Edge of the Lake Magazine February | March 2024

Here’s to a bright future

Pediatric Patient

Tabby

As champions of community well-being, our heartfelt commitment to advancing healthcare extends to our youngest patients. You’re never far from the care your child needs with Ochsner Children’s in Covington and Mandeville. We offer general pediatrics plus specialty providers across the Northshore region to help your family face anything, minor or major.

Schedule an appointment at ochsner.org/schedule

Ochsner Health Center

for Children – River Chase

69318 LA-21 | Covington

Ochsner Health Center – East Mandeville

3235 East Causeway Approach Mandeville

Welcome to 2024, this is probably one of our most anticipated issues of the year. In this issue we announce the results of the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. It is great to see so many familiar names as well as some new ones. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to the thousands of people that took the time to vote. Keep an eye out for the 2024 stickers that will appear on local business, remember to support our locally owned businesses they are what keeps the Northshore such a great place to live.

In this issue we meet one of our winners, local jeweler Jose Balli and learn how he got his start and how his daughter is following in his footsteps. We also learn all about Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West ReStore and how this little store has grown and is helping give locals a hand up in home ownership.

We are looking forward to another great year and have some unique stories planned for upcoming issues. If you have any ideas for stories or pictures for our social pages, please send them to edgepublisher@yahoo.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and don’t forget to tune into your favorite local radio stations to catch up with everything Northshore every day on Lake 94.7, Highway 104.7, Tangi 96.5 Kajun 107.1 or The Boss AM 1400/ FM 103.7. If you are outside our listening area download one of our apps.

Cover photo

Bayou Liberty

William Blackwell

Northshore Media Group

TOP 5% OF U.S. HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS

From its founding in 2002, our Women’s Pavilion has been laserfocused on delivering the best possible care. We’re pleased to be recipients not only of Press Gannet’s 2023 Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award, placing us in the top 5% of U.S. healthcare organizations, but also of its Human Experience Pinnacle of Excellence Award for uncommonly passionate care.

At St. Tammany Health System, a multidisciplinary team of boardcertified breast care specialists, fellowship-trained radiologists, and highly skilled technologists and nurses are empowering women like never before. Together with our partner Ochsner Health, we’re giving women on the Northshore many ways to live stronger and better.

2023 HX Guardian of Excellence Award®

"Space to Create the Life You Want"

Its officially time to Laissez les bon temps rouler!

The vibrant culture, parades, and the gathering of family and longtime friends are just a few reasons why Mardi Gras is one of the greatest seasons of the year in St. Tammany! I wish all of our krewes, captains, marching groups and families a safe and happy Mardi Gras! I can’t wait to join you all on the parade route!

2023 was about setting new standards for St. Tammany Parish Government. My administration provided a third-consecutive record setting infrastructure investment, continued to provide life-saving care for pets from our Louisiana-leading Animal Services and implemented smarter building practices. However, more must be done, and I am proud to lead that charge.

In January, I joined the new Parish Council, comprised of five returning veterans and nine newly elected members, at our Inauguration, officially starting a new term. I look forward to putting the needs of our citizens first, as the spirit of cooperation fuels our success.

The pillars of my first term, infrastructure investments, planning initiatives, economic development and improving our quality of life will serve as our foundation as we continue to build a better tomorrow for generations to come.

Our citizens’ values and ideals must be on the forefront when we make all decisions. I highly encourage you to reach out to me at President@stpgov.org or your Parish Council at Councilmembers@ stpgov.org to get involved.

I wish you a safe and cheerful Carnival season and look forward to seeing you throughout 2024 at our Parish’s events.

Serving as your Parish President continues to be one of my greatest honors.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. The best is yet to come.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and safe 2024.

The Christmas decorations have been packed up, our bellies have been filled with black eyed peas and cabbage, and here in South Louisiana we have turned our attention to another season – Carnival.

I am pleased that St. Tammany krewes continue to provide family-friendly options for our residents and visitors to safely enjoy parades and festivities.

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

Our Reserve Division is an integral part of this cooperative effort, with our reserve deputies working countless hours during our many Northshore parades. They are the true unsung heroes of Carnival in St. Tammany and we honestly could not do it without them.

I encourage each of you to watch for our deputies along the parade routes and thank them for the job they are doing to maintain a safe environment for our families to enjoy this Carnival season.

Also be on the lookout for our state-of-the-art command center and drone, which will serve as our eyes in the sky in heavily crowded areas along parade routes. These tools have proven invaluable in locating lost children and preventing would be criminals from taking advantage of the large crowds.

I am also pleased to say we are once again partnering with STARC by placing a float at the end of several local parades to collect beads. I encourage everyone to “throw back” their unwanted beads at the end of the parade.

The STARC clients sort, repackage and sell those beads back to float riders.

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. It’s truly a win-win for our community and I am happy to be a part of this program.

Thank you and laissez bons temps rouler!

Mike Cooper St. Tammany Parish President

Randy Smith St. Tammany Sheriff

NORTHSHORE’S TRUSTED TEAM OF EXPERTS

For more than 20 years, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has provided state-of-the-art cancer care to the Northshore community. The Cancer Center’s team of specialized physicians and expert medical sta are dedicated to delivering the most advanced cancer care in a comfortable, supportive setting. All of our resources are available in one convenient location, o ering the most personal experience and most e ective approach to treating each patient’s unique diagnosis.

MEET THE TEAM

100% focused on cancer care.

HELP IS 3 NUMBERS AWAY

VIA LINK wants you to have the help you need when you need it. Here are three numbers that provide 24/7 help and support in times of crisis.

911

988

211

Translation services available.

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9-8-8 CRISIS SUPPORT Crisis & Suicide Intervention

2-1-1 ESSENTIAL SERVICES Information and Referrals

9-1-1 EMERGENCIES First Responder Dispatch

Provider of 9-8-8 and 2-1-1 services.

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS BY DARIAN ESSER

When I learned that the winner of Edge of the Lakes readers’ poll for favorite local jeweler started off as a steelworker for the oil and gas industry, I was mighty intrigued! Don’t you love a success story that involves some sort of journey of self discovery?

Jose Balli, known for his Louisiana-inspired sterling silver creations, was born and raised in the tiny town of Reggio, a fishing community located in St. Bernard Parish (that’s “Da Parish” for those who are native to these parts). He grew up running around the family’s 13-acre property, fishing and crawfishing with his brothers and sister, which explains his affinity for alligator, oyster and pelican themes. In addition to loving the outdoors, he and siblings also drew and sketched a lot, but he was the only one to develop artistic yearnings.

“When I was maybe 7, I was spending a rainy day at a friend’s house. I drew a picture, showed it to his mom and she said, ‘You’re going to be an artist some day.’ And something blossomed in me right then. It lit a spark that never quite went out!”

Despite that spark, the words of encouragement and the fact that he doodled his way through school, Jose wound up becoming a steelworker right out of high school in order to make some easy money. But he soon found it was grueling work and it certainly wasn’t his calling. During some downtime on the job, he carved an alligator from soapstone, earning him praise and yet more words of encouragement from a co-worker. This time, it was suggested that he meet up with a jeweler friend of that co-worker, and this set Jose on a brand new path.

The old spark became a full-fledged bonfire. After taking jewelry manufacturing classes at Delgado Community College, Jose found work with an array of respected jewelers with familiar names like Aucoin Hart and Lee Michaels. But the solo success he enjoyed when he took some of his creations to Jazz Fest brought him to a crossroads. And divine intervention gave him an extra nudge to strike out on his own.

