COMPLIMENTARY

DECEMBER 2018, VOL. 16 ISSUE 12

 Come Experience Dining at The Bend!
We are proud to introduce our Culinary Team.
Debbie Landry, Food Service Director
Sno Sheets, Chef Emeritus
Our Memory Care Community Richard Shackelford, Executive Chef
Judy Naquin, Executive Director

is Now Open
Every aspect of our community, from dining to
design caters to the unique needs of each resident.
Francois Bend’s Memory Care is a secure,
specialized environment for residents with memory loss.

Amenities & Services

• 24 hour security surveillance
• 24 hour trained staff on-site to assist residents
• Maintenance and repair of apartments and grounds
• Emergency response devices
• 3 nutritious meals and snacks served daily
• Escort to meals and activities
• Daily hydration program
• Total assistance with bathing, hygiene, dressing, grooming
• Incontinence management
• Daily housekeeping and laundry
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• Transportation to scheduled appointments and events Call To Schedule Your Complimentary
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• 24 hour nursing staff Lunch Tour Today
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... 225-647-2363 (BEND).

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

Jimmy Dunkley LAYNE’S JEWELRY .............................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
PELICAN CUP ...........................38
Bully
Goosie Guice SNO’S RECIPE........................... 45

ON THE COVER: LAYNE’S JEWELRY CHRITMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Orhan McMillan
Kellie Seymour
Tanya Stilley
Jimmy Dunkley
Patti Mouton

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
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publisher, editor or staff of
Ascension Magazine

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Prairieville, LA 70769
 Bama’s Feed the Needy,
A Community Awareness with Hearts of Gold.
By Mike Strong about his annual Feed the food for Christmas. $200,000.00. What started out
Needy Fundraiser and invited Bama grabbed his black iron as a small group of guys
me to attend. I’ve bend pot and cooked a hen and getting together each year to
I got involved with Bama’s attending ever since. andouille sauce piquante. He cook and raise money has
Feed the Needy about 8 years Bama’s Feed the Needy and a few friends raised $800 turned into an army of 40 good
ago. It started when I ran into a started when he had heard and they helped those families. hearted souls that make this
life long friend, Thomas ‘Bama’ there were three needy Here we are 13 years later the success that it is today.
Aldridge. Bama and I go way families in the area that and Bama’s Feed the Needy In life we all take different
back 50 years. He told me needed the basics especially has raised in excess of paths and in this case all our

4
paths merged on the good side
of humanity. I couldn’t be
prouder of Bama and the many
friends from every walk of life
joining together for such a
tremendous and worthy cause.
There are business owners,
police officers, musicians and
plant workers. Publisher’s,
chef’s and bartenders. We have
Veteran’s, family members,
politicians with old friends and
new friends all gathering and
donating there time and money
to cook, sell or deliver
Jambalaya plates across the
parish to help feed the needy at
Christmas and that is what we
do evry year..
This year the total, as of
press time of this magazine,
raised $28,939.00 for the
2018 benefit.

• Air Liquide • Enlink Midstream • Lion Elastomers • Pipeline • Univar

• Air Products • Enterprise TBone • Lonestar NGL Technology • Westlake
• Almatis • Hexion Refinery • Praxair • Nova Chemicals
• Baker Hughes • Honeywell • Methanex • Renewable Energy • Total
• BASF • IMTT • Shell Convent Group (REG) • CN Railroad
• CF Industries • Innophos • OXY • Rubicon • Enterprise Pipeline
• Veolia • Kinder Morgan • Nutrien • Shell Geismar • Momentive
• Eastman Chemical • LBC • Syngenta

5
 Here are some of the
disbursements for 2018:

• 5 local church’s food

banks - $9800.00
• 9 schools in Ascension
Parish with identified
needy students -
$7200.00
• Needy Families in
Ascension Parish
- $3750.00
• Local Battered Women’s
Shelter - $2500.00

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Braud Company Welding & Industrial Supplies Abrasives Janitorial Equipment
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6
 • Perry Aldridge
Charities - $1500.00
• EDANB (Sober Living
House for Women) -
$500.00

I want to extend a
personal ‘Thank You’ to
Bama for getting me
involved. This event keeps
me centered and on the
right path and to all of the
volunteers that participate
you are angels and doing
God’s work. Bless you all.

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7
VETERAN’S DAY COOK- OFF
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8
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9
 GGC members watch in silent fascination as Dr. Erik Johnson methodically measures the hummingbird’s beak, torso, wings and tail.

Gonzales Garden Club Witnesses Hummingbird Banding

The November 28th Gonzales Garden Club
meeting took place at the St. Amant home of
Member Mary Jo Pohlig for an educational
program on “Winter Hummingbird Banding”.
The guest speaker was Dr. Erik Johnson, a
licensed bird bander and one of approximately
150 people in the U.S. who holds a permit to
band hummingbirds. He is currently the
Audubon Louisiana Director of Bird Conservation
and also serves as an officer and board
member of many other ornithological and
conservation organizations.

