon
and a private tour of the cooking
competition lead by the lovely Mrs.
Carol Ann Frederic.
Brooke Renee Everett is the 19
year old daughter of Kristin and Cody
Breaux. She attended St. Amant
High School graduating in 2016.
She is currently attending Baton
Rouge Community College pursuing
a degree in Diagnostic Sonography.
She has maintained a 3.3 GPA
throughout her college career. Brook
has served the Jambalaya festival as
a Field Judge for the past four years
and has placed 2nd in the Mini Pot
Competition.
“I am in shock and I am excited to
reign as the 51st Miss Gonzales
Jambalaya! “ I am so honored to
represent the JFA and my home
town!  I am eager share my love for
this festival and my community with
others” stated Miss Everett, when
asked how she felt being crowned
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Brooke will reign as the
ambassador of the festival.  She will
travel throughout the state attending
its many festivals and events. She
will also travel to Washington D.C. in
early 2019 to attend the Krewe de la
Louisianians Mardi Gras Ball. She
will represent the community and the
festival by encouraging others to visit
our community and our festival.
Current Pageant Directors Mrs.
Laurina Conger and Mrs. Sharon
Girouard stated that “Many of our
past Champions and our Queens
become active members and board
members of the Jambalaya Festival
Association.   It's been a great
partnership for 51 years and
hopefully for years to come”!
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7
 Registered live oak named Wallace Evans

Gonzales Garden Club

Registered live oak named Riley Evans

Registers Live Oaks

In accordance with guidelines registered live oak trees in sixteen feet or greater is interested in having your tree
of The Live Oak Society of the Ascension Parish to 104. classified as a centenarian. registered, please contact
Louisiana Garden Club A tree registered is not Gonzales Garden Club
Federation, Inc., the Gonzales For a tree to be registered with protected by the society. President Jamie Trisler
Garden Club registered eight the Live Oak Society, it must The tree’s owner has full at 715-7670.
live oak trees recently, have a girth of eight feet or authority over what is done
bringing the total number of greater. A tree with a girth of with and to the tree. If you are
Registered live oak named Buddy Bourgeois

Registered live oak named Jambalaya.

Registered live oak named

Buddy Canyon

Registered live oak named Beulah Land

Registered live oak named

Terri Hill
Registered live oak named Carolyn Bourgeois
8
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9
 The Butterfly Garden at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales is situated between the fountain pool and the Children’s Spray Ground.

The Gonzales Garden Club Stokes aster, penta, echinacea, watered it to life.
created a garden in Jambalaya bee balm, penstemon, Mexican
Park in 2004 with the permission flame vine, Brazilian fuzzy sage, Appreciation goes
of former Mayor Johnny Berthelot. and hyssop. out to Louisiana
It has evolved from shrubs and Many garden club members Nursery in Prairieville
perennials into a pollinators’ have helped with the park bed in for donating 15
paradise. Currently, plantings in years past. A total renovation of pounds of fertilizer
the lower bed are irises, blue the bed been in the fall of 2017 and to Lowe’s Home
mistflower, aquatic milkweed and when all the old plants had to be Improvement in
luna hibiscus. The raised bed has removed. Helpers included Ellen Gonzales for donating
been newly planted with zinnias, Richmond Posey, Allen Posey, a day of labor, ten
purple evolution salvia, yellow Weezie and Nolan Cashat, Gwen bags of compost and
lantana, tropical milkweed, swamp and Steve Heck, Conchita Richey, discounts on needed
milkweed, and sunflowers. A vig- Janis Poche, Barbara McCormick, maintenance supplies.
orous Peggy Martin climbing rose Jamie Trisler, Cathy Venable, Janis Many thanks go out to
bush is spreading along the fence D’Benedetto, Priscilla Monson and all the garden club
at the back of the bed along with a Sandy Stewart. The bulk of this supporters who made
healthy young morning glory vine. season's garden renovations was purchases at the
Next year’s growth shows even inspired by the GGC Garden club’s annual
more promise with the team’s Chairman Mary Jo Pohlig. She plant/bake sale
recent plantings of so many baby and her team propagated the fundraiser in April.
perennials in this project: plants, amended the soil, set in Proceeds from that
tutti-frutti butterfly bush, verbena, the transplants, then mulched and event are used to
maintain the garden

Commercial
for the public’s

Sunflowers are set to bloom above the garden plaque.

enjoyment.

Residential

The Adam McCarty State Farm Insurance Agency Office in the new Cypress Point Development GGC YOM winner Sabrina Collier is pictured on her front steps with grand daughter Surella
Center was chosen as GGC July Commercial Landscape of the Month. An abundance of plants Thomas. There are boxwood shrubs in the beds with caladiums, mums and petunia adding color
throughout the parking area include drift roses, lilies of Nile, Japanese yew, and crape myrtle. to the red mulch. Hanging Boston ferns add to the porch decor.
 Gonzales Girl Scout achieves
highest award in Girl Scouting:
the Girl Scout Gold Award
Gonzales Girl Scout
Margaret Britton was honored
as a Gold Award Girl Scout at
a statewide Gold Award Girl
Scout pinning ceremony and
reception at the Old
Governor’s Mansion on June
13. The 2017-2018 Gold Award
Girl Scout was among 10
Louisiana Girl Scouts to
receive this highest award in
Girl Scouting,
In order to earn the Girl
Scout Gold Award, a Girl Scout
must demonstrate her ability
and skills in goal-setting,
planning, implementing Girl
Scout values, and relating to
the community. She must also
plan and execute a community
service project with a minimum
of 80 working hours to reach
beyond the Girl Scout
organization and provide a
sustainable, lasting benefit to
the her larger community.
Earning this prestigious
award enables the Gold Award
Girl Scout to distinguish herself
in the college admissions
process, earn college
scholarships, and enter the
military one rank higher.
After Ascension Parish’s
Galvez Primary School
flooded, Britton replaced five
basketball goals and built a
buddy bench to address the
problems of bullying to
promote inclusiveness for all
students. The Gold Award Girl and will attend Mississippi opportunity, create lasting
Scout also helped a Junior Girl State University in the fall, relationships, and find dynamic
Scout troop earn their majoring in Chemical solutions to social issues —all
staying fit badge. Engineering. while building the skills and
Britton also received the Girl Scouts Louisiana East courage they need to take the
2018 Kelly C. O’Mahoney offers the best leadership lead every day and empower
$1,000 Gold Award development program for girls, themselves for life. For more
Scholarship, which was grades K to 12, in southeast information, call the council
presented during the Gold Louisiana. Through Girl office at 800-644-7571, or visit
Award ceremony. She is a Scouting, girls learn to face its website at www.gsle.org.
graduate of East Ascension challenges head-on, embrace
High School’s class of 2018 failure as a learning

