Zachary Post Dec 31 by Zachary Post

PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID ZACHARY, LA PERMIT NO. 6 CAR-RT PRESORT POSTAL CUSTOMERS ECWSS Postal Patron Local

The Post is the place for Zachary news.

Boudreaux Reflects on Zachary’s Past and Future

Longtime coach and principal has touched generations of Zachary citizens

By James Ronald Skains

“I couldn’t speak English when I started to school in that three room school house in Grand Pointe in St. James Parish,” Coach Jerry Boudreaux told to the Zachary POST. “My mother was an educated woman with a degree from a business school. She could type 100 words a minute on a manual typewriter. She began to help me learn English once I started to school.” Jerry Boudreaux’s educational career has carried him a long way from that first three-room school house not far from the banks of the Mississippi River in St. James Parish. At ten years of age, Boudreaux’s family moved to Baker. After finishing high school at Baker in 1952, Boudreaux accepted a football scholarship offer from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now ULL) in Lafayette. He lettered four years as a 160-pound backfield player, and was named to the second team

All-Conference defensive team as a freshman. “If it had not been for the football scholarship in 1952, I would not have been able to go to college at that time,’’ Boudreaux acknowledged. “My dad worked at one of the chemical plants, but didn’t make much money. He couldn’t read or write. After getting started with my college education, I wondered how my dad could hold a job at a chemical plant since he couldn’t read.” “One day I asked one of my dad’s foremen that question. That’s easy he told me. Your dad gets to work an hour before he is supposed to every morning and works as late as we need him too. Plus he does everything that we ask him to with a good attitude.” Boudreaux received the first of three degrees in education in 1956 from SLI (now ULL) in 1956. Boudreaux also received a Master’s in Education from LSU in 1963. Four years later he added a Masters plus

Jerry Boudreaux 30 from LSU. “After finishing at Southwestern where I met my future wife, Cherry

Brady from West Monroe, we took teaching positions in East St. John Parish. Two years later I went into the Air Force with my ROTC commission,’’ Boudreaux related. “We were shipped out to Iceland, of all places, in an air traffic control Air Force unit. A few years ago, Cherry and I were able to go back to visit in Iceland. We drove all over the island wherever there were roads.” “Before I went into the Air Force, I had met Mr. Robert Aertker who was Superintendent of Schools for East Baton Rouge Parish. Mr. Aertker got in touch with me to let me know that when I got out of the military, he had a job opening for me in EBR. So, after I was discharged from the Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant, we headed back to my home town of Baker where I coached three sports, assistant coach on the football team and head coach for basketball and track.” See BOUDREAUX page 4

Stream of Life Ministries a Valuable Resource By James Ronald Skains

The Streams of Life Food Ministry has been a vital participant of the feed the hungry movement in the Baton Rouge Metro since 1997. The Streams of Life Ministry is an effort by the River of Life Church on Greenwell Springs Road to help feed the hungry in the area. “Our Streams of Life Ministry developed initially as an effort by our church to help provide food to those who needed it,” Steve Adcock, pastor of River of Life and director of Streams of Life located at 8848 Greenwell Springs Road, told the POST. “Both the church and the food ministry developed through God’s will because we started out in my home in

Red Oak subdivision in 1993. I had never pastored a church before in my life. Within a span of about two weeks, four couples visited with me on separate occasions and told me they wanted me to be their pastor.” “First of all, I didn’t have a church and secondly, I was working in the

RV industry here in Baton Rouge,” Adcock, a native of Bogalusa recalled. “However, the four couples were persistent so I finally agreed that we would start out meeting in our home on Saturday night.” “I figured that first; a meeting on Saturday night would be a good test

of how serious these people were. Secondly, meeting in someone’s home is a little different than in a church building. We had a big room on the back of our house to meet in. The first night, 2 or 3 people made the comment that it was like meeting in a church building.” “But surprisingly, to my wife Diane and me, but not to God, we became a very tight knit group. We had some people come and go, but as a whole we continued to grow. In the fall of 1997, we decided to take all the church members down to an orphanage near Rosita, Mexico for Thanksgiving. We cooked lots of food for the orphanage and the people in the area. From that trip, came the idea of a food See STREAM on page 8

