Feliciana Explorer Jan 7

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EXPLORER

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Feliciana Explorer • Tuesday, January 7, 2014 • Vol. 4, No. 1 • Published Weekly • Circulation 17,000 • felicianaexplorer.com • © 2014

B-Line Church to Provide Spiritual Guidance for the Angola Community

By James Ronald Skains

“Warden Cain has done a wonderful job in bringing Christian opportunities to the offender population at Angola,” Henry Geter told the Feliciana EXPLORER. “The B-Line Church on the Angola property with a fulltime pastor will help complete the circle by offering our services to those who live inside the gates and in the area.”

The Samaritan Purse Organization, headed by Franklin Graham, built the B-Line Church building about 5 years ago. For 6 months, the Samaritan Purse organization provided a full time pastor for B-Line, a non-denominational church. However, the full time pastors at B-Line since that time have served short-term stints. All that will change once the Geter’s move into the church

Connie and Henry Geter will be moving from Coppermill in Zachary to the parsonage of B-Line Community Church on the grounds of Angola within a couple of weeks.

parsonage within the next couple of weeks.

“It is very important in our opinion that the B-Line Church has a full time

pastor living on site. We did consider pastoring the church full time while still living in Zachary, but we knew in our hearts that would not work. Most people don’t realize how stressful it is working at a correctional facility.”

“The stresses and challenges of working at a correctional institution are far different than those experienced when working at a plant that produces some type of product or equipment,’’ Geter acknowledged. “You are dealing with human beings in a controlled environment which can be the most stressful of jobs.”

“With Connie and me onsite and holding church services at least every Sunday, we believe that we can help provide spiritual guidance that will give comfort to those persons deal-

See B LINE on page 7

A Gathering of Writers and Readers to be Held in St. Francisville When the West Feliciana Parish Police Jury in midsummer approved a bid of $2.7 million to construct a new library, old timers considered it a natural progression in an area that has traditionally been devoted to the literary arts. The town had one of the state’s earliest public libraries, and the surrounding plantations had extensive private libraries of their own. Today St. Francisville is home for several published authors and retired university literature professors.

Besides looking forward to the spacious new library, today’s booklovers anticipate with great relish a special event dubbed A Gathering of Writers and Readers, begun in 2007 and now under the auspices of Arts For All, the non-profit umbrella agency for all arts in West Feliciana. The celebration brings together published authors with readers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear writers read from and discuss their work.

Scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Hemingbough Cultural Arts Center just south of St.

Anne Butler Francisville, the all-day event begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be moderated by SLU professor and former bookstore owner Charles Elliott, himself a writer, film director and

Wiley Cash noted character. Four professional authors will be featured, as well as distinguished repeat guest Ernest Gaines, recent recipient of the National Medal of Arts, who will be

Julie Kane honored for his extraordinary literary contributions, and featured writers from previous years are invited See WRITERS on page 3

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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

District Attorney D’Aquilla Hosts Christmas Open House

Feliciana

EXPLORER 4104 Main Street Zachary, LA 70791

Phone (225) 654-0122 Fax (225) 208-1165 Email stories and photos to info@felicianaexplorer.com Published Tuesdays 52 weeks a year

Publisher & Editor Daniel Duggan Graphic Designer Tina Adams Account Executives Georgiana Walls Ashley Evans Contributing Writer James Ronald Skains Pictured Left to right---Betsy Jones, Rickie Collins, Debbie Bennett, Amanda McClung, Crystal Maples, Jerry Shropshire, Mary Dufour, Shane Bourgeois, and District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla.

The East Feliciana District Attorney’s office was alive with holiday camaraderie on December 20, 2013 while hosting its fifth annual community Christmas open house brunch. In attendance were seventy-five guests including representatives from the 20th Judicial District Court, local police departments, town halls, Police Jury, School Board, Clerk of Court’s office and other citizens in the com-

munity. The District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District, Samuel C. D’Aquilla, would like to thank everyone who attended.

Each year, the District Attorney’s Office and his staff look forward to a time of fellowship with the community in order to strengthen the relationship with other departments, agencies, and local citizens.

