View Fall 2026 PDF flipbook.
season ofZACHARY’S COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FALL 2026 MAKIN’ GROCERIES MAKIN’ GROCERIES ON THE BALLOT ON THE BALLOT MAKEUP ARTIST QUINN LANGLEY MAKEUP ARTIST QUINN LANGLEY
VIETNAM TRAVELINGVIETNAM TRAVELING MEMORIAL WALLMEMORIAL WALL VIETNAM TRAVELING MEMORIAL WALLIN ZACHARY WE ARE HONORED TO WELCOME THE VIETNAM MOVING WALL BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 30 YEARS. THE MEMORIAL WILL BE DISPLAYED ON THE FRONT LAWN OF ZACHARY HIGH SCHOOL, LOCATED AT 4100 BRONCO LANE. ARRIVAL OF WALL OPENING CEREMONIES PLANK RD MAIN ST ZHS12NOV 9:30AM PROCESSION STARTS AT13NOV 9AM PARADE STARTS FLAG RAISING 7:30 AM BANK OF ZACHARY ZHS VETERANS DAY PARADE ROUTE: MEMORIAL WALL ARRIVAL ROUTE: CLOSING CEREMONY: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16 PUBLIC VIEWING OF WALL: NOV 13, 4-9 PM | NOV 14, 9 AM - 9 PM | NOV 15, 9 AM - 9 PM | NOV 16, 9 AM - CLOSING CEREMONYTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: THORNTON, MUSSO & BELLEMIN, CITY OF ZACHARY, BANK OF ZACHARY, EFCU FINANCIAL, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, REGIONAL VETERANS PARK, BRUCE LANGLEY/NEW YORK LIFE, WILL AND LAURA STEEN, BARRY AND BRENDA FISHER, DARRYL AND BETTY YOES, LONNY A. MYLES, APLC, L & A ABSTRACTS/RICKY MCDAVID, ZACHARY UNITED METHODIST
for advertising inquiries: ashley@porchandparish.com to submit a story idea: editor@porchandparish.com“Season of Joy” began as a nod to fall and all it brings: family gatherings, holiday breaks from school and work, the smell of something delicious in the Crock-Pot, candy wrappers in your pockets (just me?) and blessedly cooler weather. But as we brainstormed stories and people we wanted to interview, we realized the people themselves embodied joy—and were finding it in very different seasons of their lives. In these pages, you’ll find guest essays and conversations with women who have discovered joy through recovery, unexpected changes and the ordinary chaos of raising a family. Some have wisdom to share from the other side; others are still finding their way. Through cancer, addiction, injury and motherhood, each recognizes God’s hand in her story. That’s a beautiful thing to witness. And doesn’t that cover just make you smile? We were lucky enough to get seven local joy bombs together for a photo shoot. Our cover crew is among the neighbors you nominated for bringing joy and positivity to the people around them. You can read more about them on page 10. They certainly inspire me to fix my face and put on a smile—and remind me how much a little kindness and a good laugh can mean to someone. There’s always another milestone before we give ourselves permission to relax. I’ll slow down when this issue ships, when the calendar clears, when everyone needs a little less from me. But surely we can spare a moment to pause and count our blessings— even with a few things left on the to-do list. I’ll go first.RIKKI PERMENTER guest columnist – Jen3 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 FROM THE EDITORJEN GENNARO founder/editor lease don’t roll your eyes as we make another issue about slowing down, enjoying this season of life and finding joy. LAUREN POPE staff writer MIRANDA ALBAREZ, ALBALEDO MEDIA graphic design ASHLEY EVANS assistant editorLUCY GENNARO guest columnist I asked AI to style my biggest blessings like the 1970s. My baby in those bellbottoms gets me every time! Perhaps if I keep writing about it, I’ll take my own advice! NICHOLE LAUER photography
NEWSBREAK 06 15 16 18 22 24 28 31 NEIGHBOR YOU SHOULD KNOW BEST DAY EVER MAKIN’ GROCERIES BEYOND THE FINISH LINE THE LIFE SHE ALMOST MISSED DANG, I FORGOT I STILL LIKED YOU DINNER FOR 6 34GIVING BACK: ZACHARY FOOD PANTRY 38HALLOWEEN IN Z 44ON THE BALLOT Newsworthy notes from around Z! CONTENTS FALL 2026 Lucy Gennaro on the other side of a closed door. MacKenzie Heath, off mic but on the record. Author Keli Cress’ story of addiction and redemption. RPE 2nd graders’ imaginations run wild! Rikki Permenter on a moment of silence with her spouse. How we eat, shop, and put dinner on the table. Unfussy dinner ideas - with prices! - to mix it up a little. When the shelves were bare, Zachary stepped up. Tricks, treats, and throwbacks for a spooktacular season. A look ahead at the races & candidates. ZHS THEATRE 08 HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDE: MAXIE ZACHARY 26 BEHIND THE LOOK: QUINN LANGLEY 40 THE POWER OF SHOWING UP: KATIE MONDULICK THE POWER OF SHOWING UP: KATIE MONDULICK 20 10COVER STORYCOVER STORYABOUT THE COVER SOME OF THE MOST FACES IN ZACHARY Cover shoot by Nichole Lauer Photography
P+P NEWSBREAKINSPECTION STICKERSLouisiana State Police are no longer enforcing inspection-sticker violations for personal vehicles following the passage of HB 1085 in June. Beginning Jan. 1, the traditional sticker will be replaced by a windshield decal with a QR code tied to the vehicle’s VIN. However,SEND LATER: Newer and updated iPhones now have a “send later” option for texts. Open the contact you’d like to text, tap the + button and scroll down until you see “send later.” TECH TRICKS Longtime OB-GYN Dr. Keith Elbourne has opened Elbourne Wellness Collective, an independent, physician-led clinic located behind LaneRX. Separate from both his Lane practice and the hospital, the clinic offers personalized hormone- health services for women and men. WELLNESS CHECK QR CODES: You can scan a QR code that's already on your phone. Screenshot/save the image, open it in Photos, then press/hold the QR code or use the detected- link option. Great because everyone has encountered the “How am I supposed to scan this when it's ON MY PHONE?” problem. VISUAL LOOK UP: Your iPhone can identify plants, animals and landmarks from a photo using Visual Look Up. Tap the info button in a photo and follow the prompts (ex: “look up plant”)OCTOBER 2026NEWSBREAKPORCH AND PARISH6 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026However, vehicles registered in East Baton Rouge and four surrounding parishes must still undergo an annual $8 emissions test under federal law. At press time, details about how the new system and emissions requirement will be enforced remained unclear.
Lafayette-based seafood restaurant Fiery Crab has announced a new Zachary location in the former Lagniappe building on Main Street. Known for its NEW Z-TOWN RESTAURANTOCTOBER 2026NEWSBREAKPORCH AND PARISH7 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 its messy, addictive seafood boils and bold signature sauces, Fiery Crab will make Zachary its 20th location. LITTLE TOWN, DOWNTOWN Little Town Zachary’s miniature storefronts are headed to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum in downtown Baton Rouge. Owner Janelle Strahan opened the indoor play center in May 2024 and later sought a buyer. Little Town closed in September, but the museum purchased its inventory for its Discovery Depot gallery. HISTORY FOR SALETwo historic properties are for sale in downtown Zachary. The McHugh House Bed & Breakfast and the Fields House (Magnolia Fields venue) are both currently on the market. Both properties offer flexible commercial or residential zoning and use, and have the option for the future owner to continue running established businesses. The Fields House is circa 1898, and the McHugh House is circa 1903. Both Victorian properties have been beautifully preserved and have stunning original architecture and woodwork. Two historic properties are for sale in downtown Zachary. The McHugh House Bed & Breakfast and the Fields House (Magnolia Fields venue) are both currently on the market. Both properties offer flexible commercial or residential zoning and use, and have the option for the future owner to continue running established businesses. The Fields House is circa 1898, and the McHugh House is circa 1903. Both Victorian properties have been beautifully preserved and have stunning original architecture and woodwork.
