By Mia Freneaux Need some good news? Here's some proof that God is still at work in our community! Devon Gales, our own Central High School graduate who suffered a severe neck injury while playing for Southern University's football team in 2015, has been working hard at therapy with Atlanta's Shepherd Center. As a result of his efforts and unflagging optimism, according to the Macon Telegraph, Devon has actually STOOD UP with assistance, and his therapists believe he was trying to move his legs. Coach Sid Edwards says, “The Shepherd Center will not keep you this long unless you are progressing!” Devon plans to resume his studies now at Southern University. The Gales Family home was flooded in August, so Central High School is still taking donations for him as well. Devon's unshakable faith has sustained him throughout this ordeal. His tattoo says it best - "Miracle Child." Cristal Hebert, terribly injured in the car accident that took her husband Charlie's life in September, is WALKING. Told that she would be in a wheelchair for at least 8 weeks after having her pelvis crushed, Cristal confounded her doctors when she stood on her own 6 weeks after the accident. "My doctor asked if I could stand, so I did!" Cristal shared, "then he asked if I wanted to try walking, and of course I said YES!" Cristal walked out of her doctor's office that day without a wheelchair, walker, or cane! Cristal's doctor couldn't believe it - he said he had never seen anyone recover from such a severe

injury so quickly. Cristal's pelvis was completely healed! "I am also able to drive now," said Cristal, "I'm only going up from here!" She is still working on range of motion in her left arm, but believes she will be able to start weight training in January. Cristal knows Who to credit - "I shouldn't have survived the accident, yet here I am. I can only say it's the good Lord." A Go Fund Me has been set up for Cristal at www.gofundme.com/2sdo8fo. Sgt. Bruce Simmons, after having his left arm shattered in the police ambush on July 17, has movement in his arm! He began using a bone stimulator daily in mid November, and has been having both physical and occupational therapy for 2 hours a day, 3 times a week. He had been scheduled to have surgery, due to test results showing the radial nerve that runs down the arm was dead. A week before the surgery, he began moving his wrist, and the doctor saw muscle movement near his elbow. The doctor believes Sgt. Simmons' radial nerve is starting to regenerate and cancelled the surgery! "We thank the Lord for his progress and improvement!" shared his wife Pam. The sergeant continues to say the Lord is performing miracles also with fellow sheriff's deputy Nick Tullier, and that he will indeed finish that cup of coffee with his brother! A Go Fund Me has been set up for Sgt. Simmons at www.gofundme.com/bruce-a-simmons?ssid=847255690&pos=1. Speaking of Nick Tullier, the man that doctors feared wouldn't survive the day after he was shot on July 17th is now answering questions by moving his head, standing up with assistance, and WRITING HIS INITIALS. Nick was moved to TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston not long ago. "I assure you that ALL will be amazed as Nick's miracle continues, thanks to God, the power of prayer, and prayer

CENTRALSPEAKS

Upcoming Publications:January 12 & January 26

Print Edition Direct MailedTo 12,000 Homes

Daily news online: www.centralspeaks.comMERRY CHRISTMAS!Thursday, December 22, 2016

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Above: Central High School students lined the streets last week to welcome Daniel Wesley home (front page story continued on page 8). Photos by Ami Winter

Above: Air Med, EBR Sheriff’s Office, and EBR Constable’s Office put on a Holiday Helpers event to bring Santa to Bellingrath Elementary. See page 5.

2 COMMUNITY Thursday, December 22, 2016 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

CONTACT Central SpeakSEditor: Dave Freneaux

Editor@CentralSpeaks.com13513 Hooper RoadCentral, LA 70818

Email: Info@CentralSpeaks.comPhone: (225) 262-3730Fax: (888) 220-8396

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THANK YOU!

Thanks to the hundreds of donors and dozens of businesses that chipped in and made the 2016 Central’s Toy Box campaign the most successful ever. The vast number of individuals that assisted in raising money, collecting toys, purchasing and sorting the gifts; and organizing the distribution process is unbelievable. This year, we had enough toys for an unprecedented 800 children!