From the
Bayou to the
Butte
I spent a fantastic Independence
Day in Crested Butte, Colorado.
It was my first time ever in the
Rocky Mountain state, and I loved
it; however, there was a looming
concern of altitude or mountain
sickness that my boyfriend kept
warning me about.
Apparently going from sea level or
below to high altitudes can be
tricky. Why you might ask? Well,
at levels above 7,000 feet there is
less oxygen present in the air,
Hiking in Crested Butte
around about 25% depending on
specific altitude, which makes
EVERYthing more difficult to do.
Think about it, less oxygen equals
harder breathing, harder walking,
hiking, climbing…even sleeping!
high altitude and throughout the
stay. I could almost feel and
increases sense of well being about
an hour or so post dose. I believe
it works and will take it again in
the future.
Lower Caffeine and Alcohol intake
– Since dehydration can compound
AS symptoms, you must stay away
from coffee and alcohol both of
which dehydrate. As much as I
love my morning coffee, I drank
much less than normal. I know
this helped as well.
If those didn’t work, I always had
a backup plan. In downtown
Crested Butte, I saw a local spot
called Sea Level Spa that offers
oxygen and a hyperbaric chamber
slowly acclimates the body via slow
increased pressurization thus
increasing oxygen levels and
pumping more oxygen into your
body. Luckily I didn’t have to
go through all that.
a night at a lower level altitude.
One night into my trip and no
signs of AS.
Hydrate – For several days prior to
heading to Crested Butte, I made
sure I drank a lot of water. I
already drink a lot, but I made sure
I pushed the aqua even more. Trail at 11,000 ft.
Once at altitude the dehydration is
palpable, so I continued to push
the additional water the entire trip.
Check your urine color often while Preparation certainly made the
at altitude. The darker the urine, difference in avoiding AS,
This is what’s commonly called
the more need for additional although when I went for a jog in
altitude sickness or mountain town, I didn’t make it 50 yards.
hydration!
sickness. How embarrassing!
Altitude RX – After some research Oh well, I suppose to increase
Mountain Sickness or Altitude
I found a supplement with more my stamina, I’ll have to make more
Sickness (AS) is very common and
than 3,000 five star reviews online, visits at high altitude? Next time…
affects people in varying severity.
so for $34.99 a bottle, I figured Aspen perhaps? Or maybe even
Onset is usually within hours of Veil? Hmmm…no wonder the US
what the heck. I ordered the all
arrival at altitude and can create Winter Olympic Training Gym is
natural supplement, full of Ginko,
symptoms such as: headache, in Crested Butte. They must have
Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
nausea, fatigue, insomnia, inability the right idea. Training hard never
Directions said to begin taking this
to sleep, dehydration, shortness of looked so good.
homeopathic RX one day prior to
breath and more.
AS was a legitimate concern for me I fell in right after this photo was taken.
on this trip since I’d never been at
this level of altitude. So, with
some research and preparation I
was able to mitigate my risk of
getting some of the symptoms of
AS. Despite not feeling 100% while
I was there, I know and believe I
did better than most, at least that’s
what the locals said. Here’s
what I did:
Increase Altitude Slowly – Since
we flew into Denver late, we stayed
12
13
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Dutchtown Physical Therapy is located conveniently in a state of the art facility on Hwy 73
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Stephen Jackson, PT, DPT, Clinical Director at Dutchtown Physical Therapy, takes pride in the ability to say,
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16
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Questions
to Ask Your
Finacial
Advisor
You should always be able to
ask as many questions as you’d
like when working with your
financial advisor. So, before you
have your annual review, think
carefully about what you’d like to
ask. Here are a few suggestions:
• Are my goals still realistic?
When you first began working
with your financial advisor, you
may well have articulated a
number of financial goals. For
example, you might have said
that you wanted to pay for most
of your children’s college
educations, or that you wanted to
retire at a certain age, or that you
wanted to travel for two months
each year during your retirement.
In fact, you could have many
different goals for which you’re
saving and investing. When you
meet with your financial advisor,
you’ll certainly want to ask if
you're still on track toward
meeting these goals. If you are,
you can continue with the
financial strategies you’ve been
following; but if you aren’t, you
may need to adjust them.
• Am I taking on too much –
or too little – risk? The financial
markets always fluctuate, and
these movements will affect the
value of your investment portfolio.
If you watch the markets closely
every day and track their impact
on your investments, you may
Jamie Lavigne, Financial Advisor
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find yourself fretting considerably
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• How are external forces
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investment strategy that’s based
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licking me.
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To further get Google’s attention,
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18
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 left to right: Tate Broussard, Haley Hill, Hannah Delatte, Arthur Scanlan III (EATEL), Jacob Varnado, Caleb Robinson, Principal Marvin Evans accepting on behalf of Cambrie Reed.

EATEL GRANTS SIX have the opportunity to support our local parish schools
with this event for so many years.”

LOCAL GRADUATING
The following
SENIORS WITH LAPTOP students are the 2018
COMPUTERS EATEL Technology
Award recipients:
EATEL honored six local graduating high school seniors on Cambrie Reed of Donaldsonville High School 4.54 GPA
April 24,2018, at EATEL’s annual Technology Awards Plans to attend LSU’s Odgen Honors College to pursue a
Ceremony, now in its 32nd year. The grant focuses on the double degree in computer science with concentration in
importance of technology, academic achievement, and software engineering and entrepreneurship/business.
community involvement, awarding applicants from
Ascension and Livingston Parish High Schools. EATEL
presented brand new laptop computers to a standout
graduate from each high school in its serving area,
Donaldsonville, Dutchtown, East Ascension, French
Settlement, Maurepas, and St. Amant, with an ultra-slim
ASUS ZenBook laptop computer and an awards certificate
honoring their achievement. The ceremony was held in
the lobby of EATEL’s Administration Building (406 E. Hannah Delatte of Maurepas High School 4.0 GPA
Worthey Street, Gonzales, LA). Haley Hill of Dutchtown High School 3.981 GPA Plans to attend La Tech University; Majoring in BioMedical
Plans to attend Loyola University of New Orleans; Major or Chemical Engineering.
EATEL’s Technology Award requirements are that all appli- in Biology (Pre-Medicine) and minor in Chemistry. Career
cants must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or goals of becoming an OBGYN.
higher, actively participate in school and community
activities, and plan to pursue their studies at a Louisiana-
accredited college or university. These students must se-
lect a major in one of the STEM categories: science,
technology, engineering, or math. The 2018 recipients
were chosen from a pool of applicants by a counselor
from each school.

