Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards funds to Zachary group
Community news report
On May 8, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced the awarding of more than $200,000 in literacy grants to Louisiana nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools.
Area recipients include:
Zachary: My Kid Plate Foundation, $10,000
Geismar: New Consecrated Community Outreach, $3,000
Gonzales: River Parishes Community College, $10,000
The funds are a part of a donation of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.
Hammond: Southeastern Louisiana University, $10,000 “For over 30 years, the foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Today’s grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.”
The grants awarded to Louisiana organizations are expected to impact the lives of more than 6,500 individuals, a news release said.
The grants aim to support schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations within a 15mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center in implementing new literacy initiatives or expanding existing ones. Funding may be used to purchase new technology, books, materials, or software to enhance literacy programs. Learn about the Foundation’s literacy grant programs online at www dgliteracy.org. The foundation plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign July 21. Customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF
Visit all the branches of EBR library
Community news report
Are you up for the Linder Challenge? In the summer of 2024, Ruth, Iris and Miles Linder had a bold idea: Why not attempt to visit all East Baton Rouge Parish Library locations in one day? They mapped their journey, packed lots of snacks and set off on an adventure. After eight hours, their quest was complete. Inspired by their feat, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library calls upon you to follow in their footsteps. There are a couple of different options for
completing the Linder Challenge.
Option 1: The Scenic Route Visit all locations of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library at your own pace throughout the summer (June 1 – Aug. 15). Pick up a map at your first location and receive a stamp at each library you visit. At your last stop, turn in your completed map to receive your Linder Challenge achievement certificate. Option 2: The Heroic Act of Literacy Visit all 15 locations of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library in one day Start by calling (225) 231-3710 or emailing programs@ebrpl.com that morning so staff will expect you Pick
up a map at your first location and receive a stamp at each branch visit. At the last stop, turn in the completed map to receive your Linder Challenge achievement certificate.
Families who accomplish this act are also invited to create a special Linder Challenge medallion at the Main Library at Goodwood Boulevard and join in the Linder Fête celebration.
Just call or email the programming department to schedule an appointment.
Option 3: No transportation
An alternative option that does not require transportation is available. Contact the library for information.
PROVIDED PHOTO
On April 30, Thornton, Musso & Bellemin hosts its annual crawfish boil to show appreciation for city of Zachary employees. Mayor David McDavid thanked the TMB team for its support and service to the community.
Zachary company treats city employees to crawfish
Community news report
On April 30, Thornton, Musso & Bellemin hosted its annual crawfish boil to show appreciation for city of Zachary employees Mayor David McDavid
thanked the TMB team for its support and service to the community Thornton, Musso & Bellemin, water treatment consultants headquartered in Zachary, works to deliver clean, safe and reliable
SLU presents alumni award to Northwestern Elementary principal
Community news report
On April 29, Jonathan Coats, principal of Northwestern Elementary School, received the Kathy L Pittman Golden Roar Award from Southeastern Louisiana University This award recognizes alumni who have made a lasting impact on the university and the community at large. It was presented at the 45th Division of Student Affairs Awards Convocation.
BRADY
Continued from page 1G
collective goals, and maintain a positive and resilient attitude.
“Whether facing a tough loss or dealing with setbacks, basketball has shown me how to stay focused, maintain optimism and work through challenges,” Patterson said.
Coach McClure and the greater ZHS athletics community can be thankful for a student-athlete like Patterson. Her closing provides a template for those that fol-
water to the Zachary community, according to a news release. TMB works with the city’s Utilities Maintenance Department to maintain high standards in water quality and infrastructure. In 2023, Zachary’s water
system achieved a perfect score — 80 out of 80 points — by the Louisiana Department of Health, a testament to the exceptional performance in water quality system maintenance and infrastructure.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Jonathan Coats, principal of Northwestern Elementary School, left, receives the Kathy L. Pittman Golden Roar Award from Southeastern Louisiana University President William Wainwright.
low when she wrote that “the consistent commitment to practice and improvement has instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward my goals, showing me that progress comes through hard work and consistency Next week, the male ZAF award winner will be recognized.