While our community is still hurting from the recent flooding event, many children in our area will have a little more Joy on Christmas morning through these efforts. Special thanks to the following area businesses that donated thousands of dollars and services in making this all possible: Louis Mechanical Contractors – Zoar Baptist Church – G M Cable Contractors – Chapman Group – Alpha Air Conditioning – Central Speaks - Crossfit Fitness Center – Willie James Quality Flooring – The Looking Glass Beauty Lounge – Southern Charm Marketplace - R V Cams –

Peoples Bank – Hazel and Bliss Boutique – Fundamentals Early Learning Center – Dr. Benjamin Record – Covers Unlimited – Chase Health Care – Central Storage – Central Physical Therapy – Central Dental Care – Central Cleaners – Central Chiropractic Center – Carlton’s Seafood – Caliente’s Mexican Cravings – Bourg Insurance Agency – Bombshell Boutique – Bellingrath Pharmacy – Bank of Zachary – Avant Tous Beauty Spa – AA Mini Storage – Oak Point Fresh Market – Heavenly Gardens – GSD Investments – Brown and Co – Central Community Assistance Foundation – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – I.B.T.S. – Advanced Office Systems – Journey Church - Ross Tire and Service Thanks for your efforts in proving that indeed “Central is a Community that Cares”; and Best Wishes for a Happy and Joyous Christmas! - Volunteers and Staff of Central’s Toy Box, a local Public Charity 501 (c) (3) organization

Central's City Council received strong public opposition to the approval of a new subdivision, but approved the development which adhered very closely to Central's Master Plan. The subdivision of 71 homes will be located on Joor Road just south of Rambling Oaks A second development request for 175 houses across Wax Road from Central High School was deferred to the January 10th Council meeting. In addition to strong public opposition to the rezoning inconsistent with Central's Master Plan, Council Members expressed concern over the waiver requested to deviate from the density allowed in Central's zoning code.

Council Approves 71 Home Subdivision

175 House Development Deferred

The Hohensee Light Show on Sullivan Road is going now through New Year. Donations are being accepted for

Tanglewood Library.

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, December 22, 2016 COMMUNITY 3

Last Tuesday and Wednesday the City of Central Food Bank handed out Christmas Dinners. Michelle Lewis said that though they were scheduled to open at 10, she found folks lined up at 9 am in the freezing cold! The "Ham for the Holidays" effort was a great success with 80 dinners given out. Dinners consisted of a Smithfield ham , yams, peas, corn, green bean casserole, stuffing and gravy, and brownie or cake mix. The Food Bank also gave out fresh picked oranges and grapefruit, donated by local residents. Volunteers Michelle, Kevin, Alfie, John and Sandi kept busy filling bags, loading groceries, and spreading the Christmas joy! Thanks for all of your efforts folks!

Central Food Bank Gives Christmas Dinners to 80 Families

Above: Norma, Bill, Ronnie, Tish, Troy None of us can fathom what it would be like to lose our son and then our home, but this is Ronny and Tish Gerald's reality. On July 17th their son Matt was killed in the line of duty. Then on August 14th their uninsured home took three and a half feet of water. How could anyone make it through such tragedy? The Geralds' contractor, who asked to remain anonymous, was doing her best to save the Geralds anything she could. "They lost everything- furniture, clothes. They're living in a trailer. So we are salvaging whatever we can. I was searching for a way to get them a discount on their flooring- I called Floor & Decor in New Orleans." The contractor asked store manager Bill Christenson if some kind of discount might be available. When Bill heard their story, he immediately wanted to help, and managed to get all the flooring DONATED. Then, in the true spirit of giving, Bill, his

wife Norma, and co worker Troy Gourges came up to Baton Rouge and personally installed the flooring at no charge. "I wanted to be there when that floor was completely finished for them," Bill shared. Their contractor confessed that in the face of so much heartbreak and need all around her, she was getting worn down. A daily commute from Covington coupled with work days lasting til late in the evening was just draining. "Bill and Norma's generosity gave me a fresh start- this has recharged me to look for new avenues to help folks." In the face of all the sadness, this has been a true ray of sunshine for the Geralds. Their contractor shared, "Tish is so excited. She told me it was the best gift anyone could have given her. Despite the devastation I have seen some wonderful things come from this, even more than after Katrina. This community has handled helping each other out beautifully."