The Awards were presented by Arthur Scanlan, III - Public Caleb Robinson of East Ascension High School 4.6 GPA
Relations Manager for EATEL, with assistance from Ronda Plans to attend LSU for BS in Mechanical Engineering with
Matthews - Supervisor of Career and Technical Education a minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dreams of
for Ascension Public Schools. working for Walt Disney Company, designing animatronics
for new attractions.
“EATEL’s commitment to the students and families in our
area is unparalleled. They have been with us for over
three decades and have made a difference in the lives of
many young people as they begin their journey into
higher education and careers,” added Ronda Matthews of
Ascension Public Schools.

“Enjoyed seeing my former student, Arthur Scanlan III,

honoring current high school students as recipients of the
EATEL Technology award with a laptop! Thank you, EATEL,
for always supporting our students,” said Mia Edwards, Jacob Varnado of French Settlement High School 3.8
Ascension Parish High Schools Director. Tate Broussard of St. Amant High School 4.3 GPA GPA Plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University to
Plans to attend LSU; Majoring in Mechanical Engineering pursue a degree in Biological sciences. Future career goal
Arthur Scanlan, III represented EATEL and added, “The with minor in Business. Plans to use degree to work in is to be a Veterinarian.
people of this area have been wonderful to our family the chemical and petroleum industry in local area.
over the last 83 years and giving back to the community
is something we feel very strongly about. These young
people are the future of our state and providing them with

19
tools for success is exciting and rewarding. We are glad to
 YOUR ESTATE MATTERS
By Linda Melancon
From Home to
Nursing Home:
How to Make the
Move Easier
Making the decision to take a loved
one out of their home and put them
into the long-term care system is
often one of the toughest families
must make. When at-home living is
no longer an option, nursing homes
and assisted living facilities can
provide much needed care that helps
both the elderly and their family.
Choosing to make the move is not
only an emotional decision but one
that requires a great deal of planning.
Often, the person who needs the care
doesn’t want to leave, leaving all
225.647.4332 • Hwy. 44 • Gonzales
parties uncomfortable and struggling
with how to move forward.
Seniors cite some common fears of
long term care facilities as ranging
from losing independence or not
having control over their daily routine
to worrying that they won’t be given
the best care and that the cost will be
a drain on their finances. One
particularly grim tale out of Maricopa
County in Arizona shows just how
much that fear and anxiety can
affect a family.
CNN reported in early July that 92-
year old Anna Mae Blessing was
charged with first-degree murder for
allegedly killing her 72-year old son,
Thomas, who wanted to put her in an
assisted living facility. Blessing had
been living with her son and his
girlfriend for about six months before
the incident occurred. Court
documents state that, “As the suspect
was being escorted from the resi-
dence, she made a spontaneous
statement to the effect of ‘You took
my life, so I’m taking yours.’”
While this case is an extreme example
of a senior not wanting to be placed
in a facility, the fear and anger
associated with being moved unwill-
ingly is not uncommon. On some
level, Blessing must have believed that
20
a jail cell would be preferable to the
facility her son wanted to move her
to. But this change doesn’t have to be
nearly as bad, scary, or expensive as
it’s made out to be – especially if you
consult with an Elder Law Attorney
or Life Care Planner.
A qualified and experienced Elder
Law Attorney can give advice about
wills, trusts, and powers of attorney;
guardianships (known as interdictions
in Louisiana); financing long-term
care (including Medicaid and VA
benefits); and, special needs planning.
Some give advice about social security
benefits, elder abuse and disability law
as well. Other Elder Law Attorneys
may even go so far as to assist in
locating the appropriate type of care,
coordinating private and public
resources to finance the cost of care,
and working to ensure the client's
right to quality care. In some
practices, those last few services will
fall under the responsibility of a Life
Care Coordinator.
A Life Care Coordinator works
closely with the client and their family
to help them navigate the long-term
care and special needs systems and to
act as their advocate to ensure they
are receiving appropriate services. An
LCC provides the client with a care
assessment to identify parameters of
care and capacity. They assist the
family with gathering and sorting
important documents necessary for
long-term care or special needs
planning purposes. They will also
translate the “legal-speak” and
“financial speak” into “care speak” to
the client and their family. And most
importantly, an LCC is knowledge-
able about care options in the
community to assist clients and
families with transitions in long-term
care living arrangements and
programs available for assistance
with special needs family members.
Help is out there for seniors and their
families who are looking into the
move from home to a long-term care
facility. An Elder Law practice with at-
torneys and other professionals who
are well versed in the legal, financial,
and emotional complexities of this
major transition can make a world of
difference. You don’t have to go it
alone; find a person or team you trust
to show you all the options and give
you the peace of mind you deserve.
The information provided is not
intended to be legal advice and does
not constitute any attorney/client
relationship. You should consult with
an attorney for individual advice
regarding your own situation.
Ms. Melancon is an attorney with Legacy Estate &
Elder Law of Louisiana, LLC, with offices in
Baton Rouge, LA and Prairieville, LA. The
primary focus of her practice is estate planning,
probate, special needs planning and elder law. For
more information or to attend an upcoming
estate planning seminar, call her office at
(225) 744-0027
• Full catering menu • Space for seminars
• Outdoor Pavilion for Weddings
• Space for seminars • Business meetings
• Birthday parties
Accommodates up to 300 guest.
Call to set up an appointment
to view our venues.

225.677.5545 • 17425 Airline Hwy • Prairieville

21
A Story of “Service representatives from the three other Rotary Clubs in
Ascension Parish, including Matt LeBlanc, President of “We are very blessed to have members in our club today
friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned?”

Above Self” in the the Donaldsonville Club and Rotary District 6200
Assistant District Governor.
who have been with the club since its very early years,
including its only living Charter Member, Gordon R.
Although it has been described as the “old man’s club,”
today’s Rotary Club of Gonzales is comprised on men and

Making for 50 Years Presentations by current and past Rotarians outlining

It’s been a story in the making for 50 years. On Tuesday,
June 19, 2018, the Rotary Club of Gonzales celebrated
its 50th Anniversary.
The celebration included current and past members,
the history of the club, the camaraderie of its members,
the larger-than life personalities of many of its past and
present members, and the positive impact that the
Rotary Club of Gonzales has made in the community
were made. Two videos highlighted the clubs history
and its contributions.
Crawford, third President, Dale Spaht, and sixth President
and past District 6200 Governor, Ralph A. “Tony”
Malbrough.” They were present to share their knowledge
of the club’s history,” said Public Relations Officer, Jon
Hirsch. “A recurring theme of the night was the pride of
the club’s members in living Rotary’s motto of ‘Service
Above Self’ and the Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it
fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better
women, young and old, and professionals who want to
make a difference in the community in which they live
and work. “Some think that the Rotary Club of Gonzales
is a ‘meet and eat’ organization, but it was formed for,
has been, and continues to be, dedicated to meeting the
needs of humanity and “service above self,” Spaht said
in his comments.

