Ascension Pride festival attendance surprises, excites organizers
BY DARLENE DENSTORFF Community news editor
More than 1,200 people, including many families pushing strollers, attended the inaugural Ascension Pride Festival on Saturday at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
And that’s a low estimate from organizers. While some wondered if parish residents were ready for a Pride festival, the enthusiasm among those attending proved they were.
Organizers were surprised and excited by the response they received. More than 40 vendors sold their wares and supported the LGBTQ+ community
There was a hug station, facepainting, balloons, a dog fashion show, music, drag show, storytime and other free activities.
“Seeing our community come together with such love and support has been powerful,” said Genevieve Robichaux, Ascension Pride co-chair “The interactions we’ve had whether it’s a heartfelt thank-you, a proud parent sharing their story, or a young person feeling seen for the first time — make every bit of the effort worth it.”
The Pride event was the brainchild of Mark Belgard Jr., who floated the idea in March of a Pride event in Ascension Parish on his Ascension Parish Meme Facebook page. Soon, his wife, Alysha Belgard, and friends were on board
“Having the chance to bring Pride to Ascension Parish has been an incredible adventure,” Alysha Belgard, event co-chair, said. “Members of the community have been thanking us for stepping up to the challenge my husband, Mark, created by inspiring this event with a Facebook post less than 90 days ago. Seeing the amount of love and support pouring out of the parish into this
event has been eye-opening and heart-warming.
“But of course, none of this is possible without an amazing team of volunteers that have also made it their mission to spread love.”
The group partnered with animal rescue APAWS.
“Pride was truly beautiful as a queer (bi) person,” said Alexan-
Saturday
included the
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Donaldsonville’s Juneteenth festivities recognize the emancipation of slaves in the United States under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.
The city’s annual celebrations began when former Donaldsonville Mayor Bernard Francis Sr. and his wife, Janet, organized the Juneteenth music festival in 1995. Their daughter, Tamiko Francis Garrison, has continued the celebration along with her family and city and parish governments. Garrison is the 1st District justice of the peace.
“Juneteenth gives us the opportunity to remember our past, remember today and look towards our future,” Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan said. “For families and children here today, we hope we help them understand what today is about and to remember and reflect.” Sullivan thanked Garrison and her family for carrying on the tradition started by her parents and family
“Just yesterday, I was bragging that we were the first in the River Parishes to host a Juneteenth celebration and now others are trying to initiate celebrations as well,” Sullivan said.
The seven African Americanowned businesses received a plaque given to them by Garrison Sullivan, Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment and the Juneteenth committee.
everything to us.
“Having the opportunity to not only assist with the planning but also to put on an adoption event and showcase our pups means the world. Pride brought together a group of people and pups from a small town and created lasting community and friendship.”
Justin Tyme was named Mister Ascension Parish Pride and Scarlett Black was named Miss Ascension Parish Pride
“The first Ascension Pride was nothing short of amazing,” Black said.
dra Dondeville, APAWS treasurer and trainer “It was incredible to see the community come together to celebrate queer joy inclusion and love. As a rescue organization that is predominantly queer-run, we have always made a very intentional effort to support queer initiatives. Therefore, being involved in events like Pride means
Alysha Belgard said the Pride Ascension group is planning a meeting soon to discuss ideas for events throughout the year Details will be shared on the Ascension Pride Facebook page. And plans will soon begin for next year’s Pride Fest.
Email Darlene Denstorff at ddenstorff@theadvocate.com.
African Americanowned Donaldsonville businesses. Johnson’s law practice has
for 46
Ascension President Clint Cointment, left, Tamiko Francis Garrison, Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan and members of the Juneteenth committee awarded Johnson a plaque.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to honor African American businesses who have been open over 25 years and we identified seven of those businesses,” Garrison said.
“Recognizing these businesses today was just something that was dropped in my spirit. They are all providing business that people need.”
The seven business recognized were:
n Donaldsonville Marble & Granite — The company owned by Tamiko Francis Garrison’s family has existed for 150 years. Based on her research, Garrison believes the company might be the oldest
African American business still operating in the United States.
n Brazier-Watson Funeral Home — open for 81 years
n Jay’s Liquor — open for 73 years
n Demby & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. open for 67 years
n Benjamin L Johnson, Attorney at Law — open for 46 years
n Mount Olive Vault Company open for 44 years
n Cajun Daiquiris open for 33
years
“To look at the years these business have been opened, it’s almost unheard of today,” Sullivan said.
