Tangi Lifestyles April/May 2024

TANGI lifestyles TANGI lifestyles

FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE! There is something to do practically EVERY WEEKEND right here in our backyard. At Tangi Lifestyles, we love celebrating the best things our community offers. This issue features the inspiring stories of local businesses’ success, local artists and entertainers, local educational success and more! All of which contribute to make the place we call home a great place. We hope you enjoy!

As we get out and experience all that our parish has to offer, please remember our local businesses. We encourage everyone to remember the importance of local businesses and what they provide to our community and way of life. Please buy local, be local, and always promote local. That is what we do every day at Northshore Media Group through Tangi Lifestyles Magazine, Lucky Bucks, and our radio stations, TANGI 96.5, Kajun 107.1 and the Boss 103.7fm/1400am. In addition to shopping local, we hope you will listen local.

Finally, we encourage our readers to always send us ideas for local stories. The mission of this magazine is to celebrate our parish, and we consider all suggestions. Share with us what you think is great about our parish so we can share with our neighbors. Send your ideas to publisher@cwdfm.com. We also encourage readers to send us pictures to be included in our “Seen and Heard” section to pics@cwdfm.com. We hope you enjoy this issue and wish you a great spring 2024!

PUBLISHER

Northshore Media Group

Angela Blake

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Johnny Chauvin

Phillip Colwart

Riyen Helg

Megan Davis

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Bolton

Eloise Cottrell

Charles Dowdy

Nick Gagliano

Debi Menasco

Betsy O'Leary

Brian Shirey

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Erin Bolton

Debi Menasco

Rebecca Blossman-Ferran

Jenny Moore

ADVERTISING

For advertising rates, call (985) 345-0060

lifestyles@cwdfm.com

CORRESPONDENCE

200 East Thomas St. Hammond, LA 70401

Calendar submissions and “Seen and Heard” pictures may be emailed to pics@cwdfm.com

April/May

First Guaranty Bank has been known for giving back to local communities. Women are leading the way in community banking, right here in our own neighborhoods, and you don’t have to look far to see it in action. Learn more about these amazing women on page 8.

Photo by Riyen Helg

Photo by Riyen Helg

APRIL APR MAY

MAY

2024

4/5 — Southern & Country Gospel Fest

6:30 - 9:30 PM • 13101 LA-442 • Tickfaw

Barbara Vaughn • 985-974-0507

4/6 — 2nd Annual Cajun Two Step Fest

Crawfish Cook-Off • Kentwood

4/7 — 2nd Annual Twin Steeples Showdown! 3-7 PM • Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center, Ponchatoula • twinsteeples.org

4/10 —Amite Chamber Monthly Luncheon

Mike’s Catfish, Amite

4/11 — Leads for Lunch

Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM• Location TBD

4/11 — Ponchatoula Chamber After Hours

4:30 - 6:30 PM• Location TBD

4/12-14 — Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

301 N 6th St • Ponchatoula • lastrawberryfestival.com

4/13 — ARTisTRY Classes (Kids/Teens)

Hammond Regional Arts Center • 10 am - noon (kids) • 2-4 p.m. (teens) • hammondarts.org

4/18 — Amite Chamber After Hours

Bienvenue Mon Ami Bed & Breakfast 5-7 pm • amitechamber.org

4/18 — Mary Bird Perkins Bourbon Raffle 7 pm - LIVE on Facebook

4/20 — ARTisTRY Classes (Adults)

Hammond Regional Arts Center

10 am - noon • hammondarts.org

4/20 —Autism Awareness Day

Cornerstone Children's Clinic & Hope Nutrition

12 - 2P • Airport Rd. • Hammond • 985-500-3500

4/24 —Monthly Luncheon

Tangipahoa Professional Women

The Oaks, Ponchatoula • 11:30 - 1P

4/26-28 — Tickfaw Italian Festival

50081 US-51, Tickfaw • theitalianfestivalorg.com

4/27 — Mystic Crusin Auto • 8 AM - 12 PM

North 6th Street • Ponchatoula Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce 985-386-2536 • ponchatoulachamber.com

4/27 — Hammond Eastside Eco Art

Extravaganza • 5-8 PM

Hammond Eastside Upper Elementary School, 43014 Yokum Rd • Hammond

4/27 —Denham Springs Spring Festival

Denham Springs • Livingstontourism.com

4/27 —Tickfaw River Regatta for TARC Livingstontourism.com

5/2-5 —Tickfaw 200 Power Boat Poker Run Livingstontourism.com

5/3 — Southern & Country Gospel Fest

6:30 - 9:30 PM • 13101 LA-442 Tickfaw • 985-974-0507

5/3-5 — St. Joseph's School Spring Fair

Ponchatoula • 985-386-6421 SJSFair on Facebok

5/4 - Hungarian Heritage Days

Livingstontourism.com

5/4 — ARTisTRY Classes (Kids/Teens)

