The St. Tammany Farmer 11-27-2025 by The Advocate

BLAST WITH BOCCE

The St. Tammany Parish Adapted Physical Education Department hosted the 10th annual High School Students with Exceptionalities Bocce Games at Covington High School on Nov. 18, and both the athletes and the fans had a blast. It was a time of friendship and high spirits, but the concentration of athletes at work likely swept away thoughts of the impending Thanksgiving break — at least for a few hours.

Thanksgiving is the superior holiday

Thanksgiving is the best holiday, and I will die on this hill.

Woah, way to start things out aggressive, huh? What can I say? I’m a gal who is passionate about eating (until I need a pair of stretchy pants) and counting my blessings. Because, really is there anything better than sweet potato casserole with a side of gratitude? No. No there is not But hear me out, Christmas and Halloween fanatics. I would like to present my case, because y’all have your priorities all wrong, and I’m going to tell you why

Let’s start out with Thanksgiving’s resume. In theory, she was designed to represent peace and togetherness. Sure we may have sugar coated her origin

story a little bit, but over the years, Thanksgiving has grown into that narrative. Thanksgiving is the one time a year we actually reserve to celebrate what we already have. Eh hem. YOU HEAR THAT, CHRISTMAS? Let me say it again so they can hear it in the back. What We Already Have. You know, the blessings that exist for everyone. I promise you there are at least three good things in every person’s life. I will Vegas-style bet on that. But what does Thanksgiving do? It instructs us to dwell on that. And what happens when we dwell on our blessings? Our brain can literally rewire itself and become happier, no matter our circumstances. That is fact. That is science. Look it up. Thanksgiving also brings people together, a thing we as a society should

probably start working on a little more.

We’re all so buried in our phones we forget to come up for air sometimes, but Thanksgiving gives us a perfect excuse to do so. I mean, you gotta maneuver the fork into your mouth, which requires a little hand-eye coordination away from your iPhone.

And we all gotta eat, right? Let’s eat together Family meals. Friendsgivings. Combos of the two. It’s all good. Then, there are all the volunteers and organizations that pull together to make sure everybody has the means to eat something. So, in turn, they’re creating community and friendships and good vibes doing that. Hello, good will. Nice to see you again. I don’t remember you making an appearance at the Halloween

cuts employee raises, funds for Safe Haven

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

St. Tammany Parish employees may not get raises next year and the Safe Haven mental health campus would lose its funding under amendments to Parish President Mike Cooper’s 2026 budget proposed by Parish Council members.

At the same time, the council proposed adding $5 million in additional funding for road and drainage improvements and other infrastructure projects across council districts.

The amendments, part of council members’ efforts to put their stamp on Cooper’s plans to budget for an expected $180 million in revenue for next year, came during a special council meeting Nov 17. The budget must be adopted by the end of the year, and the amendments paved the way for council members to approve the revised budget at their Dec. 4 meeting. Council member Cheryl Tanner, the council ﬁnance committee chair, said in an interview the revisions to the budget would “buy (the council) some time,” as it waits for more information about employee health insurance costs in the new year and looks for funding solutions for Safe Haven. Cooper argued that 2% cost-of-living wage increases for the parish’s roughly 500 workers

St. Tammany pulling full sleigh of holiday cheer

BY JESSICA SAGGIO

Contributing writer

USFWS to celebrate Cajun

Christmas bells are ringing, the toy catalogs have all been marked up by Santa’s most hopeful fan club and the spirit of the holiday season is already off to a busy start. So busy, in fact, it’s time to bust out those calendars and start nailing down plans. St. Tammany is ﬁlled to the brim with holiday fanfare this year, and residents have their pick of the litter when it comes to celebrating at local events.

What tops the list? That’s ultimately for families to decide. But if you want our take, here’s our Holiday dozen, because cookies aren’t the only fun thing that come in a pack of 12.

St. Tammany’s Holiday Dozen

1. Holiday of Lights:

Dec. 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20 and drive-thru Dec. 22-Jan. 1

Koop Drive near Mandeville will become a slice of the North Pole this holiday season as the St. Tammany Parish Government and

PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Bria Audibert tosses her bocce ball at the 10th annual High School Students with Exceptionalities Bocce Games at Covington High School on Nov. 18

Allie Conney takes her turn with the ball at Covington High School.

Landon Carver takes his turn tossing a Bocce ball to the court

Sporting events and music just go together, and music was provided for the bocce game.

Jessica Saggio

BUDGET

Continued from page 1A

were needed to “help our employees have ﬁnancial stability in this time of high inﬂation.”

The budget process, which often raises contentious issues over government spending priorities in St. Tammany, has been especially heated in recent years because of a lack of funding for criminal justice agencies in the parish’s tappedout general fund. Cooper’s 2026 budget would cut funding for the parish’s judges, District Attorney’s Ofﬁce and jail by 30% after voters again rejected a dedicated tax to fund those agencies.

Still, the conversation on Nov 17 touched on whether the parish could afford raises for its workers, and whether Safe Haven, which receives roughly $600,000 from the

parish’s general fund to operate its campus, is worth the cost. Cooper’s $196.8 million spending plan for 2026, in addition to relying on the $180 million in revenue, also draws on leftover funds from previous years, Council Administrator Mary Burckell said.

Cost-of-living raises

Council members said they didn’t want to approve cost-of-living increases until they know how much the parish has to pay in 2026 to cover employees’ health insurance. The parish expects health insurance costs to go up, said Burckell, but won’t know by how much until early next year

In his original proposal, Cooper argued employees are the parish’s “greatest asset” and has said increases are essential to attracting employees to work in parish government.

But Tanner said they did not want to give employees cost-ofliving increases now, only to have to take them away in a few months when health insurance costs go up. The parish covers 100% of employees’ health insurance.

Budget cuts to Safe Haven

Safe Haven, the parish hub for health services owned by the parish that once earned the praise of Gov John Bel Edwards, also came under scrutiny Tanner proposed ending the parish’s funding of the campus whose tenants include St. Tammany Public Schools, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Florida Parishes Human Services Authority

Tanner said she did not want to shut down Safe Haven, but said the parish’s general fund cannot currently afford to cover it. She noted Safe Haven still has some cash onhand from rent and leftover mon-

HOLIDAYS

Continued from page 1A

a heap of sponsors host the Holiday of Lights. The event features a magical path of lights that can be enjoyed by foot or tram. There will also be falling “sneaux,” carnival rides, crafts and performances — all free. Santa photos, food trucks and beverages are also available. The festival kicks off with an opening ceremony and tree lighting at 6 p.m. Dec. 5. All of the activities and performances will take place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13. However, visitors will have another opportunity to walk through Santa’s Enchanted Forest from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 19-20. Otherwise, a drive-through option will be open from Dec. 22 through Jan 1. It all happens on Koop Drive surrounding the Tammany Trace/Trailhead and Kids Konnection playground.

2. Pearl River Christmas tree Lighting Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. Pearl River hosts its holiday kick-off with a Christmas tree lighting at Town Hall, a small-town celebration with train rides, school performances and treats. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance, bringing gifts for children This event at 39460 Willis Alley, Pearl River, is free and open to the public.

3. Winter on the Water Dec. 6., 3 p.m. Mandeville will have itself a merry little Christmas Dec. 6 as the city’s Winter on the Water holiday celebration returns, starting with a 3 p.m. parade that begins on Lakeshore Drive at Foy Street; turns onto Girod Street; and ends with a turn on to Woodrow Street. The parade will be followed with a festival at the trailhead, 675 Laﬁtte Street, that will feature a lighting of the trailhead, performances, kids tent, vendors, face painting, candlelight caroling and pictures with Santa. This event is free.

4. Holiday Extravaganza! with Vince Vance and the Valiants Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m.

“The King of Christmas” Vince Vance returns to Heritage Park in Slidell for another Holiday Extravaganza with a concert beginning at 6 p.m. The free concert will feature classic Christmas tunes and Vance’s signature song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Come at 5:30 p.m. and join the Bayou Jam Christmas caroling until the show begins. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite holiday costumes. The concert

ey from the parish’s public health millage, which voters declined to renew in 2023. It’s not clear how the loss of some $600,000 would impact Safe Haven’s operations.

Meanwhile, the parish council also approved $5.2 million in additional drainage and road projects in all of the parish’s 14 council districts, except District 2 and District 4, whose council members said their requested projects had already been funded.

Administrative positions

Council member Arthur Laughlin also proposed another series of cuts targeting some of the positions in Cooper’s office, including a deputy chief administrative officer, the parish’s coastal manager Randy Pausina, a position in Cooper’s office and a vacancy in the utilities department. Laughlin said in an interview he

Various departments of St. Tammany Parish government compete to have the best decorated tree at the Holiday of Lights near Mandeville annually

is family-friendly Bring chairs and picnic materials. It’s also a chance to get a sneak peak of what’s to come at Slidell’s Christmas Under the Stars event 5. Merry Madisonville parade and festival Dec. 7, 2 p.m. Madisonville is rolling into the holiday spirit by bringing back its Merry Madisonville Parade, with festival to follow The 2 p.m. parade begins at the Maritime Museum Louisiana on Mabel Drive and continues through the historic downtown and ending on Pine Street at Madisonville Ballpark There, a festival will take place featuring Santa’s Workshop with crafts and games, a Market Munchkins kids market, food trucks, treats and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at 4 p.m Event concludes at 6 p.m

6. Christmas Under the Stars Dec. 12-13, 19-20 Slidell is changing gears this year as its free annual Christmas Under the Stars celebration moves from Grifﬁth Park to Heritage Park, keeping its old look in a new location. The familiar Christmas cottages, big Santa and light displays will all be on scene, with even more lights being added this year Guests can walk through the displays any evening from Dec. 8 to Jan. 4. However, on Dec. 12-13 and 19-20, Christmas Under the Stars will play host to Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be available for photos. Live entertainment will also take place on those dates, featuring Witness on Dec. 12, Ozone Music Foundation performers on Dec. 13

and Fat City Swing Band on Dec. 19. The performer for Dec. 20 has not yet been announced.

