ascension magazine august issue

7/27/2019 Ascension Magazine August Issue

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COMPLIMENTARY

JULY 2013, VOL. 11 ISSUE 5



This husband and wife team now offer Baton Rouge andAscension Parish a complete line of dermatology services. Dr.Massengale has over a decade

of medical and surgical dermatology experience while Dr Zedlitz offers the latest incosmetic dermatology/skin rejuvenation.

Together, they will share office space in both Prairieville and Baton Rouge.

Acne Treatment Coolsculpting Procedure

Skin RashesEczema

PsoriasisAcne

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NeviMoles

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Malignant (cancerous)Skin lesions

• One on One SkinConsultations

• ComputerizedSkin Analysis

• Chemical Peels• Exilis

• Intense PulsedLight (IPL)

• Non-AblativeSkin Resurfacing

• Ulthera• Fractionated CO2

Laser Resurfacing

• Coolsculpting• Botox, Xeomin,

Dysport• Fillers• Customized

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BEFORE

BEFORE AFTER

90 DAYS AFTERONE COOLSCULPTING TREATMENT

DR. Z’S ACTUAL PATIENT



Publisher / Editor

Mike Strong

Sales Manager

Dottie Godberry

Staff Photographer

Jimmy Dunkley

Contributing Writers

Bill DelauneMarilyn Bowman

Linda Melancon

Calvin Bessonett

Ron Baratini

Bully

Goosie Guice

Orhan McMillan

Kellie Seymour

Tanya Stilley

Roland Doucet

Karlin O’Neal

Jimmy Dunkley

For Advertising

Information Please call:

225-622-1324

E-Mail Comments

to [email protected]

www.ascensionmagazine.net

Note: Features in this

publication labeled

“advertorial”

are paid for editorials.

All Rights Reserved.

Opinions expressed are not

necessarily those of the

publisher, editor or staff of

Ascension Magazine

18386 Little Prairie Rd.Prairieville, LA 70769

DREAMS COME TRUE ...........4

ASCENSION HOUSEWISE .....10

SWEET EYES W/ TANYA.... ....12

ASK YOUR REALTOR ...... ....... 18

ASCENSION ECONOMICS.................22

JAMMIN’ WITH GOOSIE........ 25

BILL DELAUNE........................26

THOUGHTS FROM BULLY ....34

SWAMP POP INTERVIEWS.... 38

Table of Contents

FOR MORE INFORMATION

225.622.3262www.riverparishfoods.com



Abigail

What a great dream. Hermom and dad both work at aschool in St. Amant.

Abigail Ragusa is 19,

started her dream whenshe was 17; for variousreasons the dream keptgetting pushed back. Herdream was to just practice with

WICKED. Due to varioussituations the dream was finally granted and it was so worth

it!!! WICKED came to New Orleans and not only did they let her practice, they let herperform in an evening show atthe Mahalia Jackson Theater.

Abigail has Lymphoma and

was diagnosed in 2012. Wehope she continues progressand that by helping her dreamcome true everything she ever

wanted comes true.

KaylonHere is an awesome dream

to come true.Kaylon is a 18 years old.

We did a shopping dream for

him when he was 17. Wemade this happen because he

was in New Orleans atOchsner Hospital and couldnot leave New Orleansbecause he was waiting for aheart. We did his dream inJune of 2012.

On May 25thOchsner gavehim a graduation.He was still

waiting for aheart and couldnot go back tohis home and

graduate with hisclass mates. It

was avery touching ceremony and his principle attended.

On MAY 31, 2013 Kaylon

received a heart!!!! He isdoing well, progressing slowly but on the road to recovery.He is still in New Orleans fora few more months.

Dreams Really Can Come True Publishers Note:

As a cancer survivor I can relate to the struggles of a life threatning illness, however, I am a grown man. I can’t even imagine what these kids endure.

With the assistance of Becky Prejean of Dreams Come True, I received these remarkable stories and photos of heroic kids.

Next month the 17th AnnualDreams Come True Fundraiser

Dance will be held at LamarDixon. On Saturday, August17th. The doors open at 6 andthe dance starts at 7 till 11. TheNa Na Sha Band will perform toraise money for these kids andfamilies that have been struck

with a traumatic illness.Dreams Come True is an

organization that helps kidsreceive wishes that are nomally out of reach for the familiesduring their time of crisis.

Even thou many of these kidsrecover from their illness, theside effects from the treatmentscan have life long consiquences.These young warriors battleon-and-on the rest of their lives.

As a father I can’t imagine thetorment that these families gothrough. Fortunantly, my sonand family arebhealthy andcount my blessings.

About 6 years ago I gotinvolved in Dreams Come True

Dreams Come True

Fundraiser Dance will be

held at Lamar Dixon.

On Saturday, August 17th.



Donovan

Donovan wantedto go to Disney. Heand his family justreturned. He has agreat family. Bothparents work hard andit was a pleasure to

assist Donovan withhis dream.

Donovan Duncanis 6 and was diagnosis

with Wilms Tumor,and he is doing great.This kid has so muchenergy. His dadmanages a shoe storeat Tanger Outlet.

He loves soccer,

video games, puzzles,Reese’s peanut buttercups andMath.Hisfavorite

color is green. Hisfavorite super hero is

the Incredible Hulk.His biggest dream isto be an architect

when he grows up.

5

and it has been a wonderful,rewarding experience.

The fundraiser needs helpraising as much money aspossible to provide the dreamsand wishes of these kids.

The dance has 3 differentlevel sponsorships thatcompanies or individuals canpurchase. These are the

Dream, Gold and SilverSponsorship.

Dream Sponsorship - $1500This monetary donation fundsa child’s dream. This willentitle you to an opportunity to participate in the presenta-tion of a child’s dream, officialrecognition, a plaque, and10 reserved VIP dance ticketsand front row table hostess,and 20 general admissiontickets. (Must have VIP ticketat the door to enter the VIP

section.)

