National recording artist and Louisiana native Justin Garner
is set to perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday in Donaldsonville for Live at the Crescent concert in Crescent Park.
Adding to the day is Wing Fest, hosted by the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce. Beginning at 1 p.m , the showdown will feature a wing cook-off competition and tastings.
“This is what community looks like. Great music, great food, and people coming together,” said Justin Garner
“I’m proud to bring the show to Donaldsonville and be part of a day that highlights the best of Louisiana culture.” Call the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce at (225) 473-4814 for more information
Etiquette class Saturday Delta Sigma Theta is holding a Youth Etiquette Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Towne Plaza Suites, 2823 W.
Outfitters Drive, Gonzales.
The program is for ages 11-18 and Karryl Durr with Swann School of Protocol is teaching the class. For information, call (225) 252-6181.
Juneteenth celebration set Donaldsonville is hosting its Juneteenth celebration June 12-14.
City of Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish government and CF Industries and local partners have joined forces to celebrate 30 years of the Donaldsonville Juneteenth Festival.
Things kick off at 6:30 p.m. June 12 with an author, “The Accident of Color: A Story of Race in Reconstruction,” by Daniel Brook at the Wag Center To register, visit https:// tinyurl.com/mr3c8ex6.
A food distribution starts at 10 a.m. Friday, June 12 at the Lemann Memorial Center.
On June 14, a band will perform starting at 11 a.m. in Louisiana Square
Pride Festival planned
Ascension Parish Pride Fest’s inaugural event set for June 21 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
Organizers are seeking volunteers and vendors for the event For sponsorships, email ascensionparishpride@gmail.com or visit the event page.
Proceeds from the event will be used to host the festival, which will provide “entertainment and programming that reflect and celebrate our diverse community,” organizers said Cocktail Trail open
The Louisiana Sweet Spot Cocktail Trail is open through July 31 at participating bars and restaurants.
Order a Sweet Spot Cocktail, receive a stamp on your trail passport, collect eight stamps and turn in your passport in for a chance to win prizes.
Passports are available at the Ascension Tourism office in Sorrento, at participating businesses or visit visitlasweetspot com/cocktailtrail.
Sisterhood STEM camp set
Community Sisterhood’s Summer 2025 STEM Camp registration is underway
The camp, for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Ascension residents remember those who sacrificed for country
BY WENDY LOUP
Contributing writer
Ascension’s VFW Post 3693, parish and state government officials attended the Memorial Day ceremony to honor and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military
Around 100 people attended the ceremony held at the Ascension Parish Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales
“Each person who died was loved by many,” Veterans Memorial Park committee member and VFW Post 3693 Post-Adjunct Jared Nolan said. “They were a loss to their community and our nation.”
The outdoor ceremony included parish and state government officials, including Gonzales Mayor Tim Riley, State Sen. Edward J.
“Ed” Price, Ascension Parish Councilwoman Pam Alonso and Sheriff Bobby Webre
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Honor Guard participated in the presentation and posting of colors, the firing of the volley, the playing of taps, and the retirement of colors.
Austyn Gray, of Center Stage Performing Arts, sung the national anthem.
The event included several military traditions including bell tolling and a Battlefield Cross ceremony
“To those who have served and
taps during the Memorial Day ceremony in Gonzales.
ceremony
sacrificed their lives, we are forever grateful for the precious gift they have given to us,” Retired Naval Chief Petty Officer Michele Unitas said.
Retired Master Sgt. Tanya Whitney rang the bell to honor those who have died while serving in the military
“Millions of Americans fought and died for us,” Unitas said.
“Troops make the ultimate sacrifice. Even as we lose troops, people step up to say, ‘I am ready to serve.’
“This bell tolls as a tribute to those who fell around the world We offer tribute of respect to our comrades.”