7. Christmas in Folsom and Merry Little Horse and Wagon Parade Dec. 13

Take a step back in time in Folsom this season as the village of Folsom hosts its Merry Little Horse & Wagon Christmas parade and festival ﬁlled with nostalgia from Christmases past. The parade will begin on La. 40 and weave through Austin and Olive streets, Railroad Avenue, and then Rosa Cryer and Broadway streets. The festival will follow in Moise Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a tree lighting, Christmas caroling, a movie and other activities.

8. Cajun Christmas at Big Branch

Dec. 13

Papa Noel will bring the bells and all will be gay-o, so says Brenda Lee. But Santa Claus will, in fact, come down on the bayou this year at the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Lacombe.

Following uncertainty while the government was shut down, the event is back on and will take place at the refuge’s visitor center from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Cajun Christmas will host Santa for photos and have wildlife crafts and refreshments.

A complimentary photographer will be there to take Santa photos, but parents are also encouraged to bring their own cameras.

The trails and grounds of the historic Bayou Gardens will also be open for exploration, with many varieties of camellias in bloom.

9. Lollipop Christmas pa-

rade and tree lighting

Dec. 13

Downtown Covington will get a little sweeter this year as the Lollipop Christmas Parade marches into town; it starts at 3 p.m. and travels from North Jefferson Avenue to North Columbia Street, turning on East Boston Street, up North New Hampshire Street and ending with a turn onto North Theard Street. After the parade, a free children’s event and lighting of the Christmas tree will take place the Covington Trailhead from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will host Santa, Christmas karaoke and have arts and crafts and a petting zoo.

10. Christmas on the Northshore Concert

Dec. 14

St. Timothy on the Northshore Methodist Church will again host its Christmas on the Northshore concert.

There will be two concerts, one at 3 p.m. and another to follow at 7 p.m. in the main sanctuary at 335 Asbury Drive in Mandeville. The concerts will feature the St. Timothy choir and soloists and the Northshore Orchestra. The concerts are free, but seating is ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served.

11. History & Holly Home Tour

Dec. 14

Covington’s rich history will shine in its annual History & Holly tour of historic homes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Get a glimpse into the area’s preserved historic houses, as well as new homes with old-school charm. Each will be decked out for the holidays and friendly docents will direct guests as needed on this self-guided stroll. Tickets for this Covington Heritage Foundation event are $22.94 and can be purchased online at covingtonheritagefoundation.com.

12 Holiday Concert with Northshore Community Orchestra

Dec. 18

The Slidell Auditorium will come alive with the familiar sounds of Christmas as the Northshore Community Orchestra performs at its annual Holiday Concert. Doors open for this free concert at 6:30 p.m. and the performance will begin at 7 p.m.

Seating is ﬁrst-come, ﬁrstserved.

Concessions will be available, and the orchestra will be accepting donations.

St. Tammany Parish has so many holiday events planned, the list couldn’t ﬁt. To see more local events featuring several dozen celebrations, go to www sttammanyfarmer.org and look for the headline “St. Tammany pulling full sleigh of holiday cheer.”

thought the positions were redundant and the parish government should ﬁnd opportunities for cuts just as the criminal justice agencies have had to. Cooper, meanwhile, said he was “surprised” when he learned of Laughlin’s amendment. He said the positions were “sorely needed,” arguing that Pausina, for instance, “more than paid for his salary” in the work he did administering major projects on the parish’s lakeshore. Annie Perkins, the parish’s finance director, said the cuts would save only around $1,900 in money from the cash-strapped general fund, since the positions are covered by other funds.

A majority of the council ultimately voted against including the proposed amendment.

Email Willie Swett at willie. swett@theadvocate.com.

Pere Noel will check his list at Cajun Christmas

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

Christmas on Dec. 13. The 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. event is free; complimentary photos will be taken with Santa, or visitors can bring a camera and shoot their own. The idea behind Cajun Christmas is to harken back to when families would spend the holidays visiting on the water

“This is a unique family experience where you can transport yourself back to when you would go see grandpa or grandma in their rustic fishing camp or cabin,” explained Becky Larkins, outreach director at the Visitors Center “This time, instead of grandpa, it’s our own Cajun Santa Claus. He’s wants to hear if you’re been naughty or nice or maybe on the cusp of either side. It’s very nostalgic.”

Cajun Santa, wearing a vintage dark red outfit with a pirogue nearby, will meet and greet families — speaking Cajun French is optional. There will be snacks and refreshments served and the opportunity to build a nature-themed craft made from recycled items. Alligator sausage will be on sale.

Attendees can walk some of the trails along Bayou Lacombe and see the camellias in bloom. Pere Noel’s cabin is usually set up as an interactive exhibit where people can learn how early Louisiana settlers interacted and tracked native wildlife and traded furs.

Larkins believes it’s a great event for grandparents looking to get their grandkids out of the house to let the parents do some Christmas shopping and also remind the kids what Christmas was like years ago.

“Cajun Christmas is a

CAJUN CHRISTMAS

WHAT: A celebration of Christmas, Cajun culture and nature in one setting WHEN: Saturday, Dec.13, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Bayou Lacombe Visitors Center, 61389 La. 434

WHAT TO DO: Meet with Cajun Santa and get a photo taken, or bring your own camera and snap your own shots. HOW MUCH: The event is free.

MORE: Contact the Visitors Center at (985) 882-2000 or email Rebecca_Larkins@ FWS.gov

traditional view of Santa’s visit, but with some Cajun flair, that means instead of having reindeer, he has alligators, and instead of a sleigh, he has a pirogue, and our Santa will tell it like it is,” laughed Larkins.

“If you had Cajun grandparents, you know what I mean, because you always knew where you stood with them around Christmas.” The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges. One of the major events on the calendar at the Bayou Lacombe Visitors Center is the Wild Things festival at Big Branch, but it was canceled due to the government shutdown. Larkins said the center gets around 7,000 guests a year and hundreds of people usually come for Cajun Christmas Pets are welcome, but they must remain on a leash and are unable to go into the cabin for pictures.

“Last year we had a Grinch show up, and you never know if he’s going to show up again,” said Larkins. “We will also have Swampy, our alligator mascot, there. This is an event geared for families, and we do ask people to come, dress up and meet Santa.”

PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

The 25th anniversary of the Holiday of Lights featured a unique community Christmas tree on Koop Drive near Mandeville last year

Tammany mosquito abatement director defends work

DA’s financial review

questioned agency’s spending

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement Director Kevin Caillouet defended the district’s work at a special public meeting held Nov 18 presenting what his agency called a rebuttal to northshore District Attorney Collin Sims’ recent ﬁnancial review of the district

The meeting came less than a month after Sims and a group of business leaders presented a 29page report to the Parish Council’s

Government Efﬁciency Committee on the St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement District’s ﬁnances.

The report questioned the prudence of some of the agency’s investments including a $4 million helicopter for mosquito spraying and an $8 million building with a new lab.

Caillouet said the lab has sped up his agency’s work. By testing in-house, he has a guaranteed oneday turnaround time from collecting trapped mosquitoes to treating hotspots.

He argued the helicopter allows more selective application of larvicides and adulticides and is a new standard for mosquito abatement.

“What’s at stake with this conversation is the same-day mosqui-

to control service that you’re used to, it’s that proactive public health approach,” Caillouet said.

In an interview on Nov 19, Sims pointed to the council report’s ﬁnding that the new lab tests mosquito samples for diseases at a rate of $12 per test, while the lab at Louisiana State University, which the district previously utilized, costs $5.50 per test. Sims also criticized the costs of the salaries and beneﬁts for personnel at St. Tammany’s lab.

“We’re not arguing with your scientiﬁc method, we’re arguing with your spending to execute that scientiﬁc method,” Sims said.

The council report floated the idea of consolidating mosquito abatement with parish govern-

ment But Caillouet argued that the beneﬁt of an independent taxing district is that “there is no politician between your dedicated tax dollars and the service that you’ve dedicated those funds for.”

He said the district is lowering its property tax and taking steps to reduce inefﬁciencies by sharing resources with other government agencies.

In February, in part sparked by concerns over the parish’s insufficient funding for its criminal justice system, Sims and the Parish Council looked at reducing potential inefﬁciencies in parish government by reviewing various agencies’ ﬁnances starting with Mosquito Abatement.

The following month, voters shot

down a proposal for a tax dedicated to fund some criminal justice agencies. Sims’ ofﬁce, as well as northshore judges and the jail, are now expected to receive 30% cuts in parish funding in 2026 and even higher the following year

Caillouet acknowledged the parish is a ﬁnancial “crunch.”

“We’ve never been against Mr Sims or funding public safety fully,” he said. Rather, Caillouet said he was “against the process” the parish and Sims took to review Mosquito Abatement’s finances. Mosquito Abatement has separately filed a lawsuit against the parish over the review and a bar complaint against Sims, whose office is technically the district’s legal representative.

New mobile library is bookin’ it around St. Tammany

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

On a recent Tuesday morning, Mary Feige Davis sat in a sunny spot at the COAST Activity Center in Lacombe reading a thriller by Clive Cussler, a book she was able to check out at the center for seniors thanks to the St. Tammany Parish Library’s new mobile library.

