Zachary’s First “Salute to Veterans” Parade Rolls!
By The Zachary PosT sTaff
Mayor David McDavid brought his idea for a Veterans Day parade to the Regional Veterans Park Association, a city official reports, “and we partnered with the association’s parade committee to organize Zachary’s first ‘Salute to Veterans’ parade, which followed the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the park.”
Association members who served on the parade committee include: Darren Spears, Chair of the Regional Veterans Park Association; Robert Reisz, Vice-Chair of the Association, Secretary Laura Steen, Treasurer Sandy Davis, and Vince Giaccone. Among those representing the city was Sharon Phillips, Zachary’s public information officer.
Riding in the parade, in antique cars and trucks whose owners volunteered to chauffeur them, were the veterans: M. Barkley, Daniel Beier, Sr., Tracey Benjamin, James Carey, Roberta Chapman, Murphy Clark, Danny Craig, Ed Fisher, Kevin Gomez, Carl Grant, Gene Guy, Toney Hargooder, Dr. Russell K. Johnson, John Leblanc, Stephen Lee, Bryan Powell and Shirly Powell, Helen Powers, Dawn Reed, Robert Reisz, Joseph Rose, William Russell, Joseph Schillings, Thomas Slaughter, Sr., Thomas Slaughter, Jr., Roy Stewart, Randy Thames, Jim Waguespack, Danny White, and Percilla Wilkerwitz.
The crowds that lined the parade route, organizers report, waved and cheered a very big thanks to the men and women who served their country, often putting their own lives in jeopardy…who now waved back, acknowledging the wish of others to honor them.
Marching in the parade, noted Lieutenant Colonel Darren Spears, U. S. Army (Retired), were 153 members of the Zachary High School Army JROTC, which he leads as senior Army instructor.
Kudos to the Regional Veterans Park Association, and to all who helped Zachary celebrate veterans on November 11.
Daniel Bier, Sr., left, accompanied by Zachary Mayor David McDavid, waves to the cheering crowd from a Zachary fire truck. Photograph provided by Sharon Phillips
Lt. Col. Darren Spears (ret.), left, chair of the Regional Veterans Park Association, and Sharon Phillips, public information officer for the City of Zachary, worked together to make Zachary’s first Veterans Day parade a reality. Photograph provided by Sharon Phillips
Congratulations to several Northwestern Middle School and Copper Mill Elementary Choir students who auditioned in September and were selected to attend the 2024 Louisiana-American Choral Directors Association’s Fall Vocal Conference in New Orleans on November 9-11. The NMS Choir participated in the Mixed and Treble Youth All-State Choirs. Their teacher Cassi Doherty shared that the students did an outstanding job.
CME Choir teacher Emma Lawton said that her students from Copper Mill “made our district so proud at the LA-ACDA Fall Vocal Conference in New Orleans.” She shared that several students auditioned in September and eleven students were selected to be in the 2024 All-State Children’s Choir. Nine of the students attended the conference and performed six choral pieces with other talented musicians from across the state.
CME Choir students pictured (from left to right): Marybeth Olivier, Anna Kate Durand, Tinleigh Lauer, Teacher Emma Lawton (above), Harper Angelloz, Lewis Phillips, Rose Best, Meryl David, Zoey Miller, and Lydia Anderson.
NMS Choir students pictured left to right in first photo: Donovan Clark, Xavier Haynes, A’Brianna Francois, Karsyn Hughes, Charlotte Bastion, Addison Sloan.
On October 18th the Zachary Community School District held a “Pink Out Day” to raise money for the Foundation for Woman’s Bust Breast Cancer annual fundraising event. Students and staff wore pink and donated to the cause. The district raised $3861.40 and Superintendent Ben Necaise was excited to present a check to Mrs. Tamara Dayton who coordinated the event (along with Mrs. Jennifer Marangos, a supervisor for the ZCSD). The money raised goes directly to provide life-saving mammograms and services for women battling breast cancer at Woman’s Hospital.
