Louisiana Country, Washington St.-Tammany Electric, July 2026

Louisiana

Rescued Horses Rescue People

Equine Reflections Therapeutic Center works with those struggling in

by helping them find their way back to wholeness Page 18

Country

Board of Directors

President

Vice

Secretary/Treasurer

Cooperation PowersLouisiana

At the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives, our mission is centered on supporting the electric cooperatives that serve communities across Louisiana. As a nonprofit organization, ALEC represents the electric distribution cooperatives that provide reliable electric service to nearly 1 million residents in 50 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.

Through advocacy, education, communications, safety training and member support services, ALEC works alongside our member cooperatives to help strengthen the communities they serve each day. From governmental and regulatory affairs to employee and director education programs, our resources and support are designed to help keep cooperatives operating efficiently and effectively.

Our member cooperatives include Beauregard Electric Cooperative, Claiborne Electric Cooperative, DEMCO, Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative, South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association, Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative and Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative.

One of the most important roles cooperatives play is supporting one another during times of need. Through coordinated storm restoration and mutual- aid efforts, Louisiana’s electric cooperatives work together, and alongside a nationwide network of more than 900 electric cooperatives, to restore power safely and as quickly as possible following severe weather events. This is why, during storm recovery, you may notice crews from unfamiliar cooperatives working in

your community. Those crews are part of the cooperative network answering the call to help neighbors in need.

Electric cooperatives across the country are guided by the same Seven Cooperative Principles, with a shared commitment to service, community and cooperation. At ALEC, we are proud to support the cooperative spirit that continues to power Louisiana communities every day. 

COOPS HEAD TO Capitol Hi

“You can’t start rebuilding a community until the power is restored,” says Matt Peters, general manager of South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association.

In April, electric cooperative board members and general managers traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for resources and policy reforms needed to help communities recover after disasters. During meetings with Reps. Cleo Fields and Clay Higgins, cooperative leaders discussed key issues impacting their communities, including FEMA reform to expedite disaster reimbursements, permitting reform, Rural Utilities Service loan funding, and the need for additional resources to restore power and rebuild after major storms.

“When a storm hits, we bring normalcy and hope of rebuilding, but that comes at a cost,” Matt says.

Cooperative leaders continued their advocacy efforts throughout the week, representing the needs of Louisiana’s electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. 

“ You can’t start rebuilding a community until the power is restored.”

 MATT PETERS, SOUTH LOUISIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION GENERAL MANAGER

WASHINGTONST. TAMMANY ELECTRIC OFFICES

Main office

950 Pearl St. (P.O. Box 697)

Franklinton, LA 70438

Phone: 985-839-3562

www.wste.coop

Additional offices

21504 Mire Drive

Abita Springs, LA 70420

13526 Highway 40 Folsom, LA 70437

2081 E. Gause Blvd. Slidell, LA 70459

GENERAL MANAGER

DANE HOCOTT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Francis Cefalu | President

Dennis Glass | Vice President

Olander Smith | Secretary

Glenn Magee | Treasurer

Joe Jarrell Jr.

Chris Graves

Charles Singletary

Nickey Smith

Robert Boone

Volume 43, Issue 4

Louisiana Country (USPS 473-180) is published bimonthly by the Association of Louisiana Electric Co-ops Inc., 10725 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, in partnership with Pioneer Utility Resources.

Annual subscriptions: Members $2.79. Nonmembers $5.

Postmaster: Send form 3579 to 10725 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

Periodicals postage paid at Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821, and additional mailing offices.

Hurricane Season Is Here

As we move into the heart of summer in Southeast Louisiana, we enter the most active stretch of hurricane season. For those who live and work along the Gulf Coast, storms are not a matter of if but when. At Washington-St. Tammany Electric, we prepare year-round to respond quickly and safely when weather impacts our system.

As we prepare, we encourage members to take steps to protect your family, home and business before a storm is on the radar.

When a major storm hits, we partner with other electric cooperatives across the state and country to bring in additional lineworkers. This mutual aid network is one of the cooperative model’s greatest strengths—and it allows us to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

What You Can Do Now

Preparation on your end is just as critical. Taking a few steps today can make a significant difference when severe weather strikes.

• Build an emergency kit. Include essentials such as bottled water (1 gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, flashlights and extra batteries, first-aid supplies, medications and portable phone chargers. (Account No. 460070000)

• Develop a family plan. Know your evacuation routes, establish a communication plan with loved ones and identify a safe place to go if evacuation is necessary.

• Prepare your home. Secure loose outdoor items—such as furniture, grills and tools— trim trees, and install surge protection devices to protect appliances.

• Plan for power outages. Keep mobile devices charged, consider a backup power source if medically necessary, and never operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.