“I appreciate the ladies and the books they bring here. It’s difﬁcult for me to get to a library, and I get a ride here ﬁve days a week,” said Davis, who shuns the romance novels many of her friends like.

“I don’t care who kisses who. I like books where things get blown up!”

The library is making sure Davis can get those action novels now via the bright blue van that began cruising the parish in April but was only officially introduced to the public recently in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

BY SUZIE HUNT

Mobile Library Branch Manager Nichola Kleyle is at the wheel of St Tammany Parish’s new mobile library.

sues, especially those using walkers and wheelchairs, a traditional bookmobile is not practical.

Rolling the shelves into the building reduces the barriers for people to access the materials we offer,” said Tanya DiMaggio St. Tammany Parish Library interim co-director and assistant director of support services.

Since April, she said the mobile library has made 126 stops, serving 1,545 patrons who checked out 1,616 items.

Valena Rosemond, activities director of the COAST Activity Center in Lacombe, said the library visits are a popular item on the center’s monthly events calendar

a postage-paid envelope.

When they are ﬁnished with the materials, they send them back free of charge.

One of the people I know in the program is a woman in her 90s. She can’t drive, and when her husband died, she no longer had a way to get to the library Now she can access her favorite books again.”

Among those gathered for the ribbon-cutting was Library Board President Chuck Branton, who expressed excitement to see the project serving this community of people.

be able to provide this service and the Books by Mail program. I think they are some of the most important things we do,” he said. St. Tammany hasn’t had any mobile library services for many years, and now the van is maintaining a set route of 24 stops monthly throughout the parish. And program ofﬁcials said the personal interaction between librarians and their patrons is another important aspect of both the mobile library and Books by Mail.

The Nov 18 celebration was delayed a few months while the kinks were worked out of the new service and weather cooled a bit for the outdoor event. “We visit the COAST senior centers and assisted living and nursing homes. We’ve worked on collection development to provide the types of books requested from the clients in these places,” said Nichola Kleyle, manager of the mobile library “The majority are in large print and audiobooks.”

SAGGIO

Continued from page 1A

haunted house of horrors. Lastly, on Thanksgiving’s stacked resume is its reputation for a delicious culinary experience. Whether you’re packing your plate with turkey, ham or prime rib, or you’re a side girlie like me who prefers a trip to Carb City each Thanksgiving, it’s probably going to be a good meal. Food is the name of the game on Thanksgiving, and as we American gluttons overstuff our digestive systems, it’s the Super Bowl for our taste buds No other time of the year can we justify eating so many casseroles at the same time. And no other time of the year is it perfectly acceptable to pass out on the couch afterward to the background hum of a football game. Now on to the real debate: Thanksgiving’s superiority Christmas, you’re up ﬁrst. This one is tough, because I, too, love the Lord, and I

The mobile library, called a “Lobby Stop” van, was

love Christmas I’m a big fan. But over the years, Christmas has moved so far away from Christ that it’s become just a big festival of overconsumption. Yes, many do good deeds just like they do at Thanksgiving. Perhaps more, even. It’s a beautiful time of the year to watch people illuminate with joy I love it. But we’re kind of ruining it. And by we, I mean greedy companies that want us to buy buy buy until we’re poor, poor, poor Christmas has become a holiday where we are expected to spend thousands of dollars in some cases and that’s ﬁne. However, we’re supposed to be cheerful givers and for many, Christmas is an obligation, a burden even, because our expectations are too high There were years I’ve had to buy for more than 30 people. By person 29, both me and my bank account were no longer in the holiday spirit. There are also tons of depressed people at Christmas because they aren’t, you know counting

purchased for $185,220 and holds a collection of between 1,000 and 1,200 items.

While traditional bookmobiles contain shelved books that patrons access by entering the vehicle, a Lobby Stop van has all of its items on rolling shelves that are wheeled into a building for the convenience of people looking for a good read.

“It’s all about accessibility For people with mobility is-

their blessings, perhaps? Among other reasons, of course.

Yes, Christmas is great. Not dogging it. Just saying that on Thanksgiving, guess what we don’t have to bring? 30 Christmas gifts. Also, Easter is equally as signiﬁcant, and it doesn’t get the same fanfare. Halloween, you’re up. I’ll admit. I don’t like you. I like that you bring people together but I have yet to wear a Halloween costume that was comfortable. I also don’t like all the spooky stuff. It’s a little weird that we get so hyped about death. Also, pie is better than candy I realize that’s a very controversial statement, but I said what I said. Have a slice of real, fromscratch French silk pie with homemade whipped cream and report back. Now that I’ve obviously convinced all of you that Thanksgiving is the best holiday, I hope you take this debate to your Thanksgiving tables this season. It is my gift to you: A conversation starter that doesn’t in-

“They love it when the library is here. The majority of the people who attend our program come by the COAST bus and don’t have transportation to go to the library,” she said.

The parish library system also offers a Books by Mail program for the homebound who cannot get to the library

“Patrons can call and talk to a librarian or order books online,” she said. “The requested items are sent in

volve politics, family drama or why you aren’t married yet… or have babies yet… or whatever your blunt aunt insists on asking about. And for that, you are welcome. See there? Something to be grateful for already Happy Thanksgiving!

“This is a segment of the population that deserves our service because, for many of them, reading is a big part of their day We are grateful to

“Through these Lobby Stop visits, and over the phone when someone places an order for a Book by Mail, they get a chance to talk to the librarians and get to know them,” said Kleyle.

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PHOTO

Krewe of Antheia celebrates Hollywood’s Golden Age

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

The Krewe of Antheia invoked the golden age of Hollywood during their annual ball at the Harbor Center on Nov 14 for about 250 guests that were greeted at the door by red-jacketed ushers and “flashed” by paparazzi before entering the glamorous ballroom decorated to the theme of “That’s Entertainment.”

The 200-member krewe honored its 2026 royalty, Goddess Tina Aust, and Grand Marshall Linda Larkin, during the evening program. Also recognized were the krewe’s 2025 Goddess Tammi Labarre and 2025 Queen Rosemary Clement. Guests were treated to snacks and candy from tray-carrying “cigarette” girls, as well as animated picture-taking in two photo booths. The Phunky

and

The Krewe of Antheia will parade along Slidell’s traditional parade route on Feb. 1 at 1 p.m.

The 16th annual Wine and Dine with Hospice took place Nov. 13 at the Maritime Museum Louisiana in Madisonville. The evening featured a large selection of wines and spirits for sampling and tasting, ﬁne food

from local restaurants, auctions and live music. Proceeds beneﬁt the Hospice House, a home designed to welcome terminally ill patients a place to stay during their ﬁnal days, at no cost.

Monkeys entertained,

dinner was catered by Patton’s.

PHOTOS BY SUZIE HUNT

The 2026 Krewe of Antheia Goddess Tina Aust

Grand Marshall Linda Larkin

Ball guests Angelle Cherry and Amanda Bravender have fun in one of the photo booths.

Float lieutenants Tracie Madison and Rhonda George make a selection from ‘Cigarette Girl’ Abby Cramond’s tray.

Krewe board member Gigi Dorman had attention from the paparazzi, including from left, Zander Delaney, Will Hart, Sebastion Barr and Beau Hart

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Norman and Pam Voelkel, Terri and Don Murphy

Kelly Fern, Kim Goodale, Kathy Thibodaux Jay and Andrea Ridolfo Kelly and Tom Lutman

Shannon Karas and Larry Rolling Joshua and Natasha Wichterich

Rebecca Hernandez, Karen and Johnny Pitre

and celebrated with a pep rally in the school gym on Nov. 17.

Slidell High celebrates volleyball champs

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

The minute the music started, Slidell High’s volleyball team knew what was coming.

The Tigers were less than 48 hours removed from winning a second consecutive LHSAA Division I State Championship on Nov 15 with a sweep of Dominican at the Cajundome in Lafayette.

Now, the team was in the Slidell High gym and a celebratory pep rally was beginning. The players, sporting state-champion T-shirts, also wore wide smiles when the student body and faculty roared their approval from the bleachers.

Slidell High’s consecutive volleyball state titles (the Tigers also beat New Orleansbased Dominican in the 2024 championship) were the ﬁrst for a public school since Ben Franklin went back-to-back in 2002 and 2003. Slidell’s most recent championship also marked the first time a public school won consecutive titles in the state’s highest classiﬁcation since Andrew Jackson repeated in 1975.

“Honestly I’m still in shock,” said Ella Kate Spilling, one of 12 seniors on the team. Spilling, the team’s libero, battled shin splints all season but still recorded 606 digs.

“I’m just so excited. I’m really appreciative of today because we worked so hard all year to get here,” she added.

“We had such a good following all season,” said Slidell coach Danny Tullis, who now has won eight LHSAA volleyball state titles at three different schools.

“The student section would break out the brooms when we had a sweep. It was awesome. We really really appreciate all of the support that the students, faculty and administration gave us this season. This is not just our team. It’s all of us.”

So, to show their appreciation to their fans, the Tigers shared one of the rituals they used to stay loose as they chased down a second straight state title

The team danced to the “Bunny Hop” before each match and they did again at the celebratory pep rally at Slidell High — racing with school cheerleaders and

band members to midcourt and dancing for the delighted crowd.

“People were counting us out even though we won last year,” senior setter Ava Labat said.

“We lost some big pieces from last year, so people didn’t think that we were going to be that good It just took time. In the beginning, we just had to ﬁnd our new identity and we did that ”

The Tigers didn’t win the 2024 district title, but they rectified that with a sweep of Fontainebleau on Oct. 28 to win this year’s District 6-I title. That victory was part of an 11-match win streak to end the season. The Tigers dropped only two sets during that remarkable run to the 2025 state championship.