Zachary POST Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Looking Forward to 2014 While Reflecting on 2013

P.O. Box 1637 Zachary, LA 70791

Phone (225) 654-0122 Fax (225) 208-1165 Email stories and photos to info@zacharypost.com Published Tuesdays 52 weeks a year Publisher & Editor Daniel Duggan Graphic Designer Tina Adams Account Executives Georgiana Walls Ashley Evans Contributing Writer James Ronald Skains Concertmaster Calla Duggan Novice Cub Scout Chandler Duggan Queen of Swings Cecelia Duggan Still Tryin’ to Potty Train Colton Duggan After Hours Logistician Kylie Phillips

Deadline for news and advertising: Wednesday 5 P.M. Call for advertising rates.

By James Ronald Skains

2013 was an exciting year of writing for the Zachary POST and Feliciana EXPLORER. It has given me the opportunity to get to know the FelicianaPlains-Port Hudson-Zachary area and its people as never before. First, the “history buff” in me discovered that the area noted above is rich in history and heritage, as much, if not more so, than any area in Louisiana. Secondly, I discovered some of the most wonderful innovators and leaders that have made this area an economic powerhouse and a great place to live. Since the mid-1700’s, people looking for economic and spiritual opportunities have found the area north of Baton Rouge and south of the Feliciana’s known as the Plains a land of opportunity. Bordering the mighty Mississippi on the west, this area produced two port towns of great significance, Port Hudson and Bayou Sara, that were the direct results of people settling in the Plains area and plying their various trades in the society that developed. The Feliciana’s with Bayou Sara as the gateway to the great River saw large upland plantations develop. Many of those majestic plantation homes are still with us today as a reminder of our heritage in St. Francisville, Jackson, and Clinton. Many of these sites have become economic engines in the tourist industry. Some people in the Feliciana’s believe that the tourist industry is just

now beginning to show signs of acceleration. Port Hudson is a national monument as place where a monumental struggle took place during the Civil War. This area includes a burying ground for those who wore the military uniforms of our country from bygone days to the 21st century. Although now, only an empty spot on the banks of the Mississippi except for a US Army Corp of Engineers concrete mattress factory, Bayou Sara guided the initial development of the Feliciana’s. The beautiful town on the hill that grew when Bayou Sara declined, St. Francisville is known as perhaps the most unique and beautiful town in Louisiana. It is well known throughout the state as a wonderful short-term destination place. Nearby, the Bluff’s Resort has become known nationally as a world-class golfing location. However, I found the people of the area as fascinating as the scenery. What a pleasure to get to know to know the Mills family whose residency in the Feliciana’s date back to at least the 1790’s. What a privilege to get know Mr. Albert Carter Mills, Jr. in the last part of his hundredth year of life. His baby sister, Ms. Jane Burke, has been a very bright spot in this past year providing me with lots of information about her family, the Plains Presbyterian Church, and the Bank of Zachary. Mr. Albert’s daughter, Kathleen Mills Davis has been an inspiration in sharing the trials, tribulations, and spiritual joys of her unique journey through life. Hats off and many thanks also, to my “buddy”, Betty Tucker at the Zachary City Archives and Zachary Historical Association. Betty has opened numerous doors for me to write business profiles and feature articles on people in the area. Not only has Betty provided me with a world of historical information about the area, but also she has been a sounding board for ideas as well as a contact person who seems to know most everyone between Baton Rouge and the Mississippi line. Betty already has a pretty good list of possible feature article ideas for 2014. Up in Clinton, I was able to interview my old friend Dennis Aucoin. Dennis was the person who told me about the PACTEC Company, a truly unique company. I was some kind of surprised during my visit with Mike Schilling and Rodney Terral to find out that PACTEC has a presence in the nuclear reactor clean up in Japan s well as a manufacturing facility at Subic Bay in the Philippines. I also enjoyed my interview visits with Jeff Gardner and David Dart in Clinton. A little further west, I had an