Safety During and After the Storm

Your safety is our priority. Stay away from downed power lines—assume they are energized. Report outages through our website and SmartHub app. Avoid all flooded areas. Allow our crews space to work safely during restoration efforts.

A Shared Responsibility

Storm recovery is a community effort. While our crews work safely to restore power, we ask for your patience and understanding. Some outages may take longer to repair depending on the extent of damage, accessibility and safety conditions.

We are not just your electric provider—we are your neighbors. Our employees live here, raise families here and serve this community with pride. When storms come, we stand ready.

Stay Connected

For updates before, during and after a storm, stay connected with us through our website and outage map, social media channels and SmartHub app.

The best time to prepare is now. A little preparation today can provide peace of mind tomorrow. From all of us at WSTE, stay safe and prepared, and know we are ready to serve you when you need us most.

The Lucky Account Number Contest continues this month with two winners included in this edition of Louisiana Country. Before you look through this edition for your winning number, find your account number printed above your mailing address. Spot that number anywhere in this issue and win $50. To claim your prize, call 985-839-3562.

WSTE Welcomes New Director

Robert Boone

Robert is a native of Washington Parish. He taught agriculture education at Varnado High School for 30 years before moving on to Marion County Career and Tech in Mississippi, where he taught construction and welding for 13 years.

He is a 1977 graduate of Varnado High School and a 1981 graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education. In 1985, he earned his master’s degree in administration and supervision from Southeastern Louisiana University.

He is National Center for Construction Education and Research certified in construction and welding. Robert has served as a Washington Parish School Board member for the past 11 years, and he is a member of Stateline Missionary Baptist Church.

A former Holstein dairyman of 28 years, Robert raises beef cattle on his farm in Angie , where he lives with his wife of 42 years, Jackie Ryals Boone. They are the proud parents of five children and 14 grandchildren. Welcome to the cooperative family, Robert! 

Co-op s serve up louisiana fl avor at the Capitol

The Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives and members hosted the Taste of Louisiana Cookout for elected officials in May. The afternoon was spent at the Capitol meeting with legislators, having meaningful conversations while sharing the cooperative story and ending with some Louisiana home cooking.

Jeff

Louisiana co-op leaders discuss issues impacting the communities they serve with legislators in Baton Rouge. From left are state Rep. Brian Leonard Glorioso, WSTE CEO Dane Hocott, state Reps. John Wyble, Stephanie H. Berault and Kim Carver, WSTE Manager of Governmental Affairs Johnny Bruhl, ALEC CEO Aarron Graham, state Rep. Peter F. Egan Sr. and ALEC lobbyist Keli Williams.

ABOVE: From left are DEMCO Board Director Richard Sitman, state Rep. Daryl Adams, DEMCO Board President Danny Berthelot and DEMCO Board Director Steve Irving. LEFT: Louisiana electric cooperative general managers gather during the Taste of Louisiana Cookout. Pictured, from left, are, back row: Matt Peters, South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association; Randy Pierce, DEMCO; Mike Marcotte, Claiborne Electric; Aarron Graham, Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives; Mike Viator, Beauregard Electric Cooperative Inc.; and Gerald Huffman, Concordia Electric Cooperative. Front row, from left, are Craig Magruder, Pointe Coupee Electric; Ron Repsher, 1803 Electric Cooperative; Mike Heinen, Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative; and Dane Hocott, Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative.

WSTE Holds

SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL MEETING

Members came together May 2 for Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting. The meeting is an opportunity for members to hear about the cooperative’s accomplishments and future direction.

All three incumbent directors—Dennis Glass, Joe Jarrell and Olander Smith—were reelected and will continue serving the membership as directors. Robert Boone, newly appointed to the board, attended his first annual meeting in his role as director.

During the meeting, WSTE recognized Jerry Bruhl, the oldest male member, and Ann Daughdrill, the oldest female member, present at the Annual Meeting. (Account No. 41160001)

Members heard several important reports, including:

• Treasurer’s Report by Walt Sylvest

• Manager’s Report by Dane Hocott

• Legal Report by Chuck Hughes

• President’s Report by Dr. Francis Cefalu

• Election results presented by Chuck Pevey

The meeting also included the cooperative’s annual scholarship drawing.

A moment of silence was observed to honor the passing of longtime director Billy Wayne Rester, in recognition of his dedicated service to WSTE and its members.

WSTE appreciates each of its members and is committed to working diligently in every decision to provide affordable, safe and reliable electric power to the communities it serves. 

By Drew Woolley

The living expression of America’s most enduring symbols &

Every nation tells stories about itself. In the United States, those narratives are often woven into symbols we encounter every day just as much as they are spoken out loud. It might be a flag folded at a funeral, an eagle stamped onto an official seal or a song sung before a ballgame.

