This update was originally scheduled for Friday but was delayed as the editor was on site assisting with ongoing work at the property.

PORT ALLEN – Progress continues at Theodore "Mr. Teddy" Melancon's home on Gladiolus Street as a new contractor takes the lead, a local business steps up with donated materials, and fellow veterans stop by with a personal tribute.

Pollett Construction Takes Over

Pollett Construction LLC is now on site at 626 Gladiolus, handling exterior work and finishing details on the home. Paint prep began Wednesday, March 5, with exterior painting to follow.

Benjamin Moore | Helm Paint Donates Supplies

Benjamin Moore | Helm Paint donated paint and supplies for the project. Thank you to owner Joey Helm, Baton Rouge General Manager James Doucet, and Brandon Wixom for making it happen. Volunteer coordinator Toddie Milstead picked up the donation this week, loading up buckets of exterior paint for the crew.

"My gosh, how kind and generous they are," Milstead said after picking up the supplies.

Thank you to Benjamin Moore | Helm Paint for continuing to support this community effort.

Veterans Honor a Veteran

Members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Louisiana Chapter 6-8 recently visited Mr. Melancon at his home and presented him with a custom hand-painted American flag featuring the 1st Cavalry Division insignia — a nod to his military service.

The piece was crafted by Juneau's Custom Woodworking LLC, a personal and meaningful tribute from fellow veterans who wanted Mr. Melancon to know he hasn't been forgotten.

A Neighbor Who Deserves Help Too

When volunteers first arrived on Gladiolus Street in January to help Mr. Melancon, his neighbor Sylvia Hardesty opened her property so crews could park and access the work site. She didn't ask for anything in return. She just helped.

During recent visits, it became clear that Mrs. Hardesty is dealing with her own set of challenges. She has plumbing issues that need professional attention — specifically, her water lines need to be located and a cleanout needs to be added or repaired. She's also dealing with a deteriorating front door, ceiling damage, and a pest problem.

The City of Port Allen does not currently offer home repair assistance programs for elderly residents.

Mrs. Hardesty helped this effort from day one. Now she could use some help herself.

What's needed: A licensed plumber willing to volunteer their time to help locate Mrs. Hardesty's water lines, add a cleanout, and address the pipe issues at her home on Gladiolus Street.

Anyone able to help — whether it's plumbing, materials, or other skilled work — can reach out to WBR Independent at editor@wbrindependent.com.

Thank You

This project has been made possible by the generosity of volunteers, contractors, and community members who stepped up when it mattered. Thank you to Pollett Construction, Benjamin Moore | Helm Paint, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Louisiana Chapter 6-8, and Juneau's Custom Woodworking LLC.

A special thank you to Couyons and Rio Cantina in Brusly for continuing to support the effort by keeping our crews fed throughout the project. That kind of steady support makes a real difference.

And thank you to Sylvia Hardesty for being a good neighbor from the start.

More updates to come.

Editor's Note: John Summers, editor of WBR Independent, serves as Commander of Addis VFW Post 3785 and has been helping with the community relief effort for Mr. Melancon since January 2026.

#WBRIndependent

March 5, 2026