Edge of the Lake Magazine April | May 2020

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| MAY 2020

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P H I L A N T H R O P Y

Life hurts. We Can Help.

The doctors at Advanced Pain Institute have been double board certified and fellowship trained in pain medicine. Those certifications are so important when it comes to managing chronic pain. They are aware that ineffective pain management can lead to a marked decrease in the overall quality of life At Advanced Pain Institute, the pain experts want their clients to understand that there is no need to live with ongoing, fatiguing pain.

They aim to bring relief to those who feel their condition has lowered their quality of life. The pain experts are committed and well-prepared to ease the pain that will truly enhance lives. “Through my background, training and years of experience, I am well prepared to help with the pain.� ~ Dr. Mohamed Elkersh

It is time to take control of your pain today. You can find out more information and schedule an appointment by calling 985.345.PAIN or visiting their website at PainExperts.com..

THE PAIN EXPERTS Steve Lee, MD

Ann Con, MD

Mohamed Elkersh, MD

Barrett Johnston, MD

(985) 345 - PAIN

(7 2 4 6)

Alan Kaye, MD

PUBLISHER Sarah Cottrell

As I sit to re-write this, I am still trying to wrap my head around what is going on. Watching the world as we know it change around us, I know that as a community we will help each other and rally to support people in need. We at Northshore Media Group have initiated a program called Northshore Media Local to encourage people to buy gift cards from local businesses. This will directly help them keep their businesses going. We will also be giving away gift cards on air at Lake 94.7, Highway 104.7, Kajun 107.1 and Tangi 96.5. Stay tuned for giveaways and our regular programing, including news updates twice each hour. You will notice that the restaurant review is not in this issue. With all the restrictions being put in place, we decided to hold the restaurant review until the next issue, so our readers would be able to go to the restaurant that we reviewed.

I hope that you enjoy this issue. As we navigate the next few months, please remember to support our local businesses when you can, practice social distancing, wash your hands and follow directions from local officials.

Stay well, PUBLISHER

EDITOR Buff Tannen ART DIRECTOR Erich Belk STYLE DIRECTOR Patty Beal BEAUTY EDITOR Caitlin Picou COPY EDITOR Mary-Brent Brown CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maddie Cassidy Charles Dowdy Liz Genest Smith Elizabeth Kennedy Wells STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jerry Cottrell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Bordelon Maddie Cassidy Matthew Schlenker Joel Treadwell SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVES Eloise Cottrell ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rebecca Blossman-Ferran Erin Bolton Jamie Dakin Debi Menasco Stephanie Miller

ON THE COVER

Global Wildlife Photo By Jerry Cottrell

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted

by EDGE Publishing. @ 2020 with all rights reserved.

Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Please email comments or story ideas to edgepublisher@yahoo.com.

EDGE PUBLISHING • 69170 HWY 190 SERVICE RD. SUITE 1 COVINGTON, LA 70433 • 985.867.5990

ADVANCED CARE FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

Kids have plenty of reasons for needing care. That’s why Ochsner Hospital for Children at St. Tammany Parish Hospital offers you the most comprehensive pediatrics on the Northshore – from a simple check-up to many specialties like ENT, and Orthopedics.

With convenient locations and hours, we’re always here. Ochsner Hospital for Children at St. Tammany Parish Hospital – advanced care for kids of all ages.

Visit NorthshoreKidsCare.org or call 985.224.3804.

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SUMMER

SUMMER MEMBERSHIPS CAMP AVAILABLE - LIMITED TIME ONLY! ION JOIN TODAY! 792.0200 100 Bon Temps Roule

francosmandeville.com

REGISTRATN GOING O NOW!

COMMUNITY LEADERS COVID-19: Our Community, Our Response

Mike Cooper St. Tammany Parish President

Randy Smith St. Tammany Sheriff

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This is an unprecedented time in St. Tammany, and really, the entire nation. I want to thank every citizen for your patience in dealing with the restrictions we all are learning to accept and implement as we work to slow the spread of the coronavirus, or flatten the curve.

As I have said, and will continue to say, my number one priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens. Unlike storms or floods that we’ve faced in the past, this is a health crisis that we can’t see, but still we must continue to prevent. We do this by action. Action we all must take, and action that if taken now, will help us return to normal as quickly as possible.

St. Tammany Parish Government began monitoring this virus and its potential impact in early February with plans already in place to continue operations in a different way if necessary. On Friday, March 13, 2020, I declared a State of Emergency.

At the time of this writing, St. Tammany Parish Government offices are closed to the public, however, we are still open for business. A large percentage of our workforce is now remote. We encourage the public to continue to do business with us by phone or online.

So how can you help to protect yourselves, your families, and your neighbors? You can listen to health professionals who continue to advise us to practice frequent hand-washing, social distancing, frequent cleaning of hard surfaces, sneezing into a tissue which is then quickly disposed of, and avoiding large crowds and gatherings. Essentially, we need to keep to ourselves inside our own homes, and minimize contact with others if we can.

This goes against our nature. We are in Louisiana. Hugs are natural greetings to us, and right now, we have to limit them. I want everyone to remember that we are resilient, we are in this together, and as the old adage says, “This too shall pass.”

We just wrapped up another successful Mardi Gras in St. Tammany Parish.

I am pleased that St. Tammany krewes continue to provide a family-friendly option for our residents to enjoy every Carnival season. Thank you to everyone who came out and watched and participated in the parades. It was great seeing so many families out enjoying what our local krewes had to offer, and the parades provided a great venue for our local high school marching bands, color guards and dancing groups to showcase their talents.

I am pleased to report there were no major incidents at any parade in St. Tammany Parish this year, and that is thanks to our krewes, the riders, our residents and our deputies and police officers, who put in a lot of extra hours every year to make sure the parades remain safe and enjoyable.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff ’s deputies assisted in working 19 parades this Carnival season. This included one in Washington Parish, where deputies assisted the Bogalusa Police Department with the Krewe of MCCA parade.

Our deputies work together with the municipal law enforcement agencies, state police and other surrounding law enforcement to maintain order and provide crowd and traffic control along parade routes throughout our parish.

I am also very proud to have partnered with STARC for the fourth year. By placing our float at the end of several local parades we were able to collect more than four pickup truck loads of beads for their clients to sort, repackage and sell back to float riders.

Thanks to the Krewe of Endymion, we were also able to facilitate the donation of another four pickup truck and trailer loads of beads, which were donated by the riders in that krewe.

This is a worthwhile program, as it not only prevents these beads from ending up in our landfills or attics, but it also provides work and funds for the citizens serviced by STARC.

Fit As A Firefighter 7.63x4.90 021820 Postcard.pdf

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guide

SUMMER DAY CAMP DISCOVER THE SPIRIT OF SUMMER BUILD YOUR SUMMER AROUND YOU! SWIMMING, ARTS, SPORTS, STEM, TRADITIONS &

SPECIALTY KID’S CHOICE PROGRAMS FOR CAMPERS 5 TO 13 YEARS OLD.

Covington at Coquille Rec & Sports Park Mandeville at Pelican Park Slidell off Robert Rd. Hammond at Chappapeela Sports Park May 27th - July 31st

Weekly tuition varies by location

Highest Quality Programming | Weekly Fieldtrips | Ages K-13 (must be 5 by 9/30/20) Mix & Match Kidcam Locations in Covington, Mandeville & Southshore Flexible Scheduling by the Week | Extended Hours 7a - 6p* | Multi Child & 3+ Week Discounts CALL OR EMAIL TO TALK TO OUR CAMP CONCIERGE WITH QUESTIONS OR ASSISTANCE.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! 877.4KIDCAM SummersRock@KidcamCamps.com www.KidcamCamps.com

TIA GENDUSA @CREATEDBYTIA

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@CREATEDBYTIA

WWW.TIAGENDUSA.COM

@PAINTOLOGY

Bogalusa Believe Summer Camp

Bogalusa High School, 100 M.J. Israel Drive 985.516.1758 / believecamp.com

Bush Splendor Farms Horse Camp for Girls 27329 Mill Creek Road 985.886.3747 / splendorfarms.com

C ovi n g to n Archbishop Hannan High School Little Hawk Day Camp Sports Camps Archbishop Hannan High School 71324 Hwy 1077 985.249.6363 / Hannanhigh.org Camp Abbey Catholic Sleep Away Camp at Abbey Retreat Center 77002 K C Camp Rd. 985.327.7240 / campabbey.org Camp Old Hickory Summer Day Camp 73234 Louisiana Ave. rscafidel@live.com 985.892.4788 / campoldhickory.com Christ Episcopal School Creation Sensation Summer Camp 80 Christwood Blvd. kpousson@christepiscopalschool.org 985.871.9902 / christepiscopalschool.org Creating U Academy Acting & Modeling Camp 69154 Hwy 190, E. Service Rd. creatingu@att.net 985.893.2218 / creatingu.com Kidcam Summer Camps Kid’s choice curriculum plus swimming, art, movement, sports. STEM with activities that promote fun, fitness, friendship and creativity.