The St Amant Volunteer Fire Department’s bell was used in the
Community news report
In recent weeks, two Ascension Parish Public Schools administrators with nearly 100 years of experience have announced their retirements. Director of Primary Schools
Elizabeth “Libby” Stafford leaves her post after 45 years of service and Assistant Superintendent A. Denise Graves is retiring after 44 years. Both retire June 30. Both were praised by Superintendent Edith M. Walker for their dedication to the school system and the children they oversaw “Libby Stafford’s legacy is defined by unwavering dedication, heartfelt compassion, and a relentless commitment to serving the needs of every
VFW Post 3693’s Honor Guard provided the Fallen Solider Battle Cross. The tradition represents the honor, service and sacrifice of soldiers killed in battle.
Near the stage at the park a table of remembrance, also known as the missing man table, was set to honor those missing, fallen or imprisoned United States military members.
Other Memorial Day events were held throughout Ascension Parish.
Donaldsonville hosted a parade and a ceremony at Louisiana Square on Railroad Avenue.
For more information about services offered to military veterans in Ascension Parish, visit https:// www.vfw3693.org/.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Honor Guard fires of a volley and plays
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
VFW Post 3693’s Honor Guard provided the Fallen Solider Battle Cross representing the honor, service and sacrifice of soldiers killed in battle.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Winegar, 17, a 5th Ward
Baton Rouge, New Orleans clubs host Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show in Gonzales
Community news report
The Baton Rouge Kennel Club and Riverside West Kennel Club of Greater New Orleans Inc. recently held the annual Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
Hundreds of dogs and their owners competed in the show ring: May 29-30 for the News Orleans group and May 31 to June 1 for the Baton Rouge contestants.
In addition to watching the judging, spectators were able to interact with a variety of dog breeds, learn about responsible dog ownership and speak with breeders owners and handlers. On-site vendors sold treats, leashes and gifts for pets.
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“We continue to be blessed by the community Every single fundraiser we have people come out,” said James LeBlanc, fire chief for the 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Department “The fundraisers are important because there are six volunteer fire departments in Ascension Parish that only receive money through fundraisers These events help us pay the monthly bills.”
Darrow has two volunteer fire departments while St Amant has three.
LeBlanc has been the Ascension Parish volunteer fire chief for 39 years and is also the director of governmental affairs for Ascension Parish Government.
“The sponsors for the race
and the Pelican Point Home Owners Association utilizes the race as their way of giving back,” LeBlanc said.
“Because of fundraisers like the race we’ve been able to pay contract firefighters for day shifts while our volunteer fire departments are at their regular jobs.
“At one time, Darrow had the least amount of volunteer firefighters. Pelican Point is comprised of families and an elderly community Medical calls are essential. We do not receive millages or tax funds. But every single jambalaya dinner and other fundraisers helps us.”
Derek LeBlanc, the 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Department assistant fire chief and LeBlanc’s son, mentioned other practical uses for the money raised.
“The funds raised today will pay for fire equipment, gear air packs, tools and
supplies for medical emergencies,” Derek LeBlanc said. “The race originated years ago when Pelican Point and the Darrow community held events that included the race and pancakes. We wanted to bring the race back. It’s a great opportunity for the neighborhood to show off their elaborate golf course. This race has become one of our biggest fundraisers.”
“5Ks are a family-oriented event and is growing in popularity For this 5K, we started it in hopes for it to grow and make it bigger each year That is happening because we’ve got more sponsor and runners this year.”
The event included a dozen sponsors such as OxyChem, Smith Tank & Steel and Christian Bros Seafood. Threshold Timing provided race timing services.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Runners and walkers competed May 17 in 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Department’s 2025 5K/1 Mile Run at Pelican Point. The event is an annual fundraiser for the department.
Terri Gellegos, of the Baton Rouge Kennel Club, hands Jerry Sherrell a plate of jambalaya, cooked and donated by Gonzales’ Judge Alvin Turner
Noel Caballero, Aniston David and Mary Ellis Heydel pose with Val, a golden retriever champion and certified therapy dog
Susan Forbes, of Pensacola, Fla., poses with her show dog Charlotte, a Leonberger
Show dog Ol’ Glory Looking in the Mirror, a Dogo Argentino, wins the Best of Winners and New Champion awards, bestowed by judge Thomas Schonberger, from left, handler Elvin Izaguirre, and owners Michele Watkins, Ava Watkins and Aggie Wasson.