Gold Sponsorship - $1000

This will entitle you to official

recognition, a plaque,

10 reserved dance tickets and

one reserved table, along with

10 general admission tickets.



RachaelRachael is a local resident of Ascension Parish and lives on Bluff Road.

When Rachael was interviewed she requested a 17th birthday party. WOW,Dreams Come True provided her with a party she will not forget. The theme

was "Role out the Red Carpet" and everyone had a great time. Louisiana StatePolice provided a limousine to escort Rachael and her date to the party.Rachael was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor and now she is doing great.



Dzyrie

We performed her dream whenshe was 2 ½ years old. She was notexpected to live to see her thirdbirthday and thank you Jesus she isstill with us. With the help of StatePolice Troop A, we gave her aPrincess Party!!! OMG, It wasunbelievable, The Hyatt next to

Ralph and Kacoo’s donated thefacility and state police picked her upin a limo and escorted her to theHyatt and had all the TV Stations

there waiting for her to get out thelimo.Dzyrie’s diagnosis is: Idiopathic

Pulmonary Hemosiderosis and she isa miracle. This is what Dreams ComeTrue is all about.

Silver Sponsorship - $500This will entitle you to officialrecognition at the dance, aplaque, and 20 generaladmission dance tickets.

Dreams Come True could use your help. Whether you candonate or volunteer, your help

will be truly appreciated.

ContactBecky Prejean at 614-8197

or Max Himmel at

673-8777 or cell 715-2881.



Whether your foyer is small or

large, entrance areas to your

home should be interesting and

present an exciting preview of what’s to come. One of the

most important considerations

in designing a foyer space, is to

keep in mind how much of the

surrounding rooms you see

from the foyer. Here are a few

do’s and don’ts to help you

make your home’s entry space a

memorable first impression!

Mirrors? Yes! And don’t

skimp on the size! A

handsomely framed mirror over

a chest or table is always an

excellent design option. If your

entry way is small, consider

mirroring closet doors. And in

situations where your front

door opens into the living

space, try to create a foyer with

a mirrored folding screen.

Drama? Yes! Do something

dramatic and exciting with your

walls. If your wall space is

somewhat limited, consider

First Impressions ALWAYS Count!

10

Karlin O’Neal

[email protected]/karlin



splurging on an exquisite wall

covering to set the stage. And

how about continuing your wall

covering pattern on the ceiling!

What a great way to incorporate

the other colors and mood of

your home’s other

rooms!

Luxury? Yes! Have

you ever considered

adding portieres at

your foyer doorway?

Portieres are drapery

panels that not only

provide privacy and

warmth when closed,

but softness and

luxury when

opuened. Portieres

are a great design

option to consider

when your foyer

opens to an adjacent

room via a wide

doorway.

Try following these

do’s and don’ts and you’ll be

well on your way to having a

grand entrance that will

certainly make a lasting

impression!

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features open floor plan with arched openings into the formal

dining, and the family den area. Crown molding featured

throughout the home. Next to the large kitchen lies an open

breakfast area. Large picture windows frame the west side of the home for amazing sunsets. The den

features a granite fireplace with custom cabinets and 14 foot ceilings in the main living area. The kitchen

boasts granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, convection oven, an eat in island, and gas cooktop.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a sparkling butler’s pantry. The large laundry room features a sink as well as

large food pantry and linen closet just down the hall from the fourth bedroom. Off the large master

bedroom lies the master bathroom which has a sitting area, his and her granite countertops, separate

shower and jetted tub. Just off the master bath is a large walk in with built in cabinets. Just past the foyer

are two bedrooms with a shared bathroom and walk in closests. The large master bedroom faces the

gorgeous back yard which is accentuated with wrought iron fencing, large covered patio space, relaxing

water fountain, lush landscaping, salt water pool and ceiling fan. Tropical landscaping gives this home

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It’s All About the Hair! Benefits of Biotin

I’m on a mission to grow somehair. Yes, I have the kind you buy and clip in, but it’s just not thesame. Every time I put in my clipins and a breeze blows, you seethe the clips and then there’s

no hiding!

Biotin is sometimes known as aB vitamin or vitamin K. It’s in thegroup of B complex vitamins andhelp your body to process energy and carry carbon dioxide through your body. Bitotin can also help with blood glucose production, which is why some somephysicians actually prescribeBiotin to help with metabolism.

Biotin known primarily tocreate strong hair skin and nails,but more specifically, it can reduce

hair loss, create thicker hair inareas where it was formerly thinning, grow stronger andhealthier hair, and add moreshine to your hair.

But did you know that it isalso a catalyst in a number of metabolic reactions? Biotin willhelp maintain healthy blood sugarlevels; therefore, higher doses areoften recommended to diabetics.

Biotin also helps maintain ahealthy heart by reducingcholesterol levels in the body,

revitalize the skin, combatseczema, and dandruff.

The recommended dose of

Biotin is 5,000 mcg taken daily.It’s suggested that you take 50%at breakfast and 50% at supper.Don’t feel like purchasing asupplement? You can find Biotinin liver, cauliflower, salmon,carrots, bananas, soy flour, cereals,and yeast.

Sun, Sandand Strands

I always talk a lot about protecting your hair. That’s really importantduring the summer months, when you’re more likely to put yourstrands through a lot of damagedue to chlorine, wind, salt water,and lots of sun.

One day in the past few weeks, Ilooked at myself in the mirror andall my hilights had gotten so light,I looked like a cotton top. So, Ihad to go get some low lights andboy what a difference that made.

Just goes to prove what a tremen-dous impact the sun can have on your locks. UVA rays can damagethe hair cortex's that give hair itsstrength and elasticity. It can alsodamage the color pigments thatcreate natural hair color, which is why I got my cotton top! Rayscan also burn the hair cutile andburn the scalp when unprotected.