As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, historians, collectors and scholars are all taking a closer look at the symbols we adopted and the meanings they still carry today.

For the Love of Old Glory

The American flag has always had a special family connection for Chris Garza. Half of his family members can trace their lineage to Maryland’s founders, and almost every

one of them has served in the military. But watching his grandfathers as a child had a particular impact on him.

“I kind of idolized them, and they both did their own daily routines of raising and lowering the flag,” Chris says. “They were fun, outgoing guys. But every day, they became very serious when they handled the flag. That really showed me how important it was as a symbol.”

When he was 8, Chris saw an old 13-star flag at a yard sale and had to have it. Looking back now, he suspects he was trying to impress his grandfathers. But it also proved to be the first step in a lifelong obsession. Now the executive director of Troutdale Historical Society in Oregon, Chris has overseen three museums and collected more than 300 American flags in the past 35 years.

The most precious to him is the flag with which one of his grandfathers was meant to be buried. At the last second, his grandmother pulled the flag from the casket and gave it to Chris, who has held it dear ever since. Another favorite is an early flag that represented the southern region of Texas, where much of Chris’ Indigenous family comes from, before the state adopted the design it uses today.

While the American flag’s design has evolved over time, Chris is particularly drawn to the idea that it has served as a unifying image throughout history.

“To me, it is the only thing capable of binding us all together,” he says. “It’s the one thing that is bigger than our differences of religion, politics or race.”

As a historian, Chris also hopes the flag reminds everyone in the United

States why the country formed and what it took to get there. It will always be a symbol of freedom. But, for him, it is also a call to earn that freedom.

“It’s a symbol of when oppression becomes so strong and rampant that it forces people to step back and reevaluate— to look at life, our government and our communities,” he says. “Sometimes, those things need to change. That’s what the flag means to me, working to change for the better.”

A Living Symbol

upsetting revelation for someone who had dedicated much of his life to collecting depictions of the American icon, going back to 1966 when he was drafted into the Army.

“I was issued a uniform that had buttons with the Great Seal on my dress uniform,” Preston says. “Two years later, when I exited the Army, I cut off those buttons with the eagles on them and wear them to this day on my blue blazers. I’ve been wearing them now for 60 years.”

His acquisitions expanded first with postcards and stamps, then later with the help of eBay and a team of pickers around the country who sent him items of interest. Today, Preston’s collection of more than

While the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, many Americans may be surprised to learn this is only the second year that one of its most recognizable symbols has been official. In researching his 2019 book, “American Eagle: A Visual History of Our National Emblem,” Preston Cook was shocked to learn the United States had never actually named a national bird.

“We had no national bird for 248 years,” he says. “It seemed like I was the only person in the country who knew, because it was such a surprise to everyone I

It was an especially

THE BETSY ROSS FLAG

While lore holds that Betsy Ross designed the first American flag, there is no hard evidence pointing to any single designer. But, as the first seamstress to stitch the flag together, Historian Chris Garza says she may have influenced some of its details.

One of Chris’ favorite stories is when George Washington, a Freemason, approached Ross about making the flag, he suggested the stars have six points, as is common in masonic symbolism. Ross quickly noted that if they wanted to mass-produce the flag, fivepointed stars were much more efficient.

To prove it, she pulled out a small square of fabric, made a few quick folds and one simple cut, and handed him a perfect star. Washington was convinced, and the stars on the flag have had five points ever since.

FLY YOUR FLAG

40,000 eagle-themed items is on display at National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. It includes historical artifacts, including buttons worn by George Washington and a Civil War knife, as well as pop culture objects, such as sports memorabilia and an Andy Warhol print.

The eagle’s symbolic appeal in so many different settings has always been one of its most interesting features for Preston.

“It’s a symbol people turn to in times of both peace and distress,” he says. “The image of it on the Great Seal has changed from being kind of scrawny and chickenlegged to more of a full-fledged eagle. Around the 1820s, it was first used by political campaigns to show patriotism. So, it has changed over the years, but it’s remained constant throughout our history.”

As a flag historian and restorer, Chris Garza, executive director of Troutdale Historical Society in Oregon, regularly encounters misconceptions about flag etiquette. A common one he shared as a child was that the flag must be destroyed if it touches the ground. He can still remember dropping the flag once while lowering it for his grandfather.

For centuries, that presence has led many Americans to identify the bald eagle as the country’s national bird. Once his book was complete, Preston turned his attention to putting a bill in front of Congress that would finally make official what everyone had always assumed.

He sent a draft to U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, whose district includes Wabasha, as well as Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The two coordinated on the bill, which unanimously passed in both houses of Congress before President Joe Biden signed it into law in 2024.