In Our Wellness Community
Dr. Gia Landry Joins Lane Gastroenterology
Gia Landry, MD, has joined the staff of Lane Gastroenterology, located at 6550 Main Street, Suite 3500, in Zachary
Dr. Landry earned her Medical Doctorate from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts and completed her residency training at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She completed her fellowship in Gastroenterology/Hepatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and her fellowship in Transplant Hepatology at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dr. Landry also earned a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston, Texas. She is board certified in Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dr. Landry specializes in comprehensive diagnosis and management of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, biliary tract, and pancreas), inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, as well as liver and pancreatic diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, primary biliary cholangitis, pancreatitis and other autoimmune disorders.
“I am very excited to be a part
Dr. Gia Landry
of the Lane team,” says Landry. “It is an honor to be involved with such an outstanding group of providers. I look forward to learning about the needs of this community and providing exceptional, patient-centered care.”
Dr. Landry is now accepting new patients. For more information or to make an appointment, please call Lane Gastroenterology at 225-658-6780.
Lane Home Health Celebrates 40 Years
Throughout the month of November, Lane Home Health is celebrating 40 years of service.
Since 1984 Lane Home Health has provided in-home care to more than 25,000 patients. Physicians agree that care provided by licensed home health nurses and therapists is the best alternative to lengthy hospital stays or emergency room visits.
Lane Home Health provides quality care, seven days a week, for patients confined to the home and recovering from injury or illness. Services include:
• Pre and Post-Operative Care
• Diabetic Management
• Cardiac Home Care
• IV Antibiotic Therapy
• Pain Management
• Wound Care/Wound Vac
• Ph ysical/Speech/Occupational Therapy
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Total Parenteral Nutrition
• Hydration Therapy
• Enteral Therapy
• PT/INR In-home Testing
• Medical Social Services
• Medical Nutrition
• Intermittent Personal Care
• Catheter/Ostomy Care
“We have seen a lot of changes in the past 40 years,” says director Claudia Cantwell, RN. “Regulations have changed, services have expanded, technology has improved, and our team has grown. Throughout it all, our one constant has been to always keep the needs of our patients first and foremost as quality care is the cornerstone of our agency.”
Providing quality care is evident. Lane Home Health has a 5-star rating for patient satisfaction by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
For more information or physician referral assistance, please call 225-658-4150 or visit LaneRMC.org/home-health
The Zachary Crowds Salute Our Veterans
U. S. Army Veteran John Gomez, left, accompanied by Andre Gomez, waves to the crowd. Photograph provided by Sharon Phillips
Cheering our veterans are Chloe McCleary, from left, Zachary Chamber director; Asleigh McHugh, City of Zachary economic development director; Kim Denson, of Denson Advertising; Sharon Phillips, City of Zachary public information officer; and Nita Edwards, of the Zachary Farmers Market. Photograph provided by Sharon Phillips
Ready to roll! Veterans prepare to ride in one of the antique cars that will chauffeur them along the parade route. Photograph provided by Sharon Phillips
The lineup: Antique cars await the veterans they will transport along the parade route. Photograph provided by Sharon Phillips
Broome the Builder
Transforming Zachary, Building a Brighter Future
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome is dedicated to building a stronger, more vibrant Zachary and East Baton Rouge Parish. Through her visionary leadership and commitment to progress, she’s spearheading transformative initiatives that are shaping the future of our communities.
INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Mayor-President Broome has allocated $6 million for crucial road work on LA 64. This investment ensures safer, smoother travel for all residents.
SUPPORTING PUBLIC SAFETY
Recognizing the importance of public safety, Mayor-President Broome has invested $675,000 in upgrades for the Zachary Fire Department. These enhancements enable our firefighters to better protect and serve our community. Recently, $300,000 was awarded to the Zachary Police Department for new equipment and technology upgrades.
