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Porch & Parish

October 2024: Something to Come Home To

Oct 22, 2024 10:30AM ● By Jen Gennaro

There was a time when I had big city dreams. Get out of Louisiana, move away to a big city, achieve some level of C-list fame. Maybe become a writer on Saturday Night Live, or rise through the ranks to become editor-in-chief of a major magazine.

The kind of dreams you have before life unfolds: you fall in love, get married, have kids, and suddenly the deepest desires in your heart revolve around keeping those you love most safe and sound. Everything changed when we moved to Zachary 14 years ago this month. It took a while to realize what was happening, but when I occasionally revisited those thoughts of things I used to want, I felt a gravitational pull. Roots. Roots binding me to this place, this town. Where the mayor knows your name, and the waiters remember your favorite dish, and the hay bales appear like magic in sunlit fields each fall. Where your kids' teachers text you pictures of them throughout the day to let you know they’re having fun. 

It’s Homecoming Week as I write this. The trees around town are draped with toilet paper, and every day has a different theme that the teachers and students are excitedly preparing for. Some other moms and I are planning to host a group of high schoolers for a special dinner before the dance; but before that, there’s the stick horse rodeo downtown and the high school cross country meet on Saturday morning, and of course, Friday Night Lights. It’s the perfect backdrop for a really big, small town life. The life in a small town, the joy of knowing your community and being known, the sense of place: home. 

In this issue, “Something to Come Home To,” we celebrate the people, places, and stories that make our community so deeply rooted in heritage, resilience, and togetherness. This issue honors the legacy of Black cowboys in South Louisiana, a tradition preserved by generations who’ve kept their culture alive through rodeos, agriculture, and the spirit of the Old West. We take a closer look at their enduring impact, with the Southern University Ag Center playing a pivotal role in keeping this heritage thriving. 

October also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in these pages, we share the stories of local survivors—women who’ve faced down their fear and found hope and strength in the journey. These are familiar faces in the community who have emerged with a renewed sense of living life to the fullest. Let it be your reminder to get checked–when detected early, the 5 year survival rate of breast cancer is 99%. 

As the holidays approach, our festive guide is all about shopping local and making your celebrations effortless. Check out what’s on our gift list from the best local shops, and find convenient places to pick up food for your Christmas parties. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for unique presents, supporting local businesses adds a personal touch to the season. This year, it's all about finding joy in what’s close to home. 

Speaking of local businesses, we shine a spotlight on the legacy businesses of Zachary, those that have stood the test of time and continue to serve as cornerstones of our community. These businesses have stories to tell—stories of dedication, growth, and the commitment to keep serving generation after generation. 

Welcome to fall—welcome home.

-Jen