Curtain UpZHS Theatre Has a Big Season Aheadthe 2026-2027 seasonWith five upcoming productions on the calendar, new leadership and students earning national recognition, Zachary High School Theatre is giving audiences plenty of reasons to take their seats. Since joining the program in August 2025, theatre teachers Lily McGill and Wil Thomas have been helpingThat work is already making an impact. This summer, ZHS Theatre students competed at the International Thespian Society’s festival at Indiana University Bloomington, bringing home national recognition for their performances. Katie Evans, Amelia Smith and Maci Kilpatrick earned a National Thespy Award in Ensemble Acting with a perfect score, while Rowan Rushing earnedstudents expand their skills both onstage and behind the scenes. Their focus goes beyond putting on a great show. It’s about giving students opportunities to create, collaborate and discover just how many ways they can be part of theatre.a National Thespy Award for Monologue, also receiving a perfect score. Nine additional ZHS Thespy acts received Superior ratings, with four earning Excellent ratings. Now, the focus is on the season ahead, and audiences have plenty to look forward to. November 2026 the addams family Darkly funny. Weirdly wonderful. A musical the whole family can enjoy. December 2026 twelve angry jurors A courtroom drama about doubt, justice and the power of one voice. March 2027 she kills monsters Adventure, fantasy and friendship collide in this imaginative production. April 2026 alice by heart A musical journey inspired by Alice in Wonderland, set in London during WWII. April 2026 the adventures of robin hood Adventure, romance and heroism take center stage. sherwood:8 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 Follow ZHS Theatre on Facebook or @zhs_theatre on Instagram for show dates, updates and announcements.
If you missed ZHS Theatre’s first production of the season, you missed a special one! The Diviners brought together talented student performers, an impressive student- built set and the creative work of the entire theatre team. The play was recorded and will be submitted with hopes to earn a spot as a mainstage production at next summer's International Thespian Festival. Schools submit a video of a fall production, and approximately 8–12 productions are selected from across the country. The selected schools bring their complete productions to the festival and perform for thousands of theatre students. The selection process considers everything from acting and direction to choreography, lighting, sound and costumes and organizers look for a diverse lineup of musicals, plays, classics and newer works. ZHS expects to learn whether it has been selected in late January, with the official announcement expected in February.Technical Director Mr. Thomas working with students to build The Diviners set. A big goal for this season: Could ZHS take the Mainstage?9 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
10 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 202610 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026Some people just have a way of making the world a little brighter. They have infectious laughs, ready smiles, or the occasional bear hug that can turn an ordinary day around. They're the familiar faces who care for our loved ones, young and old; the people who remember your name; and the employees and entrepreneurs who go above and beyond, often without realizing the difference they make. They may not all be the loudest people in the room, but they share a gift for making others feel seen, welcomed and loved. In their own ways, they make Zachary a better place to call home. Nichole Lauer PhotographyNichole Lauer Photographyseason of From left to right: Jonathan Gafford, Jordan Charlet, Tamara Dayton, Sandra Duncan, Nita Edwards, AEKO, Megan McKey From left to right: Jonathan Gafford, Jordan Charlet, Tamara Dayton, Sandra Duncan, Nita Edwards, AEKO, Megan McKey
TheThe JoyJoy MakersMakers The Joy MakersAsep Komar “AEKO” Jordan Charlet Sandra Duncan Tamara Dayton Megan McKeyNita EdwardsJonathan Gafford Betty Lukas Joel GilbertDelwyn Daigre11 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 202611 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
bring usmeet the people whomeet the people whomeet the people whoAsep Komar, better known as AEKO, received more Season of Joy nominations than anyone else — no surprise to his many regulars at Asian Pearl. Voted Zachary’s Favorite Waiter in our 2025 Foodie Faves, AEKO is unapologetically, authentically himself: always good for a laugh, posing for pictures with customers and somehow remembering not only their names and usual orders, but what’s going on in their lives. That genuine care shows up in little ways, too — like the time I ordered takeout while sick and discovered AEKO had tucked special bags of tea into my order. As one customer put it, “If I need to be lifted up, all I have to do is go to Asian Pearl.” My BOY!! He’s the BEST! Whether he’s cracking jokes while cooking for hundreds of people or telling a childhood story that somehow comes with both a laugh and a lesson, Jordan Charlet has a way of putting smiles on the faces around him. As the Director of Charlet Funeral Home and a volunteer firefighter, much of his life is spent showing up for people — often during some of their hardest moments. Yet friends say he brings humor, warmth and a genuine willingness to serve wherever he goes. “He’s the person who shows up when people need him,” says Fischer Romero, “no matter who they are, what’s going on or when they need help.” “He’s the person who shows up when people need him.” Many Zachary families remember Sandra Duncan from her days at The Little School; today, she’s a paraprofessional at ZELC — and every summer, she somehow agrees to babysit my little circus. No matter the kids’ attitudes, the Louisiana heat or what may be going on in her own life, Ms. Sandra remains a persistent source of joy. She is genuinely one of the most optimistic, kind and energetic people I’ve ever known, always quick with a smile and a laugh that’s impossible not to join. We love Ms. Sandra! To the students and staff at Zachary High, Betty Lukas is a little like everyone’s grandmother — the person who shows up and makes sure you have everything you need. A former CNP Support Worker of the Year, Ms. Betty is known for going above and beyond, whether she’s keeping the kitchen inventory in order or simply looking out for the people around her. One day, she even showed up with knee pads; before long, everyone realized why — she was on her hands and knees making sure the floors and equipment were spotless. It’s that combination of kindness, care and an extraordinary willingness to pitch in that inspired several ZHS students to nominate her. Megan McKey somehow manages to be relentlessly cheerful at 5 a.m. — even while telling you to hold a pose that hurts for another 30 seconds. Described as an “Energizer Bunny” by one nominee, the owner of McKey Fitness brings seemingly endless energy, encouragement and a smile to every workout. She also volunteers her time teaching chair workouts for seniors at The Lodge at Lane, sharing that same enthusiasm with an older generation. That positivity extends to the way she views Zachary’s entire fitness community: “It doesn’t have to be competitive. If we do better, y’all do better. Everyone is connected and if we all rise together, you know?” As one person joked, “I bet she just drives around town smiling.”I bet she just drives around town smiling. -S.M.12 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 Anecdotes submitted by poll respondents and compiled by P&P staff -Jen Gennaro
Mr. Daigre is known for walking into a room and lighting it up, usually with a smile, plenty of energy and a way of making students laugh. But former student Talar Johnson says what stands out most is the way he takes time to truly see and understand the students around him. Whether offering a snack, a little motivation, an encouraging word or occasionally surprising students with donuts, he creates the kind of environment where young people feel supported and welcome. And that support extends beyond the school walls, with Mr. Daigre showing up at events like away track meets to cheer on Zachary students. As a marriage and individual therapist, Joel has made a career helping people find perspective and hope when life gets hard — and his wife of 19 years says he doesn’t just preach it; he lives it. He’s the coach who ends a season by publicly telling each child the strengths he sees in them, and the neighbor who celebrates the Fourth of July by biking around in an evolving patriotic getup. Friend Justin Mayers describes him as someone who “genuinely sees and believes in others,” someone “Mr. Daigre truly is always smiling!” “What a gift just living is.” offering encouragement, thoughtful advice and plenty of reasons to celebrate. It’s a unique combination of wise counsel and carefree spirit, grounded in Joel’s frequent reminder to his family: “What a gift just living is.”13 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 -Mandy Bradley