Weeks May 27th – July 31st, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Before & Aftercare), Ages: 5 – 13 Coquille Park, 13505 LA-1085 877-4KIDCAM / kidcamcamp.com

Kehoe-France Northshore Camp 25 Patricia Dr. 985.892.4415 / kehoe-francens.com Northlake Christian School Camp Northlake Boys and Girls, ages 6-13 May 25th - July 24th 70104 Wolverine Dr. 985.635.0400 / campnorthlake.org Northshore Humane Society Fun interactive games and activities centered around animals Boys and Girls ages 6 - 13 June 1st – July 24th 20384 Harrison Ave. 985.892.7387 / Northshorehumane.org Playmaker’s Sports Sports Camp for Kids 800 Winward Dr. 985.898.2809 / playmakersindoor.com Playmakers Theatre Theater Camps 19106 Playmakers Rd. 985.893.1617 / playmakersinc.com St. Paul’s Camps Sports Camps Baseball - June 1st - 5th Football O/D Line - June 4th - 6th Speed and Strength/All Sports - June 8th - 12th Football - June 8th - 12th Soccer - June 15th - 19th Speed and Strength/Flag Football - June 22nd - 26th Wrestling - July 6th - 10th Football JH 7v7 Tourney - July 10th – 11th Basketball - July 13th - 17th and July 20th - 24th Football Evaluation Camp- July 16th Boys 8 - 13 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

985.892.3200 / sportscamps@stpauls.com Saint Paul’s Alumni Theatre Theater Camp Session 1: June 15th – 19th Session 2: June 22nd – 26th 917 South Jahncke Ave. 985.892.3200 / stpauls.com St. Scholastica Academy Various Camps 122 S. Massachusetts St. 985.892.2540 ext.129 / ssacad.com

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St. Tammany Art Association Summer Camps Art House, 320 N. Columbia St. 985.892.8650 / sttammanyartassociation.org YMCA - Summer Camp 71256 Francis Rd. krissyc@ymcaneworleans.org 985.893.9622 / www.ymcaneworleans.org

F o ls o m Big Sky Ranch Farm Camp 15442 Jack Fork Rd. 985.276.0270 / bigskyranch.org

Ham mon d an d P o n c h at o u l a Camp Rec Center Michael J. Kenney Center, 602 West Coleman Ave. 985.277.5903 / hammond.org Imagine Art camps Big Red Barn Creative Arts Center 234 SE Railroad Ave., Ponchatoula 985.373.0468 / bigredbarn4kids.com Kidcam Summer Camps Kid’s choice curriculum plus swimming, art, movement, sports. STEM with activities that promote fun, fitness, friendship and creativity Weeks May 27th – July 31st 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Before & Aftercare), Ages: 5 –13 Chappapeela Sports Park 19325 Hipark Blvd., Hammond 877-4KIDCAM / kidcamcamp.com Southeastern University Roomies REC Camp Student Activity Center 1850 N. General Pershing St. Hammond 985.549.5591 / Southeastern.edu

Ma dis o nvi l l e Madisonville Equestrian Center Riding Camp 135 Vista St. 985.778.6981 / madisonvilleequestriancenter.com

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Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum Aquatic Robotics Camp 133 Mabel Drive 985.845.9200 / lpbmm.org

Man d evi l l e Art Time Art Camp 705 Asbury Drive 985.674.2023 / arttime.biz Camp Girl Biz Fashion Design 5200 Hwy. 22, Suite 6 and 7 campgirlbiz@aol.com 985.705.9288 / campgirlbiz.com Cedarwood School Summer Camps Camp Kaleidoscope One-week camps starting June 1st – July 24th 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. with extended day program Ages: 2 – 7 MADD Camp | Music, Art, Dance, Drama 2 Week Camps Session 1 begins June 15th and Session 2 July 6th 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. with extended day program Ages: 1st – 7th grade 607 Heavens Dr. 985.845.7111 / cedarwoodschool.com Culinary Kids Cooking, science experiments, indoor and outdoor games 915 Marigny Ave. info@culinarykids.com 985.727.5553 / culinarykidsns.com Franco’s Summer Camp Athletics, Swimming, Arts, Weekly Field Trips, Water Slide, Games and Activities 11 sessions, Weeks May 25th – August 5th 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Ages: 4 - 13 (Before & Aftercare), 100 Bon Temps Roulé 985.792.0200 / francosmandeville.com Kidcam Summer Camps Kid’s choice curriculum plus swimming, art, movement, sports. STEM with activities that promote fun, fitness, friendship and creativity Weeks May 27th – July 31st 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Before & Aftercare), Ages: 5 – 13 Pelican Park, 63350 Pelican Drive 877-4KIDCAM / kidcamcamp.com

BEST HEALTH CLUB, SWIM CLUB & SUMMER CAMP

Come Spend The Summer At Your Hometown Club, Always Right Around The Corner!

200 NORTH MILITARY ROAD | 1311 GAUSE BOULEVARD | 4038 PONTCHARTRAIN DRIVE

985.643.3500 | CROSSGATESCLUB.COM EDGE April | May 2020

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Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts Music Camp Mandeville School of Music 105 Campbell Ave., #3 985-674-2992 / laapa.com Mandeville Public Works Water Wonders Camp 1100 Mandeville High Blvd.

985.624.3169 / cityofmandeville.com Mandeville Sports Complex Summer Camp 23052 Hwy 1088 985.727.7277 / mandevillesportscomplex.com Mike Storms Karate Summer Camp 985.674.7887 / StormsKarate.com Northlake Academy of Music Tots and Tunes Music Camp 375 Asbury Dr. 985.630.8112, northlakeacademyofmusic.net Northshore Gymnastics Tiny Tumblers Summer Jamboree 1973 6th Street 985.624.8310 / northshoregymnastics.net

Slidell Cross Gates Family Fitness Cub, Pre – K and Traditional Camps 200 Military Rd. and 1311 Gause Blvd. Slidell 985.643.3400 / crossgatesclub.com/camps Gymnastic Plus Fun & Fitness 58445 Pearl Acres Rd. 985.643.0914 / gymplus.net Slidell Memorial Hospital and St. Tammany Fire Protection District No.1 Fit as a Firefighter Summer Camp Fun activities teach children and their families to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.

June 1st - 5th, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Boys and Girls Ages 7 ½ - 12 STFPD No.1 Training Academy, Camp Villere 34780 South Range Rd. 985.280.8529 / slidellmemorial.org

Northshore Sportsplex Sports - Basketball 278 General Patton Ave. 985.773.4185 / northshorebasketballtraining.com

Kidcam Summer Camps Kid’s choice curriculum plus swimming, art, movement, sports. STEM with activities that promote fun, fitness, friendship and creativity.

Weeks May 27th – July 31st, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Before & Aftercare), Ages: 5 – 13 First Christian Church, 102 Christian Lane 985.237.1616 / kidcamcamp.com

Pelican Athletic Club Summer Camps 1170 Meadowbrook Blvd.

985.626.3706 / thepac.com

Old Town Slidell Soda Shop Soda Jerk Summer Camp 301 Cousin Street 985.649.4806 / slidellsodashop.com

PRIDE, Youth and Community Resources Overnight Camps Positive Action Camp/ Positive Attitude Camp Fontainebleau State Park 985.727.7710 / prideyouthresources.org

Rembrandt Studio 1118 Brownswitch Road 985.645.9565 / rembrandtstudio.com

30 by Ninety Theatre Theater Camps 880 Lafayette 844.843.3090 / 30byninety.com Pontchartrain Yacht Club Learn to Sail 140 Jackson Ave. 985 626.3192 / pontyc.com

Slidell Little Theatre Theatre Camp 2024 Nellie Drive 985.643.0556 / Slidelllittletheatre.org Tammany Yacht Club 1196 Harbor Drivel 985.649.5222 / tammanyyachtclub.org CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY FOR THEIR SUMMER READING PROGRAMS! *ALL CAMPS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.*

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MAY 1-16

MAY 22 - 30

APRIL 10 - 18 Fri. & Sat. 8pm

PROOF SHEET

r ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This ad will run hanges by ( 3 . 1 3 . 2 0 2 0 )JUNE a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes orJULY approve via email.

5 - 15

10 - 18

Cutting Edge Theater 767 ROBERT BLVD. SLIDELL

JULY 24 AUGUST 1

985.649.3727

CUTTINGEDGETHEATER.COM

HELP A LOCAL TODDLER ATTEND CAMP WOW!

Ages 3-5

VOLUNTEERS are our HEART. HORSES are our SOUL.

Your $50 DONATION provides a week of a safe, enriching environment for the children of struggling, working parents.

Send Checks to: Northshore Community Foundation-WOW Fund 807 N. Columbia St. Covington, LA 70433 For credit card donations or more information call: 985.893.8757 For PayPal donations: www.northshorefoundation.org/world-of-wonder

D O N AT E YO U R T I M E & TA L E N T A N D

Witness the Healing Power of the Horse!

We are a 501(C)3 organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

www.NewHeightsTherapy.org 985.796.4600 EDGE April | May 2020

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Summer Camp

June & July

Sponsored by:

& Meet animal experts & Interact with animals & Educational activities

Northshorehumane.org/camp

This is the age of a new Louisiana.

We built Louisiana’s largest pediatric health network to care for any of the one million children in our state and deliver on the belief that your child can be part of a stronger, healthier tomorrow. From check-ups to complex medical and emergency care, your child’s care begins here. Visit ololchildrens.org/believe for more.

Believe in me.

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Chris Masingill Chief Executive Officer St. Tammany Corporation

Greg Cromer City of Slidell Mayor

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As the lead economic development organization for St. Tammany Parish, St. Tammany Corporation strives to strategically enhance our parish’s economic landscape to createthe destination of choice for highly skilled talent and business formation, attraction, expansion and retention.