interesting visit with Jon Salter at the War Veterans home. It was great to get know Col. Jim Hendrickson (retired) in Jackson. What a unique and distinguished career Jim has had. I also met Kenny Havard on that trip. Later I was able to visit with Kenny and get the latest on his initial term as a LA State Representative. It was a pleasure getting to know another family member with long linage in the Feliciana’s, Tom McVea. It was also really interesting to get to know all the all of the candidates who stood for election as the new Parish President of the West Feliciana, Lea Reid Williams, John Kean and the eventual winner of the race, Kevin Couhig. I plan to see Kevin on a regular basis in 2014 to get up-dates on his efforts as Parish President. It was also a pleasure for me to get to know his dad, Bob Couhig, who helped “write the book” on pest control in Louisiana. Although 97 years of age, Bob Couhig is still as sharp as tack. I’m still in awe of the Howard family at Red Stick Armature on Highway 61 south from St. Francisville. Talk about the American Dream of a business success. Mr. Howard survived not only Pearl Harbor and a number of days in a life raft in the South Pacific, he returned to Trade School in Bogalusa and then came to Baton Rouge as a motor re-winder before starting his own business which has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 60 years. Back in the Zachary area, I found at least four of the men who have helped write the modern history of Zachary, Mr. Johnny LeTard, Mr. John Hendry, Mr. Harry Morris, and Coach Jerry Boudreaux. Harry Morris, who got to know most everyone in the area from his 30 plus years at the bank, was truly the man in the trenches doing the heavy lifting in the economic development of Zachary. I’ve got my sights on getting to know the people at the Georgia Pacific paper mill at Port Hudson. GP has been such an economic engine and great corporate citizen in the Zachary area. It is time to let everyone know of GP’s true impact to the area. Writer’s note: There are several more people in the area that I wanted to mention, with whom I have become acquainted through the newspaper. However, I’m past my word limit for this edition. I certainly appreciate the opportunity to work with Daniel Duggan, a real first class newspaper publisher. But for 2014, I’ll look forward to getting to know more of the people in the area and to visit many more points of interest! My contact info is: jrskains@cox.net

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 Zachary POST 3

W NO

EN P O

Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Welcomes Vicki Z. Munson-Whetstone, MD Family Medicine Now Accepting New Patients Vicki Z. Munson-Whetstone, MD received her medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans. She completed her internship and residency training in family medicine at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. Dr. Munson is Board Certified in family medicine. Dr. Munson specializes in treating medical conditions in patients ages 16 and older, including the common cold and flu, diabetes, hypertension and other common ailments. She is an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Zachary Clinic 4242 Hwy 19, Suite C, Zachary, LA â&#x20AC;˘ (225) 286-8100

OLOLPhysicianGroup.com

Zachary POST Tuesday, December 31, 2013

BOUDREAUX continued from page 1

“In 1967, Mr. Aertker told me that I would never make much money in coaching at the high school level, so he suggested that I take the assistant principal job at Baker Junior High School,” Boudreaux recalled. “By that time Cherry and I had five children. We needed to make more money and have more time with the kids.” In 1970, Boudreaux received another call from Mr. Aertker that forever changed his career. “Mr. Aertker called me one day at the Junior High School in Baker and asked me to come to his office,” Boudreaux remembered. “When I got there he told me that he was making me principal at Zachary High School. My first response was to ask him what I had done wrong to get that kind of assignment.” “Nothing,” he told me, but I was still surprised because Zachary High School had a principal, Billy Honeycutt. However, Northwestern High on the north side of Zachary was being merged into Zachary High School. Mr. Aertker’s thoughts were that if he named Mr. Honeycutt principal of the combined school and not Mr. Elmer Glover who was currently the principal at Northwestern, or vice versa, then he would be showing favoritism.” “It was a tough situation, but one thing that helped was that I had already built a house in Zachary and my kids were in the school system,’’ Boudreaux explained. “The first time I called Mr. Aertker asking him how I should handle a problem he told me, ‘Jerry, you’re the principal, handle it however you want to’. I didn’t bother him with any more phone calls.” “The people who I knew that were successful up to that time in my life were good disciplinarians and organizers. Coach Didier at SLI, my coach at Baker, Perry Angle, and Kay Keller who I coached with at Leon Goudchaux High School were all great organizers as well as great disciplinarians. Plus I had my Air Force career training to draw on so I got organized in a hurry and made classroom instruction and discipline the top priority when I got rolling as principal of Zachary High.” Boudreaux handled the job of principal at Zachary High School for a quarter of a century. In 1988, the people of Zachary showed their appreciation for his service by naming him Zachary Citizen of the Year. During those years at Zackary