Every morning around 5 a.m., Tamara posts an encouraging word or Scripture verse on Facebook. But her encouragement extends far beyond social media: friends say she is the person who runs toward those who are grieving or hurting, offering hope, truth and a Christ-centered perspective. Her husband jokes that the former hospital social worker has somehow become the unofficial social worker for the entire city of Zachary, always willing to take a call from someone who needs advice or direction. “Her joy comes from the Lord,” says longtime friend Karla Miller, “and she shares that joy with everyone around her.” “Her joy comes from the Lord, and she shares that joy with everyone around her.” — Karla Miller Editor’s note about the cover: It was Tamara’s idea to make all those well-dressed adults sit on the log at the photo shoot and pretend to row a boat! Jonathan Gafford has a way of making people feel seen — and creating places where people want to come together. At his Virginia Street snowball stand, he’s known for his kindness and encouragement toward the young staff, and this fall, he transformed a historic barn down the street into a pumpkin patch, complete with café lights, photo ops and candy apples. Jonathan says owning the snowball stand has introduced him to so many wonderful people and reinforced what he already believed about his new hometown: Zachary is an incredible place. More than anything, he wants people to come together, stay positive and focus on the good — and he seems determined to create a pretty great setting for doing just that. “He has a way of making everyone feel seen and loved.” - Lucy Gennaro At 78, Nita Edwards has spent the past decade living with cancer and learned last year that it had spread to her brain — yet most Saturday mornings, you’ll still find her orchestrating the Zachary Farmers Market on Lee Street, quite possibly in costume. The market’s driving force from the beginning, Nita has helped create a place where neighbors gather, local vendors thrive and no idea is ever too small — or too silly. She’s been the Easter Bunny, donned an inflatable Earth for Earth Day and is known for greeting passersby with a cheerful, “Well, thank you for taking a walk down Lee Street today!” As one friend put it, Nita is a reminder “to smile more, have a good attitude no matter life’s circumstances, and live life to the absolute fullest.” “I wonder what amazing things would happen if we all had a little more Nita in us.” - Ashleigh McHugh14 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
15 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026For most of my young life, I thought I knew what my path was. I started running cross-country in fifth grade after watching my older brother compete. I loved the team, the friendships and the feeling of working toward something. In eighth grade, I won my first race. Winning felt amazing—but it also created pressure to win again. I never did. Starting high school was less intimidating because I already had a place on the team and an automatic friend group, including my brother. But as I logged more miles, the pain in my right knee worsened. I had been born with an unusually shaped meniscus and had already undergone surgery for a severe tear. Still, I kept training because running had become part of my identity. It was where my friends were, what I had spent so many hours working toward, and what I thought I was supposed to be good at. Midway through my freshman outdoor track season, my parents pulled me from the team. An MRI later revealed a large bone bruise, and my knee needed rest. It became clear that running competitively just wasn’t in the cards for me anymore. Part of me was relieved. The pressure and pain had eased. But I also felt lost. I worried that quitting made me a failure. Then something unexpected happened: I became happier! I filled the new space with things that brought me joy, activities I used to enjoy when I was little, before everything had to have a purpose. I practiced guitar and began playing music with my dad and older brother. I had more time to play with my little brothers, help with dinner and simply be present with my family. I was less stressed, more rested and rediscovering parts of myself that running had crowded out. I also became more involved with my church, where I joined youth leadership and made new friends. Then, last summer, I spent June at Camp Kahdalea in North Carolina—an opportunity I could not have accepted if I had been training all summer. I made friends from across the country and sang with girls from my cabin during Sunday chapel. BEYOND THE FINISH LINE FINDING JOY WHEN A DOOR CLOSES Looking back, I don’t believe God took running away just to leave me with nothing. I think He opened a door I had not noticed because I was so focused on forcing another one to stay open. For so long, I had focused on being good at one thing. At camp, I began finding my voice and recognizing gifts I had overlooked. When I came home, my friend Leona and I started a girls’ prayer group. We make rosaries, talk honestly about our lives and pray for one another. I also began playing in our church’s praise-and-worship band with my dad and brother. My life looks completely different now. I have friends outside of running. I work at the snowball stand and am saving for a car. I have afternoons to spend with my family, play music and be with the people I love. When a door closes, it can feel disappointing, confusing or unfair. But being lost does not mean God has left you. Sometimes, you simply haven’t discovered where He is leading you yet. I still miss running. But I’m learning that joy doesn’t always come from getting what we wanted. Sometimes, it begins when we loosen our grip on the life we planned and finally notice the open door in front of us. By Lucy Gennaro
I thought he was lost. His dad explained, “He sees Hunter on the screen and thinks he’s a celebrity.” P&P: What shaped your particular sense of humor? MH: Trauma? (laughs) Making light of hard situations, probably. And That’s So Raven. I loved her comedy, and I’m a big facial-expression-and-gesture person, too. I love working a crowd. I’m not afraid to embarrass myself for the bit. I love a bit. I love riffing and throwing in obscure movie quotes and song lyrics. If someone says something that reminds me of a song, I’ll just burst into it. P&P What’s your current most frequent obscure reference? MH: My daughter is very into Toy Story. There’s this part where Rex hurts one of his friends and says: P&P: Did you have culture shock when you moved to Zachary? MH: No, except...And this sounds so ungrateful, but I'm gonna say it. When we had our daughter, we had a lot of DoorDash gift cards given to us. havingWhat am I gonna DoorDash? Chili's over and over again? And you can DoorDash from Baton Rouge, but I’m an empath, and then I have guilt for the driver having to drive… Great. Now I have guilt. P&P: What can you absolutely not be normal about? MH: Hmmm. Oh, like hot takes? Hang on, I have a whole thing in my notes app. <swipes through phone> CLAYMATION. Like Coraline? Disgusting. Disgusting. And I also hate cooked fruit, so don’t come at me with cooked fruit. The only cooked fruit I allow is blueberries in muffins, and that’s it. P&P: Oh. OK. I wasn’t…anyway, what does Louisiana have that you didn’t find in Alabama or Florida? MH: Culture. Alabama has no culture. I’ll just say it. Even at the height of Alabama football with Nick Saban—no culture. Florida had beach culture. I grew up in the Panhandle, which is basically Lower Alabama. My cousin even has a brand called Beachbilly, which perfectly describes it. It’s country with a little beach mixed in. But Louisiana culture is everywhere. It’s a way of life. People plan everything around these cultural moments, and everything is a spectacle—but in the best way. There’s whimsy in everything. I love that we’re raising our daughter in a state with this much culture. Otherwise, she might be boring. P&P: What little corner of Zachary is your favorite? MH: Agave Blue. It’s such a vibe. I’ve never been there without seeing somebody that I know. Mexican food is my favorite. Like, when I was pregnant with (my 2-year-old daughter) Winnie, I'm really surprised that she didn't come out as chips and salsa.16 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026NEIGHBOR YOU SHOULD KNOW: MACKENZIE HEATH Interviewed by Jen Gennaro If you were among the hundreds attending the Back to School Prayer Breakfast at First Baptist Church, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Mackenzie Heath—or at least heard her before you saw her. As the event’s emcee, Mackenzie made one thing abundantly clear: She is very comfortable with a microphone. What could have been a straightforward hosting gig became something closer to a stand-up routine, complete with quick wit, expressive delivery and an effortless ability to work the room. A Pensacola native, Mackenzie moved to Prattville, Alabama, during her freshman year of high school when her father accepted a position as a pastor. There, she met her future husband, Hunter, in what she calls the most “cringe” way possible: She sang in the church youth band, and he played drums. The couple was engaged when Hunter received an unexpected call about a position at First Baptist Church Zachary. The timing felt almost suspiciously perfect: Mackenzie had already enrolled in LSU’s online master’s program in higher education. Hunter accepted the job, Mackenzie switched to the in-person program, and the newlyweds moved to Louisiana in 2021. Today, Hunter serves as First Baptist’s technical minister, while Mackenzie works as a career coach at LSU. But those are merely the biographical details. To understand Mackenzie, you have to let her riff. P&P: What’s it like behind the scenes as a First Baptist staff wife? MH: You can’t go anywhere without being recognized. Hunter does the church announcement videos, and once a little boy came up to us in Walmart and just stared at him. explained,GREAT. NOW I HAVE GUILTCLAYMATION. LIKE CORALINE? DISGUSTING. DISGUSTING.