“It was a slow journey. Baby steps. My wife and I had three kids at the time, and I was the sole provider, but God gave me opportunities. When Katrina hit, I happened to have a hurricane design line and a lot of fleur de lis pieces, both of which became highly sought after in the wake of the storm. My brother had a vacant commercial property that had flooded, so my siblings and I pooled our resources and opened a store.”

Luckily, Before Katrina hit, while living in Marrero, Jose had a premonition that if and when a big one hit, everyone would flood. So he moved the family to Bush to raise the kids and grow the business. And grow it did. Over time, Jose opened a store of his own, and now has three locations in Mandeville, Metairie and New Orleans. Though his siblings are no longer involved with the business, it’s still a family affair. These days, his wife, Lisa, handles the business side of things, freeing Jose up to focus on creative endeavors.

His kids, all grown now and with degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University, are heavily invested, as well. Jose is quick to clarify that while they all worked the sales floor at one point or another while growing up, none were pressured to join the family business.

“We never pushed the kids. They were always free to follow their own dreams, as long as they were legal and ethical,” he jokes.

Once again, a cataclysmic event changed everything. When the Covid lockdowns closed the stores, it became vitally important to develop marketable new designs to keep the business afloat, creating an all-hands-on-deck situation. And they remained there. These days, their tech-savvy son, Joshua, is in charge of social media ads, Lucas handles sales and bench jeweler duties, and their daughter, Sarah, is following in her dad’s footsteps, designing and assembling her own collections.

Jose recognized from an early age that Sarah was a kindred spirit. “She was still in diapers and would have me drawing Barney the purple dinosaur for her. And her nose would be pressed against the pencil as I drew. I said, ‘That’s our artist.’”

But, like her dad, her path hasn’t been a direct one. While still in high school, she tried her hand at turning her sketched designs into wax carvings, which is the necessary next step in jewelry production, but found herself stymied by the difficulty of it.

“I was so frustrated,” Sarah admits. “I developed a real appreciation for my dad’s talent, but I doubted I’d ever follow in his footsteps.”

After Sarah earned an art degree, she wound up in the theater world directing plays. But when Covid lockdowns closed the theaters, she found herself at her own crossroads. That’s when Lisa called and asked if she’d be willing to come work for them.

At first, she was just handling marketing full-time to help increase online sales, but Sarah soon recognized that a younger touch was missing from the collections. This reignited her old creative spark, and she began an apprenticeship with her dad to hone her carving skills.

“It was tedious. I spent the whole summer learning the trade. But I’ve been designing alongside dad ever since.”

Their sketchbooks have similar content, always with a Southern flair, but each displays their own distinctive style and personality. Jose’s designs are realistic and elegant, and his collections have names like Atchafalaya, Audubon and Riverbend. Sarah leans more toward a youthful, modern aesthetic and her collections have decidedly more playful titles, like Bubblegum, Rock Candy and Honeysuckle.

In addition to having individual roles, the family also operates in a collective way. They participate in group texts where everyone discusses, then votes yea or nay on new designs. If this sounds like a tricky endeavor where artists and their egos are concerned, you’re not wrong. Especially when it used to be a solo operation.

“It was a bit of a learning curve,” Jose admits with a laugh. “I wasn’t used to collaborating, but we’ve found a good rhythm since then. Communication is key.”

“There was so much riding on it,” Sarah adds. “We had to create designs that the public would really like. Mom’s not only the brains behind this operation, but her opinion is essential, as she’s the age of the majority of our customers. And the boys bring efficiency and logistics. Everyone’s input is valid and necessary.”

Sarah frequently sings her parents’ praises for their individual strengths and for being a “power couple’’ who built the business from the ground up, but also for their charitable work. During Covid, they began designing commemorative jewelry to benefit various causes, including homeless veterans, Hands on New Orleans and closer to home, Northshore Food Bank. Sales of their “Angel of Hope’’ charm have provided food for a whopping 2,700 local families.

Not content to rest on their laurels, the talented and generous Balli family always keeps an eye fixed on the future. Along with preparing to welcome yet another new grandbaby to the fold, 2024 promises to usher in a new charity charm and new designs for Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras and many other holidays.

“I’m so proud of each of my kids, my wife and our business,” Jose says warmly. “It’s even more satisfying to grow the business together as a family. And we are blessed with a constant flow of inspiration, so you can always expect to see something new.”

You can stay abreast of all their latest work by visiting their website, JoseBalli.com, or following them on social media.

e Balli Family. From le to right - Lucas, Joshua, Lisa, Jose & Sarah

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Readers’ Choice Winners

ST. TAMMANY EAST

Restaurants

Asian

Koi

Appetizer Restaurant Cote

Bang for Buck

Pecks Seafood

Bar Food e Maple Room

Barbecue

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Breakfast

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Slidell Seafood

Cheese at Cheese Chick

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T’ Leblanc’s Créole

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Southside Cafe

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Phil’s Marina Cafe

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Action Physical Therapy & Sports

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EDGE

Health

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People

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Jeanette Sanford / Edward Jones

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Richelle Pultz –Master Herbalist

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Summer Casebolt

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MEDICAL

Allergist

Dr Jennifer Olivia, M.D.

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Alicia Smith, D.C.

Dentist

Slidell Family Dental Care

Dermatologist

Eric Tabor M.D.

Doctor

Mike Casey, M.D.

Eye Doctor

Casey Cahill, M.D.

Gastro

Timothy Trainor, M.D.

Holistic

Brianne Calabia I.H.P –

Ohana Wellness

Home Health

ComForcare

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OB/GYN

Mellissa Smith, M.D.

Camellia City Oncologist

Matthew McElveen, M.D.

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Smile Doctors

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Brian Kindl, M.D.

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Tracie Carter, M.D.

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Gary Dragon , P.T.

Psychotherapy

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Our Lady of the Lake

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Aunjel Faucheux

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Law Firm

Tonry Brinson and Glorioso

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Proud to have been chosen seven years in a row:

SLIDELL’S FAVORITE BREAKFAST

COFFEE SALADS

BREAKFAST LUNCH

Robby Miller Tangipahoa Parish President

I hope that everyone had a great holiday season and a good start to 2024. This last few months in Slidell were filled with holiday cheer and plenty of family-friendly events for the community to enjoy.

As we enter Mardi Gras season, I would like to invite you and your family and friends to come experience Mardi Gras in Slidell. Grab your lawn chairs, ice chests and king cakes and head on out to the parade route to enjoy all the parades rolling through Slidell:

• Friday, Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m. – Krewe of Titans

• Saturday, Jan. 27, 12 p.m. – Krewe of Bilge

• Saturday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – Krewe of Poseidon

• Sunday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m. – Krewe of Antheia

• Friday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m. – Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie

• Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. – Krewe De Paws

• Sunday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m. – Krewe of Dionysus

• Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. – Krewe of Selene

• Tuesday, Feb 13, 10 a.m. – Krewe of Kidz

I am proud that many families choose to celebrate Mardi Gras here in Slidell. It’s great to see so many smiling faces of family, friends, and neighbors along the parade route. I ask that everyone be respectful and help us maintain the fun, family-friendly environment that people enjoy in Slidell.

Please remember that city ordinances prohibit the presence of animals along the parade route. The use of silly string, streamers, fireworks, and other explosive devices are also restricted. It is important that we all work together to have a fun and safe carnival season.