For a quick and easy to useproduct that doesn’t require

wetting your hair, try Phyto’sProtective Sun Veil, availableonline for around $22.00. Thisgives your hair and scalp ultra violet protection without weighing it down. It smells greatand also adds a lot of shine to your hair. Just make sure if yousweat a lot or swim, reapply.

If you do partake in lots of sunand sand, which who doesn’t, try to deep condition right after.Products like, It’s A Ten really makes your hair soft and smooth.It’s a deep conditioning treatmentand available at retail outlets likeCVS and Walgreens and it’susually around $30.00. Theinstructions on this product statesto wash your hair, apply theproduct, leave in for at least 5 to

10 minutes and rinse. For extradamaged hair, I like to apply theproduct to dry hair, put hair in abun and sleep with it overnight.That really works!

This summer also try to let yourhair dry as much as possible. Youcan also protect those locksputting your hair up in a braid, ahigh pony tail or chignon! Thesestyles are sheik, cool, and they protect your locks from all thatsun damage. For quick and easy tutorials, go to youtube.com orpinterest and manage your locks inno time!

Keepin' it real

The newest hair products are greatbut I always like to end my col-umn on a "real" note. Don't get

hung up on your hair or yourself.Every time I think I have a badhair day, I think about the womenthat don't have hair because of chemotherapy, alopecia or someother disease or skin condition. You are NOT your hair, you arenot your make up, you are who you are to the core. It's all aboutthe heart that's important. When you're beautiful on the inside, realand genuine people see that andnothing else. Take care of your-self, but love who you are in ahealthy way from the inside out.



THE COMMUNITY PROPERTY REGIMEIN LOUISIANA – PART II

Last month, we discussed thebasics of community property law and how vital it is to classify prop-erty as community or separate. Welearned that if you are married,unless you opt out of community property law in Louisiana, it willapply to you. This month, we aregoing to examine some otherattributes of community property such as what property is classifiedas community and what property is classified as separate and learnsome common pitfalls that occuras a result of these classifications.

Since the nature of the community property regime is automatic uponmarriage or relocation to

Louisiana, most married couplesare subject to the regime and they own at least some of their jointproperty as community property and they also have debt that isconsidered community debt.They may also have separate prop-erty and separate debt eventhough they are married.

With regard to property, if theproperty is acquired by one spouseprior to the marriage, it remainsthe separate property of the spouse who purchased it even after they are married. This can be a trap forthe unwary. Oftentimes, onespouse will purchase a housebefore marriage that will becomeboth spouses home after they marry. Both spouses income willoften be used to pay the mort-gage, make improvements to andmaintain the home. However,these payments will not change

the nature of the property fromseparate to community and thespouse who did not own thehouse prior to marriage but whohas used their income for houseexpenses, may find their rights tothe home limited if the spousesdivorce or if the spouse who pur-chased the property before mar-riage dies.

To prevent this from happening,the spouse who owns the housecan donate one-half of it to the

other spouse to make it communi-ty property. Then upon eitherdivorce or death, the non-ownerspouse will have rights to thehouse. As an alternative, theowner spouse can execute a willleaving a usufruct (or right to use)to the non-owner spouse. This would provide protection upondeath but not divorce.

Property that is acquired duringthe marriage by inheritance or by

gift to only one spouse is also clas-sified as separate and not commu-nity property. Additionally, money that is paid to a spouse during themarriage for pain and sufferingarising out of an accident is theseparate property of the spouse who had the pain and suffering.Property that is acquired duringthe marriage with the separatefunds of one of the spouses is alsoconsidered the separate property of the spouse whose funds wereused to acquire it. Other thanthese instances, almost all otherproperty acquired by either spouseduring the marriage is classified ascommunity property that is subjectto special community property laws.

These community property lawsare particularly important whenplanning your estate because youcan only transmit what you ownupon your death. For most mar-ried couples, that means when onespouse dies without a will, one-half of the community property –one-half of the house, the vehicles,the bank accounts, etc. – will pass

to the deceased spouse’s children with the surviving spouse receivinga usufruct over that one-half. Thisis often not what married couples want to happen. Therefore, they may want to execute a will givingtheir surviving spouse ownershipof their one-half of the community property.

If a spouse without a will dies withseparate property, it will pass to hisor her heirs without the surviving

spouse receiving a usufruct over it.This can also be changed by a willif that is the desired result.

As you can see, classification of property as separate or community can make a big difference in whathappens to it upon the death of aspouse. When you are planning your estate, you need to make sure you inform those you are working with whether your property isowned as community property orseparate property and you should work with professionals who are well-versed in the differencesbetween the two.

Ms. Melancon has engaged in the practiceof law in Louisiana for the past 14 years.The primary focus of her practice is estateplanning, special needs planning, elder law and probate. She is also accredited by the

VA to give advice regarding veterans’ ben-efits. For more information, please contacther at 744-0027 or visit her website at

www.LegacyCenterLa.com or her face-book page at:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Prairie

ville-La/Legacy-Center-of-Louisiana/267942070212.

YOUR ESTATE MATTERSBy Linda Melancon



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America, home of the free, brave and homeof 12 christians that answered the calling of a community in need.

There were 12 humble men that went as theCooking For Christ Ministry, from HealingPlace Church in Baton Rouge, La. They served over 17,000 hot meals over a periodof 4 days.

In feeding the community huge pots wererequired and needed. Each pot would serve750 plates each. They cooked north of Moore near Oklahoma City and deliveredthe food in huge ice chest to a distributioncenter south of Moore. From there theHarvest Church boxed the food in plates

and delivered them to people in need. Afterdebris was cleared, the group was given atour of the destruction. (1-1/2” miles widex 18 miles long). It was heart breaking tosee miles and miles of lumber tangled likespaghetti. The Cooking For ChristMinistry cooked Jambalaya, Chili,Dirty Rice, Porking Beans, Pulled Pork,Barbecue Chicken, White beans, ect.

