Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
Auction to sell city surplus
The city of Zachary is inviting the public to participate in its latest online surplus property auction through Municibid
By utilizing Municibid, the city is able to reach a larger audience of potential bidders, maximizing the value of surplus equipment and property while providing greater returns for taxpayers The online auction process is convenient transparent and accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a news release said.
The current Zachary auction features a variety of surplus items, including:
n 2006 Ford Mustang
n 16-foot aluminum boat and trailer with a 25 HP Mercury motor
n Laptop computers
n Office chairs and office furniture
n Flat-screen televisions
n Map holders
n Blower
n Office equipment
n Large collection of antique items. All auctions are open to the public, and anyone interested in purchasing surplus government property is encouraged to browse the available items and submit bids online.
Residents and interested buyers can visit Municibid.com to view Zachary’s auction listings, item details, photographs and bidding deadlines.
Back to school events
Dr Martin Luther King Jr Committee of Zachary Back to School Supply Giveaway starts at 10 a.m. Aug 1 at the Zachary High School Gymnasium, 4100 Bronco Lane. It’s open to elementary, high school and college students.
Attendees are highly encouraged to bring at least one canned good to donate to the Zachary Food Pantry.
Free school supplies, snoballs and other refreshments will be given out as supplies last Scholarship winners will be honorees A free ID card will be offered. Community partners, educational resources, support services and vendors representing a variety of businesses will be on site.
To support or for information, contact Johnnie Evans, (225) 933-6431, or Tina Clark, (225) 202-1076, or mail donations to MLK Zachary Committee, 6539
See AROUND, page 3G
Vardos,
FEEL THE RHYTHM
Lady Chops brings drumming, fun to Zachary library
Elizabeth Vidos, who perform as Lady Chops, brought her high-energy, onewoman percussion show to the Zachary Branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library on July 10.
A former performer in the offBroadway hit “STOMP, “she tours across Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas, playing over 15 instruments including buckets, body percussion and the Cajun rubboard. Her popular educational program, “Drum Roll Please,” is interactive and designed for all ages. She uses everyday items and traditional instruments to engage crowds at festivals and libraries across the state.
New coach with a familiar name
Michaela McHugh, a 2017 Zachary High School graduate, recently was named the Zachary High head softball coach after serving as an assistant coach for the Broncos over the past two seasons The McHugh name may sound
Warren Brady ZACHARY SPORTS
coach
ated from ZHS and played baseball at Ole Miss. Grandfather Robert “Duke” McHugh is in the ZHS Hall of Fame and Michaela notes that “his Hall of Fame picture is on the wall, and I get to pass by and see Pawpaw Duke every day.” Great uncle Tom Ed McHugh, a ZHS alum and basketball dynamo, served as metro councilman and later Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish. Great uncle
Zachary Farmers and Artisans Market celebrates Christmas in July
gradu-
PROVIDED PHOTO
New Zachary High School softball coach Michaela McHugh
PHOTO BY SONYA GOSS
James Arthur Sullivan, 4, enjoys a cool popsicle July 11 during the Zachary Farmers and Artisans Market Christmas in July ä More photos from Christmas in July PAGE 4G
David White enjoys the sounds of Lady Chops on July 10 at the Zachary Branch Library. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Elizabeth
known as Lady Chops, demonstrates a beat before letting the volunteers join in. With Lady Chops, from left, are Antonia Aymond and Graham Cohoon.
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
The Zachary community came out to watch the performance of Lady Chops at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Zachary branch.
Lady Chops merchandise available
purchase after a program at the Zachary branch library.
Lady Chops, Elizabeth Vardos, beats the drums during her performance on July 10 at the Zachary Branch Library.
Donnie Drive, Zachary, LA 70791. The Zachary Men’s Club annual Back to School Extravaganza starts at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at Zachary Men’s Club, 5746 Rollins Road, Zachary Free logo T-shirts and school supplies will be available for kindergarten through high school. For students with proof of insurance, Southeast Community Health Systems of Zachary will provide vaccinations needed for the school year and will offer athletic
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David McHugh taught and was a school administrator in Zachary for over 30 years. Even farther back, distant relative Thomas East McHugh was one of the original organizers of Zachary and the town’s first mayor (1889-91). Returning to Michaela, after graduating from ZHS McHugh played softball for two years at Texas Lutheran University before finishing her degree at LSU. At ZHS, McHugh played volleyball, softball and tennis When she is not on the diamond working with the girls, she teaches physical education at Zachary Elementary. McHugh commented that “one of my favorite things about teaching in Zachary is getting to watch students grow Being able to get to know a student at 8 years old and then potentially being a part of their journey until they graduate at 18 is something really special.”
McHugh also mentioned how fortunate she was to work with an amazing physical education department at ZES that is “truly more like family than coworkers.” McHugh elabo-
physicals. Blood pressure, HIV and other screenings will be offered.