For the complete parade schedule and more upcoming cultural events, please visit the City of Slidell’s website at MySlidell.com. You can also follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

Come enjoy the best that Slidell has to offer during Mardi Gras season.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Six more weeks of winter, or is spring just around the corner?

In Tangipahoa Parish, we don’t need a groundhog to tell us that we’ve reached the Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll) portion of the calendar! In fact, our Mardi Gras parades, which will roll Feb. 2-3 in Hammond, Kentwood, and Ponchatoula, kick off a time of revelry and fun that will continue into our spring festival season in just a few weeks. We are especially excited to have the North Tangi Support Mardi Gras Parade back on the calendar this year after a hiatus dating back to COVID-19. This krewe’s return is one more example of how resilient and determined our community is!

Speaking of determined, after Mardi Gras, we will prepare to welcome our top-ranked high school soccer and basketball teams for the state championships at Southeastern Louisiana University. We love the opportunity to host these tournaments in Tangipahoa, and the teams rave about the hospitality they are shown here in our parish. If you’re looking for a fun outing with the family, make it a point to join us for these tournament games. You’ll see the best in prep sports and enjoy a magical experience in Tangipahoa Parish.

Festival season follows shortly thereafter, and you know Tangipahoa is home to the most festivals of any parish across the state. You’ll find all the details on the Events page of the Tangi Tourism website.

As always, we invite you to come out and experience the great things happening across Tangipahoa Parish. We think you’ll agree, we truly are #TheBestParishInTheState!

Greg Cromer

City of Slidell Mayor

Northshore Media Group celebrated their 2023 Forty under 40 with a reception at The Southern Hotel. The event highlighted the Forty under 40 business and professional leaders who have achieved success and excellence in their field or who are showing amazing potential at an early stage of their careers.

Northshore Media Group’s General Manager and Vice President, Brian Shirey presented a check for $1,000 to the Tangiphoa and St Tammany Chamber’s Young Professionals.

Gulf Coast Bank and Trust and St. Tammnay Corporation sponsored the event. Congratulations to our 2023 Forty under 40!

It’s possible. It’s possible, albeit unlikely, that one could tire of the incredible cuisine and ubiquitous live music that permeates Covington. From Buster’s oysters and Turgeau’s healthy choices to Coffee Rani’s Grilled Redfish Bobo, from Gallagher’s Turtle Soup, Dakota’s Crab Brie soup and Tavi’s Hummus to Valencia’s Paella and Cured on Columbia’s Hot Italian (a sandwich), Covington eateries have it all and have it all done well.

Thursday nights in October and April, we rock the rails with music acts from across the Gulf South. From 12th Night till Mardi Gras day, the sounds of Carnival waft through the streets. A different band performs every Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market and every 3rd Friday April through October at the Landing. The Covington Farmer’s Market String Band picks and sings every Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning at the Trailhead. In total, over 100 free musical acts a year.

Yes, it’s possible one might become weary. When that happens, might I suggest one take a relaxing visit to a hidden gem: The Covington Trailhead Museum. Wall displays take you back in time through pictures and stories. The movie Covington: Our Little Town will tug at your heartstrings. The animated movie Ox Lot’s Whimsical History of Covington’s Storied Past will bump both your and your child’s funny bone. Hosts Leslie, John or Erin will welcome you into a port city’s 19th century nautical time and a train-centric 20th century destination. These are not times forgotten. These are the streets, the riverbanks and the buildings we enjoy today in downtown Covington.

Located at 419 N. New Hampshire Street, the museum is open Monday – Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am – 4:00pm (perfect following a shop at the Farmer’s Market) and Sundays 12:00 – 4:00pm. Y’all stop by now, you hear : )

It is Carnival Time in Mandeville! Since 1986, the ladies of Mandeville have poured the heart and soul into one of the area’s most fun and lively Mardi Gras parades in our area-The Krewe of Eve! Eve will take place this year on Groundhog Day (personally, I would not mind the Eve Parade continually happening every day) on Friday, February 2 at 7pm in Mandeville. Also, our world-famous dog parade, Krewe du Pooch, will take place on Saturday, February 17 (the Saturday after Fat Tuesday) starting at 12 noon on the beautiful Mandeville Lakefront. We are excited to partner with the Old Mandeville Business Association (OMBA) on this event that will feature a host of vendors and food trucks on the lakefront before, during and after the parade. Our first Mandeville Live! spring concert series will be on Friday, March 22 at the Mandeville Trailhead featuring Corey Ledet!

As of January 2024, the City of Mandeville is in an extremely positive financial position. In the past 12 months, two separate CPA firms have assessed the city’s financial position. One of these firms is the state mandated independent third-party audit firm, and the second firm was hired to perform a financial forecast on the city. Both firms reported that the city’s financial position is strong. The city’s audit firm stated at the March 23, 2023 Mandeville City Council meeting: “Most governments maintain 15 to 20% as a general fund balance (to current expenditures), and here in the city you have at end of August (2022), 63%, so a very conservative, good cushion, that you have in your general funds, that’s a very solid, a very good financial position to be in.” The city’s financial forecast firm stated at the July 17, 2023, Mandeville City Council meeting: “The City of Mandeville is in a very good position from a (financial health) perspective,” and “I do some pretty significant audits in the area, and I don’t have any that are this healthy, that have 16 months of operating expenses. So, kudos to what you are doing. Keep doing that.”

Mark Johnson

City of Covington Mayor

Clay Madden

City of Mandeville Mayor

Thank you for choosing NORTHSHORE HUMANE SOCIETY

Best Veterinarian

Full service community clinic with a mission

Where lives are saved

In addition to being the Northshore’s largest no-kill animal rescue, NHS also offers a full-service veterinary clinic! Our team of licensed veterinarians and veterinary assistants are dedicated to enhancing the life of your pet through a number of clinic and surgical services at an affordable price. We offer a variety of appointments including wellness visits, vaccines, acupuncture, spay and neuter surgeries, dental procedures, various soft tissue surgeries and so much more.

When you choose Northshore Humane Society as your pet care provider, you are also helping the community’s homeless pets because all funds raised go directly to our life-saving mission.

RESTAURANTS

Readers’ Choice Winners

ST. TAMMANY WEST

Appetizer

Bistro Byronz

Asian Kazoku

Bang for Buck

Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria

Bar Food e Anchor

Barbecue

Pyre BBQ

Breakfast

Crazy Pig

Brunch

Crazy Pig

Bubble Tea

Kung Fu Tea

Burger Times Bar and Grill

Casual Dining

Rusty Pelican

Catering

Lake House Catering

Chacuterie

Cured on Columbia

Chicken

Red Bird Chicken

Co ee Shop e Book and e Bean

Dessert

Tchefuncte’s Restaurant

Dining with a View

Tchefuncte’s Restaurant

Donuts

Peace, Love & Little Donuts

Fine Dining

Gallaghers 527

Food Truck

Creole Tomateux

PREPARED MEALS Carpool

McClain’s

McClainspizzeria.com

Stefanie

3441

our ad that will

Blitch

SENIOR LIVING

Christwood

100 Christwood Blvd. Covington 985.898.0515

Christwoodrc.com

PROOF SHEET

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Allison Looper-Chalmers

Blitch Knevel Architects, LLC 736 East Boston Street, Covington 504.524.4634 - blitchknevel.com

INSURANCE AGENT

CJ Ladner, State Farm

1972 N. Highway 190, Covington 985.892.5030

cjladner.com

hanges

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French Café Lynn

PROOF SHEET

Frozen Yogurt

our ad that will run in the Febr uar y / Mar c h is s ue of E DGE of the Lake magaz ine. This ad

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hanges

CPA

Fabulous Tax Chic - Crystal Cavanaugh, EA 829 Asbury Dr. Ste. 3, Mandeville 985.845.8861

fabuloustaxchic.com

Moo Moo’s Frozen Custards

Greek Tavi

Happy Hour

Coscino’s Italian Grill

Hole in the Wall

Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria

Hot Dogs

Pyre BBQ

Romantic Pardo’s

Salad

Co ee Rani

Seafood

Morton’s Service

Pardo’s

Smoothies

Green Fork

Snowballs

Flying Dolly’s

Soup

Café Lynn

Ice Cream

Hoodoo

PROOF SHEET

Italian

Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria

our ad that will run in the Febr uar y / Mar c h is s ue of E DGE of the Lake magaz ine. This ad ec eiv e c hanges by ( 1 5 2 0 2 4 ) a t5 : 0 0P M . P lease m ak e any c hanges or appr ov e via email.