High, Boudreaux was very active with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). “I really enjoyed my years working with the LHSAA,” Boudreaux acknowledged. “One of the events I was in charge of was the annual High School Hall of Fame basketball game.” Boudreaux also served ten years on the executive committee of the LHSAA. In addition, he was also chairperson of the LHSAA school visitation program from 1995 through 2010. In 1991, Coach Boudreaux was inducted in to the LHSAA Hall of Fame. Boudreaux championed the creation of the Zachary School System during the late 1990’s. He served both as the chairperson of the committee to create the independent school system and as its first superintendent. “It was a tough task to break away from EBR school system and set up our independent system. We first had to get the support of the people of Zachary, and then the state legislature to approve it and then the bill for the creation of our school district had to be voted on in a statewide election. We didn’t have much money to promote it but did get it passed statewide.” “The main reason we were successful was the people of Zachary. They were helpful and resourceful, kind and gracious,” Boudreaux acknowledged. “Georgia Pacific was so good to us in those days, especially in helping us make it a reality. GP has always been a great supporter of our school system. I could always rely on them to help us give Christmas presents to all our students.” The recognition and awards for Jerry Boudreaux in his 40 years of service in education have been many. In 1978, Boudreaux was elected president of the LA Association of Educators. He was also president of the LA Association of Principals for 3 years, and was named EBR Principal of the Year in 1988. Boudreaux has been active in the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association and Baton Rouge Association of Retired Teachers for many years. A few years back, he received the LRTA Name of Fame Award. Writer’s note: Jerry Boudreaux is a special guy. Zachary has been blessed that Jerry’s career path brought him to Zachary. Jerry didn’t just happen to become principal in Zachary. He paid his dues along the way in his coaching and educational career for 14 years before becoming a principal, including 8 years that he spent as a college student.

Dr. Reggie Bridges Leaves FBCZ to Join another Church Home

Mayor David Amrhein and Members of the Zachary City Council recognized Dr. Reggie Bridges, Pastor of Zachary First Baptist Church for his 8 years of Outstanding Christian Leadership, pastoring to the congregation and the citizens of this community. Dr. Bridges left First Baptist Church of Zachary last week to become hte Senior Pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, LA.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 Zachary POST 5

ZHS Student Athletes Spend Christmas Break Bringing Home Glory Representing Community

ZHS had 4 football players get picked to play in the Redstick All Star Bowl today. It turned cold and rained but they still played a great game. #76 Zachary Douglas, #11 Forrest Town, #18 Darius Wallace, and #51 Matthew Bowman.

Lady Broncos shut out rival Central Wildcats 5-0 on Saturday. The wind and rain could not stop the Broncos from sending the Wildcats packing! Above: Senior Monica Mackay keeps the ball from the wildcats once again Left: Senior Brent Calihan

Photos by Sharron Ventura

Senior Nathan Lowery makes a play.

All-New

2014 Chevrolet

All-New

SILVERADO DOUBLE & CREW CABS

ALL NEW LOOK FOR THE 2LS! STK # CE3204

NO WORRIES! 24/24,000 MAINTENANCE FREE OWNERSHIP!

BEST IN CLASS V8 PICKUP EPA FUEL ECONOMY! 5 STAR SAFETY RATINGS HIGHEST POSSIBLE OVERALL VEHICLE SCORE!