17 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026P&P: What is one Louisiana thing that you have embraced? MH: People here have no filter, and I love it! Growing up as a pastor’s daughter in Alabama and Pensacola, there was a lot of emphasis on appearances and Southern politeness. I often felt like I had to censor myself. Here, people just say what’s on their minds. It’s given me the freedom to do the same. In Louisiana, people are unapologetically themselves. P&P: What has made Zachary feel like home? MH: First Baptist has really integrated us into the community. Kids in the youth group invite us to their shows at Zachary High or ask us to support them at state tennis tournaments. Someone at our church touches just about every corner of Zachary. As a young couple figuring things out and establishing a life here, what better guides could we have than people who have already put down roots? The hospitality and generosity here are incredible. There's this sense of, “We will always have your back. We will take care of you.” Our former church was in a military town, where people were always coming and going. Here, there are roots. And now we're putting down our own. NEIGHBOR YOU SHOULD KNOW
The Life She Almost MissedKeli Cress sits in my office in a vibrant floral dress, beaming, her paint-splattered hands folded over the book in her lap. There are so many details in this image that the younger version of herself would not believe. The first is her wedding band. Then there’s the paint on her hands, evidence of a job teaching art—a passion she didn’t even discover until her 40s. And, of course, there’s the book in her lap: The Life I Almost Missed, her story of addiction, recovery and God’s grace. Sixteen years ago, Keli didn’t know how to live an ordinary day without alcohol. She didn’t know what true happiness was, “nor did I care,” she says. “All I cared about was getting that next sip in”—and reaching the point where she could no longer feel anything. Finally, at age 30, she uttered the words her family had been praying to hear: I need help. The first few days at the Christian rehabilitation facility in Texas were brutal. Keli experienced severe withdrawal symptoms and required medical care. But as the withdrawals subsided, she began to eat real food. She slept without first passing out. She prayed. She sat in small groups and listened. She began learning that recovery wouldn’t be one enormous decision to never drink again, but a series of tiny ones. Slowly, the fog began to lift. One of the first things taught in a 12-step program is that there is a power greater than ourselves. Keli was raised Christian and knew about God, but during her recovery, she began to see everything she had been taught play out in real life. “God put the right people in my path—the right counselors and pastors, my parents and family who refused to give up on me,” she says. “And He put the words in my mouth to finally stop fighting it and reach out to someone for help. “That was the hardest part. But once I did that, I let somebody else help me instead of me trying to control it all. I had a whole life waiting for me.” That life—the one Keli almost missed—is why she decided the time had come to tell the whole story. Writing The Life I Almost Missed was not about returning to the darkest parts of her past or allowing addiction to define her. It was about looking at the life she has now and recognizing how close she came to never knowing it. She shared the parts that were hardest to put on paper in hopes that someone still living inside that fog—or someone who loves them— might see that another life is possible. “I want people to know there is help, hope, healing and life on the other side of addiction,” she says. “If my testimony gives even one person hope, then sharing it was worth it.” Six months into her sobriety, Keli met Walker, and a life she had once wondered if she would ever have began to take shape. They fell in love quickly, married and eventually had two boys. But Walker gave Keli more than the family she had longed for. He taught her to slow down and notice the life happening around her. By Jen Gennaro
19 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026“He’s the one who has taught me that the simplest things in life matter,” she says. “He teaches me to go outside and take it all in—the simple things.” Today, those simple things include slow mornings, gardening through the changing seasons and horseback rides with Walker across their nine-acre farm. Keli dreamed of having horses as a little girl and discovered that her husband shared the same passion. A farm filled with animals had been another lifelong dream. Now, she wakes up inside it. The horses have become their own kind of therapy, offering the quiet and connection Keli once tried to find in a bottle. Together, she and Walker camp, travel and explore new places with their boys, but some of the life she treasures most is found right at home—in the land, the animals and the unhurried moments they share. “I thought I was giving up my life when I gave up alcohol,” she says. “But I was actually getting my life back.” It is a life built around experiences Keli once might have overlooked—and gifts and passions she never saw coming, art being one of them. Keli didn’t study art in college or set out to become an artist. In fact, she didn’t begin painting on canvas until about six years ago. But once she started, something clicked. “It’s something that I feel like God has given me, and it has taken me places that I never, ever imagined.” Painting became a kind of therapy. Keli sometimes wonders if creating filled a space that alcohol once occupied—if all those hours that might once have disappeared into drinking had, over time, been replaced by making something instead. “If you could see all the things that have been painted,” she says, laughing, “I’m like, is that because every time I would have had a drink, this is what I was doing?” What began as something she did for herself eventually became a career. After leaving her longtime job at a dentist’s office to have more time with her boys, Keli began working at their school. When a form asked whether there were other ways she would like to contribute, she wrote that she’d love to help if the school ever started an art program. The next thing she knew, they were asking her to teach it. Today, she teaches art at Zachary Learning Academy, paints acrylic landscapes and animals in her spare time, teaches art to children through private classes Need help? Call the Louisiana Alcohol & Substance Use Helpline at 1-877-664-2248 or the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). In a crisis, call or text 988. and camps, and leads painting classes for adults. As Keli tells me all this—about painting as therapy and the unexpected joy of discovering a gift she didn’t know she had—my eyes shift to the massive 4-by-6- foot canvas shoved into the corner of my office. It floated around my house for years until I finally got tired of looking at it and resolved to make myself stare at it from my desk every day until I was inspired to paint over it and create a masterpiece. Realistically, that’s probably years from now. I haven’t finished any of my scathingly brilliant artistic endeavors since 2011. But I’ve just met someone who has. “Do you want this?” I ask. Keli looks behind her at the canvas. “Are you serious?” “Yes. Have fun.” She looks at me, then back at the canvas. “Are you sure?” I assure her that I am. Until now, the largest canvas Keli has ever painted is about 16 by 20 inches. She gestures toward a tiny section of the 4-by-6-foot behemoth to demonstrate the difference. For someone who paints, she tells me, a blank canvas is freedom. “It’s such a great feeling. I don’t even know how to explain it,” she says. “It’s like a playground for a kid.” Suddenly, the giant canvas that had become an albatross in the corner of my office looks entirely different through Keli’s eyes. Where I saw another unfinished project, she saw possibility. Maybe that’s fitting. Keli knows better than most that unfinished and hopeless are not the same thing.
showing upthe power ofWhen Katie Mondulick's routine mammogram revealed breast cancer, she discovered the power of having people in her corner. Now, she's returning the favor. Six days after undergoing a double mastectomy, Katie was back at the ballpark watching her oldest daughter, Emersyn, play. Was it her wisest decision? Probably not. But there was a game to watch, and Katie wasn't about to miss it. Just two months earlier, she had gone in for a routine mammogram with no lump, no symptoms and no reason to suspect anything was wrong. A biopsy revealed stage 2, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) breast cancer, setting in motion a whirlwind of appointments, surgeries and treatments. Less than two weeks after surgery, another trip to the ballpark to watch her son play ended with severe pain. By the following morning, Katie was hospitalized with a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism. It was another frightening turn in an already difficult season. But Katie found reassurance in surviving the complication. "God isn't done with me," she wrote. "And I'm here for it." WHEN ZACHARY Throughout her recovery, Katie discovered that showing up didn't always mean being the one doing everything. Sometimes, it meant allowing other people to show up for her. Friends and family brought meals, prayed with her and visited her in the hospital. Others drove her to appointments, work and even real estate closings before she was cleared to drive. At home, her children stepped up in big ways, that she never had to face any of it alone. Katie watched her children grow in responsibility and faith, and began keeping a journal of the moments she didn't want to forget. "God has shown up so BIG, loud and in so many different ways," she wrote. Sometimes, those moments were obviously answered prayers. Other times, they looked like a ride to work, a meal delivered or another ordinary day with her children. folding laundry and helping with the everyday things she couldn’t manage on her own. Her husband was by her side through it all, caring for her surgical drains, helping with the kids, taking her to appointments, giving her twice- daily shots and providing the emotional support she needed along the way. They truly became her little team of nurses, caregivers and cheerleaders—reminding her20 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026shows up
HER TURN TO Katie has since been declared cancer-free and underwent her final reconstructive surgery last August, although her medical journey continues. Now, she's helping raise money for Bust Breast Cancer, an initiative supporting women affected by breast cancer, including assistance with screenings and financial needs. It's a deeply personal cause for someone whose cancer was discovered through a routine mammogram, before she experienced a single symptom. Having experienced firsthand the difference a supportive community can make, Katie wants other women to know they don't have to navigate a diagnosis alone. "If you know someone going through this and needs someone to talk to, I am an open book," she wrote. "I'm happy to talk or help anyone if I can." Katie doesn't yet know exactly how God will use her story. But after months of watching her family, friends and community show up for her, she's finding joy in the opportunity to do the same for someone else. The 2026 Bust Breast Cancer event was held on October 1. “What a blessing to be a SURVIVOR!” she wrote.show up21 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
BEST DAY EVER!For young children, joy can be found in the simplest things. After Rollins Place Elementary librarian Rebecca Newman read Best Day Ever by Marilyn Singer to second-grade students, they were asked to draw and write about their own “best day ever.” Some looked back on happy memories, while others let their imaginations run wild, daydreaming about the best day that hasn’t happened yet. Together, their answers offer a glimpse into what goes on in their sweet little minds. “My best day ever is when I got a dog.” “When me and Ms. Fowler are together.” “My best day ever is when my brother gave me toys. He is the best.” “My best day was with my best friend and looking at the rainbow outside in nature.”22 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
“My family went to Disney World.” “Me and my brother riding our bikes as my dad walks. This is our past away dog.” “I got a new little sibling.”“My best day ever is when I went camping with my cousins in a tent.” “I am going to San Diego and I’m going to Sea World. I’m going to swim with the sea creatures.” “I went on a cruise, on the slide, in the jacuzzi, in the wade pool. I got some food, some ice cream, some hot dogs.” BEST DAY EVER!