It is an opportunity for the Dis-

20th Judicial District Attorney to Sponsor Upcoming Boating Safety Course

The 20th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is sponsoring a Boating Safety Course on Saturday, February 15, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Jackson Civic Center, 2084 Hwy. 10, Jackson, Louisiana. The course will be taught by Agents from The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. The course includes information on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, legal requirements and equipment requirements, many navigations rules, navigation charts, trailering, sailboats and related subjects that include canoeing, personal watercraft and more. Completion of the

course will result in the student being issued a vessel operators certification card.

All persons born after January 1, 1984, must complete a boating safety course and carry proof of completion to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower.

The person may operate the boat if accompanied by someone over 18 years of age who if required has completed the course. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

Please contact Crystal at 225683-8563 to register, seating is limited.

trict Attorney’s Office to provide an inviting atmosphere for both encouraging a continuing positive working relationship and reinforcing its open door policy with each member of the public. Samuel C. D’Aquilla, along with his staff, eagerly anticipate this special event and hope everyone will attend this gathering in the coming year.

New Year Historian Calla Duggan Minecraft Hackmaster Chandler Duggan The Ginger Avenger Cecelia Duggan Stunt Man in Training Colton Duggan

Deadline for news and advertising: Wednesday, 5 P.M. Call for advertising rates.

WRITERS

and true crime, including Weep for the Living; as a crime writer she had continued from page 1 certainly not intended to become an actual participant, but when she was shot five times, she managed to get to “gather” again.

Dr. Wiley Cash, nationally ac- a good book out of even that expericlaimed award-winning fiction ence. Her more recent books Louiauthor, had his first novel, A Land siana Hwy. 1 and Main Streets of More Kind Than Home, selected as Louisiana include beautiful color a New York Times Notable Book. A images by Louisiana photographer North Carolina native, Cash earned Henry Cancienne.

These diverse authors have been his PhD at UL Lafayette and studied under writer-in-residence emeritus specifically chosen to give the audiErnest J. Gaines. It was there that he ence a well-balanced appreciation began the bestselling book A Land for the art of literature---poetry, ficMore Kind than Home, which NPR tion, creative nonfiction, nonfiction, called “great Gothic Southern fic- all with great appeal to Louisiana tion filled with whiskey, guns and readers. They will share their cresnake-handling.” His second book, ative processes and works; particithe just-released This Dark Road to pants, including several students on Mercy, promises to be just as rivet- scholarships, are encouraged to ask ing, a novel of love and atonement, questions and will have an opportunity to interact with the authors. blood and vengeance.

Rheta Grimsley Johnson is a Seating is limited. For online innationally syndicated newspaper formation visit http://artsforall.felicolumnist and author of nonfic- cianalocal.com. Tickets, $35, may tion books including Poor Man’s be purchased at http://www.brownProvence—Finding Myself in Ca- papertickets.com/event/491750 and jun Louisiana about time spent in include parking, individual author Henderson in the Atchafalaya Basin. presentations as well as moderated Dr. Julie Kane, Northwestern State panel discussions, book signings, University professor and Louisi- refreshments, lunch and a dessert ana’s past Poet Laureate, has pub- reception with authors.

This program is supported in lished five volumes of poetry, and her poems have appeared in dozens part by a grant from the Louisiana of anthologies and journals. Both Division of the Arts, Office of CulCash and Kane are experienced uni- tural Development, Department of versity professors, and Johnson has Culture, Recreation and Tourism, been on the short list for a Pulitzer in cooperation with the Louisiana for journalism; her popular folksy State Arts Council, the Greater Bacolumns appear in Baton Rouge’s ton Rouge Arts Council, and the The Advocate. Anne Butler writes National Endowment for the Arts, a nonfiction books preserving Loui- Federal agency. A grant from Ensiana history and culture, as well as tergy allowed Arts for All to invite children’s books, hundreds of arti- Wiley Cash, who will be the Entercles for magazines and newspapers, gy Author for this event.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

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Strong Women Program Starts Soon It’s that time of year again, when many of us make resolutions to be healthier or more fit or to exercise more regularly. It can be hard to stick with those resolutions on your own, and a group activity may be just what you need to keep going.

