Zachary Post 6-11-24

City of Zachary Launches TextMyGov

By Sharon PhilliPS, City of ZaChary

The City of Zachary is excited to introduce TextMyGov text alerts, a new messaging service aimed at keeping residents informed about important updates. This service will deliver timely notifications directly to residents’ phones regarding road closures, emergencies, holiday schedules, garbage collection, and other pertinent information. Texts will be sent only when necessary, ensuring citizens stay informed when it matters most. Residents will still receive general updates through social media, the city website, and email.

TextMyGov’s text alert system launched the week of May 13. Keep an eye out for messages from 91896, which will be legitimate alerts from TextMyGov. If you wish to stop receiving texts, simply text STOP. If you haven’t received an initial message, you can opt-in by texting ZACHARY to 91896. Upon sending this keyword,

you’ll receive a confirmation message prompting you to reply with “YES” to start receiving notifications.

In addition to the Text Alert Service, TextMyGov offers another convenient feature: Residents can quickly seek assistance from the City of Zachary by texting 225-681-8898 with keywords like “news,” “trash,” “water,” “events,” “jobs,” “utilities,” and more. Initiate a conversation with the city by texting “Hi” to 225-681-8898, allowing you to report issues like broken water lines, power outages, or drainage problems. Please note, this feature is separate from text alerts; while the city sends alerts, this feature empowers residents to report issues directly via text.

To opt-in for city alerts, text ZACHARY to 91896.

For immediate assistance, text “Hi” to the City of Zachary at 225681-8898.

Lane Welcomes AHEC Students from Area High Schools

Lane Regional Medical Center, in partnership with the Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center, is hosting a summer health careers volunteer program for area high school students.

The “A-HEC of a Summer” program is an exciting opportunity for ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students with at least a 2.0 GPA who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.

Eight students from Zachary High, Baker High, Central High School and Central Private will rotate through various hospital departments and job shadow healthcare professionals. During their threeweek period at Lane, they are able to obtain first-hand knowledge about a variety of healthcare fields and health issues, as well as practice basic patient care skills and attain CPR certification.

BREC to Host Doug Williams Football Camp

The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) will partner with the Douglas L. Williams Educational & Athletic Foundation to host the Doug Williams Football Camp on June 22 from 9 a.m.noon at Memorial Sports Complex, 1702 Foss Street.

The Doug Williams Elite Football Camp is a free camp for youth in grades first through twelfth.

The clinic will focus on mentorship and developing player skill sets on and off the field through the leadership of local prominent football professionals. The all-day free football camp will

provide a unique opportunity to bring youth together for a fun, safe, and engaging day of learning from prominent, former, and current NFL and college players, as well as local high school and college coaches.

Registration is now open and closes on June 14. For more information or to register, visit brec.org/calendar/detail/ doug-williams-football-camp.

Pictured L – R: Jadan LaDay (ZHS), Cydnee Thomas (ZHS), Gracie Meliet (CHS), Rickey Washington (ZHS), Lola Guidroz (CP), Samira McQuirter (BHS), Elizabeth Gaines (ZHS), and Iva Martel (CP).

Zachary Area Senators Recap Positive Moves Made at the Legislative Sessions End

Three senior lawmakers said a decision last Friday to shift $717 million in state funds was one of

the highlights of the legislative session that ended Monday.

The lawmakers said they supported moving the money from a state trust fund for revenue stabi -

SHORT OR LONG-TERM HOSPITAL STAY?

Offer Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Services for Care and Healing Close to Home.

lization to increase spending on transportation projects, maintenance of facilities on college campuses and public safety efforts.

“We tried to address some

shovel-ready projects and deferred maintenance and our water and sewer and our highway priority program, and it’s putting people to work,” Sen. Glen Womack, RHarrisonburg, said.

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.

“It’s going to be a return on our investment with that money being put out in the workplace and in our economy,” he added. “It was a very wise move to put this money together and get it out and get it working for our people back home.”

The decision came late in the nearly two-month session, which ended Monday.

“I think it was a great investment, and so not only are we fixing problems that exist in our communities and throughout the state, but we are also putting people to work,” Sen. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, said.

The lawmakers, including Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, also discussed a $9 million cut to early childhood education programs and the possibility of a constitutional convention, which they are unsure will happen this summer.

The Public Affairs Research Council, a nonprofit research group in Baton Rouge, held a webinar Tuesday with the three legislators to recap the session.