President Matassa with the ACHS State Champion Baseball Team.

President Matassa Proclaims

ACHS Baseball State Champs Day
Ascension Parish President
Kenny Matassa has proclaimed
June 7, 2018 as Ascension Catholic
High School Baseball State
Champions Day.
According to the proclamation,
the Ascension Catholic High
School Bulldogs Baseball Team
finished the 2017-2018 season
with an overall record of 29 wins
and 9 losses, a District record of 8
wins and 2 losses, finishing 2nd in
the district; and had an 18 game
win streak to finish the regular
season, earning the number 3 seed
in the tournament. They won 23
of their last 24 games through the
championship game, which earned
them a berth in state tourney in
Sulphur for the second year in row;
last year the team lost a heart-
breaker to Central Catholic 6-5 in
11 innings. This season the team’s
motto was #unfinishedbusiness.
Through determination and hard
work, the Ascension Catholic High
School Bulldogs Baseball Team
won the Louisiana State
Championship, and team member
Charlie Giannaloni was named the
Championship Game MVP for his
outstanding hitting in the game
as well as closing the game
on the mound.
President Matassa, who attended
Ascension Catholic High School,
presented the proclamation at a
gathering at the ACHS gym in
Donaldsonville. He also presented
a certificate of achievement to each
coach and player.
Photo #2 – President Matassa with
the ACHS State Champion Base- ACHS Principal John Beck addresses the
ball Team. State Championship team.
 Since 1988, Outdoor Living has been a locally owned company in the
Ascension Parish community specializing in custom landscape and
backyard designs. Thirty years later, we are embarking on a new Make Your Home
adventure of designing and installing both gunite and fiberglass pools.

We are an authorized Blue Hawaiian fiberglass pool dealer.

a Dream Destination
Our team has expanded to now include experienced pool builders and this Summer
craftsmen to design and build the backyard oasis of your dreams.

In addition to pools, we design and build outdoor kitchens, pergolas,

firepits, and many other backyard amenities.

We would love for you to stop by and let us design a backyard oasis for
you. We offer the latest in software design so that you can envision your
backyard before the job ever starts. Please call or stop by the store to
begin the design process today.

225.647.7870 • 12380 Highway 44, Gonzales, LA 70737 • outdoorlivingla.com

23
 This years Jambalaya Festival
hosted 80 plus cooks and after
careful judging the Top 32 teams
positioned themselves to cook in the
Semi-Finals. This year when the
names were called out they were

TOP 32
called in the ranking position on the
judging card.
This year the Top 32 was made up
of seasoned veterans and many
new comers. If you had a chance to
see the scoring you’d be amazed
how close the scores were for all of
the jambalaya’s.

Semi-Final Heat 1

32 Brett Reine

31 Tyler Billingsley

30 Jarrett Marchand

29 Jay Alexis
32 31 30 29

28 Brently Marchand

27 Eric Guitreau

26 Neal Mire

25 Jared White
28 27 26 25

24 Brandon Olinde

23 Scott Duplechein

22 Jared Taylor

21 Brandon Elisar
24 23 22 21

20 Jamie Rye

19 Clint Broussard

18 Mike Waguespack

17 Todd Breaux

20 19 18 17
 Making the Top 32 is a mile
stone of achievement and
makes the teams one step
closer to the Final 12 and a
chance to cook for the
Championship.
Ascension Magazine was
present when the teams began
cooking on Sunday morning.
As I started taking photos I
noticed in my camera there
were light flares showing up in
every photo. I started
re-positioning the team so the
flares would go away but they
never did. It was the first time
in all my years of taking
photos. After putting the photos
in my computer I thought they
were just bad photos and then
it hit me. Each of the teams
had Guardian Angels looking
over the them. The Angels had
to be there to help there loved
ones get off to a good start.
You may think I am making
this up to cover for poor
photography but it sure sounds
good to know we have Angels
watching over us.
Congratulations to the 2017-2018 Executive
Top 32 cooking teams. Committee (2018 Festival)
This years judges were: President - Wally Taillon
Layne Gautreau Vice Pres. - Tammy Guillory
Freddie Hurst Secretary -Brigitte Reulet
David Eastridge
Treasurer - Brenda Taillon
Doug McCrory
At Large Committee Members
Calvin Simon
Layne Gautreau
Contest Chairman - Mike Gonzales
Mike Gonzales Koby Thacker
Robert “Hoss” Reine

Semi-Final Heat 2

16 Roby Breaux

15 Taner Bourque

14 Wayne Abshire
16 15 14 13 13 Heath Melancon

12 Mike Gonzales

11 Jason White

10 Lee Elisar

12 11 10 9 9 Justin Courville

8 Tunney King

7 Koby Thacker

6 David Vidrine

5 Huey Jacob
8 7 6 5

4 Cody Braud

3 Daren Braud

2 Kade Lanoux

1 Tyler Lambert

4 3 2 1
2018 Mini Pot Jambalaya Cook Off results, hosted by VFW Post 3693:
Brock Melancon -
Our 2018 Jambalaya Women’s Division
Festival Mini Pot 3rd place - Jayla Cornett
Champ of Champs!! 2nd place - Tanil Thacker
1st place - Blair Alexis
Children’s Division
3rd place - Luke Decoteau Men’s Division
2nd place- Elizabeth Akin 3rd place - Matt Gautreau
1st place - Brock Melanson 2nd place - Jason White
1st place - Koby Thacker
Junior’s Division
3rd place - Kami Gautreau
2nd place - Karson Thacker
1st place - Kade Thacker
 Congratulations to the 2018 Seniors and
Students Returning to Classes

WHAT EVER YOU NEED • WE CAN HELP

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AND MUCH MORE... 11296 HWY. 431, ST. AMANT, LA 70774

27
 Doors Open 11am - 2am
21+ to Enter

Port Vincent, LA

Entertainment Schedule
July 21 • Avalanche
July 22 • T Boy Moore & Just Us
July 28 • Matt Kayda
July 29 • Mojo's
August 4 • Stone Sober
August 5 • Rougon
August 11 • FreeStyle
August 12 • Kendall Shaffer
August 18 • LaRouge