“It’s great to recognize and appreciate their sacrifices and struggles
they’ve endured. For mom-andpop businesses, they had to endure the hard times and stick together through the years.”
Musicians that performed at Saturday’s music festival included George Bell & Friends, Total Control Band and Michael Foster Project.
Some of the dancers featured were Silhouette Dance Company performing African Drum and Dance and Casa Samba with Brazilian Drum and Dance.
Garrison and Sullivan both said the Juneteenth celebration continues to expand each year due to the growing list of sponsors.
“This is the 30th year, and it gets
bigger every year,” Sullivan said “This year, we’ve got a big stage, lots of activities and lots of people. We are so happy for all of our sponsors’ help.”
Sponsors included CF Industries, BASF, Louisiana Sweet Spot, McKim and Creed, and River Parishes Community College.
Garrison also recognized lumbar company Elray Kocke Services, for its 10-year sponsorship.
“Businesses like Elray Kocke and our other sponsors have helped us for so many years,” Garrison said. “I know my mom is smiling from heaven. We started with just five or six people all those years ago attending the gettogether in Crescent Park. Now we have sponsors that have been with us for years.”
The three-day event kicked off Thursday with an Author Talk at the WAG Center featuring Daniel Brooks, author of “The Accident of Color: The Story of Race in Reconstruction.”
A food distribution drive was held on Friday for Donaldsonville residents sponsored by BASF and the Greater Baton Rouge Area Food Bank.
Donaldsonville Juneteenth Pageant winners were announced on June 10.
n Miss Jaylen Carter, Miss Donaldsonville Juneteenth
n Miss Brielle Taylor Poché, Miss Teen Donaldsonville Juneteenth
n Miss Kyleigh Green, Little Miss Donaldsonville Juneteenth
n Miss Kennedy Johnson, Runner-up Little Miss Donaldsonville Juneteenth
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
The Total Control Band performs
during Donaldsonville’s Juneteenth Music Festival. Other musical performers
Michael Foster Project and George Bell & Friends.
Musician George Bell performs Saturday along with his band George Bell & Friends, during Donaldsonville’s 30th annual Juneteenth Music Festival. The event concluded three days of activities celebrating Juneteenth.
STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Old friends Robbie Malerough and Julie Breaux hug after running into each other at Ascension Parish Pride’s
inaugural event at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center on Saturday
Ryan Jeoux, 4, puts glitter on the check of her godparent Tanya Monette during Ascension Parish Pride’s event.
AROUND
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.
Boogie Down the Bayou
Louisiana VFW District 8 is sponsoring Boogie Down the Bayou on July 13 at the Gonzales VFW hall on Churchpoint
Road. The event, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., will include music by Mike Broussard & Night Train followed by The Mojoes Dance Band and Guests. In addition, the party includes food, a cash bar, live auction, 50/50 raffle and dancing Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door
YouthFest planned
Mark your calendar for the Ascension 4 YouthFest Back2-School event July 26 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center’s Rev Center
The event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include free school supplies, games, and arts and crafts.