DANG, IDANG, I FORGOT IFORGOT I LIKED YOULIKED YOU DANG, IDANG, I FORGOT IFORGOT I LIKED YOULIKED YOUDr. Rikki Permenter, Bent Tree CounselingThe other day, my husband and I had to drop off a car for a new tire. The kids were already at school, and we'd both taken time off to make it happen. For logistical reasons, I ended up riding along while he ran a few errands. Unbeknownst to us, this was the first opportunity we'd had for an unhurried, uninterrupted conversation that wasn't about running our household in far too long. About 10 minutes in, I looked at him and said, "Dang, I forgot I liked you." We both laughed and went back to talking about all the things, all at once, simply because we could. There comes a point in many marriages when you look at the person you chose (out of all the people in the whole world!) and realize most of your recent conversations have been about groceries, bills, kids' schedules and whose turn it is to fix the garbage disposal. Nothing is necessarily wrong. You probably wouldn't want to do life with anyone else, but it's just not fun right now. This happens slowly and without fanfare. Dating involved outfits, events and reservations. Marriage involves hundreds of daily decisions: Who's doing carpool? What time is tumbling? Do we have cheese? Logistics are unavoidable. The problem starts when they become the bulk of the relationship. Couples sometimes come to counseling feeling like they love each other but aren't feeling in love. I hear "just roommates" or "just co-workers" quite a bit. Usually, that feeling is buried under responsibilities, exhaustion and an impressive collection of reusable water bottles that may or may not leak. Fun starts feeling frivolous when life is demanding. We tell ourselves we'll enjoy each other again when work settles down, the kids can drive themselves to all fifty-leven practices, or the cars are finally paid off. But waiting for some vague future season to enjoy your spouse is dangerous because you may never get there. Rediscovering joy doesn't require an expensive vacation or elaborate date night. It's about remembering how to be people together. Start by getting curious. Ask your spouse, "What used to make us laugh?" Then ask, "What sounds fun now?" The things you enjoyed 10 or 20 years ago may not fit the people you've become. Make fun smaller. Share a ridiculous TikTok. Sit outside after dinner. Take the long way home. Play a game badly. Put on a song from when FUN STARTS FEELING FRIVOLOUS WHEN LIFE IS DEMANDING.24 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
25 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026you first met. Make a rule that the first 10 minutes together cannot be spent discussing anything lame, like organizing the garage. And please, don't turn fun into a performance review. If it ends with a "We should do this more often" conversation followed by guilt about why you don't, you've missed the point. Let a fun thing simply be a fun thing. Of course, fun doesn't repair every relationship problem. Betrayal, contempt, fear or deep disconnection deserve honest attention and sometimes professional support. But for many couples, the relationship isn't broken. It's overmanaged, and both people are overextended. You became partners because you enjoyed something about each other before you shared an iCal, a mortgage or responsibility for keeping other small humans alive. That part of your relationship may be tired, but it's not necessarily gone. So ask yourselves: Are we having fun anymore? Then, before asking ChatGPT for a five-step improvement plan or buying another self-help book, go do one small thing together that you both enjoy. The tasks, and the small humans, will still be there when you get back. FUN DOES NOT HAVE TO BE IMPRESSIVE, ONLY SHARED.Dr. Rikki Permenter is the owner and clinical director of Bent Tree Counseling in Clinton. A licensed counselor and marriage and family therapist, she offers in-person and virtual sessions. www.benttreecounseling.com
HELLOHELLO FROM THEFROM THE OTHER SIDEOTHER SIDE HELLOHELLO FROM THEFROM THE OTHER SIDEOTHER SIDEAfter 20 years as an empty nester, Maxie Zachary looks back on the hectic, joyful years of raising two boys—and what mattered most.After 33 years on five acres in Zachary, Maxie and Donnie Zachary are preparing to say goodbye to the home where they raised their two sons. “Last night, we were talking about closing this chapter and moving on to the next,” Maxie said. “It’s been a great place to raise kids.” They moved to the country because they wanted their two sons to grow up close to nature. The property eventually held horses, four-wheelers, a fishing pond and even a motocross track. Their sons’ friends naturally gravitated there, often spending Saturday evenings at the Zacharys’ home. “It was just a wholesome life,” Maxie said. “They had their chores, which was very important, but they also had all this room to enjoy.” Although Maxie had always considered herself a city girl, the former banker and marketing director embraced the rhythms of country life—and the relentless schedule of raising two active boys. Oneloved horses, rodeo, baseball and football, and the other raced motocross. Donnie coached Junior Broncos football, while Maxie served with the Bronco Backers and squeezed in tennis when she could. Weekday mornings began at 6 a.m. with a full breakfast. Maxie laid out the boys’ clothes the night before, relied heavily on her Crock-Pot, and sometimes spent her lunch break checking dinner and starting another load of laundry.26 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026Q: What’s a mother to do once the days of last- minute emergency school crafts are over? A: Travel.Donnie and Maxie Zachary at Antelope Canyon in ArizonaThe Acropolis in Athens, Greece
“Time management was the biggest thing,” she said. “We really sacrificed our time, but we did things as a family.” Today, with 20 years of empty nesting behind her, Maxie does not miss the frantic coordination of practices, homework and school projects. But, oddly enough, she misses almost everything surrounding it. “I miss their activities,” she said. ansdfhg After work, one parent would take a child to practice while the other came home to finish cooking. Then came homework, school projects and the next day’s preparation. “You miss that interaction with them and making those special moments. Looking back now, we realize those For Maxie, those words affirmed the sacrifices she and Donnie made during the busiest years. She encourages parents to create opportunities for real conversation, real HELLO FROMHELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDETHE OTHER SIDE HELLO FROMHELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDETHE OTHER SIDE those hectic memories were part of it. We cherish those and hold them deep in our hearts.” She also misses having her sons around the dinner table. “They have their own lives, and I get it,” she said. Still, she cooks dinner once a week for her youngest son, his wife and their three boys, who live in Zachary. Her oldest lives in Colorado with his wife and two kids, and Maxie and Donnie frequently visit them. The Zacharys kept their five- acre home as long as they did partly so their grandchildren could experience some of the same childhood their sons had enjoyed. But Maxie knows the most important thing they gave their children was not land, horses or a pond. It was their presence. Recently, she asked her eldest what stood out most about his childhood now that he is a parent himself. “You and Dad being there,” he told her. “Being connected and being open. I knew I could come to you and Dad with any question or problem. You didn’t scream at me. We talked about it and tried to understand. The stability of y’all’s relationship carried over to us.” “We were such a team,” she said. “If I was having a bad day, he was always there to support me. And sometimes he did, and I was there for him.” After 41 years of marriage, and 20 years as empty nesters, now their mornings begin more slowly. Maxie and Donnie sit together over coffee and read their prayer book, a routine rooted in the faith that has carried their family through every season. They travel often, visit their children and grandchildren, and are currently trading the ballfields and motocross track for trips like one to Las Vegas to see the Eagles—and, for lifelong Wizard of Oz fan Maxie, a visit to the Sphere. The other side of raising children has given them more freedom, for both relaxation and travel. But it has also shown Maxie just how fleeting the crowded, noisy years really were. Her advice to the parents still living in that blur is simple: Put God first. Give your children roots to grow and wings to fly. Make time for your marriage. And do not wish away the hectic parts. One day, those may be the moments you miss most. even around an ordinary dinner table. Rather than asking the open-ended “How was your day?” she suggests asking children to name one or two things that went well—or something that did not work out— and then talking about it as a family. “People need to value the time and make well-spent time with their children,” she said. “I don’t care if it’s playing games, playing cards or sitting down at the dinner table. You have to be involved with what’s going on in their lives.” At the same time, Maxie and Donnie were intentional about tending their marriage. They kept a monthly date night, maintained interests of their own (tennis for her, golf for him), and loved getting together with friends when schedules allowed. Their marriage was never a perfect 50-50 division, Maxie said. Sometimes one of them had to carry more when the other was struggling.Girls trip to Ocean Springs, Miss. June 2026The iconic Bixby Bridge in Big Sur
(not counting household items like soap etc.)Under $150 15%MAKIN’ GROCERIESWe ran a series of social media polls throughout September to find out how Zachary shops, meal preps and puts supper on the table. From grocery budgets and favorite stores to weeknight cooking habits, here's what our neighbors had to say about feeding their families. 1-2: 9% 3-4: 53% 5-6: 25% 7+: 3% HOW MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE TABLE? HOW MUCH PER WEEK DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD SPEND ON GROCERIES?$150- $249 45%$250- $349 26%$350+ 15%28 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
MAKIN’ GROCERIESCOULD YOUR FAMILY EAT FOR $100 A WEEK? DO YOU USE GROCERY PICKUP/DELIVERY? YES, 30% NOT A CHANCE, 70% WHERE DO YOU TYPICALLY SHOP FOR GROCERIES? OTHER 14% 57% 17% 12% “We spend $350 at Costco and another $100 or so at Rouses/Aldi,” says Lauren Pope of her family of eight. “Grocery pick up is my money- saving hack! I can budget everything right in the app!” - Dana Muller ALMOST ALWAYS SOMETIMES PREFER TO WANDER AISLES WHAT’S YOUR “WE’RE BROKE TIL PAYDAY” DINNER? 25% Beans+Rice 25% Breakfast for Dinner 50% Other WHAT EATS UP THE BIGGEST CHUNK OF YOUR GROCERY BUDGET? DO YOU PLAN MEALS BEFORE YOU SHOP? Religiously Usually I Just Kinda Wing It Absolutely Not 26% 35% 4% 35% 57% Meat/Protein 38% Snacks 5% Fruit/Veggies29 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
MAKIN’ GROCERIES31% Fresh Fruit TEAM CROCKPOT OR TEAM INSTAPOT? WHEN YOU SAY YOU “KNOW WHAT YOU SPEND ON GROCERIES,” DO YOU ACTUALLY KNOW? 22% Teehee Not Rlly 22% I Track It 22% Educated Guess 34% I Don’t Wanna Know! WHAT’S ONE GROCERY ITEM THAT GIVES YOU STICKER SHOCK EVERY SINGLE TIME? WHAT’S ONE THING YOU REFUSE TO BUY GENERIC? Here are a few standout responses: “Literally nothing–have you seen these prices? Child is getting over brand snobbery.” - Lauren Mine Smith “Q-tips and Kleenex” - Sarah Mercury McCann When pressed, Sarah doubled down. “I don’t buy ‘cotton swabs’ or ‘facial tissue’. Suppose a cotton swab with a floppy stick breaks in my ear? And the Kleenex are the best. They’re thick and don’t irritate my face…. Dry nose, scratchy cotton…Wait, did I misunderstand the question?” “Why is Community Coffee suddenly $5 more expensive?” 50% Meat/Beef 12% Coffee Bonus Uncrustables One Response “Bananas. I can get so many for a little over a dollar!” (reverse sticker shock?)
