DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
AD DVOCA VOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
1Gn
BY WENDY LOUP
AROUND ASCENSION
It’s a new year and many of our readers are setting resolutions to eat healthy, exercise and help others. I’m hoping 2025 is the year I get my new kidney. After years of dealing with the impacts of chronic 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’t changing for me is my desire to share your stories. Please resolve to share those family and business milestones with us at The Ascension Advocate at ascension@theadvocate.com. Here’s wishing you a healthy, safe and happy new year.
W e d n e s d ay, J a n u a ry 1, 2025
Art Academy ends year with Cookies & Coffee Milk classes
Darlene Denstorff
Happy New Year to all
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Contributing writer
Parents and their children closed out the 2024 festive Christmas season during Art Academy’s popular Cookies & Coffee Milk classes. Participants learned sculpting and painting techniques and enjoyed an appearance by Santa Claus. “Our Cookies & Coffee Milk is a fun PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP take on a Southern tradition many of Art Academy owner Bekah Duplechin helps Luling residents us grew up with,” Art Academy owner Bekah Duplechin said. “We served up Claire Bartin, left, Oliver and Ashely Abadie during the a selection of sweet treats and freshly Cookies & Coffee Milk class. brewed coffee and, of course, cookies.”
The academy, at 16113 LA-44 Suite B in Prairieville, is growing in popularity among Ascension Parish families. Duplechin, manager Channe’l Andre and their staff teach painting, sculpting and other art techniques in relaxing class settings. Duplechin opened the Art Academy six years ago when she realized Ascension Parish was missing a place for families to explore creativity through art. The academy has weathered the storms of COVID-19 lockdowns and a slow economy.
ä See CLASS, page 3G
CHRISTMAS JOY IN THE STREETS
Gonzales inauguration Jan. 6 A new mayor and council members will take the oaths of office at 9 a.m. Jan. 6 at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center. The inauguration ceremony will include recently elected officials Mayor-Elect Tim Riley, 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 “We are committed to serving the citizens of Gonzales to ensure safety and prosperity toward a thriving community where citizens are respected,” 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.
Christmas tree recycling Don’t know 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 the main gate of the facility, at 9039 St. Landry Road, Gonzales, and follow the signs to the unpaved parking area on the left. Trees should be bare and not attached to a stand. For more information, call (225) 450-1506.
ä See AROUND, page 3G
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Ascension Parish’s Rilo passes out a coloring books during the Donaldsonville Christmas parade on Dec. 21. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
15-foot wooden wedding cake bonfire celebrates couples’ 50th wedding anniversaries BY WENDY LOUP
Contributing writer
Two Gonzales couples celebrated their golden anniversaries in a nontraditional way by watching a 15-foottall, wooden-layered “wedding cake” burn in a bonfire on New Year’s Eve.
The Laiche and Duplessis families congratulated Sherry and Dooney Laiche, as well as Greg and Sue Duplessis, for 50 years of marriage, while also ringing in 2025 with their annual bonfire.
Couples Greg and Sue Duplessis, left, and Sherry and Dooney Laiche stand near the wooden layered wedding cake at the Laiche’s property in Gonzales. ‘50 Years of Love’ is this year’s theme for the families’ annual bonfire.
ä See CAKE, page 4G
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
2256 Hwy 70