Daily Archives: May 9, 2021

The Lafayette Christian Knights carried their momentum from Friday night's game one quarterfinals victory into Saturdays game two matchup versus the Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators.

It appeared that the contest might be a pitchers duel like Friday with it being tied 0-0 after three innings, but the No. 3-seeded Knights broke through and scored in the fourth inning and delivered a trio of insurance runs in the seventh to secure a 5-0 victory over the No. 6-seeded Blue Gators.

The Knights were able to punch their ticket to Sulphur for the first time in school history behind another great pitching performance against a seasoned Blue Gators team.

I just finished telling our guys that Im super proud of them, Knights coach Greg Fontenot said. Threw two complete game shutouts against a very good baseball team. I have the upmost respect for Lonny Landry and what he does with his program. It was a complete team victory both games.

The Knights had their other experienced arm on the mound in junior Hunter Lail, and he delivered a dominant effort and pitched seven shutout innings.

Its incredible, Lail said. Its our first time being in this situation as a program, and weve set many milestones this year. I was struggling at the beginning to find my off-speed pitch, but then toward the end I really found my slider and a breaker, and I was able to keep them off balance."

The Knights were able to get their bats going today, and they got on the board in the fourth after a two-run homer by Brylan Green.

We struggled hitting a little bit (Friday), its no secret, Fontenot said. Both teams did yesterday, and we came this morning, made a couple of adjustments during BP, and I thought it kind of paid off for us toward winning the game."

I really wasnt trying to get it over," Green said. "I was just trying a gap-to-gap approach because weve been hitting the ball a lot in the air. Just get it on the ground and get a base runner for my team, but when I hit that home run, it got my guys some energy. From there on out we were in it, and from inning one to inning seven we just played our hearts out.

The Knights continued to add on in the seventh with RBI singles from pinch hitters Cooper Martin and Michael Simien.

It took everybody, Fontenot said. Guys that were in the lineup and guys that were on the bench. We got two guys (Martin and Simien) that came off the bench and got two big hits in the top of the seventh to kind of pull the lead away a little bit.

The Blue Gators had more chances today than yesterday, but they had trouble delivering timely hits.

It was good up until the fourth, Landry said. That was the first hit they (LCA) got, and it was a big hit. Kudos to them, theyre a good team. We had our chances early, we just couldnt get that hit to get us over the hump. Im proud of them (seniors), Im going to miss them.

The Knights will look to keep their run going in Sulphur next week and will be taking on No. 2-seeded St. Charles at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Its surreal, Fontenot said. I got here a year ago, so just to know that we put a vision in place, and these kids bought in from day one to make this vision become reality, its cool to see. Hopefully we can continue to build on this success in the future, but right now were worried about Wednesday and going 1-0 in the semis.

It was a long road because we didnt start off strong, but then coach (Greg) Fontenot came in and did a great job in shaping the program," Lail said. "Now having that leadership from our upperclassmen, its incredible to go to Sulphur. Its an incredible moment.

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Lafayette Christian punches ticket to Sulphur with sweep of Ascension Episcopal - The Advocate

Listen to Luke tell the story in Acts. [Jesus said to the disciples] you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. (NRSV Acts 1:8b-11).

In 1513, German painter Hans Sss von Kulmbach captured this story in oils. Kulmbachs painting captures the mystery and wonder of this event. Marys and the disciples focus on the visible lower legs and Jesus two bare feet, just below the clouds. Kulmbach painted the disciples faces with concern and bewilderment. Marys smile curves up slightly, and there is a small twinkle in her eye.

Jesus words to the disciples as he departs from them are instructive to our community as the pandemic begins to wane. Like flood waters receding, we all will soon be able to have a panoramic view of our home and enjoy work, play, faith and friendship relationships that have been forever changed by the coronavirus. There are times when it seems like only portions of the old normal way of knowing is visible in our minds eye. Memories cause us to look over our shoulders as our hearts beat with the anxious rhythm of loss.

I suspect that many a preacher, teacher, business owner, government official and neighbor in the next months will be saying something like what the two men dressed in white robes said to the disciples. Friends! Why are your looking over shoulders into the past? Look around you and a head of you as the shroud of this pandemic departs. Good people gaze on these new days with curiosity and wonder.

