Maybe it’s the sigh of brakes from a yellow bus at the corner, or the sight of fresh crayon boxes lined up in the store. Or perhaps it’s just the sight of student athletes preparing for fall sports — something about these late Summer days can bring a shimmer of that old back-to-school feeling. Even those of us who haven’t seen the inside of a classroom in years can still remember, if only for a moment, that mix of excitement and jitters, the weight and potential of a new beginning.
In some ways, the first day of school is just like it’s always been: nervous parents, excited students and teachers making those last-minute changes to create the perfect classroom.
Parents, remember, odds are your kids are going to graduate from preschool, middle school and high school. They need your support. The Zachary Schools are understaffed this year and are looking for people to help fill on the gaps. So, it’s a time for patience. Patience for your children. Patience for the teachers. For everyone of them, there are 30 students or more. Yes, your child is important. So are all the others.
Patience while driving: Slow down in schools zones. Expect back-to-school delays. Give that school bus plenty of space. It’s time for you to do your part if you can. There is a shortage of teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff around the country.
So, if you have time to spare as a parent, as a grandparent, as a retiree, consider applying for one the thousands of open jobs or even giving your time as a volunteer. And it’s time to support those teachers and school staff.
Teachers are special. For many of them, it is a calling. They do it to give our children a bright a future.
So, do what you can to make their important jobs a little easier by giving them a lot of respect.
So, get out there and make it a great year. And if you’re driving, stop for school buses. Every time!
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bythe week, month or year, your students spend less time in line ! Pay Online at www.MySchoolBucks.com!
Child NutritionProgram
The Zachary Comm unitySchool District ChildNutrition Program’s goal is to servehealthy, nutritious choices thatare appetizing, aff ordableand availableto allstudents.M enus, whichareconsistent with the Recomm ended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), the caloriegoals, and theDietaryGuidelines f or Americans, havebeen planned sothat students can have healthier lives.Wearecustom er focused and welcomeanycomm ents you m ay have. For questions,call t he Child Nutrition Program Office at 225-658-7049.
Payment Information :
Set up FREE meal charge alerts at www.MySchoolBucks.com
Methodof Payment: On-line creditcard paymentat www.MySchoolBucks.com, cash or check.
M ake check payable to: ZacharyComm unitySchool District Child Nutrition Progr am (ZCSD-CNP) Write onecheck per child: In thememosection of thecheck,write thestudent ’sfullname and point of service LUNCH NUMBER, ifk nown.
M eal Payments: Prepaym ent f or m ealsbyt he week,m onth or year isrecommended. If meals are prepaid, students spend less time in line. If you payf or m eals,itisrecomm ended thatyousendtheAugust 2024paym ent onthefirstday ofschool.
Parents of El ementarystudents: Placecash payments in a sealed envelope that islabeledwith the student’sfull nam e, purposef or whichm oneyisintended, andam ountof cash or checksent.
July 23, 2024
Please submit calendar notices to: rachal2743@gmail.com.
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.
Tuesdays, July 23 and 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 in the EFDAA Council 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.
Tuesday, July 23: Audubon Regional Library welcomes Schoolhouse Safari. This fun filled, hands-on interactive encounter includes an educational demonstration and meeting a total of a dozen animals. Guests will get a chance
for a Q & A with the handlers and have the option to take an individual photo with one of the animal ambassadors. Schoolhouse Safari will be in Jackson at 10 a.m., in Clinton at 12:30 p.m., and in Greensburg at 3 p.m. In Clinton: 11023 Bank Street; call 225-683-8753. In Jackson: Jackson Square Plaza, 2637 Highway 10; call 225-634-7408. In Greensburg: 6108 Highway 10; call 225435-7135.
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. 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.
Wednesday, July 24: Crescent Circus, 11 a.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. Nathan and Morgan bring you over a decade of experience working together across the country and overseas to deliver audiences unforgettable entertainment. With international award-winning magic and circus arts featured on The Tonight Show, the Crescent Circus fuses magic, circus arts, and comedy to create an entertaining experience the whole family will enjoy. The Friends of the Library funded this FREE event. For more information, please call 225-635-3364.
NOW through September: Pop Up Art Exhibit featuring works by Elaine Erikson and Ronnie Collins at the Julien Poydras Museum and Art Center in New Roads. A grant from the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
funds this collaborative project of the Arts Council of Pointe Coupee and the Pointe Coupee Historical Society. Erikson’s painting of a pair of ducks in a marsh setting, “Fulvous Whistling Ducks,” won the 2022–2023 Louisiana Duck Stamp Contest. She lives in the historic district of St. Francisville, where she is active with Arts for All and the Yellow Leaf Festival. Ronnie Collins, of Jennings, Louisiana, is a well known muralist, having painted murals across the country for the past 30 years. Place: 500 West Main Street. Times: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Mindy LaCour at 225-638-6575 for additional information.