Join Us for a Party Special Nights • Karaoke Every Friday

August 19 • T-Boy Moore

Whaler Wednesday

Second
Tuesday Second
Wednesday

Drink Specials • Prizes • Free Food

of the
Month of the
Month

28
29
 How I Spent My Summer Vacation
Editor’s note- This is
dedicated to every student who
had to write a paper with this
title after returning to school
even if it was I who made the
cliché assignment.
For most of the year the
longest trip I take is to the
Beaver Creek Golf Course in
Zachary to play a round with
my BREC buddies.
But this summer, June came
busting out all over with a
number of out-of-state
adventures that included-if you
happen to be an Olympic figure
skating fan-some compulsories
and some optionals.
The first full weekend in June
I had penciled in for one of my
favorite golf trips-a Jamie
Bourgeois production in
Gulf Shores.
But that excursion got
trumped by a Dallas wedding
reception for my brother-in-
law’s daughter after my wife
assured her brother Steve,
“Don’t worry-Bill will choose
by Bill Delaune
But when you’re trying to find
a table game like blackjack or
craps to suit the budget of a
retired baseball coach and a
poor college student-a $25
minimum is not the place to be.
Not to worry. We found
some affordable out-of-the-way
places on the Strip that catered
to the not-so-high rollers. If
there were three openings at the
table, we all squeezed in and
began entertaining (?) the other
players with our Southern
accents and Wild Bill’s
bullsquash.
One afternoon at the Palazzo,
there were only two spots
available at the crap table, so I
yielded to Steve and Steven for
a father-son bonding/teaching
session.
“I’m going play one of these
poker games,” I announced.
“Some crazy stuff happens there
sometime.”
I wandered over to a 3-card
poker game and sat down next
to a nice lady from Milwaukee-
the only other person at the
table. Now 3-card poker is a
fairly brainless game. You
the ‘the right thing’.” We checked into the Wynn get-duh-three cards and if you
Oh, the things we do to keep Hotel where the accommoda- beat the dealer’s three, you win.
peace in the valley. Anyway, tions are first class and the Of course, the casino offers all
while my body was having a sports book is second to none.
great time dancing with the
bride’s younger sister, my mind
kept wandering to what Mike
Lee, Dean Glaze, Richard
Guidry and all those other Live
Bait all stars were up to.
There is a happy ending
though so don’t weep no more
my ladies for me just yet. That
will come later.
Steve had promised his son
Steven that he would take him
to Las Vegas for a college
graduation present and invited
me-sympathy, perhaps?-to tag
along. Of course, I accepted
and found myself in Sin City
just two days after getting home
from Dallas. Eat your hearts
out, you would-be jet setters.
Now, what goes on in Vegas
stays in Vegas, but there is one
sad story-I warned you-that you
must hear if you happen to have
three or four hankies handy.
30
sorts of “bonus” wagers which
translates to “put up a chip on
these sucker bets and turn this
$5 table into a $25 bet so the
house wins more”.
Naturally, I bit and played
everything but an imposing red
light circle at the top bringing a
scolding from my Asian dealer.
“Play progression,” she
ordered. “Big pot-over
$70,000.”
When I reached for a white
$1 chip-the standard wager on a
progression jackpot-she fussed
at me again.
“No-$5 bet,” she said.
No wonder the pot was so
high.
“How do I win that?” I asked.
“Your three cards and two
random cards from the deck
must equal royal straight flush.”
Now I’ve played longshots at
tracks and casinos from
California to the New York
Island and up and down the
Gulfstream waters, but this one
seemed a fit far-fetched even for
Black Cat Bill.
“I think I’ll watch a couple,”
I decided.
On the second hand the
Wisconsin woman who was
dabbling in the red zone
exclaimed, “I have a flush.”
I had a straight myself so we
high-fived and waited for our
payoffs.
There were some “oohs and
aahs” from the sweaters behind
us when she turned over the
ace-queen-ten of diamonds.
Now to show you how
difficult that progression bet
was to hit, she still needed two
gutshots to fill in-the jack and
king of diamonds. No way
that’s going to happen with two
random cards, right?
Well, friends and neighbors,
that is exactly what happened.
After Tex Ritter’s favorite card
the jack of diamonds showed
up, the diamond king floated
down from heaven completing
the elusive royal flush.
While her husband and his
friend who were standing
behind her joined with me in
an impromptu celebration, the
winner remained surprisingly
calm-even to the point of
thinking about the other
hard-luck person (yours truly) at
the table who had missed the
riches by one chair.
“Doesn’t he get something?”
she asked pointing to a $5000
“envy” reward for anyone
sitting at the table when the
jackpot hit.
Yeah, wait a minute. Don’t I
get the five grand envy?
I used to think the three
saddest words in the world were
written on a box at Christmas
Eve-“Some assembly required”
(See swing set glider @1980).
But those did not compare to
the Asian dealer’s trio as she
pointed to my obviously nude
red light.
“You no play,” she
admonished, twisting the
dagger in my broken heart
with each syllable.
Now those of you who know
me are painfully aware that I
have thrown five bucks away on
some hopeless cases over the
years-99-1 broken down nags,
impossible pool shots and bar
bets-just to name a few. Hell, I
was tipping my Vegas vixen
drink girl five dollars.
But for the lack of sliding one
red chip a matter of two feet, I
was now out five grand.
As if that wasn’t enough,
every dealer that relieved my
Asian berater that day piled on
with the same comment, “So
you’re the one that didn’t put
up the envy.”
The Vegas crew didn’t insert
“dumb Cajun” in their chiding
but they may as well have. After
about the fourth time, I’d
finally had enough.
“Do y’all have a picture of me
back there to show to folks?” I
complained. “Why don’t you
announce my name on the
public address so others can
stop by to get their licks in?”
The happy ending is that the
generous winner-all eaten up
31
with sympathy-tipped me a
$500 chip to ease the pain. It
was a most generous gesture
and I was so moved that she
received a well-deserved hug
and got her picture in
Ascension Magazine.
If the Dallas trip was to
appease my wife’s family and the
Vegas trip was my kind of
vacation, then our trek to Gulf
Shores at the end of June was
for the kids.
Two of my grandsons-Will
and Cade- were playing in the
Global World Series and they
got beach time for lagnappe.
That’s not to say the adults
didn’t have a great time because
baseball, beaches and nightly
cookouts seem to suit
everyone’s tastes.
The good times far outweigh
the bad but like any trip, there
were a few glitches along the
way. For example…
Good- Both teams hit the
beaches Sunday when we
arrived and continued the water
sports on Monday before play
started on Tuesday. There were
some nice waves and the
younger set put on quite a
body-surfing and boogie-
boarding show while most of
the elders watched from under
umbrellas on the shore.
Fair- I’m sure some of the
mamas and the papas would
have joined me at a nearby
covered cabana had there been
one available where one could
enjoy an Orange Beach Bush-
whacker along with the sights of
the beach without getting and
in every orifice of one’s body.
I’m sure there’s an ordinance
prohibiting such, but it sounded
like a million-dollar idea at
the time.
Good- Once baseball started,
both teams got off to fast starts
with Cade’s 10-and-under
Pirates winning 3 of 4 and
Will’s Ascension Select 14-and-
under squad reeling off four
wins in a row. If you go to
enough ball games (like I do),
the old adage about seeing
something you’ve never seen
before will come true. One of
the Pirates Gavin Higgins hit
two home runs-in one inning-as
the team advanced in the
quarterfinals of the 46-
team affair.
Alas, the good guys ran into a
bunch from Waco, Texas-some
of whom had crossed the
Brazos-and were knocked out
short of the finals.
Ascension Select exceeded all
expectations by making the
finals of the championship
bracket before losing to a
Tennessee team that had several
players that could start for the
Vols-scratch that-the Titans’
football team. Oh, these
puberty leagues.
Not so good- This USAAA
organization could have use a
lesson from Gonzales recreation
director Lance Kohan and his
crew in baseball management.
With over 200 teams paying
$850 a pop to enter the
tournament, you would think
they would have enough balls.
Several times we had to wait for
a foul ball to return before play
could resume. Then, some of
the balls were so brown they
may have dated back to the
Hubby Lavigne era.
All in all, it was a wonderful
experience for everyone and the
only bitter sweet moments came
when it was time to say goodbye
to friends who had been with
Will’s team for the past
eight years.
Well, that about wraps up
Wild Bill’s Summer Adventures
so until next…
Wait, what’s that you say-a golf
trip to the Mississippi Gulf
Coast after they open up sports
betting on July 21.
I think I could be talked into
that one.
 CRABS ARE STARTING TO COME IN
• Oysters By the Sack
• Fresh Shrimp
• A Wide Variety
of Fish and Seafood
• Snow Crabs
• Turtle Meat
Ask for Sally’s stuff crabs.
You’ll love them.
It’s Easy to Advertise in Ascension Magazine.
A whole lot easier than catching 30 bass
August Is Beginning To Suck
My dislike for this particular
month began back in my childhood
days. I was born with a driving desire
to be a hunter and fisher. In my
younger years of life I preferred the
winter season over the summertime.
I remember my dislike of those late
summer days and nights back then
while fishing and camping out. My
mind would totally be focused on the
upcoming fall season and cooler tem-
peratures. I guess the event that put
the icing on the cake for my dislike
Doug & Sally for heat was the fall football practices
in August. Man was that miserable.
Oh, and they didn't nurture you on
the field like they do now. If the heat
bothered you, you were considered
not tough or you were a
you-know-what.
As the years slowly passed I began
to enjoy the warmth of summer more
and more. Things such as working
seemed to be easier on a warm day
versus a freezing cold day. It also
Call
seems that it was easier to get a crew
of employees started on a job when
the weather is warm. Somewhere
along this stretch of years I realized
Mike Strong
225.622.1324
that it doesn't really have to be freez-
ing cold to kill a duck or deer or any
other type of game. Although I've
now accepted the summer season
more to my liking than in my
younger days, the eight month of the
year has become a dreaded time for
me and many others.
It seemed to begin on August 26,
1992 when hurricane Andrew tore
our state apart and all but wiped out
the fish population in the Atchafalaya
Basin and surrounding waters. Some
say that things haven't been the same
since. On August 29, 2005 Hurri-
cane Katrina destroyed the southeast-
ern part of our state. Again it caused
massive fish kills along with the
destruction of millions of acres of
wild habitat and many of the animals
that called those places home.
Although being just one day short of
falling in the month of August, on
September 1, 2008 Hurricane Gustav
paid a visit to the state of Louisiana,
again negatively affecting fish and
game populations. Just as the trees of
our forests and the fish and game
populations were beginning to
32
recover, along comes Hurricane Isaac
on August 28, 2012. This storm,
with its massive surge of water,
destroyed the fish population again.
It also took a huge toll on our
whitetail deer herds in southeast
Louisiana. On a personal level, the
miserable month has showed it's ugly
face with deaths of family, my
father-in-law (August 5, 2006) and
unexpectedly a very nice lady who
had become part of the family
(August 30, 2013). The bayou state
lucked up and avoided hurricanes for
a few years but the great Flood of
2016 (August 12, 2016) may have
been worse in many ways than a
hurricane. We somehow escaped a
major fish kill here mainly due to low
winds not blowing leaves into the
water. With more than thirty inches
of rain falling in a short period of
time, flood water levels rose to
heights never seen before. The flood
destroyed thousands of homes for
humans and all animals that call the
ground home. It will take a long time
for animal and human recovery from
this one to occur. On August 25,
2017 Hurricane Harvey made
landfall on the Texas coast causing
major flooding and destruction in the
Longhorn state and southwest.
Louisiana. I'm sure that some of the
same situations that we're faced with
on our side of the state involving
human life along with fish and game
populations are now occurring
in that region.
There's not a lot to like about
floods, hurricanes, tropical storms
etc. the most important thing is
naturally the loss of human lives and
the destruction of our homes that
folks have worked hard for their
entire lives. For fishermen and
hunters there is another downside to
these events. It typically takes three
to five years for full recovery of these
resources.in my case, I'm running
out of three to five year waiting
periods. One thing's for sure, I'm
not looking forward to August...
Till Next Time,
Enjoy The Other Eleven,
James "Goosie" Guice
 with Kellie
Useless Random Facts

