DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
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W e d n e s d ay, O c t O b e r 9, 2024
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Music in the Park series returns to Jambalaya Park
BY WENDY LOUP
Coontributing writer The soulful sounds of gospel music filled the air for more than 100 attendees Sept. 29 at Gonzales’ Music in the Park in Jambalaya Park. The free community music event, featuring Joel Jones & 3MC, kicked off the first of three concerts hosted by Gonzales and Louisiana’s Sweet Spot. The popular event is back from a hiatus that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Events like Music in the Park allow our residents to gather with their friends, families, and neighbors to enjoy free, family-friendly entertainment,” said Alyssa Panepinto, a spokesperson for Gonzales. “Our people are our strongest asset, and we believe we are at our best when our residents have meaningful relationships with one
another. Music in the Park serves as an opportunity for our residents to connect with one another, enjoy our tight-knit community, and create memories with their loved ones. “We ultimately brought this event back to foster unity in our community, support local artists, and promote our culture” Panepinto added. Joel Jones & 3MC, a gospel choir, was founded in 2009. The choir sings at venues and events in south Louisiana and has opened for gospel artists including Marvin Sapp and Chrystal Rucker. 3MC has also sang background vocals for Kevin Lemons and Kathy Taylor. Donaldsonville resident Jacqueline Wright attended the concert to support family members in the 3MC choir. “This is beautiful,” Wright said.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Joel Jones, middle, performs along with the 3MC gospel choir Sept. 29 as part of the city of Gonzales’ Music in ä See MUSIC, page 2G the Park event.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Yolanda Lee, left, Hynitra Harris, both with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, and volunteer Darnisha LeBlanc hand out colorectal screening kits during Saturday’s Live Well event in Gonzales.
Ascension residents visit park for screenings at Live Well event
Carlaysia Bell accepts a bouquet of roses as she’s named Donaldsonville High School homecoming queen Friday.
PARADING HOME IN CELEBRATION
BY WENDY LOUP
Contributing writer
Mammograms and other cancer screenings were available for Ascension Parish residents Saturday during Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Live Well at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales. The event provided free cancer screenings for four different types of cancers: breast, colorectal, prostate and skin. Attendees also had their blood pressure monitored and cholesterol and glucose checked. The event included food, music and activities. The Live Well event is made possible for Mary Bird Perkins through a grant from the Gonzales Area Foundation. Baton Rouge General also offered screenings.
ä See SCREENINGS, page 2G
Donaldsonville High band members march in the homecoming parade. ä More photos. PAGE 4G
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Sorrento to host The Boucherie & Balloon Festival Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
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Sorrento’s annual Boucherie & Balloon Festival kicks off Oct. 18 on Airline Highway in the town that celebrates the Cajun tradition of butchering a hog. The festival is organized by the Sorrento Lions Club to raise money for
MOTORCYCLES WATERCRAFT
RVs ATVs
the Louisiana Lions Camp and Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation, providing free recreational activities, optical services, and so much more for special-needs children. From Oct. 18-20, the fair will include free on-site parking, a kid’s
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zone, tethered hot air balloons rides, music, arts and crafts and lots of food. The highlights of the weekend are the cracklin and jambalaya cooking contests. For details, visit www.boucheriefestival.com.
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LAWNMOWERS
Normal credit and collateral value standards apply. For loans (Auto, Boat, RV, Motorcycle, ATV, Tractors, and Lawnmowers) refinanced from other financial institutions. Will refinance loans 3.0% less than your existing interest rate. Interest rate floors apply. Real estate, unsecured loans, and credit cards are excluded. Restrictions and limitations may apply. May require direct deposit/payroll deduction for the special rate. *To qualify for $100 CASH, refinancing loan must be $20,000+; does not include under market dealership offers such as zero percent financing. Limited time offer. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Equal Housing Lender. Member NCUA.
Letlow to speak at GOP Roundtable
Congresswoman Julia Letlow is the speaker Oct. 16 for the Ascension GOP Roundtable. Roundtable, sponsored by Ascension
ä See AROUND, page 2G