The Louisisana community is always ready toassist other communities in need. Lordknows we have our share of disasters but ourcommitment to family, Christ and humanity

keeps us centered and willing to help whenever needed.

Good luck to our many Oklahoma friendsand if you need help again, give us a call.

The flag is this photo was flown in New York when Cooking For Christ Ministry cooked for 911.

Louisiana Residentsserve a Dose of

Humanity



According to the dictionary the word camp is any tent, hut, orother simple shelter to live in for ashort period of time to enjoy anoutdoor lifestyle.

I recently ran into a friend of mine at a convenience store one

evening. He and I had gone onseveral offshore fishing trips in thepast. When asked if he had gonefishing lately, he mentioned that hehad bought a camp in the Lake Verret area. Because he had been working on the camp, he had notbeen fishing in a while.

I can't tell you how many people I know that spend their weekends working on their camps.If you're the kind of person whoenjoys seeing hard work beingdone, then go around an area thathas a lot of camps. Someone isalways hammering, sawing, cutting

grass, burning trash or doing someother type of strenuous activity.

In a matter of twenty-five years,myself and a few other peopleactually built five camps in themarsh at Venice, LA. Althoughthese camps were primitive, there was always some work that had tobe done each time we went tothem. About every five years we would have to rebuild because of hurricane tides or Mississippi Riverflooding. During those years we were also involved in working oncamps in Belle River, Tensas, andat hunting lease camps that we

belonged to. After the fifth campat Venice was destroyed by Hurricane George, I was pushedby my other two partners to helprebuild. I told them that it wasover for me. I wasn't rebuildingany more camps and I would justbe staying in a hotel for my trips tothat area. I'm glad I made thatdecision because Hurricane Katrinacame three years later. I mustadmit that the years at the camp in Venice were undoubtedly the best years of my life. All night long youcould hear ducks and geese squawk back to each other along with fish

splashing in the water. You couldfish or crab from the bank in themorning, paddle a pirogue acouple hundred yards and kill your

limit of ducks. Most nightsincluded a great meal and a fullblown jam session along withguitars, harmonicas, drums madeof buckets, pots and pans, and abass made from a bucket, nylonstring and willow limb. It was not

uncommon to wake up in themorning and find someonesleeping in the mud or in the boat, with a raccoon sleeping on the sideof him. It was incredible! Being atthe camp and living in thatenvironment was a fantastic feeling,one that I haven't experiencedsince those days.

Today I am still involved with work days around the camp at oneof my hunting leases. AlthoughI'd rather be fishing or doingsomething else on those days, I dounderstand that these things needto be done. Comfort and

enjoyment depend on it for theupcoming hunting season.

I do believe that the wordcamp has been misspelled andmisdefined. It should have beencalled "work" and defined as aneffort in doing or makingsomething- something to do- aparticular task, job, or undertaking.The definitions are a long list andit did include accomplishment butnowhere did I see the wordenjoyment.....

Until next time.

"Gotta go to the hunting campTo make a WORK day...See you later!"

James "Goosie" Guice

"Camp" Mis-spelled and Mis-defined

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25



At 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday,June 18, at Ameritrade Park inOmaha, Nebraska, LSU’s lastgasp of breath in the College

World Series-already on lifesupport-went flatlined.

And to paraphrase theshortest verse in the King JamesBible (John, chapter 11, verse35 for ye of little faith)-Omaha wept.

The texts started to pour inaround 5:15-the first from my lovely daughter-in-law Macy

who only two days earlier hadsent me a sweet Father’s Day message…

“Dear Mr. Bill, When theTigers go back to Omaha,

I respectfully ask you tostay home.”

The next from my formerplayer and White Roadneighbor Kurt…

“U can NOT go back!!”Then from my ex-catcher and

tailgating buddy Mike…“U are officially banned

from Omaha!”

And even an anonymous…“Black cat, black snake-you

name it. You are officially thebiggest Raven of all time!”

Boy, my first time to Omahaand I get the blame for deadbats, bad bunts and a park bigger than Yellowstone. Why not blame Skip Bertman forsticking his name on that field

with war hero Alex Box? Aren’t you supposed todie first?

That question was onceposed to the inimitable YogiBerra after a St. Louis park wasnamed after him.

“Yeah, but my arm died in1962,” deadpanned Yogi.

But this story is not aboutthe games. This is about theOmaha Odyssey and theadventures. As Homer (theGreek, not what you can’t hitin the CWS) once said, “It isnot the destination that isimportant, but the journey.”

And mine began on…

Friday, June 14

My desperate situation wasalmost like the atheist’s epitaph-“All dressed up and nowhere togo”. With some help from my brother-in-law Jack and amilitary connection in Omaha,I had- as that great philosopher

Al Kling used to say-fallen intotwo CWS tickets backwards.

The only problem was Ididn’t have a ride. With theBeatles’ classic “Ticket to Ride”pounding in my brain, I triedto trade-well-one ticket for aride to Omaha. One by one,my possibilities slipped away leaving me with the song’s first

line-“I think I’m gonna be sad,I think it’s today…”

Enter my brother Nick whohad regaled us with stories of his 2009 CWS experience andthe brother of one of his friends

who had generously opened uphis home to Nick and company.

“Call this number inNebraska,” instructed my now

favorite brother. “Tell him youknow me.”

I did as coached and thenlistened-a bit speechless foronce in my life-as a totalstranger Tom Stringenz offeredme everything but a key tothe city.Tom: “So you’re coming forthe first two games?” (Nick

was holding off for thechampionship series.)Me: “Uh, yeah…”Tom: “So you’re staying

with us (a statement, nota question).Me: “I-I guess…”Tom: “And we’ll pick you upat the airport Saturday-just call

when you get in.Me: “Okay, I just…”Tom: “Then it’s all set. See

you tomorrow.”Great-now with the money

I’d saved on gas and hotelrooms, I had enough money tofly-if there was an availableflight at this late date.