MOVEBR PROGRAM
Mayor-President Broome is leading the charge in the MOVEBR Program, investing in vital transportation projects such as McHugh Rd., MacHost Rd., Pride-Port Hudson Rd., Rollins Rd., and Mt. Pleasant Blvd. These improvements enhance connectivity and accessibility for all residents.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome in
Catholic Beats Zachary in a Shootout to Win District 4-5A
You don’t see over 100 points scored in a high school football game often, but Zachary and Catholic fans were treated to one of the most high-scoring games in recent memory. With the district 4-5A title on the line, the Broncos and Bears combined for 128 points. Catholic came out on top, 73-55. Even though Zachary came out on the losing end, the Broncos ran all over the Bears’ defense with 332 total yards. Zachary senior running Da’vekio Ruffin accounted for 298 of those yards and he found the endzone six times. Catholic running back Jayden Miles also put on a show, scoring seven touchdowns and rushing over 170 yards. Photos by Sharron
Photography
In Our Kindness Community
Publisher’s note: The Zachary Post and Feliciana Explorer newspapers asked Donald J. “Pete” Charlet to help us launch this column by discussing his involvement with the game of chess.
Chess is Life
“I mandate mutual kindness and respect, which is love in action.”
By DonalD J. “PeTe” charleT
We live in a culture of competition, frequently tempted to believe that “Winning isn’t everything… it’s the only thing.” When Vince Lombardi quoted that statement, he meant to stress, he explained later, the importance of “effort and goals,” of striving to win. He did not intend to promote winning at any cost.
SHORT OR LONG-TERM HOSPITAL STAY?
We Offer Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Services for Care and Healing Close to Home.
West Feliciana is one of the newest and most advanced Critical Access Hospitals in the region with a team of skilled physicians, nurses, and therapists providing our patients the latest in cutting-edge treatment and technology.
• Emergency Department Physicians on-site 24/7 for urgent needs
• Board Certi ed Hospital Medicine Physicians providing daily rounds
• On-site Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy
• Large private patient rooms with special beds designed for comfort and recovery
• Spacious bathrooms feature tile along with low shower thresholds for easy access
• Patient monitoring equipment throughout the hospital
• Low nurse-to-patient ratio (1:3) allows for quick response to patient needs with about an 11-second average response time
West Feliciana Hospital is Joint Commission Accredited certifying we have passed nationally recognized performance standards in quality and safety.
Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation o ering essentially everything you would nd in a larger facility right here West Feliciana Parish.
If you or a loved one are seeking high-quality hospital care delivered here in your community, ask your physician or case manager to contact one of our UR Nurses at 225-635-2409. Most commercial insurance and Medicare plans accepted.
Lombardi’s statement, for me, means that winning is doing our very best, leaving it all on the field. In the Agape Chess Club, “No one loses playing chess.” We are all winners, in that we play our best, and if checkmated, we learn from the experience.
Bobby Fisher said that “Chess is life,” and I agree. In chess we evaluate, then make moves; in life we make countless choices every day. Choices always have consequences. We evaluate and learn from consequences. In chess we employ strategies; in life, principles and values guide us.
Our club’s name, “Agape,” was a “spirit created” name in that, as director, I mandate mutual kindness and respect, which is love in action. We are blessed to have several players the U. S. Chess Federation has labeled “high ranked.” In their kindness and love of the game, they share their wisdom of chess. Though I listen intently, I have discovered we can learn chess only by playing it and “learning humility” on a regular basis…and I love it!
At our club, we do not require playing by the rules of the U. S. Chess Federation, which means a timer and notation of the game. As membership increases, however, and skills improve, we do anticipate holding tournaments.
It is my pleasure, as director of “Agape Chess Club,” to extend an invitation to everyone, from 13 years of age, to consider joining us. Our group presently has a faithful membership of 15 attendees and another 15 on the roster. The meetings are every Sunday at the East Baton Rouge Library in Zachary from 2 p.m. to closing at 6 p.m.
In addition to leading our club, I currently mentor chess at the Baker Learning Center each week and have mentored at Bains Elementary School in St. Francisville. I would be happy to spend time teaching the basics to anyone interested.
To join Agape Chess Club or to request lessons, please email Donald J. “Bro. Pete” Charlet at djpcharlet@ gmail.com.
Please note: We ask that readers contribute, via email, their own experiences and observations involving kindness. Send submissions to rachal2743@gmail.com. Please include name and contact information.
Ventura
Zachary Schools Honor Our Veterans
Give Yourself the Gift of Health
As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, don’t forget about you. Take the time to take care of yourself and achieve your best health. Dr. Nyirenda and Dr. Richardson at Lane Family Practice can help you manage chronic health conditions as well as unexpected illnesses and injuries so you can enjoy the holiday season.