32 MPG

2014 Chevrolet

CAMARO 2LS 3.6L SIDI V6 18”SILVER-PAINTED ALUMINUM WHEELS MSRP.....................................$25,810 ASC/ASCN DISCOUNT.............-$1,320

23,990

38 MPG

EST HWY

SALE PRICE:

All-New

2014 Chevrolet

SILVERADO CREW CAB POWER DRIVER SEAT, POWER WINDOWS & LOCKS, FOG LIGHTS, REMOTE VEHICLE START, MYLINK 8” COLOR TOUCH, REAR CAMERA, REAR DEFROST WINDOW, TRAILER PKG W/AUTOLOCK DIFFERENTIAL, 110 POWER OUTLET, ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS AND MORE! STK #TE1702

MSRP.....................................$37,795 ASC/ASCN DISCOUNT.............-$3,550 FACTORY REBATE ...................-$3,500 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YOUR PRICE:.........................$30,745 TRADE ASSIST........................-$1,000 GM LOYALTY..............................-$750

SALE PRICE:

28,995

EST HWY

0.9% APR FOR 60 MONTHS!

WITH APPROVED

CREDIT IN LIEU OF

REBATE

New 2014 Chevrolet EQUINOX FWD LS P/WINDOWS & LOCKS,TILT, CRUISE XM RADIO,CD PLAYER AND MORE! #TE1319 MSRP ...........................$25,705 ASCN DISCOUNT...........-$1,710 GM CUSTOMER CASH ...-$1,000

ASK ABOUT THE $209 A MONTH PLAN!

SALES PRICE:

22,995

New 2014 Chevrolet CRUZE

ONSTAR, XM, CD, STEERING WHL CNTRLS, FOG LAMPS, 1.8L ECOTEC VVT ENG! #CE446 MSRP ...........................$19,630 GM CUSTOMER CASH ...-$1,000 BONUS CASH ...................-$500 * 36 PAYMENTS TOTAL 5724.00 2669.00 PLUS TTL DUE AT SIGNING 12K/YR * RESIDUAL VALUE $11316.20 SEE DEALER FOR QUALIFICATIONS/DETAILS

New 2014 Chevrolet MALIBU

OR BUY FOR 159 /MONTH $ $19,990 OR BUY FOR 179 /MO $17,699

AUTOMATIC, PROTECTION PACKAGE, 2.5L DOHC, ONSTAR RADIO! #CE1457

MSRP: 23240.00 36 PAYMENTS TOTAL 6444.00 $2774.00 PLUS TTL DUE AT SIGNING 12K / YEAR RESIDUAL VALUE $13,090.05

*WITH APPROVED CREDIT, PLUS TAX, TITLE AND LICENSE. INCLUDES ALL REBATES AND INCENTIVES. PHOTOS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. SEE DEALER FOR ALL REBATE QUALIFICATIONS & DETAILS. NO PAYMENTS FOR ONE FULL YEAR BASED ON 8.99% APR WITH APPROVED CREDIT. MAXIMUM TERM 60 MONTHS. MINIMUM 740 BEACON SCORE, PROOF OF HOME OWNERSHIP AND 80% LOAN TO VALUE REQUIRED. INTEREST ACCRUES FROM LOAN INCEPTION. OFFERS END 1/2/14

Zachary POST Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Milestones Daniel, George Ard