Juice e Juicery

Kid Friendly e Anchor

King Cake

LAKE

MASSAGE THERAPIST

DMP Massage Studio - Dennise M. Pooler, LMT 5001 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd. Unit C4-5 Covington, LA 70433 985.502.0884

Dr. Katie Kimble Wonch

4050 Lonesome Road, Mandeville 985.626.5568

getinfinitevision.com

Nonna Randazzo’s

Mediterranean

Duman Artisan Kitchen

Mexican Habanero’s

Mobile Bar

Geaux Mobile

New

Tavi

Oysters

Chimes

Pizza

McClains

Po-Boy

Bears

Prepared Meals

Carpool Catering

Steak

Gallaghers

Sushi

Aki Japanese Restaurant

Tea

English Tea Room ai

Ploy ai

Vietnamese

Pho Cong

PEOPLE

Aesthetician

Melissa Leblanc

Artist

Marianne Rodrique

Architect Firm Residential

Mike Piazza

Attorney

Stephen Rue

Bartender

Stephanie Crockett

Morton’s

Builder/Contractor

Kent Construction

Chef

Pat Gallagher

PROOF

Favorite Chef

Mandeville

Coach

Nick Chetta

CPA

Fabulous Tax Chic

Financial Advisor

Brandon Accardo

Northwestern Mutual

Hair Color

Dixie Leblanc, Tribe

Organic Beauty Bar

Handyman

Old Mandeville Home

Repair & Maintenance

Health Coach

Heather Newman

High School Coach

Nick Chetta

InsuranceAgent

CJ Ladner, Statefarm

Interior Design

Allison Chalmer, Blitch

Life Insurance Agent

Susan Geoghegan

Statefarm

Make Up

About Face

Massage erapist

Denise Pooler

Mortgage Lender

NOLA Lending

Music Teacher

Leslie Dominques

Party Planning

Girls in Black

Pastry Chef

Carlos B. Sanchez

Tournesol Cafe and Bakery

Personal Trainer

Tristin Martin, Stone Creek

Photo booth

Fun Photo Pix

Photographer

Abby Sands

Real Estate Agent

Jenny Mutter

Tattoo Artist

Eric Fox, Turning Point Teacher

Allison Ratke

Travel Agent

Expedia Cruises

MEDICAL

Anesthesiologist

Heather Stockes, M.D.

Anti- Aging Specialist

Brittani Naccari – Farrell

Audiologist

J.J. Martinez Au D, CCC-A, FAAA

Cardiologist

Farhad Aduli, M.D.

Chiropractor

Dr. Je Miller

Intergrated Spine & Disc

Cosmetic Surgeon

Benjamin Boudreaux, M.D.

Dentist

Danelia Eversgerd, DDS

Dermatologist

Martha Stewart, M.D.

Doctor

Samer Shamieh, M.D.

Optometrist

Katie Wonch, O.D.

Family Practitioner

Devan Szcepanski, M.D.

Fertility Doctor

Peter Lu, M.D.

Gastroenterologist

Steven Guarisco, M.D.

StTammany.health/Hospice

HOME HEALTH

St.

StTammany.health/HomeHealth

Favorite Wedding Venue

Favorite

Favorite Coffee Shop

Favorite BBQ & Hot Dogs

Favorite Photographer

Favorite Holistic Vet

Favorite

Favorite Pizza Restaurant

Favorite Art Gallery The Wild Osprey

Favorite Real Estate Agent

Favorite Title Company

Favorite Antique Store

Favorite Food Truck

Favorite Cooking Classes

Jenny Mutter

Holistic Doctor/ Practitioner

Pam Egan, DNP

Home Health

St Tammany Health Systems, Home Health

Hospice

St Tammany Health System, Hospice

Hospital

St Tammany Hospital

Internal Medicine

Jason Patel, M.D.

Medical Spa

ReDiscover Aesthetics

Medical Testing Facility

Diagnostic Imaging

Services

Neurologist

Maria Wilson, M.D.

Nurse Practitioner

Pam Egan, DNP

OB/GYN

Brian Guillory, M.D.

Occupational erapist

Missy Hymel, CHT

Oncologist

Jay Saux, M.D.

Oral Surgeon

Nathan Brown, M.D., D.M.D.

Orthodontist

Smile Doctors

Orthopedist

Jason Rudd, M.D.

Optometrist

Katie Wonch, O.D.

Pain Doctor

Ronald Sequra, M.D.

Pediatric Dentist

Todd Brausell , D.D.S.

Pediatrician

Joshua LeBlanc, M.D.

Phlebologist (Vein)

Randall Jule , M.D.

Physical erapy

Ryan Bouterie, P.T.

Psychiatrist

Savannah Patel, M.D.

Psychotherapist

Coastline Counseling

Surgery Center

AVALA

Vet (General)

Northshore Human Society

Vet (Holistic)

VetNaturally

Wound Care

Shaun Carpenter, M.D.

ALL THINGS

ARTY

Art Classes

Creative Design Studio

Art Gallery e Wild Osprey

Author

Corrine Arrowood

Band

4 Unplugged

Charity Event

Men Who Cook

Dance Studio

Northshore Academy of Dance

Parade

Olympia Festival ree Rivers Art Festival

eatre Group

30 by Ninety eatre

HEALTH CLUB

Stone Creek Club & Spa 1201 Ochsner Blvd, Covington 985.801.7101

stonecreekclubandspa.com

CONSIGNMENT

Style Encore 4244 Hwy. 22, Ste. 3, Mandeville 985.674.7774

style-encoremandeville.com

LIFE INSURANCE

Susan Price Geoghegan, State Farm 6601 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Ste 17 Metairie 504.883.5553

susan.geoghegan.b3ay@statefarm.com

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SPORTS AND LEISURE

Bed and Breakfast

Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast

Children’s Playground

Koop Drive

Fitness Studio

Bogue Falaya Fitness

Golf Course

Money Hill

Health Club

Stone Creek Club and Spa

Tennis Courts

Stone Creek Club & Spa

Indoor Sports Facility

Bogue Falaya Fitness

Karate Studio

JFK Karate

Marching Group

Mandi Milkshakers

Pilates

Club Pilates

Public Park

Bogue Falaya

Swim Club

Franco’s Fins

Tourist Attraction

Global Wildlife

Yoga

Love More

NIGHTLIFE

Bar

Columbia Street Tap Room

Beer Selection

Barley Oak

Bloody Mary

Barley Oak

Daiquiri

Daiquiri & Creams

Happy Hour

Bistro Byronz

Live Music Venue

Columbia Street Tap Room

Margarita

Habanero’s

Martini

del Porto

Movie

Movie Tavern

Place to go Dancing

Rock N Blues

Sports Bar Chimes

Wine Bar

St. Ann Wine Bar

SHOPPING

Antiques

Mae Antiques

Baby

Olive Patch

Bakery

Croissant Mandeville

Balloons e Graceful Host

Bridal Boutique

Olivier Couture

Car Dealership

Honda of Covington

CBD

Goat Hippie

Cheese

Acquistapaces

Children’s Store

Kiki and Lolli

Consignment

Style Encore

sweetolivemarket.com

Patio Furniture Patio & Pool Chaises

Patio Umbrellas

Hammocks

Gas & Charcoal Grills

Banner Flags

Wind Chimes

Garden Accessories

Since 1988

1331 N. Hwy 190, Covington 985-893-8008

Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00-5:30 Saturday 9:00-5:00 www.outdoorlivingcenter.com