Hammond Regional Arts Center

10 am - noon kids • 2-4 p.m. (teens) hammondarts.org

5/8 —Monthly Luncheon

Amite Chamber of Commerce

Mike’s Catfish, Amite • 11:30 - 1P

5/9 — Leads for Lunch

Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM• Location TBD

5/9 — After Hours

Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce

4:30 - 6:30 PM• Location TBD

5/11 - Get out and Fish LWLF

10A - 2P Livingstontourism.com

5/17 - 19 — Special Olympics

Louisiana

Southeastern Louisiana University

500 W University Ave • Hammond

5/18 — ARTisTRY Classes (Adults)

Hammond Regional Arts Center

10 AM - 1 PM • hammondarts.org

5/18 —The Riff Ridgel

Crawfish Cook-Off

11 AM - 4 PM • 50081 US-51, Tickfaw

riffridgelcrawfishcookoff.com

ON-GOING

FIRST FRIDAY OF MONTH

Gospel Music Fest

13101 Hwy, 442 W. • Tickfaw

985.974.0507 • mvmgoodnews.com

EVERY SATURDAY

Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market

8 AM - 12 PM • 106 NW Railroad Ave.

Independence Craft & Farmers’ Market

8:30 AM - 1 PM

750 E. Railroad Ave., Independence, Facebook.com/Independence

Denham Springs Farmers’ Market

8 AM - 12 PM • Historical District

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Ponchatoula Farmers’ Arts & Crafts Market

10 E. Pine, Ponchatoula

985.386.9580

ponchatoulacountrymarket.org

FRI. 9 AM - 5 PM • SAT. 10 AM - 5 PM

5/22 —Scholarship Luncheon

Tangipahoa Professional Women

Oak Knoll Country Club, Hammond

5/25 — Mystic Crusin Auto

8A - 2P • North 6th Street • Ponchatoula

Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce

985-386-2536 • ponchatoulachamber.com

5/25-26 —Cajun Country Jam

Music Fest

Livingstontourism.com

STEEPLE SHOWDOWN

Ponchatoula – April 7

2ND ANNUAL CAJUN TWO STEP FEST CRAWFISH COOK- OFF

Kentwood – April 6

TICKFAW ITALIAN FESTIVAL April 26, 27, 28

PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

RIFF RIDGEL CRAWFISH COOK- OFF

Tickfaw – May 18

For a full list of events, visit TangiTourism.com

LOUISIANA SPECIAL OLYMPICS STATE GAMES SLU, Hammond May 17, 18, 19

WOMEN Banking on

For 90 years, First Guaranty Bank has been known for its legacy of caring for their customers and giving back to local communities. But it is their dedication to their employees that also makes a significant impact.

Story by Allison Ryan | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

FIRST GUARANTY BANK EMPLOYS 375 WOMEN WHICH IS ABOUT 75 % OF THEIR WORKFORCE.

We all know a woman (or two) in our lives who juggles multiple roles with grace and wears multiple hats. One role worth mentioning is Community Banker.

Women are leading the way in community banking, right here in our own neighborhoods. And you don’t have to look far to see it in action.

Katherine Campbell, who first started at the bank as an intern in 2011, has become the youngest Controller in the country, overseeing all the accounting at First Guaranty Bank. When asked what kept her here over the years, she said, “it’s the family feel. You have one-on-one relationships with everyone including the President/CEO, Alton Lewis. Alton talks to everyone—he's not on the 15th floor or at a remote location where no one ever talks to him. And that’s what makes First Guaranty different.”

“This is a career,” added Brianna Lowe, Branch Manager at FGB’s Guaranty Square. “I feel like First Guaranty pours into me as an individual. As an employee, they want me to exceed on all levels. There is room for growth and advancement if you want it.”

At First Guaranty Bank, it is evident that women have a seat at the table. They are encouraged to speak up and lead their teams.

Women with different backgrounds, levels of education, and life experiences are thriving and succeeding at First Guaranty Bank. All you need is confidence and the desire to work hard.

Christy Wells’ work ethic and hard work has been admired during her twenty-nine years at the bank. It’s one of the reasons her managers encouraged her over the years to become the SVP/Regional Manager she is today.

Cheryl Brumfield, Vice President/Commercial Lender and Desiree Simmons, Chief Administrative Officer both have similar mottos when it comes to the workplace:

“ ALWAYS

In an industry that is rapidly growing and changing, First Guaranty Bank is banking on women.

To learn more about employment opportunities at First Guaranty Bank, visit www.fgb.net/resources/careers.

Southeast Louisiana Urology Associates is dedicated to providing the best patient experience possible. The clinic is equipped with comprehensive facilities and resources to diagnose and treat a wide range of urological conditions. Serving the Northshore Since 1985.

southeasternurology.com

Bill Evans

Written by Betsy O’Leary

Photos by Phillip Colwart

Jazz comes alive in Hammond at the Bill Evans Jazz Festival.