After trapping a winter hummingbird in a feeder,

November GGC hostesses were (L to R) Conchita Richey, Barbara McCormick, Dr. Erik Johnson holds the bird in a mesh sack in
Cynthia Cagnolatti, Jamie Trisler, Dana Teepell and Mary Jo Pohlig. preparation of collecting its data.

creature's leg before releasing it back into the
natural environment. The club was mesmerized
by Dr. Johnson’s specialized demonstration of
the hummingbird banding.
During the business meeting, members listed
plants in their home gardens that attract
hummingbirds: saliva, hibiscus, canna, ginger,
cigar plant, fire spike, coral honeysuckle,
butterfly plant, fire bush, bottlebrush, shrimp
plant, red passion flower, cardinal flower,
lantana, and zinnias. Member Mary Jo Pohlig
presented each member with a coral
honeysuckle plant that she had propagated for
the occasion. She promoted its cultivation as a
native plant, pointing out that this tough, showy
evergreen vine attracts both hummingbirds and
butterflies. Member Barbara McCormick gave a
garden tip about homemade hummingbird
nectar. Her recipe directions were to dissolve
one part white table sugar in four parts boiling

Member Mary Jo Pohlig presented a

Gardening Tip of the Month about
propagating and nurturing coral
honeysuckle, a favorite hummingbird plant.

On the morning of the club meeting, Dr. John-

son caught a rufous hummingbird in a feeder
trap in Pohlig’s backyard. He measured and
weighed the tiny bird, recorded the data into his
Bird Banding Laboratory log book of 600+ bird
Dr. Johnson set the captured hummingbird into
Members Cynthia Cagnolatti, Mary Jo Pohlig
band entries, and marked its head with a paint
Pohlig’s hand seconds before she released it back
dab. Johnson then secured a minuscule, and Sandy Stewart are captivated as Dr. into the wild. A temporary color marking on its crown
Dr. Johnson carefully weighs the Johnson determines the bird's age, sex, gen- serves as identification should the bird return to
Pohlig’s nectar feeder.
hummingbird without letting it get away.
numerically-coded metal band around the tiny
eral condition, and plumage characteristics.
 GGC Member Cathy Venable produced a
GGC Member Dale Bowman used twigs of GGC Member Dale Bowman arranged daisy GGC Member Patti Mouton presented a vertical line-mass design of carnations, mums,
loropetalum to add vertical lines to a natural chrysanthemums before a background burst vertical line floral design of fire spike daylilies, cedar and mother-in-law tongue in an
mass of daisy mums from her garden. of foxtail fern and Cunningham fir. blooms and rosemary stalks. ornate brass urn set on a pedestal.

water, cool and keep refrigerated until needed to hummingbirds.

fill a feeder. She cautioned that red dye should
never be added as it may be harmful to the McCormick also advised gardeners to ensure that
birds’ health. Red parts on hummingbird feeders are placed high enough that cats cannot
feeders serve the purpose of attracting attack the birds.

The home of Dwight and Sabrina Collier at 1311 E Tiffani St. won GGC’s November Residential Yard of the
Month for its autumn color and neat trimmings. Hanging ferns, entry urns and door decor welcome visitors to A new restaurant, Ichiban's Sushi Bar & Grill at 217 Airline Hwy., was chosen as GGC’s Commercial Landscape
the Acadian porch. of the Month for its variety of trees, hedge rows and border plants in mounded, freshly mulched beds.

Eric Lambert
Owner

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Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount

A Time for
Giving
Giving is truly the reason for
the Christmas season. The
reason we celebrate Christmas is
because our Lord and Savior
came to Earth to give up his life
for all. He Gave…
We all have fast paced lives with
overwhelming responsibilities to
family, work, community and
more, so it’s easy to get caught
up in that ‘one-click checkout’
on Amazon. I’m guilty too. I
get caught up in my list of ‘to
do’s’ as well, but this season,
let’s consider those that don’t
have the same luxuries in life.
These days giving back to those
in need is easier than ever, so
here are a few organizations
To find out more about
Samaritans Purse, Organization
Christmas Child and other
ministry projects, go to
samaritanspurse.org.
Make a Wish
Foundation
Making a wish come true for a
child with a critical illness; the
mission of the Make a Wish
foundation is simple yet
powerful. Every 34 minutes
this organization grants a wish
to a child with a major health
crisis. Make a Wish believes
that providing a positive wish
experience can give a child a
new outlook and renewed
strength for their health battle.
that are doing a wonderful job Organization
of giving to the less fortunate,
Christmas Child
“I want to spend Christmas
with Family” and “I want to see
and I ask that we consider
supporting them. Organization Christmas Child
snow,” are just a couple of the
wishes highlighted on the Make
is one of many projects coordi- a Wish site. Volunteer or give
The nated through Samaritans at wish.org.
Compassion Purse. This simple but effective
Experience ministry project simply allows
people an opportunity to give
For 60 years,
the Compas-
sion Experi-
ence is an
organization
whose mission
is to create Many local churches, nonprofits
awareness of and organizations are doing
extremely great work to help those in
impoverished need. I wanted to showcase
children in these organizations because
areas across of their legacy and good
the world. reputation for helping children
This digital in need around the world.
tour experi-
ence creates Merry Christmas Ascension
Parish. Wishing you and your
families health and blessing in
awareness impover- children in need a Christmas 2019.
ished children and gift packaged in a shoe box.
life as they know it, Boxes are categorized by Whoever is kind to the poor
and offers children boy/girl, age groups, filled with lends to the Lord, and he will
and their families an goodies and some staples, then reward them for what they have
opportunity to adopt delivered to children in need done.
a child in need for across the world. — Proverbs 19:17
only $38.oo a
month. Check out
the experience
online at cts.compas-
sion.com.
12
13
 Soldier Retires and
Returns Home for
Command Sergeant Major Marvin A Aucoin Medal, 3d Army Achievement Medal, 8th 1988 to Nov. 30, 2018. After his retirement,
entered the service on Oct.6 1988. He served Award. At the time of his retirement, Command Command Sgt. Major Aucoin, his wife Claudia

Christmas
overseas tours in Germany, Hawaii, Iraq, Sgt. Aucoin served as Senior Engineers Sergeant and family, will reside in Salado, TX.