VOTED BEST Internal Medicine

VOTED BEST Psychiatrist

A ttac hed is a proof of y our ad that will run in the of the Lake will r un as is unless we r ec eiv e c hanges or

Dr. Jason Patel, MD drjasonpatel.com

Dr. Savannah Patel, MD drsavannahpatel.com

Fabric

Fabric Second to None

Flooring

Noel Maestri

Florist

Violeta’s

Furniture

Doerr

Garden Center e Garden Spot

Gi s

Das Schulerhaus

Hardware Store

Ace Hardware Mandeville

Health Food

Another Beautiful Day

Home Décor

Niche

Jewelry

Jose Balli

Kids Shoes

Joes

Lighting

Pine Grove Electrical Supply

Lingerie Store

Bra Geanie

Lumber

Abita Lumber Company

Meat

Sia’s

Men’s Clothing

Jos. A. Banks

Men’s Shoes

Joes

Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living Center

Pharmacy

C and C Drugs

RV Dealership

Great American

Seafood

Mandeville Seafood

Sporting Goods Backpacker

Sunglasses Sunglass Hut

Supermarket

Rouses Supermarket Swimsuit

Bora Bora

T’ween Boutique Blossom Girl

Teen Boutique

Columbia Street Mercantile

Tires Tire World

Tutoring

Success by Design Learning Center

Wine

Acquistapaces

Woman’s Boutique

Columbia Street Mercantile

Woman’s Shoes

Shoe e

SERVICES

Acting School Creating U

Air Conditioning Service

NU

Apartment

Artesia

Architect Firm Commercial

Architect Firm Residential

Attorney Firm Blue Williams

Covington

Mandeville 985.674.2227

LeBlancpediatrics.com

northlakeacademyofmusic.net

libertystorage.com

tribeorganicbeautybar.com

our

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PROOF

ad that will run in the Febr uar y / Mar c h is s ue of E DGE of the Lake magaz ine. This ad

eiv e c hanges by ( 1 5 2 0 2 4 ) a t5 : 0 0P M . P lease m ak e any c hanges or appr ov e via email.

A ttac hed is a proof of y our ad that will run in the Febr uar y / Mar c h is s ue of E DGE of the Lake magaz will r un as is unless we r ec eiv e c hanges by ( 1 5 2 0 2 4 ) a t5 : 0 0P M . P lease m ak e any c hanges or appr

Barber

Dapper and Co

Builder

Kent Design Build

Car Wash

Pelican Pointe

Catering

Carpool Caterer

Cooking Classes

Sweet Olive

Credit Union

Keesler Federal Credit Union

Day Spa

O Spa

DJ

Rockit

Dry Cleaner

Lee’s

Electrician

Turtle Electric

Elementary School (Private)

Northlake Christian

Elementary School (Public) Mandeville Elementry

Emergency Restoration

Servpro

Eye Lash

Gray & Graham

Financial Institution

Gulf Coast Bank and Trust

Funeral Home

EJ Fielding

Hair Removal

WAX’D

Hair Salon

H2O Salon & Spa

High School (Private)

St. Paul’s School

High School (Public)

Fontainebleau High School

Home School

Northshore Homeschooling and Tutoring

Karate

JFK Martial Arts

Kids Hair Cut

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids

Kids’ Party Venue

Altitude Trampoline Park

Landscape Services Smoketree

Limo

Royal Coach

Mani Pedi Spa

Polish’d

Mechanic Shop Christian Brothers

Mortgage Company

NOLA Lending Movers

Atmosphere Movers

Movie eater

Movie Tavern

Music School

Northlake Academy of Music

Pet Boarding

Camp Bow Wow

Pet Grooming

All Fur Love

Preschool

Kinder Haus Montessori Mandeville

Printer

Speedway Printing & Copy Center

Promotional Materials

Proforma AD Branding Solution

Plumbing

Goodbee Plumbing

Radio Station

Lake 94.7

Real Estate Company

Latter and Blum

Roo ng

Ibos

Senior Living Facility

Christwood Retirement Community

Storage

Liberty Self Storage

Summer Camps

Franco’s Health Club & Spa

Swimming Pool Design

Pleasure Pools

Tanning Spa

Planet Beach Mandeville

Title Company

Geaux Title

Trash Pick-up

Wingets Disposal

Tree Services

Ziegler Tree Removal

Urgent Care

Rapid Urgent Care

Used Cars

Honda of Covington

Wedding Venue

Maison La tte

ReStore Your Faith In Humanity

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS BY HABITAT FOR HUMANTIY ST. TAMMANY WEST

Did any of your New Year’s resolutions involve donating to charities, giving back to the community or adopting some environmentally friendly habits? If you haven’t gotten around to it, or if you’re just not sure how to go about doing so, consider checking all those boxes at once by supporting the Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West ReStore in Mandeville.

What started as a humble flea market supporting the work of a fledgling Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the early 1980’s began its transformation into a thriving business when a local retiree named Mary Catherine Regan had the idea to transform the former corner grocery store into a thrift shop with regular store hours. With volunteers from her former employer, Bell South, and co-leadership with another dynamic retiree, Marilyn Wenzel, her dream came to fruition. Known affectionately as the Home Store, the business grew into an essential part of what became Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West.

The business ultimately outgrew its original space and in 2008, it moved to its current location, a 22,000-square-foot warehouse about halfway between Mandeville and Abita Springs on Highway 59. Today, it is known as the ReStore, and it accepts and resells new and gently used home improvement and building materials, furniture, appliances and other household items at discounted prices, annually generating a whopping $300,000 to fund the building of three of the 10 homes that our local Habitat builds for local citizens every year.

Most everyone has heard of Habitat for Humanity, but let’s review exactly what it is, what it does and how the ReStore fits into the equation

Founded in 1976 in Americus, GA, as a grassroots, Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to battling poverty and substandard housing, Habitat for Humanity has grown into a sprawling, international operation with affiliates in 70 countries and all 50 states here in the U.S. Each affiliate has the same mission: identify and assist families in need who are willing to participate in the building of their home and able to repay a no-interest mortgage. The affiliate here in St. Tammany West was established in 1981, and has built over 300 new homes for deserving families across the parish. The ReStore, which serves as the retail division of the multi-faceted organization, is responsible for 40 of those.

Some of the proceeds are used to run the retail facility, including paying the salaries of 10 staff members and covering

other expenses, like the mortgage and electricity bills. The rest goes towards constructing the homes, from purchasing building materials to paying the construction staff, which includes two licensed residential contractors.

