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6A ✦ Wednesday, August 26, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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White Linen for Public Art thrives

Thousands of people dressed in white or light clothing — linen or not — and braved the summer heat and humidity to gather Aug. 15 for another White Linen for Public Art night in downtown Covington. As is also done every summer in Slidell — and in the New Orleans art district where the custom originated — the city of Covington trimmed itself in white, asked its residents to do likewise, embraced the sweltering weather and threw a big party to both celebrate and beneﬁt the arts. Participating merchants donated a percentage of their take during the three-hour event to Covington’s public art program.

Ruth Hotard took her art to the street to entertain.

PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

Guests sought out the various pieces of the Seward Johnson ‘Art Imitates Life’ collection currently on display around downtown Covington.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW PAYZANT

Guests dressed in the evening’s signature white enjoy food, drinks and conversation during White Linen for Public Art in Covington. Dr. Robert Benson carries one of Pet Partner’s therapy rabbits, Bunny Moon Florence Price, which was clearly perfect for the white party. Local artist Camille McCarron poses alongside her swamp painting on display.

From the left, Katherine Nussenbaum, Fernando Nussenbaum, baby Emilia Grace Nussenbaum, Anastasia Cera, baby Valentine Cera, Taylor Cera and Victoria Crankovic

Merlin Farria takes in the sights during White Linen for Public Art in Covington.

FROM THE FILES OF THE FARMER 25 years ago St. Tammany West Habitat for Humanity got a green light from the Mandeville Planning and Zoning Commission to build eight new homes in that city. The commission Tuesday night unanimously approved the resubdivision of eight lots to create five along Montgomery Street and Avenue B in Old Mandeville. The commission also approved variances for the ﬁve new lots, which did not conform to the city’s site development regulations. Ann Borne, Habitat director, said sponsors have been found for four families that will move into the Mandeville Habitat Homes. “We’re still looking for more sponsors for the homes, but this is a good start,” Borne said. She added that Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church each have donated $50,000 to the effort. The Junior League of Covington donated $30,000 and they will be joined by a group calling itself the Women’s Builders Legacy of Covington — an all-volunteer group that will chip in another $20,000 and spend some time building the house. Borne said that means three of the four houses

ly. The new building should tion will be held September at Covington, Mon., August riding is getting very popular 30 at 2:30 p.m., at the Majes- with both ladies and gentlebe ready for occupancy in 18 in the two parishes. September of next year, it men, and hay rides, in the tic Theatre. 100 years ago was said. light of the moon, aided by It is being built at a cost the electric lights, are of Don’t fail to hear Huey Long speak 125 years ago of $541,000 with construc- on political issues of the day, The healthy exercise of horseback nightly occurrence. tion funds coming from the insurance payment made on the old building. That FILE PHOTO BY GRANT old structure burned down THERKILDSEN in the early morning hours several months ago. Amy Ragan works on the Drawings and specificaroof of a home being built tions are now being proby Habitat for Humanity St. cessed and should be comTammany West volunteers in pleted within two weeks. 2023. The school will handle kindergarten through the 4th are paid for, adding it costs grade with a library, band Habitat $50,000 to build one room, an administrative home. area and a cafeteria. It will The Samaritan Center have 11 classrooms and is of Mandeville has donated to be built on the site of the $5,000 toward the fourth old school, utilizing the old home and Habitat is seeking physical education room. donations from area samari75 years ago tan churches in the area. “Hopefully we can raise After construction is started, it enough money for all four,” will take between 2 and 21/2 years she said. to complete the Lake Pontchartrain Habitat is a nonproﬁt orga- Bridge, it was stated at the nization that builds low cost meeting last Monday here. The police juries of Jefferhomes for needy families. son and St. Tammany parish50 years ago 6!)/+" :$=35 !=5 :832!,35 0/=93 7<.(4 es met then to hear the en#3 032%/93 !++ ;2!=50 !=5 $3 !+0: 9!= ,!-3 A new building to replace the gineers’ reports on the sur9!23 :& *++ ":'2 3+39,2/9!+ =335011 fire-ruined Chahta-Ima Elemen- veys of the lake. It was also tary School near Lacombe will stated by representatives of be built beginning this fall, the engineers and bond buyit was announced by Dr. ers that from the way things Lloyd Magruder and Gary look, the bridge can get unBaudeau of the St. Tammany der construction in 8 to 10 Parish School Board recent- months from now. The elec-