“Be on time, in the right

Afghanistan and numerous stateside and Command Sgt., 65th Brigade Engineer

uniform, and do your job!”

assignments. Command Sergeant Major Marvin Battalion, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division,
Aucoin retires after 30 years of service. His Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Command Sgt.
Command Sgt. Major Marvin A Aucoin awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Major Aucoin was recognized for his Command Sgt. Major Aucoin
Medal, 4th Award; the Meritorious Service exceptionaal meritorious service from Oct. 6,
15
 (225) 744-3631 • fax (225) 744-3647
DUTCHTOWN PHYSICAL THERAPY • 13053 HIGHWAY 73, SUITE B • GEISMAR, LOUISIANA 70734

16
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Consider Some
New Year’s
Financial
Resolutions
As the year winds down, you may
want to look ahead to see which
areas of your life you can improve
in 2019. Perhaps you’ll decide to
exercise more, eat healthier
foods, reconnect with old friends
or volunteer at a school or
charitable organization. All these
goals are certainly worthwhile –
but you also may want to add
some New Year’s financial
resolutions to your list.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
• Boost contributions to your em-
ployer-sponsored retirement plan.
Good news! Contribution limits
will be increasing for many em-
ployer-sponsored retirement
plans.
For 2019, you can contribute up
to $19,000 (up from $18,500 in
2018), or $25,000 (up from
$24,500 in 2018) if you’re 50 or
older to your 401(k) or similar em-
ployer-sponsored retirement plan.
It’s usually a good idea to con-
tribute as much as you can afford
to your employer’s plan, as your
contributions may lower your tax-
able income, while any earnings
growth is tax-deferred. (Keep in
mind that taxes are due upon
withdrawal, and withdrawals prior
to age 59 ½ may be subject to a
10% IRS penalty.)
At a minimum, put in enough to
earn your employer’s matching
contribution, if one is offered.
Jamie Lavigne, Financial Advisor
4600 Sherwood Common Blvd, #103 • Baton Rouge, LA 70806-6609 • 225.292.4971 (O)
• Try to “max out” on your IRA.
Even if you have a 401(k) or
similar plan, you can probably still
invest in an IRA. For 2019, you
can put in up to $6,000 in a
traditional or Roth IRA (up from
$5,500 in 2018), or $7,000 (up
from $6,500) if you’re 50 or older.
(Income restrictions apply to Roth
IRAs.) Contributions to a tradi-
tional IRA may be tax-deductible,
depending on your income, and
any earnings growth is tax-de-
ferred. Roth IRA contributions are
not deductible, but earnings Watch a Ball Game and
growth can be withdrawn tax-free,
provided you don’t start taking
withdrawals until you are 59 ½ Pick Some Crabs
and you’ve had your account at
least five years. You can put most
• Oysters By the Sack
types of investments – stocks,
bonds, mutual funds, government
• Fresh Shrimp
securities and so on – into an • A Wide Variety
IRA, so it can expand your op-
tions beyond those offered in your
of Fish and Seafood
401(k) or similar plan. • Snow Crabs
• Build an emergency fund. Try to
• Turtle Meat
build an emergency fund
containing three to six months’
worth of living expenses, with the
money held in a low-risk, liquid
Ask for Sally’s stuff crabs.
account. This fund can help you
Doug & Sally
avoid dipping in to your long-term
You’ll love them.
investments to pay for
unexpected costs, such as a
major car repair.
• Control your debts. Do what you
can to keep your debts under
Hey Dr. Rob,
control. Ultimately, the less you
have to spend on debt payments, Did you make me
the more you can invest for your
future.
this Purdy?
• Don’t overreact to financial
market volatility. In 2018 –
especially the last few months of
the year – we saw considerable
market volatility, with huge drops
and big gains in rapid succession.
What will 2019 bring? It’s always
difficult – and usually futile –
trying to forecast the market’s
performance over the course of
an entire year. But, in any case,
try not to overreact to whatever
ups and downs we may
experience. Instead, continue
pursuing an investment strategy
that’s appropriate for your goals,
risk tolerance and time horizon.
Following these suggestions can
help you become a better
investor in 2019 –
and beyond.
A SCENSION PA RISH
A N I M A L H O S P I TA L
225.744.4905
17
 BASF provides internships for future process operators
BASF hired five process
technology (PTEC) students as
interns to gain experience
working alongside process
operators at the Geismar
manufacturing facility. The
students, each currently
enrolled in 2-year PTEC
degree programs at local
community colleges, will
complete an operator
“experience checklist” that
includes tasks on a typical shift
of 12-hour days and nights.
BASF’s PTEC internship
program is part of the
company’s larger workforce
development strategy to
develop local talent in the
community for hiring needs.
After completing the program
and earning the PTEC degree,
the students will have an
opportunity to apply for
permanent, full-time operator
positions on site. Pictured from
left to right: BASF’s PTEC
interns Kimberly Laiche,
Jamel Taylor, and Jamal Davis;
BASF Shift Supervisor Karl
Credeur; and BASF’s PTEC
interns Ashley Wolfe and
Kennon Menard.