Not all charities are on the up-and-up, though, so it’s understandable that a lot of people are hesitant to give their time or treasure until they’re sure an organization is run responsibly and with integrity. Jennifer Messina, Vice President of Development for Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, says they welcome scrutiny.

“We choose to be audited every year, and have LaPorte (a highly respected, well-established regional accounting firm based in Metairie) look through everything. This creates a system of checks and balances, and we’re pleased to say that we always have clean audits, which we post on our website, along with our 990 tax forms. We welcome questions about our finances and personnel, and we even conduct ‘Habi-tours’ to show the houses and allow people to ask our staff questions directly.”

All of this creates transparency, but if you need more proof, Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates hundreds of thousands of U.S.-based charitable organizations, gave them their highest four-star rating and a score of 99%, based on criteria like impact, leadership, efficiency, sustainability and of course, transparency.

To understand the ReStore’s more personal impact, one needs only to read the profiles of the featured homebuyers who volunteer to share their experiences each year. For 2023, that person was Emma Busby, a medical assistant at Louisiana Hand to Shoulder Center, who has also worked as a voter commissioner for seven years, and has been a commissionerin-charge for the past three. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West ReStore, she and her 11-year-old rescue Chihuahua, Rocky, will have their own home, complete with a yard, where Rocky can run around and Emma can plant a vegetable garden. She also looks forward to saving up for a whole-house generator so she and Rocky can be comfortable during power outages, and her parents can come stay with her in the event of a hurricane. (You can read more of Emma’s story on the website.)

“When our homeowners share their experience,” Jennifer explains, “it really helps connect the dots and educate the community by putting a story and a name to what we do.”

In addition to benefiting individual homeowners, the ReStore also promotes sustainability and eco-friendly practices by encouraging people and businesses to donate items instead of sending them to the landfills. Plus, it’s a valuable resource for budget-conscious members of the community who are looking to build, renovate, decorate or furnish their homes.

Those interested in supporting this endeavor can do so as a donor, customer or volunteer. Donors can check the website for lists of items ReStore will and won’t accept, and donations can either be made by scheduling a pick-up for larger items or by dropping them off Tuesday through Saturday between 9am and 4pm. And if it’s your time you’d like to donate, the ReStore relies on volunteers to help with tasks like sorting donations, pricing items and assisting customers. For these volunteering opportunities, to work on a construction site, or to make a financial donation, visit www.habitatstw.org. And of course, every great bargain you purchase at ReStore helps dreams come true for fellow citizens who are ready to build a place to call home.

Arts Evening Arts Evening

Saturday, March 2, 2024

5-9 pm • Free Admission

Olde Towne Slidell

646-4375 •

MySlidell.com

Local Artists & Artwork

Live Music & Entertainment

Fine & Casual Dining

Antique, Boutique & Unique Shopping

“ Slidell Sunflowers” by Lori Anselmo Arts Evening 2024 Poster Artist

The City of Slidell and the Commission on the Arts would like to thank our 2023/2024 Cultural Season Sponsors for making this event possible:

Renaissance, Media Sponsors:

Plus + Publications

Neocla ssical, $1,000 Sponsors: Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert • Lori’s Art Depot

Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency

Impressionism, $500 Sponsors:

CiCi’s Pizza • Mayor Greg Cromer • Slidell Historic Antique Association

Readers’ Choice Winners

RESTAURANTS

Appetizer

YOYO

Asian

Yamato’s

Bar Food

Time Out Bar & Grill

Bakery

Jacky’s Cake Shop

Barbecue

Nothing But e Smoke

Breakfast e Golden Pear

Brunch e Golden Pear

Catering e Golden Pear

Dessert e Golden Pear

Burger Coach’s Po-Boys

Co ee Shop

Red Brick

Donut e Donut Place

Food Truck

Rose Miley at Ruby Rous

Pizza

Uncles Pizza

Po Boys

Long Branch Cafe

Hot Dogs

Zesto of Bogalusa

Chicken

Long Branch Café

Vietamese

Pho 102

Chicken

Red Zone

Casual Dining e Golden Pear

Italian

Napoli’s

Mexican

Maria’s

Po-Boy Coach’s

Salad

Café Bouchee

Seafood

Warner’s Fish House

Steak

Ramie’s

Snowball

Sunshine Snowballs

Soup

YOYO’S

Sushi

Akita New

Station 23

Hole in the Wall

Warner’s Fish House

PEOPLE

Artist

Cordero Mark

Attorney

Chase Anderson

Builder

Tommy Wascom –Professional Builders

Make Up

Caitlyn Mitchell –

Rebel Hair Salon

High School Coach

John Lambert

CPA

Rober Neilson

Insurance Agent

Mandy Tervalon

Bar Tender

Kelton Hurst

Travel Agent

Wendy Phelps

Personal Trainer

Ross Lambert

Photographer

Skyler Gates

Real Estate Agent

Charlotte Johnson

Tattoo Artist

Troy Carney

Teacher

Heidi Tullos

Coach

Destin Pittman

Hair Colorist

Krystal Oalmann –Calming yme

MEDICAL

Dentist

Mitou LeMaire D.D.S

Hospital

Our Lady of the Angels

OB/GYN

Mara Buena or, M.D.

Allergist

Brad LeBert, EMT

Cardioologist

Kenny Civello, M.D.

Doctor

Garland Anderson, M.D.

Fertility

Mara Buena or, M.D.

Pediatrician

Katie Queen, M.D.

Physical erapist

Bryn Blackwell, P.T

Hospice

Southeast

Med Spa

Bluu RX Solutions

Eye

Dr. Boulging

Homehealth

Southeast

Optometrist

Marc Hautot, O.D.

Family Doctor

Dr. Noaz Olo

Gastroentologist

Dr Hussan

Medical Testing

Our Lady of Angeles

Nurse Practitioner

Jessica Steward

Internist

Steven Ogden, M.D.

Urgent Care

Our Lady of the Lake Walk-in

Veterinarian

Elizabeth Penton, DVM

ALL THINGS ARTY

Art Classes

Cathy Robbins

Art Gallery

Riverstone Gallery

Band

Birdies Boyz

eater Group

Franklinton Community eater

Parade

4th July

Festival

Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival

SPORTS AND LEISURE

Fitness Studio

HL Brownstone Fitness

Golf Course

Bogalusa Country Club

Museum e Museum of Native American Culture

Place to Run/Walk

Cassidy Park

Public Park

Bogue Chitto State Park

Swim Club

Bogalusa YMCA

Tourist Attraction

Bogue Chitto Tubing Center

NIGHTLIFE

Bar

860 Wine

Daiquiri Pumping Station

Happy Hour

Bogalusa Country Club

Margarita

Maria’s Mexican

Martini

Yoyo’s Bar & Grill

Sports Bar

Time Out Bar & Grill

SHOPPING

Antiques

Simmons Flea Market

Bakery

Cinnamon Tree

Bargain Shopping

Dirt Cheap

Bridal

Tricia’s Bridal

Car Dealership

Atlas – Chevrolet/Buick

Children’s Clothing

To the Moon and Back

Seafood

Dukes

Jewlery

Tyler Ross

Men

Wild Bird

Kids Shoes

To the Moon and Back

Florist

Busy Bees

Furniture

Carney’s Furniture and Appliance

Garden Center

Garden Spot

Gi s

McMillan’s Hardware Store

Barbers Hardware & Repair

Jewelry

Tyler Ross Jewelry

Lumber

Bogalusa Lumber

Meat

Main Street Grocery & Market

Pharmacy

City Drugs

Signs

Sharps Signs

Supermarket

Food Depot

Teen Boutique

Wild Bu

Tires

Triana Discount

Tire & Auto

Wine e Pumping Station

Woman’s Boutique

Fancy Fig

SERVICES

Dance Studio

Dawn’s Dance

Dry Cleaner

Bogalusa Dry Cleaners & Laundry

Elementary School (Private)