ZHS Athletics Hall of Fame
The Zachary High School Athletic Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the next class of inductees. Nominations for the Class of 2025-26 will be accepted through Aug. 1. The purpose of the ZHS
Athletic Hall of Fame is to pay tribute to past Zachary High School and former Northwestern High School (1955-70) athletic greats. Athletes must have graduated at least five years before induction. Nominations should be based on outstanding high school athletic honors, achievements and/or accomplishments (Parish Honors; All-Tournament teams; All-District, AllState, All-American teams, etc.).
Guidelines and applications are available at HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS Zachary Community School District or by pick-
Zachary Rotary hears about the BR Food Bank
Community news report
On April 17, Zachary Rotary Club members heard from Brian Hightower and Bus Culotta about the mission and work of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. From feeding thousands of families to partnering with local organizations, the Food Bank continues to be a vital resource for so many, two food bank leaders said. In 2024, the Food Bank distributed 12.8 million meals and 16.6 million pounds of food, the speakers said. But the Food Bank’s impact stretches far beyond just handing out meals. They’re restoring dignity, providing hope, and building stronger communities, they said.
ing up at the Zachary High School front office or Academic/Athletic Building. Please return your nomination form to Zachary High School, 4100 Bronco Lane, Zachary, LA 70791, Attention: Athletic Director David Brewerton. The two former athletes selected for the 2025-26 class will be honored at a banquet on Sept. 11 and at the home football game against Acadiana on Sept. 12.
Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@theadvocate. com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
From left, Brian Hightower, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank; Carl Herrick and Tamara Dayton, Rotarians; Bus Culotta, food bank volunteer; and Mac Perkins, Rotarian, at the April 17 Zachary Rotary meeting
Veteran Lane nurse honored by nurses group
Community news report
Amy Greer, a veteran charge nurse and preceptor on the Obstetrics Unit at Lane Regional Medical Center, was recently recognized by the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association at its annual meeting for her outstanding efforts in promoting a positive image of the nursing profession.
With more than 24 years of nursing experience, Greer specializes in postpartum care for mothers and newborns, a news release said.
The release said her dedica-
tion to clinical excellence, patient advocacy, and professional mentorship has made her a respected leader both at Lane and within the broader health care community
Greer was recognized alongside other nurses from across the district for advancing the profession in multiple areas, including patient and family advocacy, public and governmental representation, clinical expertise beyond licensure, and adherence to the highest standards of ethical nursing practice
“Amy is a true leader among
Jon Hirsch named marketing director at Lane
Lane Regional Medical Center announced the appointment of Jon Hirsch as its new director of marketing.
Hirsch will lead the hospital’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy, overseeing everything from digital presence and branding to public relations and community engagement.
Hirsch brings more than 35 years of experience in public relations and marketing to the position. Most recently, he served as senior marketing strategist for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, where he played a key role in advancing strategic initiatives and elevating brand presence across the region.
He steps into the role following the retirement of Julie McLin, who has dedicated nearly two decades of service to Lane Regional Medical Center
A graduate of LSU, Hirsch holds a master of business administration and a bachelor of arts in journalism. He is an alum of the Ascension Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class of 2007 and served as a member of the Gonzales Rotary Club for more than 20 years
“We are excited to welcome Jon to the Lane family,” said Lane Regional CEO Frank Corcoran “His wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and deep ties to the community make him the ideal person to lead our marketing efforts into the future.”
nurses at Lane and within the maternal community we serve,” said Staci Sullivan, chief nursing officer at Lane Regional Medical Center
“Her expertise and clinical skills are exceptional, but what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to her patients, their families, her colleagues, and the nursing profession as a whole. We are truly blessed by all that Amy brings to Lane.”
The BRDNA specifically commended Greer for her leadership on the Labor and Delivery Postpartum Education Com-
mittee and her innovative approach to continuing education, including the development of an escape room activity designed to enhance staff proficiency in identifying and managing postpartum hemorrhage, assessing quantitative blood loss, and following treatment and transfusion protocols, the release said.
In addition, Greer was praised for her role in developing pain management protocols for obstetric patients and for her compassionate, effective mentorship of new nursing staff.