BASF supports
Ascension
Parish’s High
School Robotics
Team with
$6,000 donation
BASF recently presented
Ascension Parish’s High
School Robotics Team with a
$6,000 donation. The donation
will support the team as it
builds and programs competi-
tion robots to participate in
promote and improve science, year. Pictured from left are Ascension Parish Schools,
VEX Robotics events. The
technology, engineering and Ascension Parish’s High Ronda Matthews; Ascension
team is comprised of students
math (STEM) education to School Robotics team Parish’s High School Robotics
from all four high schools
local students. This is the sixth members Ethan Hanna, Team Coach, Phil Blanchard;
including Dutchtown, St.
year that BASF supports the Brandon Allgood, Trent Dupre, and Ascension Parish’s High
Amant, Donaldsonville and
team. The company also and Cooper Ducote; BASF School Robotics team
East Ascension in the
provides several employee employee, Sarah Haneline; members Jeffrey Hills, Jakeb
Ascension Parish school
volunteers to support and Supervisor of Career and Hoapili, and Lauren Duplessis.
system. The donation is part
mentor the team during the Technical Education for
of BASF’s ongoing efforts to
18
Dutchtown High
School 4H Club
make donation
to St. Amant VFD
When the August 2016 flood
struck Ascension Parish and
all the schools and fire
departments were destroyed in
the St. Amant Community, the
Dutchtown High School
community and staff opened
their hearts, their school and
all their facilities to the
community of St. Amant, stated
Fire Chief James E. LeBlanc.
For over a year, the St. Amant
Gator Nation shared their daily
activities with the Dutchtown
Griffin nation on their campus.
Twenty-seven months later, the
Dutchtown Griffins and their
4H Club is still doing
President Matassa Recognizes
Eagle Scout Garrett Tassin
President Matassa Recognizes
Eagle Scout Garrett Tassin
At the October 19 Ascension
Parish Council meeting,
President Kenny Matassa
recognized Garrett Joseph
Tassin for achieving the rank
of Eagle Scout. Tassin, a
member of Troop 65 in
Gonzales, led all those
assembled in the pledge
of Allegiance.
The Eagle Scout rank is the
highest rank attainable in the
community activities and
raising money for the St.
Amant Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment to help with rebuilding its
main fire station on Stringer
Bridge Rd.
Boy Scouts of America. The
title of Eagle Scout is held for
life, thus giving rise to the
phrase "Once an Eagle,
Always an Eagle.”
Photo – Left to Right: Council
member Randy Clouatre,
President Kenny Matassa,
Council member John
Cagnolatti, Eagle Scout Garrett
Joseph Tassin, Council
member Todd Lambert,
Stacy Tassin, and Council
members Teri Casso and
Benny Johnson.
This week the Griffin 4H club
with their Advisor Ms. Lindsay
Seely made a donation to the
St. Amant Volunteer Fire
Department to continue to help
President Matassa Proclaims
NOVA Chemicals Day
At the October 18 Ascension
Parish Council meeting, President
Kenny Matassa proclaimed October
23, 2018 as NOVA Chemicals
Geismar Day.
According to the proclamation, in
1968 the Geismar Olefins facility
began its first ethylene production as
Allied Chemical, and for the past fifty
years has been a valued community
partner and employer. In 2017 NOVA
Chemicals acquired ownership
interest in the facility, their first asset
along the U.S. Gulf Coast, with a
commitment to enhancing and
growing the company's presence
in the Louisiana region and at the
Geismar facility.
NOVA Chemicals develops and
manufactures chemicals and plastic
resins that make everyday life
healthier, easier and safer; they are
a Responsible Care company,
committed to sustainability in daily
19
the Volunteer Firefighters get
back in their new fire station.
In 2016, “Our hearts were
completely shattered, but our
faith remained strong”, stated
Fire Chief James E. LeBlanc
and here twenty-seven months
later to see our rival school
across Airline still doing what
they can to get us back in our
new station, again reminds us
all on why we live and raise
our children and grandchildren
in such a wonderful and
dedicated Parish.
Picture: You will see Griffin
4H Advisor Ms. Lindsay Seely,
members of the Dutchtown 4H
Club and Volunteer Firefighter
Taylor Savoy along with Fire
Chief James E. LeBlanc
accepting the donation check.
operations as well as future growth,
and solidifies these ethics and
principles in operation of their
Geismar facility. NOVA’s team of
about 130 employees (and an equal
number of contractors employed at
the site) have been and continue to
be committed to community i
nvolvement, as well as to being
socially responsible and engaged
neighbors.
Congratulations to NOVA Chemicals
Geismar for fifty years of operations
in Ascension Parish!
Photo – Left to Right: Council
member John Cagnolatti, President
Kenny Matassa, Geismar Olefins
Integration and Change Leader
Scott Kay, Geismar Olefins Mainte-
nance Manager Thomas Cannon,
and Council members Randy Cloua-
tre and Todd Lambert.
It’s Easy to Advertise in Ascension Magazine.
A whole lot easier than catching 30 bass
Call
Mike Strong
225.622.1324
$100 off Termite Treatment
$25 off Initial Pest Control
Pest Prevention Programs • Real Estate Certificates
• Pre-Construction Soil / Borate Treatment
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• Termite Treatment Programs • Mosquito Suppression Services
225-644-7466 Ascension • 225-924-7096 Baton Rouge
Website www.BeebesPest.com
20
YOUR ESTATE MATTERS
By Linda Melancon
The New Tax
Law and Charitable
Giving for the
Holidays
With a gift-giving season upon us,
we are already seeing longer lines at
stores, traffic on the roads, and di-
sheveled displays that used to hold
boxes of the coolest new toys and
gadgets for this year. Instead of
standing in long lines this holiday
season, consider giving a gift you
don’t have to battle the crowds for.
Making a donation to a non-profit
organization in someone’s name is a
great way to spread cheer this holi-
day. In addition to making you feel
good, you may also receive a tax de-
duction for your gift, depending on
the charity you choose.
However, the new tax law makes it
harder to claim a tax deduction for
charitable contributions. While chari-
table giving should not be only about
getting a tax break, if you want to get
a tax benefit from your contributions,
there are a couple of options.
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act, enacted
in December 2017, nearly doubled
the standard deduction to $12,000
for individuals and $24,000 for
couples. This means that if your
charitable contributions along with
any other itemized deductions are
less than $12,000 a year, the standard
deduction will lower your tax bill
more than itemizing your deductions.
For most people, the standard deduc-
tion will be the better option.
If you still want to maximize the
tax benefits of charitable giving and
you have the financial means, one
option is to double your charitable
donations in one year and then skip
the donation the following year. For
example, instead of giving $10,000 a
year to charity, you could give
$20,000 every other year and itemize
your deductions in that year.
Another way to concentrate
charitable giving is to establish a
donor-advised fund (DAF) through a
public charity. A DAF allows you to
make a charitable donation to the
fund and receive the tax benefit im-
mediately. The money is placed in an
account where it can be invested and
grow tax-free. You can then make do-
nations to charities from the account
at any time, in addition to adding to
the account. As with any investment,
you need to do research before
establishing a DAF. Make sure you
understand the fees involved and
whether there are any limits on the
charitable contributions you can
make. You should consult with
your financial advisor before taking
any steps.
If you are taking required
minimum distributions from an IRA,
another option is to donate those
distributions directly to charity
through a qualified charitable
donation. The distributions won't be
included in your gross income, which
means lower taxes overall. The
donation must be made directly from
the IRA to the charity and different
IRAs have different rules about how
to make the distributions.
Finally, we wanted to highlight a
few of our favorite nonprofits in the
area. Our staff picked the organiza-
tions in the Capitol City area that are
nearest and dearest to their hearts.
• Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital
Area teaches, cares for and connects
with those in our community affected
by Alzheimer's disease and other
memory-related impairments
• Dialogue on Race Louisiana
dedicated to the elimination of
racism through education, action,
and transformation
• Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge
aims to bring together volunteers and
communities to improve the homes
and lives of low-income elderly and
low-income disabled homeowners,
allowing them to remain in their
homes as long as possible
• Arc of East Ascension aims to
enhance the quality of life for persons
with disabilities and their families
through services and advocacy that
support choice, independence, and
dignity
• Ascension Council on Aging
directly provides or coordinates the
full range of services available
through State and Federal Agencies
to the elderly
For more information on how to
maximize your charitable giving
under the new tax law, consult with a
qualified estate planning attorney to
help you look at your options and
decide the best plan of action for you.
May your holiday be merry and
bright this year!
The information provided is not intended to
be legal advice and does not constitute an
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
21
23
811 E Ascension St., Gonzales (Behind Piccadilly)
225.647.3700 • www.laynesjewelry.com • Follow Us on Facebook
Chamber of Commerce Host Annual Golf Tournament
27
28