Preston has no doubt the work was worth it. It permanently enshrines what many Americans have long felt about the bald eagle.

historian teaching at the University of Michigan for the past 20 years, he has often led an introductory class on American music. His favorite way to kick it off is with Jimi Hendrix’s 1969 performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock.

“It brings you immediately into some of the complexities around the anthem,” Mark says. “Is there a single, appropriate way to play it? Is it a protest or burning the flag through music? Hendrix was also a member of the 101st Airborne, and aspects of the performance are quite patriotic, so is it saying something more textured?”

Those questions led him down a rabbit hole that culminated in his 2022 book, “O Say Can You Hear?: A Cultural Biography of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’” Francis Scott Key’s lyrics, written after the bombardment of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, go on for four verses. Only the first is typically sung for the anthem, building to the final line, “O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave/O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

While it is often performed with an exclamation point at the end, Mark considers the question it asks to be crucial. At the time the anthem was penned, the country had faced some of its worst defeats. Key’s vision of a bold and proud nation wasn’t something he was seeing but a hope for the future.

“Today, I think that question asks us if we are brave enough to live up to that vision,” Mark says. “Do we have the courage to be a country that celebrates liberty and justice for all? I think it has the potential to make the anthem something urgent and contemporary. It’s a verb, rather than a noun.”

“I thought it was the end of my life,” Chris says. “But he pulled me aside and explained that as long as it isn’t tattered, it can always be cleaned and reflown. That moment of relief really stuck with me.”

Another common mistake is flying the flag at night. To maintain respect and visibility, the flag should either be illuminated at night or taken down at sunset and raised again in the morning.

“For many years, it was our only living symbol,” Preston says. “If you see one flying or fishing, it’s such an amazing bird. It means so much to so many people. It means freedom and liberty and power and independence and family. People just don’t get tired of seeing it, and I don’t think there’s any other symbol of America that has that kind of enthusiasm.”

The Call to Citizenship

If the eagle is the American symbol that generates the most excitement, Mark Clague believes the national anthem is the most dynamic. As a musician and musical

When President Herbert Hoover officially signed an act of Congress making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the U.S. national anthem in 1931, it—much like the eagle—was a recognition of something that had already been true for many Americans. The song was used as a recruiting tune for the Union Army in the Civil War and was often treated as a de facto national anthem during the

In some ways, the song is sort of democracy in action. We made the anthem by using it.

Spanish-American War and World War I.

“I think that makes it powerful,” Mark says. “In some ways, the song is sort of democracy in action. We made the anthem by using it. And for the same reason, changing it would be really hard. You could change the law, but it wouldn’t change how people feel.”

The music itself requires the performer to sing the anthem to life with dramatic highs and lows that take the same commitment the lyrics demand. Mark’s hope is that when people hear it, the

— Mark Clague

anthem won’t just serve as a celebration but also a call to action.

“It feels like the anthem is especially urgent right now,” he says. “U.S. democracy has really been built on people getting involved. Voting, sure, but also being informed, volunteering and lifting a hand to help your neighbor. Being patriotic is something you have to do and earn, rather than just something you have. And I think that call to citizenship is one of the coolest things about the anthem.” 

STARSPANGLED SPINOFFS

While the roots of the national anthem’s lyrics are decidedly American, the music originated with Anacreontic Society, a musicians’ club in London.

Since the tune struck a chord in the United States, Mark Clague, a music historian teaching at the University of Michigan, estimates there have been more than 600 sets of lyrics applied to that melody, on subjects as varied as farm work, unionization and women’s suffrage.

“It’s interesting to see how many different words fit the melody,” he says. “It really supports the notion that ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is not just one iconic thing but kind

Anniversary

Celebrations

States showcase their unique contributions

By Dianna Troyer

In honor of the United States Semiquincentennial—a fancy name for the nation’s 250th anniversary—each state is contributing to the legacy and future of the country through national and statewide initiatives.

Some states are contributing to a stainless steel time capsule that will be buried July 4 at Independence National

Historical Park in Philadelphia, between the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Others will have booths at the Great American State Fair, scheduled for June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Within each state, an America250 Commission has organized events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

According to the America250 Commission’s website, “The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future.”

For the time capsule, state commissions feature their residents’ artistry and ideals with the constraint that the objects have to fit into an archival box measuring 6-by-5-by-2 inches.

Here’s a preview of how some states are highlighting their unique contributions to our nation:

ALASKA

A print of a flag designed by a member of the Indigenous people of the Aleutian Islands represents Alaska. In 1927, Benny Benson, a 14-year-old Unangax orphan, won a contest to design the flag for the then-territory of Alaska.

“The blue field is for the Alaskan sky and the forget-me-not, an Alaskan flower,” he wrote. “The North Star is for the future state of Alaska, the most northerly state in the union. The dipper is for the great bear, symbolizing strength.”