•
Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel’s networth
is 1.5 billion at the age of 24, making him the
world’s youngest billonaire.
•
According to a study from the University of
Iowa, playing brain-teasing game for just two hours a “ L I K E ” U S O N FA C E B O O K
week may help slow the degree of mental decay.
•
A librocubicularist is someone who reads in bed.
•
While children of identical twins are legally first cousins,
genetically, they are actually half siblings.
•
While reading, people are prone to subconsciously
take on attributes to that of fictional characters as if

The Mixed Nuts

they were their own. This phenomenon
is 'experience-taking'.
•
The first animals in space were fruit flies,
launched in a V-2 rocket by the US in 1947.
The fruit flies were recovered alive. July 20 August 4
• Mixed Nutts Anamoly
In 2008, Microsoft had offered to buy Yahoo for July 27 Aug 10
US$44.6 billion. Yahoo rejected the offer. In 2016, Karacoustic Foret Tradition
it was sold for just US$4.8 billion. July 28 Aug 11
• Press 1 for English Sofa Kings
According to recent research, new friends

Press 1 for English

become better friends over time if they have Visit our website:www.parkplaceofgonzales.com
similar levels of social anxiety.
•
Chewing Gum is part of the US Army's field
and combat rations. Soldiers consume gum at a
rate 5 times that of the national average.
•
People with autism are less likely to catch yawns.
The more severe their condition, the less common
the behavior gets.
•
Because of the dark and intense nature of the
film Suicide Squad, director David Ayer hired
an on-set therapist for the cast.

