Category Archives: Ascension

Playing on a team that wins a state title can help a player attain postseason honors. No titles in either Class 1A or Division IV proved to be no problem for players from Ascension Catholic, Catholic-Pointe Coupee and False River Academy.

The three metro area schools placed players on the Louisiana Sports Writers Associations Class 1A All-State baseball and softball teams.

Ascension Catholic, a Division IV semifinalist in baseball and a quarterfinalist in softball, put four players on the LSWA squads. Division IV Catholic-PC has two players on the softball squad, while FRA has one softball player

LaSalles Keeley Parham and Ascension Episcopals Jeffrey Elkins lead the 1A squads. Parham was voted the Outstanding Player for softball after hitting .500 with 41 RBIs. She also had a 10-4 mark in the circle for the 1A champions. Elkins, a University of Louisiana at Lafayette signee, led AES to the Division IV title with a .626 batting average with 11 home runs and was voted the Outstanding Player for baseball.

LaSalles Michael Duke (baseball) and Derek White (softball) received the Coach of the Year honors after leading their teams to 1A titles.

Ascension Catholic senior baseball standouts who are also LSU-Eunice signees, Landon Clifton (10-4, 1.95) and Nick Bellina (.420, 39 RBIs), are part of the LSWA baseball squad. The Bulldogs Ceily Grisaffe (.417, 19 RBIs) and Isabelle Abadie (.373, 20 RBIs) made the softball squad.

Sisters Ryann and Blaire Bizette represent Catholic-PC on the softball squad. Ryann Bizette, a Northwestern State signee, was 15-7 with a 1.59 ERA, while Blaire Bizette batted .487 with 18 RBIs. False Rivers Sarah Allen (.397, nine homers, 27 RBIs) completes the list of BR area players on the squads selected by a panel of sportswriters from across the state.

BASEBALL

Pos. Player School Class Avg.

P Tyler Alexander Oberlin Sr. 10-5

P Blake Hidalgo Central Catholic Sr. 8-1

P Landon Clifton Ascension Catholic Sr. 10-4

P Sean Michael Bradley Ascension Episcopal Sr. 8-2

C Avery Reed LaSalle Jr. .520

IF Hunter Sims LaSalle So. .467

IF McCade LeBlanc Houma Christian Jr. .465

IF Kade Pousson Grand Lake Sr. .471

IF Nick Bellina Ascension Catholic Sr. .420

OF Jace Moss Cedar Creek Jr. .461

OF Caleb Seitz Covenant Christian Sr. 391

OF Jeffrey Elkins Ascension Episcopal Sr. .636

UTL Kohl Milligan Oak Grove Sr. .479

UTL Gregory Leger Central Catholic Sr. .427

UTL Sam Philley Oak Grove Sr. .460

UTL Kade Delcambre Grand Lake Jr. 9-3

UTL Eli Stringer LaSalle Jr. 5-2

OUTSTANDING PLAYER:Jeffrey Elkins Ascension Episcopal

COACH OF THE YEAR:Michael Duke, LaSalle

Honorable mention:Christian McClendon, Oberlin; Blane Durio, Oberlin; Austin Champagne, Covenant Christian Academy; Drake Angeron, Central Catholic; Zach White, St. Marys; Zach Parks, Delhi Charter; Weston Swanner, St. Frederick; Brock Theriot, Houma Christian; Dylan Trahan, Houma Christian; Logan Arceneaux, Covenant Christian; Ry Clark, Oak Grove; Thomas Garber, Central Catholic; Christian Maldanado, Oberlin; Kellon McCleon, Oberlin; Jaylan Jefferson, Varnado; Derrian OCon, Montgomery; Elijah Ward, Delhi Charter; Jeff Polk, St. Frederick; Mitchel Lemoine, Central Catholic; Drew Young, Grand Lake; Bryce Fontenot, Grand Lake; Alex Guillory, Grand Lake; Mason Zeringue, Ascension Catholic; Logan Graves, Montgomery; Blade Beaubouef, LaSalle; Austin Pennington, Delhi Charter; Mason Kilgore, Convenant Christian; Mason Baker, Catholic-PC; Dylan Hurst, St. John.

SOFTBALL

Pos. Player School Class Avg.