Jesus ascension to site at the right hand of God is a powerful story that is not yet finished. Jesus has ascended. He has promised to return to us and earth in Gods time. Many a biblical scholar, Bible study teacher and preacher has worked to capture Jesus return. Some claim it will be a day of destruction. Others proclaim a message of peace and love. Regardless of what that day will be like, I am more curious about today and what kind of witnesses, we the followers of Jesus are like. Once a witness to an event always a witness. One cannot become a non-witness if he or she saw something occur. Rather, it is how we act as a witness: a) a witness who steps forward, giving a fair account or b) a witness who stands silently, looking the other way.

When Jesus comes again, I hope he arrives feet first and ready to hit the ground running or at least dancing with joy. Until that time and as the pandemics impact diminishes, I want to be like Mary with a small smile on my face and a wee twinkle in my eye, knowing that all is well and all will be well in Gods time.

Anne Hokenstad is pastor at American Lutheran Church in Worthington.

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Column: Happy Ascension Day, everyone | The Globe - The Globe

Ascension Parish Fair opens Thursday

The Ascension Parish Fair is set for Thursday through Sunday at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

The fair kicks off Thursday with family night where rides are $15. The Chee-Weez will perform Friday and David St. Romain is set to take the stage on Saturday. Hot air balloon rides are scheduled for Saturday and free pony rides will be offered Sunday. For more information, call (225) 333-8305

The Ascension Parish LSU AgCenter and the Ascension Parish Master Gardener Association are sponsoring the Home Vegetable Garden Contest for 4-H youth and adults. Each year, the contest is held to encourage home gardeners to produce quality vegetables for home consumption and economic gain.

Gardens eligible for participation must be located in Ascension Parish and contain at least four different types of vegetables. Judging will be based on-site selection; record keeping; apparent productivity; and weed, disease and insect pressure.

Adult gardens will be judged in person by Ascension Parish Master Gardeners, while following all social distancing guidelines. The youth portion of the contest will again be held virtually. Youth gardens should be primarily maintained by the 4-H member. Youth are asked to film a short video, no more than three minutes, describing their garden. Videos and any records for youth garden entries must be submitted by Friday, May 14.

For more information or to enter the contest, contact the Ascension LSU AgCenter office at (225) 621-5799 or email LSU AgCenter Horticulture Agent Mariah Simoneaux at MJSimoneaux@agcenter.LSU.edu no later than May 14.

Ascension Parish government is providing Pfizer Covid-19 vaccinations at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

The free vaccinations will be offered during a six-week timeline, Mondays through Saturdays, until June 5. Vaccination hours will each day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Everyone aged 16 years and older is eligible to receive this vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome, but those wishing to preregister can do so online at: https://laredcap.oph.dhh.la.gov/surveys/?s=EP34HFE77F. Complete the form, then choose Lamar Dixon as your site.

Additionally, the Ascension Parish Health Unit in Gonzales is still offering the Moderna vaccine. Call (225) 450-1425 for an appointment.

Pick up some plants and baked goods from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on the lawn at Gonzales City Hall during the Gonzales Garden Club's annual spring plant sale.

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The Garden Club reminds residents to observe social distancing and wear face masks at the sale.

This fundraiser supports community garden maintenance at Jambalaya Park Garden and Kidz Kove Garden, as well as garden therapy activities for senior citizens.

Help your daughter understand the physical and emotional changes she will experience as she goes through puberty. Ascension Parish Library, in partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Ascension, will host this discussion about a normal part of growing up at 6 p.m. May 11 at the Gonzales library location. It is designed for girls ages 9-11 and their parents or guardians. Registration is required and space is limited. To register for this workshop, call Our Lady of the Lake Ascension at (225) 621-2906.

Ascension Parish Library is launching a new ongoing project titled "A Photographic History of Ascension Parish." With funding from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the library is asking for your help in preserving the unique history of our parish. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. May 18. Speakers will include program scholar Edward Benoit, coordinator of the archival studies and cultural heritage resource management programs at LSU; and local historian Ira Babin. This event can be attended either in person at Ascension Parish Librarys Gonzales location or on Zoom. Registration required. Space may be limited. Social distancing and masks will be required. To register or for more information, call the library at (225) 647-3955.