Annunciation Catholic School

Elementary School (Public)

Northshore Charter

Financial Institution

Lee Finance

Furniture

Carney’s Furniture and Appliance

Hair Salon

Calamity yme

High School

Franklinton High School

Insurance

Bill Mc Gehee Insurance

Kids Party Venue

Bogalusa County Club

Mani Pedi Spa

Magic Nails

Mechanic

Brad Triana –Discount Tires

Handyman

Fricken Home

Maintenance

Pet Boarding

Bella’s Paws Spa

Pet Grooming

Allie’s Alley

Printer/Copier Service

Delta Printing

Private Elementary

Ben Ford’s Christian

Private High School

Bowling Green

Photo Booth

Fun Photo Pix

Radio Station

Highway 104.7

Real Estate

Garr Real Estate

Roofer

Rocket

Summer Camps

Believe

Wedding Venue e Louisiana Castle

Yoga

Riverstone Gallery

Used Cars

Atlas

Credit Union

Zellco Federal Credit Union

Funeral

Brown Megehee

FACEBOOK.COM/ STAN.WHITE.54/

STORY BETSY O’LEARY PHOTOS BY RIYEN HELG

The journey to his Independence art studio was far from a direct route. Instead, the Hartselle, Alabama native meandered here after spending time in big cities like Philadelphia and New York City. In fact, he originally discovered the area while making frequent car trips from his Atlanta base to Houston, choosing Hammond as the perfect halfway stop on his jaunts.

Stanton found that he enjoyed the atmosphere of local hotspots like Benny’s, Mariners Inn, and the Crescent Bar so much that he and his partner Mary chose to settle on Black Cat Road in Independence where they raised their two children. He reports that they still proudly call their little corner of the boot “home.”

From Commercial Design to Portraiture

White graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Illustration and Design. He first earned a living as a layout artist for advertising agencies but quickly advanced to creative director in the entertainment industry dealing with merchandising licensing rights for celebrities.

Yet, his creative drive remained unfulfilled, until he finally quit the rat race. He took a series of jobs in the service industry, bartending and waiting tables, to keep the wolf from the door and to afford an easel and paints. Eventually, his efforts paid off. Word spread about the talented artist’s celebrity portraits that are so realistic that they look like photographs.

He sunk the profits from his portraits into an old building in downtown Independence. Originally erected in 1869, the building was in bad shape. With the roof missing, and trees growing up through the floor, it required gutting and structural supports to become the modern portrait studio where he creates his stunning art. During renovations his good friend and general contractor passed away and White took on the renovation project himself without using any architectural drawings. He called upon his technical background to sketch it out, using chalk to freestyle the clean design lines he wanted. His incredible vision can be seen in the details like metal ceiling tiles and exposed brick walls.

Realism and Abstract Impressionism

For the past 20 years, White has painted oil portraits on commission. Most are commissioned by private clients who want to gift a spouse or loved one with a portrait to hang in their home or office. His attention to detail makes the portraits highly representative of the subject. He good-naturedly pointed out that he still dabbles in mass appeal celebrity portraits such as The Beatles and Willie Nelson.

“I actually don’t have many of the originals”, he shared with a smile. “I sold them to buy materials and I have the prints hanging in my studio. The prints are so good people really can’t tell the difference anyway.”

He likes the old-school style of using oils on canvas. White prefers sessions with live models but can also work from a photograph if necessary. He takes his time to get the composition just right, making sur e to allow sufficient time for the oils to dry before varnishing.

Stanton White is the go-to guy in Tangipahoa Parish to paint a timeless, heirloom-quality portrait for any occasion. Check out some of his stunning works on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram..

2023 Economic Development Impacts:

St. Tammany, the Northshore, and Beyond

St. Tammany NOW brings you the latest economic development information and business and industry insight in our community provided by St. Tammany Corporation, the economic development organization for St. Tammany Parish. St. Tammany NOW highlights who and what makes the St. Tammany business community thrive and illustrates the opportunities to diversify and fortify our economy.

In this issue, we reflect on the accomplishments and progress we made in 2023. We are proud of the wideranging program of work that we have facilitated in our efforts to support our local economy through strategic partnerships, business technical assistance, and forwardthinking, responsive program development. Here are a few key economic development highlights from 2023:

We formally unveiled the Gulf South Commerce Park

at the intersection of Interstate 12 and Highway 1088 in central St. Tammany. The 1,000-acre Park is the only one of its kind in southeastern Louisiana, and with close proximity to four major interstates, a 25-acre, 350,000 sq ft pad-ready site, and with additional acreage that’s shovel-ready, this site is an ideal fit for a major economic development project. Throughout the project’s entire timeline, St. Tammany Corporation has worked closely with both private sector and government partners on the creation of a comprehensive master plan for the site, making this an effective publicprivate collaborative. The Gulf South Commerce Park’s master plan is to be a center of excellence for a range of industries including Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics, Clean/Green Technology, Life Sciences, and Defense industries.

St. Tammany Corporation Staff, Board Members, and Partners at the Gulf South Commerce Park Unveiling Event

Chris Masingill Chief Executive Officer St. Tammany Corporation

We formalized a partnership with other key local organizations, including the Northshore Business Council, Northshore Community Foundation, Northshore Home Builders Association, St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Parish Works, and Visit the Northshore, which we have collectively branded as the St. Tammany Economic Partnership, or STEP. The vision of the St. Tammany Economic Partnership is to enhance awareness and maximize impact in St. Tammany through the facilitation of clear, consistent, and collaborative communications and programming among the business and community centered entities. The formalized STEP group creates an opportunity for increasing cross-programmed events and collaborative initiatives while increasing impact to stakeholders and the broader community. In times of crisis, it can also provide a vehicle for quick convening, streamlined communications, and aligned action.

We were one of only six organizations across the nation selected to be part of the second cohort of the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Equity in Economic Development Fellowship Program. This initiative offers talented young people a direct point of entry into the economic development profession, as well as the opportunity to focus on their career interests and develop skills that set them up for success. St. Tammany Corporation’s fellow, DaSean Spencer, gained immersive, hands-on experience in economic development, strategic initiatives, and public policy, as well as business technical assistance through our partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Thriving African American Small Business initiative, which DaSean supported during his time as an equity fellow.

Members of the St. Tammany Economic Partnership (STEP)

We continued to increase our staff capacity by adding two new team members focused on economic development finance and incentives, marketing, and strategic initiatives. Even as a young organization, we have assembled a terrific team who focus daily on the key priorities and strategic initiatives that enhance our community’s economic competitiveness, and the team that we have built has allowed our organization to scale and become a fullservice, independent economic development organization. Our in-house staff can provide project financing technical assistance, state and local incentives program assistance, project management, site selection, business attraction, communications and research support, and workforce development tools for businesses looking to start up, relocate, or expand in our parish.