Births • Engagements • Weddings • Awards Obituaries • Anniversaries • Reunions

George Ard Daniel, 89, a resident of St. Francisville, LA, died on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2013 at the Carpenter House in Baton Rouge. He was retired, after working for 25 years for Crown Zellerbach. Visiting will be at Mt. Carmel Catholic Church on Saturday December 28, 2013 from 8:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Star Hill Cemetery, St. Francisville. He is survived by two daughters: Felicia Ann Hendl and her husband Joe of St. Francisville; Deborah Kay Daniel of St. Francisville; one son, Danny Daniel and his wife Faye of St. Francisville; one brother, Leo Daniel; grandchildren Robert Triche and wife Jonnie of Zachary; Chris Triche and wife Kristen of St. Francisville; great-grandchildren Daniel, Mackenzie, Taylor, and Brooklynn Triche, all of Zachary; and Olivia and Bodie Triche of St. Francisville. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ruth Pohlmann Daniel; father and mother James and Anna Soule Daniel; brothers James Daniel Jr, A.M. “Boss” Daniel, W.M. “Bill” Daniel; sisters Betsy Maryman and Cooper Rutledge. Pallbearers will be Robert Triche, Timmy Pohlmann, Robert W. Daniel, Walter Oliveaux, Glenn Daniel, William McMills, Jr and all of his beloved nephews. He was a veteran of WWII, where he served in the US Navy. He enjoyed hunting and camping, raising cattle. He served 16 years as the Vice Commander of Rogillio-Clark American Legion Post 164, and the Audubon Lions Club. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Special thanks to Tavia Riggs and Jessee Epps, the staff at Lane Regional Medical Center and the staff at The Carpenter House for all your care and compassion. Memorial donations may be made the The Carpenter House, 10615 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70807. Share sympathies, condolences and memories at www.CharletFuneralHome.com.

Shane Lee Hartley Shane Lee Hartley was born at Lane Regional Hospital on November 25 at 7:56 p.m. weighing 7 lbs. and 13oz and was 19in long. He is welcomed home by big sister, Emmalyn, as well as, loving mother and father - Holly Hartley and Ryan Whittington. Proud grandparents are Melinda Hartley, Denise Havard and Bryan Whittington, all of Zachary.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 Zachary POST 7

FELICIANA WINDSHIELD BUSINESS DIRECTORY | CLASSIFIEDS ANTIQUES

Antiques Primitives Vintage Retro Linens Cast Iron and More!

@ The Crossroads, LLC (225) 570-2039 20130 Plank Rd. (Hwy 64 & Hwy 67) Zachary, LA 70791

www.AntiquesAtTheCrossroads.com

FRAMING

Zachary’s Auto Glass Place

AUTO GLASS REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT (May Qualify for No Deductible) VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION (All Parishes)

Hwy 19 658-7906(local) · 921-2185(cell)

Open Mon-Sat 10:00-5:00 Sundays by Chance

Antiques At The Crossroads

ARTS, DANCE & MUSIC

Health & Fitness

ENJOY A FREE ART LESSON!

Art Lessons Made Easy with Betty Miller (LIMIT ONE PER PERSON; MUST PRESENT AD)

225-654-9900 225-301-2908

home & LAWN

insurance

CONSTRUCTION

Custom Drapes “We come to you, FREE estimates”

Custom Drapes & Upholstery 225-936-8649 Credit cards accepted

DOG CARE

All Breeds Dog Boarding Obedience & Retriever Training

www.y-farms.com • 225-445-5012

Classifieds Classifieds

2008 GMC Acadia, Excellent Condition, 3rd Row Seats, DVD player, Loaded. N.A.D.A. $19,575; Sale Price $13,995. ON TIME MOTORS (225) 921-2185 I am Looking for a Good Used Mobile Home to Buy and Move. I will Consider trading acre of land. Call 225-245-1448. 2003 Ford F-150 Reg. Cab Work Truck, Automatic, A/C, 55K miles, Great Truck! N.A.D.A. $7925; Sale Price $5500. ON TIME MOTORS (225) 921-2185

(225) 921-2185

Immediate openings for Shop Technicians 20 minutes North of Zachary; Solar power systems, electrical/electronic experience a plus; resume to careers@gulfcoasttmc.com

For Sale! Seasoned Oak Firewood. $75 per truck load. Pick up only. Located in Slaughter 225-6543236.

ZACHARY CURVES FOR SALE! Only Franchise offering Fitness, Meal Planning & Coaching, Turn Key Opportunity, Low Investment, contact 225-658-6555.

