Norwood: A Small Village Counts its
As the Village of Norwood’s mayor and two of its three aldermen recited their oath of office on Thursday afternoon, June 27, they thanked all who continue to support the village and its 268 residents.
Mayor Becky Bellue begins her fifth term, and Alderman Kimmi A. Sellers, whose swearing-in took place at the Clerk of Court’s office on June 26, her third. New aldermen, replacing Tyler J. Glascock and David C. Jett, are James W. Poole, III, and Ronald D. Jett. Aldermen Ronnie Jett, James “Trey” Poole, and Kimmi Sellers all ran unopposed. Glascock and David Jett served only one four-year term; however, in years past, David Jett served as both mayor and alderman.
By Becky Bellue, Mayor of Norwood
New Water Well
The Village of Norwood was very fortunate in 2023–2024. Our new water well was recently completed as a Capital Outlay project. We now have two water wells, which is mandated by Department of Health and Hospitals. It is great to know that we are now in compliance!
Historic Restoration
We have a renovation program in place to restore our old town hall, which had fallen into disrepair. This building housed the original Bank of Norwood; when a new bank was built in 1972, the building became the Norwood Town Hall. The restoration money came from Act 397 as a grant from the state.
Equipment Update
Money was also received from Pennington for worthwhile equipment that allows our maintenance employees to do a more efficient job.
Sewer Plant Rehab
Our sewer plant is very outdated and costly to operate. In the 2024 Legislative Session, we were awarded $500,000 to begin a rehab project on our sewer.
For a small village, we feel so blessed to have great legislators such as Representative Daryl Adams and Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, as well as the Pennington Foundation, to help us further our achievements for the betterment of Norwood.
AG’s Outreach Rep Visits West Fel’s COA
By The Feliciana explorer sTaFF
On July 25, West Feliciana’s Council on Aging welcomed Sharon Creque, who has worked for Louisiana’s attorney general, Liz Murrill, since 2003.
An outreach representative, Creque covers six parishes: Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, East Feliciana, St. Helena, West Feliciana, and, in addition, the northern part of East Baton Rouge.
At an educational event on that recent Thursday morning in St. Francisville, Creque’s subject was “elder fraud.”
Helping COA Director Sherrel Johnson and Senior Center Coordinator Cheryl Franklin greet Creque, and ready to lend their support to her mission, were West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee Chastant and St. Francisville’s mayor, Robert “Bobee” Leake
attorney general, are West Feliciana Council on Aging’s executive director, Sherrel Johnson, from left, and Senior Center Coordinator Cheryl Franklin and, at right, faithful supporters of the COA’s work: St. Francisville Mayor Robert “Bobee” Leake and, representing Police Chief Randy Metz, Officer Gerald
Franklyn
and, representing Police Chief Randy Metz, Officer Gerald Smith.
Twenty seniors attended the event. While the criminals who extort
money, said Creque, do not discriminate with regard to age, race, ethnic background, education, gender, or
Town Clerk Jennie Jelks, center left, and Mayor Becky Bellue, center right, congratulate the Village of Norwood’s two new aldermen: Ronald D. “Ronnie” Jett at left, and James W. “Trey” Poole, III, at right, who have just recited their oath of office, which Clerk of Court David Dart administered June 27 at the town hall. Alderman Kimmi Sellers, returning for a third term, took her oath the previous day at Mr. Dart’s Clinton office. Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
Clerk of Court David Dart, left, after administering the oath of office to Norwood Mayor Becky Bellue, center, shares a laugh with the mayor and State Representative Roy Daryl Adams, at right, representing his sister, Alderman Kimmi Sellers, who was unable to attend. The three enjoyed the reception that followed the ceremony. Photograph by Patricia Stallmann
Greeting Sharon Creque, center, an outreach representative for Louisiana’s
Smith. Photograph provided by Cheryl
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In Our Business Community Bank of Zachary Proudly Welcomes Mike Gennaro
Team
Mike Gennaro
The Bank of Zachary is pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Gennaro as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending. Before joining the bank, Mike held significant roles in the commercial real estate sector, including positions at Derbes Falgout Commercial Real Estate, EXP Commercial, and eventually founding Gennaro Commercial Realty. His experience in commercial real estate and finance is backed by his designation as a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), an LSU Certificate in Emerging Technology for Business, and an MBA from the LSU EJ Ourso College of Business Bank President/CEO Mark Marionneaux shared, “ Mike’s enthusiasm, business acumen and experi-
ence, along with his exceptional business development skills will fit our team and strategic initiative beautifully. We are excited to have him join the Bank of Zachary team.”