Part 1:
Six Marketing
Strategies For
The New Year
by Orhan Mc Millan
dezinsINTERACTIVE
As 2018 comes to a close, it is
essential that you use this time to
evaluate and review your
marketing strategies of the past
year. Did you reach your goals?
Did you utilize your resources in
the necessary areas? Did you
experience growth? Or, did you
experience loss? Whether you
deem your strategies as a success
or not, it is the perfect time to
begin looking at developing
marketing trends to incorporate
into your company’s new year's
resolutions. Capitalizing on new
tools, technology and tactics will
help in creating space for growth,
opportunity, and success for you
and your company.
1. Organize your website content
2. Be transparent
3. Clean up your social media
platforms
4. Prioritize digital customer
service response time
5. Consider using new content
mediums
6. Review your ADA compliance
standards
● Organize your
website content
Take time to evaluate your
website content. Adding fresh
content will give your website
the jumpstart you’re in need of
for the new year. Not only does
organizing content help with new
customers, but it helps keep old
customers interested.
● Be transparent
Thriving companies are
transparent on their social
media platforms. Keeping your
customers in the loop throughout
daily life, events and upcoming
promotions allow for customer
interaction. Likewise, keep your
website transparent. Though you
don’t have to disclose all the
information about your company,
your pricing and your staff, know
that a competitor in your area is
revealing their biggest secrets to
gain an upper-hand.
29
● Clean up your social
media platforms
Evaluate and clean up your social
media platforms by looking for
inconsistent content and imagery.
Remember that social media
should include cohesive branding
that is consistent with your
website, business cards, and all
other marketing materials. What
sets successful companies apart
from the rest is their ability to
remain consistent with branding
in an ever-changing, always
evolving digital world.
● Prioritize digital
customer service
response time
Research shows that social media
and website browsers connect
more with companies that have
rapid response times on both
social media and emails. In a
world of instant gratification, our
customer service must adapt to
fit the needs of our target
audience.
● Consider using new
content mediums
Has your company considered
using mediums that are new and
innovative to fit the needs of your
target audience? When choosing
your medium, consider the
following: engagement,
demographics, reach and
performance. Know who you’re
trying to engage with and choose
the mediums that best fit your
company’s needs.
● Review your ADA
compliance standards
Has your company ever
considered having an ADA
compliant website? Are you
unsure of the standards? Is your
content accessible to those with
visual or hearing impairments?
Reviewing your website and
capitalizing on these different
areas will not only make your
company more inclusive, but it
also increases your reach
exponentially.
Capitalizing on these
suggestions will help maximize
your marketing efforts as you go
into the new year. If you would
like to have a more in-depth
conversation, please feel free to
call us at (225) 615-8358 or visit
us at dezinsINTERACTIVE.com.
 Favorites, Underdogs and Gifts
That Keep on Giving
by Bill Delaune
Scene:
A South Louisiana living room
on Christmas Eve.