One of my favorite dinner-table games is “Guess how much this would cost at a restaurant.” It’s especially satisfying when feeding the whole family costs less than one entrée. For a little fresh inspiration, we asked aTACO TUESDAY, BUT MAKE IT SPECIAL: BIRRIA TACOS + CUCUMBER SIDE SALADSHOPPING LIST:TO MAKE IT:Birria seasoning blend $1.42 Fresh cilantro $.97 2.5 lb Chuck beef roast $19.10 Shredded cheddar $2.67 1 avocado $1.45 1 lime $.25 1 cucumber $.98 10-ct flour tortilla $2.78 1 beef bouillon cube $.11Put the seasoning, the roast, and the bouillon in the crock pot on low. Once tender, serve on tortillas with melted cheese and gravy on the side.TOTAL COST: $29.73$4.95/person UNFUSSY DINNER FOR 6 few local moms to share their go-to dinners: affordable, easy meals that get everyone fed without much hands-on effort. Please note these aren’t complete recipes, more of a “what to put in the cart” guide and how much it’ll cost ya.RELIABLE, CHEAP AND FILLING: PORK TENDERLOIN + POTATOES + BROCCOLISHOPPING LIST:TO MAKE IT:2x marinated pork tenderloins $9.48 1 lb fresh broccoli crowns $2.29 Instant mashed potatoes $1.09For a 2.5 lb. tenderloin, roast 30-35 minutes. Add a little stock or white wine if it starts to dry out. Season fresh broccoli with olive oil, salt and pepper and air fry for 10 minutes.TOTAL COST: $12.86$2.14/person COMFORT FOOD: MEATBALL STEW SHOPPING LIST: TO MAKE IT:3 cups dry rice (from 5 lb. bag) $0.92 2 lbs. ground beef $14.46 4–5 small russet potatoes $3.12 1 large yellow onion $0.71 2 stalks green onions $0.40 Kary's Roux (estimated ½ jar) $1.87 3 beef bouillon cubes $0.35 2 packs Bird's Eye corn $2.52Brown the meatballs with half the onions and green onions, then remove them. Add a splash of water and scrape up the browned bits. Add more water, bouillon and roux; stir until dissolved. Return the meatballs with the remaining onions and potatoes. Season and simmer about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Skim off any grease. Serve over rice, Bunny Bread optional. TOTAL COST: $24.35$4.06/personsubmitted by Katie Suire
CHIK-FIL-A FAKEOUT + KALE SALAD SHOPPING LIST: TO MAKE IT: Buns $2.94 Chik-fil-A sauce $4.27 Hot honey $4.96 Waffle fries $2.97 Restaurant style chicken fillets* $9.86 Kale chopped salad kit $3.58 Cook according to package directions. Walmart makes it easy - all ingredients are packaged on the app as a “bundled meal!” (Hot honey bought separately) TOTAL COST: $28.58$4.76/person *1 lb bag contained 5 patties MEATLESS MONDAY: BLACK BEAN ENCHILADA CASSEROLE SHOPPING LIST: TO MAKE IT:2 cans Black beans $.92/can 8 oz bag of shredded cheddar $1.97 8 corn tortillas $1.98 Red enchilada sauce 10 oz can $2.22 Taco seasoning packet $.97Drain and rinse the beans, then toss with the taco seasoning. Layer tortillas, beans, enchilada sauce and cheese in a baking dish. Repeat, finishing with sauce and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. TOTAL COST: $8.06$1.34/personsubmitted by Lanie Mayronne32 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
But the Food Fight is far from over. As cuts to federal food programs reduce the pantry’s supply, it will take ongoing community support to keep the shelves stocked. In late July, photos of the Zachary Food Pantry’s empty shelves started circulating on social media. Within days, the Zachary community mobilized. Churches, businesses, students and neighbors organized food drives, gave money and carried donations to the pantry. Six women in the current Leadership North cohort launched Food Fight to Feed Zachary, a friendly competition that has drawn businesses and organizations across town into the effort. From mid-August through September, more than 27 local businesses offered discounts and other incentives to customers who brought in canned goods. Collectively, Food Fight contributed over 4,000 pounds of food and $4,500 to the Zachary Food Pantry. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church collected almost 2,700 pounds of food and over $1,000. Williams Gas company and the Really Hot Air balloon team also contributed a significant amount from their own initiatives to benefit ZFP. At press time, the communitywide initiative had collectively raised 11,000 pounds of food and $20,000 since the post in July, and Executive Director Mark Antoine is grateful for every bit of it. The response has helped the pantry keep serving its neighbors through a shortage that was years in the making. But the bottom line is this: 11,000 pounds of food is roughly half of what the Zachary Food Pantry distributes each month. The food donated since July is enough to serve about 120 households for one month at the pantry’s average distribution rate. That generosity has made a difference, but the pantry serves about 250 households each month and will need continued support to keep its shelves stocked. ZACHARY FOOD PANTRY GRATEFUL FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT BY JEN GENNARO A CRISIS SEVERAL YEARS IN THE MAKINGThe Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is the pantry’s largest supplier. During the pandemic and for a few years afterward, enhanced federal programs helped food banks provide larger amounts of food. Those supplemental programs ended in 2023, and more recent changes to federal programsMark Antoine, Zachary Food Pantry Executive Director34 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
have further reduced the food available to the GBR Food Bank’s network of more than 100 pantries. The change in Zachary has been stark. In the pantry’s 2022–23 fiscal year, it received 488,000 pounds of food from the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In 2025–26, it received 190,000 pounds — a decrease of about 60%. Meanwhile, the average number of households visiting the pantry rose from about 220 to 250 a month. The pantry drew on stored food to keep up until supplies became critically low this summer. After reducing the amount each household received, it distributed just under 20,500 pounds in August, compared with its usual monthly amount of more than 23,600 pounds. The pantry served 576 distinct households last fiscal year. Because eligible households may return monthly, that amounted to 3,082 household distributions serving 10,644 people, including 3,868 children and 1,727 adults age 65 or older. Canned goods remain the most urgent need. The pantry once packed 12 cans of vegetables, fruit, soup and meat in each household’s bag. Now it packs seven. With so many children served, after-school snacks are also needed. Other nonperishable donations are welcome but should be arranged in advance. Email the pantry to coordinate a drop-off, or donate Tuesday morning during distribution. Monetary gifts help purchase meat, flour, sugar, cereal and other items less frequently donated by the public. Pantry spending on food rose 55% last fiscal year compared with the year before.Givebutter DonationsThe pantry is run entirely by volunteers. The City of Zachary provides its building and covers rent and utilities, allowing most of the pantry’s budget to go toward food. Residents can drop donations in food barrels around town or in the bin outside the pantry, mail monetary gifts to P.O. Box 932, Zachary, LA 70791, or volunteer on a Tuesday morning beginning at 8 a.m. The sight of fuller shelves is cause for gratitude. Keeping them that way will take the same steady generosity that helped fill them after July 28. OTHER WAYS TO HELP REHOME YOUR PLASTIC BAGS (FINALLY!) ZFP will accept your plastic bag collection, which will be used to prepackage donations for recipients. SHARE YOUR GARDEN’S BOUNTY The pantry also welcomes fresh produce and other perishable food when it has room to store them. It has 11 freezers and three refrigerrefrigerators but cannot accommodate every large donation without planning ahead. Email the pantry to coordinate a drop-off at info@zacharyfoodpantry.org.35 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 WHAT IT TAKES TO KEEP SHELVES STOCKED
ZACHARY FOOD PANTRY: OTHER WAYS TO HELP DINNER MADE EASY “We were so impressed with CrossFit Zachary,” Antoine says. Last year, members assembled bags containing the ingredients for white chicken chili, tucked a recipe card into each one and donated the bags to the pantry. Other possibilities include bags with cake mix, oil and frosting for a birthday treat; spaghetti, sauce and canned meat for dinner; or pancake mix and syrup for breakfast. Adding a recipe card or a little The food donation bin out front is open 24/7 for non-perishable drop-offs!little note makes each bag feel like more than a collection of ingredients, and Antoine says that little lagniappe makes the recipients’ eyes light up.36 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026CrossFit Zachary donated white chicken chili kits complete with recipe cards.