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✦ St. Tammany ✦ Wednesday, August 26, 2026 ✦ 7A

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Superheroes of Safe Harbor nominees announced Local leaders hustle votes in an effort to benefit area nonprofit Staff report The annual Superheroes of Safe Harbor fundraising gala will be Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Harbor Center near Slidell. This evening brings together community members, local businesses, and supporters to raise critical funds that help the Safe Harbor organization provide safety, resources, and hope for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. This year’s Superheroes of Safe Harbor nominees include:

Donna Bach

David Holloway

Amanda Gritten

Jeanell Landwehr

Donna Bach This longtime Slidell resident, local entrepreneur and community leader co-owns Pizza Platoon and Pizza Platoon Convoy and is expanding the business to Mandeville. With a background in social work, Bach has dedicated herself to service through leadership roles with Rotary Club of Slidell, Leadership Northshore, STARC, the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations. Guided by Dr. Joel Barry Reagan Charleston Thomas Richard Ducote her belief in “Service Above Self,” Bach is committed to strengthening the parish through volunteerism, mentorship, non- Club, and ACCESS. Outside of work and across the parish. A dedicated supporter profit involvement, and support for local community service, David enjoys spending of Safe Harbor, Berry is passionate about time with his two sons, hiking, mountaineer- helping survivors of domestic violence and businesses and families. ing, exercising, and supporting local sports abuse access the safety, healing, and reAmanda Gritten teams. sources they need to rebuild their lives. Gritten is an Assistant District Attorney Reagan Charleston Thomas for St. Tammany and Washington parishes Jeanell Landwehr who has dedicated her career to serving Jeanell Landwehr has given 64 years of Thomas is an attorney at Aylstock, Witkin, victims of domestic violence and sexual service to St. Tammany Parish, including Kreis & Overholtz who represents survivors abuse. A 2016 LSU graduate and 2019 36 years as with the Clerk of Court’s of- of sexual abuse, digital harm, and other Loyola Law School honors graduate, she fice and 27 years as Jury Coordinator for complex cases nationwide. She is a longtime began her legal career as an intern with the 22nd Judicial District Court. Her long- advocate for victims and survivors, serving the 22nd District Attorney’s Office and has standing commitment to public service has on the Advisory Board of the National Crime remained committed to helping vulner- allowed her to build meaningful relation- Victims Bar Association and has chaired the able members of the community. Gritten ships throughout the community and make National Center for Victims of Crime annual has been married for nearly 10 years and a lasting impact on countless residents. In fundraising gala for the second year. She enjoys spending time with her two young recognition of her extraordinary dedication, also mentors young women and helps supdaughters, Grace and Kate. June 26, 2026, was proclaimed the first-ever ports survivors of domestic violence. Jeanell Raiford Landwehr Appreciation David Holloway Day, highlighting her as an exceptional Su- Richard Ducote A northshore resident of 37 years who has perhero of Safe Harbor candidate. Ducote is a nationally recognized atworked as a Realtor and business owner torney who since 1978 has dedicated his since 2003, Holloway is owner and man- Dr. Joel Berry career to protecting vulnerable children aging broker of Smith & Core Real Estate Dr. T. Joel Berry is an interventional pain and adults and advocating for survivors and Backstreet Storage. A strong advocate physician with Paradigm Health System, of child abuse and domestic violence. He for community involvement, he has served where he is committed to treating patients has represented or impacted thousands of as president and Realtor of the Year of the with compassion, dignity, and respect. He vulnerable children across 46 states while Northshore Board of Realtors and currently believes medicine goes beyond treating advising and training professionals nationsits on the boards of the New Orleans Metro pain by restoring quality of life and giving wide on complex family law, abuse, cusAssociation of Realtors, Covington Rotary patients hope, earning the trust of families tody, and protective order matters. Ducote

Christian Monson drafted Louisiana’s Post-Separation Family Violence Relief Act, making Louisiana the ﬁrst state to bar abusive parents from obtaining custody and requiring them to cover costs and attorney’s fees for the nonabusive parent.

