THE ZACHA Y
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W e d n e s d ay, O c t o b e r 8, 2025
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11TH YEAR, NO. 52
FALLIN’ FOR FALL
Latoyia and Derrick Allen attend the Zachary Fall Feast with their son Desmond, dressed as Sully from ‘Monsters Inc.’ ä More photos. PAGE 3G
PHOTO BY SONYA GOSS
Free seeds, free books: Seed Libraries encourage plant growth BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer
Growing a vegetable or pollinator garden is a popular hobby these days, and fall is the right time of year to start. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is here to help — 10 of the 15 library branches are participating in the Seed Library initiative, a free program committed to offering gardening education and seeds so people can have healthy foods. The program prioritizes herbs and vegetables that are either native to Louisiana or thrive particularly well in the local area. One of the library’s goals is to foster sustainability when it comes to gardening, so the seeds won’t be invasive species that would harm or take over a garden. Allison Gianelloni, the community programming librarian, read about seed libraries popping up in libraries throughout the country and thought it was something she could bring to Baton Rouge. She started a trial seed library at the Greenville Springs branch, and it was received well. Once she moved to the Main Library in January, she brought the idea with her and repurposed a card catalog cabinet as the container for seeds — found on the second floor near the nonfiction collection.
How the Seed Library works The Seed Library operates entirely through seeds donated by seed companies
number of services, having one is not required to participate in this program. To use the Seed Library at various branches, sign your name in the binder, take 2-3 seeds for each plant, pack the seeds in provided envelopes, label them with the correct information, and then grow the plant at home. Returning seeds is not required but is encouraged for easy-to-save seeds (lettuce, tomatoes, beans, peas, etc.). Returned seeds will help to keep the library wellstocked for future users. Basic seed-saving techniques can be found on the library website under the ”Planting Guides” tab. “I’m always still learning,” Gianelloni said. “I’m not an expert at all. I’ve never done the wet seed saving. People can save their seeds, then drop them off here in the little seed returns.” Gianelloni recalled one family heirloom plant that was left with a little note attached that said the flower seed was from a neighbor’s yard, and the donor wanted to STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS share it with the community. Elena Branzaru, left, and Tammy Kazmierczak react ecstatically to finding seeds of plants “Because of this program, we are now growing summer squash and bush beans they love at the seed library at Main Library in Baton Rouge. at our house, and we will continue to grow more,” Caitlin Wilson wrote in an email to Gianelloni. and library patrons. Local organizations of the seed libraries operate on the honor The program is still in its pilot phase, but like Baton Roots and Wild Ones donate na- system, meaning that patrons are asked to East Baton Rouge Parish Library hopes take only what they plan to grow in a seative plant and vegetable seeds. to bring it to all 15 library locations in the Carrie Schmidt-de la Fuente, a reference son, so the seeds can be shared with other future. librarian at the Main Library, works conlibrary users. And while having an East Baton Rouge sistently to procure donations in the comä See SEEDS, page 2G Parish Library card grants access to a munity and keep the library stocked. All
Drug Take Back Day Oct. 25 Zachary remains unbeaten Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be observed from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 at the Zachary Police Department, 5160 Old Slaughter Road. Drop off old or unused medications. Receive a free goodie bag, while supplies last. Local food trucks will have meals for sell onsite.
Little School celebrates fall with festival The Little School Fall Fest is from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at 4205 Church St., Zachary. Entry is free. The fair will
have music, food trucks, a cake walk, craft fair, games and silent auction.
Remember to use recycling carts properly As Zachary starts its new recycling collection process with 96-gallon carts, remember to properly place the carts for pickup. The carts should be 3 feet away from trees, cars, mailboxes, etc., and from each other. Place wheels of the cart toward the house.
ä See AROUND, page 4G
BY JACKSON REYES
Slaughter Charter is 5-0 and has yet to allow a single point. The Knights’ latest victory came against NorthThe Broncos continue to roll after a 51-6 win over east in a 24-0 win. Opelousas. Zachary (4-0) The offense has also been will begin district play this elite, averaging 47.4 points week against Scotlandville per game. Slaughter Char(1-4) and is left as the only ter will face its biggest test undefeated team in District yet against District 8-2A 4-5A. foe East Feliciana (4-1) next Zachary has won all four week. games by double digits, in- Slaughter’s shutouts The Tigers have avercluding an impressive 52-28 Through five weeks, sev- aged 31.6 points per game. victory over Plaquemine (4- eral schools have boasted Slaughter Charter’s defense 1) to open the season. impressive defensive per- might have its hands full, Central (4-1) fell at home formances. However, the but midway through the Friday to Lafayette Chris- Knights have a case to say season, it has proved it’s ready for the test. tian 55-48. Catholic-BR they’ve been the best.
Staff writer
dropped to 3-2 after a narrow 27-26 defeat to Madison-Ridgeland Academy, the top-ranked team in Mississippi, according to MaxPreps. While district play has yet to start for any team in District 4-5A, the Broncos are set up nicely with an unblemished start.