ZACHARY FOOD PANTRY: OTHER WAYS TO HELP HELP PUT TURKEY ON THE TABLE For the past several years, the Zachary Food Pantry has purchased turkeys to share with families ahead of Thanksgiving. This year, rising costs have forced a change: The pantry will provide only the turkeys that neighbors donate. Even with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank’s bulk discount, the pantry’s turkey bill rose from about $1,400 in 2023 to $4,700 in 2025. It would cost around $6,000 to provide turkeys for the same amount of households this year. Pantry leaders decided they could not make that purchase again while spending more to keep everyday food on the shelves. If you would like to donate a turkey, late October is the best time to arrange it. Please email the pantry at info@zacharyfoodpantry.org to schedule before dropping one off. Frozen turkeys must remain frozen; the pantry cannot accept food that has thawed. In addition, frozen storage is limited. Any donated turkeys will be distributed throughout the month of November on Tuesdays.37 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
WALGREENS’ FIRST ANNUAL TRUNK-OR-TREAT! TRICKS, TREATS & THROWBACKS 31 ST. PATRICK’S FALL FEST SEND YOUR EVENTS TO EDITOR@PORCHANDPARISH.COM TO BE ADDED TO OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR. OCT The City of Zachary’s official trick-or-treat date for 2026 is set for Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, but there’s plenty of fun to be had leading up to the big day! Our amazing Walgreens team members will be decorating their trunks and passing out plenty of candy to all of our little ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses! TRUNK-OR-TREAT | LOCAL VENDORS & FOOD VENDORS | PROTECT YOURSELF THIS FLU SEASON | MULTIPLE RAFFLES & AMAZING PRIZES! | FAMILY PHOTO OP | KIDS’ SCAVENGER HUNT TRUNK OR TREAT AT THE MOUNT! OCT 25 2:30 TO 5 PM Get ready for an afternoon of family fun, fellowship, treats, and community! We invite our church family, friends, and community to join us for a fun-filled Trunk or Treat at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church! 16 OCT 6 TO 9 PM THE LITTLE SCHOOL FALL FEST & TRUNK OR TREAT 24 OCT 4 TO 7 PM The Little School | 4205 Church St Bring the whole family and join us for an evening full of fall fun! Food Trucks | Local Vendors | Games | Cake Walk | Fun Activities AND SO MUCH MORE!38 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 11 TO 3 PM Food, games, crafts, vendors, inflatables, dunking booth, local entertainment, bake sale, and more! The event is an offering to the community for a day of fun and fellowship with proceeds used to fund the various ministries of the church. GHOSTS OF PORT HUDSON 31 OCT 6:30 TO 8:30 PMPort Hudson SHS will conduct guided night-time tours with various scenes depicting the life of a Port Hudson soldier at night. The tours will start every 30 minutes beginning at 6:30 PM with the final tour at 8:30 PM. The tours will pass through a picket post, a medical tent, a camp site, burial scene, and more! Halloween candy will be available for kids to “Trick or Treat”.
HALLOWEEN IN THE ‘90S What do you miss more: the Bed Races, the charming window art on Main Street, or the gas prices?!
Q: What do you enjoy most about creating makeup art? A: I enjoy doing makeup art because I like challenging myself, improving my techniques, and it is satisfying to see the end result. Q: What inspires your makeup looks? A: Most of my inspiration comes from Pinterest, trends on TikTok, and things I enjoy, whether that be music, movies or TV shows. Q: What is your favorite Halloween makeup look you've created? A: My favorite Halloween makeup is my zombie look. I enjoyed painting my whole face and adding details. Q: What has been your most challenging makeup look? A: My most challenging makeup look is my thermal makeup. To get the colors to blend and be so vibrant, I layered face paint and eyeshadow. The blending was the most difficult part in order to create a realistic look. Q: What are some of your must- have products? A: I would recommend the Athena Face Body Oil Paint Palette, UCANBE Water Activated Face Paint Palette, RCMA No-Color Powder, and any ColourPop or Morphe eyeshadow palettes. They are very pigmented. BEHIND THE LOOK: QUINN LANGLEY ZHS senior and Talented Art student Quinn Langley has been creating makeup art for about four years. What started as an interest in art and makeup has grown into a creative hobby—and a talent she continues to develop. Q: How long have you been creating makeup looks, and what first sparked your interest? A: I have been creating makeup looks for about four years now. I have always taken an interest in art from an early age, and getting my first makeup products sparked my interest. I found joy in doing makeup and painting and drawing, so I figured, why not try makeup art? I started taking this hobby more seriously after I placed first in the “Makeup and Hair Designˮ category at Texas Thespians in 2022.40 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 Her creativity doesnʼt stop with her own looks! Quinn also enjoys doing makeup for friends.
Q: How does your background in art influence your makeup artistry? A: Being in Talented Art has strengthened my attention to detail, which has helped me improve my makeup artistry. Q: What are you planning for this year's Halloween look? A: This year I am planning to be the Other Mother from the movie Coraline.41 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026 “MAKEUP LETS ME COMBINE MY LOVE OF ART WITH MY IMAGINATION.” “HALLOWEEN MAKEUP HAS COME A LONG WAY!” -JEN, CIRCA 1995. Q: How long can it take to create one of your more detailed looks? A: It typically takes me about three hours to do one of my more difficult looks.