Not to worry. My make-

“Aside from that, Ms. Lincoln,How Did You Enjoy the Play”

by Bill Delaune

26



things-happen wife PricelinePam was already booking meon the last seat of a Delta flightleaving New Orleans the nextday. I never ate the “LastMango in Paris” or took “thelast plane out of Saigon” likeJimmy Buffet’s old rounder inthe song. But I got the lastseat on the last plane forOmaha on…

Saturday, June 15 And who to my wandering

eyes should appear across theaisle from me but some veteranTiger tailgaters dating back tothe 80’s including Baton Rouge

judge Brick Wall.“Hey, Bill, you got tickets?

Where are you staying? Who’spicking you up?” came theusual questions from the bench.

“Not in hand. I don’t know.I’m not sure.” I stutteredunsurely.

“Gee, Bill, you haven’tchanged a bit,” was the verdict.

There was also a nice lady from N.C. State on the flightfrom Atlanta who showed us a

Wolfpack cheer and guaranteeda win over rival North Carolinain LSU’s side of the bracket.

“It took those (expletivesdeleted) 18 innings to beat usin the ACC Tournament and

we owe those (expletivesdeleted) a good ass-whipping,”she declared not so demurely.

I called Tom when we landedand he picked me up in a black Escalade and whisked me away to a raucous party scene indowntown Omaha. LSU didn’tplay until the following nightbut the Tiger colors wereeverywhere.

In a battle of two basketballpowers, Indiana had just beatenLouisville (“We hit our freethrows down the stretch,”

joked one happy Hoosier.) andthe Big Ten joined the party.

Speaking of the Big Ten,Tom and his lovely wife Mandy pointed out the incrediblenumber of Nebraska (andCreighton) supporters who hadbeen in and around the ballpark

despite not having a localrooting interest.

With that beautiful park andthe Mardi Gras atmosphereadded to the rabid localsupport, it’s no wonder Omahahas the CWS locked up for thenext 25 years.

Sunday, June 16

I woke up in Papillion(rhymes with Ma-million-notlike the Steve McQueenmovie), about 20 miles south of Omaha, and looked out my

window to see-a beach?It was not a mirage but there

was sure enough sand in the

backyard to create a deserteffect. And at the edge of thesandy expanse was a boat, some

jet skis and a party barge-or apontoon as it’s calledeverywhere except DiversionCanal-complete with scatteredinner tubes, life jackets andeverything you’d need for a day on the river-unless youhappened to live on abeautiful Nebraska lake.

And I thought Omaha Beach was a code name during theNormandy Invasion.

“We’re going to do someFather’s Day things and thencoming back here to ski and

you’re welcomed to comealong,” said Tom flanked by Mandy and their threehigh-schoolers Matt, Scott andHeidi. If it had been sixmonths later, it would havemade the perfectChristmas card.

I thanked him but said Ineeded to get to town where I

was sure the LSU party hadalready begun.

“Okay,” he said, “here arethe keys to your car. And Ityped you some directions.”

Now these people had knownme a total of approximately four waking hours and they

were turning over the keys tofamily auto to me.

“They gave you a car!” my wife shrieked incredulously when I called her to inform herof my situation.

“You’re not even allowed todrive on Highway 73, Highway 42 and most roads in AscensionParish after dark. How are yougoing to find your way toOmaha and back?”

“They gave me a map,” Ireplied rather sheepishly. And arather good one, I might add,as I navigated my way toBarrett’s Barleycorn Pub andGrill-the official LSU bar of theCWS-without much trouble atall. It’s not easy to miss. TheLSU flags fly outside and insidethe building and some variationof a Tiger cheer or song goesoff every 15 minutes.

“Big Ragu (a legendary Tiger

tailgater) used to make themplay ‘Hold that Tiger’ every sooften in the old days-now they have it programmed. Ain’ttechnology wonderful?”marveled my former grammarstudent Hilton LeBeau to hisson Gunner, the first people Ihad met when I stepped out of my loaner in the parking lot.

I still remember the first words they spoke when they saw me-“Who gave you a car?”

We moved to another Omaha watering hole-McFly’s-where you can play Keno-a numbers

game that looks like you can’tlose and that you really can’t

win-and then on to the

corporate circus of tents out by the ballpark.

Robert King-still another voice from the past-securedsome VIP passes to the Tito

Vodka area where we watchedState dismantle North Carolina(just as the Wolfette hadpredicted) while quaffing freebeer and Moscow Mules.

Needless to say, we were in

high spirits by game time andthe vast majority of the 26,000fans pulling for LSU were ready to explode. I had met Jack’sfriend Larry who had hookedme up with tickets 20 rowsbehind the Tigers’ third basedugout and all was right withthe world.

Then, the unthinkablehappened. We lost. Not only did we lose, we lost to thesmallest of the small ballersUCLA. Bunt, bunt and buntagain. Somewhere Earl Weaver

was spinning in his grave. As we headed back to

Barrett’s, wallowing in self-pity and disbelief, anotherdisturbing thought occurred tome. Nine sobering innings hadnot been enough to sober meup sufficiently to drive a strangecar 20-something miles down astrange route back to my benevolent hosts’ abode.

Even if Tom was the popularPublic Defender of Sarpy County and Mandy a successfulplaintiff attorney, I doubtedthat those two, Perry Masonand the entire case of L.A. Law could get me off if I got behindthat wheel.

I had texted Tom in theseventh inning but my phonehad gone deader than LSU’sbats about that time so I hadno idea if he’d received my s.o.s.

But the cavalry-consisting of Tom and his neighbor-hadalready arrived to save the day and were waiting for us when

we got back to Barrett’s.“Tommy, I’m really sorry to

inconvenience you…” I began.“It’s okay,” he said cheerfully.