Floored by Kindness

4 COMMUNITY Thursday, December 22, 2016 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Submitted by Central Lodge Central Lodge #442, F. & A. M. held their annual officer installation ceremony for the incoming 2017 officers on December 8, 2016. A banquet of jambalaya prepared by Bro. Luther Perkins was enjoyed by all, and preceded the ceremony, which was open to friends and family, with many in attendance. The event was presided over and the officers were installed by R. W. Deputy Grand Master Bro. Guy Jenkins, of Central and Installing Marshall Bro. Jimmy Akins. The officers for 2017 are, Worshipful

Master Tim Falke, Senior Warden Mike Zaruba, Junior Warden Dean Erwin, Treasurer Rex Thornhill, Secretary Jeff Freeman, Senior Deacon Walter Freeman, Junior Deacon Randy Holden, Senior Steward Gene Cagle, Junior Steward Randolph May, Master of Ceremonies, Ted Powell, Chaplain John Sullivan, and Tyler, Clint Gates. Group Photo, left to right: Mike Zaruba, Rex Thornhill, Ted Powell, Jeff Freeman, Tim Falke, Gene Cagle, Dean Erwin, Randolph May, John Sullivan, Randy Holden, and Clint Gates.

Central Lodge Installs New Officers

By Marissa Rasch At Grace Kellie Boutique, you get a three generational brand of dressing women! The owner, Kellie Alford, not only stocks the store with clothes that she and her mother Shelia would wear, but also clothes that she could crossover to her own college-aged daughter Grace. Kellie took over Sandra Lynn's this past summer and thought the combination of her and her daughter’s names would give her shop a real uniqueness that reflects her generational offerings. Although Kellie sells clothes she herself would buy and wear, she also steps back and asks, "Would this be an outfit my friends would wear?" With her daughter being in pageants all her life, she has lots of connections to the fashion world. She knows what the best trends are for the year and has also sold formal wear for Homecoming and will be stocking gowns for Prom. She sells shoes that are comfy and gifts such as bath bombs, cute wine glasses, McCall’s candles and more!

In 2017, she will be offering personalized gift items. Kellie’s goal is to have good, quality clothing that will hold up at great prices. For last minute Christmas shoppers, she is carrying messy bun caps, DIFF Charitable Eyewear (RayBan quality at inexpensive prices, plus a portion of the proceeds goes towards reading glasses for rural Africa), and Royal Standard bags, pajamas, and slippers. For 2017, she plans to offer more gift options for baby showers and weddings. Since the people of Central are so loyal and shop Central first, Kellie hopes to reach into the Baton Rouge area to get more people to shop in Central. Go by Grace Kellie Boutique soon and let Kellie and Shelia help you find your special style! You won't be disappointed! Grace Kellie Boutique, 13567 Hooper Road, 218-6738, Find them on Facebook! Normal hours Tuesday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4, extended Christmas hours this week only.

Business Spotlight: Grace Kellie Boutique

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, December 22, 2016 COMMUNITY 5

Submitted by CHS Kittens Sponsor Brandie Gilchrist The Central High School Kittens raised money for Sgt. Bruce Simmons through "CHS Backs the Blue" t-shirt sales. They delivered the proceeds to Sgt. Simmons after school on December 15. Sgt. Simmons (standing in the back of the photo) was shot in the line of duty this summer, and he continues to recover.