The event is put on annually by Southeastern Louisiana University, with the help of generous community sponsors. This year, the 23rd Annual Bill Evans Jazz Festival takes place April 15 - 20, 2024, at the Columbia Theatre in downtown Hammond.

Who Was Bill Evans?

Back in September 1946, Evans began his post-secondary education at Southeastern Louisiana University. He entered on a flute scholarship, but the piano was his true love. He graduated in 1950 with a double bachelor's degree in music (piano) and music education. The work Evans did on theory assignments as an SLU undergrad became part of his tune “Very Early,” a classic jazz standard.

Start of a Festival

APRIL 15 - 20

In 2002, a former Southeastern Music Department head got a small grant to fund the first jazz festival honoring Evans and his contributions to the genre. The goal was to engage with musicians who had played with Evans and offer concerts here in Hammond with the artists. Unfortunately, that approach wasn’t financially sustainable.

In 2016, Mr. Michael Brothers joined SLUs’ music department as the head of Jazz and Percussion Studies. By now, the festival was hanging on by a thread. Brothers, serving as a judge for high school musicians competing in the festival, decided to revamp it.

Once given the go-ahead to seek additional funding, Brothers turned to community sponsors to enhance and fund the festival. There are now five solid sponsors for the annual jazz festival:

Holly & Smith Architects

North Oaks Health System

Rotary Club of Hammond

Rocker Family Foundation

Tangi Meats

The sponsors’ generous financial contributions stabilized the festival’s presence and made it more affordable for music students at schools in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to participate. Now, the Bill Evans Jazz Fest is second only to Loyola for longevity, as it has been up and running for 23 years.

Goals of Sponsorship

Sponsor support is vital because it defrays the costs of jazz artists — like this year’s guest artist, Laura Dreyer. It also offsets competition costs for student participants from 24 schools.

Sponsorship also makes the festival more of a community event, especially since the event is held entirely at the Columbia Theatre. The festival has become so popular with school music programs that there’s now a waiting list — and they’re considering adding another day for next year’s festival.

What to Expect

The student competitions will be judged during the daytime on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Monday night, the University Lab Jazz Band and Jazz Combo will play in a studio designed to resemble a jazz club. Wednesday night brings the much-anticipated return of the SLU Alumni Jazz Ensemble. On Friday, the jazz faculty will jam with guest artists, and on Saturday evening, the University Jazz Ensemble will perform a concert with the guest artists.

Tickets On Sale Now

Ready for some cool jazz? Contact the Columbia Theatre box office to get your tickets (and season ticket holders have access to the festival as well).

5.25% FI X ED C D

5.40 FI X ED C D

%

Scan here or ask one of our Fanatical Banker s f or more inf orma tion.

*APY means Annual Percentage Yield. APY assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for 7 or 11 months at current respective rate The APY is accurate as of 02/15/2024. The minimum balance required to open an account and earn the adver tised APY is $500. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees can reduce earnings on the account. Cannot be combined with any other CD bump or of fer At maturity, the CD will automatically renew for same term at the prevailing rate unless redeemed within 10 days of maturity Rates and of fer are subject to change without notice. Contact a First Guaranty Bank representative for more details

Exceptional Care. Close to Home.

For more than 64 years, North Oaks Health System in Hammond has been caring for the residents of the Northshore. Our providers are not just healthcare professionals, they are your neighbors, family members and friends delivering compassionate and innovative care. We are dedicated to delivering the exceptional care you deserve, close to home, improving lives every time with every touch.

North Oaks offers sophisticated, big-city medicine, exemplified by our acclaimed structural heart program, legendary trauma care services, the prestigious “Louisiana Birth Ready Plus” designation for maternity care and comprehensive oncology services.

Our health system is nestled at the crossroads of compassion, community and innovation in patient care. Learn more about our wide range of services at northoaks.org.

Improving Lives. Every Time. Every Touch.

NORTHSHORE MEDIA GROUP NM

Opportunities

We have found a home

During the construction, transition and opening of our new 650,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Hammond, Louisiana we had some valuable partners help us throughout the entire process. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller, Tangipahoa Economic Development Director Ginger Cangelosi and Hammond Mayor Pete Panepinto were instrumental in bringing Medline to Hammond.

Because of their time and efforts, as well as that of the entire Tangipahoa Economic Development Team, this was one of the smoothest openings for our company. When we had questions, they had answers. When the community had concerns, they helped us address them. When we cut the ribbon on our new facility, they stood by

Because of our location and immediate access to I-12 and I-55, Medline continues to grow and add more team members to our organization. We are proud to call Tangipahoa Parish home.

Nick Latino Director of Operations Medline Industries, Inc.

Written by Betsy O’Leary

Though the late Elvis Presley has been gone for more than 46 years, a thriving industry known colloquially as “Elvis World” continues to grow. One of the major players is none other than Tickfaw native Nick Perkins, 24.