They discussed the $48 billion budget for the next fiscal year, starting July 1, and the process of writing and passing it. The budget also includes one-time $2,000 stipends for K-12 teachers.

“There was nothing hidden,” McFarland, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said. “Everything was very transparent, and that was a great opportunity for us,” he said, adding that “there was open communication in a way I’ve never seen before, and I was very proud of that.”

Barrow disagreed with the $9 million cut to early childhood education programs, which came from the Senate on Friday and was concurred to in the House Sunday.

“I’m not happy with where it is because when we talk about deterrence to crime, that to me is a deterrence to crime,” Barrow said. “When we know for sure that young people have a great start, and they have every opportunity to be more educated, then we know that they’re going to have a better track forward.”

Womack, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, and McFarland stood by the decision. McFarland said he plans to have his staff

dig into what the early childhood programs include and what has worked over the years.

It is still unclear if there will be a special session called in August to convene a constitutional convention, which was a big part of Gov. Jeff Landry’s agenda this session. A bill passed to hold one passed the House but was never considered in the Senate.

McFarland believes the bill became “watered down” throughout the legislative process as more subjects were taken off the table for discussion. He is interested in the opportunity to examine Article 7 of the constitution, which deals with revenue and taxes.

“Obviously, you recognize there are only two places we can cut every year, and it’s higher ed and health care, and when we have

those big shortfalls, those are the two that seem to feel the pain the most,” McFarland said. “So, also knowing that we have a financial shortfall next year, I think it’s important that we now reevaluate our tax process.”

Barrow said she never got clarity on what a convention would look like. She is concerned that higher education and healthcare would be on the chopping block.

Womack is unsure about a special session, but he believes the constitution does need to be looked at carefully to see what is and is not working and what could be moved around.

The Legislature also saw multiple bills to make it hard for the public to obtain state, which was another part of Landry’s agenda. In the final hours of the session

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Monday, an amended version of one of those bills passed. It would prohibit anyone who is not a Louisiana resident from making a public records request about the governor.

McFarland said that whenever people disagree with his votes, he gets inundated with public records requests. Barrow that government officials have staff members to deal with requests and should be responsive to the people.

The webinar wrapped up with the lawmakers sharing what decisions they believe will have the most positive impact on Louisi -

ana’s citizens.

Barrow believes the investment in higher education, especially money to tackle the long lists of deferred maintenance on university buildings, will have huge benefits today and long term. Womack cited the changes made to both K-12 and higher education. McFarland said he is most excited about the infrastructure investments.

Zachary High Explorers Club Ventures through Europe

Lane Rx - care you can count on with the convenience you need.

• New prescriptions & transfers

• 24/7 refills by phone or using RxLocal Mobile App

• Full service compounding

• Special flavoring available for children’s medications

• Customized medications including bio-identical hormone replacement therapy

• Patient counseling services

• Onsite vaccinations & immunizations

• Durable medical equipment & supplies

• Over-the-counter medications & supplies

• Assistance with insurance and billing

Monday-Friday: 9am–7pm

Saturday: 9am–3pm 6400 Main Street (formerly Medical Pharmacy, located in front of Lane Regional Medical Center)

EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR

June 11, 2024

Please submit calendar notices to: rachal2743@ gmail.com.

NOW: Sign up for Kids’ Summer Meals to Go: The West Feliciana Parish Library has partnered with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to bring USDA-funded “Sun Meals To Go” to West Feliciana Parish. Because this is a benefit for rural children, all children in the parish are eligible and can pick up a week’s worth of meals at the library each Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sign up on line at Information/West Feliciana Parish Library/United States.

TODAY—Tuesday, June 11: The East Feliciana

Chamber of Commerce hosts Session 3 of the Lunch and Learn series, “Household Budgeting Made Easy.” The presenter, Pelican State Credit Union, will address reducing money stress, working toward financial goals, and using the credit union’s free budget worksheet. Time and place: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Apostolic Tabernacle of the Felicianas, 17903 Highway 10, St. Francisville. This event is free to East Feliciana Chamber members and $15 for non-members. For more information, please call 225-408-6193. To register online, please visit: https://www. signupgenius.com/go/10C0949ACAB22A4FB648652215-lunch#/.