Mike and his wife Jen, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porch & Parish magazine, live in Zachary with their four children Max, Lucy, Emile, and Bobby. Mike serves as Porch & Parish’s field and garden editor, and also hosts the Porch & Parish podcast, where he shares stories and insights about the local community. Join us in welcoming Mike Gennaro to our team.
Founded in 1904, Bank of Zachary is the oldest State chartered
Bank of Zachary Announces Retirement
Bank of Zachary has announced the retirement of Loretta Barber, Senior Vice President of Deposit Operations, after 48 years in the banking industry. Family, bank employees, and board members recently gathered at local event venue, Magnolia Fields, to celebrate her many years of service to the bank and its customers.
Loretta began her banking career as a part-time teller while a college student earning her Bachelor of Science degree at Louisiana State University. She continued in the banking industry after college working for Fidelity Bank (Hibernia Bank) for 7 years, and then she began her career at Bank of Zachary as a part time teller in 1988. Loretta promoted through the ranks, ending her time at the bank as
a well-respected member of the senior management team.
Loretta has two sons and 3 grandsons. She looks forward to spending time with family and traveling. The Bank of Zachary is so thankful for Loretta’s exemplary service to our customers, our staff, our shareholders and of course, our local community
Founded in 1904, Bank of Zachary is the oldest State chartered bank in East Baton Rouge Parish serving residents, businesses, and communities. Bank of Zachary is locally owned and
bank in East Baton Rouge Parish serving residents, businesses, and communities. Bank of Zachary is locally owned and operated. Hometown banking is Bank of Zachary’s mission and specialty. The Bank of Zachary is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The FDIC Standard Maximum Deposit Insurance Amount (SMDIA) for deposits is $250,000 per depositor, per insured financial institution, for each account ownership category. The Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www bankofzachary.com or call (225) 654-2701.
operated. Hometown banking is Bank of Zachary’s mission and specialty. The Bank of Zachary is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The FDIC Standard Maximum Deposit Insurance Amount (SMDIA) for deposits is $250,000 per depositor, per insured financial institution, for each account ownership category The Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www. bankofzachary.com or call (225) 6542701.
Loretta Barber
income, they target the elderly more often, as older persons may live alone, without friends or family members close by to advise them, or may agree more easily to speak with strangers due to a need for company, or may have access to money…a nest egg, or a monthly income.
Creque, who hails from Slaughter in East Feliciana, discussed the eight types of elder fraud: telemarketing scams, sweepstakes fraud, charity fraud, internet fraud, identity theft, funeral and burial abuse, prescription drug scams, and investment scams. For descriptions of those scams, visit the attorney general’s Web site: www. ag.state.la.us. Click “Resources,” then “Educational Resources,” then “Elder Fraud.”
The site also advises, as does Ms. Creque: “NEVER give your Social Security Number, credit card number, or bank account information over the telephone. Do not send money by courier or overnight delivery, or wire to anyone who insists on immediate payment.” If the request for money or information is “high pressure or sounds too good to be true, hang up!”
Listing “The Top Ten Red Flags of Elder Fraud,” Creque taught the seniors how to recognize extortion attempts.
Suspect fraud if the caller:
1. Insists on immediate payment
2. Gives evasive answers to your questions
3. Offers something “too good to be true”
4. Gives confusing information
5. Refuses to provide written documentation
6. Says you must decide right now!
7. Makes an offer that sounds “fishy” but pressures you to ignore your intuition
8. Asks for your financial information
9. Directs you to make a check payable to the caller
10. Presents the offer as a “sure thing”
When an unknown person, often a person calling from overseas, for example, attempts to play upon a listener’s emotions or fears, urging that listener to send money, and to send it quickly, step back.
The “grandparent scam,” also termed the “person in need scam” informs the target, via telephone or email, that a dear friend or relative— perhaps a grandchild—is in trouble, in jail in another country or stranded without money to get home, and that only the target can save the person…
by transferring money to an account number the fraudster provides.
If possible, the target of the scam should get information: the account number, who is calling, where the person is located, and the telephone number and address, and should then report that information.
Contact Information
To report suspicious or illegal activity, call the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-3514889.
Or visit constituentservices@ ag.louisiana.gov.
For information on the Louisiana Office of the Attorney General and the services it offers, check: www. ag.state.la.us, click Resources, click Educational Resources, click Elder Fraud.
In addition, the National Elder Fraud Hotline is 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Department of Jus-
tice staff will “assess the needs of the victim and identify next steps,” which may include contact information for “appropriate reporting agencies.” The hotline is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts is available on the Department’s Elder Justice Web site, www.elderjustice.gov.
West Fel COA Activities
Director Johnson suggests that seniors “reach out to us to request a calendar of activities for the month, which include exercise, nutrition education, Bible study, Bingo with prizes, EMS visits from the staff of West Feliciana Hospital, and visits from other special guests.”