In the spring, we joined BEC Co-Packers, a food manufacturing company based in eastern St. Tammany Parish, to announce a major expansion of its operations and footprint in the community. The expansion entails the purchase and rehabilitation of a vacant, dilapidated 60,000 sq ft building and 3.1 acres of land at 61025 Hwy 11 in

Slidell, which has been underutilized and out of commerce for 15 years. BEC currently has approximately 65 employees, and ultimately, this project is expected to double the quality jobs supported by the company in St. Tammany Parish.

Through STartUP Northshore, our three-parish regional entrepreneurial ecosystem building initiative, we continued to build out the program and invest in supporting Northshore entrepreneurs. With the partnership and support of our colleagues in Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes, we launched the NSpire Startup Slam, the firstever startup pitch competition on the Northshore with local entrepreneurs competing for a prize package of cash and services valued at more than $60,000. During New Orleans Entrepreneurship Week, we also hosted the firstever “NOEW in Your Neighborhood” event to take place on the Northshore, an evening of networking, refreshments, and an expert panel discussion of local entrepreneurs who shared their journey and insights on what it takes to grow a successful business in the local ecosystem.

We also continued our partnership with The Idea Village to bring its 10-week accelerator program to founders on the

Finalists and Partners at the NSpire Startup Slam

Northshore, IDEAinstitute Northshore. To date, through three cohorts since the establishment of the partnership, IDEAinstitute Northshore has served 62 founders across 59 companies, provided nearly 100 hours of one-on-one coaching and guidance valued at $25,000. With a “worldclass” Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 89, participation grew by 37.5% from Fall 2022 to Spring 2023, attracting and empowering more local entrepreneurs. In the third cohort in Fall 2023, IDEAinstitute Northshore continued to grow after receiving 62 applications, a record application pool with an 88% increase from the Spring’s application cycle. At the conclusion of each IDEAinstitute Northshore program, entrepreneurs have the exciting opportunity to showcase their innovative ventures in a dynamic pitch competition with a chance to win $1,000 in startup funding.

We are also pleased to share that, following a rigorous application and review process, St. Tammany Corporation has officially been recognized as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council. Earning this official recognition signals to partners, stakeholders, site selectors, prospects, and economic development colleagues that the organization has completed a rigorous review process and met the standards for excellence set forth by the international governing body for economic developers, thus joining the ranks of the most effective EDOs in the world. It also shows that the organization has a high-performing professional staff and is a recognized authority on the practice of economic development, demonstrating to local leaders that their trust is well-placed. The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.

Last year, 2023, was also the final program year of THRIVE 2023, St. Tammany Corporation’s five-year comprehensive economic development strategic plan, which has served as a road map for our focus areas, strategic priorities, and efforts to build new programs. As we wrap up THRIVE and look ahead to the future, we want to recognize how economic development in St. Tammany has evolved as we work diligently to create new jobs, support local businesses, and make our parish the destination of choice for businesses, families, and talent. We look forward to a dynamic and prosperous 2024!

St. Tammany Corporation continues to be a resource hub for businesses and consistently shares timely, relevant information related to our economic landscape and upcoming business resource programming on our online platforms. Stay connected with St. Tammany Corporation on Facebook and LinkedIn at @StTammanyCorporation, our website at StTammanyCorp.org, and our data and research platform at StTammanyStats.com.

Elizabeth Lee and Ashley Llewellyn are the lead staff contributors to this article.

Richard Cornelison of Cleco, Jim Fram of IEDC's AEDO Review Committee, and Chris Masingill during St. Tammany Corporation's AEDO Onsite Visit

our turn: by Michael LeBlanc and Jean Pierre Fage’t

ABOUT MICHAEL AND JEAN

PIERRE

In every issue, EDGE of the Lake invites a local chef or restaurateur to visit another eatery on the Northshore.

When Parish Tacos owner, Covington native Michael LeBlanc, and executive chef Jean Pierre Fage’t dreamed up this new Mandeville restaurant, they were not interested in opening just another Mexican eatery. The pair, who previously worked together at Ox Lot 9, set out to offer something different to the community, using locally sourced seafood and ingredients with a “Louisiana-Mex” flair. The result is upscale food in a casual environment. Some of their signature, made-to-order dishes include braised brisket birria, bang bang shrimp tacos, and fried oyster tacos, and they feature weekly seasonal specials.

Pig Southern

is

Parkview Plaza on Highway 22. We met the owners when we first opened Parish Tacos and they were super nice and shared some helpful insight on the area with us. Jean Pierre and I came in for a bite on a recent Thursday morning before we opened for the day because we knew we could get a quick and casual breakfast, but still get all the frills of a full meal.

The overall menu is quite expansive. It offers both a huge breakfast and brunch menu, as well as a lunch menu, so there’s definitely something for everyone. We can never go anywhere without over-ordering, so we each ordered double entrees. I had the BLT with fried green tomatoes, which was delicious and stacked high with bacon. I also got the Pontchartrain Benedict. The eggs were perfectly poached, nice and runny, and served atop crab cakes and an English muffin.

Jean Pierre got the Whole Hog Benedict, which comes with pulled pork and sausage piled on a biscuit, covered with hollandaise and crumbled bacon. It was served perfectly warm and with great consistency. He also got the pork cutlet sandwich, which comes dressed with garlic aioli, mozzarella, tomato and mixed greens, and served on French bread. Everything was well-seasoned, the fries and hash browns were perfectly crispy and the cheesy grits were incredibly cheesy.

We were able to have a business meeting along with a full breakfast, and our server, Alison, was very attentive without being intrusive. While we waited for our food, we sipped hot coffee and enjoyed the ambience. It’s a very homey, warm space, filled with houseplants and cute pig tchotchkes.

We’re happy to have them as neighbors, and would definitely recommend Crazy Pig for a work meeting or for a family meal. Cooking breakfast is a huge hassle, so if you have family in from out-oftown, this is the place to go to get everything served all at once and cooked to perfection.

We look forward to coming back sometime when we don’t have to work right afterwards, so we can sample mimosas or bloody marys from their cocktail menu!

CRAZY

Crazy

Kitchen

located in the same shopping center as us,

United Way of Southeast Louisiana thanks our Top 10 Most Generous Workplaces from St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes. These generous companies and their employees are making an impact that will resonate for generations to come.

INTERNATIONAL PAPER

INTERNATIONAL PAPER

RAIN CARBON INC. CORPORATE OFFICE

RAIN CARBON INC. CORPORATE OFFICE

LOOP LLC LOOP LLC

KEYSTONE ENGINEERING INC.

KEYSTONE ENGINEERING INC.

ST. TAMMANY CORPORATION ST. TAMMANY CORPORATION

TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM

FIRST GUARANTY BANK

FIRST GUARANTY BANK

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS ST. TAMMANY HEALTH SYSTEM ST. TAMMANY HEALTH SYSTEM

Interested in running a campaign at your workplace?

Contact Sonja Ragusa Newman, Northshore Executive Director, at SonjaN@UnitedWaySELA.org

Louisiana

UnitedWaySELA.org

St Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper and the new St. Tammany Parish Council were sworn in at the Covington Fuhrmann Auditorium.

You Night Empowering Events and Northshore Media Group held their first Sheroes & Heroes Award event honoring and recognizing professionals and volunteers for their outstanding contributions to cancer care.

photo courtesy slate media

The St John Fools of Misrule announced the official start of the Northshore Carnival Season with other Northshore Krewes, Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indians and local dignitaries at The Southern Hotel. Later that evening the 13th annual parade took place along the streets of downtown Covington.