Marking an anniversary
This week is my 28th anniversary working at The Advocate.
People who know me know my ties with The Advocate, The Watchman, The Democrat and The Plainsman are much longer. My father and I have worked in these worlds for a long time.
I grew up in and out of these areas, graduating from Clinton High, and moving back for a while after college.
During those years, I wrote stories and took photos — often sports — prepped papers for the mail sacks and newsstands, and worked in the offices. I’ve served these papers as a part-time employee and temp, then full-time.
While working for the daily paper, the chance came in 2017 for me to move back to the weeklies that were a part of my high school and post-college years.
Thanks for the support all of you have given me and these papers through the years.
While I do not hope for another 27 years in this job — I do want to retire at some point — I do hope for many more serving the communities north of Baton Rouge.
Back to school at The Rock
The fourth annual Zachary Back-to-School Family Day is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at The Rock Church and World Ministries, 20810 Plank Road. Activities will include a basketball tournament and a volleyball tournament, as well as a jambalaya cook-off. Free food and drinks, giveaways, a dunking booth, talent show, prizes and more are planned. Call (430) 342-2022 or write zacharyfamilyday@gmail.com for information.
Start making parade plans
In a recent newsletter, the Zachary Chamber of Commerce announced the Zachary Christmas Parade is at 10 a.m. Dec. 14. The theme will be Luau Under the Mistletoe. Details and registration will be available in September.
Events nearby
The Southern Garden Symposium is Oct. 18 at Rosedown in St. Francisville. Speakers are Marianne Willburn and Scott Beuerlein. Visit www.thesoutherngardensymposium.org for details and registration.
After its initial festival this year, the Feliciana Wildflower Festival is planning the 2025 event. On Facebook, the group has announced the festival will be June 7 and the group is seeking applications for vendors and guest speakers. Visit www.facebook.com/FelicianaWildflowerProject for information. Also, a planning meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 at Clinton United Methodist Church, 11321 Old South Drive.
The Choctaw Trail garage sales are planned for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6-7. The route stretches from Clinton, Jackson and St. Francisville. Vendor space is available to rent in Jackson, and spaces are available at the Clinton Community Market on Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Ginger at (225) 933-4911 or ging130@yahoo.com for information. If setting up at your house, contact the organizers for a yard sign. The sale of guns and animals is not permitted.
Lantern festival moved
The Water Lantern Festival, at Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway, has been moved to Sept. 21. Visit tinyurl.com/556f2tu8 for details.
Hike the library and more
Head to the Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road, to walk by yourself or with a small group of friends. There are three measured areas: the “inside loop” is 145 steps or 1/16 of a mile, “against the wall” is 280 steps or 1/8 of a mile, and the “serpentine” is 565 steps or 1/4 mile. There are also exercise stations scattered throughout the library.