Our values outline exactly who we are as an organization and clearly outline what others can expect from us as leaders, partners, and truth tellers. The acronym THRIVE explains where we are going and how we will share our effectiveness and success. We are: Transformational as we move our relationships with business and industry beyond the transactional level, and truly build relationships, partnerships, and coalitions that are transformational – ones that transform the capacity of St. Tammany Parish as a business destination.

Honest as we clearly articulate our scope, services, value, and impact as an economic development organization.

Results-driven as we aim to move past inputs and outputs and to truly focus on outcomes. We continue to produce results-driven work by utilizing our resources to best communicate exactly where our community is right now and create programs that advance St. Tammany towards positive outcomes, resulting in a more competitive community for business, industry, and talent.

Intentional as we communicate that economic development is unique for each business throughout the parish. We aim to be intentional with our initiatives, programs, resources, and capacity. We continue to engage in high value activities that align with our biggest economic development opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Vital as we facilitate the maintenance and growth of the quality of life we hold dear in St. Tammany. We serve as the truthteller of the economic vitality of the parish.

Engaged as we support and collaborate with all relevant partners: industry and business, parish government and municipalities, Louisiana Economic Development and Greater New Orleans, Inc., and education and workforce allies; all while remaining ahead of the curve on international, national, and regional economic development industry trends and best practices.

Dear Citizens, Over the last several days, President Trump, Governor Edwards and Parish President Cooper have issued National, State and Parish emergency declarations, respectively. All St. Tammany Parish public and parochial schools will be closed until April 13. A ban was also put into effect prohibiting most gatherings of 250 or more people through April 13. Most special events in the City of Slidell have been postponed or canceled.

I want to ensure citizens that public health and safety is our number one priority. I ask everyone to stay calm, not panic and use common sense. Stay informed by reliable news sources and follow CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines to prevent the spread of this virus to the elderly and those with autoimmune issues.

The City of Slidell is in frequent contact with the State of Louisiana and St. Tammany Parish Government and is following their recommendations on how to keep our community safe. Team Slidell – Slidell Memorial Hospital, Slidell Police Department, St. Tammany Parish First District 1, and the City of Slidell – is working together to continue providing efficient and effective services to our community.

I’m concerned for our businesses here in Slidell. Please keep patronizing our local businesses. They need your support now more than ever. If you are sick or concerned about being out in public, there are many services that will deliver groceries and food from local stores and restaurants straight to your front door.

For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” Facebook page.

Time stands still for only a moment

Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazi as is unless we receive changes by ( 3 . 1 3 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or appr

985.773.2227

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EDGE April | May 2020

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MOTHER’S DAY

Gift Guide 1

BACKPACK Franco’s 100 Bon Temps Roule Mandeville 985.792.0200

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LIPSTICK Kismet Cosmetics 311 Lee Ln. Suite 2 Covington 985.900.2455

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PURSEN BAG COLLECTION The Spa & Lifestyle Store at Cross Gates Family Fitness 200 N. Military Rd. 4038 Pontchartrain Dr. 1311 Gause Blvd.

Slidell 985.643.3500

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EARRINGS The Villa 1281 N. Causeway Blvd #1 Mandeville 985.626.9797

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EARRINGS Columbia Street Mercantile 236 N Columbia St Covington 985.809.1690

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OUTFIT DeCoeur Flourish 222 N Columbia St. Covington 985.809.3244 EDGE April | May 2020

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S u m m er i s a l m o s t h e r e .

Is your system operating as efficiently as it should be?

Call 985.602.9364 today and ask about our performance and safety inspection specials!

AIRPRO.ME

At Cross Gates Family Fitness 200 N. Military Rd. / 4038 Pontchartrain Dr. / 1311 Gause Blvd.

Non-Members Welcome | 985.643.3500

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MANDEVILLE

Live!

Free Friday Concerts

The Mandeville Trailhead

March 13 March 20 March 27 April 3 April 17 April 24

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

ROCKIN’ DOPSIE, JR. PAUL CHILDERS SUGAR SHAKER BOTTOMS UP FOUR UNPLUGGED THE BOOGIE MEN

Easter at the Market

Saturday, April 4th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Games

Prizes

Face Painting

SPORTS CAMPS - BOYS 7-14 Baseball, Speed and Strength, Soccer, Flag Football/Speed and Strength, Wrestling, Basketball contact: https://www.stpauls.com/ student-life/summer-camp/ BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE CAMP

For information contact: t.petit@stpauls.com

FOOTBALL CAMP

For information on camps and registration contact: www.facebook.com/ stpaulsfootballcamps or https://www.stpauls. com/student-life/summer-camp/

THEATER CAMP

Boys and Girls ages 9-13, two sessions June 15-19, and Musical June 22-26 , contact: https://www.stpauls.com/student-life/summercamp/

Crafts Dark Matter Robotics

Don’t forget your cameras for pictures with the Easter Bunny

stpauls.com 985.892.3200

917 S. Jahncke Ave Covington

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHO

EDGE April | May 2020

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Calm of Lessons in Civility from the Animal Kingdom

the Wild

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

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’ve visited Global Wildlife Center, one of the largest free-roaming wildlife preserves in the U.S. located right here in Folsom, many times over the years, but I suddenly saw it with fresh eyes recently.

My reason for this particular visit was to check out some of their many updates and upgrades, but a little sika deer and a giraffe named Cigar completely shifted my perspective and provided me with a lovely, unexpected life lesson.

But, first the new stuff…

In addition to safety upgrades to the tour wagons for added protection for the animals, the property is a veritable hive of activity with multiple construction projects underway and several nearing completion.

There will soon be new bathroom facilities close to the tour wagon loading area, and just across the way, near the gift shop, there are several other cool new features to check out.

Tour Operation Manager Allisyn Fauntleroy kindly took me on a little tour of the area by way of a recently built elevated boardwalk that borders the newly expanded kangaroo habitat. I love the fact that a herd of kangaroos is called a “mob,” especially after I got to witness a little boxing match between two young males, a.k.a. boomers. It seems like a good idea to give these cute but scrappy thugs a little more room to spread out. They’ll get even more space when their current “roommates,” a pair of 8-year-old Sulcata tortoises, named Atlas and Gaea, move into their very own nearby digs.

An adjacent garden, which will be in full bloom this spring with azaleas and milkweed to help attract butterflies, features a fountain and seating area, and it’s paved with bricks that individuals can purchase to memorialize special people and loved ones.

While I certainly enjoyed seeing all these changes, I have to admit that I was anxious to get to the star attraction – the new giraffe barn.

You can’t miss the gorgeous structure on your drive in, but for now, the public isn’t allowed inside – which

985.624.WILD globalwildlife.com

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made it an extra special treat for me. I also lucked out that the cold, rainy weather meant that the longnecked inhabitants were hanging out in and around the barn.

“The rule,” Allisyn explained, “is that if it’s below 45 degrees, they come into the barn or paddock.”

As we approached the building, Allisyn told me that Global’s property used to be a quail hunting farm, and that they expanded on the existing concrete pad from the old dog kennels as the foundation for the barn. The heated, insulated structure measures 140 feet by 60 feet, and is designed to keep the gentle giants warm in the winter time and to accommodate birthing and veterinary care.

Global has averaged two new reticulated giraffe calves a year for the last five years, and to maintain genetic diversity in this “tower” of giraffes (that’s the incredibly apt term that’s used for a herd of giraffes!), the males are periodically rotated out and swapped with other breeding facilities in the region. Cigar, a 3-year-old Masai giraffe, is one of the newest arrivals, and it’s his fault that I started having trouble paying attention. As Allisyn shared additional details about the building’s structure and purpose, he kept loping in and out of the barn to get a snack and peek at me through the bars that separated us from him.

Seeing that I was clearly distracted by his sweet, curious face, Allisyn shifted gears and told me about the extraordinary and unexpected role Cigar has taken on – that of a companion animal to Zira, who like many of us is slowing down a bit as she ages, making it harder for her to keep up with the youngsters.

When you visit Global’s website, the giraffe page explains how they have the largest heart of any land mammal – and Cigar proves that it’s not just based on the physical measurement. Seriously. Raise your hand if you want your very own support giraffe.

As we stepped toward the open back door of the barn, where the rest of the crew were hanging out in

the adjacent paddock, I was acutely aware that we were under the watchful, unblinking eye of one giraffe, who kept inching closer in a cautious, but unfearful manner.

“That’s Kameel,” Allisyn revealed. “She’s 28 years old, and she was the first giraffe born here. She’s the mother of many of these other giraffes.”

With no gate separating us from the animals, and recognizing that Kameel was closing the distance between us little by little, I was curious to know if they ever get territorial. Like, for instance, when a stranger invades their barn. I considered taking a couple of precautionary steps back when Allisyn admitted that they will kick if they feel threatened, or if anyone gets underfoot when they are trying to eat. But that’s when I noticed a little critter who didn’t seem to belong there. It was a little sika deer, strolling around like he owned the joint. It turns out that the giraffes don’t mind at all that several other animals like to hang out in their cool new VIP area. Clyde and Chloe, Global’s resident camels, are particularly frequent gatecrashers.

“Clyde likes the feeder,” Allisyn told me. “He will stand outside the gate with a look on his face like, ‘How dare you not let me in!’ We let the camels in sometimes, but Clyde will push past you to get in, whether you want him to or not.”

It occurred to me that if the giraffes are allowed to roam freely in good weather, how exactly do you corral them when the weather turns bad?