During a recent meet-up with Perkins and his business manager, the charming and engaging Deborah Walls, Perkins clarified that he was not an Elvis impersonator but an Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) who is dedicated to bringing authenticity to his role. During his shows, Perkins embodies each era of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life. To do this, he wears a few of his 28 replica jumpsuits which range in cost between $1,600 to $5,200 per outfit. His wigs and sideburns run about $2,000 and $2,500, respectively, with the 70s era being the most expensive.

How He Got His Start

Nick grew up in a home steeped in music. Both his father and his grandfather were musicians. He listened to old barroom honkytonk music, classic country, and the old rock ‘n’ roll standards.

At age 8, he accompanied his mother to an Elvis Tribute Show — and he was hooked. He began playing guitar at 9. By 13, he opened for an Elvis Tribute Artist playing a few country songs during the many costume changes in the show.

The man had an Elvis jumpsuit that was too small. He offered to sell it to Perkins for $40, which was quite a deal. Perkins wound up winning the money for the outfit from grandmother in a card game!

He later sold the jumpsuit to another Tribute Artist but, years later, after the passing of his grandmother, Nick managed to trace the current owner who graciously gifted it back to him at no charge.

Perkins acknowledged that ETA performers don’t have longevity on their side. Because Elvis died at 42, most tribute artists hang up their jumpsuits by age 50.

He Has a Second Gig in Elvis World

Not only does Perkins compete (and win!)

Elvis Tribute Artist contests, he and his business partner, Jay Dupuis of Baton Rouge, produce festivals here in Louisiana, along the Gulf Coast, and are expanding into other parts of the southeast region. Dupuis was the 2014 winner of the Elvis World’s equivalent of the Super Bowl — Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest.

Nick produces the Hammond E.P. Mania Weekend Event at the Holiday Inn in Hammond from May 30–June 1 and together they produce Kenner’s annual Louisiana Bayou King Festival held November 14–17. They don’t hold back, hiring a 16-piece band that includes strings, horns, and backup singers for contestants and shows. For Elvis fans who want to stay in the know about their upcoming festivals, go to their website at kingfestivals.com.

Where He Can Be Found Around Town

Paid for by the Jimmy Travis for Sheriff campaign.

If you don’t want to wait for a festival to check out Perkins’ act, follow his schedule at nickperkinselvis.com. He’s a regular at Brady’s, playing every other Wednesday, and also puts on a bi-monthly show at Mariner’s. You don’t have to be a huge Elvis Presley fan to enjoy a good dose of rock ‘n’ roll!

Photo by: Summer Calcagno

CONGRATULATIONS!

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People who volunteer to participate in clinical research are essential to advancing medicine.

• Infant and Pediatric Nutrition

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• Contraception

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Greenbriar Blvd, Ste. 101 Covington LA

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

A Tangipahoa Treasure — Dedicated to Building Future Stewards.

Written by Betsy O’Leary

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

A recent conversation with St. Thomas Aquinas principal, Will Johnson, revealed exciting changes ahead for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This fall STA is proud to announce they will open their doors to their first full class of eighth graders, an idea that has been discussed for nearly two decades.

While Mr. Johnson is currently the principal, his journey to that position started in 1991 when a young Will Johnson was enrolled as a ninth grader. As an alumnus of the class of 1995, a teacher at STA for a number of years, and now as an administrator, Mr. Johnson has had a front row seat for many of the seminal events in STA’s nearly 40-year history.

Over the years STA has grown to have students from all over Tangipahoa Parish as well as students from neighboring parishes. But at its genesis

St. Thomas Aquinas is a product of several committed families from the greater Hammond area who saw a need for a contiguous K-12 Catholic school educational option in Tangipahoa Parish, and then worked tirelessly to make STA a reality. Now, with the addition of the eighth grade, STA is proudly building upon the legacy and tradition that began over 40 years ago and is preparing for the next 40 years of providing Catholic education to the Tangipahoa community.

When asked about what makes St. Thomas Aquinas special, Mr. Johnson said without hesitation that “the strong Catholic foundation that permeates every aspect of the school is STA’s greatest strength. Our students’ tremendous accomplishments academically, athletically, and within the community are a testament to the power of our school’s mission and vision.”

With academic options that will allow eighth graders to earn up to six high school credits as well as STA’s upperclassmen having the opportunity to earn numerous dual enrollment and AP credits, St. Thomas Aquinas offers rigorous academic options that will allow many students to earn college credits well before they ever step on a college campus. Mr. Johnson is proud that STA truly serves the students of the entire community as there are students from nearly every private and public school in our community enrolled at St. Thomas – creating a truly diverse and exciting educational environment.

“The strength of STA’s support network is our superpower. Selfless family volunteers constantly ask the administration, ‘What can we do?’ Without that support, and symbiotic relationship between students’ families and STA, the school wouldn’t be able to serve the community at its present high level.”