1711 S. BURNSIDE • GONZALES • 644-8901

33

Thoughts from Bully
Those Were
the Days
I don’t know about you but
game day for me as a kid in
Little League Baseball got me
excited. I didn’t care how hot
the weather was, I got a chance
to play baseball.
Look at the photo of my great
niece Addie. She’s at the game
watching her big sister Millie
but she just had to put on the
catchers gear. The look on her
face is what I call, ‘Gung Ho’.
Put me in coach I’m ready
to play.
That is the spirit of baseball.
Just give me a chance to show
you what I can do.
I was so excited to be on a
Little League Baseball team,
Morrison Tire, with the 11 and
12 year olds. I was 10 but
playing at this level made me
feel grown up.
I was nervous about our first
game because I was playing with
the big boys. A couple of kids
out of the box. He
threw the pitch and I
can’t tell you if it was in
the zone because I
closed my eyes and
swung. The ball hitting
the mit sounded like a
gun going off.
Fortunately he needed
only 2 more pitches for
me to go back to the
dugout. Once getting
back in the dug out I
felt safe but then
realized I had to go out
in the field. Of course
all baseball players
know if you are the
new guy the ball will
find you. In my case I
was in right field and
Wade came to the
plate. He swung at an
didn’t show up so I had to play. outside pitch and of
Normally this would excite me course it came my way.
however we were playing the Fortunately it was
Lion’s Club and Wade Evans 50 ft. over my head and
was pitching. I didn’t have to move
You may remember Wade because it cleared the
played basketball for LSU in the fence by 80ft.
early 70’s. He was 6’4” and As I got older I was
when he was 12 he was 5’11” able to administer fear
and could throw a fast ball hard. to batters with a wicked
Of course my first game I was curve ball but it was
about 4’6” tall and had to step that drive of a young
in the batters box. He looked kid that had that ‘Gung
like Godzilla on the mound and Ho’ spirit that kept me
my legs began shaking. When going.
he began his wind up I began
inching back preparing to bail
34
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35
 Gonzales Boat Club Host Magpie Poker Run
I’ve been seeing the name,
The Gonzales Boat Club, for
as long as I can remember. It
was at my first Jambalaya
Festival in 1968 that I
recognized the beer booth. I
never knew much about them.
Where they were located?
What is there purpose? This
past month I was invited by
Brigitte to experience a poker
run and learn more about
the club.
The opportunity sounded
intrigueing to me so I took her
up for a ride on a river boat
and experience the Annual
Magpie 150 Poker Run.
The Magpie 150 Poker Run is
a fundraiser that supported
Susan G. Koman.
Brigitte and I headed to the
club. The Gonzales Boat Club
is located along the bank of
the Diversion Canal. Once we
arrived at the building I got a
great surprise. After entering
the building the inside decor
was perfectly designed to look
like the inside of a ship.
All of the rooms or areas
had nautical names and the

Bully, Brigitte, Debbie and Gary at Canal Bank

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 Trabeaus gather at the Black Lake Club
Manny’s staff
club named their Officers:
Admiral - Keith Maneul
Vice Admiral - Barry Carpenter
Rear Admiral - Linda Coates
Purser - Kimberly Difracia
Commander - Ray Everett
Course Captain - Dean Coates
Jim Buoys at the River Highlands
The gang is all here at Manny’s
many stories about the club Chicago is the oldest and the
and one story stood out. I New Orlean’s Yacht Club is
Poker Run Chairman - Mike Turner
In addition the kitchen was
learned the Gonzales Boat second oldest. I thought this
clearly marked as the Galley
and the Ladies room was for Club was Incorporated March historic achievement gave this
Wavs and Men’s room is for 23rd, 1959 and is the 3rd club full merit and I
Gobs. oldest continuos operating immediately looked at it under
I was introduced to a large boat club in America. It turns a new light and give it the
group of people and heard out that the Boat Club of respect it deserves.
Canal Bank staff
37
 Celebrating
the 4th
of July Since this was my first
poker run I had a lot to
learn. A donation is given
to receive a form with
locations of bars along the
rivers and bayous of the
area. Groups can travel
by land or by boat to the
locations. Participants are
to get a confirmation mark
at each location and return
Owners of Thunder Bayou,
to the boat club by Nick & Brooke with Bully
4 o’clock. Each participant
turned in their form which
determines how many
cards they get and the
person making the best
poker hand wins the grand
prize. Also throughout the
day their is a 50/50 raffle
to help raise more money.
Brigitte and I had shown
up without a boat and it
took her only a few
inquires and we secured a
ride on a pontoon boat
captained by Santa Claus
himself. Actually it was
Derwin and his wife Lisa.
We dodged rain all day
but for the most part it was
clear and hot.
Our first stop was Canal
Bank. Canal Bank
historically has been a go
to spot for weekend
boaters and dancers. After
a short visit we headed to

2305 S. Purpera Avenue, Gonzales, LA 70737 • 225.644.1028

Boondocks. Boondocks has
been restored from the flood
and there were some great fun
to be had. Then we were off to
Manny’s, docked the boat, took
the short walk across Hwy 16
and into a well known party
spot along the canal. Once we
had a cold beverage and spoke
to a few friends. We headed
back to the boat when a lady
ask me if I was a golfer? I said
yes, Why? She explained that
she knew because my ankles
where so white from my socks
There is a party at Boondocks Bar & Grill
on the golf course. It turns out
we met a nice couple that was
on the bayou for the first time
from California. I’m sure their
experience was a story to take
back home. All I know is they
were having a great time.
For me personally the trip
was like a walk down memory
lane. I saw spots that looked
just the same when 40 years
ago I would go bass fishing. I
saw a couple of places my old
boat broke down and got a tow
back. I was inspired to get back
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 Black Lake Club