“They get fed in the afternoon, and they know when it’s time to eat. But corn always does the trick. Getting them to come in

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is easier than keeping others out, especially Clyde.”

I was charmed by the emerging personality profiles of these various animals, but I suddenly had an even more significant epiphany. Clyde’s breed of camel is from Central Asia, Chloe’s hails from the Middle East, giraffes are native to Africa, bisons are North American, llamas are South American, the aforementioned sika is from East Asia – and that’s only a small sampling of the population. It probably helps that there are no apex predators to wreak havoc, but still – all these species of animals from different continents, who would otherwise never come into contact with each other, are able to live in a freeroaming environment in relative harmony.

Except for maybe the zebras.

While they’re not exactly apex predators, they’ve got prickly personalities and a tendency to bite, sometimes out of aggression, but sometimes simply to get your attention or show affection. This is why the staff is constantly warning visitors not to feed them, and why they sometimes have to be monitored when new babies are born. If they start to act up, staffers will just crank up the feed truck and drive across the property to lure them away from whomever they’re harassing. So, they can be an occasional nuisance, but overall, they manage.

After witnessing the kangaroos’ boxing match, I wondered if they weren’t allowed to roam freely because of their own aggressive tendencies, but Allisyn set me straight. Their ability to cover pretty significant distances in a single leap makes it possible for them to clear the cattle guards – the metal grids

on the road near the exit that keep the animals from leaving the property.

It’s fascinating to step back and realize that this enormous menagerie doesn’t care that some within their community have weird humps or preposterously long necks or odd fur patterns or intimidatingly enormous horns. Aging Zira is a different breed of giraffe than her support companion Cigar. The llamas self-segregate themselves into a male “bachelor herd” and female “mama llama” herd. The zebras can be crabby, and the camels like to gatecrash. Nobody minds.

While it continues to amaze me that Global Wildlife Center provides us with easy access to over 1,000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals, it’s truly a wonder to recognize the example they set for the rest of us – the ability to coexist peacefully, in spite of their many differences. What a concept!

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Well thought out economic development is essential to the growth and success of any community. Supporting the efforts of the St. Tammany Chamber to work toward a regionalized approach to economic development, and the support of existing businesses is vital to our future. There are those who wonder whether supporting a local business group or a larger, parishwide group is the right way to go. I say the two things are not mutually exclusive. We need to do both–across the entire region. Support our local businesses at the local yes, of course, but also keep our eye on the larger prizes of economic success by supporting regional efforts as well. I applaud the St. Tammany Chamber for taking steps in the right direction to focus on a brighter future for all of St. Tammany.

Sam Caruso Jr., M.B.A. Director of Business Development | Slidell Memorial Hospital

StTammanyChamber.org | Come Grow With Us

Are You Experiencing the First Signs of a Hearing Loss?

We often have our teeth checked, our eyes checked and our blood-pressure tested, but when was the last time you had a hearing test?

Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process over the years, so it isn’t noticeable at first. But at some point, things will start to change. A few common signs of hearing loss include finding conversations hard to follow, turning the TV’s volume up louder than usual, and asking people to repeat themselves.

Dr. JJ Martinez, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA Doctor of Audiology, Board Certified Audiologist

You might not think too much of it at first, or, despite any frustrations it is causing you, you might decide to put treatment off for “another day.” Often friends and family are the first to notice one’s hearing loss before it becomes a real challenge for the sufferer.

Slidell | Hammond | Mandeville

Sound familiar?

If so, then SLENT Hearing & Balance Center encourages you to visit one of our hearing centers in Hammond, Slidell or Mandeville, LA for a hearing test. We’ll test your hearing, and identify if a hearing loss is at play, and if so, provide you with some treatment options.

A recent worldwide study* confirmed that eight out of ten hearing aid users reported they had a profound positive impact on their quality of life, including improved relationships at home and work and a better sense of safety and independence.

Download Our Free Guide “The Early Symptoms of a Hearing Loss to Look Out For” Written by Dr. JJ Martinez Visit slenthearing.com/free-guide *Source: Findings of EuroTrak 2015 (ET 2015) and MarkeTrak 9 (MT9) worldwide studies about hearing loss and hearing aids.

Call 985-273-5795 Visit www.slenthearing.com

The All-New 2021 Tahoe… Available To Order Now.

985.892.4663

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STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTO TAMMANY FAMILY BLOG

If

you saw our recent December/Januar y issue, you may have read “Enduring Benevolence: The Salmens of Slidell,” the article I wrote about a prominent local family and their lasting legacy on the Northshore. One of the intriguing things about them was that, while their name appears on various buildings and parks, and they had a huge role in shaping this region as it transformed from wilderness to thriving cities and towns, their story isn’t as well-documented as many others.

While I was able to cobble together basic biographical information on their “dizzying success, a fairy tale wedding, unimaginable tragedy, and a lasting legacy of benevolence” – I was hoping to find more personal, anecdotal accounts to add texture and dimension to what was obviously a dynamic family. When I stumbled across an historical blog, written by a former – and sadly, now-deceased – Bogalusa newspaper editor and city official with seemingly solid sources, I thought I’d found just that. As I attempted to dig into the origins of the colorful stories he shared, I searched fruitlessly online for a way to contact living family members, and even the multiple local librarians and historians I interviewed for the story couldn’t offer me any help in that respect.

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Deadends are a frustratingly common aspect of journalism. As are deadlines. Sometimes they gang up and conspire against us in our pursuit of complete stories. And sometimes those sought-after new avenues of information open up – after publication.

Enter Rick Lewis.

When the son of the late Ellarose Carden – whose grandfather was Fritz Salmen, the family’s patriarch, and who figures prominently in the original article – contacted me after reading the published article, he gave me a mixed review. He was complimentary of certain aspects of the piece, but while he presented his criticisms in a very gracious manner, he was quite frank about what he felt was dead wrong.

Out of respect for him and his family, I wanted to give Rick the opportunity to present his rebuttal.

In a nutshell, the historical blog I cited in the original article claims that Ellarose had once demanded that her father’s portrait be removed from the Bogalusa courthouse, and that she angrily refused to donate his papers to the city archive. The reason for this anger, alluded to by the blog, was that her father had contracted a fatal disease that he was said to have then passed on to his wife. Their online obituaries offer no causes of death to support nor refute that, but they died within about six weeks of each other, leaving little Ellarose and her brother orphans.

Rick’s response? First of all...

“My mother never ordered his picture to be taken down,” he told me. “In fact, mom was the featured speaker at the city’s centennial and was photographed with her father’s portrait. She spoke quite often of her father, and she routinely inspected and placed flowers on his grave in Bogalusa. She had photographs of her mother and father in her bedroom and home.”

Rick also flatly denied the assertion that they died of the same mystery malady.

“I don’t know this man and I don’t know where he got this information, but I can tell you my mother would’ve headed to Bogalusa with a baseball bat if she’d heard these things.”

My kind of gal!

To the contrary, Rick said that his grandmother died in childbirth and his grandfather died quite suddenly of a heart attack.

PHOTO JERRY COTTRELL

Sal

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PHOTO JERRY COTTRELL

Of one of the main sources cited in the blog, Rick told me, “I have no idea where (the blogger) derived his version of these events, but it was not from Judge Jim Richardson. Jimmy and his wife, Tammy, were two of my mother’s closest and dearest friends. Our family’s relationship with the Richardson family spans 100 years – Jim’s father was my grandfather’s attorney.

I knew Jimmy all my life. He never made these statements.”

I apologized to Mr. Lewis for not having been able to locate him or other family members for their input before the story was published, but he said he wasn’t surprised by that. He considers it “a good thing” that they’re not easy to find, as the family members “tend to work behind the scenes.” They operate so under-the-radar that their charitable foundation doesn’t even have a website, yet they manage to quietly donate between $300,000-$400,000 to St. Tammany charities every year.

As a journalist, my first priority is to truth, and my second is to discovering and telling a good story. I only call verifiable information fact, and I present unverified information – which I only use if it comes from reputable sources – as either allegations or lore. Admittedly, it’s a fine line to walk, and it can get a bit wobbly – which is why I appreciate Mr. Lewis reaching out to me in such a respectful manner, and understanding that my intention was never to be sensational nor untruthful. I’m so pleased he was able to provide additional information, and complete the portrait of this important Northshore family.

Sal m e n s

of

S l i d e l l : R e v i si te d

al Season Sponsors, Dear 2019/2020 Cultur ntastic season of Thank you for another fa ’t do it without cultural events! We couldn your support. Thank you!

The City of Slidell

The City of Slidell and the Commission on the Arts extend a gracious thank you to our 2019-2020 Cultural Season Sponsors who have helped make the city’s cultural events and exhibitions possible for our citizens.

Renaissance • $5,000 Sponsors:

Sophisticated Woman Magazine Baroque • $2,500 Sponsor: Acadian Ambulance • C. Ray Murry, Attorney At Law Jazz on the Bayou/Ronnie Kole Foundation • Silver Slipper Casino Neoclassical • $1,000 Sponsors: Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert • Lori Gomez Art Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien • Purple Armadillo Again

Impressionism • $500 Sponsors: Chateau Bleu • CiCi’s Pizza • Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer Flatliners Entertainment • Old School Eats Food Truck • Olde Towne Slidell Print Shop Pontchartrain Investment Management • Roberta’s Cleaners • Semplice’s Pizza Sirocco Coffee Company • Slidell Historic Antique Association • Terry Lynn’s Café & Creative Catering Weston Three 19 • Tanya Witchen - Engel & Völkers Real Estate Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Donald Villere City of Mandeville Mayor

Mark Jonhson City of Covington Mayor

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To all Mandeville Residents and Visitors: The Coronavirus has caused our entire country to make drastic moves to protect everyone, including limiting contact with others.