Zachary Rotary Club hears about elder abuse
Community news report
At its April 24 meeting, members of the Zachary Rotary Club heard from Sharon Creque, of the Louisiana Attorney General’s office, for a discussion on elder fraud prevention — a growing concern across the state and the country
With seniors often targeted by sophisticated scams and deceptive schemes, the presentation aimed to educate residents on how to recognize, prevent and report fraud against older adults.
Elder fraud includes a wide range of scams, including fake IRS calls, Medicare fraud and identity theft. Scammers often prey on the trust and kindness of older adults.
They know what buttons to push and they use these tactics to steal money and personal information.
Creque reminded Rotarians that there are precautions seniors can take to protect themselves, including:
n Never sharing personal information or financial information over the phone unless they initiated the call
n Hang up on unsolicited calls, especially those claiming you have won something or owe money
n Use caller ID and block unknown numbers
n Do not click on unfamiliar links or attachments in emails as they could contain malware. Many scams go unreported because victims are embarrassed or unsure what to do. Having conversations about fraud and looking out for one another
protect seniors and holds scammers accountable. For information or to report fraud, visit www.ag.state.la.us.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Amy Greer, of Lane Regional Medical Center, and Wendy Singleton, president, Baton Rouge District Nurses Association.
Community news report
Hirsch
Sharon Creque, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and Rotary President Daniel Gomez at the April 24 Zachary Rotary meeting
Sons of the American Revolution chapter honors memory of
Community news report
Members of the General Philemon Thomas Chapter, Louisiana Society, Sons of the Revolution, held a ceremony to honor the memory of Revolutionary War patriot James Penny at his grave in Zachary, on March 22.
The Penny Cemetery is on land owned by the Hodgkins family, descendants of James Penny. Present at the ceremony were members and friends of the Hodgkins family and members of the General Philemon Thomas Chapter’s Color Guard
Penny was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1762, and moved to Pennsylvania with his father at an early age. He joined the Pennsylvania militia as a teenager, earning the rank of private in the 1st class, and served in the 6th battalion of Capt. James Clark, Chester County Militia under Col. James Taylor
The ceremony included a brief presentation on Penny’s life, including a summary of his service in the Revolutionary War, his marriage to Baton Rouge native Lucy Kennard, and his life in the northern rural area of East Baton Rouge Parish. Penny died at his home in 1840.
Events included a rifle and mus-
man buried in Zachary
the
hold a ceremony to honor the memory
ket salute by the color guard, saluting the honorable service of Penny with bagpipe tunes interspersed by bagpiper Patrick Kennedy, of the Caledonian Society of Baton Rouge.
A Sons of the American Revolution grave marker will later be placed at Patriot Penny’s resting place. The Sons of the American Revolution honors Revolutionary War
patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of the country
Kiwanis Club promotes reading with young students
Community news report
Members of the Zachary Kiwanis Club promoted reading recently by donating books and reading to young students.
On April 9, club members went to Zachary Early Learning Center to read “The Caring Me I Want To Be” to pre-K students. The club distributed 282 books to the students. On hand with The Zachary Kiwanis Club was Zachary Mayor David McDavi, Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence and Zachary School District Superintendent Ben Necaise.
Reading to students at the Zachary Early Learning Center are, from left, Debbi Mashaw, Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence; and Zachary Mayor, David McDavid. PROVIDED PHOTO
Raising Cane’s donates over $4,500 from plush puppy campaign to shelters
Community news report
On National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, April 30, Raising Cane’s presented funds raised from restaurants across Baton Rouge to Denham Springs Animal Shelter; Mercy Search and Rescue, of St. Amant; Must Luv Dogs, of Zachary and East Feliciana; and Baton Rouge’s Friends of the Animals.
Over $4,500 was raised through sales from Raising Cane’s Golden Plush Puppy campaign in honor of its 28th Golden Birthday
From March 19 through April 29, Raising Cane’s sold limited-edition Golden Plush Puppies inspired by its once-ina-lifetime milestone, with 100% of net
proceeds benefiting local pet welfare organizations. Designed to commemorate Cane’s 28th year, the campaign raised funds nationwide, including right here in Baton Rouge, continuing Cane’s long-standing commitment to supporting animal welfare and communities from coast to coast, a news release said.