TODAY—Tuesday, June 11: Dress Drive. The Slaughter Civic Club asks for donations of formal dresses suitable for bridesmaids,

prom, or homecoming. The civic club will sell the dresses at its Back to School Bash, with all proceeds benefitting the Town of Slaughter and community events. Please drop off your dresses from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Delaney at 225-301-5734 or Adele at 225-9312470.

NOW: Register for BeFit Camp, 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, July 1–26 at Avondale Scout Reservation in Clinton. For ages 6 through 14. Enjoy field days, field trips, and exercise, practice life skills, and learn about health and nutrition. For more information and to register, contact RKM Primary Care at 844-RKM4YOU, BEFITCAMP@RIMCARE.ORG, OR WWW.RIKCARE.ORG.

NOW through June 21: Register for “Small Changes, Healthy Habits,” an LSU AgCenter series on July 2, 9, 23, and 30 in both Clinton and St. Francisville. Place and time: 1) At the East Feliciana Parish AgCenter Office, 4419 Idlewild Road, Clinton, from 10 a.m. to noon and 2) at the West Feliciana Parish AgCenter Office, 10032 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This series helps adults make modest, healthy, long-term changes in both diet and physical activity. To register and pay the $40 charge in East Feliciana, visit the LSU AgCenter Online Store at https://store. lsuagcenter.com/p-2609-small-changes-healthyhabits-east-feliciana-parish-july-2-9-23-30.aspx; for West Feliciana, visit https://store.lsuagcenter. com/p-2610-small-changes-healthy-habitswest-feliciana-parish-july-2-9-23-30.aspx For questions or concerns, or to receive a registration link, contact Layne Langley, LSU AgCenter Area Nutrition and Community Health Agent, at 225-635-3614 or 225-683-3101 or at lalangley@ agcenter.lsu.edu.

Wednesday, June 12: Safari Station, 11 a.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. This fun and interactive educational demonstration introduces participants to 6 or 7 friendly reptiles including snakes, lizards, and a giant tortoise. Participants will get a chance to pet most of the animals during the encounter and afterward have the option of taking a photograph holding one of the reptiles (chosen by our handler). The Friends of

the Library funded this FREE event. For more information, call or text 225-635-3364.

Twice monthly at noon: OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), Felicianas Chapter Lunch Club, invites all who are 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. Register the Monday before the luncheon by clicking https://ce.lsu.edu/ olli/ under the Feliciana chapter or under Field Trips. June 12: The Francis in St. Francisville; June 26: Aqua Blue in Zachary; July 10: The Magnolia Café in St. Francisville; July 24: Petra Café in St. Francisville; August 7: Sonny’s in St. Francisville; August 21: Community Grocery in Woodville, Mississippi. For more information, email ollifelicianasmembership@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 13: Business After Hours at El Mejor Mexican Bar and Grill, 20377 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary. Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Stay five minutes or two hours! Come mingle with other businesses and meet new people. Bring a friend and learn what the Zachary Chamber is all about! For more information, please email members@zacharychamber.com, visit www. zacharychamber.com, or call 225-654-6777.

Friday, June 14: Andean Archaeology, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. Dr. David Chicoine is an anthropologically-trained archaeologist studying ancient Andean societies of South America. He will speak about his recent excavations in Cerro San Isidro, Peru. Open to ages 14 and over. For more information, call or text 225-635-3364.

Sunday, June 16: The Plantation Blacksmith. Come to Audubon State Historic Site, 11788 Highway 965, St. Francisville, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and learn what a blacksmith did at Oakley in the early 1800s. Watch as he demonstrates the art of the blacksmith. The cost is the $5 grounds fee. For more information, contact the park at 225-635-3739.

Third Tuesdays—June 18: 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.

Wednesday, June 19: OLLI at LSU Feliciana Chapter will hold an Ice Cream Social from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Jackson Hall, Grace Episcopal Church on Ferdinand Street in St. Francisville. Meet the summer OLLI instructors and chat with friends. You may also enroll for you 2024–2025 membership and register for summer classes. Guests ages 55 and over are welcome! For more information, please email georgia.lacour@ gmail.com.

Wednesday, June 19: Safe Sitter Course, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., West Feliciana Hospital. Recommended for ages 11 through 13. Fee: $55. For details, visit: https://www.wfph.org/resources/events-andclasses/safe-sitter-summer-2024.