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By Mia Freneaux 468 children's faces glowed with excitement as the Air Med chopper descended on their playground at Bellingrath Hills Elementary. They cheered when, of all people, Santa and Mrs. Claus alit from the aircraft waving hello! Dressed in their pajamas, the children jumped up and down with glee and sang Christmas carols as they waited in line to meet Santa. The Clauses brought with them gifts for every child, who each got a hug from Santa and a bag full of goodies. The event was sponsored by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's and Constables' Offices. Many of the deputies and constables formed an honor guard for the Clauses, while high five-ing the kids and chatting with them. The effort is called "Holiday Helpers". They also put on Thanksgiving Dinner and Easter Bunny events throughout the year. In its 30th year, the efforts are staffed for the most part by retirees, and one hundred

percent funded by donations. Each year a school is selected for a visit from Santa, then the officers hit the roads, delivering even more gifts to various homes where there is need. "We've provided gifts for 1000 Head Start kids at Memorial Stadium in the past," said long time volunteer Randolph Scott proudly. Volunteer Ruth Williams is wheelchair bound as she recovers from a stroke, but refused to stay away from the happy event. Tony's Seafood provided Christmas baskets of food as well for needy families. Santa and Mrs. Claus, who go by the aliases of Dave and Paula Kane at other times of the year, originally lived in Baker when they started working with Holiday Helpers. Twenty plus years later, they now commute from Gibson. They and all the Holiday Helpers obviously loved bringing such joy to the kids. Principal Laura Gehling said, "We feel very blessed at Bellingrath to be so loved by our community. To see all these children's faces light up- that's what it’s all about."

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Sign Up forWrestling Club

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, March 8, 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS 116 SPORTS Thursday, December 22, 2016 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Congratulations to Wildcats Tyler Fontenot, who placed third, Matthew Boudreau, who placed second, and Austin Gouedy, who placed first in The Jefferson Invitational at John Ehret High School on December 10. Central placed 6th out of 24 teams! Awesome job guys!

Congratulations to Wildcats Austin Gouedy for placing first in the 106 bracket and Nick Jones for placing second in the 170 bracket at the Big Horse Tournament at Zachary High School on December 17! Way to

go Wildcats!

When: December 6 through April 1Practices: Central High, 5:30-7:30

Tuesdays & Thursdays Competitions: To be announced. Competitions are on Saturdays. Be prepared to travel for 2 or 3

tournaments.If your child is interested:

Step 1: Contact The Coaches:

Casey Kirk: 225.802.1033casey.dkirk@gmail.com

Michael Bingham: 225.715.2591wbingham18@yahoo.com

Adam Bingham: 225.571.6583adambingham103@yahoo.com

Step 2: Follow The Link: www.themat.com States and Associations,

Louisiana, Membership, Join. Pay Online $45.00 USA Wrestling

Membership Fee Step 3:

$175.00 Team Fee. Pays for Wrestlers Club Registration,

Team Wrestling Singlet, T-Shirt & Shorts (Spirit Pack)

If you want your child to compete in regional (Georgia), or national competition (Fargo, ND), your son will need to place in the state tournament, and join Team

Louisiana.Any Questions: Contact the

Coaches From Above.

Wildcat Wrestlers Excel at Jefferson

Invitational

Wildcats Impress at Tournament

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, December 22, 2016 HEALTH 7

“The Flood” is still on everyone’s mind. It doesn’t go away. Every day we ae all still affected by the remnants of the catastrophe. In the Physical Therapy business, we are seeing dozens of people physically affected by the flood. The main problem we have seen is lower back pain. Many times, back pain incurred from over use is a simple sprain of strain of muscles or ligaments—soft tissue that generally heals on it own. Usually an ice pack (not heat) 2-3 times a day for 20 minutes for several days will help the pain and healing. When the pain doesn’t go away, then it is time to seek professional help. You can call your doctor or your Physical Therapist. If you call your Physical