Wednesday, July 24, and Thursday, July 25: On Wednesday, Crescent Circus will visit the Jackson Branch of Audubon Regional Library at 1 p.m. On Thursday, it will visit the Clinton Branch at 10 a.m. and the Greensburg Branch at 1 p.m. Husband-wife duo Nathan Kepner and Morgan Tsu-Raun fuse magic, circus arts, and comedy to create an interactive experience that will have your audience on stage and becoming part of the show! In Jackson: Jackson Square Plaza, 2637 Highway 10; call 225-634-7408. In Clinton: 11023 Bank Street; call 225-683-8753. In Greensburg: 6108 Highway 10; call 225435-7135.
Friday, July 26: Hunt A Killer from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. To figure out who killed Katie, you must reconstruct her path along the boardwalk on the day she died, and work out what secret she discovered that ultimately led to her death. Uncovering the crimes perpetrated by the other boardwalk employees will lead you to the identity of Katie’s true killer. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Register online at https://westfelicianala.whofi.com/calendar/event/103765. For more information, please call 225-
635-3364.
Saturday, July 27: Arts for EveryBody: Houma Nation Basket Weaving. Members of the Houma Nation will demonstrate palmetto basket weaving and share their culture. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Zachary Branch Library, 1900 Church Street, Zachary. Sponsor: The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.
Saturdays, July 27 and August 10 and 24: 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, July 27: A monthly Children’s Drawing and Painting Workshop for elementary and middle school students. Instructor: Ms. Shaun. Time and place: from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen. This FREE workshop will continue on the fourth Saturday of each month. All art supplies are provided, but space is limited and advanced registration is required. To register, please call the West Baton Rouge Museum at 225-336-2422 or visit www.WestBatonRougeMuseum.org.
Tuesday, July 30, 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.
Library’s End of Summer Party. Join us for fun and games while we celebrate the end of summer. A balloon artist will be in Jackson at 10 a.m., in Clinton at noon, and Greensburg at 2 p.m. In Clinton: 11023 Bank Street; call 225-683-8753. In Jackson: Jackson Square Plaza, 2637 Highway 10; call 225-634-7408. In Greensburg: 6108 Highway 10; call 225435-7135.
Wednesday, July 31: The TMM Project (The True Mission Matters Project), 11 a.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. Get ready for our latest interactive program that takes viewers on a tour through some of America’s most coveted arts and music scenes throughout history, featuring live musical instruments such as the flute, keyboard, acoustic guitar, saxophone, and triangle and inspired by the states of California, New York, and Louisiana. Get your boarding passes ready for our TMM Adventure Tour 2024! The Friends of the Library funded this FREE event. For more information, please call 225-635-3364.
Saturday, August 3: Wags & Whiskers Gala 2024 will benefit, for the ninth year, the West Feliciana Animal Humane Society. Includes live music, delicious food and a cash bar, as well as a silent auction. Time and place: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Mallory, 5747 Commerce Street in St. Francisville. General admissions tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children. Sponsorships come with complimentary tickets: Pick of the Litter: $150–$299; Bark at the Blues: $300–$549; Yowl at the Moon: $550–$799; Finally Home: $800 and above. Visit bontempstix.com for tickets.
Monday, August 5: Scholarship Night. The East Feliciana Ministers Conference, Dr. B.G. King, Sr., president, and Pastor R. Freeman, vice president, will hold its annual scholarship night at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 6670 Highway 412-E, Slaughter. For more information, please call 225-654-6854 or visit pinegrovebc1@ yahoo.com.
Tuesday, August 6, and Wednesday, August 7: REVIVAL The East Feliciana
Ministers Conference will welcome Pastor John Bowman of Beech Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday and Dr. Gerard A. Robinson, Senior, of McKowen Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday to lead the revival at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 6670 Highway 412-E in Slaughter. Pastor Bowman is also president of the Emmanuel Baptist Church Aid Association. Dr. Robinson, Sr., is first vice president of the East Baton Rouge Ministers Conference. For more information, please call 225-6546854 or visit pinegrovebc1@yahoo.com.
Saturday, August 10: Join us for the East Feliciana Community Wide Back to School Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Feliciana STEAM Academy, 9414 Plank Road in Clinton. We’ll be giving away free backpacks, school supplies, food, and resources! Giveaways are first-come, first-served, and both the children receiving the supplies and their parent or guardian must be present. For more details, please contact us at 225-663-069.
Saturday, August 10: The Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival is BACK for the 2nd year with NINE hot air balloons, balloon tether rides, balloon glow, concert by the Chase Tyler Band, food trucks, a kids zone, local craft vendors, and more!. Time and place: noon to 9 p.m. at BREC Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary. Find more information on downtownlivezachary. com or email downtownlivezachary@ gmail.com.
Saturday, August 10: The Dead of Locust Grove. Join us in visiting Locut Grove Plantation Cemetery, one of the many historic cemeteries in Louisiana, and learn about its inhabitants. The plantation, once owned by Luther Smith and Anna Davis Smith, sister of Jefferson Davis, became the final resting place for many figures important in the early history of Louisiana. Experience history through figures like Sarah Knox Taylor—the daughter of President Zachary Taylor and short-lived wife of Jefferson Davis—who died at Locust Grove Plantation. See the grave of
Major General Eleazar Ripley, one of the earliest generals of the young country, who invaded Canada during the War of 1812. After one of the largest battles in Canada, he was known as The Hero of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. Locust Grove State Historic Site will be open this day free of charge. Please keep in mind that the park has no facilities and no site staff. Time and place: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bains-Ristroph Road off Highway 10, St. Francisville. For more information, call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-225635-3739.