Through April 13, 2020, or further notice, the City of Mandeville offices will be closed to the public. All offices can be reached by telephone, 985-626-3144, or by email. Any information you wish to deliver in hard copy can be dropped off in the city mail box in the rear of city hall marked for water bills. (black mail box) Also closed are the Community Center, Saturday Market and Trailhead, and all concerts.

All public meetings are cancelled including Council Meetings, Planning and Zoning, Parks and Parkways, Historic Commission and Special Events.

At this time, garbage pick-up, recycling and green waste collection will continue.

It is strongly urged that all residents over 60 or those with medical conditions remain isolated from the public in safe surroundings. The President has urged that we refrain from gatherings of over 10 people. He also said that we can protect those who are elderly or have medical conditions by remaining at home as much as possible rather than being exposed or carrying the virus further to others.

Municipal Elections and sales tax renewals have been postponed until June 20th.

We will continue to keep you updated as news progresses. Sign up for EBriefs or continue to check our website for any changes.

I can be reached at 985-264-9437 by phone or text. Be safe.

Recently I met three high school seniors, each unsure of their path after graduation. I asked, “Have you visited NTCC?” Their reply, “NTCC?” In the heart of St. Tammany Parish, 1.5 miles north of the I-12 Lacombe exit, is a gem of a Community College. There, in classes offered day and night, one can earn base credit for an Associate degree or towards a four-year degree.

However, the campus also includes a Technical College. Here, credentialed certifications can be earned in Welding, Nursing, Electrical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Computer Programming or Maritime Technology. Lifelong, hands-on career training completed in two or three semesters … in the middle of St. Tammany Parish.

We visited the labs, inspected the state-of-the-art equipment and met instructors who were career professionals in their respective fields … teachers who were excited to share their knowledge.

Each student found their niche. Each found a career path. Each is applying and excited about the future. If you know someone (student or otherwise) who is uncertain about their career path, I ask you invite them / join them to tour the Northshore Technical Community College. It just might change a life.

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BOUNDLESS The Dynamic Duo Behind Helping Hands Gallery

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COMPASSION STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS JEAN-MARIE DESROSIERS

W

hen you hear the phrase “power couple,” you probably picture slick corporate, political or Hollywood types who have joined forces to wield their considerable influence for maximum exposure and/or personal gain. Some of them may direct portions of their time, energy and fortunes into charitable enterprises, but it’s not typically their main objective.

But this is not Hollywood, Washington, D.C. or Silicon Valley. The Northshore’s brand of power couple is much better represented by a pair of tireless philanthropists – Arlette Delcham and Jean-Marie Desrosiers.

This Covington-based pair, who both originally hail from humble beginnings in Haiti, is driven by a seemingly insatiable desire to help their fellow humans on a multitude of levels. Flow charts and diagrams would probably be effective tools in understanding the many facets of their commitment to humanitarian endeavors, but let’s start with their main project: Helping Hands Gallery.

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HelpingHandsGallery.com

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First of all, it’s really more of a virtual gallery, as they sell artwork through online sales and corporate and charitable events. And while charity is the top priority, their boundless supply of compassion extends to the artists, as well.

“Organizations typically ask artists to donate their work, but that’s their livelihood,” Jean-Marie explained. “And if it’s in an auction and sells for something less than its value, it devalues their art. We have an agreement with artists to take their work on a consignment basis. When it’s sold or auctioned off, it’s split sixty-forty. Sixty percent to the artist, forty percent to the charity. Except for Arlette’s; one hundred percent of her art goes to the charity. We absorb all the costs, so there’s virtually no overhead.”

While they’ve worked with many different charities, near and far, they’ve lent significant support to Gift of Life International, an organization that provides lifesaving cardiac treatment and develops sustainable pediatric cardiac programs for children in 80 different developing countries. Their specific efforts for this organization have been focused in Haiti, where they’ve helped to arrange about 450 heart surgeries in total.

This has become a challenge because of political unrest. During one trip to Haiti, when tensions ran high with demonstrations in the streets, Jean-Marie had to help orchestrate the evacuation of physicians working for Gift of Life, and he himself had a narrow escape. He basically had to pretend to be a corpse as he was surreptitiously transported to the airport in an ambulance. In the midst of the chaos, things miraculously came together to allow him to escape.

“It was like Moses opening up the sea. Lucky for us that day, there was nobody in the street, and we were waved through the barricades. It was unheard of.”

Jean-Marie has also been offering ongoing support and advice to a single mother with dreams of launching her own business, whom he met when her child was a heart patient at a hospital in Haiti. This big-hearted dynamic duo truly find opportunities to help their fellow humans everywhere they look. While many of us often find it difficult to choose where to lend our support when there’s so much suffering and need in the world, Arlette and Jean-Marie have chosen not to limit themselves to a single cause or organization.

As Arlette will tell you, “If we find a cause we relate to, we are obligated to help others.”

A statement on their Helping Hands Gallery website reads: “We aim to bridge the chasms of poverty, educational inequality, and disease with love and a sustained commitment to creating positive, nurturing environments.”

They packed a lot into that statement, but as you try to wrap your head around the depth and breadth of their efforts, you’ll find it’s not just pretty verbiage. It truly encapsulates their actual work and ethics. Some of the other organizations they’ve worked with include Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Club, St. Tammany Hospital

Foundation, St. Tammany Art Asssociation, The Humane Society, Hospice Foundation of the South, Hope for Haitian Children Foundation, Feed The Children, Covington Rotary Club, Louisiana Coalition Against Sex Trafficking, Hope House Children’s Advocacy Center, and Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Program & Shelter. Just to name a few.

So, who are these angels of mercy, and what makes them so compassionate?

Arlette was taught by nuns in Haiti, who instilled in her a desire to help and serve. Her first job was in a factory, then she was a custodian while she worked her way through medical school. She wound up with her own practice as a family physician and is now the medical director for hospice and home health at St. Tammany Health System.

Jean-Marie was similarly taught by catholic brothers before he fled Haiti’s turmoil with just $5 in his pocket, and “started pushing a broom” to work his way through school.

Now retired, he spent many years in international business and the telecommunication industry. He is currently the executive director of Helping Hands Gallery, a member of the Healing Art Initiative Committee at St. Tammany Hospital Foundation and serves as treasurer on the Board of the St. Tammany Art Association.

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They each were successful in their own right, but the real magic happened when the two joined forces.

Looking back, it seems like they were on two different paths, but always in the same general orbit. They both made their way to the U.S. from Haiti and later discovered that at one point, they lived within two miles of each other in New Jersey. By the late 1990s, Arlette was working at the same Massachusetts hospital as Jean-Marie’s sister and cousin. She became a family friend, but he was still living in New Jersey at the time, so they still had never met.

Finally, fate and family caused their paths to converge at a dinner hosted by Jean-Marie’s mother. They immediately hit it off, and when Arlette was hired by West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero in 2000, Jean-Marie followed, and they married the following year.

Arlette’s first real foray into the art world was when she took up pottery around 2009.

Following the catastrophic earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010, she realized that the hobby that had opened her up to a new world of beauty and peace could also provide her with an opportunity to help those who were suffering. She began selling her pottery to help rebuild a school, and the seed for the Helping Hands Gallery was planted.

Another hardship brought about inspiration when Arlette suffered a major stroke in 2016.

Not only did she add painting to her artistic repertoire, but she used her experience to come up with another way to help others, starting with the patients at the hospice where she currently serves as medical director.

“After my stroke, I discovered firsthand how depressing it is to be stuck in the hospital,” Arlette explained. “It gave me incentive to raise money for a music therapy pilot program.

There’s no budget, and it depends on fundraising.”

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She admits that it’s still in a fragile state because music therapy has not yet been embraced by the medical establishment. Although its effect on patients has been well documented, it has not been backed up financially by the empirical evidence. Nonetheless, she’s witnessed the miraculous effect it can have.

“We had a patient who wouldn’t sleep because she was afraid to die. We called in a young lady to play music for her, and she decided she was ready to sleep. It helped her to find peace at the end.”

When asked how they are able to direct their energy in so many different directions, they both admit that it can get overwhelming, and they have to regroup now and then. But, in addition to their faith and compassion, seeing others thrive in the wake of their efforts keeps driving them forward. They derive enormous pleasure from the fact that one of the children they helped to receive life-saving heart surgery is currently in medical school in Haiti and will eventually be able to give back to his community in a big way.

“We have received a lot from the Lord, so we’re responsible for helping the less fortunate,” JeanMarie told me. “Mom always said, to those whom much is given, much is expected.”

“There are a lot of poor and desperate people,” Arlette added. “But if everyone did something to help, there would be a lot less suffering.”.

EVERY THURSDAY, 5-9 P.M. Calling all Motorcycle, Jeep, Hot Rod and Classic Car enthusiasts to our Reserved Beachside Parking Area!

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OPENS AT 4 P.M.

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See Players Services for details.

NEW DATE! FALL 2020

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2019 FESTIVAL A R T I S T S3 SATURDAY, OCT.

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TICKETS $25 - FREE FOR KIDS 10 & UNDER

THEBLUESBERRYFEST.COM Photography by Ruth Spicer

STORY AND PHOTOS MADDIE CASSIDY

When to Go

When planning a trip to Iceland, the first thing to consider is what time of year to go.

