Tag: Ascension Parish

Empowering Ascension Parish Through Volunteerism

Volunteers are the heart and soul of any thriving community, and Ascension Parish is no exception. This charming Louisiana parish, nestled in the heart of the Pelican State, has witnessed countless acts of goodwill, thanks to the dedication of its residents. Thanks to this blog post from Nola.com, you’ll be able to explore some of the remarkable initiatives led by volunteers that have enriched Ascension Parish over the years.

One shining example of Ascension Parish’s commitment to inclusivity and community spirit is the transformation of a former T-ball field in Gonzales into the splendid $1.8 million baseball field we know today as Ward Webb Field. This field isn’t just any baseball field; it’s designed to cater to special needs children, providing them with a safe and enjoyable space to play. What’s more, it maintains a strong connection with the renowned Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. This remarkable transformation, made possible by volunteers, stands as a testament to the parish’s commitment to inclusivity.

The annual School Tools program is yet another demonstration of Ascension Parish’s caring community. This program ensures that children in 28 public schools receive the supplies they need for a successful academic journey. The efforts of volunteers and the generosity of the community fill coffers, while dedicated volunteers sort and distribute these essential materials. It’s a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on a child’s education.

Two organizations, Volunteer Ascension and Leadership Ascension, have been instrumental in shaping the community spirit of Ascension Parish since their inception in the mid-1990s. Volunteer Ascension, a nonprofit organization, harnesses the spirit of selflessness, channeling it into disaster recovery, local events like the Boucherie and Jambalaya Festivals, and much more. Leadership Ascension, on the other hand, is a program initiated by the Ascension Chamber of Commerce. Each year, it selects 30 to 40 community leaders for a 10-month journey of exploration within the parish, culminating in a project that betters the community. These projects often involve fundraising and require the dedication of participants from different walks of life.

Interestingly, there’s significant overlap between the members of Volunteer Ascension’s board and Leadership Ascension graduates. Gwen Price, a retired Ascension educator and the incoming president of Volunteer Ascension’s board, highlights this synergy. She emphasizes how these two volunteer organizations work in harmony, providing mutual support and understanding. This collaboration strengthens their collective impact on Ascension Parish.

While Leadership Ascension’s mission has always been noble, in recent times, they’ve shifted their focus from fundraising to service hours. Jennifer Defrances, a Leadership Ascension class facilitator, notes this shift. She explains that the organization felt the need to prioritize making a tangible difference in the community rather than merely raising funds. This change has empowered participants to engage more deeply with the challenges facing Ascension Parish.

Another vital service project undertaken by Leadership Ascension shed light on the concerning issue of food insecurity. Selina Loupe, a local real estate agent and participant in the program, shares her experience. Her group’s eye-opening work involved distributing food to those in need at various locations. This endeavor unearthed alarming statistics about food insecurity in Louisiana, even in affluent areas like Ascension Parish. Loupe’s group, deeply moved by their hands-on experience, continued their efforts, hoping to make a long-term impact.

In conclusion, Ascension Parish is a shining example of how a community can come together to make a difference. Whether it’s transforming a T-ball field into a haven for special needs children, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed, or fighting against food insecurity, the people of Ascension Parish exemplify the power of volunteerism and compassion. Their dedication has not only improved the lives of countless individuals but has also brought the community closer together.

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Things to do in Ascension Parish

It seems like everyone knows about Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but what about what is in between them? Ascension Parish is the perfect melting pot of Native American, Spanish, French, German, Italian, English, African, and Acadian cultures. You’ll find a place where 500 years of history, culture, and tradition have mingled and thrived, leaving unbelievable sights, traditions, and experiences.

Louisiana Travel created a list of the best things to do in Ascension Parish that let every visitor get a taste of its unique culture and culinary traditions.

The Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road

Experience life on a sugarcane plantation in the 1800s at the Houmas House and Gardens. You’ll find a mansion that’s been restored to the antebellum era, which reflects the wealth of the sugarcane farm in its youth. Take a guided mansion tour to explore its 250-year history and learn about the evolution of the structures and style of the mansion, as well as how it became a grand estate. Artwork around the house reflects the plantation life.

Aside from being the oldest and most beautiful estate in the South, Houmas House and Gardens is home to Latil’s Landing Restaurant, The Carriage House Restaurant, and Cafe Burnside. The chef, Jeremy Langlois, has mastered the art of creating delicious recipes utilizing the freshest local ingredients and giving his guests an unforgettable culinary experience.

Donaldsonville’s Historic Portal to the Past

Prefer to explore on your own terms? No problem at all. Experience a blast to the past in Donaldsonville at your own pace by visiting this portal map where you can find seven self-guided portals in the Historic District. You can start anywhere you like, and the route is about 2.5 miles. You can walk, bike, or explore by car! Learn more about Donaldsonville!

Louisiana’s First State Capitol

Donaldsonville, which served as Louisiana’s first state capital from 1829-1831, is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Head to the Historic District to learn about the diverse histories of past Donaldsonville occupants that deserve to be heard. The River Road African American Museum, located on Railroad Avenue, is the perfect place to start. This museum preserves, collects, and exhibits all types of art, artifacts, and buildings as they relate to the history and culture of the African American communities along the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

Head to Farmer Dave’s Frame Shop to see and purchase the art of a local Donaldsonville artist, Alvin Batiste, who focuses his art on life along the Mississippi.

Find the Jambalaya Capital of the World

Jambalaya is a Cajun or Creole dish (depending on the ingredients you use) that is a combination of various meat, rice, vegetables, and seasonings all combined into one pot to make a delicious meal.

Sound yummy? You can head to Gonzalez, Louisiana and eat your way through the annual Jambalaya Festival and World Champion Jambalaya Cooking Contest. Louisianan’s pride themselves on their culinary skills that pay tribute to their culture and heritage, so be prepared for Jambalaya cooked to perfection.

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