Characters:

The Kids- ages 1-92 in all

shapes and sizes.

Uncle Bill- a disillusioned

dreamer approaching 70 who
has recently taken up jogging
so that he can remember what
heavy breathing sounds like
again.

Kids (excitedly)- Uncle Bill’s

here! Uncle Bill’s here! Come
tell us one of your famous
Christmas stories, Uncle Bill.
Bill- Okay, kids. Just let me
put a little of this sugar cane
whiskey in this eggnog and I’ll
see what I can come up with.
Kid 1- But Uncle Bill-how did
you get here? I didn’t see your
ragged old ’59 chicken truck
drive up?
Bill- No, Will, while I was in
New Orleans last weekend for
the high school championship
games, I met a nice assistant
coach from Ole Miss who said
he had lots of experience with
dog teams.
He directed me to a local
hangout in Ascension where a
group of rescue dogs were so
happily celebrating the
passage of the Animal ranch in the Hill Country called will respond with unconditional alike, they sat in silence in the
Shelter Tax that they gave Utopia. love.” antiquated church, sipping
me a ride here. “When a stray animal I concur with both-but let’s soup through their remaining
Kid 2- Didn’t everybody want crosses your path, it may be as pile up under the mistletoe just teeth and sharing a shot of
the animals to have a safe close to God as you’re going to in case Cousin Jordan comes grocery counter wine if anyone
home? get in this lifetime,” said the by-and I’ll begin this year’s had been fortunate enough to
Bill- Some people vote Kinkster. tale… score. Suddenly, one of the
against taxes no matter what, The second is from my “Once upon a time in the oldest in the group stood up
Joe. But I’ll yield to two great animal activist sister Diane Lost Souls’ Mission way up and proclaimed, ‘I’ve got a
American philosophers on the who so astutely put it, “Dogs north in the town of Bunkie, a story I’ve kept inside for many
canine issue. The first quote is don’t have any politics. They group of old men had gathered years and the time has come
from Texas songwriter Kinky just want to be fed, petted and on a snowy Christmas Eve. for all of you to hear it.’
Friedman who had a stray dog have a place to stay and they Forgotten by friends and family “With that, he put down his

