One of our favorite days of the year is gathering all ZCSD employees under one roof to celebrate them, thank them for the amazing work that they do, and to kick off the school year! Thank you to our community, employees, school board members, students, and alumni who made our 2024-2025 Employee Convocation special. Wishing our staff and students a happy, successful, safe, and fun 2024-2025 school year! Photos provided by Taylor Watson-Lee
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 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.
Tafari Beard and Christian Steward have been selected to represent the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as Reginald F. Lewis Scholars.
The University of Louisiana System program is designed to enhance the educational experiences of exemplary Black male students. The Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program, which was launched in 2021, focuses on academics, social advancement and community service.
The University of Louisiana System chooses two rising sophomores from each of its nine member institutions each year to become Lewis Scholars. The selections are based on academic merit, financial need and leadership skills.
Beard, a moving image arts major from Zachary, La., and Steward, a kinesiology major from Shreveport, La., are members of the program’s fourth cohort.
The Lewis Scholars Program is at no cost to student participants. Scholars receive a full tuition scholarship.
In addition, cohorts engage in three key areas:
1. The community experience, which includes a partnership with the Universities of Louisiana Management & Leadership Institute and a service learning project;
2. The social experience, which includes an annual retreat, and academic and professional mentorship from business, community and university leaders; and
3. The academic experience, which includes research projects and a study abroad opportunity in their junior year.
The 2024 cohort was officially introduced during the UL System’s recent Black Male Summit in New Orleans.
Reginald F. Lewis was a prominent financier, entrepreneur, lawyer and philanthropist from Baltimore, Maryland. Lewis, who built the first Black-owned business to generate a billion dollars in annual sales, died in 1993.
By The Zachary PosT sTaff
Leading Omega Foundation Services of Slaughter are Owner Andrew Bennett, Chief Operations Officer Riley White, and Senior Construction Manager Matthew Bennett.
The Bennett brothers, who live just north of Slaughter in Ethel, were born and raised in Zachary, where their grandparents and great-grandparents owned Bendale Farms. White, who was born in Ethel, moved to Slaughter with his family when he was 4 or 5 and attended Slaughter schools before moving on to college.
“Slaughter has been the base for all of our operations since 2020,” says Omega’s Kyre Hymel, employee development manager. “It has treated us so well that we are in the process of building a brand-new operations office off Highway 19 next to our current shop.”
Hymel points to Omega’s mission statement, which lists its areas of excellence as “deep foundations, site work, forestry, and hydro excavation….
“Whether a new building project or a project requiring intricate foundation work, whether preparing a site for development, managing forestry resources sustainably, or tackling excavation in sensitive areas, we take pride in our commitment to precision, safety, and environmental responsibility.”
As for the reach of Omega’s work, “We’re currently registered to bid and work in 10 states, with many more on the way. We focus most of our business in the south and southeastern area of the country
“Our goal is to be registered in all 50 states, while continuing to bring jobs and revenue to the State of Louisiana.”
The Slaughter office staff consists of 12 to 15 persons in three departments—estimating, procurement, and project management—in addition to the forestry division. “Many,” Hymel notes, “commute from out of town.”
The field staff consists of 66 persons, “who are often at job sites out of state, but frequent Slaughter as our main operations headquarters. They are superintendents, heavy equipment operators, laborers, pile drivers, crane operators, hydro excavation operators, hydro excavation technicians, welders, finish carpenters, cement crews, and mechanics.”
Further, in the last 12 months, “we added upwards of 100 to 150 employ-
Omega also supports local and area businesses, patronizing Hobgood Garage, LLC, and Tri-Parish Co-op in Slaughter, and All Pro Tint, Fast Lane Walkin Clinic, Southern Coast Customs, and Zachary Lumber, among many others, in Zachary
The Slaughter employees also look for “team building activities, like ax throwing, top golf, or skeet shooting, close to our home base” and often shop in Zachary for groceries on their way home during the work week. Zachary restaurants are also a draw.
Omega can add, to its “commitment to precision, safety, and environmental responsibility,” a commitment to promote the economy in the communities where it does business.
Support of those communities, both local and nation-wide, includes sponsorship of the Band of Blue Foundation, which describes itself as “a law enforcement non-profit that helps families of fallen officers move forward after tragedy.”
To inquire about Omega’s services and employment opportunities, contact Hymel at kyre@omega-foundations.com or visit www.omega-foundation.com. ment opportunities.”
Hymel notes that while Omega “hires from all over the state and
country, we definitely like hiring local,” and that includes both Slaughter and Zachary
Cost Senior Placement Service Helps Locate Quality Senior Living Options Beyond Traditional Nursing Homes
Assisted Living Locators, one of the nation’s leading senior placement and referral services, announced today the opening of its new Baton Rouge, LA location. This new franchise, led by Senior Living Advisor and Zachary resident Tonja Jackson, BSN, RN, is dedicated to guiding families through senior care options, offering this essential service at no cost to families. The office will service Baton Rouge and surrounding south central Louisiana parishes, including the cities of Zachary, Central, Plaquemine, Hammond, Bogalusa and Donaldsonville.
Jackson brings over 23 years of experience as a BSN Registered Nurse to her role as a senior care advisor. Her extensive background includes 17 years in the long-term care industry, where she has served in various leadership positions such as Director of Nursing, Regional Director of Clinical Operations, and as a National Certified Director of Nursing in long-term care. Additionally, Jackson is a National Certified Legal Nurse, further enhancing her expertise in navigating the complexities of senior care.
“My experience as a registered nurse, particularly in long-term care and behavioral health, has given me a deep understanding of the diverse needs of seniors,” Jackson said. “We become partners with the family. We stay very engaged with them…Even after placement, we stay in touch with the families to make sure that it’s a good fit for
them and that it’s something that’s going to be lasting.”
Assisted Living Locators offers a comprehensive range of services to assist seniors in finding suitable care options, whether it’s independent living, assisted living, memory care, or something in between. Services provided by the Baton Rouge office include:
Thorough assessments of local independent and assisted living facilities, including inspections of rooms, meal options, cleanliness, accessibility, and overall ambiance.
An easy-to-use online Assessment Tool for quick insights into appropriate senior housing.
Tours of qualified, vetted home health, hospice, assisted living, memory care, and adult family homes.
Guidance on financial planning and connections to elder care attorneys, moving companies, estate sale professionals, and financial advisors.
Support for emergency placements and various financial situations.
Dedicated local resources for
seniors and families. Ongoing support throughout the entire decision-making process and after placement.
“Seniors and their families need a trusted advisor to help them navigate what can be an overwhelming amount of information,” said Tonja Jackson. “Our goal is to assist families in choosing the right care options for their loved ones, to save time, decrease stress, and provide peace of mind. We’re not just about filling beds – we want to change how people perceive this process and find the right fit for each individual.”
Jackson’s nursing background allows her to offer unique insights into the healthcare needs of seniors. She emphasizes that Assisted Living Locators works with seniors at various stages, including those seeking active independent living communities. “We can place you in an independent living facility where you’re still on your own, but you’ve got meals provided for you in some cases, activities available, and transportation to many locations. My clinical experience helps me assess each individual’s needs and match them with the most appropriate care setting.”
For more information about Assisted Living Locators’ no-cost services for seniors and their families in Baton Rouge, call Tonja Jackson at (225) 663-5911 or visit www.assistedlivinglocators.com/ baton-rouge.
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.
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 cars and remove any
metal. Call (225)276-4273.