A copy of an 1875 map of New Archangel is also included. After Russia sold the Alaska territory to the United States, the town was renamed Sitka.

ARIZONA

Arizonans provided three coins, two letters and a commemorative copper ingot featuring a stamped Arizona America250 logo for the time capsule.

With laser nano-etching, a stainless steel coin preserves the full text and signatures of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, including all amendments.

“It represents both America’s foundational democratic principles and modern efforts to preserve them for future generations,” according to America250 Arizona Commission.

An Arizona quarter, minted in 2008, depicts the Grand Canyon

and a saguaro cactus. A steel America250 commemorative coin features symbolic imagery reflecting freedom, time and civic responsibility.

An archival letter lists the names of the members of the Arizona America250 Commission. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes also wrote a letter reflecting on Arizona’s civic values, democratic institutions and responsibilities.

CALIFORNIA

On July 4, a family-friendly concert is planned in Los Angeles with major artists and a livestream audience. America250 planners encourage residents to build community by participating in America’s Potluck on July 5, an opportunity for neighbors to join one another to share a communal meal.

FLORIDA

At the Great American State Fair, the Florida250 Commission plans to create an old Spanish Fort with coquina brick walls, authentic sounds and cannon fire.

Within the state, the Florida Freedom Tour is traveling in two 18-wheeler trucks hauling the America250FL exhibits from the Museum of Florida History. One exhibit covers the state’s biggest battle during the Revolutionary War, the Siege of Pensacola, a two-month battle in 1781 when the Spanish prevented the British from gaining control of Western Florida.

IDAHO

Idaho’s state gemstone, the star garnet, “represents Idaho’s natural richness and geological heritage. Its distinctive starlike reflection makes it a fitting and

Idaho’s state gem is its contribution to the time capsule.

enduring symbol of the state’s rugged landscape and connection to the land,” according to America250 in Idaho planners.

Along with the gemstone, Gov. Brad Little wrote a letter to future generations, reflecting on Idaho’s history and values.

LOUISIANA

The Historic New Orleans Collection, at 520 Royal St., will have interactive 3D reconstructions of the defining moments of the American Revolution. Events include the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, victory at Yorktown and treaty signing in Versailles.

MONTANA

Karis Jackson depicted Montana’s unique traits in beaded artwork shaped like the state.

The Browning artist incorporated the colors of the state flag, the mountains and prairies that define the state’s landscapes, the state flower—the bitterroot—and the state bird—the western meadowlark.

In the center of the design, Karis, an Apsáalooke/Arikara/ Hidatsa artist, beaded a bison. She says it’s “an animal of enduring significance to the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial.”

NEVADA

In Nevada, residents and tribal members are recording oral histories for a podcast and public archive, according to Nevada250 planners.

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico’s pavilion at the Great American State Fair, “will present New Mexico as an intersection of cultures, history, landscape and creativity,” says Daniel Zillman, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs communications director.

OREGON

Lillian Pitt, a Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama artist, made a ceramic pin depicting a tribal petroglyph and pictograph, a well-known

image high on a mountain along the Columbia River.

“Under the oral traditions of tribes along the river, She Who Watches represents Tsagaglalal, a wise and powerful chief who was transformed to stone and continues to keep vigil over her people and the river,” according to the America 250 Oregon Commission.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Among The Charleston Museum artifacts are a .75-caliber “Brown Bess” musket used during the revolution.

Several special exhibits celebrate South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution.

A new exhibit, “Ringleaders of Rebellion,” is at The Charleston Museum, the first museum in the Colonies founded Jan. 12, 1773. Among the artifacts are a .75-caliber Brown Bess musket used during the Revolutionary War.

An immersive Revolutionary War exhibition at the state fair will remain up for several years. A display emphasizes that South Carolina was the first colony to protest tea taxation on Dec. 3, 1773, 13 days before the infamous Boston Tea Party.

TENNESSEE

Knoxville-based designer Justin Helton created a poster entitled “Original Frontier.”

“From Tennessee’s rich agricultural history to its iconic musical contributions to its role in westward expansion, the Civil Rights Movement and women’s suffrage, the poster represents Tennessee’s part in shaping American culture, economy, and democracy,” according to Tennessee America 250 planners.

ABOVE: The poster “Original Frontier” showcases Tennessee’s music, agriculture and westward expansion.

WASHINGTON

Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proclamation and Lt. Gov. Denny Heck’s letter will be put in the capsule. The governor wrote about the mission of the Washington State Historical Society. Heck wrote about democracy and finding common ground between Washingtonians. 

For more information about national, state and local celebrations, visit america250.org.