P Carlee Carter Montgomery So. 17-9

P Taylor Snow LaSalle Fr. 16-2

P Mary Terrel Cedar Creek Sr. 17-8

P Ryann Bizette Catholic-PC Sr. 15-7

C Blaire Bizette Catholic-PC 8th .487

IF Maria Bienvenu St. Marys Fr. .404

IF Carlee Newton Oak Grove So. .351

IF Isabelle Abadie Ascension Catholic .373

IF Hallie Autin Central Catholic Sr. .545

OF Ali Long LaSalle Jr. .472

OF Katelin Cooper Cedar Creek Jr. .440

OF Jayden Stephenson Oak Grove Sr. .425

UTL Keely Parham LaSalle Jr. .500

UTL Sarah Allen False River Jr. .397

UTL Anna Larr Roberson Cedar Creek So. .418

UTL Lexi DeBarge South Cameron Sr. 15-6

UTL Ceily Grisaffe Ascension Catholic So. .417

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Keeley Parkham, LaSalle

COACH OF THE YEAR: DEREK WHITE,LaSalle

Honorable mention: Kelsie Travis, Oak Grove; Katlynn Beebe, Northwood-Lena; Alison Fontenot, Oberlin; Kelsey Ardoin, Oberlin; Amber Sullivan, Oak Grove; Faith Pierce, Houma Christian; Jaycee Carter, Montgomery; Ragan Hale, St. Marys; Kinsley Long, LaSalle; Abbie Clendening, East Beauregard; Taylor Abshire, Vermilion Catholic; Ainsley Mallet, Vermilion Catholic; Harley Stoufflet, Covenant Christian Academy.

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Class 1A all-state baseball, softball: Ascension Catholic, Catholic-Pointe Coupee, False River make their mark on teams - The Advocate

Finally, the weekend is upon us. What better way to kick it off than with the latest installment of "Funeral Doom Friday". For those who arenew to this column; each week features a new or classic album from the realm of extreme doom. Much of funeral/death doom's might comes from an oppressive emotional weight and the useof death or black metal motifs (played at a trudgingpace, of course.) Pioneers likeMournful Congregation,Evoken, andEsoteric have mastered this blend of dirge and destruction. For 25 years, they have methodically built compositions that stretch for dozens of minutes all while keeping fansenthralled.Time has elapsed since the days of Thergothonand much like the world around us, the genre has evolved. Today's modernbands contortthe very construct of the genre, breeding darkly refreshing new work. Their workthankfully gives this column plenty of material to share.

Enjoy this week's post and check out prior features here. Feel free to also share thoughtsor suggestions for future installments in the comments section below.

Germany'sImperceptum continues to be a favorite of this column. The one-man force known as Void has made cosmic, blackened funeral doom for roughly the last 18 months. Each effort is as suffocating and hypnotic as the last. Now Void welcomes another new effort through an (almost) surprise release. The album cover and tracklist for a new, two-song EP called Ascension toA Higher Plainof Existenceappeared on FacebookMonday. Within the next 24 hours, it emerged onImperceptum's Bandcamp page much to the delight of this column.

Many of the blackened elements that populated the previous releases have taken a back seat.Ascension instead opts for a more atmospheric funeral doom. Void's guitars unleash droning riffs throughout much of the EP. Drums meanwhile heavily feature a seven strokeroll in lieu of a classic blast beat. This is not to say they are not present. In fact, these blackened rhythms are sparse. They are a means to emphasize moments where his vocals almost take a barbaric turn. They are crescendos of dying stars thaterupt to swallow the listener. Overall, it is a refreshing turn inImperceptum's still blossoming discography.

Pick up a copy of the EP atImperceptum's Bandcamp as well as Void's other releases. Listen toAscension to A Higher Plain of Existence below.

What do you think? Leave a Comment

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Funeral Doom Friday: IMPERCEPTUM's Reign of Cosmic Dread Continues On Ascension to a Higher Plain of Existence - Metal Injection.net

Froedtert Hospital recently announced it will implement a rate adjustment that will increase gross patient revenue by 4.9 percent beginning July 1 to compensate for below-cost reimbursement from government programs and the increased cost of providing care.

Thats compared to its last increase of 5 percent, which was implemented on July 1, 2016.

Froedtert Hospital

Hospitals are required to report rate increases to the state and community if the increase is greater than the consumer price index, which is 2.5 percent.

The average price increase at Wisconsin hospitals in 2017 is 4.07 percent as of May 18, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association. In 2016, the average price increase was 3.73.

Health care systems typically raise rates between 2 and 10 percent at the beginning of the systems fiscal year. Earlier this year, Aurora Health Care and Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin raised their rates 4.5 percent and 4 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, Ascension, whichacquired Wheaton FranciscanHealthcare in 2016,recently announced a rate adjustment that will increase gross patient revenue by 3 percent at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Francis in Milwaukee, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Joseph in Milwaukee, Elmbrook Memorial in Brookfield and Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Franklin. It also announced a rate increase of 3.3 percent at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Franklin.

In recent public notices announcing the rate increase, both Froedtert and Ascension said its necessary to increase prices to keep pace with the increasing costs of providing care with below-cost reimbursement rates from government programs and other payers.

Rate increases are only on charges the amount a hospital bills for a patients care rather than a price increase on the actual care. The amount collected by a hospital for each service is almost always less than the amount billed.

The new prices typically have little impact on the average patient with commercial insurance because all major health care providers have contracts with insurance companies that use the hospital rates as a starting point for negotiations.

Rates dont apply to Medicare or Medicaid patients. Both programs pay hospitals a set rate based on the patients diagnosis and the procedure.