For many of the team’s 12 seniors, the ﬁnal match against Dominican was truly their last time competing on the court. Labat will continue playing in college at Loyola-New Orleans.

Ava Barduca, who was named Most Outstanding Player in the state championship match, is headed to Southeastern to study nursing.

“I can’t believe that I’ll never play volleyball at this level again,” Barduca said.

“I’m not even an athlete anymore. Am I even an athlete anymore? I’m just so glad that we ended with a win and a state championship.

“I knew we had it in us to do this. Everyone stepped up this season I just feel like there is not going to be another public school that is going to be able to do what we did.”

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@sttammanyfarmer net.

Thanksgiving is aseason when we pausetothink of howgrateful we

Three Rivers Fest covers downtown

One of the Gulf South’s most popular juried art festivals was back in the Covington Cultural Arts District for its 29th show on Nov. 15-16, with free admission for the thousands who visited and shopped creations by more than 200 artists and artisans. For many, the work of young artists was a highlight of the weekend dedicated to celebrating the many forms of art, music and culture that spread over several downtown city blocks.

Making music and fans in the Serious and Silly booth.

Nicholas and Madeleine Matchett check out some iron sculptures.

Cameron Clement made a little art on-site in one of many attractions set up especially for young festival visitors.

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Julie Hopkins looks over some very happy animal paintings at the festival.

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

The Slidell High School volleyball team won back-to-back state championships

Slidell High volleyball coach Danny Tullis speaks to the crowd at a pep rally in his team’s honor on Nov. 17.

PORCHES: Visit five neighborhood porches and enjoy five regional bands over three hours in downtown Covington on Dec. 6. It’s the sixth annual Covington Porch Fest from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The laid-back porch music brings neighborhoods and musicians together; celebrates the community; and this year, will raise money for Hope House/Children’s Advocacy Center. The music is free to the public, and the porches within walking distance of one another Just bring a lightweight folding chair or blanket for seating. Porch Fests are annual music events held across the U.S. and in Canada on the first Saturday in December to raise money for a local charity. Artists and locations identified by the host committee include: 419 S. New Hampshire, Molly Taylor; 512 S New Hampshire, Pontchartrain Shakers; 421 S. Vermont, John Marc & Friends; 449 S. Vermont, 8 Track; and 306 S. America, The Charles Richards Movement. Check Covington Porch Fest Facebook for more information, including any changes in location or lineup, contact John Botsford at (985) 249-4516 or jbotsford@covla. com.

CELTIC: A free Irish slow/fast session with Madeline Hill from noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 30 (ﬁnal Sunday) at St. John’s Coffeehouse, 535 E. Boston St., in downtown Covington Play numbers slowly to learn then speed up the tempo. See nstms.org for details and music.

THEATER

‘TWAS OR NOT: Playmakers Theater in Covington will open its holiday season on Nov. 29 with “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a special version of the classic story by Ken Ludwig. “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”… But wait! A mouse is stirring because Santa missed his house last year. See it weekends through Dec. 14, with shows at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., at 19106 Playmakers Road. Ticket prices from $17.59 to $28.29. Get them and a complete schedule at www playmakersinc.com.

HO HO HO: The 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville is celebrating the season with “A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular” on Dec. 5-14 with curtains at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., with milk and cookies at every performance. There will be lots of glitter and glam at 880 Lafayette St., a spirited celebration for the entire family. This glittering spectacle of singing and dancing will include local performers of all ages. Tickets from $16$24, plus taxes and fees. Get them and a complete schedule at 30byninety.com.

A TWIST: At the Cutting Edge Theater in Slidell, “The Christmas Show: A Modern Carol,” is planned for Dec. 5-14. This story offers a contemporary twist on a timeless favorite, blending up-to-the-minute pop and holiday tunes with vibrant storytelling, fresh staging and dazzling visuals. Follow Scrooge through a night of heartwarming encounters and transformative melodies as familiar characters weave in today’s chart-toppers and beloved Christmas carols. It’s a musical journey that celebrates generosity hope and the magic of the season at 767 Robert Blvd., with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets $35 to $45, plus service fees, at cuttingedgetheater.com.

‘ANNIE’: Slidell Little Theatre is celebrating the holiday season with “Annie,” Dec. 5-21, shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Though not a “Christmas story,” per se, this classic story of an orphan who ultimately ﬁnds a safe and happy home, is a ﬁtting Christmas season tale. Part of the story is set during Christmas; the holiday is prominently featured; and it concludes with the Christmas theme of a new life for Little Orphan Annie. Tickets range from $25 to $35, including taxes and fees, at Slidelllittletheatre.org.

FOR THE KIDS

GRINCHY: Kids from 1 to 92 are invited to come out to a free Family Movie Night at the Mandeville Trailhead on Dec. 12 to enjoy the movie “The Grinch.” Come at 5:30 p.m. to get a good spot and buy snacks from the concessions on site before the movie begins at 6 p.m. on amphitheater stage. There will also be games for kids, and for extra fun, come in your PJ’s or your favorite Grinch-wear — and don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket for seating.

YOUTH MARKET: There’s still time for kids 5 to 17 years to sign up to participate in the Children’s Entrepreneur Market at the Mandeville Trailhead from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6. This will be a farmers market run completely by kids, and it’s all part of a day of Mandy at Winter festivities. To sign up as a vendor, visit ChildrensEntrepreneurMarket.com — that’s the only place to register.

PANCAKES: Bring the kids to have Pancakes with Buddy the Elf from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Nov. 29 at Erlanger and First streets during the Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Market. Enjoy pancakes, coffee or hot chocolate for $10. Get tickets there or in advance at nearby 1958 First St MORE

PANCAKES: The Northshore Mandeville Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6 at Fontainebleau High School from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets are $7 per person with a family maximum of $28. Includes breakfast pictures with Santa, children’s activities and inﬂatables. Get tickets at the door, online or from club members.

COMMUNITY GUMBO

TROT: The annual Tammany Turkey Trot takes to the streets of Covington again at 8 a.m. this Thanksgiving for a 5K and an 8K road race, as well as a 1-mile fun run for the young and young-at-heart starting at 7:30 a.m. Gather at 701 N. Columbia St. Athletes will start just north of downtown. Go to runsignup.com to see maps of all the courses, the fee schedule, to register, and to see all the details and event rules

RIDE: The second annual Old Mandeville Historical Association’s Turkey Pedaler Bike Ride takes place at noon Nov. 30 with a comfortable route from the Mandeville Trailhead to the lake at Fontainebleau State Park and back again to Old Mandeville and the Lang House Museum, 605 Carroll St., for hot dogs and burgers. Do not need to be an OMHA member to ride, but everyone participating should RSVP with a name and the number of riders to oldmandevillehistory@gmail.com, attention Rich Adamiak.

REMEMBER: The public is

invited to honor loved ones at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home’s Annual Tree of Remembrance & Memorial Service on Dec. 6 at 2260 W. 21st Ave. in Covington. Attendees are encouraged to bring an ornament in honor of their loved one to hang on the Christmas tree. If unable to bring an ornament, one will be provided. Starting at 4:30 p.m., participants can choose to help decorate ornaments before the candlelight service begins at 5:30 p.m

This is an opportunity for loved ones and community members to come together to remember and reﬂect.

NOEL: There will be Christmas music on Dec. 9 when the First Baptist Church of Covington’s Young at Heart group (55+) hosts a program featuring an inspirational message by Chris Kroll and seasonal music in the Central Hall. Program begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends with lunch at noon. The cost is $15, payable by cash or check, at the door. Online registration required at FBCCOV.org/adults-55 no later than noon Dec. 4.

PD: The Northshore Parkinson’s Support Group meets Dec. 3 at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 57210 Allen Road, starting at 6 p.m. with a social half-hour, then at 6:30 p.m., a group discussion to share Parkinson’s concerns, questions, life hacks, success stories and advice for living well with Parkinson’s. This will be an open discussion in a small group setting, and as always, meetings are free and open to everyone living with Parkinson’s, their care partners, medical professionals and anyone else who cares about PD

ART

ART HOUSE: The STAA will host a 2 p.m. talk on Dec. 7 talk with Barranger Gallery exhibition artist Michael Guidry. and the public is invted. There is no cost to hear Guidry talk about his art and his creative process. The association is also holding a fundraising rafﬂe for $5 per ticket. The winner gets their choice between two 24x30 Guidry prints, with proceeds beneﬁtting the STAA. Guidry will continue to exhibit his vibrant work in the STAA gallery at 320 N. Columbia St. through Dec. 20.

ATRIUM: Contemporary Louisiana artist Pamela Sills is exhibiting in the Atrium Gallery near Covington her “Joie de Vivre” show depicting Louisiana landscapes and botanicals in impressionisticﬂavored oils on canvas. The exhibition will hang through Jan. 3 in the Atrium Gallery in the Christwood residential community complex at 100 Christwood Blvd., where it is open to the public for viewing, also at no charge, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mandeville City Council is soliciting resumes for an appointment to the Mandeville Parks and Parkways Committee

Applicant must have interest in trees as a major component of Mandeville’s physical and aesthetic environment and cannot be an elected official, an employee of the City, or a member of it’s Planning and Zoning Commission

Please send your resume to the attention of:

Mandeville City Council Clerk 3101 East Causeway Approach Mandeville, LA 70448 or awatts@cityofmandeville com

Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025, 4:00 pm

Dew Drop loading up on spirit for Dec. 6 show

BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer

Back again this season after their first performance in 2023, the Northshore Gospel Choir will return to the Dew Drop’s historic stage on Dec. 6.