From California to the bayou

involved with traveling and • To serve the interest of

fishing the bayous. While
traveling Brigitte pointed out a
very special cypress stump.
She said, “We call it the Herbie
Bourgeois stump. And we
would have people stand or sit
on it and take a picture if it was
there first time going to Black
Lake Club.”
The Gonzales Boat Club
I met Anthony at Red’s with staff really impressed with their
reason for existing.Their
mission is as follows:
boaters,
• To prevent pollution of
waterways,
• To stimulate greater interest
in boating,
• To promote safe boating, and
• To do all other things which
tend to serve the interests
of boaters.
The Gonzales Boat Club
would like to thank Wally
Taillon of the Jambalaya

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40
 1 3 0 5 3 H W Y. 4 3 1 • S T. A M A N T

The crew from Lagniappe Restaurant - Tiger Bar

Lagniappe crew at the River Highlands

Festival association for
serving a fabulous

FIRESTONE BRIDGSTONE CREDIT CARDS

jambalaya.
If you are interested in

ACCEPTED AND AVAILABLE AT BIGGEAUX’S

being a part of The Gonzales
Boat Club you can find them
on facebook: gonzales boat
club and keep up with their
events. Some requirements
are a new member must be
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41
 MGA Pool Play Match
Play Championship

FROM THE CLUB HOUSE

Good afternoon. I hope everyone is having a

great Sunday. The MGA just finished up their
Pool Play Match Play Championship on Saturday
that had some great matches and some
compelling stories. We started with 56 players
split into 14 pools of 4 players in each pool,
and they played 3 nine hole matches against
each player within their pool. The winners and
runners-up in each pools are listed below.

The shootout turned out to be a fantastic event

with 14 flight winners starting on hole #1.
They all played a 3-hole aggregate match that
left Tim Achord, Kelvin York, and Randall
Aldridge advancing to the sudden death playoff
starting on hole 4. By the time we got to hole
five, we had Tim Achord and Kelvin York
fighting for the title, and Kelvin York came
out victorious. Pool 3
1st – Shawn Kjar
We would like to thank Mike Robinson and his 2nd – Mike Robert
staff for fantastic playing conditions all day
and the entire Food and Beverage team for a Pool 4
great lunch, finally thank you to all of the 1st – Rusty Tucker
participants for playing and congratulations to 2nd – David Burch
all of the winners.

2018 Match Play

Champion Kelvin York
Pool 8
1st – Kelvin York
2nd – Mike Sittig

Pool 9
1st – Jason LeBlanc
2nd – Allen Walker

Pool 5
1st – Ed Amedee
2nd – Russell Williams

Pool 6
Pool 1 1st – Tim Achord
1st – Paul Castro 2nd – Jason Adams
2nd – Pat Lambert
Pool 7
Pool 2 1st – Kirk Pastorick
1st – Trevor Adams 2nd – Chester Campbell
2nd – Jim Livingston
42
 Pool 10
1st – Jimmy Whiddon Pool 13
2nd – Ken Cook 1st – Pegram Mire
2nd – Jonathon Shull
Pool 11
1st – Mike Strong Pool 14
2nd – Keith Albert 1st – Randall Aldridge
2nd – Vijay Kotian
Pool 12
1st – Brian Wright
2nd – Sam Decoteau

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43
 Sun Devils Evolve to a Prized
Ascension Select Team
What started out eight years
ago as the Sun Devils, then
moved on to the Pirates and
later became Ascension Select
evolved into more than a
successful youth baseball
franchise. Several of the
young men who have been
together since day one bonded
not only on the field but off.
Taking a lead from the guys,
the parents also formed
friendships that will last a
lifetime.
When the 14-and-under
Select team played poorly in
the Louisiana State T
ournament and lost one of their
best players to a Metro squad,
not much was expected in the
Gulf Shores World Series. But
due to a renewed focus and
some timely additions, the
team ran off six straight
victories and reached the finals
of the championship bracket.
A loss to a powerful Tennessee
squad did nothing to diminish
the team’s performance. The
goodbyes at the end of the
tournament came hard but the
memories will last forever.
Members of the team
included:
1. Edward Alison 2. Will
Delaune 3. Landon Gautreau
4. Jayden Lambert 5. Cade
Pizzaloto 6. Cade Porrier
7. Dominick Regira 8. Presley
Sheets 9. Joshua Wax
10. Brandt Zeller 11. Will
Dotter Special Additions
12. Layton Melancon
13. Lex Melancon
14. Brayden Billingsley
Coaches- Justin Duhon, Brad
Sheets and Conner Bourque.

We Are Moving! Walk-In Family Medicine

As of October 29 Our
New Location will be
304 S. Burnside Ave. Ste. 2
Gonzales, Louisisna

609 E. Worthy St., Gonzales • Monday - Friday 7am - 5pm • Saturdays 8am - Noon

45
 Ingredients:
Cooking Gourmet at Home
with SNO’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS
24 large shrimp (peeled and 2 cups cut corn frozen
deveined tail on) 1 cup sliced green onion
1 cup of diced tasso 2 tbsp chicken base/ better
4 cups stone ground yellow than bouillon
corn grits 3 tbsp olive oil
8 cups water 2 tsp kosher salt
12 cups heavy whipping cream 1 tsp ground black pepper
½ lb butter (cubed)
2 lbs pepper jack cheese
shredded

Instructions: For the Grits

In a medium heavy bottom sauce pot combine the water, eight cups of the
heavy cream, and the chicken base over high heat and bring to a boil. Watch pot
closely to ensure you do not boil over the cream. While waiting for the liquids to
boil in a small saute pan over medium heat roast frozen corn with a small amount
of butter. Once desired color is achieved, (should be slightly brown), turn off
heat and let sit. When liquid mixture starts to boil add corn grits while whisking,
allow to come back to a boil then turn heat down to low and allow to simmer for
five minutes, now add the roasted corn, butter cubes and the green onions while
whisking and allow to simmer for another five minutes, whisk in salt and black
pepper then taste for doneness and season. Adjust accordingly.

Grilled Shrimp & Roasted Corn Grits For the Sauce:

In a small saucepan heat the remaining four cups of heavy cream on low once
cream starts to simmer add shredded pepperjack while whisking. Whisk until
smooth and well blended. Reduce sauce until desired thickness and season with
salt and pepper to taste.
Prep: 25 minutes
For the Grilled Shrimp:
Coat shrimp with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or to kick it up a
Cook: 20 minutes notch add whatever Cajun seasoning you desire. Heat flat grill or saute pan on
high heat and cook shrimp until pink and firm.

Executive Chef
Servings: 4 For the Plate:
On a Round plate or in a bowl start by scooping the grits into the center of the
Ben Jarreau dish, place shrimp on top and sauce to your desired tastes. Garnish with sliced
green onions and sautéed tasso.

46