Call the West Feliciana Council on Aging at 225-635-6719.
All people 60 and older in West Feliciana Parish are invited to take part.
The Traditional Art of Blacksmithing at St. Francisville Rotary Club
By Dyvar anDerson-WrighT
For the August 6 meeting of the St. Francisville Rotary Club, Dr. Tom Flynn, Rotarian, invited Ed Lott and Colonel (Ret) Russ Forshag of the Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association to discuss the work of their association and the art of the blacksmith.
The Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association, the members learned, has been serving the blacksmith and metal artist community since May 1999. GCBA specializes in teaching, demonstrating, and preserving the traditional art of blacksmithing and sharing information about traditional blacksmithing and metal work.
Blacksmithing involves working with metal using heat, hammer, and anvil. To become a blacksmith, a person must learn how to heat and forge metal, shape it using various tools, and finish it to achieve the desired look.
Some of the basic techniques in blacksmithing include forging, punching, bending, twisting, and welding.
It's a fascinating craft that has produced everything from gates and railings to tools and trinkets!
Check out the association and its work at gulfcoastblacksmith.com.
For the August 6 meeting of the St. Francisville Rotary Club, Dr. Tom Flynn, center, Rotarian, invited guest speakers from the Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association: Colonel (ret.) Russell Forshag, at left, and Ed Lott, right. Photograph by Kevin Dreher
EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS
EVENTS CALENDAR
August 13, 2024
Please submit calendar notices to: rachal2743@gmail.com.
DEADLINE EXTENDED to AUGUST 27: Calling all ages 40-plus senior softball players! Registration for the Fall Season at Zachary Youth Park has been extended! To register, and for more information, visit www. zacharyyouthpark.org. Zachary Mayor David McDavid says: “See ya there!”
TUESDAYS: The Rotary Club of St. Francisville invites you to join the members weekly at West Feliciana Parish Library for one hour on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. to find out how you can become a member and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our community, and in ourselves. You will meet interesting people, both local and from around the world, sharing their wealth of knowledge during our meetings. Breakfast is served. For more information, visit stfrancisvillerotary. org or rotary.org.
NOW through Sunday, September 1: Registration for flag football at West Feliciana Sports Park—preseason practice is September 9 through 20, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; games are September 23 through October 31 at 8 p.m. on
Tuesday and Thursday. To register, visit www.wfprec.com. Fee: $75.
NOW through Friday, September 6: Bust Out Breast Cancer. The Zachary Chamber of Commerce Leadership North group is selling t-shirts in support of the Woman’s Hospital campaign that provides access to mammograms in 34 parishes, state of the art cancer diagnosis technology and equipment, care coordination, financial assistance for cancer medications, transportation, and basic needs, as well as survivorship programs including rehabilitation, wellness services, and support groups. The Chamber is selling shirts to school staff and students and to all Zachary businesses for Pink Out Days in October: October 18 at the schools and October 24 for the City of Zachary. To order, visit https:// shorturl.at/3BE2r. Cost: $25 plus a flat fee for shipping.
NOW through Sunday, September 15: A Shoe Drive is under way to benefit both small businesses in developing nations and the Mighty Knights football team and cheer squad. Team Mom Ashley Rogillio asks that the community donate shoes at Fun Time Pools, 4860 Highway 19, Zachary (near Winn Dixie), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donors can arrange for pickup by calling Rogillio at 225-310-9058 or emailing mightyknightsfootball@
gmail.com. Proceeds will help the team with costs for equipment, uniforms, and the end-of-year banquet. Funds2Orgs facilitates shoe drive fundraisers by collecting donated shoes and redistributing them to micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations.
Tuesdays, August 13 and 27: Clothes Closet. Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blessed by Grace, a non-profit, and the East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council invite the community to visit the Clothes Closet at the Council’s office, 12080 Marston Street in Clinton. Please use the side entrance. This is an opportunity for those in need to find essential items. For more information, please call 225663-0696.
Friday, August 16: Music and More at The Green Door, H Mercantile, 12408 St. Helena Street, Suite B, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Clinton. Music by Hudson Hooge and Jake Rounds. Dinner TBD. For more information, please call 225-244-7110.
Saturday, August 17: Calvin Jackson Memorial Park and Playground ribbon cutting and school supplies giveaway, celebrating the installation of the park’s new playground equipment. Time and place: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6528 Sycamore Street in Wilson. For more information, email: dthomas_lbh@yahoo.com.