But this seasonclosing night will offer a two-fer of spirit-filled music when powerful soprano and classically trained singer Valerie Francis performs the show’s second set.

The choir is composed of musicians from local African American churches and led by music director Maurice Moncure.

Along with gospel favorites and hymns, a few holiday tunes will also likely make the playlist as the Dew Drop showcases the talents of their neighbors from First Free Mission Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church and several other congregations.

New Orleans entertainer Charmaine Neville joined the choir for a couple of numbers in their original Dew Drop concert, and word is that there may be a surprise guest or two in this show as well.

“This dynamic group of singers moves seamlessly from tender, almost whispered passages, to soaring, full-bodied declarations that lift audiences to their feet,” writes the night’s nonproﬁt host, Friends of the Dew Drop, of the gospel singers they encouraged to form.

“This joyful celebration (is becoming) an annual tradition and celebrates

the community’s rich history in Old Mandeville.”

Francis, the night’s second scheduled act, is an accomplished singer, educator and cultural steward whose performances “resonate with depth, history and emotion,” the Friends opine.

“When Dr Valerie Francis takes the stage for a gospel performance, the air shifts — her voice carrying both the power of a Sunday morning choir and the intimacy of a heartfelt prayer She effortlessly blends classical precision with the soul-stirring warmth of her New Orleans heritage, turning familiar hymns and spirituals into deeply personal testaments of faith and resilience.

“Backed by her rich understanding of the Negro spiritual tradition, Dr Francis doesn’t just sing gospel — she embodies it, channeling its history, joy and unshakable hope into every note.”

Francis, a recitalist, opera singer and music educator, is an associate professor of music and executive artist director of opera and vocal programming at Nicholls State University

FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Again this year, The Pontchartrain Shakers are scheduled to play another free Covington Porch Fest on Dec. 6.

FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Francis

Jambalaya in Mandeville

law enforcement

Staff report

The “Cook’n with the Blue” third annual jambalaya cook-off in memory of Capt. Vince Liberto, killed in the line of duty during 2019, took place Nov 16 at the Mandeville Trailhead to support the law enforcement community and the Mandeville Police Foundation Toy Drive. It was ﬁve hours of camaraderie and fun in a venue spicily perfumed with pots of jambalaya cooked by competing teams.

A portion of event proceeds were also dedicated to helping St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputy David Eckhardt and his family cover medical bills and living expenses during his treatment Meanwhile, new toys collected at the cook-off will end up in Santa’s sack for delivery to just the right children on Christmas morning. Because this time of the year, even Santa needs a helping hand from law enforcement, the foundation is continuing to collect toys.

St. Tammany Chamber presents Business Appreciation Awards

Staff report

The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce continued its tradition of recognizing outstanding businesses in St. Tammany at its 23rd annual Business Appreciation Luncheon at Benedict’s in Mandeville.

“Celebrating the fruits of our local businesses’ labors is always a truly rewarding experience for attendees of our annual Business Appreciation Luncheon,” said President and CEO of St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Lacey Osborne. “Held each year during the month of Thanksgiving, we focus on gratitude for businesses that are a huge reason why St.

Tammany is a great place to live, work and play. Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients!”

Twelve businesses were honored in nine categories, including n The “Golden Spoon” Award to an exceptional restaurant or caterer: American Boulevard Bistro in Covington, Aperitif Spritz + Bites in Mandeville, and NOLA Southern Grill in Slidell

n The “All-in-the-Family” Award to a successful family-owned business: Grifﬁn & Furman, CPAs

n The “Out-of-the-Gate Running” Award to a business operating less than three years: JD Banks/Northshore n The “Go Give” Award to a company that encourages employee

community involvement: AFX

n The “Site-to-See” Award to a business location that enhances community appearance: Palmettos on the Bayou and The River Chase II Building n The “Service with a Smile” Award for outstanding customer service: Children’s Museum of St. Tammany

n The “Innovation” Award for “out-of-the-box” thinking and creative approaches: Northshore Technical Community College

n The “Tammany Proud” Award for impact beyond local region: Globalstar

n The “Legacy” Award to thriving business operating for 20-plus years: Resource Bank

PROVIDED PHOTO BY CHUCK BILLIOT

Representatives of local businesses recognized by The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce at its recent 23rd annual Business Appreciation Luncheon.

Scott Appe, Jensen Salles and Arthur Meyer

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Looks like the food was pretty good at the annual Cook’n with the Blue Jambalaya Cook-Off in Mandeville.

Tammy O’Shea, Lori Pausina

James Lord, Rebel Lord and Roxzy Gill

Aldersgate’s ‘Turkey Man’ is key to Slidell area’s meals

BY JESSICA SAGGIO

Contributing writer

He’s no turkey — but volunteer Ron Davis is indeed the “Turkey Man.” As Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell gears up for its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, a dozen or so moving parts are happening in preparation Handing out 1,400 meals on Thanksgiving is no small task, and it takes teams of volunteers to do it

But Davis? He’s not just any volunteer He’s the bird man — the go-getter organizing all the details of how to bring turkey to hundreds this Thanksgiving He’s the one directing behind the scenes, picking up the donated birds and making sure they get to the right place and thawed at just the right time. Then, he leads a team that preps the turkeys, removing the giblets and all the other necessary parts, and then he seasons the meat. Finally he’s the host of the smoke show The pitmaster, of sorts who organizes when and how long the birds sit in the smokers.

To feed this many people, it takes smoking 50 turkeys at a time in two shifts — a daylong event Davis proudly oversees.

“Around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, we put them on, and smoke for about four hours,” he explained “Around 11, we pull them off and set them out to

Ron Davis stands guard in front of one of the smokers he knows so well.

cool,” he explained. “Then another team will pull the meat off the bones. Around noon, we’ll put in the other 50 turkeys.”

Once all the turkey meat is pulled off the bone, it’s stored in a cooler until Thanksgiving Day where it’s reheated and divvied up Meals are delivered to anyone who asks for one in advance, he said, or folks can eat their reserved meal communally at the church.

Most of the Thanksgiving meals are delivered, he said, and dozens of volunteer drivers ensure the meals get to their intended bellies. Davis, who helps in this area as well, says delivery is maybe the most rewarding job out of all the tasks.

“Some are shut-ins, so to be able to walk to their front

door and hand them a meal

and greet them and visit with them a minute or two, it’s a very rewarding experience,” he said.

But Davis wasn’t always the turkey man. Until last year, he was actually the ice cream man, working 43 years as a branch manager for Blue Bell. And while he thought retirement would be a time to relax, “I’ve never been so busy in my life,” he said, with a laugh.

Davis is also the president of the church’s men’s club, runs the sound system at services and is known for doing handyman work around the campus. He’s also husband to wife Cindy, dad to two sons now in their 30s and a grandfather of eight.

However, he’s also the “jack of all trades” at Aldersgate, said Suzie Hunt, who co-chairs the dinner with Davis He’s the man with the plan working hard in the background to bring all the pieces together Whenever an issue comes up, Davis is on speed dial.

“He’s always ﬁnding ways to make things happen,” she said. And while retirement isn’t as restful as he anticipated, staying involved, well, it’s just him.

“It’s in my nature to be able to help folks and help where I’m needed,” he said.

“That’s what keeps me coming back.”

Community meal is planned Dec. 13 at Possum Hollow park

BY MARGARET ALBERT

Contributing writer

Food always brings people together It’s something done well in Louisiana, and in Slidell, there is someone who does it better than most.

COMMUNITY UNITY HOLIDAY

DINNER

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 13

WHERE: Possum Hollow Park, 1801 Cousin St., Slidell TIME: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Volunteers send care packages to military men and women

The Slidell Ladies for Liberty meet once a month to pack and send boxes of necessities and treats to deployed service men and women. This month, one of the recipients, Cameron Bangs, who just returned from Jordan, stopped by to thank the women, including his mother, volunteer Crystal Singletary. The volunteers packing that day included, from left, Kathy Spadoni, Dale Laborde, Singletary, Bangs, Carol Massarini Karen Breath and Tina Stout.

TERRABELLA VILLAGE SALUTES AMERICA’S MILITARY

Ron Tweedel and Chuck Wininger raise Old Glory and the Louisiana State flag (previously flown over the State Capitol) on Veterans Day in front of the Post Office in the TerraBella Village Town Square near Covington.

Veterans Day was a time for TerraBella Village Veterans Club members and comunity residents to honor military personnel with a commeration that included raising the flags and sharing the medals and memorbilia of retired Col. Jerome Buller

Terry Perryman is pastor at Living the Word International Church, but t he Community Unity Holiday Dinner at Possum Hollow Park that he has organized for the last three years is not a church event. It is free and open to the public, and it happens again on Saturday, Dec. 13. “We have individuals and businesses donating money, food and cooking supplies strictly for this event,” said Perryman. “We are still accepting monetary donations, along with clothing items, like shoes, boots, jackets, especially suits and dresses for men and women to go on job interviews.” He said his team will clean and make the donated items ready to wear. The dinner menu consists

HOW MUCH: There is no charge, but monetary donations will be accepted via Cash App: $TPERRYMAN48.

WHAT ELSE: Clothing donations also accepted.

MORE: Contact Terry Perryman at (985) 503-6477. Perryman

of fried turkey, smoked turkey ham, snap beans, yams, macaroni and cheese and cornbread. Cooking begins the night before, and at 6 a.m., the team arrives to set up and prepare to serve dinner at 11:30 a.m. that day

A new feature this year will be a barber giving free haircuts in the park. In addition, there will be a DJ, plus the Grinch for kids. A clothing drive will be taking place, as well.