2003 Ford Windstar, Low Miles, One Owner. Great Condition. Sale Price $3500. ON TIME MOImmediate opening for experienced CADD opTORS (225) 921-2185 erator 20 minutes North of Zachary. VISIO or AutoCADD, Electrical design experience required. 2003 Buick Rendezvous, Hwy Miles, Loaded, Runs Great. N.A.D.A. $4460. Sale Price $2850. ON Email careers@gulfcoasttmc.com. TIME MOTORS (225) 921-2185 2004 Honda Odyssey, White/Blue, One Owner, 119K miles, Loaded, Excellent Condition. N.A.D.A. $6650. Sale Price $4995. ON TIME MOTORS

Call in or send us your Classified Ad Only $10 Up to 20 words

Phone 225-654-0122 or email advertising@zacharypost.com

Zachary POST Tuesday, December 31, 2013

STREAM

continued from page 1

ministry.” “Prior to the idea for the food ministry, our group of believers had concentrated on missionary work,’’ Adcock, who attended Northeast LA State University in Monroe on a football scholarship in the early 1970’s, explained. “We had helped sponsor Diane’s mom and dad on a missionary trip around the USA in a motor home. Also, we helped sponsor a young lady in Tennessee on a mission trip to Russia where she met and married a great Russian guy. Now they live back in Tennessee. “But after the church decided to start a food ministry, I was at a loss of how to start it. We still had no church building or warehouse to store any food if someone gave it to us. I vividly remember my first call on a grocery store to ask them for their surplus and soon to be out of date food,” Adcock acknowledged. “The grocery man asked me why that he should give me the food when he could sell it for a little money to drug addicts who in turn would sell the food for money to buy drugs.” “I replied that we would pick up the food anytime he had extra food, and then give it to hungry people free of charge. He looked at me for at least

a minute and then he asked me, “Can you be here on Sunday night about 7 PM?” Now I figured that I was being tested because most pastors have church on Sunday night, but it just so happened that we did not have Sunday night service. I showed up that Sunday night, and he became a great resource for food over the years.” “As we began to get sources of food, we would pick it up and bring it to our house in Red Oak,’’ Adcock elaborated on the early days of Streams of Life. “We had decided that we wanted Streams of Life to be a warehouse distribution type of operation, instead of providing food directly to families.” “Our belief was that we could contact other churches and non-profit organizations to come to our place, pick up the food and deliver it to needy people. Believe it or not, that worked perfectly as God had planned it. We still operate on that principal today. If an organization is a non-profit organization and they have their paperwork in order, they can pick up food from our warehouse.” The Streams of Life Warehouse is a 20,000 square foot warehouse that was donated to the River of Life Church by a local family. On the first and third Tuesday of each month between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 noon, non-profit organizations can come to

the warehouse and pick up food. The Streams of Life Food Ministry is a 501-c-3 entity with a separate Board of Directors from the River of Life Church. Their mailing address is 8844 Greenwell Springs Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70814. Their other contact info is: 225.771.8830 and streamsbr@gmail.com “I really don’t know how this all developed, other than it was God’s will,” Adcock acknowledged. “Diane and I just work at it as hard as we can each day, with the help of other people in the church and other volunteers. Frank Van Norman and Mr. Ramsay have been great dependable help for several years.” “It amazes me how much food comes into our warehouse, seemingly out of nowhere as we don’t do much solicitation. On an average year, about 1.5 million pounds of food pass through the Streams of Life Food Ministry. The same is true with financial donations; they just seem to come to us out of the blue sky without any notification.” “During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, for 8 straight weeks we had more than a dozen 18 wheeler

trailer loads of things coming each day. I remember that we were having two church services on Sundays at the time, and between services we would be out unloading food trucks.” Steve Adcock is a walking medical miracle himself. Adcock was diagnosed with colon cancer 6 years ago. During the removal of the cancer, complications began and he became septic. Since then, Adcock has had 20 additional surgeries and many nights and days in the hospital. He still has a large open wound in his upper stomach that is slowly healing from the inside. “I know that it is all about God’s work because Diane and I couldn’t do it without His power and grace gifts,’’ Adcock said in conclusion. “Even today, it is harder to get quantities of food because food supply chains don’t keep as large inventory as they did before the recession. One thing that I have learned in dealing with food supply vendors is to offer to pay the freight to get the food here to the Baton Rogue area. With the price of fuel, transportation is a big cost in the food industry, especially with surplus items.”