Saturday, August 10: 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.
Sunday, August 11: Pine Grove Baptist Church, Dr. B. G. King, Pastor–Teacher, invites you to our 169th Church Anniversary. Theme: Celebrating the Faithfulness of God (1 Corinthians 15: 58). Special Guest is Pastor Geoffrey Sykes of Greater New Hope Baptist Church, Zachary, and Greater St. Mary Baptist Church, Plaquemine. Address: 6670 Highway 412-E, Slaughter. For more information, please call 225-6546854 or visit pinegrovebc1@yahoo.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.
ONGOING: WFHS Athletics Summer Youth Camps dates and contact information: 1) Strength and Conditioning—Throughout the summer, Monday through Thursday, 9:30–10:30 a.m., 7th and 8th graders, co-ed, Saints Stadium, littlej@wfpsb.org; 2) Cheer— July 29–31, 9 a.m.–noon, pre-K–5th grades, WFHS Gym, howsenl@wfpsb. org; 3) Dance—August 10, 8 a.m.–noon, pre-K–5th grades, WFHS gym, estepj@ wfpsb.org. For information and to register, visit West Fel Royal Blue Club on Facebook.
ONGOING THROUGH AUGUST 25: “Evolution of the Revolution” art exhibit at West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen. This fascinating multi-media installation, the product of collaboration between photographers and set designers Lynn Rossi and Nichelle Evans, features huge, colorful photographs depicting key moments in Black history. Presented by the California African American
BUSINESS DIRECTORY | CLASSIFIEDS
HELP WANTED/ SERVICES OFFERED
Experience Labor Workers
Needed in the Felicianas call 225955-7584.
Personal helper needed , some duties driving to doctor appointments , errands, as well as some light work . Call (225) 955-7584
COMMERCIAL LENDER
BANK OF ZACHARY – Education: Bachelor’s Degree of 7+ year professional equivalent; Experience: 5+ years in banking, financial services and/or business development; Job Requirements: Maintain a high level of confidentiality. Reliable transportation necessary. Current NMLS account. Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Effectively prioritize, multi-task and work independently. Strong understanding of Microsoft Suite, Outlook, and Adobe Pro. For a full Job Description, see our careers page at www. bankofzachary.com EE)/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. Sundays breakfast 9:30, service 10:30. 21160 Plank Road, Zachary. Come as you are. Crosscreekcowboychurch.com
I will pay cash or your junk cars and remove any scrap metal. Call (225)276-4273.
Trail Locations in the St. Francisville area, dawn until dusk: 1) Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, 2) Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, 3) Mary Ann Brown Preserve, 4) West Feliciana Parish Sports Park, 5) Clark Creek Natural Area (in Mississippi, but close to St. Francisville, 6) Audubon State Historic Site. For more information, visit StFrancisvilleLa.com, come by the Historical Society Museum at 11757 Ferdinand Street in St. Francisville, or email Devan@visitstfrancisvillela. com. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE SPORTS PARK TO BE SURE ITS TRAILS ARE OPEN FOLLOWING RECENT STORMS.
Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7: Stop and Shop the Choctaw Trail Weekend, 25 Mile Garage Sale from Clinton through Jackson to St. Francisville along Highway 10. For vendor opportunities in Jackson, please contact Ginger Goudeau at 225-9334911.
KIDS’ MEALS: 1) EVERY TUESDAY: Audubon Regional Library is distributing 5-Day Meal Boxes at the library’s branches in Clinton, Jackson, and Greensburg. Please contact your nearest Audubon Regional Branch for information. 2) EVERY FRIDAY: The West Feliciana Parish Library on Burnett in St. Francisville is distributing 7-Day Meal Boxes. For information, visit Information/West Feliciana Parish Library/United States.
MARKET DAYS
Thursdays, July 25 and August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: St. Francisville Community Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 9961 Wilcox Street in St. Francisville. Call Claudene Cockrum, 225-715-3597, or Faye Ritchie, 225-245-1752, or email jritchie49@bellsouth.net.
Saturdays—August 17, and September 21: “Pop-Up Tent Community Market.” Host: St. Francisville Tractor Supply. Time: 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Tractor Supply parking lot, 7327 Highway 61. All products are welcome. No vendor fee at this time. Please contact Krista at Tractor Supply, 225-635-2223, if you plan to set up in June.
Saturdays—July 27 and August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31: Zachary Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lee and Main Streets. Contact zacharyfarmersmarket@ gmail.com.
First Friday, August 2: Jackson Market, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the town hall gazebo on Charter Street (Highway 10). Contact Ginger Goudeau at 225-9334911 or ging130@yahoo.com.
First Saturday—August 3: Clinton Community Market Day, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. along St. Helena Street (Highway 10) in downtown Clinton. Contact hmercantilellc@gmail.com.