As Iceland is close to the Arctic Circle, the country has very long summer days (21+ hours of sunlight) and very short winter days (only 5 hours of sunlight). This does not mean that winter is a terrible time to go – it provides lots of time for seeing the Northern Lights and it doesn’t get absurdly cold there. I’m talking average temperatures of about 30 - 33°F in winter.

Iceland’s high tourist season is roughly from the beginning of June to the end of September. As Iceland is becoming increasingly tourist-y, this means this time of year is much busier than others, and activities and restaurants may cost more during these months.

My trip to Iceland was September 27-October 3, nestled right at the end of the tourist season, with almost equal hours of daylight and night. It stayed right around 50°F our entire trip. This was the PERFECT time to go. It wasn’t high tourist season, the weather was still nice, there were enough nighttime hours to see the Northern Lights, and most of the places we visited weren’t super crowded.

The Best Way to Explore Iceland

As a lot of the best parts of Iceland are remote and far apart from each other, you will definitely need to know which mode of transportation you will use to get around the country. My mother and I rented a camper van from the wonderfully helpful company Happy Campers.

For the two of us, the “Happy 1” van was very comfortable. It gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace, the freedom to visit the places we wanted to see and also served as our cozy accommodation for the nights we spent at campgrounds! With its stovetop and mini-cooler, it allowed us to cook our own food and was our transportation and accommodation all in one.

Logistics of a Camper Van

Road tripping around a foreign country in a camper van may seem daunting, but it is not as intimidating as it seems! My mom and I did some research and the staff of Happy Campers (HC) helped us plan the route for our road trip around the Ring Road. They also picked us up from the airport and took us to their headquarters about 15 minutes away.

The vans themselves are comfortably-sized for driving, cooking and sleeping. HC provides bedding, pillows and optional add-ons that you can buy for more comfort. As we decided not to get an international phone plan for the week, we purchased the wifi package from HC for a flat fee of €40, and that served as our GPS and connection to the outside world! The wifi works whenever the van is running and for about an hour after it stops running. We also got sleeping bags from HC for some extra warmth at night, even though the van comes with a solar heating system that kicks-in when the van is not running.

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As for campgrounds, HC gave us a map of all of the open campgrounds for that time of year. We did not have to call in advance for any of them, which made our traveling more flexible because we could just stop and sleep whenever we felt like it. They ranged from about €10-25 a night for us to camp and for full use of the bathrooms and showers.

The Ring Road

Route 1 is an 828 mile long national highway that runs all around the island of Iceland, connecting the major towns and cities. Because it is in the shape of a circle, it is known as the Ring Road.

The general consensus among various travel bloggers seems to be that it takes 8-15 days in order to get the full experience of driving the entirety of the Ring Road. That may be true. However, if you find yourself with a limited amount of time, have no fear… you can still travel the Ring Road successfully in less than the time recommended online!

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Once you have ďŹ gured out your transportation and accommodation, the next basic to cover is FOOD! Food can be very expensive in Iceland, so my mom and I got groceries near Reykjavik at a chain grocery store. We bought food to make ourselves breakfast and lunch every day in our camper van, and then went out for dinner if there was a restaurant nearby.

This is deďŹ nitely the cheapest and easiest way to eat in Iceland, as parts of the Ring Road are incredibly rural and do not have any restaurants, only small gas stations and convenience stores.

Reykjavik

We only gave ourselves two days to spend in Reykjavik, and I think we would have benefited from allotting one or two more in order to truly see all that we would have wanted to see. However, we found some amazing restaurants (Cafe Babalu, Glo), unique shops along the super long Skolavordustigur Street, and beautiful places (the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, the old port).

Must-See Attractions

My personal favorite things to do while traveling tend to be things that aren’t tourist-y: things that are more off the beaten path. My absolute FAVORITE activity on this trip was The Cave People cave. It is about an hour’s drive outside of Reykjavik, and it is SO WORTH IT! This is a new attraction started by a native Icelandic mother-son duo in the spring of 2017. First they warmed us up in their tent with hot drinks, and then took us on a private tour of the Laugarvatnshellar Cave. This cave was inhabited by two very interesting families at two different times in the 20th century, and the tour guides are amazing story-tellers. I don’t want to spoil the stories for you, but the cave is even worth going to just to see the inside!

Iceland is known for its high density of magical waterfalls that make you feel like you are living in a desktop background. Two of my favorites are on the south shore of Iceland, only 20 minutes apart from each other: Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Skogafoss is the farther one from Reykjavik, and it is a 2 hour drive to get there…which is worth every minute for the beauty you experience from these two sights! Seljalandsfoss is especially magical because there is a path to walk behind the waterfall. The southern shore of Iceland is jam-packed with beautiful sights, from the waterfalls to the Eyjafjallajokull Glacier to the Black Sand Beach and the DC Plane Wreck (everyone survived). If you find yourself in Iceland, this area is a MUST!

My other favorite waterfall in Iceland is Hraunfossar. This one is definitely more out of the way, since there are not many other attractions nearby. But I must say, it was even more beautiful than Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. It is essentially a series of small waterfalls that together make one HUGE one. The fall foliage really made this place one of my favorites in the world.

The last place on my list of must-sees would be the village of Myvatn. SO many cool things are packed into

this tiny little town – geothermal baths (that are better than the famed Blue Lagoon), Hverfjall (a giant, hikeable volcanic crater), lava fields, a lake with water bluer than you have ever seen … basically, what I am saying is that this place is worth the 6 hour drive from Reykjavik. If you are traveling around the entirety of the Ring Road, then you have no excuse for skipping over this magical place!

FISHINʼ FUN

STORY AND PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

L

ouisiana is well known as The Sportsman’s Paradise, and the Northshore offers a myriad of fishing and hunting opportunities. While hunters must endure an unwelcome pause between hunting seasons, fishermen and women can enjoy their sport year-round in a plethora of local lakes, rivers and bayous. Whether it’s taking the kids to a fishing pier or chartering a boat for a day-long excursion, there truly is something for everyone.

If you want to increase your chances of catching fish – and if you're an early bird – charter a boat and head out to the lake. It’s a perfect way to catch a beautiful sunrise and a delicious dinner.

Beginners can obtain valuable fishing advice from a knowledgeable boat captain, and experienced anglers can enjoy hassle free transit to some lively fishing holes. Both will enjoy picturesque lake and marsh views.

One such captain, Captain Mike Gallo of Angling Adventures of Louisiana, is a well-known captain with many years of experience reeling in fish.

You’ve probably seen him on the Fish and Game Report with Don Dubuc. Captain Mike personally guarantees that you will catch fish on his outings (you don’t pay if you don’t catch!) and supplies his clients with everything they need for a successful outing, from live bait and equipment to especially useful angling tips.

Our staff photographer joined Captain Mike and two of his regular clients, Tami and M.J., on their charter early one Wednesday morning in October. Saying the early bird catches the worm is an accurate metaphor when it comes to fishing.

Tami started fishing with her father as a child.

Fishing is the one time she can get away and not worry about anything other than whether or not she has a bite on the line. “Captain Mike is the most knowledgeable guide in the area with a great sense of humor; I learn something new every time I fish with him.” The convenience of pulling up and having the boat and fishing tackle ready, and then, upon returning, having the fish cleaned and carried

to their car makes chartering a boat the perfect choice for Tami. “And the cost is considerably less than owning my own boat,” Tami laughs.

Once you get home, it will be time to fire up the grill for your delicious FRESH catch of the day. The real treat of fresh fish is that it requires very little effort for a tasty, healthy meal. Captain Mike suggests marinating the fish in hot sauce to infuse a slight bit of heat into the meal.

Don’t forget to obtain a Louisiana recreational fishing license before heading out.

GRILLED SPECKLED TROUT Ingredients • Two Trout Fillets • Dash of Olive Oil • Cajun Seasoning • Lemon Directions: • Marinate the fish in your favorite hot sauce for a couple of hours. Place fish on oiled oven tray.

Then, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and lemon juice topped with one slice of lemon. Place in preheated oven (350o F). Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

• Serve with boiled potatoes and fresh grilled asparagus topped with shaved parmesan cheese.

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STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS TAMMANY FAMILY BLOG

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hile researching Northshore history for a project years ago, someone shared with me a delightfully juicy tidbit. According to this Mandeville resident, Lonesome Road, which runs right by my house, connecting Highway 59 to Highway 190, was once called Hotsy Totsy Road – after a nearby brothel that was once located adjacent to today’s police station.

Can you imagine? What a delicious story to liven up the daily grind of suburban life.

It’s now a heavily populated corridor, lined with countless subdivisions. And many times, as I’ve joined the never-ending conga line of buses and SUVs carrying unassuming residents to school, work and errands, I’ve often gotten a kick out of imagining the folks of yesteryear taking that same route – but for much more lewd and lascivious reasons. I’ve also enjoyed drawing the conclusion that a name that once openly celebrated debauchery, was seemingly changed to reflect the deflated emotional state of local fellas after the demise of a “friendly” establishment – lonesome.

I chose to accept this as the gospel truth so I could share the amusing anecdote at will, but I filed it away in the back of my mind to eventually research and verify.

It probably speaks volumes about my character that I was crushed to learn that the Hotsy Totsy story was, apparently, false. While the road did indeed once carry that name, it wasn’t because of a house of ill repute.