PHOTOS BY MOLLY BAHLINGER
RETIREMENT
Stafford takes unexpected path Stafford, who grew up in Gonzales, was the youngest of four children to parents Frank and Ruth Taylor At a young age, Stafford was already involved with schools, her mother being an educator at the then-Gonzales High School, now known as Gonzales Primary She had no plans to pursue a life in education
“I thought that was the last thing I would ever do,” Stafford said, laughing. “My mama was an educator, always at school, always working. I mean, I was on campuses before I even knew my ABCs. I still remember being just three years old, carrying the homecoming crown on a little pillow down the football field. I told myself, ‘I am not doing that.’”
In 1971, Libby was a senior at East Ascension High School when she married her high school sweetheart, Matthew Stafford “He was about to be sent to Vietnam,” she recalled. “I was only 17. My mama, she was not having it. She said, ‘You finish college, then you can think about marriage ’ But my daddy he was my hero. When I told him, he said, ‘Let her do what she wants. If she wants me to give her away, I’m doing it.’”
That moment became even more poignant and tragic when Stafford’s father suddenly died from a heart attack and had his funeral the morning she graduated from high school in 1972.
In 1973, the young couple moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where her husband was stationed, and she attended Baptist College. When they returned to Louisiana in 1975, Libby found herself drawn back to the career she once resisted. “I realized there’s no better job when you have kids,” she admitted. “You’re off when they’re off, and it just made sense.”
She juggled raising four children while attending LSU, choosing elementary education over secondary because it allowed her to attend classes only two days a week. She graduated in 1980, pregnant with her fifth child, and started her teaching career the next year at Dutchtown Elementary as a middle school math teacher
“You just have to care about them,” she said. For Stafford, middle school was more than just a job — it was joy “It was the best job in the world. Football games, basketball games, the school fair — it was fun. I loved kids that age.”
While teaching at Dutchtown Elementary, she poured her days into her students and her nights into earning her master’s degree. By 1990, she had graduated from LSU with a master’s in educational leadership.
That same year Dutchtown Elementary split into Dutchtown Primary and Dutchtown Middle. Stafford applied to be assistant principal at Dutchtown Primary
After six years as assistant principal, she became principal of Dutchtown Primary in 1996, leading the school for the next decade. In 2006, she took on the role of director of primary schools, but her heart always stayed close to those early, hard days in the classroom.
In her first year as director, she suffered through her granddaughter’s traumatic brain injury and the death of her mother
She credits people like Fran Hidalgo, her supervisor at the time, for “carrying me through that year,” and Superintendent Donald Songy, who knew every detail of her struggle. “He was so understanding. When my mama died, I had to arrange everything myself — bringing her from Lake Charles, the funeral home, the casket, all of it. I didn’t know what I was doing. And Mr Songy called me and asked, ‘Are you by yourself?’ I said yes. And he said, ‘I’m coming.’ He didn’t want me doing all that alone. He’s just a good person.”
That year carved deep scars but also hardened Stafford’s resolve. “Guess what? I survived it. We made it through.”
If there’s one thing life has taught Stafford, it’s this: “At the end of the day what really matters are the people God has placed in your life to love and take care of.”
Stafford’s journey is one of grit, resilience and rewriting the narrative others tried to give her For Stafford, the motivation came from a place of scarcity and hope. “We were so
Gonzales native named Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Gonzales program manager
Community news report
DeAnna Pastorchik is the new program manager for the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Gonzales location.
Pastorchik
Pastorchik previously served as practice manager at Mary Bird Perkins’ Baton Rouge General location. Before arriving at Mary Bird Perkins, she worked at the American Oncology Network as its re-
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June 9-13 at First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Geismar
The cost is $85. To register, visit www.paypal.com/ ncp/payment/
gional revenue cycle manager overseeing the company’s regional revenue operations across 11 states. In her role as program manager Pastorchik oversees the strategic and operational aspects of the Cancer Center’s Gonzales operations, focusing on maintaining the highest standards of patient care, operational efficiency and community outreach, a news release said.