The best gift you can give yourself is the gift of good health!
Accepting New Patients. For same-day appointments, please call 225-654-3607.
Nydeke Nyirenda, MD Van-Vi Richardson, MD
EVENTS CALENDAR
November 19, 2024
Please submit calendar notices to: rachal2743@gmail.com
November 19, third Tuesdays: The East Feliciana Drug and Alcohol Awareness Council’s monthly meeting takes place at the EFDAA Council office, 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 or email secretaryefdaac@outlook.com.
Friday, November 22: SHOP SMALL FIRST this Holiday Season and join us in Zachary for our first annual PINK FRIDAY event. Enjoy extended hours, special sales and discounts, and small-town Holiday Cheer! Participating Zachary Boutiques: Best & Co. Boutique (225-306-4357), Elle Boutique (225-286-5548), Persnickety Unique Gifts (225-654-6168), Lee Street Boutique (225-286-5308), and Z Market (225-286-5606). Check with each boutique for Pink Friday Specials.
Friday, November 22: PINK FRIDAY at Best & Co. Boutique in Zachary. Hey, Besties! Shop Small First this Christmas and join us for a day filled with exciting deals and surprises. We will be open SPECIAL EXTENDED HOURS, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Holiday Brunch Edition Sip and Shop is 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Whimsy Gems Handcrafted will be here from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. making her amazing signature charm jewelry; and an Evening Edition Sip and Shop is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You DO NOT want to miss this EPIC Shopping Event and its special deals throughout the day! Get your Christmas Shopping done early at 4480 Main Street in Zachary. For more information, call 225-306-4357.
Friday, November 22: Celebrate Pink Friday at “The Green Door at H Mercantile,” 12408 St. Helena Street, Suite B, Clinton. Pink Friday, a nation-wide initiative, reminds shoppers to support small businesses and local retailers. Enjoy live music by Justen Taylor and dinner specials. Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 225-244-7110.
Friday, November 22: The Southland Band, live at El Mejor Mexican Bar & Grill, 5051 Highway 61 south of St. Francisville. For more information, call 225-635-4915.
Saturday, November 23: FREE Children’s Drawing and Painting Workshop with Ms. Shaun. New times: 1) from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for elementary school students ages 4–6 AND 2) 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for students ages 7–12. Place: the West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen. The art
EVENTS CALENDAR
instructor, Shauna Landry, is a Louisiana native who has over eight years of experience developing children’s artistic skills…from painting and drawing to breaking complex objects into foundational images. Shauna earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from New Mexico State University and pursued formal art instruction at the AHH Ha School of Arts in Colorado and the Young Rembrandts Program. She is currently teaching art at Impact Charter School in Baker while pursuing a bachelor’s degree online from Arizona State University. This workshop will take place on the fourth Saturday of each month (except for date changes during the holiday season). All art supplies are provided, but space is limited. ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED; call 225336-2422. For more information, visit www. WestBatonRougeMuseum.org.
Saturday, November 23: “Artful Autumn” Program at Audubon Regional Library’s Clinton Branch, 11023 Bank Street. Please join us at 10:30 a.m. for our autumn painting program. Beginners and skilled artists alike will paint a fun Thanksgiving Day or vibrant autumnal scene. Canvases are limited, so please stop by or call to register and save your spot! As painting can get messy, wear clothing appropriate for the project! For more information, please call 225-683-8753. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ audubonregional or visit our webpage at www. audubonregional.net.
November 23, 30, and Every Saturday: Scrabble Club at Audubon Regional Library’s Jackson Branch, 2637 Highway 10. Calling all Scrabble enthusiasts! Join us every Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, to put your spelling skills to the test in the ultimate Scrabble showdown! Call 225-634-7408 for more information.
Saturday, November 23: Holiday Kickoff at the Zachary Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Zachary, celebrates Thanksgiving, football games, and Christmas shopping. Vendors will feature football décor. Enjoy a football toss game, and take pictures at the stadium photograph backdrop. Stock up on food for tailgating or game watching from home. Organizers will hold drawings for market money. For more information, contact zacharyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Saturdays, November 23, December 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 and Sunday, November 23 and 24:
Shop Small, Y’all! In St. Francisville. For information, contact stfrancisville.net.
