I'll tell ya what's up

Diversion Mardi Gras Boat Parade

St. Jude Krewe of Diversion Mardi Gras Boat Parade is set for Feb. 26 at noon. Boats line up on Diversion Canal under Hwy. 22 bridge and travels down Diversion to Amite River and ends at Mannies. All proceeds go to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Pre-registration is at Mannies Friday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Boat participation is $35 per boat. Boats and costumes will be judged 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Krewe of Diversion King and Queen for 2011 is Mr. and Mrs Roland Doucet.

For details or questions, call David or Vivian Stevens at 698-3127.

Bikers and Social Club Awards Show

The Biker and Social Clubs in the River Parishes will host its first Awards Banquet Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Gonzales Recreation Center. This event, which starts a 7 p.m., will recognize the achievements of those groups in the community. The event is sponsored by Dow Chemical and will benefit the Reets Syndrome Society.

The River Parishes has over 60 biker and social clubs that contribute to the community through scholarships, toy giveaways, and other events that support community efforts.

For more information, visit the website at www.bscshow.com.

Veterans Appreciation Breakfast

The American Legion, Gautreau/Williams Post 81, will again host a Veterans Appreciation breakfast for all local veterans and their families. The breakfast will be held on Jan. 29 at the Post Home on City Park Street in Gonzales. The breakfast will begin at 8 a.m.

As a service to veterans the local Veterans Representative will be at the breakfast to answer questions and set up an appointment to discuss your situation with you.

Veterans and their families have enjoyed these breakfasts. The event gives them a chance to make new friends and see what the American Legion is all about!

Class of 1966 to

hold reunion

Gonzales High School class of 1966 will hold their class reunion April 9 at the KC Hall in Gonzales. Music will be provided by Kenny Fife and Bac Trac. For more information, call Olin at 715-2365 or Mark at 715-8050.

Chapter 1449

to meet

Gonzales Chapter 1449 will hold their first meeting of the new year on Jan. 28 at 2337 S. Robert Wilson Rd., Gonzales. The meeting time is 11 a.m.

Mardi Gras Gala

The Ascension Fair Association will host a “2011 Mardi Gras Gala” Friday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. The event, which is a semi-formal event and $25 per person, will be held at the Gonzales Recreation (Civic) Center, 219 St. Irma Blvd., Gonzales. Gold Sponsors are $1,000, Purple Sponsors are $500 and Green Sponsors are $250. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, contact Gloria Burns at 225-939-6861 or Sharon Morris at 225-955-4683.

Become a mentor

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of children of prisoners? If so, then please consider becoming a mentor. Face to Face Enrichment Center, located in Gonzales, is recruiting suitable adults to serve as COPE Project mentors. The Community Organizations and Programs that Empower youth Project also known as The COPE Project is a mentoring initiative designed for children, ages 4-18, of prisoners. The COPE Project allows qualified mentors to create quality, one-on-one relationships with children of prisoners and to serve as caring role models; thereby contributing to the mentee's future success.

Selected mentors must be willing to provide a minimum of bi-weekly one-on-one mentoring to their selected mentee match. Mentoring activities may include visits to the zoo, sporting events, museums, and other pre-approved sites. Mentor applicants must also agree to extensive background checks. 

They are also recruiting mentees, ages 4-18. Mentees must have at least one incarcerated parent to participate in the program. If interested, call 225-644-9992 or email TheCOPEProject@yahoo.com

Free screenings offered

The Parish of Ascension offers free blood pressure and glucose screening every Friday from 8-10 a.m. at the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 S. E. Ascension Complex Blvd., Gonzales, across from Courthouse East off Worthey Road. For more information, call 225-644-4582.

Christmas tree

recycle event

Ascension Parish Government will hold a Christmas tree recycle drop-off event on Jan. 22 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Drop-off hours are from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. The expo center is located at 9039 St. Landry Road.

Terance Irvin, parish environmental director, said trees must not have any decorations or stands on them.

“We want to offer this service for our parish residents only so we ask that they bring a valid ID,” Irvin said.

For more information about the Christmas Tree Recycle Drop-Off, call Irvin at 225-621-5730.

Make a sparkling Valentine

Bejewel yourself and learn something new! Make a necklace, bracelet, and earrings using basic techniques and skills at River Region Art Center in Gonzales starting Feb. 8 and following the next three Tuesdays Feb. 15, Feb 22, and March 1. The classes will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the RRAA Art Center and Robin Rotolo, instructor, will furnish all tools and supplies. Class fee is $60. You will have your own set of jewelry to take home. Call Robin by Feb. 1 to register at 225-717-7178.

Gonzales Rotary Food Festival tickets

The 9th annual Gonzales Rotary Food Festival at the Gonzales Civic Center will be held Tuesday evening, March 29. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the Gonzales City Hall or any Gonzales Rotary member beginning Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Zumba Gold

Exercise Classes

Ascension Council on Aging will be offering Zumba Gold Exercise Classes at the Gonzales Senior Center beginning Feb. 3. Classes will be on Thursdays, from 1-2 p.m.

La. children

need families

The Louisiana Dept. of Children and Family Services is in need of temporary foster homes and permanent adoptive homes for children in State’s custody.

There will be an orientation/informative meeting for adults interested in becoming foster/adoptive parent on Monday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at Fellowship Church, 14363 Hwy. 73, Prairieville. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference in the life of a child.

Call 1-800-748-7755 or visit the website at "http://www.dcfs.la.gov" www.dcfs.la.gov

Parish Financial Aid Workshops

The first Financial Aid Workshop will take place at Ascension Parish Public Library-Dutchtown Branch on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. The second Financial Aid Workshop will take place at Dutchtown High School Cafetorium on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m..

The workshop is for Ascension Parish high school juniors, seniors and their parents. A representative from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance will assist you in completing the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for all federal and state programs including TOPS. Also, loan officers from area banks will be available to give you information regarding student loans.

Wine tasting fundraiser

We Are The Difference, Inc. will host a wine tasting on Jan. 22. The event will highlight wineries throughout our state. Local resident, Pam Boesch, will prepare Louisiana themed hors devours for the event. The wine tasting will be held at the Comogo Room in Plaquemine from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are available at www.wearethedifference. org or contact Rhonda Harrell at 687-2029.

January Senior

Soc Hop

The Parish of Ascension Recreation and Culture Department will host its monthly Senior Soc Hop Friday, 28, from 1-3 p.m. at Lamar-Dixon.

Residents 50 plus are welcome to attend. Softdrinks are complimentary and the Senior Throw Together Band will entertain seniors.

Start art in February

Calling all kids to draw and paint with “Miss Terry” at the River Region Art Center. Learn the tools, terms, and techniques of an artist. Classes will be held every Tuesday for ages 6-9 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Classes for ages 10-13 will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. also on Tuesdays. Supplies are furnished. Cost for four weeks is $65. Call Miss Terry for more information at 225-323-1744.

VFW Post 3693 weekend bingo

VFW Post 3693 offers bingo every Friday and Saturday. Everyone is welcome. Children six years and older are welcome, but must buy at least a $5 book.

Doors open at 6 p.m., bingo starts at 7:30 p.m. es Recipe and Coupon Exchange Club day.

Send your upcoming events to Cheryl LeBlanc Babin, lifestyles editor, at lifestyles@weeklycitizen.com, call 225-644-6397, fax 225-644-2069 or drop by or mail to The Gonzales Weekly Citizen, 231 W. Cornerview, Gonzales, LA 70737.