Todd Graves, owner and founder of Raising Cane’s, infused his passion for animals into the brand he founded in 1996, naming it after his beloved dog. The Plush Puppy initiative is an annual tradition and has raised over $2 million to date for community dog parks, no-kill rescues and animal shelters across the U.S.
Zachary Kiwanis honors student achievement
Community news report
The Zachary Kiwanis Club was busy in April honoring student achievement.
On April 3, the Zachary Kiwanis Club visited Zachary Elementary School to hand out
Louisiana Tech announces Winter 2025 honor roll
The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department from April 24-May
7:
JAYDON DAVIS: 23; 8841 Melinda Lane, St. Francisville; possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, equipment violation-display of plate
COREY DIAMOND: 36; 3622 Cypress Park Road, Zachary; no insurance, driving under suspension, hit-and-run
ERIC FIGUEROA: 36; 21020 Zachary-Slaughter Highway, Lot 2, Zachary; illegal possession of stolen firearms aggravated assault with a firearm
SARGENT GRIMES: 57; 9761 Meadowdale Drive, Maurepas; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
BRIAN HOPKINS: 34; 3264 Redbud St., Zachary; theft of a motor vehicle
KEINEN SANDERS: 22; 19846 Deer Creek Drive, Zachary; possession of marijuana, equipment violation-display of plate
BRYAN SMITH: 63; 11048
Wakefield North, St. Francisville; simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, simple assault
KERONIQUE STEWART: 40; 6207 Casper St., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
JERAMMANE WILLIAMS: 31; 4709 Avenue Z, Zachary; resisting an officer
NIA BROWN: 26; 9254 Junelise Drive, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding
bench warrants
RAEION CARTER: 38; 2267 Zelmere St., Zachary; battery of a dating partner-child endangerment, fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office
MIKKI HELM: 52; 3211 Pope Road, Zachary; prohibited acts, possession/distribution manufacturing Schedule II, when lighted lamps are required
COURTNEY LACOUR: 37; 12862 La. 451, Moreauville, theft
MELODY MAYO: 29; 26630 La. 42, Holden; theft
JOEQUIAL PAUL: 30; 3937
Cypress St., Zachary; illegal possession of stolen firearms, equipment violationdisplay of plate, possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies
COURTNEY ROUSSEL: 30; 4000 McHugh Road, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
ALICIA VAUGHN: 23; 353 Jackson Lane, Centreville, Mississippi; child desertion
fies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B. To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher). Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible. Baker/Zachary
Baker: Anthony Palmer Greenwell Springs: Natalie Gendron, Grant Lesage, Hunter Cashio, Christopher Denicola, Michael Kravitz, John Kravitz, Isabella Roberie
Zachary: Sariah Bethley Elijah Carr*, Mya Claiborne, Carter Cornelius*, Billy Deroche, Neil Garcia, Sophia Holeman-Galey, Briley Howard, Taylor Hughes*, Averie Manuel*, Ainslie Mcnabb, Rodrigo Olmedo, Michael Plaisance*, Morgan Rathcke, Greysen Schaeffer, Madelynn Smith*, Sean Sullivan, Raeghan Williams, Joshua Wittig
East Feliciana
Clinton: Raeghan Cunningham, Alexander Jose*, James Jose*, Lily Richardson
Jackson: Tessa Hay* Slaughter: Austin Delee West Feliciana
Saint Francisville: Jacob Barbosa*, Sara Barrow*, Parker Bennett, Michael Corlew*, Ashlynn Culley, Joseph Dalferes*, Jude Daniel*, Cade Grissett, Lydia Ladraa, Anna Maxwell*, Christopher Murray*, Alexandra Patin*, Makenzie Patrick, William Ralph*, Kolbe Smith, Sarah Wilson Tunica: Kaitlyn McClure*
PROVIDED PHOTO
Members of
General Philemon Thomas Chapter, Louisiana Society, Sons of the Revolution,