-Will Johnson

Another characteristic that makes STA so unique is how its alumni return to teach, coach, and support the school. The principal laughed and said it makes him “feel old” seeing former students return to teach and coach. With basketball coaches Raymone Andrews

(2009) and Amber Donnes (2013); English teacher Madison Chauvin Henderson (2014); Athletic Director Josh Wittie (2000); and Admission Director/Teacher Courtney Day Silewicz (1998) on campus, STA alumni are making an impact on campus every single day.

Johnson said that for STA, “its not enough to be good enough.” Rather, St. Thomas Aquinas is always looking for ways to improve and increase its value to the students and the Tangipahoa Parish community as a whole. As principal, Mr. Johnson feels it is his responsibility to be a good steward of STA’s resources to ensure STA continues to live up to the high standards established when the school opened in 1986. And, Johnson says, “I hope Sr. Philip (his principal) is looking down on our school thinking, ‘I didn’t see this coming, but I like what I see.”

chauvinphotography@gmail.com

johnnychauvinphotography.com

DIAGNOSTIC HEARING EVALUATIONS FOLLOWING AUDIOLOGICAL BEST PRACTICES

ACCESS TO ALL LEVELS OF HEARING TECHNOLOGY FROM ALL MAJOR MANUFACTURERS

TREATMENT FOR POSITIONAL VERTIGO AND BALANCE DISORDERS

TINNITUS ASSESSMENTS AND INDIVIDUALIZED COUNSELING Slidell

Attorney Gordon McKernan Car Wrecks | Big Truck Wrecks | Personal Injury | Workers' Comp

We offer a variety of sizes and profiles to fit every need From K-style & Half-Round to custom commercial, we have the solutions for you!

Stay off the ladder this year and allow SGS Gutters to clean, re-align and re-seal your existing gutters to ensure proper function for the rainy season *Includes a free gutter inspection LEAF PROTECTION

Looking for a permanent solution to gutter cleaning? We offer a variety of Leaf Filtering Guards to ensure a maintenance free gutter system

MAKE A LASTING Impression

Written by Betsy O’Leary

Photos by Kali Norton

Where Creativity Meets Branding

Chad and Megan Romano have called Tangipahoa Parish home for over twenty years. They moved to Hammond to attend Southeastern, fell in love with the area, and planted roots. The couple met in 2005, married in 2008, then shortly after started their business, Romano Promo. For Chad and Megan, it’s all about merch! From branded apparel and signage to promotional products, Romano Promo offers comprehensive branding solutions designed to elevate businesses’ brand visibility and achieve their marketing goals. Romano Promo has thrived on the principles of creativity, authenticity, and exceptional service. Megan and Chad know that building meaningful connections is key to sustainable growth. Megan gets great fulfillment in her role as creative director, as she stated, “I have the best job! It allows me to be creative, build relationships, and bring marketing joy to our clients. Plus, I get to work with my best friend and the best team!”

What is Branded Merch?

Branded merchandise, often referred to as "branded merch," encompasses a wide array of promotional products that are customized with a company's logo, slogan, or design. These items serve as tangible representations of any company’s brand and are typically distributed to clients and employees or used at events as part of marketing and branding strategies. Branded merch can include practically anything, such as apparel (t-shirts, hats, jackets), office essentials (pens, journals), drinkware (mugs, bottles, tumblers), tech accessories (speakers, mobile chargers), and much more. Essentially, any physical item that can be customized with a company’s branding falls under the umbrella of branded merch.

Why Does Branded Merch Work?

In a world inundated with marketing messages, it's crucial to stand out and create lasting connections with customers and potential customers. Enter branded merchandise and promotional products—the unsung heroes of marketing. Far from mere giveaways, these tangible items possess the power to forge emotional bonds with people, leaving impressions that endure long after the initial interaction. Think about the last time you received a promotional

product. Chances are, you remember the brand associated with it. That's the magic of branded merchandise—it leaves a lasting impression. By integrating a company logo and messaging into everyday items, repeated exposure of the company’s brand endures. Whether it's at home, in the office, or out in public, THAT LOGO becomes a familiar sight, solidifying the brand’s presence in the minds of consumers. Chad commented,

"Everyone loves merch!"

"We find cool merch that compliments a company’s brand, then add their logo to create something that people love and keep.”

Romano Promo prides itself on delivering personalized service to each client. Whether it’s a small startup or a large corporation, Chad, Megan, and their team work closely with every client to understand their unique needs, budget, and branding goals. Chad commented, “Our goal is to ensure our clients’ budget is spent with intention, on quality useful products.”

Their commitment to excellence hasn't gone unnoticed. Romano Promo was named "The Northshore’s Best” in 2020 for promotional materials and earned "Tangi Lifestyles Readers’ Choice” 2022 & 2023 for “Best Promotional Products” and “T-Shirts/Screen Printing.” These accolades are a testament to Megan and Chad's dedication to exceeding expectations and delivering results that resonate with their clients and their communities.

