Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
Early deadlines for holiday
Any information being sent in for the May 28 editions of The Plainsman, The Democrat and The Watchman need to be sent by noon Thursday, May 22.
Having a summer event? If you are hosting a summer camp, vacation Bible school or other event open to the public, send us the information to run in this space.
Emails are zachary@theadvocate.com for the Zachary area and extra@theadvocate.com for the Felicianas.
Restaurant Week coming
The Zachary Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Restaurant Week on June 8-14.
Participating places include Brunch Junkie, Mami’s Mexican Restaurants, CC’s Coffee House, Café Phoenicia, El Mejor Mexican Restaurant, South Plains Food Company, The Depot Diner, Walk-On’s and Cajun Catch.
Festival announces music
Downtown Live will present the third annual Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 8 and from 4 to 9 p.m. Aug. 9 at BREC Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway DJ Press Play will start things at 4 p.m. each day
On Aug. 8, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. followed at 8 p.m. by Lauren Lee Band.
On Aug. 9, two Louisiana acts will perform: Adam Leger at 5:30 p.m. and Thomas Cain at 8 p.m.
Seeking school items
Rollins Place Elementary is seeking items for its donation closet.
Requested items include shoes in sizes 13, 1, 2, 3, 4; backpacks, theme day items such as Dot Day, 100th day of school, etc.; coats; and sweaters. Make sure the items are clean and stain and rip free The school has a drop-off bin in front of the library
Celebrate retiring director
A celebration for the retirement of Zachary High band director Jason Venable will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday May 24. It is a come and go event. Alumni and current students are invited to bring their instruments to play the fight song at 1:45 p.m. Bring photos and memories or email celebrating mrv@gmail.com.
Summer reading is coming
Beginning June 1 through Aug. 15, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library will have free programs, workshops, story times, concerts and performances for all ages through the 2025 Summer Reading
ä See AROUND, page 3G
CHANGE IN DIRECTOR
Leadership changes on the horizon as Band of Blue plays on
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Contributing writer Jazz and pancakes were on the menu when Zachary High’s Band of Blue hit a proverbial high note concluding an active school year and starting a new chapter of leadership. The Band of Blue Foundation’s Jazz and Pancakes fundraiser, held May 10, gave families and community groups an opportunity to applaud and support multiple band ensembles.
Retiring Band of Blue Director Jason Venable will be passing the baton to longtime jazz band director Donny Alexander, who expressed humility in stepping into the role once held by esteemed directors like Venable and David Phillips. “There’s some incredible
shoes that can absolutely never be filled,” Alexander said “It is also humbling because
First employee of Zachary schools set for retirement
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
It’s hard to imagine the Zachary Community School District without Connie Aslin.
As the receptionist at the district’s central office and the School Board’s secretary, Aslin has been there since the very beginning. In fact she was the first person hired by the newly independent district in 2001 — before the school system was officially operational or even had a budget or a superintendent
For more than two decades, Aslin — known to most as Ms. Connie has been the first person visitors see when they walk in the front door of the district’s central office.
When people phone the district’s main line, it’s Aslin who warmly greets them and helps them get the information they need. She’s a fixture at School Board meetings, dutifully
ä See SCHOOLS, page 2G
Proposed change to boost City Council power gets mixed reviews in Zachary
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
Zachary council members are pondering an ordinance that would give them more authority over the city’s contracts — a move that would leave the mayor’s office with less say in business matters than has traditionally been the case. The ordinance was sponsored by Councilwoman Ambre DeVirgilio, and the council unanimously agreed May 13 to introduce it for consideration. It will be taken up again for possible changes and final adoption at a later meeting.
DeVirgilio said her goal is to foster fiscal responsibility She said she modeled her ordinance on East Baton Rouge Parish’s rules for contracts.
“I’m doing this to put Zachary on its best foot forward,” she said. The council currently approves only a handful of types of contracts, such as those engaging outside attorneys for special counsel services.
DeVirgilio’s ordinance would allow the mayor to continue to execute contracts that do not exceed $25,000. The mayor also could enter into contracts for professional services that do not cost more than $1,000 annually and in emergency situations.
But council approval would be required for agreements over those amounts — as well as any that extend beyond one fiscal year, that create a new city program and, in some instances, that involve grants. The ordinance also calls for the text of contracts to be posted on the city website.
Mayor David McDavid said he’s willing to send lengthier contracts to council members for their OK. But he’s not a fan of the other
Zachary council considers a ban on street parking for large vehicles
Community news report
Drivers of semi trucks and other large vehicles could soon face a ban on parking their rigs on the streets of Zachary
The City Council introduced an ordinance May 13 that would prohibit street parking for big trucks, trailers, wreckers, buses and similar vehicles.
Violators would have to pay a first-time fine of $250. Second offenses within one year of the first instance of street parking would cost $500, and third offenses $750.
Councilman James Graves brought the ordinance, saying the matter has become a problem recently — yet it’s unclear what can be done under existing rules.
“There’s nothing on the books” about this issue, he said.
A lot of details still need to be ironed out before the ordinance can be adopted. Graves asked his colleagues for help deciding how the rules should be enforced and how long trucks would need to be parked on the street to trigger punishment.
