DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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T h u r s d ay, N ov e m b e r 27, 2025
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Fall Family Fun Day invites all to participate BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
Children and adults with sensory issues and special needs spent Nov. 15 playing games and other familyfriendly adapted activities during the Fall Family Fun Day at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Prairieville. The event was hosted by the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the All Are Welcome ministry and the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge’s Office of Life, Peace and Justice. Attendees and their families were treated to arts and crafts, outdoor activities, face painting and food. The event is one of many the All Are Welcome ministry hosts throughout PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP the year. The co-founders, Jodi Devore and Twinkle the Clown entertains children Nov. 15 during Fall Edda Dupaquier, began the ministry Family Fun Day at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
“It is hard to go out and go to events, like fairs and festivals. Some of those places are difficult because those with special needs may have sensory overload and mobility issues. Today is about providing a safe space where they can have fun.” JODI DEVORE, co-founder of the All Are Welcome ministry
because of their own children not having an inclusive space where, they too, can have fun and fellowship. Devore, who has three autistic children, said the Fall Family Fun Day is an event she is proud and excited to see grow each year. “Those who have special needs can enjoy a day to have fun together with
their family and everyone,” Devore said. “A lot of activities are not designed for those with special needs. “It is hard to go out and go to events, like fairs and festivals. Some of those places are difficult because those with special needs may have sensory overload and mobility issues. Today is about providing a safe space where they can have fun.” Devore first started the ministry, along with Edda, by inviting people who have special needs family members into her backyard to pray the rosary. It then expanded into a support group for caregivers. Dupaquier has five children, two of which have special needs. “It’s so fulfilling to see a small concept of providing a ministry growing and having families come and have
ä See FUN, page 2G
Santa, sweets and the swim team? Sure, it’s a Prairieville tradition
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
Doughnuts, milk and games were on the menu Nov. 15 during the Prairieville High School swimming team’s second annual Donuts with Santa. Prairieville ä More photos coach Kennie from the event. Ridgedell, along with PAGE 3G his wife, Lori, dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus. The second-year swimming team has doubled in size compared to last year, according to Principal Courtney Mancuso. Members of the team have won both sporting and academic awards, including Hadlei Mock, who has a 4.0 grade-point average and was selected for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s All Academic Composite Swim Team. Sponsors for the event included Thee Heavenly Donut, Kleinpeter Farms Dairy and the Prairieville CC’s Coffee House. The Looking Glass provided photos of attendees and Santa and Mrs. Claus.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
7-year-old Juliette Sandridge, left, and her sister Rosalie, 12, talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus on Nov. 15 during Donuts with Santa at Prairieville High School.
Gonzales Police Christmas for Kids and Elderly program underway The Gonzales Police Department is accepting donations for its annual Christmas for Kids and Elderly programs. Donations are accepted at the Gonzales Police Department, 415 E. Cornerview Road, Gonzales.
Darlene Gonzales to light Denstorff Christmas tree AROUND LIVINGSTON
The 32nd annual Gonzales Tree Lighting Celebration is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Gonzales City Hall and Jambalaya Park. Santa and the Grinch are expected, and music and lights will be featured.
Classic Cars 4 Christmas Crusade Register your classic car for the Classic Cars 4 Christmas Crusade from 9 .m to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at Bass Pro Shops, 2200 W.
Cabela’s Parkway, Gonzales. Registration fee is $30. The event will include music, food and cars.
A Taste of Christmas Christmas shopping, music, photos with Santa and other activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Duplessis Park on La. 621. A Taste of Christmas is sponsored by Bearded Events.
Donaldsonville’s Farmers Market The monthly Donaldsonville Farmers Market is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in Louisiana Square.
Christmas Movie Night Dec. 6 Volunteer Ascension is hosting a Christmas Movie Night at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Jambalaya Park Amphitheater. “The Star” will be the featured film.
Need pecans cracked?
The Arc of East Ascension is offering pecan-cracking for 50 cents a pound. Drop of your pecans Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1122 S. East Ascension Complex Blvd., Gonzales. For more information, call (225) 6212000.
Food distributions set Ascension Parish’s commodity distribution is set for the second Tuesday of each month in Donaldsonville and the second Wednesday of the month in Gonzales. Distributions are from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Frank Sotile Jr. Pavilion in Donaldsonville and the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. All recipients must be prequalified by visiting the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 E. Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales, or Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St., in Donaldsonville. Call Layne
Melancon at (225) 450-1006 or email layne. melancon@fmolhs.org.
Girl Scouts Louisiana East hosts babysitting workshop Girls in grades 5-12, are invited to a free course led by the Louisiana Firefighters Foundation teaching safety and responsibility skills every Girl Scout should know. Most of the Cadette Babysitting Badge steps will be completed during this workshop. Preregistration is requested and can be made at tinyurl.com/37bet5x3. The workshop will be from 9 am. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Girl Scout DreamLab, 3005 W. Cabela’s Parkway, Suite J, Gonzales. 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.