A heart-warming feature of the day involves volunteers bringing full plates of food out into the community, looking for individuals who look like they could use

a hot, hearty meal. “You can tell,” said volunteer Deborah Harris. “We see them on the side of the road or on the medians. One was a man, an amputee, with his young daughter It is plain to see that some of these people have been on the street for awhile.”

Harris feels humbled by the experience and has a heart for this work.

Estella Williams also delivers meals to displaced community members on the day of the Community Unity Dinner “I’ve had people like this in my family,” she said “So, I see these individuals as family and it tugs on my heart. We never know on this journey of life where we may land, and it is the community who can help us through challenging times. I want to do my part in that.”

On his third year of chairing this community meal, Perryman invites everyone to Possum Hollow Park to enjoy a plate of lovingly prepared food.

“This day is about our community meeting each other and helping one another Bring your friends and meet new ones. Spread holiday cheer and make a difference in our community this year.”

PROVIDED PHOTO

PROVIDED PHOTOS

PHOTO BY SUZIE HUNT

Aldersgate’s

St. Paul’s opens season with a win

PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

It’s

coach’s return to his alma mater

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

St Paul boys basketball coach

Monty Fontenot is no stranger to the Wolves’ sideline.

The 1984 St. Paul’s graduate coached the Wolves’ basketball team from 1991-99, and his return to his alma mater is off to a successful start.

The Wolves forced 28 turnovers en route to a 70-48 season-opening victory over East Jefferson at the

Gene Bennett Sports Complex on Nov 18.

“I feel like I never left. I was involved as an alum, so it’s good to be back. It feels like home. The guys have taken to me, so I really appreciate that,” Fontenot said.

“East Jefferson was hanging around in the second quarter, and maybe we got a little relaxed at times. We refocused after halftime and pulled away We had some nice passes and ﬁnishes to put it away.”

The Wolves had four players in double figures, led by junior Ethan Ballard (20 points) and senior Will Becnel (17). Seniors Don

Peltier and Carson Michel had 15 and 12 points, respectively

“We ended up getting a bunch of layups early to get things going,” Ballard said. “Once we started to get some shots close to the goal, we really settled in.”

Becnel agreed: “We were aggressive on offense today In the second half, we started to work on our offensive sets against zone and man defenses. The ﬁrst half was all about transition, but the second half was more focused on set plays on offense.”

The Wolves raced out of the

Cecilia rallies past Lakeshore in second-round playoff win

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Fourth-seeded Lakeshore seemed to be in control of its Division II nonselect second-round playoff game against Cecilia on Nov 21.

The Titans took a 28-14 lead at halftime after a defensive stop to end the second quarter at the Titan Coliseum.

Then, Cecilia’s special teams changed the momentum, and Bulldogs junior Braylon Calais did the rest as the visitors scored six second-half touchdowns en route to a 54-42 victory

“We got murdered in the third quarter on special teams,” Lakeshore coach Brent Indest said. “We knew they were going to do a

lot of different things on special teams, and they got us. When you give them a fake punt and two onside kicks against athletes that you rarely see, that is hard to overcome.”

You read that correctly Cecilia (7-4) converted on a fake punt on the opening drive of the third quarter and recovered back-toback onside kicks before ﬁve minutes had elapsed in the third quarter Those plays helped the Bulldogs take their ﬁrst lead at 34-28 on a Jermaine Davis 22-yard TD run with 5:54 left in the third quarter

“That’s what we do,” said Cecilia ﬁrst-year coach Cody Champagne about the special team plays. “We try to block every punt We onside (kick) as much as we can. The kids believe in that stuff. Our backs were against the wall a little bit, and we were comfort-

able taking those chances because we have all season.”

Calais did the rest as the four-star recruit took over at quarterback for Collin Dore, who sprained his ankle in the second quarter He ﬁnished with 193 yards and two TDs rushing on 23 carries while going 8-of-17 passing for three scores and an interception He also played safety for Cecilia’s defense.

Calais put an exclamation point on the upset with a bruising 17-yard TD run with less than two minutes to play

The defending state champion Bulldogs will travel to ﬁfth-seeded Plaquemine in the quarterﬁnals on Nov 28.

“My freshman and sophomore years, we’ve

ä See LAKESHORE, page 2B

PJP II boys win sixth state swim title

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

just a dream come true. It’s an All-American consideration time, so hopefully, when the rankings come out, I will be a high school All-American. That would be absolutely awesome. I still can’t believe it.”

Pope John Paul II coach Tiffany Hooks Hill said the boys team was on a mission.

“They were super laser focused,” Hooks Hill said. “They wanted to bring home another title. For many of the senior boys, this is their ﬁfth year on the team, so they really wanted to go out as state champions like they had been the last four years. They worked together They worked hard, and they brought it home.”

Senior Cole Hutson was sec-

Northshore’s Keene claims D-I state cross country crown

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

me feel like, if I can do this, what else can I do? I can build off of this going into the indoor track season. It’s totally something awesome to build off of.”

Northshore cross country coach Vincent Ruda said Keene is one of the most selfmotivated runners he has ever seen.

“It’s impressive,” Ruda said. “Grace is gifted and talented. We just try to manage what she does and make sure she’s doing the right conditioning. She’s built differently She’s more mature than most 16-yearolds.”

That maturity was on full display during the state championship meet. Keene settled in fourth place during the ﬁrst mile as the leaders set a quick pace early Those leaders were Mount Carmel senior Stella Junius and defending state champion and Baton Rouge senior Lucy Thomas. In other words, Keene knew she was racing against the best, but she needed to stick to her race.

“I made sure to pace myself because the biggest mistake that I have made in the

past is going out too fast,” Keene said. “I made sure this time to watch my pace and run my own race. I did a great job at that, and in the second mile, I was able to close the gap on the leaders In the third mile it was just me and Stella (Junius) side by side. We went back and forth.”

Last year, Thomas set the third-fastest time ever (17:25.24), but Keene didn’t let the experienced competition ahead of her change her plan.

“It definitely takes a lot of experience and just knowing yourself as a runner to stay at your pace,” Keene said. “I’ve raced with Stella (Junius) numerous times before, so it’s also about knowing your competition. I just told myself not to lose sight of the end goal. I just imagined myself at the end, finishing first. I kept a strong mental image of what I was trying to do.”

That image came to fruition as Keene and Junius were neck and neck in the ﬁnal mile.

PHOTO BY RYAN DARDAR

Northshore sophomore Grace Keene won the Division I cross country state championship on Nov. 17.

St. Paul’s coach Monty Fontenot gives instructions to his players on Nov. 18.

PHOTO BY HERB GOMEZ

Lakeshore’s Cohen Trosclair beats a Cecilia defender to the end zone on Nov 21.

LAKESHORE

Continued from page 1B

been to the Dome, so we’re on a mission to get back because that is all I know,” Calais said. “We’ve stayed consistent in practice. I just had to make sure that everybody kept their head up (after Dore’s injury), and we executed our plays like we are supposed to.”

The teams combined for over 1,000 yards of offense, but the difference in the second half was Cecilia’s ability to break tackles and convert on third downs.

Lakeshore junior QB Brody Loudermilk accounted for 322 yards of offense and four scores. He rushed for 212 yards and 2 TDs on 24 carries while passing at a 6-of-16 clip for 110 yards with two scores and an interception. He completed a 19-yard TD toss to Cohen Trosclair and a 64-yard scoring catch by Dylan Cusachs.

In fact, the Titans (8-3) scored on four plays of 49 yards or more, including a 49-yard Loudermilk TD run and a 74-yard Oudrey Gros IV scoring scamper Defensively, Caleb Larson and Eli Galiano both recorded interceptions, while Ethan Galiano had 11 tackles and 3 TFLs. Gros, who has been a fouryear contributor, said this senior class has helped build a special program.

“It hasn’t even hit me yet, but I wouldn’t want to do this with any other guys or any other coach,” Gros said “We have something special here, and it’s not just the seniors. It’s everybody Coach Indest makes us the best men that we can possibly be. I owe the man I am today to him and all the coaches here.”

BY QUARTERS

QUARTER LHS: Oudrey Gros IV 3 run (Jackson Schemmel

run (Schemmel kick), 0:57, 14-28 THIRD QUARTER CHS: Ashton Rufﬁn 24 pass from Braylon Calais (Landry kick), 9:45, 21-28 CHS: Jayden Lewis 4 pass from Calais (kick failed), 8:56, 27-28

CHS: Jermaine Davis 22 run (Landry kick), 5:54, 34-28

LHS: Gros 74 run (Schemmel kick), 5:08, 34-35 CHS: Jermaine Davis 49 pass from Calais (kick blocked), 2:20, 40-35 LHS: Loudermilk 49 run (Schemmel kick), 1:25, 40-42

FOURTH QUARTER

CHS: Calais 52 run (Landry kick), 11:06, 47-42 CHS: Calais 17 run (Landry kick), 1:47, 54-42 STATISTICS

CECILIA: 554 total yards (179 pass, 375 rush) RUSHING: Collin Dore, 8-99, 2 TDs; Braylon Calais, 23-193, 2 TDs; Deondre Briscoe, 11-49.

RECEIVING: Malik Joseph, 1-46; Jayden Lewis, 4-28, TD; Jermaine Davis, 3-64, TD; Ashton Rufﬁn, 2-40. TD PASSING: Calais, 8-17, 165 yards, 3 TDs, INT; Dore, 2-2, 17 yards.

