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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2015 H DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT • SORRENTO THEADVOCATE.COM
Gonzales to upgrade sewer system
Darlene Denstorff
BY ELLYN COUVILLION
AROUND ASCENSION
ecouvillion@theadvocate.com
DDENSTORFF@ THEADVOCATE.COM
Fire station gumbo sale Sunday The Sorrento Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its third annual gumbo sale Sunday at the station, 8096 Main St., Sorrento. Gumbo will be sold from 10:30 a.m. until it’s all gone, Capt. Sarah Pinion said.
Book talk, signing
Author and professor Kim Vaz-Deville will talk about her book “The Baby Dolls: Breaking the Race and Gender Barriers of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Tradition” during a Tuesday program at the Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales. The 6:30 p.m. program will include a book signing and reception following the talk. Call (225) 647-3955.
GONZALES — A $15 million loan from the Department of Environmental Quality will let the city of Gonzales upgrade and expand its sewer system in three phases over the next few years to meet future demand from a growing community. “I can’t be more excited about it. It’s a continuation of helping with our economic development,” Mayor Barney Arceneaux said at a Feb. 12 presentation of a ceremonial $15 million check to the city by
DEQ officials, including DEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch and DEQ Deputy Secretary Vladimir Alex Appeaning. “It’s a great day in the city of Gonzales,” Councilman Kenny Matassa said. “The city of Gonzales works to stay ahead of the curve, we’ve always done that.” The city’s waste water treatment facility on La. 44 will be expanded with the DEQ loan to be able to treat a higher volume of water, and the city’s sewer system will be extended south of Interstate-10, where the new Edenborne Develop-
ment on La. 44 is located and where new development is planned on the M.P. Evans property further south on La. 44. “We can’t wait until they’re started,” City Engineer Jackie Baumann said in a recent interview of future development in the city. Planning for and putting into place city sewer services takes time, Baumann said, and in the fall of 2013, the city looked ahead and decided to explore DEQ loan options.
Photo provided by CHARLOTTE GUEDRY
Gathering Feb. 12 for a presentation from Department of Environmental Quality at Gonzales city hall, from left, council members Barbara Duhe and Kenny Matassa, Mayor Barney Arcenaux, DEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch, Councilman David Guitreau, DEQ Deputy Secretary Vladimir Alex Appeaning, CounäSee SEWER, page 2G cilman-Elect Neal Bourque and GSA Engineers’ Glen Shaheen.
MARDI GRAS MARCH
Hypnotist to speak
Author and certified hypnotist Linda Allred is set to be the guest speaker Feb. 26 at the Ascension Business Connection meeting at St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1125 W. La. 30, Gonzales. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. Call (225) 603-5056 to register.
Jewelry-making classes
Come learn the basics of jewelry-making with experienced jewelry designer Robin Rotolo during a series of classes starting Feb. 28 at River Region Art Association’s Depot Gallery, 1008 W. la. 30, Gonzales. Classes are set from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 28, March 7, March 21, March 28, April 4 and April 11, and cost $65 per session. All supplies and equipment will be provided. The class will provide hands-on training on the use of the jewelry tools. Bead types and shapes also will be discussed. The student will design and build a necklace, bracelet and a pair of earrings. Pick up registration forms at the Depot Gallery or call (225) 644-8496 .
Veterans musical tribute
Tickets are on sale for Ascension Veterans Associations’ Musical Tribute for the Troops set for 7 p.m. March 13 at the Gonzales Civic Center. The fundraiser will include a silent auction, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. The program will feature entertainment from Center Stage Performing äSee AROUND, page 2G
Advocate staff photos by BILL FEIG
Donaldsonville Head Start students celebrate Friday during the school’s annual Mardi Gras walking parade. From left, Vontricie Wiltz, Destiny McBride, Lotoranon Ealem and Joe Ealem receive information from Debbie O’Connor, lower right, and Whitley Garrison at the River Parishes Community College table at the Donaldsonville Head Start’s resources fair.
Beads fly as young revelers celebrate Mardi Gras Friday at Donaldsonville Head Start’s parade around the football field.
Chamber director Katz retiring after 34 years BY CHRISTINE MORGAN
cmarceneaux@theadvocate.com DONALDSONVILLE — When Becky Katz first walked through the doors of the Donaldsonville Area Chamber, she couldn’t have imagined becoming a staple of the business community. But that was 34 years ago. Now, business owners in Donaldsonville and surrounding areas know Katz for her dedication to Donaldsonville, its residents and tourists who visit the area.
“She’s always been the visible face of the chamber,” said Pam Gregoire, who first met Katz when she started volunteering for the organization five years ago. As she prepares to leave her role as the chamber’s executive director, Katz said her retirement, which is effective Feb. 28, is bittersweet. “I fell in love with Donaldsonville every day by seeing the things I took for granted through the eyes of tourists,” Katz said. “Before I knew it, it was 34
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years (later),” Katz said from the chamber office Feb. 10. “It’s been wonderful.” As she talked about events that spanned more than three decades, tears formed in Katz’s eyes. She’s seen everything from businesses opening and closing to movies filmed in the city. “You’re doing something different for the community evAdvocate staff photo by CHRISTINE MORGAN ery day,” Katz said. Katz said meeting new peo- Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Direcple and forging new friend- tor Rebekah ‘Becky’ Katz, right, talks with business owners, including Malissa Boudreaux, of Boudreaux Electric Service äSee KATZ, page 2G during a meeting Feb. 10.