Christian Monson Monson has dedicated 25 years to St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, serving as a teacher, coach, district administrator and currently as principal of Mandeville High School. A graduate of McNeese State University and a three-time Academic AllConference athlete, he has been recognized as St. Tammany Parish High School Principal of the Year and recently was a ﬁnalist for the Louisiana Principal of the Year award. A graduate and former board member of Leadership St. Tammany, Monson continues to serve the community through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while supporting students, families, and his Mandeville community. For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, or to donate an auction item, contact Amanda Santos, Safe Harbor Community Educator Event Coordinator, at a.santos@safeharbornorthshore.org, or call (985) 626-5710, ext. 201.

First responders are always remembered in Covington race BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

Diane Weiss vividly remembers the sight of first responders charging down the street in full gear at the Never Forget 5K Run/Walk in Covington. And Weiss ought to know. She is one of the founding runners of the Covington 15th Street Flyers running club and the popular 4 on the 4th race now run by the YMCA, but for the annual Never Forget Run, she runs just to run. “It’s fun for me to be on the participant side and not the organization side for this one,” Weiss said with a laugh. “An event like this is near and dear for first responder families, and I believe that every road race should tie back to something in the community.” Covington Fire Chief Steven Michelll is the official Never Forget 5K race director. The event is always held close to Sept. 11 in recognition of the World Trade Center tragedy. Last year, 575 runners registered. This year’s race costs $35, and you can register to compete in the race virtually (run your own 5K and submit a verified time). Michell said the event has raised over $30,000 for first responder families. “We run to honor the fallen and support those families,” Michell said. “After a devastating loss of that caliber, the families are at a loss and need assistance. We are a small part of that. We owe it to those families to step up and help.” Weiss gave Michell a hand with getting the run going when it first started and has been impressed to see it grow in popularity on the race calendar. Even though the weather is typically — let’s just say warm — runners are willing to put up with it when it’s for a cause like this. “He has created an event that is embraceable and that people can relate to,” Weiss said. “It’s a phenomenal way to do some good things where you live for a cause that is worthy.” The 5K (3.1 mile) race begins at the Covington Trailhead at 8:30 a.m. and rolls through the scenic streets of Covington. There is a 1-mile fun run at 8 a.m. for kids or for the avid runners who want to get a quick run in before the 5K. After the race ends there is a celebration and a chance to relax and reflect. “It doesn’t matter how fast you go,” Weiss said. “To be honest, there’s probably as much benefit to walking the course as there is running. This is the perfect opportunity to do something good for yourself and your community.” The entire country will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and this is another way to honor those memories, whether

FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

St. Tammany Fire District 12 firefighters Brad Boogaerts and Mason Boudreaux approach the finish in a previous Never Forget 5K Run/Walk. Some first responders run the race in full gear to commemorate those who raced up and down stairs of the World Trade Center buildings to rescue victims on Sept. 11, 2001.

NEVER FORGET 5K RUN/WALK WHAT: A 5K (3.1 mile) race – plus 1-mile fun run — starting at the Covington Trailhead and winding through the streets of Covington. All proceeds benefit first responder families. WHERE: Covington Trailhead. 419 N. New Hampshire St. WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 29. The fun run is at 8 a.m. and the 5K race starts at 8:30 a.m. HOW MUCH: $35 to race, plus a $3.10 signup fee. Supporters not able to run the race in person can sign-up to do it virtually and submit a verified time. EXTRAS: Last year there were 428 finishers, with the top time 17:15.6 by Richard Boover Jr. of Slidell MORE INFO: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/ Covington/NeverForget5kRunWalk you run in your favorite T-shirt and shorts or in heavy boots and ﬁreproof pants. “This is all the things you want in a community 5K,” Weiss remarked. “We have great community, and you can even get a cold beer when you’re ﬁnished.”

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