To learn more about Romano Promo, visit them online at romanopromo.com

Having someone local you can trust makes a difference. That’s why you’ll find me in downtown Hammond ready to fight for you.

- Mike Brandner

HOLD ON to YOUR SEAT...

Written by Betsy O’Leary

IIf you’re looking for a different kind of treat for Dad on Father’s Day weekend, head on up to Amite on June 14 – 15 and attend the family-oriented Tangipahoa Pro Rodeo and Music Fest. Bobby Smith and his company, Rockin’ S Rodeo, are putting on the annual event, now in its 15th year.

Smith is no stranger to the world of rodeo. He spent roughly 15 years on the rodeo circuit, traveling around the United States as a bull fighter. As he got older, his body rebelled, as the lifestyle of a bull fighter often leaves permanent injuries.

Smith tried judging a few rodeos, but he found it wasn’t for him. He had a wider vision for his future that allowed him to remain longer in the industry he loved.

Rodeo

Pairs Well with Country Music

Smith’s love of rodeo is matched by his admiration for country singer Neal McCoy. His dream was to one day put on a professionally sanctioned rodeo that was capped with a concert by his favorite artist.

This year his dream will become a reality, as Neal McCoy headlines the June event with his Friday night concert at the rodeo site, Florida Parishes Arena in Amite. Glen Templeton will also be performing on Saturday night at the rodeo.

What to Expect at the Rodeo?

Riders who have cards sanctioned by the LRCA, NCPRA, PRCA can enter the various competitions. Because this is a fully sanctioned Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association (LRCA) event, they will have all the traditional rodeo events, including:

Bareback riding

Saddle bronc

Calf roping

Breakaway roping

Team roping

Barrel racing

Bull riding

But those are just some of the exciting events rodeo attendees will experience. There will also be appearances by the Tickfaw native rodeo clown, Rick Young “Never Be Old.” The clown is a self-described “old wore out bullfighter rodeo clown” who was formerly known as the “Ragin’ Cajun.” Now 90, but with no sign of hanging up his face paint or spurs, his moniker is the “Agin’ Cajun.” He will be joined by one of the top clowns in rodeo, Rudy Burns, the hilarious “Crazy Cajun.”

Bring the Kids!

While the entire rodeo is great family fun, Saturday, June 15, will feature several youth programs during the day. The Amite Fire Department will be doing presentations on fire extinguisher safety, and there will be a smoke house demonstration and a firetruck on display. There’s also a planned boating safety presentation. As a bonus, each child entering the gate receives a free bandanna from event sponsor Wrangler.

Where to Get Tickets?

Guests can save money by buying tickets now on the website, tangipahoaparishprorodeo.net. Tickets are $30 per night or both nights for $50, and they include the rodeo and the concert. All children five and under get in free. Tickets at the gate are $40.

Tickets will also be sold at local outlets which will be announced closer to the event date. Also, watch for future announcements about upcoming VIP package information on seating and other perks at the rodeo.

Keeping Our Families Safe –

Providing Tools For Juvenile Offenders

Juvenile Justice Reform has been in many headlines lately. Our parish is fortunate to have the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center, a nationallyrecognized and award-winning facility specially designed to house, educate, and care for juveniles arrested and adjudicated delinquent for committing crimes.

“Our goal is to hire positive adult role models to work with the juveniles in our facility to mentor and help equip them with tools for their toolbelts to be better and more productive citizens. This increases the likelihood of them being successful and avoiding adult incarceration,” said Joseph Dominick, the Executive Director of the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center.

For the outstanding work in being a model juvenile detention facility, the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center has been the recipient of the 2016, 2020, and 2023 Barbara Allen-Hagen Award, from the Center for Improving Youth Justice, a nationally-

recognized award in juvenile justice.

“Our work focuses on changing criminal thinking and teaching appropriate behaviors to youth, while keeping the public safe,” says Dominick.

While Dominick is optimistic about his program, he also knows violent juvenile crimes are on a rise in the five parishes the Center serves. In 2020, there were 474 juveniles admitted to the center. This past year in 2023, that number rose to 718 admissions.

“We are seeing more violent crimes with juveniles using firearms and other weaponsrelated charges,” said Dominick. “Local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Juvenile Judges are placing more violent juveniles in custody and taking them off the streets. Without our facility, there would be no placement for juveniles arrested in our area. Juveniles cannot be housed in adult jails and contrary to what some say,

there are no other placements for these pre-trial youth. The State will not step in and other detention centers only house juveniles arrested in their parishes. Ultimately, and as crazy as it may sound, these kids would be arrested, issued a court summons, and released!”

Dominick and his team have not let the increase in violent crimes dissuade them from their mission. They see each juvenile as a recoverable resource who needs the tools to cope in the community.