Sunday, November 24: Cocoa with Santa, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at “The Green Door at H Mercantile,” 12408 St. Helena Street, Suite B, Clinton. During H Mercantile’s open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit to share cocoa and take photographs. For more information, call 225-244-7110 or check hmercantile.com.
Sunday, November 24, and every Sunday: Zachary’s AGAPE Chess Club meets from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the East Baton Rouge Library’s Zachary Branch, 1900 Church Street. The roster includes almost 30 members ages 13 to 80. Our objective: to discover the “mystery of chess” through the joy of competition among very kind and sensitive players. Everyone is welcome, especially children. Our interaction is clearly reflected through our name: AGAPE, which means “love and kindness.” Please consider joining our organization by contacting Director Donald J. “Pete” Charlet at dipcharlet@ gmail.com.
Sunday, November 24 at 5:30 p.m.: A Community Thanksgiving Service. Slaughter First Baptist Church, with Slaughter United Methodist Church and Little Rock Baptist Church, invites the entire community to join together for a Thanksgiving blessing and fellowship and for Thanksgiving dinner following the service. Place: Slaughter First Baptist Church, 3227 Church Street, Slaughter. For more information, call 225-654-4145.
ONGOING DAR PROJECTS: The Alexander Stirling Chapter of the DAR is collecting Flags of the United States of America that need to be retired. On November 20, the Chapter, along with the West Feliciana High School JROTC and the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, will hold a Flag Retiring Ceremony at the Louisiana Veterans Home in Jackson, Louisiana. Contact a DAR Chapter Member, or email alexanderstirlingdar@gmail.com, if you have flags to retire or if you wish to sponsor a wreath for Wreaths Across America at Port Hudson National Cemetery or Louisiana National Cemetery.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY | CLASSIFIEDS
pay utilities. 225-719-7821
Mobile Home for sale “as is.” 4br 2 ba doublewide. Asking $15,000 but willing to negotiate. Must move. Call 225-3012439.
Art Studio Space Available- Historic Jackson, Louisiana. Spaces Available for Monthly Rent- NO LEASE. Spaces Starting at $125/month Contact: 225200-9155
HELP WANTED/ SERVICES OFFERED
Experience Labor Workers Needed in the Felicianas call 225-955-7584
Bank of Zachary - Universal BankerBank 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 multi-task 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.
Bank of Zachary – BSA Officer - Job Overview: The BSA (Bank Secrecy Act) Officer will play a key role in ensuring the bank’s compliance with BSA/ AML regulations, fraud prevention, and managing the Red Flags Program. This position involves monitoring for suspicious activities, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining compliance with federal and state laws. The BSA Officer will collaborate with internal teams and regulators to protect the bank from financial crime and identity theft. Key Responsibilities • Oversee the bank’s BSA/AML compliance program, including monitoring transactions and filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). • Manage the Red Flags identity theft prevention program. • Detect and prevent fraudulent activity through data analysis and collaboration with law enforcement. • Respond to subpoenas and coordinate document collection. • Conduct risk assessments and make recommendations to senior management. • Provide staff training on BSA/AML compliance and identity theft prevention. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree preferred • 3+ years of experience in BSA/AML compliance, fraud detection, and subpoena handling in the financial industry. • Strong knowledge of BSA/AML regulations and fraud detection techniques. • Proficiency with BSA/AML software and data analysis tools. • Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills. Working Conditions: • Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. • Occasional travel to bank locations and industry conferences. Compensation: Experience Based. Reports to: Chief Risk Officer. = EEO/AA/M/F/VETERAN/DISABLED. Send all resumes to hr@bankofzachary.com.
MISCELLANEOUS/ ITEMS FOR SALE
Cross Creek Cowboy Church. Sundays breakfast 9:30, service 10:30. 21160 Plank Road, Zachary. Come as you are. Crosscreekcowboychurch.com
I will pay
or
cars and remove any scrap metal. Call (225)2764273.