Therapist, generally you will be seen right away for a Physical Therapy evaluation and treatment that can begin on the first appointment. Sometimes the most common back pain from overuse that doesn’t go away is a result of damage to one or more of the discs in the back or a dysfunction of the sacro-iliac joint. Each of these require separate and specific treatment for the condition in question. Your Physical Therapist will be able to help discern which of these conditions are present and provide treatment. If the clinical signs and symptoms of your back pain are inconsistent with these conditions, your Therapist will help you find the type of physician that will be able to help make a definitive diagnosis of your back pain. With a more specific diagnosis, a more complex and co-operative approach can be taken to help with your back pain. And, that 10 minute walk?, Walking is a gentle way to get moving and keep moving so that your back and all your body’s soft tissue stays limber, flexible and pain-free. So Take charge now. Improve your human experience. Take your ten minute walk right now…and get someone to go with you. And don’t forget to call your Physical Therapist …You’ll be glad you did

Tom Coplin, PTCentral Physical Therapy

Take Charge Now

Ochsner Offers Recommendations on Children’s Screen Time Use

By Ochsner Medical Center – BR Screens are part of our daily life and nearly impossible to avoid. TVs, computers, phones and tablets quickly grab a child’s attention and knowing how and where to limit this exposure is definitely a challenge. This issue definitely warrants concern, considering that the average American child spends seven hours a day in front of a screen. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes this struggle and recently updated their screen time recommendations. Dr. Myriam Ortiz-De Jesus, Pediatrician, Ochsner Health Center – Central, said families should proactively think about their children’s media use and talk openly about it. Too much media use can mean they don’t have enough time during the day to play, study, think creatively or sleep. She further believes that teaching children how to use media as a tool to create, connect and learn is key. With the holidays already upon us and many gifts will involve some type of media player or screen, the AAP advocates a few helpful suggestions for families looking to control their child’s screen time and get them engaged in other activities. • For children younger than 18 months, avoid use of screen media other than video-chatting with relatives that may live out of state. Parents of children 18 to 24 months of age who want to introduce digital media should choose

high-quality programming and watch it with their children to help them understand what they’re seeing.• For children ages 2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs. Parents should co-view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.• For children ages 6 and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, monitor the type of media and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to health. • Designate media-free times together, such as holiday dinners or driving, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms.• Have ongoing communication about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect online and offline. Remember, having your children exposed to electronics isn’t a bad thing as long as it includes age appropriate content and limits. Dr. Myriam Ortiz-De Jesus offers clinic appointments at both Ochsner Health Center – Central and Ochsner Health Center – Zachary. For patient appointments at any of the Ochsner - Baton Rouge region locations, call 225-761-5200 or visit www.ochsner.org/batonrouge. Online appointments can be made through the MyOchsner patient portal or by clicking Online Appointments.

8 FUN Thursday, December 22, 2016 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Member FDIC BANKOFZACHARY.COM | (225) 654-2701

Banking the way you want.Melinda White

Senior Vice PresidentLoan Support

Proudly Welcoming Melinda White to Bank of Zachary’s Board of Directors.

We are pleased to announce that Melinda White has been selected to join Bank of Zachary’s Board of Directors. Melinda has been with Bank of Zachary for 39 years, and is currently the bank’s Senior Vice President of Loan Support. She will retire from her day-to-day work at the bank in January 2017, and will begin to serve on the bank’s Board of Directors at that time.

Melinda brings to the position a great understanding of Bank of Zachary’s customers, staff, shareholders, and commitment to the communities we serve. We’re confident she will be an excellent addition to our Board of Directors.

