Zachary Post • Tuesday, July 8, 2014 • Vol. 9, No. 27 • Published Weekly • Circulation 16,000 • zacharypost.com © 2014

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See CLAIRMONT on page 3

The Post is the place for Zachary news.

Proud to be Zachary’s only locally owned, managed and staffed newspaper.

Clairmont Community Taking ShapeHigh quality Zachary neighborhood development being built off Rollins Road

Freedom is Worth the Price You are Willing to Pay for ItPart 3 of Rafael Nowicki’s Odyssey to FreedomBy James Ronald skains

Author’s Note: The following is part three of a four-part article as told in the words of Rafael Nowicki, who viv-idly describes his journey to freedom in the US. What a vivid reminder of what we as Americans have to be thankful for as we celebrate our country’s indepen-dence.

After a harrowing visit to the Polish Embassy in London where he secured a renewed Visa, Nowicki departed the UK, destination Vienna, Austria, to see the USA Polish Relief Commission in his quest to immigrate to the USA.

“As the train traveled into central Europe, we went back behind the Iron Curtain,” Nowicki recalled the events of 1979 to the Zachary Post. “Communist security agents were everywhere on the train. I knew that things could turn dan-gerous for me in a heartbeat.”

“I had decided the best plan of ac-tion was to go into the dining car and use the last of my money to buy a meal. By the time the waiter delivered my meal, the Security Agents had come into the dining car checking everyone’s papers. I was hoping that the agents would give me a break because I was eating, but they did not. I told them that I had left my papers in my bunk on the train. I was ordered to go get them and be prompt about it or I would be arrested.” When I returned with my papers, my food was gone,” Nowicki said. “My food being gone was not my biggest problem. I realized that if the agents were very knowledgeable, they would realize that I was a wanted man in Poland and on the run in central Eu-rope.”

“After a few minutes of looking at my papers, they gave them back to me

and moved on to someone else. No one in the dining car knew what happened to my food. Not only was I almost to-tally out of money, I was very hungry that night. It was a long night until we got into Vienna the next morning.”

“I didn’t really know anyone in Vienna, but I did have contact infor-mation for the USA Polish Relief Commission,’’ he explained. “I went immediately to the Commission’s of-fice where I put in my application to go to America.”

“Since I did not have any money, friends or family, the Commission sug-gested that I go to the authorities in Vi-enna, surrender to them and ask for po-litical asylum as a refuge from Poland. By doing that, the plan was that I would at least have a place to live and food to eat until proper paperwork could be worked through for me to legally im-

migrate to America.”“After I was ushered in to a Cap-

tain’s office, the first question he asked me was where I had come from. I told him that I had come from England. When I said that, he jumped up from his desk and went out into the hall-ways. Immediately, three huge security guards came into the room with their guns pointed at me. They thought I was a crazy trying to defect from England, which was unheard of. I wasn’t defect-ing from England but Poland; but when he asked where I come from I said, England, which was where I had been before Vienna.”

“The guards literally picked me up by the arms and dragged me out of the office, down several flights of stairs, then out to the street in front of the build-

See FREEDOM on page 2

One of the fish stocked five acre lakes is ready in the Clairmont Community off of Rol-lins Road. Home building will begin in the next few weeks.

By Jen Bayhi-GennaRo

The past several weeks have brought much progress to Clair-mont Community, the new neigh-borhood under construction on Rollins Road. The sign is up, the five-acre lake is in, and the asphalt streets are complete for the first filing. However, if you don’t usu-ally travel down Rollins, don’t be surprised if this is the first you’re hearing of it.

“We won’t be cramming ag-gressive marketing and promo-tions down your throat. We expect most of our future residents to find us the old fashioned way; through the grapevine,” says architect D. Hunt, who is working in conjunc-tion with his father, developer and builder Don Hunt.

The project broke ground back in January. The first filing offers 48 lots, with 13 of those being lake lots, 15 village lots and 20 garden home lots. Prices for garden lots start $44,500, and go up to $77,000 for lake lots. So far, 10 lots have been sold and about eight will like-ly be sold within the month.

“Preserving home and property value is the most important thing to us,” Hunt says, since both he and his father plan to live in Clairmont. “We have everything in place to promote that, including allowing only hand-selected local build-ers and designers to perform work here.” Most lots are being sold on an individual basis and built for in-

2 Zachary POST Tuesday, July 8, 2014

P.O. Box 1637Zachary, LA 70791

Phone (225) 654-0122Fax (225) 208-1165

Email stories and photos to info@zacharypost.com

Published Tuesdays52 weeks a year

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

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Publisher & EditorDaniel Duggan

Graphic DesignerTina Adams

Account ExecutivesGeorgiana Walls

Ashley Evans

Contributing WriterJames Ronald SkainsJen Bayhi-Gennaro

Summer Parties CooordinatorCalla Duggan

Beach BumChandler Duggan

Sand EngineerCecelia Duggan

The Crab GrabberColton Duggan

FREEDOM continued from page 1

ing which had an iron fence and gate around it,” Nowicki said in remember-ing that day in 1979 in Vienna. “I found myself sitting on a curb all bruised up in a daze. I kept hearing someone yelling angrily at me. I finally saw a security guard at the gate yelling and pointing a gun at me. He was saying that if I didn’t leave immediately that he would shoot to kill me.”

“I got away from that spot as fast as I could go. Fortunately, when the guards grabbed me in the office, I had been able to grab my little travel bag with what few earthly possessions I had. I remember my feet hitting each step as I was drug down the steps of the big monastery castle place and out to the street by those huge security guards.”

“I was back at ground zero; broke, hungry, out on the streets not knowing anyone in town and just barely being able to speak their language.” he said. “I was able to pick up a few odds and end jobs for a little money before I landed a really good job on a construction site.”

“A huge new UN complex was be-ing built in Vienna at the time. Getting a job there was a huge blessing for me. I had a job, a little money, and could con-centrate on taking the next step in my journey to the America. The tradecrafts my dad had taught me back in Poland served me well on this job. I was pro-moted to foreman’s job in a few weeks. It was while I was working on the UN complex that my dad was able to visit

me from Poland.”“Dad had told the Polish Commu-

nist Authorities that he had a lead on my whereabouts and he was going to get me and bring me back to Poland,’’ he said. “My dad and I had a wonderful two weeks together in Vienna, sight-seeing, eating at good restaurants and drinking plenty of wine.”

“Looking back at my escape from Poland and immigration to America, the key turning point may have been my meeting a young American student from California traveling in Europe that summer. I met Daniel Myers at a youth hostel in Vienna. He was travel-ing throughout Europe seeing the sights and leading a life of leisure.”

“The day I met Daniel, I was very envious of him,” Nowicki acknowl-edged. “He was all I wanted to be. He was wearing great looking American clothes, obviously had plenty of money (which I could not imagine anyone my

age having) and when I first saw him, he was casually drinking a bottle of Coke.”

“This particular youth hostel was located in a building with a bell tow-er. There were beds on the landings on the staircase in the bell tower. The bells would ring automatically at dif-ferent times and if you were trying to sleep in one of those beds in the stair-case, you got an earful of bells ringing. The couple of nights that Daniel stayed there, he just thought the bells ringing above where we were sleeping were just quaint.”

Writer’s note: I had hoped to finish up Rafael’s incredible story in this third installment but I haven’t been able to. I wanted to share with you Rafael’s amaz-ing journey after he made it to America, which is in many ways, is as incredible as his escape from Poland. The next article will wrap up Rafael’s journey in life here in the USA.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014 Zachary POST 3

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dividuals with custom plans, Hunt says. In order to preserve the ar-chitectural integrity and value of home prices, each set of plans has to go through review process, and all builders, architects and design-ers will be approved by the com-mittee.

The development plans include 230 lots, over 20 acres of green space, two stocked five-acre lakes surrounded by towering oaks and natural shrubs, a residents’ pavil-ion for social events, nearly a mile of walk-ing trails and lush l a n d -

scaping, all accessible to each res-ident of the community.

“I’m very excited to be working with my dad to bring a first-class development like Clairmont Com-munity to our hometown of Zach-ary,” the younger Hunt says. “It’s a highly restricted, family-orient-ed development that embraces the natural charm of southern Louisi-ana. But don’t take my word for it, just wait and see. People who value quality construction, refined architecture, and natural amenities will gravitate toward Clairmont.”

More information can be found at www.clairmontzachary.com, or

on the Com-m u n i t y ’ s F a c e b o o k page.

CLAIRMONT continued from page 1

4 Zachary POST Tuesday, July 8, 2014

We Service What We Sell! Parts in Stock!

LEGENDZ BASEBALL is currently accepting player tryout registra-tion and coaching applications for our 2015 Spring & Summer team rosters. If you are interested in receiving more information concerning Legendz Baseball and would like to register for tryouts please email us at info@legendzsportsacademy.org.

Legendz 13 went undefeated (5-0) to claim the championship in the Global Sports Governor Games held in Baton Rouge. Kneeling: Luke Rider, Brennan LeBlanc, Sam Cottano, Brock Berthelot, and Austin Tunstall. Standing: Asst. Coach Dustin Byrd, Ty-ler Jackson, Phillip Faucheaux, Ben Lejeune, Head Coach Jack Leiva, Beau Lockhart, Asst. Coach Steve Berthelot, and Reed Rushing.