By all accounts, the Hotsy Totsy was just a popular local bar, run by the late Julius Helfritsh. It’s even got a burger named after it at the Rusty Pelican restaurant in Mandeville. If the vague reference I found to the bar sometimes providing “other entertainment” is code for something more risque, I certainly couldn’t find anything to prove that. Darn it.

While this debunking was certainly disappointing, the concept of researching vice in the earlier days of the Northshore has remained intriguing to me. I’ve stumbled upon some other verifiable local stories of ancestral mischief and malfeasance, and I’ve also seen firsthand how this region likes to bury its less wholesome history.

So, given that Covington was a busy little trade hub back in the day, and Mandeville was founded by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, a notorious gambler and party boy, I’ve always figured that there must be plenty of other tales of turpitude just waiting to be unearthed.

Truth or Tall Tales?

Nitty Gritty Research

Over the years, I’ve heard lots of rumblings about casinos and brothels in and around Old Mandeville, and it seemed likely that this little zone would be the predominant hotbed of St. Tammany’s historical hedonism. But, there’s not a lot of proof to back that up.

For instance, while the building on Lakeshore Drive that currently houses The Lake House Restaurant (famously the home of Bechac’s Restaurant for many decades) was once a casino owned by a fellow named Paul Arcenaux, research didn’t turn up anything more salacious than some Bastille Day festivities and other seemingly benign celebratory events. There are rumors of Bernard de Marigny entertaining lavishly there, and of John James Audubon residing there for a period of time, but both are unsubstantiated, and neither is remotely scandalous.

Another unsubstantiated story came from a flimsy online source that claims that the Allen Hotel, now known as the North Star Theatre building on Girod Street, which currently houses realtor offices, once served as Mandeville’s first and only brothel in the 1950s.

If you head west from Mandeville, over to Highway 22 in Madisonville, you can hop on Highway 1085 and take it clear through to Highway 21, just south of downtown Covington. The significance? It’s still referred to as “Bootlegger Road” in many official St. Tammany Parish communications and local media reports. There’s even a street and development on 1085 near Coquille Park named Whiskey Oaks.

Despite being intersected by Interstate 12 and dotted with plenty of commercial and residential developments, when you drive along some of its remaining stretches of piney woods, it’s easy to imagine how ideal it would’ve been for concealing stills and serving as a convenient, darkened throughway for intrepid entrepreneurs of the Prohibition Era. I’ve yet to find specific stories of exactly how it earned this name, but if you ever find yourself rushing your kids to ball practice at Coquille or school at Archbishop Hannan High School, just pretend you’re running an illegal load of hooch through the parish. Just to make it interesting.

These are fun stories, right? I love a good story, don’t get me wrong. But, I really wanted some facts to back up the fiction. So, I went to one of my favorite sources – Robin Perkins, Records Management Director for the St. Tammany Clerk of Court.

Upon my arrival at the courthouse, Robin provided me with two big, fat indexes – one was “Criminal Charges for State Judicial Courts of St. Tammany Parish (1810-1922),” the other was “Justice of the Peace Courts by Ward of St. Tammany Parish (18101934).” Only a true geek can enjoy scanning through stacks of spreadsheets, looking for interesting crimes and anachronistic references. Guilty as charged!

Besides murder, which was plentiful but not relevant to this particular project, one of the most common offenses was “retailing spiritous liquors without a license.” That sounds an awful lot like bootlegging to me. A couple of guys were even charged with doing so on the New Camellia, the steamship that ran passengers back and forth across the lake from St. Tammany to New Orleans. Another intriguing infraction was “keeping a grog and tippling shop without a license.” Yes, I had to Google that – and it’s just a way more interesting name for a bar.

But, truth be told, the most mind-bogglingly common misdeeds I came across? Misbehaving in church. Seriously, case after case mentioned the firing of pistols, cursing, drunkenness and general mayhem in houses of worship.

The churches with the most, shall we say, rambunctious parishioners were the Hebron Church in Bush, Talley’s Chapel in Bogalusa, and Hickory Creek Church, which I couldn’t locate in a current search. Perhaps it chose to close its doors instead of dealing with those rambunctious heathens. By the way, I hate to name names, but I will say that if your family goes back multiple generations around these parts, and you are related to any Crawfords, Parkers, and/or Polks, you may have some truly rascally rogues in your family tree!

This all may sound shocking to many, but those who know their local history are aware of the fact that parts of this region were borderline lawless and given to anarchy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As many books and other media have documented, it experienced shockingly high murder rates and vicious, bloody feuds that would put the Hatfields and McCoys to shame. But, there’s far less documented proof of lesser crimes – like prostitution.

Robin brought to my attention the fact that the world’s oldest profession was conspicuously absent from the indexes. Then, we came across a report of someone “running a disorderly house.”

The Jackpot Busy parents with a houseful of kids may want to refrain from using the phrase “disorderly house” when referring to their domestic situation. Once upon a time, this seemingly benign and straightforward phrase meant – a brothel.

In February of 1913, a man named George May, manager of Covington’s Pine Top Saloon, was charged with operating just such a house. The Pine Top, known for its unruly and unsavory clientele, was located at 2708 Jefferson Street, which current GPS maps place on or adjacent to the southwest corner of today’s St. Tammany Justice Center parking lot. This also used to be the northernmost edge of the town’s very own – wait for it – red light district!

You read correctly. St. Tammany Parish apparently had its own mini version of New Orleans’ Storyville.

For a little perspective, if you walk out the front door of Acquistapace’s Supermarket and cross 21st Avenue, you’re standing on the southern edge of a little sector of sin, once known as the Jewel Streets. It was called this because the current boring, numerically named 22nd through 26th Streets, between Jefferson Avenue and Theard Streets, used to sport exotic names like Silver, Gold, Topaz, and Diamond Streets, no doubt to reflect the “exotic” activities taking place around there.

As for George May, court documents specify that he “willfully, maliciously and unlawfully did keep a house of public entertainment and public resort conducted in such a manner as to disturb the public peace and quiet of a neighborhood where lewd dancing was permitted and using same for the purpose of prostitution and assignations outside the limits fixed by municipal ordinace for houses of this character.”

It seemed odd and unfair that a mere manager was taking the entire rap for the misconduct of an establishment he didn’t even own. But, never fear, Robin found proof that two short weeks later, its owners – listed as A.J. Lajaunnie and E.E. Leblanc – had their day in court.

According to those records, they “willfully, maliciously and unlawfully did sell, give and permit to be sold… intoxicating liquors to women and girls and did sell to members of the white or caucasian race and to members of the black or colored race in the same building…”

At least they ran a non-discriminatory operation, right? By the way, I can’t move on without noting that one John “Crack Shot” Miller was a witness in both Pine Top cases. With a name like that, was he a fine, upstanding, sharp-shooting citizen who simply felt it was his civic duty to bear witness to such depravity?

Or was he a gun-toting patron-turned-narc who decided to cut a deal with law enforcement to get himself out of a legal jam? Who knows? Either way, he sounds like a potentially intriguing figure, worth filing away for future research.

Sadly, someone changed the Jewel Street names sometime after 1968. Those blocks have since been wiped clean, and nowadays are home to some seemingly upstanding residential and commercial properties, as well as government facilities, including the St. Tammany Parish Public School System and the St. Tammany Public Defender’s Office.

And so it goes with so many interesting characters and places from the past. Time marches on, and often obscures or obliterates the kind of stories that lend a little extra spice to our local flavor.

The passage of time has another curious effect. It often makes some truly abominable behavior seem almost – charming. Have you ever dressed yourself or a sweet, innocent child as a pirate or 1930s gangster? They were not exactly role models, but their infamous legends – and, let’s be honest, much snazzier wardrobes – have transformed them into iconic characters, celebrated by both Hollywood and everyday people. I like to apply a similar perspective to this topic. While I would never approach a story about current incidents of violence and criminal debasement with anything even remotely resembling levity, catching our seemingly austere and upstanding forebearers engaging in wicked behavior is sort of entertaining. The fact that, in some cases, they went to great lengths to cover their naughty tracks makes the cultural excavation that much more fun.

The good ol’ days, indeed, Great Grandpa (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Tell me more!

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STORY ELIZABETH KENNEDY WELLS PHOTOS JEFF BORDELON

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tangible benefit of living north of Lake Pontchartrain is the abundance of outdoor activities. At Bayou Adventure, in the heart of Lacombe, Jeff and Shannon Bordelon make it easy to take advantage of the beauty and bounty of our local bayous.

It all started a little over nine years ago when Shannon and her daughter were on a bike ride. Shannon thought it would be a good idea if there were bike rentals in Lacombe near the Tammany Trace and thought, “Somebody ought to do that.” She also wanted people in the area to appreciate the beauty of our bayous, so that they would understand the need to protect and preserve them. She knew that if she could get people out on the bayous they would understand. Shannon’s plan came together one Sunday when she saw an ad in the paper: “Bait Shop for Sale in Lacombe – call Lloyd.”

It was on a simple handshake with ‘Lloyd’ that Shannon bought the bait shop, named it Bayou Adventure, and on the same day opened the doors to her new business.

Now, a little over nine years later, Bayou Adventure is a thriving business in the heart of Lacombe offering bike, kayak and YOLO Board rentals, guided kayaking tours, fishing rods and tackle to rent or buy, a café and always a smile and good conversation.

Jeff and Shannon knew each other as children and reconnected as adults. Jeff was working as a project manager for a large industrial construction company and Shannon’s business was growing at a quick pace. Jeff says he “decided to take a big risk

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and quit my job so that we could do it together.” The risk seems to have paid off in spades. Shannon and Jeff are now partners in both business and marriage.