Come join in a safe, effective and enjoyable strength training program that is lifting women to better health all over the country!

A new session of Strong Women, a research-based strength training program, will be offered by the West Feliciana Parks & Recreation Department starting January 14.

The classes will take place at the West Feliciana Community Center on Hwy. 965 Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:30 pm and Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:15 am.

A new option this session will be a 30-minute floor session focusing on core strength following the morning classes from 9:15 to 9:45 am.

The StrongWomen program was developed by Miriam Nelson, PhD, an associate Professor at Tufts University. The program is based upon years of research on how strength training and proper nutrition improve the health of women of all ages. Research shows that a program of strength training not only improves muscle strength and bone density, but reduces falls, improves arthritis symptoms and increases flexibility. That is especially important for mid-life and older women who often see declines in many of these functions with age.

Call the West Feliciana Parks and Recreation Department at 7848447 for registration information and equipment needs. Or visit the website at http://www.wfprec.com and look at the tab for fitness programs. For additional information on the Strong Women program, contact Pam Myers, Extension Agent at 635-4878.

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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Jackson Elementary School Hosts Christmas Program

ackson Elementary School’s Pre-K and kindergarten scholars hosted a holiday showcase for their families and the community to celebrate the season and show how much they have learned in school. Kindergarten performed a readers theatre of ‘Pete the Cat Saves Christmas’ while the Pre-K class explained the reason for the season and demonstrated their spelling skills by performing the acrostic poem “Christmas.”

Third grade Cub scholar Mackenzie Russ and fourth grade Cub scholar James Jackson recently earned recognition as Jackson Elementary School’s Students of the Week.

Mackenzie completed over 27 hours of work on ALEKS Math over Thanksgiving break, while James has demonstrated outstanding behavior and citizenship.

Kindergarten scholars Ar’Lecia Bradford and Kerry Jenkins were a part of the JES readers theatre ensemble.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

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Village of Wilson Christmas Parade

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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Milestones

Births • Engagements • Weddings • Awards Obituaries • Anniversaries • Reunions

James Flynn Reeves

Storm and Hailey (Zahorchak) Reeves of Slaughter, La. are delighted to announce with lots of love the arrival of their first little angel, James Flynn Reeves born on 30th October 2013. He weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and was 19 1/2 inches long. Proud Grandparents are Russell and Renee Zahorchak of Wilson, La., Wendy Reeves of Denham Springs, La. and Edwin Reeves of Forrest City, Ar. Great Grandparents are Jim and Virgie Ford of Wilson La., Frank Zahorchak of Monroeville, PA. James and Barbara Reeves of Rayville, La. and Eva Singleton of Dubach, La. Also, Great great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Reeves Sr. and Mrs. Mary DeMoss, all of Tallulah, La.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

B LINE

tinue to be active, even with our full time commitment to the B-Line Comcontinued from page 1 munity Church.”

“Connie and I have wanted to pasing with the stresses and challenges of tor a church for several years but the working at Angola and those living inright opportunity did not present itself side the gates.” until the B-Line Church was in need Connie Jackson Geter grew up on of a fulltime pastor,” Geter elaborated. the Angola grounds being the daugh“We firmly believe that God is leading ter of Estelle and Frank Jackson, both us to this fulltime ministry opportuAngola Penitentiary employees. Connity.” nie Geter pursued a management ca“There are several churches and reer with the LA Department of Corpeople who are helping us to develrections working in the Baton Rouge op a fulltime ministry at the B-Line headquarters offices. Connie Geter Church.

The First Baptist Church in rose through the ranks to Internal AuSt. Francisville where Joel Williams ditor for Compliance for the Louisiana is pastor, is our leading sponsor for Prison System with American CorrecB-Line.

Also, the LA Baptist Conventional Association Standards. tion is being very helpful in getting “I worked on the management staff the ministry up and running at B-Line. of Secretary Richard Staldler’s team,’’ Connie Geter noted. “I worked for 37 Larry Badon with the Convention was years for the Department of Correc- the first to call me about B-Line needtions plus growing up on the grounds ing a full time pastor.”