Saturday, August 17: Back to School Family Day at The Rock Church, 20810 Plank Road, Zachary, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free food and drinks, giveaways, basketball and volleyball tournament, jambalaya cook-off, dunking booth, talent show, prizes, and more! For further information, call 430-342-2022 or email zacharyfamilyday@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 17: ART AND IDENTITY—AUDUBON AT OAKLEY, 1821. This program will examine John James Audubon’s brief but impactful sojourn at Oakley Plantation. Using the museum, Oakley House, and nature trails, we will briefly trace Audubon’s trajectory from his birth on a Caribbean sugar plantation to his arrival in America and, eventually, West Feliciana. Though Audubon’s time at Oakley was brief, it was significant, for upon leaving Oakley, Audubon would exchange his identity as a failed businessman for that of one of early America’s most luminous artists and celebrities. Audubon’s story tells us much about social and economic fluidity in Republic-era America, as well as the elasticity of personal identity during this period. We will incorporate readings from his journal where appropriate. Time and place: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 11788 Highway 965, St. Francisville. For more information, call Audubon State Historic Site at 225-635-3739.
Saturday, August 17: Jazzy Nights in the Felicianas. Join the East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council for the eighth annual Jazzy Nights on August 17. Time and place: 6 p.m. at East Feliciana STEAM Academy, 9414 Plank Road in Clinton. Tickets are $50 and include music, food, door prizes, a silent auction, and more. For further details, and to buy tickets, please call 225-663-0696.
Third Tuesdays—August 20: The East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council Monthly Meeting takes place at the East Feliciana Public Health Unit building, 12080 Marston Street in Clinton. Time: 5 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. Please use the side entrance. For more information, please call 225-663-0696.
Twice monthly at noon: Lunch Club, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Felicianas Chapter, invites all ages 50 and over to join a friendly group of OLLI members to socialize and share ideas while enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant. To register the Monday before the luncheon, click https://ce.lsu.edu/ olli/ under “Feliciana Chapter” or “Field Trips.” Next date: August 21: Community Grocery in Woodville, Mississippi. For more information, email ollifelicianasmembership@ gmail.com.
Saturdays, August 24 and September 14 and 28: Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders will exhibit its model train collection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3406 College Street in Jackson, behind the Republic of West Florida Museum. No admission fee. For further information, or to book space at no charge for a birthday party, please email maczilla1@ bellsouth.net or call 713-858-9251.
Saturday, August 24: Pop & Shop. Enjoy shopping, music, cocktails, and art from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown St. Francisville. This event kicks off the “Live Like a Local Campaign,” which runs through September 21. Participants may pick up a Live Like a Local Passport at the Visit St. Francisville booth on August 24 or at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street between August 24 and September 21. The passport allows participants to collect stamps at 64 local businesses and attractions for a chance to be entered in a drawing for door prizes at the end of the campaign. For more information, please visit stfrancisville. net.
REAL ESTATE
For rent (1) very nice furnished Travel Trailer Utilities included. Under roof. $600.00 per month. Tyrone Dubroc at 303 Highway 68 Jackson LA 70748. Call 225-721-2730. HELP WANTED/ SERVICES OFFERED
Experience Labor Workers Needed in the Felicianas call 225-955-7584
Personal helper needed , some duties driving to doctor appointments , errands, as well as some light work . Call (225) 955-7584
Bank of Zachary - Universal Banker: Bank of Zachary is looking for a highly motivated individual to fill a Full-Time Universal Banker position. This position offers an exciting opportunity for candidates with prior teller, cash handling, customers service, or retail sales experience who are interested in beginning a career with opportunities for growth and development. Universal Bankers perform all Teller duties along with providing support in many aspects of retail with a broad knowledge of the bank’s products and services, along with account opening. Must be customer focused with ability to multitask and perform as a team player. Stable work history and high school diploma or GED required. 1-2 years prior/current banking, sales, cash handling, and/or customer service experience required. EEO/AA/M/F/ VETERAN/DISABLED. Send all resumes to hr@bankofzachary.com. MISCELLANEOUS/ ITEMS FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 1957 John Deere 420 – 2 Cylinder Gas Engine Tractor. ANTIQUE VALUE! Good Condition. Package deal: Bushhog, Discs, Hillers and Middle Buster. Cost $6,000. Contact Donald @ 225-278-1126 Now accepting enrollment for Summer and Full Time Care. A nurturing and safe environment for children to socialize, learn and grow. Also provides breakfast, lunch and two healthy snacks. Hours are 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information: 225-721-0715
Cross Creek Cowboy Church. Sun days breakfast 9:30, service 10:30. 21160 Plank Road, Zachary. Come as you are. Crosscreekcowboychurch. com
I will pay cash or your junk
and remove any scrap metal. Call (225)276-4273.
Call in or send us your Classified Ad Only $10 Up to 20 words Phone 225-654-0122 or email info@felicianaexplorer.com