Graves said his constituents have been complaining to him about trucks parked on their streets. They’re fearful for their safety “At night, coming down that road, I’ve got constituents worried about hitting that trailer going underneath it,” he said.
ZAF names John Bradley Male Scholarship award winner
School. Like his female counterpart Jazmine Patterson, Bradley is an outstanding student with a 4.7 GPA that puts him at fourth overall in his class. He was a four-year ZHS baseball
player that started his varsity career as a designated hitter his sophomore year In his junior and senior seasons Bradley was the starting catcher for coach Jacob Fisher Bradley was second team AllDistrict 4-5A as a junior and senior Recently he was named to the LHSAA State All-Academic Composite Team. When Bradley was not making things happen on the diamond, he was a member of the National
Honor Society and part of Zachary High’s talented art program where he designed and created sets for the theater program. Outside of school, he has spent the past three years as a referee for the Legendz Sports Organization flag football league. In his essay, Bradley indicated
PROVIDED PHOTO BY MANDY BRADLEY John Bradley
I’m home. This is where I grew
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Zachary Jazz Band director Donny Alexander strikes a directing pose May 10 in the Band of Blue Foundation’s Jazz and Pancakes fundraiser In the coming school year Alexander will assume the role of Director of Bands with the retirement of longtime Band of Blue Director Jason Venable.
Junior drummer Xavion Fisher plays during the Band of Blue Foundation’s Jazz and Pancakes fundraiser
ä See BRADY, page 4G
ä See DIRECTOR, page 3G
PROVIDED PHOTO
Connie Aslin, longtime central office receptionist and secretary for the Zachary Community School Board, listens as board member David Dayton speaks about working with her
ä See COUNCIL, page 2G
taking down minutes from a seat at the front of the room. After serving under three superintendents and witnessing countless changes in Zachary schools, Aslin is preparing to retire. She took a break from her notetaking responsibilities at the board’s May 6 meeting to receive a commemorative trophy and praise from those who have worked with her “She just sets that tone for customer service, the ‘I’m here to help you. I’m going to help you figure out whatever you need,’” said Superintendent Ben Necaise. “The smile and that greeting I know will be missed.”
The district has asked Madisonville Republican Sen. John Kennedy, who grew up in Zachary, to fly a flag over the U.S. Capitol in Aslin’s honor The flag will be presented to her once it arrives in Zachary.
The flag gift is a nod to another of Aslin’s job duties.
She ensures that flag etiquette is followed in the district, seeing to it that flags are adjusted when half-staff orders are issued.
“As a veteran, that’s important to me,” Necaise said “It means a lot that she’s always thinking about that, making sure that’s done.”
Necaise’s predecessor as superintendent, Scott Devillier, also came to the meeting to congratulate Aslin and share memories
“Thank you for all your years of service to me, to this school system,” Devillier said.
Aslin said she initially considered leaving two years ago when Devillier announced his retirement. She wasn’t sure she could
COUNCIL
Continued from page 1G
handle another superintendent transition — a process she’d already endured with the 2012 departure of Warren Drake, the district’s first
provisions in DeVirgilio’s proposal.
“I think it takes away my authority as mayor to do day-to-day operations,” McDavid said.
leader
“When Scott was leaving,” Aslin recalled, “I said, ‘Oh no not Scott. I worked with Mr Drake, and now Scott?’ I
He believes it is his job to negotiate agreements that best serve Zachary’s interests. By his count, the city is currently involved in 66 contracts.
“I just think it’s my authority to go out and find vendors that can do work here in the city, that I trust to do work, that have been here a long time,” McDavid said.
told my husband, ‘I think I’m going to retire.’”
She changed her mind upon meeting Necaise at his first interview for the superintendent position.
“I saw this kind, nice face,” Aslin said of Necaise. “I told my husband when I got home, ‘I want to give it a few more years.’”
The board members all came down from their dais to hug Aslin and recount stories of working together
David Dayton, the longest-serving board member became emotional when the mic was handed to him, pausing for a long time before he was able to speak He described Aslin as “irreplaceable.”
“You have always been that consistent, smiling face, eager to help, to go beyond, to go find information out for us, parents, anybody that walks through that door,” Dayton told Aslin. “If you didn’t know, you went and
He added that he and his staff regularly review contracts to ensure they are affordable and beneficial
DeVirgilio pointed out that many cities have similar regulations in place.
“This isn’t something I’ve pulled out of thin air,” she said.
Councilman James Graves not-
found out.”
“I don’t know who’s going to remind me to fill out my financial reports and all that stuff now,” he added, prompting laughter from the audience.
He said Aslin helped get the school district off the ground, playing an important role in the early days when “it was you and Warren and Gordon and a chair and folding table.” In addition to inaugural superintendent Drake, he was referring to Gordon Robertson, the district’s former longtime business manager
“We’ve seen some things and we’ve heard a lot of things some we want to forget,” Dayton said. “But you are a shining star in this community and I will always see you when I walk in that door.”
Several other retiring employees were honored and presented trophies at the meeting. They includ-
ed that adding contract responsibilities to the council will take more time.