Froedtert Hospital recently announced it will implement a rate adjustment that will increase gross patient revenue by 4.9 percent beginning July 1 to compensate for below-cost reimbursement from government programs and the increased cost of providing care.

Thats compared to its last increase of 5 percent, which was implemented on July 1, 2016.

Froedtert Hospital

Hospitals are required to report rate increases to the state and community if the increase is greater than the consumer price index, which is 2.5 percent.

The average price increase at Wisconsin hospitals in 2017 is 4.07 percent as of May 18, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association. In 2016, the average price increase was 3.73.

Health care systems typically raise rates between 2 and 10 percent at the beginning of the systems fiscal year. Earlier this year, Aurora Health Care and Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin raised their rates 4.5 percent and 4 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, Ascension, whichacquired Wheaton FranciscanHealthcare in 2016,recently announced a rate adjustment that will increase gross patient revenue by 3 percent at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Francis in Milwaukee, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Joseph in Milwaukee, Elmbrook Memorial in Brookfield and Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Franklin. It also announced a rate increase of 3.3 percent at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Franklin.

In recent public notices announcing the rate increase, both Froedtert and Ascension said its necessary to increase prices to keep pace with the increasing costs of providing care with below-cost reimbursement rates from government programs and other payers.

Rate increases are only on charges the amount a hospital bills for a patients care rather than a price increase on the actual care. The amount collected by a hospital for each service is almost always less than the amount billed.

The new prices typically have little impact on the average patient with commercial insurance because all major health care providers have contracts with insurance companies that use the hospital rates as a starting point for negotiations.

Rates dont apply to Medicare or Medicaid patients. Both programs pay hospitals a set rate based on the patients diagnosis and the procedure.

Continue reading here:

Froedtert, Ascension post rate increases - BizTimes.com (Milwaukee)

THURSDAY

LIBRARY BOOK CLUB: Noon to 1 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Donaldsonville branch. For information on book club meetings at any location, call to see if space is available. Registration is required. For more information, visitmyapl.org.

LOSS AND GRIEF EDUCATION AND SUPPORT MEETING: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital, Sister Linda conference room,1125 W. La. 30, Gonzales. For anyone who has experienced loss of any kind. A group facilitated by the Grief Recovery Center to help with the grieving process. Meets every Thursday. For more information, emaildiane.hodges@steh.comor call (225) 621-2906.

LIBRARY BOOK CLUB: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Dutchtown, Gonzales and Galvez branches. Registration is required. For more information,visitmyapl.orgor call Gonzales at (225) 647-3955, Galvez at (225) 622-3339, or Dutchtown at (225) 673-8699.

PELICAN CLUSTER DOG SHOW: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day,Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, 4-H Building, 9039 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzales. Approximately 800 dogs representing 190 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club will be competing for both Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show trophies. Admission is free, but only dogs registered for the shows will be admitted inside the buildings. For more information, visitakc.orgortourascension.com.

END OF SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Jump-N-Jive, 17573 Old Jefferson Highway, Prairieville. Celebrate the end of the school year. Dance is open to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. Bracelets are $12 presale, $15 at the door. Only 500 bracelets will be sold. To order presale, call (225) 532-4225.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., This That and More Indoor Flea Market, 43123 La. 429, Gonzales. Call (225) 773-8934.

MARKET ON THE SQUARE: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Louisiana Square/Railroad Ave., Donaldsonville.A day of arts, crafts and farmers market. Vendors are welcome. For vendor information or questions, emaildfdassociation@outlook.com, text (225) 772-1191 or call (225) 445-1383.

COLLEGE PREP SELF DEFENSE: 9 a.m. to noon, LA Karate Academy, 15522 La. 44, Gonzales. Help a recent graduate prepare for college with self-defense and awareness. Must-know tips to keep teens aware with techniques to keep them safe. Hands-on training. $40 for a 3 hour class. Register atfearlessfab.com/contact.

SHOW CAKES LLC FIRST BIRTHDAY: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Show Cakes LLC, 39379 La. 74, Gonzales. Call (225) 938-3279 or visit showcakesbr.com.

DIP INTO THE PERFECT PARTY FOOD: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cabela's, 2200 W. Cabela's Parkway, Gonzales. Sample all the dips Cabela's has to offer. Call (225) 743-3400.

MADE EASY MEALS: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cabela's, 2200 W. Cabela's Parkway, Gonzales. Come see how easy it is to create traditional slow-cooker methods or learn how easy it is for backpackers and campers to enjoy fine dining while traveling light using prepared backcountry meals. For more information, call (225) 743-3400.

DISNEY PAINTING EVENT: ROSE OF LOVE: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Painting with a Twist, 17540 Airline Highway, Suite A, Prairieville. Bring a snack and something to sip on. We have unique coloring sheets from Disney for everyone who signs up. Class is for ages 10 and up. For more information, call (225) 744-7273. To register for this event, call or go to paintingwithatwist.com/prairieville.