Food distributions set Ascension Parish’s Commodity Distribution is set for the
The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on May 18-29:
MAY 18
GAUTHIER, OWEN ANTHONY: 19535 Spyglass Hill Drive, Baton Rouge; 48; prohibited actsdrug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana more than 14 grams, illegal carry of weaponscrime or controlled dangerous substance, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, aggravated assault with a firearm
WINDHAM, AMY K.: 40117 Autumn Meadow Ave., Prairieville; 37; failure to appear-bench warrant
JONES, MELISSA RODRIGUEZ: 1319 N Willow Ave., Gonzales; 36; possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies
RILEY JR., KENTRELL JERMAINE: 1611 St. Patrick St., Donaldsonville; 21; unauthorized use of a movable under $1,000, resisting an officer, three counts failure to appear-bench warrant
CLARK, JOSHUA EZEKIEL: 704 N. Brown Ave Gonzales; 35; bond revocation, probation violation parish, entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden
EDDY, MONTEZ MARIE: 109 N. Nikol Ave., Gonzales; 60; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, registration-commercial vehicles/ expired plate, security required, operating vehicle while license is suspended, possession of Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance
BURNS, TIMOTHY E.: 39459 Lucia St., Gonzales; 44; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of heroin
MAY 19
FERNANDEZ, SKYE ANGEL: 150 Champ Lane Belle Rose; 29; three counts failure to appearbench warrant
MCDANIELS, DEANDRE DWAYNE: 2524 Gates Circle, No. 23, Baton Rouge; 31; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, reckless operation, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance operating while intoxicated-first
THOMAS TERRANCE JUDE: 314 Vatican Drive Donaldsonville; 52; state probation violation operating vehicle while license is suspended, monetary instrument abuse, criminal trespass/all other reckless operation, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, driving on roadway laned for traffic, signals by hand and arm or signal lamps, resisting an officer, general speed law, tail lamps, aggravated flight from an officer GAMBLE, DEMARKIS EARL: 14102 Forrest Heights Subdivision Road, Gonzales; 27; state probation violation, battery of a dating partner, possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance BARRICK, RAYMOND L.: 38158 Brown Road, Prairieville; 54; parole violation, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance HARDIN, DOMINIC DARNELL: 907 W Rothland St., Gonzales; 25; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, battery of a dating partner
MAY 20
GOODMAN, PATRICK LEE: 14423 Oak Meadow St., Gonzales; 43; two counts failure to appearbench warrant, possession of heroin CORIO, ANDRIA LEA: 9987 Spur Road, Denham Springs; 43; failure to appear-bench warrant fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property simple burglary, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
second Tuesday of each month in Donaldsonville and the second Wednesday of the month in Gonzales. Distributions are from 8 a.m.to 11 a.m. at the Frank Sotile Jr Pavilion in Donaldsonville and at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. All recipients must be prequalified by visiting the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 E. Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales or Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St., in Donaldsonville. Call Layne Melancon at (225) 450-1006 or email layne.melancon@fmolhs. org.
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
Community news report
Rescue Alliance needs daily volunteers and four dedicated volunteer adoption coordinators for its Love-A-Pet adoption centers inside PetSmart locations in Gonzales and on South Mall Drive in Baton Rouge.
These centers provide a safe haven for rescued cats while they homes, but keeping the environment clean and emotionally supportive takes a team of caring hands. Daily cat care volunteers are needed clean kennels and litter boxes, refresh food and water, socialize and groom cats and provide attention and enrichment.
ASCENSION PARISH BOOKINGS
CORIO, KIMBERLY JUNE: 14077 Tick’s Trace Road, Gonzales; 46; simple criminal damage to propertyless than$1000, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, simple burglary, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, security required, operating vehicle while license is suspended, improper display of temporary license plate
BERRY, MICKEY NORWOOD: 42410 Troxclair Lane, Gonzales; 38; fugitive-other state jurisdiction, theft less than $1,000
VILLNUVE, CHRIS JOSEPH: 9011 La. 22, St. Amant; 33; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction PAUL, ALMONZO LEDALE: 919 Glenbrook Drive, Denham Springs; 32; simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000, simple obstruction of a highway of commerce, resisting an officer, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, domestic abuse battery
