Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Zelonis's Farm Family of the Year part 2

Tragedy struck her family when she was nine and her father died. Her mother worked at Champion Auto Parts in Hope and worked to keep the farm going.

Dee graduated from Bodcaw High School in 1982, the year she and Larry married.

The two met through a friend of Larry's who was dating one of Dee's sister. All four wound up getting married.

Larry and Dee leased four chicken houses for two years in 1982, buying their first chicken house in the McNab area in 1985. The house was moved to the Sutton area and rebuilt, giving them their start in the poultry business.

In August 1987 they had the chance to buy 34 acres and four more houses, which they did through what was then the Farmer's Home Administration.

In May 1994, Hudson Foods released some houses to be built. The Zelonis's were interested and got help building three through Farm Credit Services. They bought two more in 1996, again through FCS.

The pair had 20 acres to begin with, expanding it by buying another 20 in 1990, and 20 more in 93, along with an additional 20 acres in 99, with the help of FCS once more.

Things were going well for the family, which now included two children, as Heather was born in 91 and Jordan came along in 95, so they decided they could afford to build a house.

As had been their method, they obtained funding through FCS at the lowest rates possible and started building what can only be called a show place. Construction on the house began in Feb. 98, and was finished in Nov. 98.

However, things hadn't always been easy for them. In 1993, one of their four houses caved in under the weight of snow.

The flock was about four-weeks-old at the time, but, with the help of neighbors and friends, they managed to save most of the birds by moving them into the other three houses.

FHA helped them finance the rebuilding of the fallen house.

Heather is a student at Nevada Elementary School and will be entering the sixth grade this year.

Jordan finished kindergarten last year and will start first grade at NES when classes resume on Aug. 19.

Heather, last year, received awards in Library Club, Citizen of the Month, Outstanding Behavior and made the honor roll.

She was saved at Union Church in August 1999, where she is a member. She was baptized in May 2002.

Heather recently participated in a Bible school program at Union Baptist and received an award for perfect attendance.

She likes to swim, play golf and shop. Heather also loves horses and hopes to have one of her own someday.

She also likes being with her friends, Morgana, Aeron and Hannah.

While in kindergarten, Jordan earned an award for Outstanding Behavior and being a hard worker for the entire year. He also received pins for being a super student and doing super work.

He likes to play video games, golf and basketball (his newest passion).

Jordan has gone hunting with his dad a few times, but the sport isn't high on his list right now. (He's more interested in perfecting his slam dunk.)

He also recently attended Bible school at Union Baptist and received an award for perfect attendance.

At this time, Dee manages the four chicken houses near their home, while Larry takes care of the other eight, with each being there to help the other when needed.

They work together getting the houses ready for baby chicks, with Larry preparing the litter with a litter machine, which removes all the cakes. Then, he drags it with a four-wheeler to smooth it down and make it level.

In 1998 he was awarded No. 2 grower of the year for Tyson's.

"The greatest thing about farming," they said, "is being able to be with our children. They are what matter most. We have a great relationship with our children.

"We like being able to know where they are and what they're doing at all times. This day and time you need to be with your children (both parents) to try to teach them right from wrong.

"We're glad they're getting to grow up on a farm, which teaches them responsibilities and what hard work is all about."

Larry and Dee take Heather and Jordan to school daily and pick them up.

The children also help in getting the houses ready for the chicks, putting out feed trays and feed drops.

Heather has chores to do at the house, including running the dishwasher, keeping her room clean and blowing the leaves off the porch.

Both children help take the trash out and keep the family dog, Bones, fed.

"We consider it an honor to be named farm family," the said, "and thank everyone involved in the process."