CRAZY RALPH'S CRANK IT UP-MECA: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Crazy Ralph's Car Stereo, 720 N. Airline Highway, Gonzales. Concert Car Showdown and SPL Smackdown. Spectators free. Registration and clinics start at 4 p.m., judging starts at 5 p.m. For a complete list of the rules and for more information, visit mecacaraudio.com.

DOWNTOWN LIVE: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Crescent Park, Donaldsonville. Join us for this free concert series as Rhodes Spedale provides the tunes. Don't forget a lawn chair. No glass containers or ice chests. For more information, call (225) 445-1383 or email lee@visitdonaldsonville.org.

DIP INTO THE PERFECT PARTY FOOD: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cabela's, 2200 W. Cabela's Parkway, Gonzales. Dips are a cheap, quick and easy option for entertaining or just because. Come sample all the dips Cabela's has to offer. We'll even show you the great recipes that the dip mixes can be used for to add some zing to your next weeknight dinner. For more information, call (225) 743-3400.

FRYERS, CUTTERS AND FRIES, OH MY!: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Cabela's, 2200 W. Cabela's Parkway, Gonzales. Homemade french fries are the best, but they don't have to be hard. Try it yourself with our french fry cutter so you can see just how easy it is, then the satisfaction of your not so hard work with our different french fry seasonings. For more information, call (225) 743-3400.

PELLET GRILLS ARE ALL THE RAGE: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Cabela's, 2200 W. Cabela's Parkway, Gonzales. From standard grilling to slow smoking, pellet grills are one of the most versatile grills available for backyard gourmets. Create amazing dishes that are hard to replicate with propane or charcoal. See one in action. For more information, call (225) 743-3400.

BRAINY BOOTCAMP: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Carriage House Weddings, 12138 W. Main St., Gonzales.The Brainy Bootcamp is a program inspired by students who find themselves struggling in class, who lack in academic confidence, and who are looking for that extra push over the summer to further be prepared for their preceding grade. This program is designed for exiting first- or second-grade students for whom summer school programs are not offered through their public schools. This program runs Monday through Friday. For more information, visit unwrapd.org.

FREE SMALL-BUSINESS COUNSELING & MENTORING: 9 a.m. to noon, Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales branch.This includes help on the business plan, financial forecast, marketing and sales, legal and accounting suggestions, business insurance needs and bank loan package preparation. Call (225) 381-7130 for an appointment.For more information, contact Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales at (225) 647-3955.

ALZHEIMER'S SERVICES OF THE CAPITAL AREA CAREGIVER NETWORK: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1125 W. La. 30, Gonzales, Sister Vernola conference room. Monthly supportive meetings for caregivers to network with one another. Meets first Tuesday of each month. Free; no registration required. For more information, call (225) 924-0029.

THRIVING WITH DIABETES: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1125 W. La. 30, Gonzales, Sister Vernola conference room.Come join this educational support group to learn how to keep your diabetes under control and prevent complications. Mary Campos, a certified diabetic educator, will lead a fun, interactive session on understanding diabetes. For more information, call (225) 924-0029.

AL-ANON MEETING: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.,St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1125 W. La. 30, Gonzales. Sister Linda conference room. Free. Call (225) 924-0029 for more information. Meets every Tuesday.

KOKUSAIKA: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales branch.Learn about Japanese culture. This program is open to all teens ages 12-18. Call the Gonzales branch library at (225) 647-3955.

TRUTH AND CHALLENGES WITH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: 6:30 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Dutchtown branch. Join Dr. Drake Bellanger for this seminar on the truth and myths about weight loss and discover treatment solutions including weight-loss procedures to improve your health and resolve medical problems. To register, call (225) 673-8699.

LOSS AND GRIEF EDUCATION AND SUPPORT MEETING: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Elizabeth Hospital, Sister Linda conference room,1125 W. La. 30, Gonzales. For anyone who has experienced loss of any kind. A group facilitated by the Grief Recovery Center to help with the grieving process. Meets every Thursday. For more information, emaildiane.hodges@steh.comor call (225) 621-2906.

PAJAMA STORY TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.,Ascension Parish Library, Gonzales branch. Program is designed for children ages 7 and younger and their families. For more information, call the Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales at (225) 647-3955.

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Ascension Parish calendar for June 1-8, 2017 - The Advocate

Kade Keowen selected head coach for Spartan baseball

The East Ascension High School Spartans have a new baseball coach, but hes far from new when it comes to playing and coaching the sport. Kade Keowen takes over the helm as head baseball coach for the 2017-18 season. He's currently the assistant baseball coach at LSU at Eunice.

East Ascensions Principal Traci McCorkle was more than pleased by the number of qualified applicants vying for the head coach position. I feel fortunate to have found Coach Keowen, who we believe will be a fantastic addition to our school and our baseball program. We welcome him and his wife to our Spartan family and to our community," McCorkle said. "We know he will have a tremendous amount of support from our Forever Spartans, and we are looking forward to future successes."