Washington-St. Tammany Electric Awards 20 Scholarships at Annual Meeting

On Saturday, May 2, the Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative held a random drawing during its annual meeting, awarding 20 $1,000 scholarships to students.

The scholarship recipients are: Kelby Brown, Gabriella Core, Genevieve DeBarbieris, Ella Dorsett, Samuel Fisher, Jaxon Forrest, Aubrie Galloway, Kyleigh Helton, Kaedyn Jenkins, Nathan Martin,

Cameron McCann, Esmeralda Vizcaya Melendez, Eddie Moses III, Alyssa Page, Kaelyn Richerand, Michael Uwaifo, Johnavean Vazquez, Kayla Vitale, Emily Wheat and Griffin Williams.

WSTE congratulates this year’s scholarship winners and remains committed to supporting education and investing in the future of the communities it serves. 

Rescuing People Rescued Horses

Equine Reflections Therapeutic Center works with those struggling in life by helping them find their way back to wholeness

By Mimi Greenwood Knight

Bonny Barry was still in diapers the first time her grandmother put her on a horse. Since that day, horses have loomed large in her life. Any hurts or heartache she experienced were made bearable by the horses she loved—who loved her back.

“Horses can heal the wounds you don’t see, the ones that are invisible to the eye,” Bonny says. “I want everyone to know I was healed by a horse, and they can be, too.”

No one was surprised when Bonny found a way to share that same horse-centered healing with others as the founder and executive director of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Equine Reflections Therapeutic Center.

Through Equine Reflections, Bonny and a dedicated team of therapists and volunteers walk alongside individuals struggling with their mental wellness, helping them find their way back to wholeness. The best part is that all the horses helping others heal were rescued themselves.

Walking from stall to stall, Bonny reflects on the journey each horse endured, stories of neglect and abuse now replaced with safety, compassion and purpose. At Equine Reflections, these once cast-off horses are cared for, seen, and celebrated for their resilience, their unique personalities and the powerful role they play in helping others heal.

must sit quietly and breathe until she’s ready to come to them. And when she does, it’s pure connection.”

A pony named Mr. Fine was trapped by floodwaters during the 2016 flood. His owners were forced to leave and had no way to get him out. He swam to higher ground, but by the time he was rescued, he was skin and bones.

Mr. Fine is now thriving and has helped countless children and adults.

“Everyone who meets him can’t help but fall in love,” Bonny says. “Mr. Fine truly lives up to his name. His mission is simple: to help others feel fine, too.”

A miniature horse named Chubby Checkers almost died in surgery after a bigger horse kicked him in the jaw. Now, Bonny takes Chubby everywhere with her—even on elevators.

“Horses speak through their body language, and we tell kids they have to learn to ‘listen,’” she says. “If we listen, they will teach us lessons. Chubby Checkers has a lot to teach.”

Then there’s Danny Boy, blind in one eye , the result of a lifethreatening infection, and once bound for a kill pen before arriving at Equine Reflections.

“We rescued him on St. Patrick’s Day,” Bonny says. “Not long after, a young girl came to the barn. She’d become nonverbal after severe bullying, and despite seeing multiple mental health professionals and a speech therapist, she still wouldn’t speak.

“This is Faith,” Bonny says. “She was en route to a kill pen and, when the trailer stopped for gas, she escaped and ran onto the road. The sheriff’s department was called, but no one could catch her. I simply sat down and waited. Faith walked right up and placed her head on my shoulder.”

Faith now has a home for life at Equine Reflections and has become a gentle teacher for so many.

“We let the kids choose which horse they want to work with, and many choose Faith,” Bonny says. “She teaches patience, since they

“After meeting Danny Boy and hearing his story, I told her he, too, had been bullied and needed a friend,” she says. “When we walked into his stall, he knew exactly what to do. He gently placed his chin on her shoulder and wrapped his neck around her in a soft hug.

“She turned to her mother and whispered her first words since the trauma, ‘Mommy, he loves me.’”

Bonny and the Equine Reflections team witness moments like this often. Children who are facing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, bullying, autism, ADHD, or the challenges of foster and adoptive life connect with the horses and make progress their families feared they never would.

Equine Reflections also serves adults, including veterans living with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, survivors of domestic violence or substance use, and individuals facing or recovering from cancer.

“We work with children, teens, adults and families … anyone struggling with emotional, mental or behavioral challenges,” Bonny says.

“When someone realizes they can get a

1,200-pound horse to follow them with trust, something shifts and they begin to believe in themselves again.”

Equine Reflections Mental Health Director Michelle Boze says the simple, rhythmic motion of grooming a horse helps develop new neuropathways in the brain, creating a calming effect in clients. A typical grooming session lasts about 10 minutes, after which the focus shifts to carefully chosen activities based on the client’s age. This is where the deeper healing begins.