Geter himself has been an electriof Angola. So I know the environment cian for more years than he wants to that people in corrections work and count.

He spent 18 years with Dow live in. It can be, oh so stressful!”

Chemical, 17 years with the former “My mom and dad were very inTIMBEC (now KPAQ) in St. Franvolved in the Tunica Hills Baptist cisville, and 7 years as an electrician Church as I was growing up. Tunica at Dixon Correctional Center before Hills is on the road going to Angola. retiring in November of 2013.

Henry and I were married 41 years ago “We’ve had so many spiritual menin the Tunica Hills Church. We are still tors during our journey through life,” very active in the church and will con-

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Geter, who has been a church pianist for 50 years in various churches in southeast Louisiana, pointed out. “One is particular is Dr. A. L. Palmer who at age 94 is still preaching. Another is Dr. Horn who was at Satsuma Baptist church at one time. He is now the president of the LA Baptist Convention.”

“Also, Dr. Statham with the Henry Wallace Ministry that is part of the LA Baptist Association has been very helpful with the B-Line Community Church. Warden Cain as always has been wonderful to work with. Our service schedule for B-Line will be at 9 AM and 6:30 PM on Sunday and 6:30 PM on Thursday night.”

“Another person who has been very helpful is Diane Norris from Pitkin. She is Warden Cain’s niece. She has brought her Vacation Bible School group over to B-Line to hold Vacation Bible School with us for a couple of years.”

“We plan to be moved out of our house here in the Copper Mill subdivision in Zachary to the parsonage at BLine within the next two weeks,” Connie Geter acknowledged. “It is going to be tough to downsize to a 1,300 square foot parsonage house. My biggest concern was what to do with our grand piano but our daughter Amber, solved

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that problem by taking the piano.”

The Geter’s have one daughter, Amber Geter Thorne, who lives in the Woodlands, Texas area with her husband Neal, and the 3 Geter grandkids, Jackson (age 11), John Henry (age 8), and the granddaughter, Tallulah, who is less than two years old.

“God puts people together for His reasons,” Geter emphasized. “I grew up a little north of Woodville, Mississippi. When Connie and I were courting, our routine was to go out on Friday night and then on Sunday we would go to her home church, which was the Tunica Hills Baptist church.”

“Now, after a 40 year career in other fields, we are culminating our ministry career by going back to Connie’s home turf at Angola. God always puts people in positions for his purpose, but only opens the door when he deems it time. It is time for Connie and me to walk through the doors of B-Line Community Church.”

Writer’s note: If enthusiasm and preparation are the keys to a successful ministry at B-Line, the Geters certainly have plenty of both. God bless you, Connie and Henry, and keep you encouraged and enthusiastic with your ministry at B-Line Community Church.

Director of Public Works/Planning and Zoning Position Open The West Feliciana Parish Government seeks an individual with a strong background in Civil Engineering including repairs, maintenance, upgrading, and installation of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, utilities and water and sewer systems. A Engineering degree is required. Candidates must have at least 5 years of supervisory experience in public works management. In addition, the preferred candidate will have experience in planning, zoning and development.

Candidates must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies and the public. Candidates must possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license with acceptable driving record for the past three years.

General Purpose: Performs a variety of complex professional and administrative work in planning, developing, scheduling, directing and implementing a year-round, public program.

Supervision Received: Works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the Parish President.

Supervision Exercised: Exercises direction over Utilities Superintendent, Road Superintendent and other support staff, part-time, contracted or seasonal personnel either directly or through subordinate supervisors. Provide leadership in the execution of a Planning and Zoning program for the Parish.

Salary Scale: Salary range is dependent upon experience and qualifications.

Mail resumes to: West Feliciana Parish Government Attention: Kevin Couhig, Post Office Box 1921, St. Francisville, LA 70775. Resumes must be postmarked no later than January 15, 2014. Resumes are considered a public record and will be treated as such.

The potential start date for the position is March 1, 2014, or earlier if mutually acceptable.

West Feliciana Parish is an equal opportunity/equal access employer and an equal opportunity service provider.

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