“Nick had told us some stories

about you so we were sort of expecting to be on call.”

My reputation had precededme to Omaha.

Monday, June 17

If the Strigenz clan is theGreat American MidwesternFamily-I like to think of themas “Leave It to Beaver” on jetskis-then the Lesoles areOmaha’s Great Italian Family.

The owners of the bestItalian restaurant in the city-named “Lesole Mio” of

course-are huge Nebraska fansand Husker coach Bo Pelini is afrequent customer. But when

LSU comes to the CWS, theBig Red colors give way toPurple and Gold.

Which is why we foundourselves on a party-oops-apontoon out on Hansen Lakeat a Monday afternoon soireehosted by Don and DinoLesole and family for Tigersupporters.

The mood was surprisingly upbeat at the gathering with

the popular sentiment being we’d still come back throughthe losers’ bracket and win the

whole thing.“The team would rather play

than practice any way,”philosophized Judge Wallthrough a large link of Italiansausage he could have usedfor a gavel.

Of course, it’s hard not bein a good mood when you’reout on a lake on a Monday afternoon stuffed with Italiangoodies, beer and red wine. Iguess the question that beggedto be asked was, “Besides theobvious economic impact-why all the love for LSU?”

Don answered that over the years, LSU’s numerous trips tothe CWS had createdfriendships that had enduredeven when the Tigers hit a dry spell. He also pointed out acommon ground that I shouldhave realized earlier-a fiercepassion for one’s collegeteam-especially football.

Don and Dino had evenattended a night game in TigerStadium as guests of New Orleans restaurant owner MikeSerio who of course was onthe cruise.

“We went out until 3 a.m. onBourbon Street and then Mikesaid he’d pick us up at 6:30 forthe game which started at eightthat night. I figured that

would give me time to recoveruntil I realized he meant 6:30the next morning,” he laughed.

Another common thread wasthe mutual dislike for Texas.

“We loved it in ’09 whenLSU beat Texas for the title,”said Dino. “We’d had sometrouble with some of their fans

in Austin after a Big 12 footballgame when they jumped meand my friends. The cops letthe Longhorns go but we’ll get‘em back one day.”

Then he said something inItalian that one of the cousinstranslated for me-“Revenge is adish best serve cold.”

When asked about the vacantlot on the side of the camp,Don explained that hisnephew’s July 4th fireworksdisplay had blown up a cabinthat was there.

“It took us a year to get the

felony charges reduced to amisdemeanor and a 200 dollarfine, but we did it,” smiled

27



Don.There were more stories of

the old Nebraska-Oklahomarivalries during the TomOsborne-Barry Switzer yearsand too soon it was time to go.I was assigned to ride back withDino but he had one importantduty left to do.

“I have to kiss my motherbefore we go,” he said.

I started to ask him if therewas anyone’s ring I neededto kiss.

Tuesday, June 18

Robert tried in vain to get usback in the Tito’s tent beforethe game with UNC but wasinformed that Yahoo hadbought that spot for the day.

“Damn technology,” saidHilton who had bragged onBarrett’s set-up the day before.

Instead we headed for atailgating party hosted by Serioand John Marie which even hadformer LSU lineman Robert

Dugas helping out with thecooking. Some N.C. State fansstopped by to wish us goodluck and one was fairly adamant.

“It’s time to send those(expletives deleted) home!” heimplored. I get the feeling they really don’t like one another.I met Larry, got my great seatsagain and…

We lost. LSU-LSU-Two andthrough and barbecue. Justlike that my fantasy landadventure of beaches, beer andbaseball was over. Beaten,busted, disgusted we did whatevery Tiger fan does when he’sdown on his luck. We headedfor the casinos across the river.

I started to plop down at ablackjack table at theHorseshoe when I noticed atunnel leading outside.

“Where’s that go?” I askedthe dealer.

“To the live dog racing andsimulcast horse racing,” heanswered.

Casinos, dogs and horses allunder the same roof? MaybeI’d found Nirvana after all. Igot a beer and lost a trifecta

with the dogs by a cold noseand a trifecta with the horses by a long neck and went back tothe bar for a refill. That’s whenI discovered the only glitch inthe place.

“I’m sorry,” said the

barmaid. “You have to wait sixmore minutes before your nextdrink. Iowa casino laws dictate20 minutes between drinks.”

Twenty minutes? I’ve seenmy golfing buddies Pete andRandall consume a six-pack inless time than that after a hot,summer round. I limped back to my table like a scolded dogand scolded some dogs of my

own when I missed another tri.Maybe it is time to get back toLouisiana.

Wednesday-Thursday, June 19-20

The Omaha Worldsports columnist had a messagein Wednesday’s paper forLSU fans.

“Even though the flags atBarrett’s are flying at half-staff,

we would invite the legions of LSU fans to adopt a team andspend the rest of the week here.The drinks, and aspirin, areon us.”

I spent the day packing andgetting reacquainted with theteenagers as they went in andout to their various activities.Matt, a senior at prestigiousCreighton Prep, told me heplayed the euphonium for

which I’ve tried to think of aeuphemism without much luck.

Heidi, a freshman, had a fullscholarship offer from the Prep

school, and decided to go tothe local public school whereshe will lead cheers and play soccer. Made my old publicschool heart beat a littleprouder.

In the middle was Scott whoplays guitar and ukulele. Heshowed me a few chords on theuke and in a little while, I couldplay a passable version of

“Blue Hawaii”.“Play that one out on your

beach and you’ll get all the girls you want,” I told him.

“You sure about that?”he asked.

“It always worked for Elvis,”I answered.

I didn’t hit any trifectas at thetrack but I’ve got one for youthat can’t lose. When you’retravelling through the Midwestin the next couple of decadesand you run into the grown-up

version of this threesome, I’llbet there’s a doctor or lawyerand even senator in front of their respective names. That’sas close to a sure thing as I willever give you.