Michelle works closely with each client while the equine specialist observes the horse, whose responses often mirror something in the client’s life, by gently reflecting those behaviors back. Michelle might ask, “Have you ever felt or acted that way?” Often, the pressure is lifted, allowing clients to open up and begin sharing their story.

Along the walls of the Equine Reflections barn are handwritten messages from participants and their families—simple words that speak volumes: “I was amazed by the impact equine therapy had on my son.” “Because of these horses, my daughter now has confidence and self-worth.” “Equine Reflections and the horses have changed my life.” “Freedom taught me to step out of my comfort zone.” “Dreamer saw the good in me when I couldn’t.” “Danny Boy healed my soul.” “Hope gave me hope.”

Perhaps the most powerful of all: “After three sessions with Sky, I tore up my suicide note. Seeing her strength and hearing her story helped me realize that if she could keep going, so could I.”

Equine Reflections’ dedicated team includes licensed mental health professionals Michelle, Kristi Gassen, Julie Elsworth and Taylor Reitz; two certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitators; a Master Equine Life Coach; Certified Tai Chi instructor Shelley Ford; and about 20 trained and dedicated volunteers.

Bonny has a vision to continue growing the program and reaching even more lives.

for hurricane season,” she says.

Bonny says they’re also excited to expand corporate teambuilding experiences. In May, they introduce a weekly social skills class for youth and teens.

To make this possible, she’s working to secure the funding needed to ensure no one is turned away.

“Our therapists accept insurance, but some clients without coverage are still paying out of pocket,” Bonny says. “Our hope is to one day offer these services at no cost to those who need them most.”

Part of that vision includes creating meaningful partnerships within the community.

“We’d love to offer a session for our WST linemen as they prepare

“We’d love to have a corporate sponsor for each of our horses,” she says. “We currently care for 14 horses at a cost of about $7,000 per horse per year to provide them with the care they deserve. When a company sponsors a horse, they become part of that horse’s story and part of every life that horse helps heal.”

At Equine Reflections, there’s always a place for those who feel called to serve, and people who love horses and have a heart for helping others through difficult seasons.

“We often hear from our volunteers that being part of a session is just as therapeutic for them as it is for the client,” Bonny says.

“In a time when it can take months to be seen by a therapist in a traditional office setting, we’re often able to welcome clients within two weeks. With the support of our volunteers and sponsors, we can continue to open our gates and our hearts to so many who are still waiting for hope.” 

If you love horses or if you want to help others in your community build coping skills, grow confidence and gain hope for the future, find out how you can be part of the good that’s being done at Equine Reflections Therapeutic Center. Visit equinereflections.org or email EquineReflectionsinc@gmail.com.

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PaigeSuccess of

A Denham Springs baker built a business in her 20s

By Cheré Coen

Most bakers know that what goes into the oven may not emerge the way they expect. Life sometimes works that way, too. Bakery owner Paige Ma, of Denham Springs, knows that lesson well—although her baked goods were not the surprise. It all started in 2020 during the pandemic. When the University of Louisiana at Lafayette shut down, Paige had time on her hands from studying microbiology and chemistry.

“I was really bored, and I loved to bake,” she says.

She used her mother’s kitchen to make cakes for her friends, who couldn’t source them from their local bakeries and grocery stores, for special events such as birthdays. Word quickly spread, and Paige suddenly had a side business.

When ULL reopened, she drove to Lafayette for her week of studies, then came home to Denham Springs on the weekends to fill a growing list of baking orders. The orders grew to include macarons and occasional cupcakes, but custom cakes still took center stage.

“I was pretty much known as Cakes From Home,” she says.

A Social Media Sensation

Paige began posting her baking prowess on TikTok, including how-to videos for specific recipes and videos about a day in the life and behind-thescenes with a home baker. Her videos became popular and her social media numbers blew up along with her business.

After a few years of juggling school and a home side hustle, the opportunity to open a storefront presented itself. A friend found an established bakery for sale after the owner retired, and Paige took the leap to create Paige’s Pantry. Paige believes that much of her early success stemmed from her 200,000plus TikTok followers.

“I’d like to say TikTok made my first storefront,” she says with a laugh. “It was the perfect opportunity to step into and open the door.”

Paige missed graduating with a microbiology degree by one class because her “storefront took over,” but she hopes to return to ULL to finish her degree, even though she now knows she no longer wants to pursue that career.

“There’s actually a scientific reasoning behind cooking, so it’s good to know microbiology, but I won’t be doing it,” she says.

Opportunity Abounds

Not even a year after opening her first store, another opportunity surfaced. Paige’s accountant saw a place for rent in the Antique Village, an area of Denham Springs that receives good foot traffic and offers a variety of complements to Paige’s Pantry, including a coffee shop across the street.