Funding for Rebirth PL grants has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act economic stabilization plan. Additional funding is provided by the Union Pacific Foundation.

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Around Ascension for May 5, 2021 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

DONALDSONVILLE For six innings Thursday night, things were going, well, perfect for the Ascension Catholic baseball team.

But Jacob Dunn's perfect game and the Bulldogs' lead both evaporated in the seventh, and Opelousas Catholic eventually won 5-4 in nine innings to win the opener of the teams' Division IV best-of-three quarterfinal series.

We battled all night against their pitcher, we got the hit by pitch on our leadoff man and finally got it going with clutch hitting by our 2-4 hitters, OCHS coach Justin Boyd said.

ACHS took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Bryce Leonard's RBI single, driving in Dunn. The Bulldogs added another run in the second, when second baseman Baylor Leonard led off with a double and scored on a fielders choice by Dunn.

Pitcher Bryce Rozas of Opelousas Catholic settled down after that and held the Bulldogs scoreless to the seventh inning.

We had some chances early to extend our lead but just couldnt scratch any more runs against their guy," ACHS coach Gee Cassard said. "Dunn pitched well for us, his pitch count was low; give them credit for battling, they are a good club."

In the seventh, the Vikings tied the game on three consecutive hits from Jordan Luna, Drake Guidry and Jace Sloan. OCHS nearly took the lead, but Bulldogs third basemen Brooks Leonard made a spectacular catch to double off Guidry at third base. Bulldogs relief pitcher Bryce Leonard then got Rozas on a strikeout to end the seventh and send the game to extra innings.

In the ninth, the Vikings' 2-through-4 hitters got it going again. Luna singled, Guidry walked and Sloan doubled home the go-ahead run before an error allowed two more runs for a 5-2 OCHS lead.

ACHS loaded the bases in the ninth with two outs, and catcher Lex Melancon drove in two with a double. But Guidry ended the game as he induced a groundout from Jacques Husers.

Rozas kept us in the game and Guidry was pitching on fumes," Boyd said. "We expected a battle in this series.

The teams will play Game 2 at 5 p.m. Friday, and the Bulldogs will need a win to extend the series.

Still like our fight, and we have to win two games," Cassard said. "They are good; we just have to take it one game at a time."

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Opelousas Catholic rallies to tie Ascension Catholic, then wins Game 1 in nine innings - The Advocate

The announcement caught the attention of Dutchtown High School junior Sydney Hubbard early last fall something about a way students could learn how to become entrepreneurs.

"I heard an announcement in class one day," Hubbard said.This sounds interesting,' I thought. 'I'm going to apply.

Hubbard did apply and went through interviews to become part of the 2020-21 class of the nonprofit Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge, now in its third year as a local chapter of a national program that teaches students how to create and run their own companies.

The academy works with students in grades eight through 12. Tuition costs $995 and the program offers need-based scholarships. Students who graduate earn three credits at LSU.

"In the last three years, 60 students have graduated (from the academy) and launched 50 businesses in the Greater Baton Rouge area," said Sarah Munson, executive director of the academy's Baton Rouge chapter.

From September to April, 16 students in the Baton Rouge area took weekly after-school classes on Zoom this year, but usually on the LSU campus with instructors from the university's E. J. College of Business, as well as guest speakers.

Each student worked with mentors and volunteers to design logos for the businesses they hope to launch.

The students didn't have to come into the academy with an idea for a business, but Hubbard had one from the get-go: a website called Afro Next that would provide information to help African American women learn now to care for their hair.

"I had trouble doing my hair," Hubbard, 16, said. "I still have some trouble."

"The textures of African American hair are different, and there are different curl patterns," she explained.

The idea of entrepreneurship comes easily to Hubbard. Her parents, Tim and Tori Hubbard, each have their own business. Sydney's mother runs a speech therapy practice and her father presidents over a commercial and residential construction company.

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"I like the freedom of owning a business," Sydney said.