ORTEGO, KATIE LEE: 18230 Little Prairie Road, Prairieville; 40; failure to appear-bench warrant, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of heroin, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (morphine), possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
CASTILLE, BRYCE J.: 818 Superior Road, Churchpoint; 38; sale/distribution/or possession of legend drug without prescription, headlamps on motor vehicles-motorcycles and motordriven cycles, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (amphetamine) possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (alprazolam), possession of Schedule III controlled dangerous substance (suboxone), possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
MAY 21
MELANCON, JEREMY LANE: 43677 Brittany St., Sorrento; 51; theft less than $1,000, fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000
GOMEZ, JED CHARLES: 42181 Jamie Road, Prairieville; 49; failure to appear-bench warrant, reckless operation, possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (clonazepam), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
MACKIE, RODNEY ANTOINE: 14333 Mossystone Drive, Prairieville; 55; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
GAHIE, KAYETA CATHERINE: address unknown; 32; theft less than $1,000, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
CHAAR, JR., RAYHEB RAMEZ: 4115 Meadowdale St., Metairie; 36; violations of protective orders
CORKERN, MACKENZIE: 19408 La. 42, Livingston; 28; second-degree murder
MILLER, COLIN SCOTT: 430 N. Division St., Braidwood, Illinois; 52; fugitive-other state jurisdiction
GODLEY, JOHN LEE: 37050 Miller St., Prairieville; 67; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property
BRADFORD, JORDAN TERRELL: 1903 Cypress Woods St., Baker; 27; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000
BINDER, TIMOTHY R.: 8431 Susie Circle E, Denham Springs; 73; fFlight from an officer
MAY 22
BALLARD, TODD ALLEN: 30212 Cain St., Denham Springs; 37; failure to appear-bench warrant
ANDERSON, REGINA: 14342 Bluff Lakes Drive, Prairieville; 51; owner to secure registration, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, stop signs and yield signs, operating while intoxicated-first
NELSON, CHANDLER TRINDELL: 8462 Kingview St., St. James; 28; second degree murder/attempt
GREMILLION, MATTHEW: 427 T Coons Road, Mansura; 38; theft of a motor vehicle over $20,000
CAMPBELL, CHRISTINE RENELL: 37113 White Road, No. 29, Prairieville; 35; failure to appearbench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
MAY 23
SHAVERS, SAMUEL PAUL: 10726 Northdale Drive, Baton Rouge; 40; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000
CASTELLON, GUSTAVO ADOLFO: 12365 Samuel Babin Road, Gonzales; 39; domestic abuse battery
SHAVERS, SAMUEL PAUL: 10726 Northdale Drive, Baton Rouge; 40; bond revocation, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, disturbing the peace / drunkenness
MAY 24
TUCKER, LEROY: 37424 Cypress Trace Ave., Geismar; 63; registration certificates, false certificates, operating vehicle while license is suspended, driving on roadway laned for traffic, driving on right side of road-exceptions, operating a vehicle while intoxicated-first
DANIELS, JIMEZ CHARLIE: 42209 Marblestone St., Prairieville; 43; possession of marijuanasecond, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine)
CAESAR, TEN SPEED: 624 Cardinal St., Laplace; 35; cruelty to juveniles
RAVANNACK, ZACHARY JOSEPH: 732 Heavens Drive, Mandeville; 28; reckless operation, two counts hit-and-run driving, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, reckless operation, driving on roadway laned for traffic, aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, aggravated assault upon a peace officer, operating while intoxicated-second
MAY 25
SMITH JR., TOMMIE LEE: 7044 Pitcain St., Baton Rouge; 61; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, maximum speed limit, operating while intoxicated-second VILLARREAL JR., MIGUEL: 104 Old Military Highway, Brownsville, Texas; 33; operating while intoxicated-first WILSON, JTYRION ANTONIO: 812 Church St., Donaldsonville; 21; failure to appear-bench warrant
BROUSSARD, CHAN K.: 17014 La. 930, Prairieville; 47; abuse and neglect of adults, simple battery
BRAUD, TRAVIS JAMES: 46142 S. La. 936, St. Amant; 47; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
MAY 26
ALLEN, DARVELLE JAMAL: 104 Bayou Oaks Drive, Donaldsonville; 34; violations of protective orders
JACOBS, TYRIELL RASHAWN: 59217 Puleston Road, Amite; 28; two counts failure to appearbench warrant, domestic abuse battery with weapon and injury
BROWN, DEANDRE DEMONTEZ: 17349 Cherry Creek Drive, Prairieville; 27; domestic abuse battery
MILES, LATHANIEL JOSHUA: 1323 Point Andrew
Four volunteer adoption coordinators are needed to assist with adoption applications and approvals, work directly with potential adopters, promote adoptable cats on social media and ensure cats are matched with loving, responsible families
“These roles are crucial to the well-being and future of our rescue cats,” said the Rescue Alliance team in a news release “Whether you can help once a week or every day, we welcome your support.”