5DEEYZASL7XDG. For information, visit www.communitysisterhood.org
Farmers market Saturday Pick up fresh produce, crafts and other goods at the Highway 621 Outdoor Market from 8 a.m to noon Saturday at 39275 La. 621 in Gonzales.
RIVER PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125
poor,” she shared. “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t want this to be my life. I don’t want my kids to grow up like this.’ And if that meant I had to work twice as hard, go to college, and build a career to change that, then that’s what I was going to do.”
In 2020, her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer They’re currently watching and waiting — closely monitoring how fast the cancer is replicating. They also bought a motor coach with plans to visit Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and the Badlands.
Graves leaves her mark
“After many years of dedicated service, Ms. A. Denise Graves will be retiring from Ascension Public Schools on June 30, 2025. Throughout her career Ms. Graves has risen through the ranks of teacher and coach to school leader and several district leadership positions. Her journey stands as an example of dedication, growth, and impact across every level of our organization. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Graves on her well-earned retirement and wishing her all the best in this next chapter,” Walker said.
Graves’ career began in 1981 at St. Amant High School, where she spent 17 years as a teacher, coach and assistant principal. Known for her commitment to both academics and athletics, she taught physical education, health and sociology, while also coaching girls’ basketball, softball, cross-country and track and field. Under her leadership, the girls’ track and field team earned its first district championship in 1992. Her passion for student development extended beyond the classroom
as she served as sponsor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Explorers Club and Student Council. Her journey in educational leadership began with an administrative internship in 1993, and by 1995, she was serving as an assistant principal at St. Amant High. From there, Graves went on to become the principal of Gonzales Middle before moving into a variety of district-level roles: director of Middle Schools, director of Human Resources and director of Administrative Services.
“Denise Graves has done an exceptional job at every level in the Ascension Parish public school system,” Songy said, who served as superintendent from 2006 to 2010. “As a teacher and coach, she inspired many, many young people. As an administrator, she worked tirelessly to make sure that schools and departments worked efficiently and effectively Our school system owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Denise Graves, and I wish her a wonderful retirement.”
“I have had the privilege of working closely with Ms. Graves over most of her esteemed career From our time together as teachers and administrators at St. Amant High to Ms. Graves serving as my assistant superintendent, she has been a strong colleague and friend,” said Patrice Pujol, who served as superintendent from 2010 to 2016. “Ms. Graves has made tremendous contributions to our school system and has devoted her time and talent to ensure the success of the students and families of Ascension Parish. She certainly deserves a wonderful retirement after her many years of dedicated service to Ascension Public Schools.”
In 2010, Graves was named assistant superintendent, and in February 2016, she was appointed interim superintendent. During her 171 days at the helm, Ascension Parish was faced with the historic flood of 2016. Graves returned to her role as assistant superintendent in August 2016. She has been honored with the district’s Core Values and Safety and Security Medallions for her outstanding service.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Graves has been an active member of her community, serving on numerous civic committees and boards, including the Ascension Credit Union Board of Directors and the Ascension Parish Charter Task Force. A lifelong volunteer, she has also worked with Habitat for Humanity and serves as the church secretary for Ebenezer Baptist Church in Darrow She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Graves earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. She also earned a master’s degree from LSU and 30 additional hours of graduate-level courses from LSU and Southeastern Louisiana University
Pastorchik was raised in Gonzales.
“We are delighted to welcome DeAnna Pastorchik as our Gonzales Cancer Center program manager,” said Jodi Conachen, chief operating officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Her extensive experience, and previous time spent with Mary Bird Perkins, will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and deliver exceptional cancer care to the Gonzales community and beyond.”
For information, visit www.facebook.com/Hwy621OutdoorMarket.
Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate. com or ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday
