The Union Baptist Church in Zachary celebrated Mother’s Day with the men of the church serving the ladies.  The men spoke, sang and served refreshments.  Union Baptist is located on Old Slaughter Road and is under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Lynn Alexander.

Dennis M. Oliver, Kiwainis District Coordinator of the Eliminate Project, urged members of the Baton Rouge Early Risers Kiwanis to get involved to stop the suffering of children and help save a life.

The Eliminate Project is Kiwanis International’s global campaign to help eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) from the face of the earth.   “All it takes is a little bit of money and effort,” Oliver said.  The Kiwanis family, UNICEF, and partners have united to provide the immunization needed to protect 61 million mothers and their babies.  Kiwanis International has pledged to raise 110 million dollars by 2015.

MNT is a tragedy but it can be prevented.  According to information circulated by the organization, “Just three vaccine doses, costing roughly $1.80, can protect a woman and her future babies.  Now we need to reach them, often in places that are remote, impoverished and invisible to the world.”  It requires vaccines, syringes, safe transport and storage, education of communities, training of health workers and more. 

A Celebration of Love was held in tribute to Mildred King Stewart by her daughters, Emma Dean Searcy and Gwendolyn Perry Honore at Occasions Unlimited in Baker.  The celebration honored their mother prior to her March 20th birthday.

Friends and family gathered for fun, food and laughter, as various persons lauded the life of Stewart.  In jest, Cleo Perry, Jr., with his sister Dean Perry and his brother Carlos Perry, by his side, told of an incident when his grand pulled them aside and showed them karate.  “She was our protector,” he laughed. 

The stage was set for a beautiful evening by Daisy Slan, who narrated the event and Dr. Veronica Thomas who rendered the welcome and occasion.  Emily W. Stewart, sister-in-law, told of the strong relationship she shared with Stewart and her qualities as a strong woman of faith.

While Emma gave an emotional talk on her mother as a role model and specific testimonies of faith,  Gwendolyn shared some of her mother’s comedic writings from life and past jobs.