The Center works with the Tangipahoa Parish School System to have classes everyday with the ultimate goal of having the juvenile offender graduate with a high school diploma. The Center also works with Northshore Technical Community College to provide workforce training and certifications. This would result in the juvenile offenders being able to obtain a good paying job when they are released and have a pathway to success rather than returning to their old crime habits.

That latest feather in the cap of the Center is the creation of a fully functioning robotics program.

“We are proud to be the first and only juvenile detention center in the country to offer a robotics program,” said Dominick. “Through our partnerships with Northshore Robotics, and another local nonprofit, Just 1 Voice, our students are learning how to code, create, and plan robotic movements in a real-life application.”

The goal is to have graduates with robotics experience and knowledge gain local employment opportunities at places such as Medline, IntraLox, and the Amazon Distribution Center in Slidell.

The next program the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center is working to implement is a Drivers Education class. Without a way to get a license to drive, many juveniles would not have the necessary means to travel to work. This would help eliminate another barrier on their road to living a successful life.

Dominick sees and experiences the many accomplishments as a result of his team’s and the community’s commitment to holding juvenile offenders accountable and providing real opportunity for rehabilitating them. Funding for the operation of the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center comes from a three mill property tax in Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, Livingston, Washington and St. Helena Parishes. The renewal of the millage will be on the April 27, 2024 ballot in all five parishes.

“We have been very good stewards of taxpayer dollars. We will keep our communities safe from violent offenders, while providing these at-risk juveniles the structure they need to change criminal thinking and the opportunity to become productive members of society.”

Boaters might notice four yellow buoys that now dot the surface of Lake Maurepas as they ride by. These brightly colored buoys have a big job; they’re helping local researchers monitor conditions in the Lake.

Placed by Southeastern Louisiana University at the start of February, the yellow buoys are sending data directly to SLU researchers – and to the public – who are monitoring the health of the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. The buoys capture information about dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the lake and other metrics that help researchers track the health of the Lake over time.

“The buoys will gather a variety of parameters in real time with data regularly uploaded to the cloud,” said Director of the Lake Maurepas Monitoring Program Dr. Kyle Piller.

“The data will be posted on our project website with easy to interpret dashboards for each buoy. Each measured parameter has a ‘normal’ range, and the software can send alert messages if a particular measured parameter is out of the normal range.”

The buoys are outfitted with sensors to monitor water parameters, including dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, and carbon dioxide, Piller explained. One buoy will be outfitted with a weather station to measure atmospheric parameters, including wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and precipitation. To learn more about the researchers’ work and to see data from the buoys, visit Southeastern.edu/LakeMaurepas.

“Southeastern will be monitoring all facets of this project involving the lake to ensure up-todate data and information are available. We are making all the data we record available to the public,” said Dan McCarthy, dean of the College of Science and Technology.

Air Products has supported this research, enabling Southeastern Louisiana University to launch the Lake Maurepas Monitoring Project, which puts SLU’s world-class researchers on the front line of producing independent research about this ecosystem. As part of its commitment to the Lake Maurepas community, Air Products has committed $1 million annually to support public safety, education and environmental causes in the parishes around the Lake, through a separate Lake Maurepas Community Fund.

“These buoys will provide data that the public can trust about the Lake Maurepas ecosystem since that data is coming directly from the lake itself. Independent monitoring of the lake is critically important to the community and all those people who live and work there,” said Louisiana Clean Energy Complex Commercial Executive Director Danna LeBlanc. “We know Southeastern researchers are the leading experts on Lake Maurepas, and the Air Products team is proud that they are able to expand their independent biomonitoring research by using these buoys.”

Air Products’ Louisiana Clean Energy Complex will produce clean hydrogen, creating 170 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs. The facility will position Louisiana as a leader in producing new forms of energy. The project will include the safe, permanent storage of carbon dioxide approximately one-mile deep beneath the earth’s surface.

To learn more about Air Products’ commitment to safety, visit Safety.CleanEnergyLouisiana.com.

YSI Integration Engineering Manager

Daniel Dawson inspects the solar panel on the monitoring buoy. Dawson’s team is responsible for ensuring the programming and hardware are compatible

SLU Board of Directors Member Cynthia Nesser is among the university’s guests to witness the deployment of the lake monitoring buoys.

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SPRINGTIME

“FROM

I HAVE

Written by Betsy O’Leary | Photos by Robby Klein

The Ride of a LIFETIME

Terry Adams

Kids in south Louisiana love riding bikes, but once they get driver’s licenses, their bicycling days end. Although for Terry Adams, who grew up in Hammond and Pumpkin Center, biking became a brilliant career.

Before he began homeschooling in the seventh grade, Adams was a dyslexic child who struggled to keep up in school. His mother tried to involve him in extracurricular activities like drumming and baseball, but it never really took.

When he discovered BMX flatland biking, Adams says, “It was like coming home.”