We went out for Omahasteaks Wednesday night andTom took me to the airportearly Thursday morning to goback to reality.

If you’ve never been to theCWS, do yourself a favor. Goto Omaha. I’ve been to aNotre Dame football game, the

Kentucky Derby, the firstJambalaya Festival and the lastDutchtown Eagle graduationand the Omaha experienceranks right up there with all of them.

Go to Omaha-and try and win some games.

28

The Ascension Sun Devils' 9-and-under AAA team placed third in the USSSA World Series in Dallas, Texas, over the July 4th weekend. The Devils won four games and reached the finals of the winners' bracket before losing 5-4 to the eventual champion Top Dawgs of Texas. Despite being seeded 10th in the 15 team tournament, the Devils used a determined team effort to overcome several teams with a decided talent advantage. Pictured from left are: Dylan Brown, Austin "Boogie" Villenurve,

Brandt Zeller, Cade Pizzalato, Gabe Hitzman, Kyle Hertel, Will Delaune, Will Dotter, Dagan Villenurve, and PresleySheets. The head coach was Jerry Hitzman and the assistants were Brian Villenurve and Brad Sheets.

The Ascension Sun Devils' 9-and-under AAA ... You Guys Rock



If you are running out of space?

We are the place.Storage Space Available

EATEL CUSTOMERSMAKING CHANGEFOR VOLUNTEER ASCENSION

EATEL’s “Making Change” program, which began three years ago, has been very successful – more than doublingits first-year contribution. EATEL customers who have enrolled in theprogram automatically contribute eachmonth by “rounding up” their bill tothe next whole dollar amount. FromJuly 2012 to July 2013, the programraised $1815.74 for Volunteer Ascension thanks entirely to theparticipation of generous EATEL customers.

“This is a unique opportunity forEATEL to partner with our generouscustomers to make an impact for localschools,” said Ashley Phillips, EATEL

Chief Operating Officer. “By simply rounding up their EATEL bill each

month, our customers can prove thattogether, hundreds of people can truly make a difference.”

Monthly contributions can be assmall as one penny, but never morethan 99 cents. The “Making Change”money donated to Volunteer

Ascension will help with severalimportant community projectsincluding the School Tools and SchoolUniforms programs. To participate inthe program, EATEL customers canenroll by calling an EATEL customerservice representative at 225.621.4300or by visiting www.eatel.com/mak-ingchange.

“We understand that not everyone isable to make a large donation, so withthe ‘Making Change’ Program, we’vebeen able to suggest an affordable(and EASY) option that won’t break the bank!” said Sherry Denig, Volunteer Ascension ExecutiveDirector. “We are so grateful toEATEL for providing such a simple

way for customers to help those whoare in need in Ascension Parish.”

Sam’s Club Grant Awarded toSt. ElizabethHospital’s AsthmaEducation Program

The Siegen Lane Sam’s Club awardeda $1,000 community grant to St.Elizabeth Hospital for its AsthmaEducation Program. Ronnie

Zacharias presented the grant check to representatives of the hospital onJuly 10, 2013.

According to Kevin Buckels, AE-C,Certified Asthma Educator andCoordinator for the hospital’s AsthmaEducation Program, the grant money will be used to fund diagnostic equip-ment and supplies for use especially inthe hospital’s outreach to AscensionParish schools. Asthma is a condition which frequently goes undiagnosed.Untreated, the condition can lead tofurther complications later in life.“This is why testing for Asthma at a young age is so important, and why the Sam’s Club’s grant is significant,”

said Buckels. “We are very grateful toSam’s for helping with this programand the people of our community.”

Pictured : Jenny Heroman (EATEL) and Board Members James LeBlanc, Dawn Ewen, Donna Villar, Volunteer Ascension Director Sherry Denig, Amy Colby, Caroline Conerly, Jessica Lambert, PresidentJosh Dencausse, Donna Whittington, Chad Bates, Gwen Price, Mike Dixon, Cathy Waggenspack Landry and President Elect Charlotte Guedry.

DOGGIE DAY SPA

Taking Saturday Appointments

Remeber the Ones that Love You the Most

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225-644-3373Late Appointments Available M-F 7am - 5:30pm



Spotlight on the 2013 World Champ:

This month with

A monthly News Report from the Jambalaya Festival Association

This month I had the

privilege to visit with our newly

crowned World Champ and his

helper and wife Kellie to get the

inside scoop on how being the

World Champion has impacted

his life. Scott Duplechein is no

newbie to competing in the

coveted World Champion

Jambalaya Cook-off. He

competed 5 years as helper to

Jeff Parent, who took home the

Golden Paddle and World

Champion title in 2007. It was

then that Scott got “bit by the

bug” so to speak. He spent the

year with Jeff traveling and

cooking as Champion Helper

and little did he know just 6

short years down the road he

would be the World Champion

himself.

After having cooked with Jeff

for many years and defending

their World Title in 2008

Scott’s wife, Kellie, told Scott

she wanted to help him win the

Championship. He was

surprised yet grateful for her

willingness to go through all of

the heat to help him win. Scott

and Kellie won the Swamp Pop

Festival Cook-off in 2009. That

taste of victory was sweet and

only made them want the “big”

one even more! Scott and Kellie

are the second husband and

wife pair to win the Jambalaya

World Championship following

behind Mike and Tootsie

Gonzales in 2006.

Scott and Kellie’s reaction to

hearing their winning ticket

number called was one of raw

emotion and pure adrenalin.

After looking at his final pot of

rice Scott was very confident

and hopeful going into the final

round of judging. As the

winning number was being

called Scott said his heart rate

rose with each number and

time began to slow down as if

the world was in slow motion.

Scott screamed with excitement

and Kellie burst into tears upon

realizing they had just won

THE big one.