Keowen has spent the past four years on the diamond at LSU-E and helped lead the Bengals to their fifth National Junior College Athletic Association national championship. His role at LSU-E was instructing the hitting aspect, coaching the outfielders and developing base running skills. Keowen also had a hand in the recruiting program.

Before taking a role in the collegiate ranks with the Bengals, Keowen held assistant coach stints at Denham Springs and Central high schools. He also held the head coach position at False River Academy.

Keowen graduated from Central High School and played collegiate baseball at LSU and LSU-E. In 2007, he was picked in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Boston Red Sox. Keowens stint lasted three seasons in the Red Sox organization, then he played one year with the Sussex Skyhawks, of the Can-Am Independent League.

Theres excitement in the air for both the Spartans and the Keowen family as a new journey begins. "My wife, Katelyn, and I are excited to be joining the Spartan Family. The rich baseball tradition, outstanding academics and tremendous community support were all factors in my wanting to become the next head baseball coach at East Ascension High School," Keowen said. "I look forward to meeting with the players and getting this train rolling!"

Keowen wont start officially until August, but he will begin working with the Spartans this summer.

St. Amants three-peat as a sports standout, Briggs Bourgeois took honors as the Boys Athlete of the Year award at The Advocates Athlete of the Year/Star of Stars banquet May 23.

Bourgeois signed with Southern Mississippi football as a kicker and punter while having the kind of year most athletes would dream about. He had a hand in leading the Gators to the quarterfinals in football. His abilities on the soccer field accomplished the same feat for the first time 2011. Bourgeois was chosen as the All-Metro MVP in soccer, and he earned all-state honors in football and soccer. Bourgeois also helped the baseball team make the playoffs.

As Boys Athlete of the Year, Bourgeois' stats were impressive. He helped St. Amants football team advance to the 5A quarterfinals for the first time since the 1990s with 66 catches for 836 yards and 13 touchdowns as a receiver. He averaged 40 yards per punt and made 13 of 15 field goals.

Bourgeois also earned All-Metro football honors as a receiver and a kicker and Class 5A all-state as a kicker. Bourgeois was the All-Metro MVP for Divisions I-II in soccer. He led the Gators to the soccer quarterfinals with 24 goals and 21 assists and was the MVP of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association all-star game. In baseball, Bourgeois played center field, batted .316 and scored 31 runs as a leadoff hitter.

The Gators Taylor Tidwell was a finalist in the Girls Athlete of the Year selections. The St. Amant junior doubled up in All-Metro honors in 2016-17. The LSU softball commitment was an All-Metro and Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association all-state choice in volleyball with 417 kills, 23 aces, 380 assists, 197 digs and 64 blocks. She also was the Division I, District 4 MVP in volleyball, helping the Gators advance to the Division I semifinals.

Tidwells play on the diamond helped lead the Gators softball team to the Class 5A quarterfinals while playing shortstop. She batted .393 with nine home runs, 44 RBIs and 50 runs to earn All-Metro and 5A all-state honors from the LSWA.

In individual boys honors by sport, senior Sage Nugent took the crown in wrestling. In 2017, Nugent took double honors as the prolific wrestler won city and Division I state titles at 182 pounds for the Gators. Sage finished his senior season with a record of 48-3 and wrapped up his career with a 148-28 mark.

Bourgeois easily wrapped up the individual honor in soccer as he won All-Metro MVP honors for Divisions I-II. Bourgeois also helped to lead the Gators to the Division I quarterfinals with 24 goals and 21 assists. The four-time All-Metro choice earned all-state honors three times.

Ascension Catholic Highs junior Nick Milano took the honors in powerlifting. Milano lead the Bulldogs to a third place finish in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state championships by winning the Division V 132-pound weight class with a total lift of 925 pounds. That total included a Division V record-setting bench press of 230 pounds.

Senior Trey Kauffman, of the Dutchtown Griffins, took top honors in bowling. Kauffman won 27 of 31 matches in his senior year and helped the Griffins advance to the LHSAA semifinals with a season average of knocking down 217 pins per game.

In baseball, senior Blayne Enlow took top honors with his pitching for St. Amant High. The Gators ace pitched five complete games in 11 starts, giving up just 10 earned runs for an ERA of 1.01 and struck out 101 in 69.2 innings. Just to add a little icing on the cake, Enlow made the USA Baseball team and picked up a win in the Pan American Games that help the team on its way to winning the gold medal.

East Ascension High School senior Mackenzie Westmoreland took the top honor in gymnastics. Westmoreland placed third in all-around competition at the LHSAA state meet. As the Spartans' top gymnast all season long, Westmorelands 37.600 total for that meet included a first-place finish on the balance beam.

More here:

Ascension Athletics for June 1, 2017 - The Advocate

DONALDSONVILLE The Ascension Parish School Board, Sheriff's Office and Parish Council will be voting, for the first time, on a request for an exemption from property taxes by a manufacturer looking to build in the parish.

Since last June, manufacturers seeking industrial tax exemptions in Louisiana must first get the approval of the major taxing bodies where the new facility would be built.