How It All Began

Adams states that BMX riding “spoke to his soul.” With no complex directions or rules to follow, riding made him feel free. He spent countless hours riding his bike on the driveway day and night, improving his techniques.

He also became a regular at the former Bike Zone in Hammond hanging out, performing stunts, and seeking advice. At 12, he pored over BMX magazines, finding 800 numbers he could call from phone booths (remember them?) to ask whoever answered what he could do to make a career out of BMX biking.

His First Big Break

He entered his first racing competition in Baton Rouge in 1993, and his biggest opportunity arose in 1995 when a BMX crew from New Orleans came to Hammond to ride. It was one of those life-changing moments because Adams realized this was his destiny.

In 2002, he flew to Japan where he entered and won the “King of the Ground” contest. That win led to sponsorship by Red Bull energy drinks. The company began covering his travel and expenses in 2003 — and still sponsor him today, making this his longest-running corporate partnership.

In 2006, he picked up another corporate sponsor: Louisianabased Raising Cane’s. Its founder, Todd Graves, and the Cane’s crew remain huge supporters of Adams’ endeavors.

A Friend and Mentor

While still a tattooed youth with braided hair, Adams used to practice in the Hobby Lobby parking lot. One day, he was ordered to leave their premises, but Hammond resident Ed Hoover, instead, told him that he would give him written permission to use the lot to practice.

Since then, Hoover became a financial mentor to the BMX biker. He taught him to wisely invest his money, helped him structure real estate deals and boosted Adams’ relationship with First Guaranty Bank.

The Next Phase

Although now 40 and father to a son, Adams hasn’t slowed his roll. He added his third title of number one rider in the world in 2020. He follows a strict daily routine, going to bed at 8 p.m. and waking at 3:30 a.m. to start a punishing 30-minute routine of slimming cardio followed by a 30-minute meditation and a long day practicing flatland stunt techniques.

While still physically fit and on top of his game, Adams is now easing into his own mentorship of younger riders. He gives advice on obtaining sponsorships and how to prepare for a post-BMX career. Adams wants his legacy to be the flatland riders he helped rather than the trophies he accumulated.

Real Estate agent Will Frederick was born and raised in New Orleans before attending college in Virginia. In 2003, he and his family made Hammond their home where he started the Will Frederick Team of Keller Williams Realty Services. Real Estate is what Will does, but it is only part of who he is. He enjoys investing and the thing he is most passionate about is his family. Will and his wife Rhonda have been blessed with five children, four girls and a boy. After tragically losing their daughter Abby in a drowning accident seven years ago, Will and Rhonda make spending time with family their top priority. Let us introduce you to Will by sharing with you his 5 Favorite Things...

3

Faith

Will loves being home with his family - his favorite place is their A. Hays Town home in Oak Ridge subdivision in Hammond - it’s one of only two that the architect built in Tangipahoa Parish - but more than the house is the home and life he and Rhonda have built together with the four kids they still have here and their extended family. 1

Will’s Christian faith plays a huge role in his life. His personal relationship with Jesus Christ drives most of his decisions, and he makes the most of his time here by fulfilling his calling as a husband, father, and businessman. And as great as he has it here, he looks forward to Heaven. God has carried he and his wife Rhonda through good times and bad, including the loss of their two-year-old daughter, Abby, in a drowning accident in their family pool 7 years ago - they can’t wait to be reunited with her. Will is so grateful for the way they’ve grown spiritually as active members of Crossroads Church in Hammond for over 17 years.

Home

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Family Adventures

Will also loves to travel and adventure with his family - from snowskiing in Park City and Breckenridge, to hiking Mayan Ruins in Mexico, to wild rides in Disney, to relaxing beach trips in Ft. Walton - Will feels blessed to have made so many memories, and hopes to make many more!

Relationships

Relationships are one of Will’s core values - he’s benefitted from so many mentorship relationships in his life, and truly loves connecting with people in the many circles he’s invested in - his family, his church, their homeschool group (Classical Conversations), Rotary, and Crew of 5, to name a few. Will is so grateful for so many friends in the Hammond community who have embraced him and his family and made them feel so loved!

5

4

Real Estate

Will loves all things real estate - he started out as an investor and then got his Real Estate Sales license and has built one of the top producing teams on the northshore. He has branched out into several real estate-related businesses, including property management, house flipping, land development, and a construction/renovation business, and also hosts a wealth building show called the Will Frederick Podcast. Will continues to invest, finds deal making fun, and loves helping his clients build wealth through real estate.

4th Saturday Cleanup Pledge

The fourth Saturday of every month in 2024 is “Love the Boot. Don’t Pollute Day.” Pledge to participate on a monthly basis and clean up your neighborhood. After each cleanup, please submit a Cleanup Pledge Report so we can track your progress.

For more info and to register visit keeplouisianabeautiful.org/love-the-boot/

TUCSON

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