LAKESHORE: 492 total yards (144 pass, 348 rush) RUSHING: Brody Loudermilk, 24-212, 2 TDs; Shawn Brown, 4-17; Oudrey Gros IV, 3-73, 2 TDs; Cade Stevens, 2-37. RECEIVING: Spencer Siverd, 3-48; Cohen Trosclair, 1-19, TD; Dylan Cusachs, 1-64, TD PASSING: Loudermilk, 6-16, 110 yards, 2 TDs, INT; Gareth Hernandez, 1-1, 34 yards.

Lakeshore’s Cohen

Trosclair celebrates his 19-yard TD catch with Oudrey Gros IV, left, and Shawn Brown on Nov. 21.

FRIDAY, NOV.

quarterback Elijah Haven as the ﬁfth-seeded Tigers rolled to a Division III select second-round

Dunham (10-1) dropped three

and was penalized four times for 45 yards on its

but the Tigers compensated for their misdeeds by driving 116 yards in 17 plays for a touchdown. The home team led 34-3 at halftime as Haven completed 18 of 28 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed six times for 50 yards and a TD Dunham’s defense focused on stopping 225-pound senior running back Kameron Casnave, who averaged 151.7 yards per game and had more than 5,000 career yards. He ﬁnished with 78 yards on 25 carries and was held to zero or negative yards on eight attempts by the Tigers’ relentless pursuit. Dunham outgained the Wolverines 365-68 and scored

gates with a 16-1 run as they forced 11 ﬁrst-quarter turnovers en route to a 25-11 lead after one period. The Warriors battled back to cut the advantage to nine at several points in the second quarter as the Wolves took a 25-11 halftime lead

We want to play fast but not crazy,” Fontenot said. “At halftime, we talked about wanting to run more offensive sets, and we did. It helped slow us down a little. I think Ethan Ballard did a good job of doing that as a point guard. I don’t mind playing quick but sometimes you need to slow down and run a set.”

The Wolves, who had double-digit turnovers in the ﬁrst half, slowed the pace in the second half, and the Warriors never cut the lead to less than nine points. St. Paul’s emptied its bench with 2:30 left to close out a convincing victory

The Wolves finished with 15 steals while shooting 54% from inside the arc They were also 13 of 17 from the free-throw line. Fontenot returned to St Paul’s in the spring after coaching rival Covington for the past four seasons. He posted a 22-11 record last season and guided Covington to the quarterﬁnals for the ﬁrst time in 15 years. Now, he hopes to lead St. Paul’s back to the postseason after the Wolves missed the playoffs last season.

“Coach came in and has had us working really hard since April,” Ballard said. “We’ve been lifting and grinding five days a week. Even the off-the-court stuff, like Bible studies after practice has helped us build team chemistry We feel like we can go pretty

(9-3) had a receiver in wide open space that could have corralled a go-ahead touchdown. The connection was missed and 2 minutes later, the Eagles built a two-score lead as the Wolves never threatened again. Evangel running back Damari Drake had 174 yards on 15 carries. Teammate Charley Abraham hauled in six passes for 75 yards and a score, while Peyton Houston finished 14-of26 passing for 194 yards and 3 TDs. St. Paul’s battled injures to several key players including running back Cody Corales (four carries, 28 yards) and Adam Connell (five carries, 66 yards). Senior Troy Willis finished with 13 carries for 67 yards. The Wolves managed just 26 yards passing. The ending was a tough one for Corales who came into the game just 38 yards shy of tying the school’s single-season rushing record. He will finish in second while tying for the school’s single-season rushing TDs mark at 20.

NEVILLE 31, MANDEVILLE 14: The 18thseeded Skippers hung tough early at second-seeded Neville before falling in the Division I nonselect playoffs. Mandeville took a 7-0 lead with 4:15 left in the first quarter on Luke Demelo’s 10-yard TD catch from Krew Collura. The Tigers (8-3) reeled off 24 straight points to take control en route to a 24-7 halftime lead. Collura scored on a 16-yard TD run in with 7:26 left in the third quarter to cut the lead to 24-14, but that was as close as the Skippers (7-5) would get. Neville blocked a 44-yard field goal attempt, and the Tigers added a late TD to set the final score. Collura led the Skippers’ offense going 28-of-48 passing for 294 yards with a TD and an interception. He also rushed for 105 yards and a score on 14 carries. Jake Jacketti was his favorite target, finishing with five catches for 85 yards. Mandeville finished with 377 yards of total offense.

PHOTOS BY HERB GOMEZ

Cecilia’s Braylon Calais accounted for five TDs during a 54-42 second-round playoff win at Lakeshore on Nov. 21.

District 6-5A likely to reunite, according to proposal

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

District 6-5A will likely return to its original form, according to the latest districting proposal from the LHSAA sent to school administrators on Nov 20.

The change is spurred by the fact that Salmen is moving back down to Class 4A after spending the past two seasons as a Class 5A school.

The Spartans’ ofﬁcial enrollment number is 993, putting them below the cutoff for Class 5A.

The next two-year districting cycle will run from fall 2026 through spring 2028.

When Salmen moved up to Class 5A in 2024, it created two, ﬁve-team districts in St. Tammany Parish as Chalmette moved into one of those districts that included teams (Fontainebleau, Northshore, Slidell, and Salmen) in the eastern half of the parish. While District 6-5A was reduced to ﬁve teams: Covington, Hammond, Mandeville, Poncha-

toula and St. Paul’s.

But with Salmen moving down, District 6-5A is slated to return to its original eight-team form that includes Covington, Fontainebleau, Hammond, Mandeville, Northshore, Ponchatoula, Slidell and St. Paul’s.

During the LHSAA’s second redistricting meeting on Nov 17, Chalmette made an appeal to be included in District 6-5A moving forward, which would have made it a nine-team league. The LHSAA did not move the Owls into the district instead opting to keep them in District 9-5A, commonly known as the Catholic League.

With Salmen’s move to Class 4A, that means the Spartans will return to District 7-4A after a two-year hiatus. That district will be similar to past seasons and includes Franklinton, Hannan, Lakeshore and Pearl River, along with all-girls school St. Scholastica. Loranger which has spent several years in the district, is moving down to Class 3A.

Pope John Paul II is moving up to Class 3A with a listed enrollment of 403. That will place the Jaguars in District 8-3A with Albany, Bogalusa, Jewel Sumner and Loranger Other notable changes in the latest proposal include Northlake Christian being moved to District 10-2A after previously being placed in District 11-2A with Newman and Country Day, among others, in an earlier proposal. District 10-2A will now include Amite, Doyle, Independence, Pine, St. Helena and St. Thomas Aquinas. That district is similar to the current District 9-2A with the addition of Amite, Doyle and Pine, who are all moving down from Class 3A. Doyle is also in the process of bringing back football for the ﬁrst time in nearly 40 years.

St. Scholastica is slated to move back up to Division I in girls soccer That will bring back the traditional District 6-I that includes Covington, Fontainebleau, Hammond, Mandeville, Northshore, Ponchatoula and

Slidell. The Doves are the reigning Division II state champions after not playing up in the last reclassiﬁcation cycle. In volleyball, Pope John Paul II will move to District 8-IV that includes Curtis, Country Day, Sarah T. Reed, St. Mary’s Academy, and Ursuline. The Jaguars appealed that placement with a move to District 7-IV, but it was not approved. That will break up the long-time district rivalry with Northlake Christian, which will stay in District 7-IV

These proposed districts are in response to appeals made at the second classiﬁcation meeting in Baton Rouge on Nov 17 where the LHSAA heard 31 appeals from across the state. The deadline for the next round of appeals is Dec. 1.

A third meeting at which those appeals may be presented will occur Dec 3. The districts can be ﬁnalized after that meeting.

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@ sttammanyfarmer.net.

cross country team

Grace Keene, Giulianna Glendening, Emelia

KEENE

Continued from page 1B

“It was so nerve-wracking,” Keene said. “The last 800 meters was where I really started to separate myself There’s the one hill on the last 800, and I just told myself that it was now or never I stayed strong going up that hill. On the track, I sprinted and gave it everything that I had It was a pretty thrilling race for me.” Stella finished in second with a time of 17:42.3, which was the eighth-fastest time in state championship history Mount Carmel won the team title with five finishers among the top 20 for the school’s ﬁrst cross country state title since 2007, snapping St. Joseph’s streak at nine.

Northshore ﬁnished sixth overall, with senior Emelia Hope placing 16th with a time of 19:25. Keene credited her success to more than just her focus, but also the fun atmosphere surrounding the Panthers’ program.

“I am so excited to go to practice, and I enjoy running with my friends,” Keene said. “The journey has been so much fun. I’ve got my diet down and my sleep schedule put together, so when the time came, I wouldn’t have a hard time going to bed. Compared to last year, I really know how to prepare for my race and understand myself a whole lot more.”

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@ sttammanyfarmer.net.

SWIMMING

Continued from page 1B

ond in the 200 IM (2:10.94), while senior Zayne Sterbenz finished second in the 50 freestyle (23.28) The Jaguars won the 200-yard medley relay with the team of senior Michael Delaney, Sterbenz, Hutson and Ring posting a time of 1:45.16. PJP II also won the 400-yard freestyle relay as the team of senior Brent Lusich, Hutson, Delaney and Sterbenz posted a time of 3:27.47.

“To continue the winning culture here at Pope John Paul is huge,” Ring said. “We train like

Northshore sophomore Grace Keene was all smiles after she won the Division I cross country state championship on Nov. 17

winners every day. We eat like winners. We do everything like winners because we want to be winners.”