Join us in congratulating Melinda!

warriors everywhere," his father James shared on his facebook page. A New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball Fundraiser is being held for him at The Station - get more information on the Nick Tullier Strong FaceBook Page. A Go Fund Me has been set up at gofundme.com/nick-tullier-strong. And then we get to Daniel Wesley. The Central High School teen who rushed to the aid of a mortally wounded woman and was severely injured as a result came home last Friday with a full honor escort provided by our Central Police Department. The motorcade drove past Central High School, where the entire student body came out to cheer, accompanied by the Central High Band, flag corps, dance team and cheerleaders. Daniel waved out the window as he passed. His mom Kathy said that with a lot of hard work and physical therapy, despite multiple plates and screws in his arm and leg, Daniel's doctors expect him to make a FULL recovery! In addition to the Go Fund Me that has been set up for him, Central High School is also selling $15 t-shirts as a fundraiser, and other fundraisers are being planned. Central Speaks will be publishing those as the information comes available. God is still able to give us beauty for ashes and turn our mourning into dancing. As we rejoice with these good folks with their great news, let's remember the Greatest Good News- God's gift to all of us in His Son, Jesus . Merry Christmas, Central!

Good NewsContinued from Page 1

Merry ChristMas!

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, December 22, 2016 FUN 9

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10 PUZZLES Thursday, December 22, 2016 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

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Senior Adult Ministries of Zoar Baptist Church presents “Michael Chambliss” “Elvis” on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at Zoar Baptist Church. Michael was crowned the Images of The King Champion of the World in Memphis, Tennessee during Elvis Week in 2014. He also placed top ten in 2013 and 2014 at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest held in Memphis. Tickets are $7 and are on sale now at Zoar Baptist Church. Seating is limited.

Senior Adult Ministries of Zoar Baptist Church presents

“Michael Chambliss” “Elvis”

Thursday, January 12, 2017 @ 6:30p.m. at Zoar Baptist Church

Michael was crowned the Images of The King Champion of the World in Memphis, Tennessee during Elvis Week in 2014.

He also placed top ten in 2013 and 2014 at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest held in Memphis.

Tickets are $7.00 and are on sale now at Zoar Baptist Church, seating is limited.

Elvis Is Coming to Zoar

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, December 22, 2016 LAKE AFTER HOURS 11

12 ANNOUNCEMENTS Thursday, December 22, 2016 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

JD and Katalynn (Katie) Badeaux proudly announce the birth of their daughter Ella Grace Badeaux. She was born on October 5, 2016 at Woman’s Hospital at 11:44 AM. Ella weighed seven pounds and three ounces and was 19 inches long. She was welcomed home by big brothers Noah James, age 5, Parker David, age 3, and Luca Joseph, age 1. Proud grandparents are

Ricky and Becky Creel of Central, Paul and Tracie Greely of Central, and John and Sharon Badeaux of Denham Springs. Great grandparents are Jim and Linda Davies of Central, Joan Bourgeois and the late Ken Bourgeois of Central, Sandra Badeaux and the late Ken Badeaux of Baton Rouge, the late Ivy and Billy Creel of Central, and Shirley Winters of Baton Rouge.

JD and Katalynn BadeauxWelcome Daughter Ella Grace

Zachary, LA (December XX, 2016) – Bank of Zachary announced that Melinda Mills White, Senior Vice President of Loan Support, will retire after 39 years. White will be joining the Bank’s Board of Directors at the end of the year. White served as Bank of Zachary’s Supervisor of Loan Support and Compliance Officer before becoming Senior Vice President. She has shown great commitment to the Bank and community as a volunteer for March of Dimes, Relay for Life, Regional Arts Council of

Zachary’s Art Crawl, Zachary Chamber of Commerce Z Fest and Bank of Zachary Veterans Day Flag Raising Ceremony. “Melinda has been the rock of our loan department, and we hate to see her go” said President and Chief Executive Officer Preston L. Kennedy, “but we are very excited to have her join our Board of Directors, carrying on a family tradition that stretches back to our founding in 1904.” A lifelong resident of Zachary, White received her bachelor’s degree in from Louisiana Tech University. There, she served as Chapter Secretary and President of Kappa Delta sorority. She has been active in the Zachary volunteer community as a past member and term President of the Zachary Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, member of the Northwestern Elementary School Improvement Team, member of Plains Presbyterian Church choir and a past Sunday School teacher. White currently resides in Zachary with her husband. Their three daughters and nine grandchildren also reside in Zachary.

Melinda White Announces Retirement from Bank of Zachary