Councilman Brandon Noel invites families from across the community to attend the Back 2 School Block Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 22911 Reames Road, Zachary School supplies will be distributed while supplies last. MAX 94.1 will be on-site with a live remote broadcast, bringing music, giveaways and entertainment. For information, contact Aleshia Taylor at (225) 2766720 or Michelle Veal at (225) 241-6690.
rated that “I’ve been lucky enough to know Gerry Garidel (G’del) since I was a student at Zachary and now working with him has helped guide me through coaching, life and my faith.”
She is working with three different organizations and multiple teams giving lessons and instruction, or helping with another event around Zachary McHugh notes that when she does have free time “I enjoy spending it with my family, friends, or supporting something happening in the community ”
Her goal for the ZHS softball program is to “build people first.” Though she admits she wants to win games as it is part of competing, McHugh commented that “I believe coaching is bigger than softball and our job as coaches is to help develop young women who are confident, resilient, accountable and prepared for life beyond the field “ She indicated that she wants Zachary softball to be a program that “athletes are proud to be part of and that they want to come back and support after they graduate.”
That comes from “players understanding that they are part of something bigger than just one season or one team,” McHugh said That
Retired teachers to meet
The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association invites all retired teachers and school staff to attend a free meeting as it creates a functioning retired teachers’ group in the area.
A meeting will be at 2 p.m. July 28 at West Feliciana High School Auditorium, 8604 U.S. 61, St. Francisville.
The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to protecting and enhancing benefits for individuals receiving retirement benefits from the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana. For more information follow LRTA on Facebook or
program is for all of Zachary softball.
McHugh will continue to coach softball at Northwestern Middle School in addition to her ZHS duties.
McHugh also works with girls wrestling as an assistant to Ben and believes in the multisport athlete.
“Some of the best lessons I learned came from competing in different sports, working with different coaches, and learning how to be a teammate in different environments” McHugh commented.
Zachary means much to McHugh and she is thankful. She notes that “there are not many people who get the opportunity to come back to their hometown, teach, coach and lead a program at the place that helped shape them.” She does not take that responsibility lightly
A big focus for McHugh is reconnecting with alumni. McHugh indicated that they have created an alumni registration form on the ZHS Facebook page to attract former players who helped build this program and encourage them to continue being part of it. An alumni weekend and alumni game are in the works and McHugh said that “I’m excited to continue building those relationships.”
The McHugh family leg-
visit lrta.net.
Miss Zachary Pageant set
A Miss Zachary Pageant will be held Aug. 8 at the St. John the Baptist Church gym. Divisions range from babies to adults. For information, email contact@ lacotillionaux.org. Miss Zachary queens will reign as hostesses at the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival and represent and promote the festival.
Learn about menopause
Menopausium: Strong through the Shift will be held from 9 a.m. to noon July 18 at Americana YMCA, 4200 Liberty Way, Zachary It will
acy continues with the next generation. “Our family has been blessed by this community, and now Benjamin and I have the opportunity to give back and invest in the next generation.”
She is excited about the future of Zachary softball
feature education, wellness vendors and giveaway Fee is $20 or free for YMCA members. Visit tinyurl.com/ jknwm22u to register
Market set for Baker
Baker’s Fresh Market will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 22, Oct. 24 and Nov 21 at the city of Baker School Board Office, 14750 Plank Road.
Representative to speak Rep. Roy Daryl Adams will speak at the Baker Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn at 11:30 a.m. July 23 at Ruffins Showroom, 14502 Plank Road, Baker Adams will
and “wants our athletes, alumni, parents and community members to know they all have a place in this program. She closed with expressing “thankfulness for everyone who has supported us. I’m excited for what we are building together and to see who will support us now and in the future.”
Warren Brady covers sports for the Advocate/ Plainsman. To contact Brady, email zachary@ theadvocate.com.
The Zachary Farmers Market celebrated Christmas in July on Saturday in downtown Zachary
The open-air market features a group of area farmers selling fresh produce each Saturday in downtown Zachary behind Zachary City Hall at the HugYourPeople Park at Lee Street and Virginia Street
The market is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to fresh produce, local craftspeople and artists sell their wares each Saturday
Connie Melkild came to the Zachary Farmers and Artisans Market Christmas in July with her grandson, Cullen Melkild.
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Christmas in July artwork on sale by Art by Andy on Saturday during Zachary’s market.
The Gennaro siblings Lucy Gennaro and Maximo Gennaro provide entertainment Saturday for the Zachary Farmers and Artisans Market Christmas in July
CiCi’s Crafty Designs handcrafts earrings, coasters, bookmarks, buttons and ornaments on sale by Ciara Gibbs.
The Zachary Farmers and Artisans Market Christmas in July on July 11.