30
bowl, sauntered over to the
fireplace and began…
“Once upon a time in the
Lost Souls’ Mission way up
north in the town of Bunkie, a
group of old men had gathered
on a snowy Christmas Eve.
Forgotten by friends and family
alike, they sat in silence in the
antiquated church, sipping
soup through their remaining
teeth and sharing a shot of
grocery counter wine if anyone
had been fortunate enough to
score. Suddenly, one of the
oldest in the group stood up
and…”
Kids- Uncle Bill, Uncle Bill,
you’re starting to repeat
yourself-again.
Bill- Oh, sorry, kids. Uncle
Bill’s destroyed a lot of brain
cells over the years. That was
one of those never-ending
stories I bore people at some
of those never-ending
Christmas parties I attend.
Tell you what, let’s just skip the
story this year-it was about an
old man who tried to slow
down the aging process by
writing it in a bill and let it have
to work its way through the
U.S. Congress.
But let’s just get to the
presents I picked up for all you
good little boys and girls while
I was in New Orleans. First of
all, everybody gets a neck
brace…
Kid 3- Is that to keep Anne
Rice’s vampires away when
we’re in the Crescent City?
Bill- No, but it’s not a
bad idea considering some of
the sights I saw down there.
The braces are to keep from
hurting your neck watching all
the touchdowns scored in the
championship games.
Kid 1- Was there that much
scoring, Uncle Bill?
Bill- There was more scoring
than the Bourbon Street ladies
when the Navy fleet is in.
Games ended 55-46 and
59-47 with over 1,000 yards
total offense for both teams. In
seven out of nine games,
teams tallied 20 or more points
and lost the contest. Why
when I played football, 20
points would win most games.
Kid 2- Is that when they
wore leather helmets?
Bill- Yes and we drop-kicked
extra points. But that brings us
to our next present-a model
farm set complete with cows
and fences for the twins Mac
and Donald. Call it Mac -
Donald’s farm if you will.
Kid 3- Very nice, Uncle Bill,
but what does that have to do
with the football games?
Bill- Because some of the
teams I saw thought de-fense
was something de-cow jumped
over.
Kid 1- Couldn’t anything
slow those offenses down?
Bill- Oh, there was a group
that tried-which brings us to
our next gift-a stuffed zebra for
Nate who likes stuffed animals.
But no one cared for the
zebras-a.k.a. officials-in the
University High-St. Thomas
More game as they interrupted
the flow of the game time and
again with 28 penalties. There
were lots of coaches and
spectators who wanted to
stuff those members of the
Alexandria Association in a
marathon that lasted almost
four hours. Still U-High pre-
vailed 55-46 despite 18
penalties for 158 yards.
Kid 2- Uncle Bill, I know
Ascension Magazine supplied
you with a press pass. Did you
get any good interviews?
Bill- Well, there was a
memorable post-game session
with Warren Easton Coach
Jerry Phillips after his team lost
a hard-fought 28-20 contest to
rival Edna Karr. For that rant, I
brought a miniature school bus
for Reece because he threw
his entire team under the bus
in the interview. The press had
requested Easton MVP
quarterback Lance Legendre in
the room also but Phillips was
in no mood for praise.
“If he hadn’t fumbled the ball
in the fourth quarter, we might
have won the game,” the
agitated coach said pointing to
his quarterback. “I didn’t come
31
to this school to finish second.
This team is no different from
my 1-9 team.”
That was the abridged
version but you get the point.
Phillips was obviously not from
the Bear Bryant “complement
publicly, criticize privately”
school of thought. Now let’s
see what else we have-whoa,
that’s scary. Anybody
recognize this doll-and it’s
not one of Marie Laveau
voodoo creations.
Kid 3- That looks like
“Carrie” from that Stephen
King story. Boy, did she get
her revenge.
Bill- Excellent, Hazel,
because this doll’s for you and
revenge is the lesson behind
some of last Saturday’s
events. First, Catholic High
found out what it’s like to upset
John Curtis as the Bears did in
last year’s finals. This year in
the rematch, Curtis prevailed
49-7 with its veer in high gear.
But the biggest revenge
game of the year may be yet to
come. Imagine Nick Saban’s
motivational tactics when
Alabama plays Oklahoma in
the CFP semifinals on
December 29 after Sooner
quarterback Kyler Murray won
the Heisman Trophy over the
Tide’s Tua Tagovailoa-the
season long favorite for the
award. Does the Tide defense
look to stifle Murray to prove
the voters wrong? Does
Saban leave Tua in to run up
the score against OU’s
sieve-like defense?
There is an old Italian saying,
“Revenge is a dish best served
cold.” But I think things could
get a little hot in the Orange
Bowl.
Kid 1- How about the music,
Uncle Bill? I want to be in the
Tiger Band when I go to
college.
Bill- Well, to be honest,
Uncle Bill was usually hunting
an adult beverage at most
halftimes but the West Monroe
band still plays a rousing
rendition of “Dixie”-perhaps the
most misunderstood song
since “Puff the Magic Dragon”.
If you can take a quick
history lesson-Ohio-born
Daniel Emmett wrote the song
in New York about a man
named John Dixie who be-
friended slaves on his Long
Island farm. It was considered
such a paradise that slaves
who were not there often sang,
“I wish I was on Dixie’s land…”
So take that, my politically
correct police. The song was
also a favorite of President Abe
Lincoln-you know, the guy with
the beard that freed the slaves.
So I brought you a record
with “Dixie”, “Puff”, and other
misunderstood songs on it
including Donovan’s “Mellow
Yellow”.
Kid 2- Uncle Bill, those are
some great gifts and the
meanings behind them are
pretty cool. But did you bring
anything traditional-like a
toy soldier?
Bill- Glad you asked, G.I.
Joey. The last present is an
authentic Texas A&M marching
cadet who even speaks when
you pull his bayonet. Except
instead of the Aggie
cheer- “Gig ‘em”-he orders the
referees to “Rig ‘em”-and he
says it over and over
seven times.
Kid 1- Thanks for the gifts,
Uncle Bill. Are you spending
the night? You really shouldn’t
be driving after that sugar
cane whiskey.
Bill- Don’t worry, Will-I’ll be
camping here with you guys
tonight just as soon as I make
sure my dogs are fed and
happy. We don’t need any
hungry dogs around here this
year-especially those trying to
sneak up on the Saints this
late in the season. After that,
there’s only one thing left to
do…All together, 1-2-3…
Everybody-
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year to all!!
Deer & Hog
Processing I Can’t Wait Till
Deboning • Ground Meat
Outdoorsmen and women it’s hard not to make an

• Fresh Sausage
have a lot to look forward to in offshore trip into the vast

• Smoked Sausage
our great state. Beginning in Gulf of Mexico, not to mention

• Green Onion Sausage

January let’s take a look at what the hot crab action in our
• Italian Sausage
I personally anticipate in the coastal waters.
• Cajun Sausage
upcoming months. At this point A half a year is now gone and
• Breakfast Sausage
I’m typically looking at a chance believe it or not the action only
• Jalapeno & Cheese
for my first rabbit hunt of the gets better from this point on
available
year. Add to that a chance to because I can’t wait to start my
• Vacuum Packed make a couple of squirrel hunts summer bass fishing trips. Then
Custom Cuts
with the use of dogs. After that’s comes the first day of dove
passed by I then begin to await season and teal season in Venice
Available with the sac-au-lait spawn. As soon as where the bass and redfishing
Deboning

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For all your catering needs
call 225.806.FOOD
I’ve caught enough of those to can be fantastic during the turn
be satisfied, it’s then time to of the seasons. Next on the
focus on the upcoming turkey calendar is my favorite-the first
season. This incredible and time day of squirrel season and the
consuming sport usually brings following weekends of exploring
me to the month of May when the woods. That leads up to the
the catfish bite in Lake Verret, years’ duck and deer season.
Lake Palourde, and Des Alle- That will about wrap it up for a
mands areas begins to take full year of I can’t waits but
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catches of delicious catfish come
225.644.3065 (fax)
in handy. It’s now time to catch Till Next Time,

Tyler
Monday & Tuesday: a couple messes of bream before
11am-2pm heading to the coast to fish for Happy Holidays to You and
Wednesday, Thursday, those tasty speckled fish that we Your Family,
Friday & Saturday:
all seem to love so much. With James “Goosie” Guice
11am-8pm
the saltwater now in my veins
32
 with Kellie
Useless Random Facts
•
Your pupils dilate when you're looking at
someone you love.
•