I asked Scott what his first

few months as Champion have

been like and he told me, “I

have had hundreds of texts,

emails, phone calls, and

handshakes from people

throughout the parish and I am

still amazed how many people



stop and congratulate us at

Wal-Mart or even at the ball

park!” Scott’s daughter told

him “Its official, you’re

famous!” after a complete

stranger approached Scott in

the grocery store to

congratulate him.

This is a perfect example of

how wonderful andclose-nit our Parish

is and how the

Jambalaya Festival

and Association has

impacted this com-

munity. It was with

the spirit and

charism of the JFA

that Scott felt he

had found an

outlet to act on

his passion for

volunteerism. Scott

was able to get a

taste for cooking

and serving others

through much of

his year on Jeff

Parent’s Champion

Team. It was with

this opportunity that Scott truly

saw how much the JFA actively

serves the local community all

year long and why he has

remained an active member of

the association.

After speaking with Kellie,

Scott’s lovely wife and helper, I

learned a little more about how

the Jambalaya Festival truly has

changed Scott’s life. Before

having been on the 2007 World

Champion Team Scott was

quiet and soft spoken – but that

is not so much the case today.

As a World Champion you have

to be able to go out in to your

local and state community and

speak to people and to serve as

a voice for this festival. It is

something I learned in my year

as queen and something that

Scott learned long ago. Visiting

with Scott’s beautiful family in

their home it is clear –

Jambalaya is a huge part of

their life. Scotts wall of fame

which once housed Jambalaya

Festival posters past and present

(only just relocated to a

different part of the home) now

houses his beautiful Golden

Paddle with his name

freshly engraved alongside

all 45 other World

Champions, his winning

tickets, and World

Champion plaque. Seeing

this touched my heart

because I know that this

festival, community, and

everything it stands for has

become a huge part of his

life and the life of his family

as it has to mine.

I was lucky enough to be

standing fairly close by

when Scott and Kellie’s

winning number was called

and struggled to catch the

first few pictures of their

reaction on my camera

because of my own tears. I have

never been so excited for some-

one especially who is so deserv-

ing of everything that comes

with being the World

Champion.

A few upcoming events you

can expect to be served this

World Champion’s Jambalaya

would be at the COEA

Dancing for a Cause, and for

the Commodities Food Drive

both at Lamar Dixon this

month.

Scott jokingly told me,

“I hope I didn’t go on too

long, but I can talk about

Jambalaya all night!” I second

that statement and will end my

article with those exact words

from the Champ himself!

Congratulations again Scott!

Jambalaya love always,

Meredith Conger

JFA in theCommunity

•

Cooking for the Quad Area

Good Giveaway, July 10

•

Cooking for Dancing For a

Cause benefitting the Arc of

East Ascension COEA, July 13

•

Swamp Pop Festival Cook-off

benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis

Foundation, July 19-20

33



Millie Goes Fishing with Nana & Uncle Bully



622.508544253 Hwy. 42 ( 1 m i l e f r o m P o r t V i n c e n t )

We are Growing to Fulfill YourFull Service Salon Needs

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Servings:15 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh boiled gulf shrimp(90/110 count)

• 1 medium red onion (diced)• ½ cup dill weed (finely chopped)• 2 cups mayonnaise• 1 cup sour cream• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)• 3 loaves French bread (10-12 inches)• ¼ cup Olive oil• Juice of 1 lemon• Salt and Pepper to taste

Method:

Heat your oven to 400 degrees. Thinly slice French bread then

lay on baking pan. Drizzle the olive oil over the sliced bread,

then bake for 5 minutes or until bread is golden brown. Let

the bread cool for 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl combine the

shrimp, diced onion, chopped dill, mayonnaise, sour cream, and

cream cheese then mix well. Season the mixture with salt and

pepper. Squeeze in the lemon juice and mix well. Allow to sit

in the refrigerator for 5 minutes before serving. When you are

ready, generously spread the mixture on the toasted crostinisand SERVE!!

Dill Shrimp Crostinis

Executive Chef

Ben Jarreau &Sous Chef

Brandon Kling

Cooking Gourmet at Homewith SNO’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS



Roland DoucetGuaranty Broadcasting

100.7 FM WTGEThis years Jambalaya Festival carried a wide

variety of entertainment that showcased

Swamp Pop and Swamp Rock. There were so

many bands I couldn’t get to all of them.

GG Shinn, Boogie King All Stars, NaNaSha,

Van & Grace, Kenny Cornett and Kenny Fife.

Chee Weez, Big Luther,

Chris LeBlanc, Eddie

Smith Band, T.K. Hulin

and Blue Eyed Soul

Revue rocked the house

with many more with a

touch of Hai Karate.

Enjoy the photo spread

of the best music and

musicians in the state.



Enjoy breakfast and celebrate survivorship with

area breast cancer survivors

Sponsorship opportunities available.

Contact Komen Baton Rouge at 225-615-8740

or [email protected].

Registration &

Survivor Breakfast ......................... 7:00 a.m.

Shotgun Start .................................. 8:30 a.m.

Lunch & Awards .............................. 1:00 p.m.

JOIN US and the

Baton Rouge Affiliate

of Susan G. Komen Baton Rouge

at Pelican Point Golf Club

for Ascension Parish’s signature

breast cancer event!



Latil’s Landing Houmas House Plantation & Gardens

Invites You to Experience

OPEN DAILY Daily Tours:

Monday, Tuesday 9AM - 5 PM Wednesday-Sunday 9AM -7 PM

Cafe' Burnside:

11 AM- 2 PM daily Latil's Landing:

Wednesday through Saturday 6 PM- 9 PM,Sunday Brunch 11 AM - 3 PM;

Reservations Required

Latil’s Landing R E S T A U R A N T

R I V E R R O A D , B U R N S I D E , L A • 2 2 5 . 4 7 3 . 9 3 8 0 • k k @ h o u m a s h o u s e . c o m

J e r e m y L a n g l o i s ,

E x e c u t i v e C h e f



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