The non-profit Ascension Economic Development Corp., which works to bring new business to the parish, is trying to find a way to streamline that process.

"We don't want to do this on a project-by-project basis," Kate MacArthur, president and chief executive officer of the AEDC told Ascension Parish School Board members Tuesday.

MacArthur said a parish-wide task force will be working to create a standard resolution that meets the wishes of the taxing bodies and can be used uniformly for requests for industrial tax exemptions.

But, in the meantime, the AEDCis working with four manufacturers who had begun their plans to build in Ascension Parish before the governor's executive order a year ago, but are nevertheless required to follow the new regulations.

The first is a manufacturer, whose name public officials have not disclosed at the company's request. It plans to build an $11 million container-manufacturing facility in Geismar that would employ 28 local workers.

The business, a 100-year-old company, would like to be in production by September, MacArthur said.

Before Gov. John Bel Edward's executive order in June 2016 changed the way large manufacturers get exemptions from paying local property taxes, the industrial tax exemptions were automatically approved and were the same across the state.

Now, a request for a property tax exemption requires the approval of the Sheriff, School Board and parish government as well as municipalities if applicable before the manufacturer can take their request to the state Board of Commerce and Industry.

The major taxing bodies in a parish can now choose to set a manufacturer's exemption from property taxes at a lower level than the allowed maximum up to 100 percent tax abatement for five years, with a potential renewal at up to 80 percent for three years.

Previously, all exemptions were 100 percent of local property taxes for two, consecutive five-year terms.

Detailed regulations for the governor's executive order are expected later this summer, MacArthur said, adding that manufacturers have, however, been abiding by the executive order since last June.

+3

After four decades of automatically approving applications to exempt large manufacturers fro

"There is going to be a matrix that comes from the task force, to create a general resolution" that the local taxing bodies can use for industrial tax exemption requests in the future, Superintendent David Alexander told board members Tuesday.

But before that, the School Board will vote on the tax exemption request from the proposed Geismar container manufacturer at its meeting on June 6.

The resolution, if approved, would provide an exemption from property tax at 100 percent for five years, and at 80 percent for three years.

MacArthur said she has brought the information on the container manufacturer to the Sheriff's Office and will present the information to the Ascension Parish Council at its meeting next week.

MacArthur told School Board members Tuesday that the new process for granting property tax exemptions to manufacturers also introduces a new level of competition.

Taxing bodies in one parish may choose to permit a lesser tax exemption; those in a nearby parish may grant the full tax break allowed, MacArthur said.

"It's not just competing with Texas or Georgia," MacArthur said this week. "Now we're competing with every other parish."

"We're all competing with our neighbors," she said.

Follow Ellyn Couvillion on Twitter, @EllynCouvillion.

Read the original here:

Ascension Parish public bodies mull streamlined process in new tax exemption rules - The Advocate

Time to prepare for hurricane season

Its June 1, and that means hurricane season is upon us. FEMA is urging Louisianans to prepare now to save lives and property later.

Start by updating your disaster kit. Ready.gov recommends gathering a three-day supply of nonperishable food and bottled water, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, cash, medicines, a first-aid kid, pet foods and important documents.

Outside your home, cut down or trim damaged trees and clear debris from pipes and culverts.

Know your evacuation routes and make a plan to keep your family together and safe. Create a communication plan that includes a family member or friend out of state as a point of contact in the event of separation when a storm hits.

For more information, visit ready.gov/hurricanes or emergency.louisiana.gov.

Rhodes Spedale and Live Jazz Group featuring Lil Josephine on bass and Lloyd Cambre on drums is set to perform from 6 pm. to 8 p.m. Saturday in Crescent Park in Donaldsonville.

The free concert is part of the Donaldsonville Downtown Live @Crescent series.

For information, call (225) 445-1383.

The Donaldsonville arts, crafts and farmers market is set from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Louisiana Square.

Community Sisterhood is accepting applications to its 2017 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Camp sponsoring One Smart Cookie.

The camp is for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and will be held Monday through June 9 at First Pilgrim Calvary Baptist Church, 11453 La. 73, Geismar, and June 12-16 at Greater Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, 926 St. Patrick St., Donaldsonville.

Cost is 60 and includes breakfast, lunch and a snack. Register online at http://bit.ly/2r5GXJQ or email communitysisterhood@cox.net for details.

Learn how to keep diabetes under control and prevent complications with Mary Campos at 6 p.m. Tuesday in St. Elizabeth Hospitals Sister Vernola conference room. Campos is a certified diabetic educator and registered nurse.

The event is free to attend, but registration is preferred. Call (225) 621-2906.

St. Elizabeth Hospital offers a variety of support groups that meet on a regular basis.

All groups are free, and no registration is required.

Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1996; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.com. Deadline: noon Monday.

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Around Ascension for June 1, 2017 - The Advocate

(Giotto, Ascension, Scrovegni Chapel, 14th c; Wikimedia, PD-Old-100).