To volunteer visit www.animalrecovery.org/volunteer-opportunities, email volunteer@animalrecovery org or call (225) 330-2035
Drive, Gonzales; 34; violations of protective orders
TEMPLET, LYNSEY: 603 Iberville St., Donaldsonville; 42; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant, theft less than $1,000, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
WHITE, JAMIE RAY: 13058 O’Neal Road, Gonzales; 33; domestic abuse battery
BENTEL, ROBERT JOSEPH: 41225 Rhea St., Gonzales; 37; parole violation, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
SCHONBERG, RASHADE DAMOD: 13409 Orleans Drive, Gonzales; 20; failure to appear-bench warrant
MAY 27
WILLIAMS, LINDON TEVIN: 708 Lizardi St., New Orleans; 30; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, resisting an officer
JOHNSON, TYRELL SIRONE: 16453 Missionary Ridge Ave., Baton Rouge; 27; driver must be licensed, proper equipment required on vehicles; display of plate, resisting an officer, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
BEARDEN, YESENIA CHAPULA: 41457 Cemetery Road, Gonzales; 41; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, resisting an officer
WILSON, DERRICK: 2135 Middle Drive, Slidell; 28; failure to appear-bench warrant, battery of emergency room personal or a healthcare provider
LOUIS, OLIVIA DAVION: 3130 General Taylor St., New Orleans; 21; theft less than $15,000, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
SMILEY, ANDREW C.: 38099 La. 22, Darrow; 66; operating while intoxicated-third FERNANDEZ, SKYE ANGEL: 150 Champ Lane, Belle Rose; 29; contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, domestic abuse battery
KNECHT, AUGUST VINCENT: 20434 Lucrino Road, New Orleans; 28; theft less than $1,000 GREEN-INGRAM, JAREN ALEXANDER: 4422 Marchand School Road, Darrow; 18; failure to appear-bench warrant, theft of a motor vehicle $5,000 to $20,000
SANDERS JR., ALLEN: 109 Oakridge Ave., Donaldsonville; 21; failure to appear-bench warrant, domestic abuse battery-pregnant victim CLEMENT, JACOBI MYLES: 1026 East Bonnie St., Gonzales; 19; intentional littering prohibited, simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000 CLARK, BROOK LEE: 40036 Champion Tif Drive, Gonzales; 30; domestic abuse battery
MAY 28
BATEMAN, DANIEL TROY: 13396 La. 44, Gonzales; 48; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, telephone communications/ improper language/harassment, criminal trespass/all other simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), possession of fentanyl FRUGE, AMANDA BROOKE: 3709 Alfred St., New Orleans; 44; failure to appear-bench warrant WRIGHT, DEVONTE KESHAWN: 11314 Boardwalk Ave, Baton Rouge; 24; violations of protective orders
MAY 29
LEBLANC, SHANE: 3110 Lamas St., Erath; 38; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, fugitiveother state jurisdiction, two counts failure to appear-bench warrant
When you think about tight ends that create advantages for their teams, names like Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski, George Kittle and Brock Bowers come to mind
The East Ascension Spartans are looking to create that advantage with 2026 offensive tackle, Brysten Martinez, changing numbers for the fall season.
“The position change was decided after our first staff meeting heading into spring training,” said coach Brock Matherne. “Talking with our new OC, Dane Charpentier, and our new DC, Dennis Skains, along with the other coaches, we felt like putting him in an eligible number can cause defensive nightmares in the pass game, while maintaining his blocking presence. We look at it as playing with six linemen, he is so athletic and looks to be a natural fit.”
Martinez is a top 50 player nationally in the 2026 recruiting cycle, as well as a top four in Louisiana Martinez committed to LSU back in February stating that this was his dream offer and jumped on it when coaches Brian Kelly and Brad Davis made the offer
The commitment has not stopped other programs from recruiting Martinez and stopping by the East Ascension campus regularly
“The recruitment process has been a wild one,” Matherne said “Several coaches have come by school, called, texted and continue to pursue Brysten. My advice to him was to do what was best for him and his family He has navigated the process like a champ, showing respect for every coach that has recruited him. At the end of the day, he is following his heart and plans
to go to LSU.”