Entertainment Scedule
Caffeine withdrawal is officially a mental disorder.
•

Dec 15 After Party

If Texas were a country, its GNP would be the fifth largest
of any country in the world.
• Dec 21 Karacoustic with
Eric Stelly
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a
great king from history. Spades - King David, Clubs -
Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Dec 22 Sugar Shaker
Dec 28 Jump School
Diamonds - Julius Caesar.
•
Lawn darts are illegal in Canada.
•
Dec 29 ...
Sofa Kings
Arnold Schonberg suffered from triskaidecaphobia,
the fear of the number 13. He died at 13 minutes from

Last Show Ever!!!

midnight on Friday the 13th.
•
To Ensure Promptness, one is expected to pay beyond the
value of service – hence the later abbreviation: T.I.P. L e t ’s s e n d t h e m o f f i n s t y l e !
•

Jan 4 Foret Tradition

If the population of China walked past you in single file, the
line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.
• Jan 5 Delta Badhand
Jan 11 Taylor Nauta Band
A spider has transparent blood.
•
Rhode Island is the only state which the hammer throw is a Jan 12 AM/FM
Jan 18 Sugar Shaker
legal high school sport.
•
Humans are the only primates that don't have pigment in
the palms of their hands. www.parkplaceofgonzales.com
• 1711 S. BURNSIDE • GONZALES • 644-8901
Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.
“ L I K E ” U S O N FA C E B O O K
33
 Thoughts from Bully

The Gifts and

Blessings of
Christmas

Here we are again celebrating

the holiday and some people are
celebrating a little more this
year.
Look at this sweet beautiful
baby. She is a blessing that was
born a few weeks ago and her
name is Norah Grace
Marchand. She is the daughter
of Brennan Marchand and
Angelle Guillot.
This is a unique situation
because I don’t usually print
baby announcements but this
one is special to me. Norah
Grace is the grand daughter of
Paw Paw A. P. Marchand and
Maw Maw Jodi Marchand.
I’m not sure what her future
holds but one thing I knowc is,
with Brennan and A. P. as her
body guards she may never get
to go out on a date.
Norah Grace Marchand
Christmas Giſts are flying around
Pelican Point and Jeff Walker
received and early present.
Hole In One
Jeff Walker
Pelican Point Golf Club
Hole #8; 132 Yards; 7 Iron
Witnesses: Bob Loeber, Dustin Lambert,
Jim Whiddon, Darryl Trosclair

Congratulations Jeff!

It’s the New Diet

Craze for the
year 2019.
A couple of weeks ago I went to
order a beer at Pelican Point and
Emily and Tina were like two chickens
pecking and fighting over the last food
in the yard.
I ask what’s up? They pointed out it
is the new diet fad. One person orders
a half of a sandwich. One person
holds it out front and they both fight for
a bite and what ever you get is your
lunch calories for the day.
It doesn’t seem very sexy but look at
these girls. Slim, trim and sexy. LOL.
34
5405 Highway 44, Gonzales, Louisiana 70737 • (225) 473-3007
35
Team Whiddon Wins Annual
Pelican Cup Tournament
After two days of heated
competition, Team Whiddon came
out victorious over Team LeBlanc.
The final tally was 44.5 - 27.5. The
staff congratulates all of the players
for making The Pelican Point team,
and we would like to thank
everyone for playing. I’d like to
thank Jimmy Whiddon and Jason
LeBlanc, along with their
co-captains Sam Lavigne and Jay
LeBlanc for all of their hard work.
I’d like to thank all of the staff that
put in long hours over the dujring
the tournament. Additionally, I’d like
to thank Jonathan for all he has
done, here at Pelican Point, over
the last year. I am sure he will do
well in his upcoming opportunity.
36
 BEST MASSAGE
THERAPIST
BEST SPA Best of Ascension
Best of Ascension 2017 Peoples Choice Awards
2017 & 2018
Peoples Choice Awards 10 BEST SPAS
Best Things in Louisiana

(225) 673-8682

info@stmicheldayspa.com • www.stmicheldayspa.com
37
JAMBALAYA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS PARTY 2018
 1 3 0 5 3 H W Y. 4 3 1 • S T. A M A N T

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• All brands to fit autos, trucks and assistance-Commercial Only
18 wheelers, including tractor/ • Locally owned and operated since 2004
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Call for Appointment • 225.644.8473
41
42
 Storage on the Move.
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for Rent that can be delivered to
your location.
Off site Boat & RV
Storage Now Available
Get our My Self Storage app
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Office Hours: 9am – 5pm • Access Hours: 6am – 11pm, 7 days a week
Email us at myselfstoragela@gmail.com • Website: MYSELFSTORAGELA.COM

43
 Call to set
up an appointment
to view our venues.
Full catering menu

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For All the Information:

franksrestaurantla.com
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17425 Airline Hwy • Prairieville
 Cooking Gourmet at Home Ingredients:
with SNO’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS
(1) Brie Wheel 8 oz

Pecan Pieces ½ oz

Golden Raisins ½ oz

Purple Raisins ½ oz

Honey 1 oz

Steen’s Cane Syrup 1 oz

Butter I4 oz

Instructions:
First remove the white film from the brie by scraping it with the

Baked Brie Louisianne back of a butter knife. Score the brie wheel with a chef knife four
times diagonally. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. In a large sauté pan
over medium heat melt the butter until slightly brown, then add
Prep Time: pecan pieces and sauté for a minute, then add both raisins and sauté
20 minutes another minute. Add both honey and Steen’s to the pan and allow
Cook Time: to simmer over low heat about five minutes. Remove from heat and
5 minutes season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour raisin and pecan topping
Servings: over brie wheel and place in oven for ten minutes on a baking sheet.
Executive Chef 4 servings Remove from oven and serve over warm bread or crackers.
Sam Penton

45
46
Before After
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