Friday, June 21: The Dinosaur Experience. Witness a family-owned business that brings dinosaurs to life with educational lessons, jokes, and hands-on experiences. Become a dinosaur ranger with Nash and Rexi, Louisiana’s favorite dinosaur friends! At Audubon Regional Library: 10 a.m. at the Jackson Branch, noon at the Clinton Branch, and 2 p.m. at the St. Helena Branch. For more information, visit Audubon Regional Library Web site.

Saturday, June 22: Audubon’s Birds. Join one of the site’s park rangers to view and discuss the prints of Audubon, centering on the birds he painted at Oakley. This is an ongoing activity from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the museum. The program is included with park admission. For more information, please call Audubon State Historic Site, 11788 Highway 965, St. Francisville, at 225-635-3739.

Saturdays, June 22: 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.

Monday, June 24: Annual Ministry Appreciation: “Standing Together.” The executive cabinet of the East Feliciana Ministers Conference—Dr. Burnett King, the Reverend Rodney Freeman, Dr. James Turner, the Reverend Rick Williams, and Dr. Ted Major—presents, as its Special Guest, President Lee Gage of the Pointe Coupee Ministers Conference. Time and place: 7 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, 1405 Highway 409, Slaughter. For more information, please email efmc4@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, June 25, and the Last Tuesday of Every Month at 6 p.m.: Free yoga (all levels) at the West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen. Please do not eat beginning one hour prior to class, and please remember to bring a yoga mat. Classes convene in the Brick Gallery; please enter through the courtyard or the gravel driveway. For more information, visit www. WestBatonRougeMuseum.org.

Wednesday, June 26: Princess Adventurers Meet and Greet, 11 a.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. Whether they are looking for lanterns or searching for the heart of an island goddess,

EVENTS CALENDAR

these princesses love adventure! Join us for photo opportunities and fun! The Friends of the Library funded this FREE event. For more information, please call 225-635-3364.

Friday, June 28: Housing Choice Voucher informational meeting at the Jackson Civic Center on Highway 10 in Jackson. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the program will end by noon. Representatives of the Louisiana Housing Corporation will take part. For more information, please email the Reverend George Turner: george@thepeoplesworkshopiunc.org or revturner@icloud.com.

Friday, June 28: Bingo from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. Play Bingo for a chance to win prizes. Open to ages 14 and over. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Register online at https://westfeliciana-la.whofi.com/ calendar/event/104524. For more information, please call 225-635-3364.

Saturday, July 6: Celebrate the 4th of July weekend by watching a demonstration of firing a cannon from the War of 1812. Time and place: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Audubon State Historic Site, 11788 Highway 965, St Francisville. Every 30 minutes, beginning at 10:15 a.m., a costumed cannon crew will take you through the steps for loading and safely firing such instruments of war from over 200 years ago. The program is included in the grounds fee for the site. For more information, please contact the park Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 225-635-3739.

Wednesday, July 10: Jungle Escape Room, 11 a.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. Escape from the jungle by completing “Minute to Win It” challenges. For more information, please call 225-635-3364.

Friday, July 12: Louisiana Master Naturalists, 6 to 7 p.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. The Louisiana Master Naturalists will provide an introduction on their citizen science applications and programs. They will also share how their group can help identify plants, birds, frogs, and insects, while also providing information to assist researchers. Presented by Meghan Perez, a local Louisiana Master Naturalist.

Saturday, July 13: Help Create Happy Tales for Happy Tails! Is there room in your home and your heart for one more? Stop by Happy Tails dog adoption day at Tractor Supply, 7327 Highway 61 in St. Francisville. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. But no need to wait! Call or email Michelle Hamilton, Happy Tail Rescue, for details about the dogs now looking for homes: 225-245-4123 or thehappytailrescue@outlook. com.

Wednesday, July 17: Frank and Tammie Magic Show, 11 a.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. Frank and Tammy are full-time children’s entertainers performing professional balloon art, creative face painting, children’s magic, and puppetry. The Friends of the Library funded this FREE event. For more information, please call 225-635-3364.

Saturday, July 20: The Women of Oakley. Four generations of women owned and operated Oakley House in what was otherwise considered to be a man’s world. At the same time, the generations of African American women who served them fought to create and maintain their own identities. In this guided experience, you will get a behind the scenes look at both lineages of resilient women. Wander the halls and explore the very rooms where female empowerment bred and hear the intimate stories that you won’t hear anywhere else. The tour will take place at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.; house tour fees apply. For more information, please contact Audubon State Historic Site, 11788 Highway 965, St Francisville, at 225-635-3739.