The tight end average size in the NFL is 6-foot-4 and 250-260 pounds. Martinez stands 6-foot-6 and weighs around 280-290 pounds
Matherne and his staff believe he will be just fine at the position this fall.
“His strength is his ability to move so fluently for his size,” Matherne said. “He is an SEC caliber offensive lineman, but for us this season, he brings a dimension of size and athleticism to the position.”
The Spartans return some experience in the trenches, and to me the strength is sheer size and mobility of the group, something I watched in their spring game against Thibodaux.
As we hit the midpoint of the summer, the coaches have raved about Martinez and his teammates work ethic and leadership.
“Our workouts have been good, we know we have to win one day at a time, and we can do this by leaving our facilities each day knowing we got better,” Matherne said. “The seniors, including Brysten, know we have plenty work left to do to be a championship team. I want him and the other leaders to continue to step up and turn our locker room into a family Part of his job as a leader is to bring everyone together to the standard of our program, he has done a great job of that so far.”
East Ascension heads into the rest of summer with one goal in mind, get better each day and just like every program, compete for a state championship. With players like Martinez showing he is willing to make a position change to help his team, the coaches know this team is a special
BERRY
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summer and then began setting up reservations for 50 people at a time last summer
This year, they are opening for two hours four times a week: Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings and evenings.
“This year, we’re just lucky that it grew enough to pretty much — knock on wood — supply the demand that we’ve seen thus far,” Chairity Waugh said. “It’s grown sort of exponentially.”
In addition to 10 300-foot rows of blackberries and 10 400-foot rows of blueberries, the Waughs also planted figs, peaches and plums. When those are in season, they will hold pick-your-own fruit days as well.
Currently, the stars of the orchard are the blackberries. Once blackberries start to ripen, they must be picked often every couple of days. On the big days, there can be 400 people at Waughsome Farm, and they sell more than 100 gallons of fruit
“We have just as much plant in blueberries, but they’re really small trees,” Mike Waugh said. “But the blackberries are just off the hook right now And that’s what happened when we first opened three years ago.”
After planting their blueberry bushes, they picked enough during the first harvest for themselves and family members. The blackberries fruited the second year and their harvest was so big that they had
to open up the orchard so the fruit wouldn’t spoil.
Chairity painted a sign, and Mike made the Facebook page and website. That’s how the Waughsome Farm began.
Before the picking begins
Here are a few tips to know before picking berries at Waughsome Farm:
n Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and/or stained Wear closed-toe shoes or boots and socks. The ground may be muddy Red ant piles can be anywhere.
n Wear sunscreen and/or wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves. There is no shade in the orchard.
n It’s an 800-foot walk from the parking area to the orchard. The back of the orchard is even further
n The farm hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including stinging insects such as wasps and bees. If you are allergic, please be advised.
n Bring your own water n Refrigerate berries within an hour of picking. Bring a cooler with ice to maintain peak freshness. The picking rate at Waughsome Farm is $10 a pint. After picking to their hearts’ desires, customers can bring their buckets of berries to the check-out table, where the berries will be divided into pint containers. Customers can pay with cash or Venmo. For more information, visit waughsomefarm.com
Email Joy Holden at joy.holden@ theadvocate.com.
group.
“Our job as coaches is to have a personal relationship with every player on this team,” Matherne said. “We have so many phenomenal kids on this team. My relationship with Brysten has gotten close over the past two years, I have better understanding of him now and he has a better understanding of me. I truly believe Brysten and his teammates understand that the time we put in as coaches is not only for the players, but each individual person to gain the trust that I will coach him and his teammates hard, but it truly centers around seeing each player become successful in life.”
Being such a large person lends to Martinez standing out whether it be on the football field, basketball court or walking
around campus. Matherne wants people outside of the program to know that Martinez is just a regular kid experiencing high school.
“He is a kid that people gravitate towards, he has a swagger, yet some goofiness that make you love him. We are thankful for his willingness to play the position that will help our team achieve our goals. At the end of the day, Brysten will be successful in whatever he does, we are blessed to have him on this team,” Matherne said.
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate.com or on Twitter @Troyleboeuf.
STAFF PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK
Alicia Vidrine picks some fresh blueberries at Waughsome Farm in Prairieville on June 5.