By the end of this year's Young Entrepreneurs Academy, with a virtual graduation in April, students had written a business plan "Nobody knows how hard that is," Hubbard said registered their business with the Louisiana Secretary of State's office and made pitches to an outside panel of professionals to receive seed money, in varying amounts, for startup expenses.

Hubbard was one of six Ascension Parish public school students in this year's class.

The BASF chemical manufacturing plant in Geismar paid tuition for the students, something it's done for the Ascension participants in the previous two school years and plans to continue doing, the company said.

All the students in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy were able to meet on Zoom and that's the way Hubbard met Mya Beathley, a junior at Liberty Magnet High School in Baton Rouge.

The two became co-founders of the proposed Afro Next website, because of a shared interest in providing information on the care of African American hair.

Other graduates from this year's Young Entrepreneurs Academy are Alanna Riley and Edward Tyler, both of Dutchtown High in Ascension Parish; Morgan Miller and Luke Williams, both of St. Amant High in Ascension, and Jaylen Carter of Donaldsonville High, also in Ascension Parish.

From East Baton Rouge Parish are Mateo Chaney-Martinez, University View Academy; Siya Kuman, Baton Rouge Magnet High; Anmol Mehotra, McKinley High; Quentin Messer III and Joey Roth, both of Episcopal School, and Parker St. Romain, Catholic High.

Other graduates are Gabryel Duncan and Matthew Rotolo, both of Walker High in Livingston Parish, and Cardell Smith, of West Feliciana High.

Applications for the 2021-22 Young Entrepreneurs Academy are open now through Aug. 20 at http://www.yeabr.org/apply.

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From business plans to making pitches for startup money, students learn the entrepreneurial way - The Advocate

Glows, tethered rides, mass ascension part of festivities

The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, in ollaboration with OWA, will relocate to 17th annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival to OWAs state-of-the-art property located at 100 North OWA Boulevard in Foley.Its going to be a spectacular event and we cant wait to see you all there, said ChamberEnjoy a DJ Party in Downtown OWA and a few limited hot air balloon glow appearances on Thursday, May 6. This sneak preview event will kick off the 17th annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Schedule of Events(Balloon Flight Events are weather & wind permitting)Thursday, May 65:00 pm 8:00 pm DJ Patrick; The Park at OWA7:30 pm 8:00 pm Balloon Glow (weather permitting)Friday, May 72:00 pm 10:00 pm Festival Hours2:00 pm 9:00 pm Food vendors, arts and crafts, vendors2:00 pm 9:00 pm Kids Inflatables2:00 pm 9:00 pm Pony and Camel Rides4:00 pm 6:30 -pm Molly Thomas & the Rare Birds7:30 pm Tethered Rides, Balloon Glow, Ascension8:00 10:00 pm Tobacco Rd. BandSaturday, May 89:00 am 10:30 pm Festival Hours9:00 am 9:00 pm Food vendors, arts and crafts, retail11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm Dare Devil Dog Show in The Park11:30 am 11:45 am Legends Sneak Peek National Anthem12:00 pm 2:00 pm Tobacco Rd. Band12:00 pm 9:00 pm Kids Inflatables12:00 pm 9:00 pm Pony and Camel Rides2:30 pm 2:45 pm Legends Sneak Peek3:00 pm 4:00 pm Magnolia Dance Company5:00 pm 5:45 pm Comedian Brad Tassell7:00 pm 10:30 pm B Street Benny7:30 pm Tethered Rides, Balloon Glow, Mass AscensionSunday, May 912:00 pm 8:00 pm Festival Hours12:00 pm 8:00 pm Food vendors, arts and crafts, vendors12:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm Dare Devil Dog Show in The Park12:00 pm 7:00 pm Kids Inflatables12:00 pm 7:00 pm Pony and Camel Rides12:00 pm 2:00 pm Kirk Jay3:00 pm 6:00 pm Roman Street7:30 pm Balloon GlowPictured: Molly Thomas & The Rare Birds will be onstage Friday, May 7 at 4 p.m. Born in Ocean Springs, Thomas calls her passionately homegrown songs Indie Swamp Pop, and she has a band to prove it with live with Rick Hirsch (guitar), John Milham (drums), and John Keuler (bass), the same Gulf Coast royalty that played on her most recent release, Honeys Fury.