Jean-Luc Marion (dont missthe Cosmosexclusive interview) argues for a more profound and mundane post-Ascension destination than classical paintings, which usually show Christ taking an invisible elevator ride into the sky, leavingthe sublunarworld behind.

But what about us? Where does that leave us?

Jean-Luc Marions Prolegomena to Charity, his most accessible work, is where he unpacks some of the central paradoxes of Christianity.

Prolegomena to Charityargues that thedisappearance of the Ascension paradoxicallymakes possiblea hitherto unknown presence and intimacy with God. One step back for our perception, two steps forward in Christs shoes.

Note the mix of modern and ancient sources:

If Christ goes up to heaven in order to return from there, from this moment on the vision of John is realized: I saw heaven opened (Rev. 19:11). This means that with the opening of heaven, God himself opens a two-way passage, God himself opens himself with the withdrawal of Jesus: There is no more closed heaven. Christ is in heaven, which implies that God is accessible to man (Joseph Ratzinger, Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life). The Ascension does not signify the disappearance of Christ into the closed heavens, but the opening of heaven by a retreat that remains a mode of return. This paradox constitutesever since the beginningthe very mystery of Ascension: It is therefore at this moment that the Son of man was known more excellently and more righteously as the Son of God; for having withdrawn in the glory of the paternal majesty, he began, in an ineffable way, to be more present through his divinity, he who had become more distant by his humanity. When I will have gone up to my Father, you will touch me more perfectly and more truly (Leo the Great, Sermons, Sermo LXII).The withdrawal of Christ does not make him less present, but more present than his physical body permitted. Or rather, the new mode of his bodily presence (as the Eucharist) assures us in the very withdrawal of his former body, a more insistent presence.

Thus, the Eucharist leads to our deification, which both manifests and obscures (in ways besides sin)the Father:

. . . the withdrawal of the Ascension makes the disciples come unto a perfect, though, paradoxical presence in Christ. Paradoxically for this presence no longer admits any sensible support and, for outside observers, reduces to pure and simple absence. Perfect, precisely because this presence no longer consists in seeing another, even the Christ, loving, dying and returning to life, but oneself, like him, in him, according to him, actually loving, dying, and returning to life. Presence: not to find oneself in the presence of Christ, but to become present to him (to declare oneself present, available) in order to receive from him the present (the gift) of the Spirit who makes us, here and now (in the present), bless him like he blesses the Fatheruntil and in order that he return. The highest presence of Christ lies in the Spirits action of making us, with him and in him, bless the Father.

The Athanasian dictum thatSon of God became man, so thatman might become God is something to remember on Ascension as it leans toward that most material of feasts,Corpus Christi. In saying this Jean-Luc Marion isnt saying anything different than the Tradition. Phenomenology, like all of philosophy, is about tearing away old opinions with new language thatmanifests the living fountains gushing out of the old.

The unique contribution of phenomenologythis is something I learned indirectlyfrom Anne M. Carpenters (see: her Patheos blog) Theo-Poetics: Hans Urs von Balthasar and the Risk of Art and Beingis that it recapitulates and magnifiesthe importance of the subjective pole of human experience in ways that were present in nuce in the objectively-oriented Scholastic tradition, but forgotten in modernitys appropriation of it.

Going back to the Eucharistic site of Ascension, we should also recallKarl Rahners words from the Investigations:

The Ascension is a festival of the future of the world. The flesh is redeemed and glorified, for The Lord has risen for ever. We Christians are, therefore, the most sublime of materialists.

The answer to the title question is therefore, right here.

The shock of this realization might be due to the loss of the ancient tradition ofunderstanding theChristian call as a call to become other Christs (alter Christi).

The materialist points made by Rahner and Marion also have some interesting implications for a reading of the Book of Revelation, which posits the afterlife as being one where there is a New Heaven and a New Earth (same, yet different), and where the saints reside in a New Jerusalem. There is a continuity there with the present world, which is thereby affirmed not superseded.

If anything the whole visible sublunar world, not just Christ, not just us, takes that invisibleelevator ride too.

For more on Marion, this time in a more phenomenological mode, see:Jean-Luc Marion: Does Silencing Love Mean Philosophy is a Misnomer?, but alsoour recent interview with him where he argues you should be Catholic because its (serious) fun.

If you know nothing about phenomenology, then read Derrida and Theology + Phenomenology as Catholic Philosophy = The French Theological Turn

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Where Does the Body of Christ Go After the Ascension? - Patheos (blog)

Pope Francis waves before leading the Regina Coeli in St. Peters Square on April 30, 2017. ( Luca Ballester/CNA)

Vatican | May. 29, 2017

On the Feast of the Ascension, the Holy Father also offered prayers for recent victims of terror attacks in Egypt and England.

VATICAN CITY On the Feast of the Ascension, Pope Francis said that when Jesus rose into heaven, he entrusted his Church with the great and dignified responsibility of spreading his Word and making it accessible to everyone.

In addition to signaling the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus Ascension reminds us of his constant assistance and that of his Spirit, who gives strength and security to our Christian witness in the world, the Pope said May 28.