The TITANS (U-12) participated in the 2014 Grand Slam World Series of Base-ball in Panama City Beach, Florida, Monday, June 23rd through Sunday, June 29th, 2014. Their series began with two pool play games on Tuesday, where they finished with an 8-8 tie against Alabama’s ABA Diamond Kings; and, a victory over Louisiana’s Ascension Mets Black (6-4). The championship bracket play began on Wednesday, with the Titans starting bracket play as the 3rd seed, out of 12 teams. They fought hard and went into the championship game on Sunday unde-feated after another victory over the Mets Black (4-3), and subsequent victories over Louisiana’s Bayou Bulldogs (7-4) and Louisiana’s Legendz Baseball (3-0). After two hard fought battles in back to back games against Legendz Baseball, the TITANS finished the tournament in 2ND PLACE. The TITANS congratulate Loui-siana’s Legendz Baseball, and salute the Legendz fans, players and coaches for their hard work and skill, and also for their first class sportsmanship! Pictured Above – Coaches (left to right): John Carriere, Mike O’Brien, Chad Cifreo. Team Manager (bottom right): Adam Cifreo. Players (top row, left to right): Nicholas Carriere, Bryce Rozas, Dominick O’Brien, Brennon Chenevert, Edmond “Eddie” Revelle. Players (bottom row, left to right): Jackson Barrilleaux, Colin Grezaffi, Micah Cifreo, Patrick Thompson, Gage Braud. Not in picture (injured): Cole Roche’.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014 Zachary POST 5See VILLAGE on page 5

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The Zachary 10U Softball Team Tournament Champions. The girls of “Orange Crush” softball team were undefeated in their tournament on June 28, 2014. Pictured above: front row, left to right: Brandy Lee, Shayla Phelps, Jakenzie Thymes, Hannah Conrad.Second row, left to right: Natalie Creel, Demi Mills, April Key, De’niya Williams, Sydney Miller, Arturia Jenkins. Third row, left to right: Coaches: Terri Creel, Lisa Key, Patricia Jenkins, Chad Conrad.

Legendz 13 placed 3rd in the North State Championship held in Pineville last weekend. Kneeling: Caynan Byrd, Austin Tunstall, Sam Cottano, Brennan LeBlanc, Tyler Jack-son, and Brock Berthelot. Standing: Asst. Coach Steve Berthelot, Luke Rider, Phillip Faucheux, Head Coach Jack Leiva, Beau Lockhart, Ben Lejeune, Reed Rushing, and Asst. Coach Dustin Byrd.

6 Zachary POST Tuesday, July 8, 2014

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

MilestonesMadelyn Jane Capone born May 21

THE BREC GOLF ACADEMY WORKSHOP SESSIONS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Monday-SaturdayCourses include: Beaver Creek, City Park and Santa Maria

All skill levels invited$20/per person includes instruction, video analysis and range balls.

FOR CLASS TIMES, PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE AT GOLF.BREC.ORG OR CALL 225-753-3082

Grab a blanket or lawn chair and join BREC for a family

movie under the stars!

ZACHARY COMMUNITY PARK July 17 • 7:30-10 p.m.

For more information, call 225-654-4261.

MOVIEin the Park

Zachary students shine at track event. Christopher (L) and Conner (R) Hilton participat-ed in USATF District Championship in McComb, MS. Christopher placed 1st in the long jump, 400m and 200m dash. Conner placed 2nd in the javelin and 4th in the shotput. Both athletes advanced to the Regional Championship in Birmingham, AL.

Anthony and Lyndsey Capone of Zachary are proud to announce the birth of their first child, Madelyn Jane.

Madelyn was born at May 21, 2014 at Woman’s Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces and was 20 and a half inches long.

She was welcomed into the world by her grandparents Barry and Wanda Curtis and Brian and Molly Capone, both of Zachary.