After taking home the state title last season, the girls ﬁnished as state runners-up to Episcopal School of Acadiana, while PJP II sophomore Braylee Ladner earned outstanding swimmer honors.

“It’s a great achievement, and it’s something that I’ve been working towards all season,” Ladner said. “I really wasn’t expecting it because there were so many girls who were so deserving of it. When I got it, I was so honored.”

The sophomore was a doubleevent winner taking the 50 freestyle (24.32) and 100 freestyle

(54.27). Her 50 freestyle time tied the school record.

“She just wanted it really bad,” Hooks Hill said. “She has always been a really strong swimmer, but this year, her focus changed. At the beginning of the season, she wanted to focus on the 50 and 100 free, and all season, she put in the work.”

Sophomore Avery Hayden was second in the 200 IM (2:24.39) and 500 freestyle (5:33.12), while sophomore Iris Lin ﬁnished second in the 100 backstroke (1:06.47) and third in the 100 butterﬂy (1:05.17).

The 200-yard medley relay team of Juliette Brewer, Lin, Hayden and Ladner ﬁnished second (2:02.13) to clinch the state runner-up ﬁnish.

PROPOSED DISTRICTS FOR 2026-28

District 6-5A: Covington, Fontainebleau, Hammond, Mandeville, Northshore, Ponchatoula, Slidell, St. Paul’s District 7-4A: Hannan, Franklinton, Lakeshore, Pearl River, Salmen, St. Scholastica

District 8-3A: Albany, Bogalusa, Jewel Sumner, Loranger, Pope John Paul II

District 10-2A: Amite, Doyle, Independence, Northlake Christian, Pine, St. Helena, St. Thomas Aquinas

District 7-B: Christ Episcopal, Holden, Lycee Francais, Mt. Hermon

District 7-C: First Baptist Christian, Grand Isle, Lutheran, Phoenix, St.Therese Academy

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

NATCHITOCHES — A year after completing their third team sweep in four years, the Christ Episcopal girls and boys cross country teams placed third and fourth, respectively, in Division V at the LHSAA state cross-country championships at Northwestern State University on Nov 17.

Senior and three-time defending Division V state champion Noah Watson finished in fifth place with a time of 20 minutes, 24.6 seconds. Eighth-grader Alexandra Brown was the next highest finisher (21:40.3) in 11th place. On the boys’ side, junior Noah Clark finished 10th with a time of 18:58, while junior Roman Colson was next in 14th place (19:29.5). Division I

Northshore sophomore Grace Keene posted the third-fastest time ever at the state meet with a run of 17:21.7 to claim the Division I girls state title.

“It means a lot to achieve something this big as a sophomore,” said Keene, who also set a new state record in Division I. “It definitely excites me for the future It makes me feel like, if I can do this, what else can I do? I can build off of this going into the indoor track season. It’s totally something awesome to build off of.” Northshore finished sixth overall, with senior Emelia Hope placing 16th with a time of 19:25. Mandeville finished in 10th, followed by Covington and Slidell in 19th and 20th, respectively Skippers’ senior Genevieve Blanc finished in 35th place (20:22.2), while Slidell senior Grace Williams was 46th (20:49.5), and Covington freshman Amelie Brouillette finished 70th (21:40.8). In the boys’ competition, Mandeville senior Brayden Berglund was 10th (15:47) while the Skippers finished 11th as a team Fontainebleau was 15th followed by St. Paul’s (16th), Northshore (18th) and Slidell (22nd). St. Paul’s senior Callahan Arch was 41st in a time of 16:56.5, while Fontainebleau junior John Krennerich finished in 54th place (17:22.6). Northshore junior Jack Blanda placed 61st (17:35.5), and Slidell senior Alexander Merkle took 88th place (18:14.7).

Division II

St. Scholastica finished sixth, just ahead of seventh-place Hannan, as Lakeshore came in 16th in girls’ competition. Hannan junior Jacklyn McMenamin was the highest St. Tammany finisher in 10th with a time of 19:47.3. St. Scholastica senior Elaine Oggs was 14th in a time of 19:59, while SSA eighth-grader Lucille Nunez finished 15th (20:00.7). Lakeshore junior Sophia Gagliano (22:55) was the highest Titans’ finisher in 63rd place. On the boys’ side, Lakeshore finished in 18th as a team, while Hannan placed 21st. Lakeshore’s highest finisher was sophomore Jordan Brandt (18:58.4) in 84th, while Hannan sophomore Gabriel Chimento came in 92nd (19:51.1). Division III

The Pope John Paul II boys ﬁnished 19th as a team, led by freshman Landyn Hornberger’s time of 21:48.2. On the girls’ side, Northlake ﬁnished in 14th place, led by senior Lillian Cooper, who placed 60th with a time of 24:57.

The Jaguars also won the 400yard freestyle relay with the team of Adelynn Miller, Lin, Hayden and Ladner posting a time of 4:05.49.

“We knew it would be tough to win first this year,” Hooks Hill said.

“We had five individual qualiﬁers and two girls who swam on relays, so we knew it would be tough. We really, really wanted to take home a trophy Every swimmer on this team — every girl and boy went best times in this meet. It was amazing.”

Ladner said the squad’s family atmosphere helped both teams achieve their goals.

“This team really came together this season,” Ladner said. “I really

love this team because we all support each other and we all cheer each other on. There are just so many friends and family who come to watch and support us. The support really feels so amazing.”

Ring agreed: “Everyone is very close friends with each other We push each other to be the best that we can be every single day We call out each other if we’re slacking, and we’re here for each other. Today was really special.”

Also, in Division IV, First Baptist Christian senior Lizzie Kelly finished fourth in the 50 freestyle (27.57) and eighth in the 100 breaststroke (1:25.42).

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@ sttammanyfarmer.net.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

The Northshore

poses for a photo with principal Bill Gallagher on Nov 17 Team members include, from left,

Hope, Sarah Rao, Brooke Adams, Liza Van Geffen and Gloria Chawki

Colomb, Margaret

The family of Margaret Mary Ulmer Colomb is sad‐dened to announce her passing on November 12 2025, at the age of 94. Mar‐garet was the beloved wife of the late C Earl Colomb Jr. Born on November 19, 1930, she was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, a longtime resident of St Bernard Parish, and follow‐ing Hurricane Katrina St Tammany Parish Margaret was the proud mother of six children She is sur‐vived by five of her chil‐dren: C Earl Colomb III, Margaret Shelton (James), Michael Colomb, Barbara Collura (Steve), and Robert Colomb (Wendy), and daughter-in-law, Pauline Colomb. She is also sur‐vived by her 12 grandchil‐dren: C Earl Colomb IV Alexandre Polito (Chris), David Colomb Jr (Jenny) Scott Colomb, Nicole Miceli (Travis), Victoria Colomb, Elizabeth Carruth (Caleb), Stephen Collura Jr (An‐neMarie), Andrew Collura (Amanda), Allyson Colomb, Caroline Colomb and Robert Colomb Jr.; 15 great-grandchildren: Dal‐ton (Miriam), Dylan, and Michael Polito, Naomi Ko‐rynn, Owen, Vivienne, and John Colomb Dominic and Demi Miceli, Malachi Car‐ruth, Martin and Meryl Col‐lura, Clay and Mason Col‐lura; and one great-greatgrandchild Henry Polito She is also survived by lov‐ing sisters-in-law: Shirley Ulmer, Sylvia Colomb Von Behren, and Shirley Colomb Clausing (Donald); and many nieces and nephews Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, C Earl Colomb Jr.; parents, Odile and David Ulmer; her son David Colomb Sr.; her grandson Adrian Shelton; her siblings, David, Donald, and Ronald Ulmer, and Doris Gamble; her daugh‐ter-in-law, Alexis Colomb; and her in-laws, Mary and C Earl Colomb Sr Mar‐garet was Valedictorian for the 1948 Class at Redemp‐torist Catholic High School for girls in New Orleans. She felong avid read oved nothing bette good book She yed garden‐ing d often be found to her beau‐tiful flowers that brought her great joy. Margaret was employed for many years and immensely en‐joyed working alongside her husband, Earl, in the family real estate busi‐ness, C Earl Colomb Real‐tor. Margaret was a mem‐ber of the School Board at Our Lady of Prompt Succor for many years She also served in the ladies’ auxil‐iary for the Okeanos Carni‐val Club Margaret never met a stranger and had a unique gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her gentle nature and southern charm endeared her to all who had the plea‐sure of being in her com‐pany Modeling so clearly what it means to love and care for family, Margaret was unconditionally de‐voted and loved all with her whole heart She will be greatly remembered and cherished as the best mother and grandmother. She was always there when needed most, offer‐ing support wisdom, and love in abundance. Mar garet was a devou Catholic who drew grea strength and peace from the She attended re trea 50 plus years a the cle on the Lak Ret ouse, having at tend he first time with her er She embodied the Catholic ideal

to all who had the plea‐sure of being in her com‐pany. Modeling so clearly what it means to love and care for family Margaret was unconditionally de‐voted and loved all with her whole heart She will be greatly remembered and cherished as the best mother and grandmother She was always there when needed most, offer‐ing support, wisdom and love in abundance. Mar‐garet was a devout Catholic who drew great strength and peace from the Lord. She attended re‐treat for 50 plus years at the Cenacle on the Lake Retreat House, having at‐tended the ﬁrst time with her mother. She embodied the Catholic ideal of moth‐erhood, offering a living example of faith and love within her home Her love and kindness will forever be etched in our hearts Margaret’s family would like to thank all of the care‐givers who showed so much love and kindness to their mother. Audubon Fu‐neral Home were entrusted with the arrangements