KAYAKING Bayou Adventure 985.882.9208 BayouAdventures.com Open 5 am – 8 pm 7 days a week

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Kayaking is most people’s favorite way to relax and spend time with friends and family – they just don’t know it yet.

Shannon says that “Kayaking is not strenuous, so it’s a good sport for people of all ages and abilities.” So far their oldest kayaker has been an octogenarian. For the younger crowd, it is not so much the age, but, instead, whether a child can sit still and paddle on their own for the length of the tour.

Bayou Adventure offers self-guided eco tours and guided sunset tours – all in the comfort of your own kayak.

For a self-guided tour, there are several bayous in the area to choose from. Bayou Adventure provides a map and advice about where to go depending on what the customers want to see. A drop off at Bayou Lacombe is always complimentary, and a drop off at other local bayous is available for a small fee. If you have another place in mind, you can load your kayak into the back of a pickup and head off to other scenic areas.

Their guided tour is “a very raw Louisiana paddle,” Jeff explains. On the 1+ mile paddle on Cane Bayou to Lake Pontchartrain, there are “only two structures” but “three changing ecosystems.” The tour starts in a pine forest, passes through a cypress swamp and ends in a salt marsh. The sunset tour is a favorite of locals and their out of town guests. Watching the sunset from a kayak in Lake Pontchartrain is mesmerizing, and the paddle back on the bayou is a rare opportunity to hear the sounds of frogs and crickets and blue herons all singing back and forth to each other. Another rare opportunity on this nighttime paddle is a view of “amphibious glitter,” as Jeff

calls it. The kayakers’ headlamps spread light and it reflects off of the eyes of frogs, turtles, spiders and sometimes alligators.

“It looks like someone sprinkled glitter along the water’s edge.” Jeff explains that since Cane Bayou is too small for tour boats, these alligators have not been fed by people, and therefore, are not interested in them.

FISHING AND CRABBING While a favorite of the locals for live bait, Bayou Adventure also caters to novices. Everything you need for a day of fishing or crabbing is available to rent, and every rental comes with a lesson – if needed – and suggestions on places to fish or crab from the banks. Shannon recommends crabbing as a good summer activity for younger kids because it is fastpaced and keeps their attention. “You have 3-6 strings out at one time. By the time you throw the last one, its time to go back to the first line to scoop up the crabs.” Shannon says that during the summer “you can get a crab dinner for two in about 20-30 minutes.”

Bayou Adventure will also set you up to fish from a kayak. They provide the kayak, paddle, life vest, rod & reel and all of the fishing accoutrements, including a map.

BIKES Bayou Adventure is ½ block from the Tammany Trace. If you don’t have enough bikes for everyone, or just don’t want to schlep them, rent one of their Beach Cruisers. They come with a basket and a cup holder for a picnic along the way.

GREAT FOOD Jeff and Shannon have a flexible business plan when it comes to growing Bayou Adventure: They have a hard time telling people “no.”

In the early days, Shannon got a call from a Habitat for Humanity group coming in from out of town. They wanted to know if Bayou Adventure could put together a group dinner with local fare. When Shannon told Jeff what was on the schedule for the weekend, he asked, “We do that?” and Shannon replied, “Yes,

we do that!” And do that they did. Bayou Adventure took the group crabbing and then taught them how to boil the crabs.

Jeff also made a pot of gumbo and they served boudin. A good time was passed by all!

Now, Bayou Adventure offers food in a more official capacity.

They have a café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is filled with house-made items such as pasta with Bayou Sauce, a delicious Alfredo that keeps their customers coming back for more. They also offer pizza with a wood-fired artisan crust or a cauliflower crust for those watching their carbs. But for those looking for more local fare, have no fear. Po-boys, boudin, alligator, boiled crawfish and daily specials are also on the menu.

Bayou Adventure is easy to find. Not only is it brightly painted, it sits in the middle of Lacombe at the curve on Hwy. 190. Through Bayou Adventure, Jeff and Shannon Bordelon have created a gift to the Northshore community. A gift very well received!

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Tribute to a Trailblazer

Patricia “Pat” Phillips Brister December 6, 1946 - February 3, 2020

PHOTOS ST TAMMANY PARISH GOVERNMENT

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hen we lost Pat Brister, noted public servant, philanthropist and entrepreneur, it left an indescribable emptiness in our community that, in truth, may never quite be filled. She was a focused, driven leader with savvy business acumen balanced by grace and her compassionate, generous heart.

She had a smart sense of style women wanted to emulate and men admired. She loved our community and the people in it. She was fearless in her approach to life — where others saw obstacles, Pat saw opportunity.

Her legacy will in part be defined by her quiet, but irrevocable, trailblazing firsts. Pat was the first woman to chair the Louisiana Republican Party and the first female Chief Executive Officer elected to St. Tammany Parish. She took a giant leap and started Safe Haven — a behavioral health campus that will serve the mental health needs of St. Tammany and the surrounding regions for generations to come, the first of its kind in Louisiana. She was Head of Delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women under President George W. Bush.

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Pat mentored and praised our youth and admired our veterans whom she consistently championed. She felt a kinship with cancer survivors and participated in You Night Cancer Survivor Empowerment Programs. She felt gratitude strongly and showed it regularly through subtle, thoughtful gestures.

She defined leadership. Pat was a leader in her home, where she treasured her family and had a successful marriage for over four decades. Her husband, Joe, was described by those who knew her best as “the love of her life.” She carried those she loved through illness and difficulty. She was a leader in her business, in her children’s schools and in her life as a public servant, where most all of us knew her best.

Pat lived much of her life in the public eye under scrutiny, but her closest friends describe her as a woman who was an amazing friend, an amazing cook and an amazing mixologist, who threw wonderful dinner parties complete with dancing. In short, “Quite a lady.” Fellow politicians described her as the original Steel Magnolia, a force people admired, respected and relied upon.

Her storied legacy will be memorialized throughout St. Tammany, starting with the Patricia P. Brister Safe Haven Parkway on the Safe Haven Campus. Pat Brister would likely want all of us to take a page out of her book. Turn those obstacles into opportunity, and leave a lasting legacy of your own.

AT&T donated $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West and Northshore Community Foundation.

Opening reception of “Backdrop Louisiana: The Films of St. Tammany and New Orleans� exhibit at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.

St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce held its Business-After-Hours at In-Telecom in Slidell.

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The Skulls of The St. John’s Fools of Misrule kicked off the Mardi Gras Season by going door-to-door inviting local officials to their parade, and then joined the rest of the Krewe for a lively march through downtown Covington, stopping at the Trailhead and various bars and restaurants along the way.

(Photos Matthew Schlenker)

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EDGE had a great time at Mardi Gras

Fontainebleau High School Dazzlers won a plethora of awards at the United States Dance/Drill Team Championship in Orlando, Florida.

Northshore High School Senior Chris Barron is installing the first ever hydroponic system for vegetables in the greenhouse.

Mother and Daughter Fashion Show at Saint Scholastica Academy.

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Krewe du Pooch – Mandeville (Photos by KN9 Photography)

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Od AOMO held a couture runway show at the Southern Hotel in Covington; proceeds support improved social and economic conditions in Kenya.

Saint Paul’s students in the “Principles of Engineering” elective traveled to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to attend “Engineering Day.”

Chris, Jill and Charles Krizan took EDGE on a visit to Union Station in Denver, Colorado.

The Saint Scholastica Academy cheerleaders and Royalettes perform at the spring pep rally.

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Mardi Paws – Covington

Lee Road School Pre K celebrates 100 days of school.

The 2020 Northshore High School Lady Panthers Soccer team was honored and recognized for their amazing State Championship title at the Northshore High vs Lakeshore High baseball game.

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ReStore and REWIND STORY LIRA CASBORNÉ PHOTOS SARAH COTTRELL

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he Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West (Habitat STW) ReStore is a home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home goods, building materials and much more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. The ReStore is a treasure trove for DIYers, contractors, interior designers and bargain shoppers alike. If you dive deeper you’ll fi nd something even better than its great products and prices: the ReStore’s mission to build homes, communities and hope. The ReStore is operated by Habitat STW with all proceeds funding the construction of Habitat homes in Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs and Madisonville. Low-income families partner with Habitat STW to not only build a home, but the strength, stability and self-reliance for a better future.

985.867.5042 northshoremedia.net

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When Lake 94.7 had the idea to create a recording studio focusing on independent podcasts and shows, it only made sense to partner with an organization known for aiding new builds and home improvement projects.

Together, Habitat STW and Lake 94.7 teams selected furniture pieces to decorate the room and even got a helping hand with naming the studio.

The ReStore held a contest to see who could create the best name for the studio for the chance to win a free Raising the Roof for Charity rafe house ticket.

The winner, David Horchar, appropriately came up with the name ReStore and Rewind Studio.

The new ReStore & Rewind Studio will be building great conversations and ideas. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we come together to build something great. If you would like to learn more about the Habitat STW ReStore and how you can help Sharon Thornhill and her family build their forever home, visit habitatstw.org/restore.

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Sometimes a presence is so reliable, you don’t even notice it changing.

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At St. Tammany Health System, we’ve been innovating and caring with compassion for 65 years, which makes now the perfect time to update our name. It’s the same team you know and trust, consistently earning national acclaim for overall care and highly specialized needs.

World-Class Healthcare. Close to Home.

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