SEND IN YOUR MILESTONE TOinfo@ZacharyPost.com

Tuesday, July 8, 2014 Zachary POST 7

BUSINESS DIRECTORY | CLASSIFIEDS

ARTS, DANCE & MUSIC

ANTIQUES

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225-936-8649

Fabrics, Slip Covers, Custom Drapery, Roman

Shades,Shutters & Upholstery

Credit cards accepted

“We come to you, FREE estimates”

DOG CARE

DRY CLEANERS

All Breeds Dog BoardingObedience & Retriever Training

www.y-farms.com • 225-445-5012

ClassifiedsDrivers: Company Needed. Excellent Driving Opportunity. $2000 Sign-On Bonus! No Touch Freight, Great Miles. Class A CDL & 3yrs Over-the-Road Experience Required. Pass-port & TWIC a Plus! Monthly Performance & MPG Bonus. 401K, Insurance, $25K Co. Red. Life Ins. .09 Per Diem. Log, Cell Phone & DOT Inspection Incentives. Plus Much More! TSD Logistics Call: 800-426-7110 x156 www.tsdlogistics.comDrivers: Chemical & LP Regional/OTROut & Back Openings! Great Pay, Bonuses &Benefits incl. 100% PAID Health Ins! CDL-A, 1yr OTR T/T Exp., TWIC & X End. Req. MARTIN TRANSPORT: 1-225-355-1342For Sale - 2004 Chevy Venture Extended Mini-van 5D, seats 7, lots of extras! 17+mpg, 134K miles, $3,250. 225-907-4194.Advanced Cosmetic Technique-Eyebrows, Eyeliner and Lips (full lips & lip liner). Call for Appointment (225) 571-6690.Help Wanted – Looking for a dependable ma-ture woman to work with a special needs lady. If interested, call 225-336-9770.Twenty beautiful acres with mature hard-woods, magnolia, pine and a creek running throughout it. Only minutes from Zachary and Central. $225,000. Call Sally, Keller Williams Realty Red Stick Plus (225) 301-7224. “Each office independently owned and operated.”Experienced Caregiver. 35 Years Experi-ence. Certified in CPR. Elderly Care, Male or Female, Day or Night. Call (225) 344-0743 or (225) 250-8666.16x60 Mobile Home on 1.54 Acres in Ethel. 3BR/2BA, Central Air & Heat, Completely Fenced, Covered Carport, 12x15 Covered Back Porch, 2 Sheds, $69,900. Call 225-907-8993.Now Hiring! Medical office in Clinton is look-ing for a medical assistant. Fax resume to 225-683-3350. Must have reliable transportation.FOR SALE. 2 Female Donkeys. 18 months old. 28 inches tall. Great pets, good with kids. Call 225-620-3808. $200 each.Help Wanted, Part Time Position available. Zachary Storage Solutions 1210 Church Street Zachary, LA 70791 is seeking dependable office staffer from 18-24 hours per week. $9 to $10 per hour depending on experience. Some Sat-urdays required. Please mail resume or hand deliver to address above.Country living in the City of Zachary! 1.61 Acre homesite is ready to build upon. Site prep already prepared, and you can enjoy fishing off the sandy beaches of Redwood Creek located on the rear of the property. Brokered by Monte Real Estate 225-658-1515. Listed at $74,900 and will entertain all offers.ROOM FOR RENT. Private entrance/private bath with kitchenette. All utilities and cable included. Furnished. $165 per week. Call or text (225) 654-9900 or call (225) 570-8835.Specialty Maintenance Contractors LLC. Ad-ditions, Contstruction, Remodeling & Repairs. Whatever your needs may be, we do it. 225-572-3673.

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INSURANCE

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Junior’s FurnitureService, LLC

Upholstery, Custom Built Ottomans and Headboards

Ultra Shield • Antique Restoration •RV’sCommercial & Residential • Eco Friendly Fabrics

225-654-3949“God is first in all we do”

Lloyd’s Home Maintenance &

RepairNo Job too Small!Call 225-936-7652

RESTAURANT

AUTO GLASS REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT(May Qualify for No Deductible)

VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION (All Parishes)Hwy 19

658-7906(local) · 921-2185(cell)

FELICIANA WINDSHIELDZachary’s Auto Glass Place

8 Zachary POST Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The ZHS Cheerleaders went to Destin last week for cheer camp and won 1st place in cheer, extreme routine and 1st overall. Front row L-R: Kaleigh Carter, Kayla Davis, Ali White, Bailey Cranford, Cami White, Victoria Jones Middle Row L-R: Catherine Hal-phen, Cheyenne Harvin, Caitlin Halphen, Anne-Marie Fontenot, Ryleigh Carr, Mag-gie Terall, Mallory Charlet, Logan Guilbeau Back Row L-R: Callie Howell, Morgan Peairs, Taylee Corkern, McKenzie Sullivan, Shelby Waddell, Karli Hall, Skylar Shaw, and Peyton Delapasse. The cheer coach is Wendy Elbourne.

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ZACHARY LOCATION18989 Old Scenic Hwy • (225) 654-8850Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM • Sat-Sun 9AM-6PM

Open after hours and seven days a week, our experienced medical staff, great service, and trusted tradition help you and your little ones get better faster.

WHAT A RELIEF!

We have extended hours.