ZACHARY LORE True Zachary stories for telling around the Halloween campfire. Every year at Halloween time I think about a story my Great Grandmother told me about two of her sons when they were teens about 1900. They lived on Hooper Road at the time but the boys were courting two sisters that lived on the Greasy Bend Road (now Comite Drive). They had walked on the dirt roads to the girlsʼ home one evening and were returning late that night on Blackwater Road. The night was overcast and dark with a chill wind blowing and their only light was a kerosene lantern. As they approached Blackwater Church and Cemetery, an owl hooted and the winds made the limbs of the trees brush against each other, making a creaking noise. The already apprehensive boys were then startled by a terrible noise from within the church of things falling and bumping, as though a fight was taking place. Their curiosity overcame their fear and they made their way to one of the windows on the side of the church and raised the lantern to look inside. As they stood on their tiptoes to peer in, suddenly a fearsome face appeared in the window with shining red eyes, horns, and a beard glaring at them. The two teens wailed and ran the remaining two miles home and breathlessly told their parents of having seen the devil. He looked just like the pictures they had seen of him and they promised never to misbehave. They were so adamant about what they had seen and heard, their father felt he should look into the matter, and the next morning harnessed his horse and rode to the church. When he opened the door, a large billy goat that had wandered in from a neighborʼs house through a door that had not been closed properly and had been blown open by the wind rushed out. The father debated with himself about telling the boys when he got home, but finally relented when he saw how frightened they still were. — excerpt from Bill Lewisʼs book, Simpler Times and Other Musings
BLOOD AT THE CROSSROADS45 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026Imagine the Plains crossroads without the Sheriff's Substation, paved roads and sidewalks, or Plains Presbyterian Church. In their place: dirt roads, thick woods, open fields and a two-story country store that doubled as a Masonic lodge. On May 21, 1863, Union troops advancing north from Baton Rouge toward the Confederate stronghold at Port Hudson encountered approximately 600 Confederate soldiers near the crossroads. The Confederates initially retreated, but another 400 soldiers arrived from Port Hudson and launched a second attack. The reinforcements briefly overwhelmed Union infantry and overran an artillery position but failed to capture the cannons. Union troops regrouped and drove the Confederates back toward Port Hudson. The Battle of Plains Store helped close the last Confederate escape route from Port Hudson. By the following day, Union forces had nearly surrounded the stronghold, beginning the grueling 48-day Siege of Port Hudson. Food eventually became so scarce that Confederate soldiers resorted to eating rats and mules before surrendering on July 9. The historical marker at the crossroads records 100 Union and 89 Confederate casualties, although other estimates place combined losses as high as 250. Today, the easily overlooked marker beneath a sprawling live oak in front of the Sheriff's Substation on Old Scenic Highway reminds passing drivers that this quiet country crossroads was once a bloody Civil War battlefield.Nearly 200 soldiers were killed, wounded or reported missing in a Civil War battle fought around a country store just outside present-day Zachary.43 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
U.S. SENATOR Jamie Davis Julia Letlow U.S. REPRESENTATIVE 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Monique Appeaning Chauna Banks Rufus Craig Larry Davis III Rick Edmonds Patrick “Pat” Forbes Lindsay “Rubia” Garcia Michael Mebruer Blake Miguez Stephen Wagley DISTRICT JUDGE, 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ELECTION SECTION 1, DIVISION M ReAzalia Allen Allison “AJ” Sabine Vernon Thomas DISTRICT ATTORNEY, 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Hillar Moore III Ryan Thompson JUDGE, FAMILY COURT ELECTION SECTION 2, DIVISION C Lawrence “L.T.” Dupre Wendy Edwards Morice MEMBER OF SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 1, ZACHARY COMMUNITY Dewey Davis Tracey Johnson Taylor-Jarrell ON THE BALLOTKNOW THE ISSUES. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. SAMPLE BALLOT MEMBER OF SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 3, ZACHARY COMMUNITY Jonothan Borskey Edwards Rebecca Fletcher MEMBER OF SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4, ZACHARY COMMUNITY Kenneth R. Mackie Jason Partin MEMBER OF SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5, ZACHARY COMMUNITY Patrick Jenkins Marty Dustin Nichols COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 1, CITY OF ZACHARY Travis Gaspard Kendrick Slan COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 2, CITY OF ZACHARY Randy Albarez Devyn Baker Sr. John LeBlanc COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 3, CITY OF ZACHARY Ambre DeVirgilio Amanda Perry COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 4, CITY OF ZACHARY James Graves Mark Miles COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 5, CITY OF ZACHARY Dianne Dayton Fletcher Jennifer Boyd Landry Lael Montgomery A voter’s individual ballot may vary based on residential address, City Council district, School Board district and other applicable voting districts. The Louisiana Secretary of State advises voters to check their registration information and sample ballot before voting. Sample ballots can be accessed through the Louisiana Voter Portal and the GeauxVote system at www.geauxsos.com44 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES ANNOUNCED FOR NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION With the November 3, 2026 Election approaching, Zachary residents who are not currently registered to vote or who need to update their voter registration are encouraged to do so before the upcoming deadlines. According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, the deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Monday, October 5, while the deadline to register or update voter information online through GeauxVote is Tuesday, October 13. WHAT WILL BE ON THE NOVEMBER 3 BALLOT? THE NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION INCLUDES FEDERAL, JUDICIAL AND LOCAL OFFICES, AS WELL AS PROPOSITIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS. DEPENDING ON A VOTER'S RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AND VOTING DISTRICTS, THE BALLOT MAY INCLUDE: U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives 19th Judicial District Court Judge District Attorney – 19th Judicial District Zachary City Council Zachary Community School Board Constitutional Amendments and Local Propositions IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE – IN PERSON OR BY MAIL: Monday, October 5, 2026 VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE – ONLINE: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 EARLY VOTING: Tuesday, October 20–Tuesday, October 27 No early voting on Sunday, October 25, 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Voters are encouraged to verify their registration status, residential address, voting precinct and sample ballot before Election Day. For voter registration information, sample ballots and other election information, visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Elections and Voting website at sos.la.gov Elections and Voting or the Louisiana Voter Portal Sample Ballot. Make sure your voter registration is current and that you are prepared for the November 3 election. ON THE BALLOTKNOW THE ISSUES. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. SOURCE: CITY OF ZACHARY PRESS RELEASE45 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
YOUR VOTE. YOUR VOICE.ELECTION 2026 | MEET THE CANDIDATESTHE RACE FOR DIVISION M. Three candidates. One seat on the 19th Judicial District Court. For Zachary voters, the race for 19th Judicial District Court Division M is a race for a seat on the court system serving all of East Baton Rouge Parish. The 19th Judicial District Court handles civil and criminal matters throughout the parish. While the courthouse is located in Baton Rouge, its jurisdiction includes Zachary and the surrounding communities. That means the judge elected to Division M could preside over cases involving residents from across East Baton Rouge Parish. For voters, the race is an opportunity to learn more about the candidates who are seeking that responsibility—their views on service, fairness, public safety and the role of the judiciary. PORCH & PARISH ASKED BOTH CANDIDATES THE SAME FIVE QUESTIONS.* HERE'S WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY. *The third candidate declined to participate. REAZALIA ALLEN AJ SABINEWHAT DOES SERVING THIS COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY? Serving this community means giving back to the place I call home. Zachary is home for me, and I thoroughly enjoy being a resident of this community. I believe justice begins with service, and service starts with listening to people and taking their concerns seriously. If elected, I will bring that commitment to the bench every day. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE COMMUNITY YOU HOPE TO SERVE? I love how people in Zachary show up for one another. Whether it’s through our churches, schools, neighborhoods, or local events, there is a strong sense of community here. People care, and you can feel it. I chose to build my home and life in the Zachary community because of the way this community shows up and serves not only the city of Zachary, but the entire parish of East Baton Rouge. WHAT IS ONE CHANGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN OUR COMMUNITY OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS? I want more people to have confidence in the justice system. To me, ReAL Justice means a commitment to public safety, fairness, and integrity. As a judge, I would do my part by being prepared, treating every person with respect, and deciding each case on its facts and the law. WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL SAY ABOUT YOUR TIME IN OFFICE WHEN YOUR TERM IS OVER? I hope people will say that I served with integrity, took public safety seriously, and was fair to everyone who came before me. Even when someone disagrees with a decision, I want them to know they were heard and that the law was applied fairly. WHAT IS ONE THING VOTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MAY NOT LEARN FROM A CAMPAIGN AD OR WEBSITE? Service is personal to me. My grandfather was an ironworker, and his example taught me the value of showing up, working hard, and doing the job the right way. That is the same work ethic I would bring to the bench. I did not have to become a candidate to care about this community. I was already finding ways to serve, including helping people understand their legal rights and plan for their families’ futures. That work matters to me because I know how much it can mean for someone to feel seen, informed, and supported. Public service is not a campaign message I picked up for this race. It is a reflection of who I have tried to be all along. WHAT DOES SERVING THIS COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY? Serving this community means advocating for each citizen's rights and protection. It’s about upholding the values of faith and family that define us and creating safe spaces where everyone feels welcomed and heard. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE COMMUNITY YOU HOPE TO SERVE? I love the spirit of unity in Zachary and the surrounding communities. We have a strong tradition of supporting one another through both challenges and triumphs, proudly expressing our faith and family values as we navigate life together. WHAT IS ONE CHANGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN OUR COMMUNITY OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS? I would like to see stronger support for our judicial system, ensuring it remains fair and effective as we grow. We must address the needs of law enforcement and ensure every citizen has a chance to be heard and protected. WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL SAY ABOUT YOUR TIME IN OFFICE WHEN THE TERM IS OVER? I hope they will remember my term as one marked by a steadfast commitment to justice and the protection of our community’s values. I want to be known for fighting crime and prioritizing the safety of families and children. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU BELIEVE VOTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MAY NOT LEARN FROM A CAMPAIGN AD OR WEBSITE? I want voters to know my deep commitment to listening to and engaging with our community. My approach to justice is driven by personal passion: ensuring our families can thrive in a safe, supportive environment. GEAUX BRONCOS! #ItsallabouttheZ #Broncos #Sabineforjudge #IntegrityFirst #Faith&Family46 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
47 | PORCH & PARISH | FALL 2026
New This Year SHOP LOCAL HOLIDAY GUIDECOMING OUT MID- NOVEMBER CONTACT EDITOR@PORCHANDPARISH.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY! SPECIAL HOLIDAY ADVERTISING RATES!