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Glows, tethered rides, mass ascension part of festivities - Mulletwrapper

There is a lot of confusion surrounding Camilla's future title as Queen, says son Tom Parker-Bowles

It is unclear whether Duchess Camilla will be referred to as the Queen, after Prince Charles takes the throne as the King of England.

According to her son Tom Parker-Bowles, there is a lot of ambiguity surrounding his mother's future title.

When asked, the writer told The Times, I honestly dont know if Mum will be called queen.

That hasnt been decided. There are a lot of interesting Sky documentaries about that Im sure, but I honestly dont know if thats true," he added.

At the time of Charles' engagement to Camilla, the Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying, "It is intended that Mrs Parker Bowles should use the title HRH The Princess Consort when The Prince of Wales accedes to The Throne.

Meanwhile, insiders revealed Charles most likely wants his wife to be called Queen consort when he becomes the King.

This is something hes dreamed about his entire life he sees it as his birthright, and Her Majesty would find it extremely difficult to deprive him of that, a source said.

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Camillas son reveals if she will be called Queen with Charles ascension to throne - Geo News

Yes, it seemed like old times. But there also were some fast times and impressive field marks as the LHSAA Outdoor Track & Field meet returned to LSUs Bernie Moore Track Stadium.

Were finally starting to get normal back, meet referee James Simmons said as he watched the field events wrap up on the first day of the LHSAAs first outdoor competition since 2019, thanks to the pandemic.

The Thursday meet for classes 1A, B and C held was a new combination borne out of a scheduling conflict with LSUs graduation ceremony.

An added class did make recently approved capacity crowd larger than normal. Those on hand, got a wonderful mix of top performances by local teams and individuals.

It was a showcase for some top local football prospects. LSU signee Matthew Langlois of Catholic-Pointe Coupee swept the Class 1A 100- and 200-meter dashes.

Two notable 2022 recruits, defensive lineman JMond Tapp and running back Khai Prean of Ascension Catholic, also were a 1A presence. Tapp won the shot put and Prean was the runner-up to Langlois in the 200 meters.

Want team success? That was a thing too as Jehovah-Jireh in Class B boys and two District 7-1A teams, the East Iberville girls and Ascension Catholic boys, were all runner-up finishers. The EIHS finish came two months after the school won a 1A girls basketball title.

I finally got under 11 (seconds), Langlois said after winning the 100 meters in 10.79 seconds.

There was more to come for Langlois, who said he slipped out the blocks but churned into the lead on the final curve to win 200 in 22.33, ahead of Prean (22.50) and Southern Labs Darren Morris (22.87).

Tapp won his 1A shot put flight on his final toss, uncorking a throw of 46 feet, 9 inches.

Jumps specialist Genesis Jackson helped lead the East Iberville girls by winning the long jump in 17-9 and the triple jump in 38-4.

I really wanted the record that 38-11. But it did not happen today, said Jackson, a junior who wore one gold sock and one red one accent her school colors. My long jump was the better event today. A record would have been nice, but this is about the team.

EIHS coach Mark Temple also was the coach of the girls basketball title team. Yes, Temple said he believes one success led to another since the track team includes most of the basketball team.

I think winning basketball made them hungrier, Temple said. Winning a state title for the first time was wonderful. They wanted to see if they could do it again.

Ouachita Christian swept the 1A titles scoring 80 points to finish ahead of East Iberville at 56. OCS scored 124 points to win the boys title ahead of ACHS (62).

Distance runner Chase Walker won two distance races and was second in another to claim Outstanding Performer honors to help lead ACHS.

I gave it all I had to today, Walker said. This (runner-up finish) means a lot to a lot of people. We did what we had to do to get it done.

ACHS coach Tim Daigle added, We knew had a chance and everybody came together.

Hackberry won the Class C title with 76. Just ahead of a revamped runner-up Jehovah team that had 71 points.

I dont think anyone is disappointed, considering the number of kids we have, JCA coach Dirk Ricks said. Our goal was 65 points and we exceeded that. These guys went on out and excelled in the last meet, which is a great thing.

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And we're back: LHSAA track returns with top local performances, three runner-up team finishes - The Advocate