The Holy Spirit reveals to us why the Church exists: she exists to announce the Gospel he said. Only for that. And also, the joy of the Church is to announce the Gospel.

Francis said the Church includes all faithful that have been baptized, who today are invited to better understand that God has given us the great dignity and responsibility of announcing it to the world, of making it accessible to humanity.

This is our dignity, this is the greatest honor of the Church! he said.

Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims gathered in St. Peters Square for his Regina Coeli address, which is prayed during the Easter season instead of the Angelus.

In his brief speech, the Pope said Jesus ascension into heaven signaled the end of his own earthly ministry, and the beginning of the Churchs mission.

From this moment, in fact, the presence of Christ in the world is mediated by his disciples, by those who believe in him and announce him, he said, adding that this mission will last until the end of history and will enjoy every day the assistance of the Risen Lord, who promised to be with his disciples until the end of the age.

Jesus constant presence, he said, brings strength in persecution, comfort in tribulation, support in situations of difficulty that the mission and the announcement of the Gospel encounter.

As the Church throughout the world turns their gaze toward heaven, where Christ ascended and is seated at the right hand of the Father, Christians must strengthen their own steps so as continue with enthusiasm and courage our journey, our mission of bearing witness to and living the Gospel in every environment, the Pope said.

However, he cautioned that this mission doesnt depend on human efforts, resources or our ability to organize, because only the light and strength of the Holy Spirit makes it possible to effectively fulfill our mission of making Jesus love and tenderness more known and experienced.

Pope Francis then asked for Marys intercession in becoming more credible witnesses of the Resurrection, and led pilgrims in praying the Regina Coeli.

Prayers for Terror Victims

After the prayer, the Holy Father voiced his closeness to Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Tawadros II following the May 26attack on busescarrying Coptic Orthodox en route to St. Samuel the Confessor monastery in Minya.

Gunmen who stopped the buses opened fire, killing 29 and injuring at least 22 others, including children. The attack marked the latest act in a string of violence against the community in recent months.

In his comments to pilgrims, Pope Francis prayed for the Coptic Orthodox community in Egypt after undergoing another act of ferocious violence.

The victims, among whom were also children, are faithful who were going to the shrine to pray, and were killed after they refused to deny their Christian faith, he said, and prayed that God would welcome into his peace these courageous witnesses, and convert the hearts of the violent.

He also voiced his sorrow for the May 23terrorist attackon the Manchester Arena in England, killing some 22 people, most of whom were youth who had been enjoying a concert by popular teen artist Ariana Grande.

Francis prayed for the victims of the horrible attack, which left many young lives cruelly shattered, and voiced his closeness to the families and all who mourn the deceased.

Finally, the Pope noted that the day also marks World Day of Social Communications, which this year holds the theme Fear not, for I am with you: Communicating Hope and Trust in our Time.

Social networks, he said, offer the opportunity to share and disseminate the news in an instant; this news can be good or bad, true or false. He prayed that communications, in every form, would be constructive, at the service of the truth by refusing prejudices, and spread hope and trust in our time.

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Pope: Jesus' Ascension Initiated Church's Gospel Mission - National Catholic Register

Tuesday, 30 May 2017 02:31 GMT By Brenna Hillier

Woe.

Remember how earlier this month El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron director Takeyasu Sawaki was teasing a new major project?

Well, here it is. Called The Lost Child, its an RPG for PS4 and Vita which publisher Kadokawa games says inherits the DNA of El Shaddai in that its set in the modern era and the protagonist is able to capture angels and demons. Scheduled to release in Japan on August 24, it doesnt seem likely to come west at this stage.

Heres the story synopsis, translated by Gematsu:

Magazine writer Hayato Ibuki was chasing the story of the suicide a person who jumped in front of a train in Shinjuku Station. In the middle of his pursuit, he falls onto the platform as if he was pushed by a mysterious black shadow. A mysterious, beautiful woman named Barcia (voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro) saves him by the skin of his teeth, and hands him a suitcase. It was a Pandoras Box that should not have been be opened.

Inside was the Demon Gun Gangour, a tool that can capture and enslave demons and fallen angels. Using this ability, Hayato successfully took on his own demon subordinates. Together with a woman named Rua (voiced by Rikako Yamaguchi), who calls herself an angel, Hayato will pursue the mysteries that occur in various places and find the beautiful woman who gave him the suitcase

Players will explore various locations as Hayato, gathering information adventure-style to advance the plot. Management of your captured angles and demons collectively called Astrals is achieved via a tablet, represented in game by a menu screen. Astrals are used in turn-based battles, and have various skills and attacks which must be used tactically against the enemys weaknesses.

So, yeah it does sound a lot like Persona, or the wider Shin Megami Tensei family, or indeed their many imitators. Im pretty disappointed. An Enoch cameo or whatever will not compensate.

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El Shaddai director's new game not a sequel to Ascension of the Metatron, everything is terrible - VG247