“I think if you add up how much time I spend on the City Council, I make about $5.88 an hour,” he said. “So now I’m going to be looking at almost, what, 70 contracts?
of the Zachary Early Learning Center; Tammy Wesley, of Northwestern Middle School; and Pamela Washington, of Zachary Elementary School.
“This is the most bittersweet of all our celebrations,” Necaise said. “It’s hard to see a retiree leave the district, but at the same time, you want to celebrate because we all aspire to be there eventually one day too.”
The retirees’ former boss, Devillier, also took the opportunity to thank them.
“You gave your best each and every day in the classroom for those kids, or whatever role you were in,” he said. “You made me, you make Mr Necaise and this board look good. It’s all of you — you guys are in the trenches. You guys make it happen.”
The board also recognized some students for recent accomplishments, including: n A 4-H team from Northwestern Middle School that won the grand championship in the Division 11 Food Challenge. Students on the team were Madison Franks, Abigail Harr, Amari Barber and Ella Hebert.
n Zachary High School student David Irvin, who took first place in the ABC Pelican Chapter Overall Welding Championship. n Zachary High School student Khaliyah Claiborne, who was recognized for her BeatsbyKMarie business pitch and award at the Young Entrepreneur’s Academy of Baton Rouge
She offered to take feedback and consider changes to the ordinance. Graves said he would compile his suggestions.
“This is a lot, a lot of information that’s going to make a big change to the legislative branch of the city of Zachary,” he said.
“I understand,” DeVirgilio responded. “I don’t do this for the money.”
Zachary Community School District retiree Toni Navarre, left, and Zachary Early Learning Center Principal Charissa Osberry
Zachary Community School District retiree Stephanie Albarez, left, with Northwestern Elementary School Principal Jonathan Coats.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
A 4-H team from Northwestern Middle School was recognized at the Zachary Community School Board’s May 6 meeting for winning the grand championship in the Division 11 Food Challenge Pictured, from left are Superintendent Ben Necaise; team members Madison Franks, Abigail Harr, Amari Barber and Ella Hebert; Meggan Franks of the LSU AgCenter; and Principal Rebecca Brian.
Zachary High School student David Irvin, right, took first place in the ABC Pelican Chapter Overall Welding Championship and was honored at the Zachary Community School Board’s May 6 meeting He’s pictured with his principal, Lindsey Spence.
ed Stephanie Albarez, of Northwestern Elementary School; Leagh Carlton, of Rollins Place Elementary School; Kathryn Martin, of Northwestern Elementary School; Jennifer Masterson, of Zachary High School; Toni Navarre,
and Gabe McGrew celebrate the end of the band year May 10 at the conclusion of the Band of Blue Foundation’s Jazz and Pancakes fundraiser
DIRECTOR
Continued from page 1G
up. This is the band that made me come to school every day It made me who I am. It made me. It made me love music.”
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Challenge,
Alexander who has been teaching for 24 years, is in his 18th year “back home” in Zachary He has witnessed the growth of the jazz program, which has expanded from one ensemble to three — including lab bands and a traditional jazz ensemble
brary branch or online at ebrpl. beanstack.org. Log books there as you read them to earn virtual badges and completion rewards, as well as entries for weekly prize drawings. Program includes kids, teens and adults. Teen summer film camp: Local filmmaker and puppeteer Clay Achee is partnering with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library to bring free filmmaking summer camps to teens ages 13 and up. The camp will meet from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 9-13 at the Zachary Branch. Visit www.ebrpl.com to see other locations and times. Space is limited to 15 teens per camp. Registration is required. To register, call (225) 231-3770.
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“Within the last three or four years, our number doubled, almost tripled,” he said “We counted yesterday and there’s 61 kids in the jazz program.”
The Jazz and Pancakes fundraiser expanded to a standalone event this year. Venable explained the program has held a very successful mattress sale that usually included the jazz brunch at its conclusion. This year, the mattress sale was held earlier and the jazz brunch drew an additional packed house to the school cafeteria. A retirement celebration for Venable will be held Saturday in the Zachary High Band Room from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For information, visit www.facebook.com/ ZacharyBands.
The final projects from each camp will premiere at the Main Library at Goodwood at 6 p.m. July 30. Chamber to host Business Expo
The Zachary Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Zachary Business Expo on Sept. 9 at the Americana YMCA.
Businesses that want to have a booth must be active chamber members. Contact Chloe McCreary at (225) 654-6777 or chloe@ zacharychamber.com.
Send news and events for the Zachary area to zachary@ theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Zachary Jazz Band director Donny Alexander leaps into action while directing May 10 at the Band of Blue
Foundation’s Jazz and Pancakes fundraiser In the coming school year Alexander will assume the role of Director of Bands with the retirement of longtime Band of Blue Director Jason Venable.
ABOVE: Marley James, a junior saxophone player
RIGHT: Zachary Jazz Band director Donny Alexander, left, reflects Swith longtime Band of Blue Director Jason Venerable. Alexander will soon become the new Band of Blue director after Venerble’s retirement.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Clarinet player Kinsley McGrew and her parents Felicia