“I had no intention of moving,” Paige says of the second location. “Opening the first store was so stressful. But it was my dream to have a store in the Antique Village.”

And so, Paige’s Pantry moved into town, allowing customers more square footage plus a larger kitchen and double oven for Paige’s creations. For this incarnation of Paige’s Pantry, she called the shots on store decor and furnishings.

“I was able to make my own decisions,” she says. “It’s so much better.”

she has time. In the summer, she hosts a children’s camp where kids decorate cookies, create a cookie recipe, make cakes and help customers. Many times, they just love following Paige around the store, she adds.

With studies, baking and opening a store, Paige still had time to marry her best friend, Brandon, and be a dog mom to Ammo and Kato. Paige’s TikTok videos show just how much time goes into running a bakery business with a staff of seven and a manager.

“People don’t realize how much work goes into it and how hard it really is,” she says.

For those considering doing the same, she recommends learning every aspect of a business, not just what goes into an oven, because you’ll never know what might come out.

“Make sure you love more than just baking,” she says. 

Now 27, Paige has expanded her business to include a variety of cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, lemon bars, Oreo bars and, on the weekends, cinnamon rolls, among other sweet creations. She branched out into serving breakfast and lunch items such as biscuits and croissants, both plain and as breakfast sandwiches, along with lunch classics such as a chicken salad croissant and pimento grilled cheese. The savory items use stock from the bakery.

“I didn’t want to be a lunch place but more a bakery selling baked goods,” she says.

Sharing Skills

Paige’s Pantry also offers a two-hour cake baking class called Piping with Paige when

PLANNER Louisiana

FRANKLINTON

July 10–11

Washington Parish Watermelon Festival

Celebrate local agriculture and the parish’s rich watermelon-growing heritage. Activities take place at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. This year’s festival features stage acts, the traditional watermelon auction and tasting, a car show, a watermelon-eating and seed-spitting contest and live music from Bag of Donuts Friday night and Magnolia Rising on Saturday night. Admission to the festival is free. wpwatermelonfestival.org

GRAND CANE

July 12

Balloons Over DeSoto

This free-to-enter community event features tethered hot air balloon rides, a spectacular balloon glow and a fireworks display, held at C.E. “Rusty” Williams Airport in DeSoto Parish. Attendees can enjoy children’s activities, food vendors, live music and a virtual reality gaming truck. Gates open at 4 p.m., and festivities run until 10 p.m. Free parking and a free shuttle service are available. discoverdesoto.com

LAKE CHARLES

July 24-25

Marshland Festival

This festival, originating more than 30 years ago in the coastal community of Hackberry, has grown into one of Southwest Louisiana’s most beloved celebrations of Cajun and Zydeco music. Held indoors and air-conditioned at Lake Charles Event Center, the two-day festival features local Southwest Louisiana artists alongside nationally recognized performers, delicious food booths, and arts and crafts shopping. Enjoy a cool, festive refuge in the summer heat. visitlakecharles.org

All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Louisiana has fun options for everyone.

MORGAN CITY

July 24-25

Bayou BBQ Bash

This Barbecue Competitors Alliance-sanctioned State Championship BBQ competition is held at Second Street and Federal Avenue in downtown Morgan City, hosted by the St. Mary Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Teams from across the state and beyond compete in categories including brisket, ribs and chicken, while the public enjoys live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and a Kids Q competition. All proceeds benefit Marine Corps League charitable programs in the community. cajuncoast.com

SPRINGFIELD

Aug. 8

“I Found the Rougarou!” at Tickfaw State Park

On the second Saturday of every month, Tickfaw State Park invites children ages 6–14 to hunt for the legendary Rougarou lurking somewhere along the park’s trails and common areas. Kids and their families have from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to find the creature, snap a photo as proof and return to the entrance station. The fastest finder is crowned that month’s Legendary Hunter of the Rougarou. Day use fees of $3 per person apply; children 3 and younger and seniors 62 and older are free. lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/tickfaw-state-park

GUEYDAN

Aug. 27-30

50th Annual Gueydan Duck Festival

Four days of festivities in downtown Gueydan celebrate this event’s golden anniversary. Families travel from across the state to enjoy live entertainment, duck- and goose-calling contests, dog trials, skeet shooting, outdoor cooking contests, and a large carnival. This year’s headliners are country legend Tracy Byrd on Friday, Aug. 28, and Louisiana icon Wayne Toups on Saturday, Aug. 29. duckfestival.org

HOW TO INCLUDE UPCOMING EVENTS

Want to share a family-friendly event with Louisiana readers? Enter details at tinyurl.com/LouisianaPlanner or scan the QR code with your smartphone camera for easy access. Make sure to submit September/October events by July 31 (due to press deadline). Events are published as space allows.